Japan’s transportation is getting smarter every year.
For a long time, IC cards like Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA were the best way to ride trains and buses easily.
But now? Starting in Osaka and Kyoto, more and more places in Japan are letting you tap your credit card to go through the gates—and even in the Tokyo area, this system is beginning to roll out and gradually expanding.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get around Japan without an IC card.
We’ll also help you decide when it does make sense to get one.
And of course, we’ll share some great travel passes and smart tips to help you save money in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other top cities.
Credit Card Tap-to-Pay: The Easiest Way to Travel in Japan’s Big Cities
※This Osaka Metro gate supports IC cards, credit card tap-to-pay, and QR codes—look for the icons before entering.
Did you know you can ride trains and subways in Japan just by tapping your credit card?
In Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, many train lines now support contactless payments—so you can ride without needing to buy an IC card or paper ticket in many cases.
Important: IC cards and credit card tap do not work at regular Shinkansen (bullet train) gates.
To ride the Shinkansen, you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance or use a reservation service like Smart EX.
✦ Where can you tap your card?
- Osaka/Kyoto: You can tap your Visa or Amex card at almost every station on Osaka Metro, Kintetsu, Hankyu, Hanshin, and more.
- Tokyo: More and more stations now support tap-to-pay (like Toei Subway, Tokyu, and Keikyu), but coverage is still expanding.
- Good to know: Supported cards include Visa, JCB, Amex, Diners, and others. Mastercard is being added gradually.
✦ Why this works great for travelers
- No Japanese needed. Just tap and ride.
- No need to line up for tickets or charge a card.
- Works with smartphones too—if your credit card is added to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
If you’re wondering how to get around Japan without IC card, credit card tap is your new best friend—especially in big cities.
2. When IC Cards Still Make Sense — and Who Should Use Them
Even with all the new tap-to-pay options, IC cards are still a great choice for many travelers.
※To enter the gate with an IC card, simply hold it over the reader marked “IC.”
✦ Why you might still want an IC card:
- You don’t want to use your credit card abroad.
- You’re on a set travel budget and want to top up a fixed amount.
- You’re traveling with kids who don’t have credit cards.
- You’re visiting areas where tap-to-pay isn’t available (yet).
- You want to pay for drinks or snacks easily at convenience stores or vending machines.
✦ Types of IC cards for travelers
| Card | Region | Deposit | Refundable? | Tourist Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suica | Tokyo area (JR East) | ¥500 | Yes | Welcome Suica (no deposit, expires in 28 days) | Refunds only at JR East stations (e.g. Tokyo). Not refundable in Osaka or Kyoto. Welcome Suica is not refundable. |
| PASMO | Tokyo area (private lines) | ¥500 | Yes | PASMO PASSPORT | Refunds only at PASMO-affiliated stations in the Tokyo area. PASMO PASSPORT is not refundable. |
| ICOCA | Kansai area (JR West) | ¥500 | Yes | No tourist version | Refunds only at JR West stations (e.g. Osaka, Kyoto). Not refundable in Tokyo or other JR East areas. |
Suica and ICOCA are especially useful if you’re not only visiting Tokyo or Osaka, but also heading to nearby cities like Nara, Kobe, or Nikko.
You can buy an IC card at major train stations, airports, or sometimes even at convenience stores.
But be careful—where you get one depends on the type of card. For example, Welcome Suica is only sold at JR East counters, and ICOCA is only available from JR West in Kansai.
Regular cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA): Require a ¥500 deposit, refundable when you return the card.
Tourist versions (Welcome Suica, PASMO PASSPORT): No deposit, but also no refunds. Use up the balance before you leave.
Refunds must be done in the same region. For example, you can’t return an ICOCA in Tokyo—you have to do it in Osaka or Kyoto.
Planning how to get around Japan without IC card? Then maybe don’t get one at all. But if you do, know how to return it properly before you leave.
Travel Passes for Tourists – Ride More, Pay Less
Sometimes, a one-day or multi-day travel pass is better than using an IC card or credit card—especially if you plan to ride a lot.
✦ Popular passes in Tokyo:
Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72h unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro + Toei lines)
Keisei Skyliner + Subway Ticket (airport + city transport combo)
Tokyo Free Kippu, Toei Marugoto Kippu — cover more lines and buses
✦ Great options in Kansai:
KANSAI ONE PASS — a special IC card for foreigners with bonus discounts
KYOTO-OSAKA Sightseeing Pass — unlimited rides on Keihan lines
Kintetsu Rail Pass — great for Nara, Osaka, Kyoto trips
Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass — covers JR lines and even some Shinkansen
If you’re looking for how to get around Japan without IC card, these passes are a smart and budget-friendly choice.
Heads up: These passes are available at the time of writing, but things can change!
Be sure to check the official websites before your trip for the latest updates and prices.
JAPAN RAIL PASS – For Traveling All Over Japan
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is a special pass for international tourists and long-term overseas residents of Japan. It allows unlimited rides on JR trains, including most Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho), as well as some JR buses and the Miyajima ferry.
There are different types of passes depending on the duration and seat class:
Types and Prices of the JAPAN RAIL PASS
| Duration | Green Car (Adult) | Green Car (Child) | Ordinary Car (Adult) | Ordinary Car (Child) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ¥70,000 | ¥35,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥25,000 |
| 14 days | ¥110,000 | ¥55,000 | ¥80,000 | ¥40,000 |
| 21 days | ¥140,000 | ¥70,000 | ¥100,000 | ¥50,000 |
Child prices apply to children aged 6 to 11. Prices are subject to change—please check the official website for the latest information.
Want to Book Before You Go? These Apps and Websites Can Help
※App Store screenshots shown for reference purposes. Welcome Suica Mobile is developed by JR East.
More and more travel passes and tickets can now be booked online before you even land in Japan. Check these out:
Booking in advance = more time for exploring, less time figuring things out at the station.
Final Tips: Choosing What Works Best for You
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| If you… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Want it super easy | Credit card tap |
| Are traveling with family | IC cards (can get one for each person) |
| Are on a fixed budget | IC card or travel pass |
| Plan to use trains a lot | Tourist pass |
| Like tech | Mobile Suica / Apple Pay |
But it’s not just about budget or convenience—
your travel style, length of stay, and which areas you’ll visit all make a big difference too.
IC cards like Suica and ICOCA are still the smoothest way to pass through ticket gates,and you can use them for trains, buses, shopping, vending machines—you name it.
As long as you stay in urban areas, they’ll work almost everywhere.
That said, if you’re only visiting Japan for a short time,
buying a card you can’t refund might not be the best choice.
Some people find credit card tap or a travel pass easier and more flexible.
👉 In the end, the best way to get around Japan without an IC card is the one that fits your trip.
Think about what works for you—and enjoy the ride!
