Can we use Suica at Tokyo and Kyoto and other areas?

Conclusion

Yes — Suica works in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and most major cities in Japan.
Even if it’s not the local card, Suica is fully compatible with other IC cards like PASMO, ICOCA, and TOICA 🟢🚆

General Information

In the past, Japan’s IC cards (like Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) were only valid in their local regions.
But now, thanks to nationwide IC card compatibility, you can use Suica almost anywhere that supports transit cards.

Whether you buy a Suica in Tokyo, a PASMO in Chiba, or an ICOCA in Kyoto or Osaka, they all work nearly the same way across Japan.

✅ Where You CAN Use Suica

🗼 Tokyo Area (Suica’s Home Turf)

• Trains: All JR East lines and private lines (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, etc.)
• Buses: City buses in Tokyo (Toei Bus, Keio Bus, etc.)
• Shops: Convenience stores, vending machines, chain restaurants, even some tourist spots

⛩️ Kyoto Area

• Trains: JR Kyoto Line, Kyoto Subway (Karasuma & Tozai lines), Keihan, Hankyu, etc.
• Buses: Some city buses accept Suica (but note: not all do — especially in rural areas)

🏯 Osaka & Kansai Area

• Trains & Subways: JR West, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Kintetsu, Nankai, etc.
• Local IC Card: ICOCA is the Kansai version, but Suica works exactly the same way

🛫 Other Cities Where Suica Works

• Sapporo: Works with SAPICA-compatible transit
• Sendai: Fully compatible with Suica
• Nagoya: TOICA area (JR Central)
• Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and many others: Most cities accept major IC cards

💡 If the station gate or shop has the IC card reader symbol (ICマーク), Suica will work there.

🚫 Where Suica Might NOT Work

• Some rural bus lines (especially in the countryside)
• Certain small local railways not connected to major networks
• Shinkansen (bullet train) — unless you use a service like SmartEX or Touch & Go with Suica
  • Otherwise, Shinkansen requires a separate reserved ticket

🛍️ Other Perks of Suica

You can also use Suica to pay at:

• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
• Vending machines 🚰
• Some restaurants (look for the IC mark)
• Coin lockers 🧳
• IC-enabled taxis 🚕

💡 My Personal Advice

I’ve used Suica all over Japan — in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even smaller cities.
You don’t need to worry about getting a different card in each region.
Just get one card, charge it with money, and enjoy stress-free travel.

If you’re a tourist, you can also get a Welcome Suica, which:

• Requires no deposit
• Expires after 28 days
• Can be used like a normal Suica

And if you have an iPhone or Android, you can add Suica to your phone with Apple Pay or Mobile Suica. Super convenient!

Travel Tips

• Top up your Suica at any station ticket machine
• Check for the “IC” symbol on buses, taxis, and shops
• You don’t need to tap out if you’re only shopping (just tap to pay)
• No need to get a new card for each region — Suica works almost everywhere