Easy Travel with E-money IC Cards

One of the most convenient parts of traveling in Japan is being able to use rechargable e-money cards instead of train or bus tickets, making it possible to go anywhere just by touching the card at the gates. The cards are very simple as they basically digitize your cash and make small purchases very easy. One of the best reasons to use them is that you won't accumulate a pocket full of loose change during your trip!

IC cards provided by the transportation operators are interoperable - the brand available depends on the area you are in. Here is a list of the major 10 brands available across Japan.

1. Kitaca (JR Hokkaido - Hokkaido)
2. Suica (JR East - eastern Japan)
3. Pasmo (private railway companies in the Tokyo area)
4. Toica (JR Central Japan - central Japan)
5. Manaca (private railway companies in the Nagoya area)
6. Icoca (JR West - includes Kansai area)
7. PiTaPa (private railway comanies in the Kansai area)
8. SUGOCA (JR Kyushu - Kyushu)
9. HAYAKAKEN (subways in Fukuoka)
10. nimoca (Nishitetsu - Fukuoka)

The quickest way to get an e-money card is through the electronic ticketing machines at train or subway stations. Find a machine that sells you a card.

You can choose English, Chinese, or Korean.

A registered card allows you to reissue (with your balance) your card if lost. However, if you are just visiting, a regular card should be sufficient.

In addition to transportation fares, the IC card is accepted at many stores and restaurants for purchases.

You can load a few thousand yen to get around and make small purchases. Unused money can be refunded.

Insert cash to load, and you will receive a card loaded with the amount in E-money. (There is a refundable deposit of 500 yen).

Lightly tap the card on the reader on the gates, which will make a beep sound. When you arrive at your destination, tap once more on your way out of the gates. The fare will be deducted from your balance at this time. If you don't have sufficient balance, you will need to charge your card or pay cash. There will be a machine near the gates.

You can see your card balance on a small screen on the gates after you tap the card.

When getting on a bus, tap the card on the reader when you get on. Depending on the bus line/company, you may need to tap the card when getting off. (In flat fee areas, you need to pay only when getting on. For pay-by-distance fares, you will need to tap when getting on and off.)

Many taxi accepts payment by IC. They usually display a sticker on the window, but you can ask the driver when getting on.

JR Higashinihon Narita Airport Sta. Ticket Office

Chiba Narita-shi Sanrizukagoryo Bokujo

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