An IC card is a rechargeable electronic card for riding trains and buses and paying at convenience stores. Visitors should buy a Welcome Suica (no deposit required) or Pasmo Passport.
**Suica** (スイカ) — issued by JR East, in blue. Most widely used in Tokyo + Tohoku. **Pasmo** (パスモ) — a private Tokyo operator’s card, in pink. 100% compatible with Suica. **ICOCA** (イコカ) — JR West, in green. Commonly used in Osaka/Kyoto. All 3 can be used throughout Japan — there is no need to buy 2-3 cards.
iPhone 7+ (Japan/international): add Suica to Apple Wallet and top it up with Apple Pay using a credit card. No physical card is needed. Android (with Google Pay Suica): requires an Osaifu-Keitai chipset — found almost exclusively in Japanese phones. Tap your iPhone at the gate reader — more convenient than a plastic card.
