Japan IC cards: Suica and ICOCA usage and mobile options

Travelers visiting Japan in 2026 have multiple options for using rechargeable IC cards for transportation and retail payments. Suica, issued by JR East, and ICOCA, issued by JR West, are two of the most prominent cards. Both systems allow users to pay for trains, buses, and various shops including convenience stores and vending machines.

Suica offers several versions: a standard physical card with a 500 yen deposit, a Welcome Suica for short-term tourists (valid for 28 days with no deposit), and a mobile version for iPhone users via Apple Wallet. While Suica is primarily used in the Tokyo region, it is compatible with other major IC cards across Japan, including in Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido.

Similarly, ICOCA is widely used in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. It is also part of the national interoperability system, meaning it can be used in Tokyo and other major cities. For digital convenience, iPhone and Apple Watch users can add ICOCA directly to their Apple Wallet, while Android users can use Mobile ICOCA on compatible devices. Physical ICOCA cards generally require cash for top-ups at stations, whereas mobile versions support digital payments through Apple Pay or registered credit cards.