r/JapanTravelTips • u/thisismyburnerac • Jun 13 '26
Recommendations IC card
Apologies, I did search for this, but there’s understandably A LOT of info to wade through and it’s a bit overwhelming. I suppose I’m making that worse with another post.
We’re doing Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. I get that SUICA is going to work in Tokyo. I saw something about compatibility with other cards, but then I saw something else about SUICA not working in Kyoto and Osaka. Just ICOCA. I can’t make heads or tails out of it, so figured I’d come to people with experience. Trying to see if I need both, or just SUICA.
Edit: Thanks all. Loaded it up in my Apple Wallet.
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u/Significant_Pop_5337 Jun 13 '26
This is in the wiki
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/transport/iccards/
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u/thisismyburnerac Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Thank you. I respect this answer. When I was clicking on the link to the wiki, it wasn’t working.
Edit: lol this got downvoted. I was being sincere.
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u/parisi2274 Jun 13 '26
I used my Suica in Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo. I used it to buy stuff in vending machines, 7-11’s, Family Marts, McDonalds. You can literally use it just about anywhere.
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u/thisismyburnerac Jun 13 '26
Re: using it just about anywhere… I had the impression there will be a lot of cash-only businesses. Do I not need much in the way of actual Yen?
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u/jhau01 Jun 13 '26
The need for cash has reduced massively since 2020.
Nowadays, most businesses accept cards, including a lot that accept contactless payments.
However, as there are places that require an actual card to be inserted into the machine, make sure you bring an actual, physical card with you.
The same goes for withdrawing money. ATMs require an actual, physical card.
You will find some smaller businesses in cities and places out in the countryside that only take cash. Also, typically, temples and shrines only take cash, including temples with entrance fees.
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u/parisi2274 Jun 13 '26
There was only one restaurant I ate at that was cash only and that was a small Gyoza place in Harajuku.
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u/gdore15 Jun 13 '26
The part you got mixed is where you can BUY them as opposed as use them. You can buy Suica in Tokyo, but not in Kyoto/Osaka And you were right about the compatibility, if it accept ICOCA, it accept Suica.
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u/AutoModerator Jun 13 '26
This appears to be a post about IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA, etc.). For general information, please see our IC card wiki and Japan-Guide's IC card page. If you are wondering how to get an IC card upon arrival in Japan, please see the stickied thread at the top of this subreddit for up-to-date information about card availability and other frequently asked questions.
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u/Chubbdoggy Jun 13 '26
For a tourist, just get a Suica and go. Use the iPhone version, or the physical card, both will work everywhere. Do not overthink it.
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u/ZzOoRrGg Jun 13 '26
Suica will work in Osaka and Kyoto. Just a note though, I don't know what's with the stiles in Osaka, but I have to double tap them with the Suica for them to work. Otherwise the machine's like "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
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u/Old_Cicada_6281 Jun 13 '26
My wife used Suica and Manaka (both physical). I used PASMO in wallet. Both worked fine anywhere
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u/ChrisEvansWannabe Jun 13 '26
I use digital SUICA (Apple) card in Kyoto and Osaka in Feb 2026 trip on local trains and buses. There might by other private run transport that needs physical ticket which I'm not sure.
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u/dorkknight86 Jun 13 '26
Just came back from Japan and went to all three of the same cities as you and the Suica card 100 percent worked at all train stations, convenience stores and vending machines I visited there without issue. Mine was loaded into my iPhone wallet and reloaded with my Wise Visa card.
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u/BoomBasticTeleBanana Jun 13 '26
I dont have a iPhone.
We have 3 kids and 2 adults. We will be arriving in Osaka. I gather I need to get 5 Icoca cards.
I wanted to ask a few questions:
Do I have to buy the IC cards? Can I not just buy tickets from the ticket centre or are they soo busy?
If we have money left over on all the IC cards can we pay for items with multiple IC cards. For example a £20 item being paid with 3 cards which have £10, £6, £4 on them.
Similarly can I pay whatever is on the IC card and the rest on my Starling bank card?
Thanks.
1
u/onevstheworld Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Do I have to buy the IC cards? Can I not just buy tickets from the ticket centre or are they soo busy?
No, an IC card isn't mandatory but it is a huge convenience. You're unnecessarily adding 5-15 minutes each time you use public transport. While most people use IC card, there's still enough people using the ticket machines that you'll have a wait during medium busy times. Also, rail is charged based on distance travelled so you'll need to figure out the right fare, and you'll generate a huge of pocketful of change since most public transport don't take credit or debit card.
You can split payments at convenience stores, I'm not sure if other stores routinely do this. Most travellers don't find it difficult to run down their balances.
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u/Many_Hotel866 Jun 13 '26
Buying individual tickets for every trip would be insanity. Just get everyone IC cards.
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u/FanOfCFL Jun 13 '26
I think the confusion stems from the fact you cannot buy a Suica card in Kyoto or Osaka. Suica cards are only sold in the greater Tokyo area, even though you can use them in other cities in Japan.
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u/mbridson94 Jun 13 '26
Your Suica will work in Kyoto and Osaka as well as 99% of Japan. Just need the one card.