Japan IC cards

Mobile Suica or a physical IC card?

Use Apple Wallet only when your phone and payment setup work before travel. Choose a physical card when you want to avoid device compatibility or mobile top-up problems.

Choose your IC card type →
Two travelers comparing a phone and a physical transit card before leaving their hotel
Test the mobile setup before relying on it at the first ticket gate.

Choose the format

Use the phone only when all three requirements work

Standard IC card in Apple Wallet

Check the device, Apple Account and payment card

Apple currently supports Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and TOICA on eligible iPhone and Apple Watch models. You also need two-factor authentication and an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet. This is not the separate Welcome Suica Mobile product.

Physical IC card

Choose the card you can actually obtain

A standard physical card avoids phone compatibility and battery dependence. Short-stay visitor cards can have different validity and refund rules, so confirm the exact product and current sales location.

Before relying on either

Check validity, refunds and the first place you need the card

Do not mix mobile products. A standard IC card in Apple Wallet and Welcome Suica Mobile have different terms.

Check how you will add money. A compatible phone does not guarantee that your payment card will work for every top-up.

Check the card’s end date. Standard and visitor products do not share one validity period or refund rule.

Keep another payment option. Some routes still require a separate limited-express or Shinkansen ticket.

Official next step

Confirm your mobile setup or physical-card conditions

Reviewed Aug 23, 2026. Device and sales conditions can change.