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What does Suica not cover?

The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo. Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.



While the Suica card is one of the most versatile tools for navigating Japan, there are several key things it does not cover or support. Most notably, Suica (and other IC cards like Pasmo or ICOCA) only covers the base fare for transportation; it does not cover the limited express or Shinkansen (bullet train) surcharges. If you wish to ride a bullet train or a reserved-seat limited express, you must purchase a separate "Super Express" or "Limited Express" ticket in addition to the base fare. Furthermore, Suica cannot be used for long-distance bus travel (highway buses) that requires a reservation. It also has geographic limitations: you generally cannot use it to travel continuously between different IC regions (e.g., you cannot tap in at Tokyo and tap out in Osaka). Additionally, while it is widely accepted at convenience stores and vending machines, it is often not accepted at small, traditional shrines, temples, or very rural mom-and-pop shops that remain cash-only. Finally, it cannot be used for PiTaPa-specific discount schemes or as a replacement for specialized regional day passes that offer unlimited rides for a fixed price.

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The Suica card can be used for the JR East train lines in Tokyo's metropolitan area. It can also be used for many buses and subways. This is good to have handy for the Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, too.

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The Suica card can be used for the JR East train lines in Tokyo's metropolitan area. It can also be used for many buses and subways. This is good to have handy for the Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, too.

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No visitor to Tokyo should be without a Suica card and no visitor to Japan should be without a JR Pass. The Suica card is convenient for intercity trains and buses while the JR Pass saves you time and money when traveling through the country. Here are the deets.

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Suica cards are managed by JR East, while Pasmo cards are managed by non-JR Lines, including Tokyo Metro and Keikyu Electric Railway. However both cards can be used on train lines run by other operators, e.g. you can use you Suica on a Tokyo Metro Line or your Pasmo on a JR Line without issue.

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You cannot use the Suica to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, but you can use it to travel within cities such as Osaka and Kyoto. However, please note that not all areas of Japan have adopted IC cards. In areas where IC cards are not used, it's necessary to purchase paper tickets.

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Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station. Thank you for the quick response.

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Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka.

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Please note that Pasmo or Suica cards cannot be used on limited express trains or shinkansen. Suica cards are not valid on long distance buses (highway bus) or airport shuttles.

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Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Kyoto. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR Kyoto Station.

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A Pasmo card is the same as a Suica. You can use it for trains, subways and metro stations and some buses. It is also a tap on card. You can purchase a Pasmo at most stations ( including subway stations) at a vending machine by tapping ENGLISH on the machine and following the instructions provided.

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You can utilize IC cards (PiTaPa, ICOCA, Suica, etc.) on the city bus and the subway.

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The Suica cannot be used for travel on the Shinkansen.

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You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.

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Where to Buy and How to Top-Up the Suica Card? Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

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