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Japan train pass The easiest physical IC card for short-term travellers

  • Writer: JAPAN360
    JAPAN360
  • Jul 22
  • 2 min read
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IC cards are a game-changer for travellers in Japan.With just a tap of your phone or card, you can ride trains, hop on buses, grab snacks, and unlock station lockers — all without worrying about language barriers or small change. Whether you choose a Welcome Suica or a mobile ICOCA, these smart cards make your journey seamless, stress-free, and cashless.For first-time visitors, they’re not just convenient — they’re essential.


Welcome Suica　(Physical Card)

The easiest physical IC card for short-term travelers


  • Type：Physical card (tourists only)

  • Validity：28 days from first use

  • Deposit：None (¥0 deposit, no refund needed)

  • Recharge：Cash only at station machines & kiosks

  • Where to use：Nationwide — trains, buses, subways, convenience stores, lockers, vending machines

  • Get it at：JR EAST Travel Centers, Welcome Suica vending machine (Narita, Haneda, Tokyo Station, etc.),

  • Best for：First-time visitors staying under one month


✨ No apps, no registration, no stress. Just tap & go from the moment you land.


Physical vs Mobile: Choosing the Right Suica or ICOCA for Your Japan Trip

When it comes to getting around Japan, having an IC card like Suica or ICOCA can save you time, confusion, and even spare change. But in 2025, you no longer have to stick with a plastic card — both Suica and ICOCA are now available in mobile versions for your smartphone. So which one fits your travel style?

Here's a practical breakdown to help you decide.


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Suica (by JR East)

Best for travelers starting in Tokyo or the east of Japan

  • Physical Suica: Reloadable at stations with cash. ¥500 deposit (refundable).

    Simple, reliable, and widely accepted across the country.

  • Mobile Suica (iPhone): Seamlessly added to Apple Wallet. Recharge via Apple Pay. Can be used even when your iPhone is locked or offline.

  • Mobile Suica (Android): Requires a Japan-region Android phone with FeliCa (Osaifu-Keitai). Setup can be tricky for overseas devices and may require Japanese language settings.


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ICOCA (by JR West)

Ideal for those flying into Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima)

  • Physical ICOCA: Works just like Suica, with a refundable ¥500 deposit. Sold at major JR West stations and Kansai Airport. and widely accepted across the country

  • Mobile ICOCA (iPhone): Easy to add through Apple Wallet. Rechargeable with Apple Pay. Functions like Suica with the same nationwide compatibility.

  • Mobile ICOCA (Android): Now supported via Google Wallet — no Japanese app store required. Quick to set up and perfect for most global Android users.


Wherever you go in Japan, having the right IC card makes every journey smoother.

Choose smart, tap once — and explore with ease.

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