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日Chapter 05 · Daily life

Get around Japan

Get a Suica/PASMO IC card, master commuter passes (teikiken), navigate the rush — daily transit, sorted.

Verified by Keigo · September 5, 2026Source: www.jreast.co.jp ↗
How to Get an IC Card

Mobile Suica / PASMORecommended

Set up a digital IC card on your smartphone — no physical card needed.

  1. Download the Suica or PASMO app from the App Store / Google Play

  2. Register and add a payment method (credit card or Apple Pay)

  3. Charge your card and tap your phone at station gates

Physical IC Card

Buy a plastic IC card from a ticket machine or station counter.

Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)

Where to get: JR ticket machines or station service counters (Midori no Madoguchi)

IC Cards Overview

One card per region: pick the one where you live. Each also works in the other regions, but a single trip has to stay inside one IC area.

WestOsaka / Kansai area
EastTokyo / Kanto area

ICOCA

JR West's IC card, primarily for the Osaka/Kansai region.

Suica

JR East's IC card, widely used in the Tokyo metropolitan area and compatible nationwide.

PASMO

Used on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and private railways. Interchangeable with Suica.

One trip = one IC area: you can't tap in in one area and tap out in another.

Good to know (the gotchas)

Do

  • Ride with Mobile Suica/PASMO from day oneDay 1

    Works on iPhone and most FeliCa-capable Android phones: no physical card needed.

  • Get a commuter pass (定期券) on a daily route15+ days/mo

    It usually pays off from there. Compare a 6-month pass against pay-as-you-go.

  • Hand your card back when you leave¥500

    The deposit on a physical Suica/PASMO is refunded when you return the card.

Don't

  • Tap in in one IC area and out in another1 area

    The gate rejects it (e.g. entering in the JR East area and exiting in another). For cross-area trips, buy a paper ticket.

  • Count on buying a physical card

    Due to semiconductor shortages, new physical Suica and PASMO cards may be temporarily unavailable at some stations. Mobile IC card apps remain fully available.

  • Miss the last train11:30 PM

    Most last trains depart between 11:30 PM and midnight. Check schedules to avoid being stranded.

Which transit app for what?

Start from what you need right now.

  • Is my train late?Real-time delaysYahoo! Transit
  • How much is the fare?IC card and ticket faresYahoo! Transit
  • I don't read Japanese yetEnglish interfaceGoogle Maps
  • From the station to the doorWalking directionsGoogle Maps
  • Which platform?Platform number (番線)Google Maps
  • How long is this transfer?Transfer walking timesNAVITIME

Yahoo! Transit is in Japanese only. Google Maps shows the platform number when the timetable data includes it — double-check on the station boards.

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Japan Transport: Commuter Pass, Suica & IC Cards

Trains, IC cards and the commuter pass (定期券 teiki) in Japan explained for newcomers — Suica, Pasmo and how to save on your commute.

IC cards are rechargeable smart cards used for trains, buses, and even convenience store payments across Japan.

Important Notice

Where to Use IC Cards

Trains & subways

City & highway buses

Convenience stores & shops

Vending machines

How to Charge Your Card

Station Ticket Machines

Insert your card and add cash (¥1,000–¥10,000) at any station.

Auto-Charge

Link a credit card to automatically reload when your balance drops below a set amount.

Convenience Stores

Charge at 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart registers using cash.

Commuter Pass (Teikiken)

A commuter pass gives you unlimited rides between two stations for 1, 3, or 6 months. Available on both physical and mobile IC cards.

Ask your employer — many companies reimburse commuter pass costs as part of your benefits package.

Transit Tips

Avoid Peak Hours

Rush hour is 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–8:00 PM. Trains can reach 180% capacity.

Women-Only Cars

Available during morning rush on most major lines. Look for pink signs on the platform.

Train Manners

Set your phone to silent, avoid phone calls, give up priority seats to those in need.

Useful Transit Apps

Japan's most popular transit app with real-time delays and fare info.

Reliable for navigation with English support and walking directions.

Detailed transit info including platform numbers and transfer walking times.

Hyperdia (Route Search)