IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA are a convenient way to make transactions in Japan—from shopping at convenience stores and buying drinks from vending machines to paying for public transportation.
The good news is that Apple users can add these IC cards directly to their devices through Apple Wallet. It’s more practical, secure, and eliminates the need to carry a physical card.
Requirements Before Adding an IC Card to Apple Wallet
Before adding an IC card to your iPhone, note that only certain cards are supported on Apple devices: Suica (JR East), PASMO (Tokyo Metro), and ICOCA (JR West).
Your Apple device must also meet the following requirements:
- Your Apple ID must have Two-Factor Authentication enabled.
- For Suica or PASMO: You need an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or newer. Apple Watch Series 3 or later is also supported. Make sure your device is updated to the latest iOS or watchOS version.
- For Suica only: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 can be used, but only if purchased in Japan.
- For ICOCA only: You need an iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16 or later, or Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8.7.1 or newer.
- To add a new Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, you also need a valid payment card in Apple Wallet.
Adding an IC Card to Apple Wallet
Apple users can add Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA directly to an iPhone or Apple Watch. This allows you to travel around Japan without carrying a physical card—everything is accessible from your device.
Before starting, make sure your device’s region is set to Japan to ensure proper functionality.
How to Add a New IC Card on iPhone or Apple Watch
A “new IC card” means you don’t need to purchase a physical card beforehand—you can create a digital version directly.
Steps:
1. Open:
- iPhone: Wallet app → tap the Add (+) button
- Apple Watch: Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone → My Watch → Wallet & Apple Pay → Add Card
2. Tap Transit Card
3. Choose the card you want to add (ICOCA, Pasmo, or Suica)
4. Tap Continue
5. Select the initial balance, then tap Add
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm and complete the setup
How to Transfer a Physical IC Card to iPhone or Apple Watch
You can also transfer an existing physical IC card, including its remaining balance, to Apple Wallet. Once transferred, the physical card can no longer be used, and the deposit will be added to your digital balance.
Steps:
1. Follow steps 1–3 from adding a new card
2. At step 4, select Transfer Existing Card
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and verify the last four digits of your card number
4. Place the card on a flat surface and hold the top of your iPhone over it
5. Wait until the “Card Added” notification appears (this may take a few minutes)
How to Use IC Cards in Apple Wallet in Japan
After adding your IC card (Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA), Express Mode is automatically enabled. This allows you to pay simply by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch—no need to unlock the device.
Payments for Transportation & Shopping
For public transportation (trains or buses), make sure your device is powered on. Simply tap it on the ticket gate reader and wait for the “Done” notification with a sound or vibration.
For shopping, the process is the same—just tap your device at the payment terminal. In some stores, staff may ask which card you want to use (Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA).
Make sure the store accepts contactless payments and displays logos such as Apple Pay, iD, QUICPay, Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA.
How to Top Up IC Cards via Apple Wallet
Apple users can easily top up their IC card balance without using ticket machines or convenience stores. Everything can be done through Apple Wallet.
Top Up on iPhone
- Open Apple Wallet
- Select your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card
- Tap Add Money
- Choose the amount and tap Add
- Select your payment method and confirm with Face ID or Touch ID
Top Up on Apple Watch
- Open Apple Wallet on Apple Watch
- Select your IC card
- Tap Add Money
- Follow the on-screen instructions
As long as your Apple Wallet is linked to a valid payment card, topping up your IC card is quick, easy, and convenient.
