Yes, in 2026, the vast majority of local buses in Japan’s major metropolitan areas—including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya—accept Suica and other major IC cards like Pasmo and Icoca. When boarding a bus (usually via the rear door in many cities, or the front door in Tokyo), you simply "tap" your card or smartphone on the card reader. If the bus uses a distance-based fare, you must tap again when exiting so the system can calculate the correct charge. However, it is important to note that long-distance "Highway Buses" and some very rural regional buses may still require physical tickets or cash. In cities like Kyoto, the bus system is so integrated with IC cards that it is the primary way tourists navigate the city's temples. If you are using a digital Suica on your Apple or Google Wallet, the process is seamless and eliminates the need to fumble with the "numbered ticket" (seiri-ken) system and exact change machines that were once the hallmark of Japanese bus travel.