An IC card can be used for almost any public transportation in Japan. Both JR and private railway companies use IC cards, subways use IC cards, and most buses accept IC cards. There are some buses in more rural areas that do not offer this payment method, but in larger cities they are widely used.

Yes, you can use a prepaid IC card (such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA) for the vast majority of local buses in Japan. In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you simply tap the card on the reader when boarding (for flat-fare buses) or tap both when boarding and exiting (for distance-based fares). These cards are "interoperable," meaning a Suica bought in Tokyo works on buses in Osaka, and an ICOCA from Kyoto works in Hokkaido. In 2026, Mobile IC cards (Apple Wallet and Google Pay) have become the standard for tourists, allowing you to bypass physical kiosks entirely. However, there are a few exceptions: some very rural or independent bus lines may still only accept cash (Japanese yen) or their own local-only cards. Furthermore, IC cards cannot be used for long-distance Highway Buses or certain specialized airport transfers that require a reserved ticket. For local transit, however, an IC card is the most convenient tool, often offering a small discount (typically ¥1 to ¥8) compared to paying the cash fare.