Poketinerary

A Suica card is a Integrated Circuit card (IC) used throughout Japan for various everyday payments – not too dissimilar to an Oyster card used in London’s underground.

In Japan, you simply load money onto the card and tap it when travelling or paying for goods at certain stores. This is extra useful considering some of Japan is not very credit/debit card friendly.

Suica can be used on:

• Trains, subways and Shinkansen
• Buses
• Convenience stores like 7/11 and FamilyMart
• Vending machines
• Many shops, cafés, and restaurants

Suica is part of Japan’s nationwide IC card network and will work without issue whether you are in Tokyo or Osaka – as will any other major IC card.

There’s two types of Suica available to choose from:

Physical Suica Card

This is a physical, plastic card – like a standard debit or credit card.

• Requires a small refundable deposit of 500 yen. Deposit refunded upon returning the card at a JR East station.
• A standard Suica card is valid for 10 years from its last use. Meaning if you don’t use it within a 10 year period it expires. The ‘Welcome Suica‘ differs, in that it is valid only for 28 days from the date of purchase.
• Can be topped up with cash or card at ticket machines or convenience stores.

Mobile Suica (Apple Wallet / Google Wallet)

Suica can also be added digitally to supported smartphones.

• Purely digital, no physical card necessary.
• Easier top-ups directly from your phone.
• Cannot be lost or forgotten – unless you lose your phone.
• Requires a compatible device and payment method.

For many travellers, mobile Suica is the most convenient option if their phone supports it. We personally prefer the physical card – it avoids headaches if a phone battery dies, and we simply like having a non-digital option where possible.

You can get Suica cards from multiple places:

• Train stations: Ticket machines and JR service counters
• Airports: On arrival at major airports, you will have no trouble finding Suica options at machines or counters.
• Smartphones: Add Suica directly to Apple pay or Google wallet.

Please note, availability of physical cards can vary, sometimes being difficult to find. As a result, mobile Suica can often be the simplest, most reliable option.

How to use Suica

• On trains: Tap your card/phone on the readers when entering and exiting train stations.
• On other transport: Tap when boarding buses and trams.
• Other locations: Tap card readers to pay at supported shops, vending machines, arcades and convenience stores.

The advertised fare/price is automatically deducted from your balance.

Why use Suica

• Many places do not accept credit/debit cards but DO accept SUICA.
• No need to calculate fares or spend time buying tickets at machines or counters. Especially if using mobile, due to online top ups.
• Faster and smoother travel, especially during busy times – avoiding ticket machine queues.
• Works across multiple transport operators as well as in many stores, vending machines and so on.
• Using a physical versions will mean you never have to worry about running out of battery or losing/damaging your phone.
• Makes budgeting easier as you can top up with a daily limit in mind.

Trust us, Suica makes getting around Japan significantly easier.

You can top up/charge your Suica in several ways:

• Ticket machines at train stations.
• Convenience stores like 7/11.
• Within your phone wallet (if using mobile Suica).

Accepted payment methods may depend on location and card type, but cash is always widely accepted (as is the case for all things in Japan).

If you forgot to top up and your balance is too low at a gate or checkout, you’ll be prompted to top up before continuing/finishing the purchase.

Japan has several IC cards available, such as Suica, Pasmo and Icoca. So which one is best?

Suica is widely considered to be the best option available, thanks to its unparalleled, nationwide interoperability. It is also extremely easy to obtain. Here’s some facts:

• Suica works almost everywhere the other IC cards do.
• You do not need multiple IC cards
• They are largely interchangeable across Japan

You are not likely to experience any issues when using Suica.

Ultimately, using a SUICA card will make your trip feel much smoother and more efficient (it did for us!). You’ll particularly appreciate it when using multiple trains in a single day, such as if you’re planning to visit all Tokyo Pokémon Centers in one day. For anyone looking to do this, we’ve put together a custom Pokémon Center itinerary with different starting points to help you plan your route. Find out more about each Pokémon Center to know what to expect!