TOMO When touring Japan, one of the first things you should consider getting is a transportation IC card (electronic money card). While you can purchase tickets at station vending machines to ride trains and other forms of transportation, urban areas primarily rely on transportation IC cards, making them very convenient. You can load cash onto these cards at station vending machines and ATMs. They are also widely accepted for shopping, dining, and at convenience stores.
In Tokyo, the main transportation IC card used is “Suica,” which is green and features a penguin character, while another option is “PASMO” by Pasmo Co., which is pink with a robot design. Generally, you can choose between Suica and PASMO without any issues. Different cities in Japan may have their own transportation IC cards under different names.
If your balance on the transportation IC card is insufficient when you exit a station, causing an error at the automatic ticket gate, you can recharge it at the yellow fare adjustment machines near the gate, allowing you to pass through.
These transportation IC cards are incredibly convenient. However, as of 2023, there is a global semiconductor shortage, which may affect the availability of IC cards. They are expected to be back in stock around spring 2024. Nonetheless, you can also use Suica and PASMO on your smartphone or iPhone by downloading and installing the respective apps from your app store and registering your credit card information.
Many people in Japan, including locals, use these cards every day, and they are even accepted at vending machines for buying beverages and more.
Obtain a transportation IC card and enjoy a comfortable sightseeing experience in Japan!