What this solves
Tourist advice is "buy a Suica." That's incomplete. There are 6+ IC cards with different rules: Suica/Pasmo (deposit + reload), Welcome Suica (no deposit, expires 28 days), iPhone virtual IC (no physical card, but only on iPhone 8+ with latest OS, and only at certain stations), ICOCA (JR), Mobile Suica (Android only). This tool weighs deposit, expiration, and reload friction against ride count.
Plan
How to read results
- Deposit: physical Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA require ¥500 refundable deposit. Welcome Suica does not — but it expires after 28 days and cannot be refunded.
- iPhone virtual IC: works for Suica (Express Transit with power reserve), Pasmo. No physical card, no risk of loss. But requires latest iOS; some ticket gates don't yet accept it.
- Android Mobile Suica: requires Android 6+ with FeliCa. Has the same cash cost as physical, plus a JRE POINT app tie-in.
- Reload: Suica/Pasmo at any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson ATM, or station machine. Welcome Suica can be reloaded but the card itself dies after 28 days.
Limitations
2026 reference. iPhone Suica support has historically been regional (Japan versions of iPhone are unrestricted; overseas versions need a Suica app account). For a 3-day trip, paper day passes might be cheaper — Tokyo Metro 24-hour ¥600 covers unlimited rides. Welcome Suica refund is impossible; you'll forfeit any balance.
FAQ
Can I refund a physical IC card at the airport?
Yes — at JR East Travel Service Centers (Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Hanamono, Yokohama, Narita, Haneda, etc.), they refund the ¥500 deposit + remaining balance minus ¥220 handling. Show your passport.
Can I use one IC card across regions?
Yes — all IC cards interoperate. You can tap a Pasmo in Osaka or ICOCA in Tokyo. Suica cards ride on all 10 IC card systems nationwide.
Is Welcome Suica refundable?
No. Welcome Suica is non-refundable; the card itself expires 28 days after issue. Any balance at expiration is forfeit. Buy only if your trip is < 28 days.
About this tool
Purpose: pick the right IC card type for trip duration, ride count, and device. Scope: 6+ IC card variants + paper day passes. Not affiliated with JR East or any card issuer.
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Disclaimer
Reference prices for 2026. Always verify on JR East/JR West official sites and station ticket offices.