Japan Transit Cards 2026: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA

At a glance

“Should I still buy a Japan transit card now?” Since sales were suspended in 2023, the situation keeps changing, so many people are confused. As of 2026, the map has been redrawn: anonymous Suica and PASMO have resumed, PASMO PASSPORT has ended, and more. This article covers both “Japan Suica purchase 2026” and “Suica vs. PASMO vs. ICOCA differences” in one place.

The Key Criteria — You Only Need to Check Three Things

First, iPhone or Android. Supported iPhone models can use Mobile Suica after the Apple Pay and OS requirements are met, while many overseas Android models do not have FeliCa. Check your exact model rather than assuming either way. Second, a physical card or a visitor-exclusive card. For a short trip of 28 days or less, Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO, which have no deposit, are convenient. Third, whether you can ride the Shinkansen with an IC card — and by default you cannot.

Price and Essential Information Tables

Table 1. Release Timeline (2024–2026)

Table 2. Major IC Card Comparison

A common physical-card starting purchase is ¥2,000 including a ¥500 deposit, but the operator and sales point determine the actual product and balance rules. Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO have no deposit, are valid for 28 days, and cannot be refunded.

Recommendations by Situation

• iPhone users: Mobile Suica is the strongest option. Free issuance, no deposit, instant top-up — no physical card needed.
• Overseas Android users: Many models lack FeliCa, so check the exact model; if unsupported, buy a physical card (anonymous Suica/ICOCA).
• Travel centered on Kansai: ICOCA is the natural choice (interoperable with Kanto).
• Short trips within 28 days: Welcome Suica / TOURIST PASMO eliminate the deposit and refund hassle.
• When physical cards are out of stock: Prioritize airport stations and Midori-no-Madoguchi; if short, fall back to a visitor-exclusive card.

How to Buy and Refund

• Where to buy: JR Midori-no-Madoguchi, ticket machines, airport stations (Narita, Haneda). Even after the resumption there are stock variations, so secure one at the airport first.
• Top-up: Cash at station ticket machines or charging machines. Mobile Suica is topped up by card (Apple Pay).
• Refund: Only possible at a JR East Midori-no-Madoguchi within the Suica area (there are no automatic refund machines). The amount is balance − ¥220 fee + ¥500 deposit, and no fee is charged if the balance is ¥220 or less.

Table 3. Refund Calculation Examples

Tips and Cautions Worth Knowing

• You cannot ride the Shinkansen or a limited express (reserved seat) with an IC card balance. As an exception, JR East’s “Touch de Go! Shinkansen” (タッチでGo!新幹線) lets you ride non-reserved Shinkansen seats with a one-time advance registration + top-up. However, the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka–Hakata) are not covered (subject to confirmation).
• You cannot register and use “Touch de Go! Shinkansen” and “Shinkansen e-ticket” at the same time or in succession.
• Mobile Suica refunds carry a ¥220 fee and are paid into a bank account at a Japanese financial institution (takes 2 weeks–1 month).
• Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO cannot be refunded, so spend any remaining balance at convenience stores or vending machines.
• IC cards can be used not only for transit but also for payments at convenience stores, vending machines, and some shops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I still buy an anonymous Suica now? A. (Suica vs. PASMO vs. ICOCA 2026) Sales resumed on March 1, 2025. However, stock varies, so secure one at an airport station first.

Q. Can I use Mobile Suica on an Android phone? A. Many overseas Android models lack FeliCa, but the exact model matters. Check the phone specification; if it is unsupported, use an iPhone or physical card.

Q. Can I ride the Shinkansen with an IC card? A. Basically no. On JR East sections you can ride non-reserved seats by registering for “Touch de Go! Shinkansen”.

Q. How much do I get back on a refund? A. Balance − ¥220 + ¥500 deposit. If the balance is ¥220 or less, there’s no fee.

Q. Should I buy Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO? A. Both have no deposit, are valid for 28 days, and are non-refundable. Choose by the area you’ll use (mainly Kanto) and the airport pickup location.

Final Checklist

• Is my phone an iPhone or an overseas Android?
• Choose between a physical card and a visitor-exclusive card
• For Shinkansen sections, check for a separate ticket or Touch de Go! registration
• Refund at the airport station just before departure (plan to spend the balance)
• Top-ups are mainly cash → charge with some margin

Image note

The images are illustrative visual aids for route planning, not claims of a personal visit or on-location photography.