Japan IC Card Guide 2026: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and Mobile Cards
5 days ago · A Japanese transport IC card is a prepaid card for trains, subways, buses and small purchases. Tap it at a ticket gate and the fare is deducted automatically; the same balance can often be used at convenience stores, vending machines.
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Mar 4, 2026 · Complete guide to Suica and Pasmo IC cards in Japan. Learn where to buy, how to use, top up, and differences between card types — essential for foreigners living in Japan.
Aug 3, 2026 · Understand who can convert, what changed in October 2025, which documents to prepare, and how the process normally works at a prefectural licence centre. The usual route: eligibility, documents, booking, checks or tests, then licence.
Updated for the October 2025 reform: mandatory resident record, 50-question knowledge check (90% pass), stricter skills check, documents, fees, and where to apply — explained for foreign residents.
Sep 6, 2026 · Once you’re a resident, or if you simply want a full Japanese license rather than relying on a time-limited IDP, the process you’ll go through is called gaimen kirikae (外免切替), literally “foreign license switch.”
Mar 30, 2026 · In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all 10 major IC card types in Japan, help you understand which one is right for you, and explain the key differences between Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and the others.
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