IC Cards and More: Japan’s Transportation System Is As Interesting As Convenient

IC cards are now a must for using the Japanese public transport system. But the cards are more varied, and more interesting, than you’d expect.

By Himari Semans

In Japan, train tickets are a bit like flip phones. If you’re still buying paper stubs, you’re an old-schooler. (Or you’re just forgetful and misplaced your Suica, which again means you’re old.)

IC cards (integrated circuit cards) like Suica have been around for the past two decades. In the world of Japanese transport, they’re the biggest game in town. Making travel easy and convenient, almost everyone has an IC card these days.

Even the popular, all-inclusive Japan Rail Pass for inbound tourists became its own IC card in 2019. But despite being named the “Welcome Suica,” tourist IC cards got 70% less welcoming three months ago. JR Group, which issues the IC card, announced plans to raise the price of tourist IC cards by an average of 70% for all six passes sold.

Once hailed as the ultimate travel deal, the Welcome Suica let tourists ride all the JR trains, including Shinkansen, at a steal price of $200 for seven days or $350 for fourteen.