IC Cards - Everything You Need To Make Travels In Japan Run Smoothly

How Do I Get One, and Put Money On It?

These IC cards can be purchased from any major train station, especially one that has a specially colored machine. There may only be one machine like this at a given station however, so you might have to wait in line for it during peak travel times.

Each IC card costs 500 yen, which is nonrefundable, so if you are going to be purchasing a card for the first time, you should put at least 2,000 yen on it. That way, you will have 1500 yen in travel money already on your card when it is finished.

For extra security or to keep it as a souvenir when you head back home, you may want to consider making it a personalized card. That way, your name, age, and other information will be printed on the front of the card.

IC cards are also reservable online. Click here to reserve a Suica card.

While using your IC card might seem quite simple - just touching the card to the scanner - there are also different lights and sounds that will play if there is a problem with your card. To find out more about these problems, and what to do, read How To Use A Suica Card - Going Through The Ticket Gates.

IC Card Emergencies - Stay Calm!

After traveling a bit, you may find that those alarms go off when you try to enter or exit the gate - don't panic! Simply head to your nearest ticket, or fare adjustment machine (which are indicated with yellow signs inside the gate), and follow the instructions provided on the machine.

Most of the machines in larger cities have a multilingual menu, but if not, Not Enough Money On Your Suica? How To Pay The Rest Of Your Fare has detailed instructions on how to refill your card. If you don't have any bills on you at the time, there is also a way to pay your remaining fare in ten yen increments as well.

Picture from Don't Panic! Reissue Your Lost Suica Card!

Another emergency you may face is what to do if your card goes missing. Unfortunately, if you have a standard card, you are just going to have to get a new one, which means another 500 yen fee.

If you did get a personalized card though, you are in luck. First, you'll need to head to your nearest major train station, identify your card (bring your passport so the staff can confirm your information), then order your new card. In the case you have lost your Suica, the charge will be 1,020 yen (deducted from the balance on your now canceled old card) and will be ready the next day.

Using the Cards - Where Do They Work And What Can They Do?

Picture from How To Use A Suica Outside Of Tokyo

Most cards are useable for travel from one region to another, however, this may not be the case for all cards between all regions. Otherwise, just look for the symbol shown in the photo above, and you should be able to use your chosen IC card.

While IC cards in general can't be used to purchase Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets, some IC cards are now accepted on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo and Hakata.

From: Make Shopping In Japan Easier With A Suica Card

IC cards are an incredibly useful item to have when in Japan. You can use them to buy paper tickets for train trips, use them for coin lockers in train stations, and to purchase drinks and snacks from vending machines and kiosks inside stations.

Not only that, but cards may be used at convenience stores, some shops, and at certain restaurants outside of the stations as well to pay for purchases - actually, there are some sightseeing and tourist-related spots that will even give you a discount if you use one of these cards instead to pay for your purchases.

Refund Your Card Before Leaving Japan

If you aren't into keeping your IC card as a souvenir, then you have the option to refund it instead. You can only refund your IC card at a major station that accepts/issues that type of card, so if you purchase a Suica in Tokyo but will be flying back home from Osaka, you won't be able to get a refund on your Suica card.

The refund that you receive is the balance on your card, plus the 500 yen fee you paid when first getting it - minus a 220 yen commission. So:

Refundable Amount = Remaining Balance - Commission Fee (220 yen) + Deposit (500 yen)

For more about the refund procedure, please see Refund Your Suica Before Going Home!

Make Your Japan Trip as Convenient as Possible With an IC Card!

An IC can be one of the most beneficial items to have on hand when traveling in Japan. You never know when you might need it to travel, buy a quick drink or snack, or even get you a nice discount in a shop! Pick one up at the station nearest your port of entry, and make your travels go that much smoother.

We recommend using a Suica card for smooth travels (available to reserve online). The Japan Rail Pass is also useful for those traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto, and making another trip on the Shinkansen. For those in Tokyo, the Tokyo Subway Ticket provides all-you-can-ride privileges on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour increments.