Getting around Tokyo takes one transit IC card (or a phone setup) — trains, buses and convenience stores all work with a tap. Start with your style.
I want everything on my phone / I'll buy a physical card / I'll manage with cash and paper tickets
Phone: add Suica to Apple Wallet / Google Wallet
- On a supported phone you can issue a Suica in the app without buying a card and top it up by credit card. Tap your phone at gates and on buses.
- Set it up before you arrive in Japan — it saves you the airport counter queues.
- Some overseas-issued credit cards don't work for top-ups. If yours fails, fall back to a physical card below.
Physical card: Welcome Suica, Suica, PASMO
| Card | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Suica | Tourist-only. No deposit, valid 28 days | Short-stay overseas visitors |
| Suica / PASMO | ¥500 deposit, no expiry (lapses after long non-use) | Repeat visitors and residents |
Sales locations and stock vary — check the official JR East page for Welcome Suica. Top up with cash at station ticket machines or convenience-store counters. For children's IC cards, ask at the counter when buying.
Where does it work? | Maihama & Urayasu quick table
| Situation | IC accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JR Keiyo Line (Tokyo Sta. ⇔ Maihama / Shin-Urayasu) | ✅ | Tap the gate |
| Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (Urayasu Sta.) | ✅ | Tap the gate |
| Disney Resort Line monorail | ✅ | The loop between the parks |
| Local buses / Osampo bus | ✅ | Tap when boarding or alighting |
| Airport limousine bus | Ticket-based | Buy in advance at counters or online (access guide) |
| Convenience stores / vending machines | ✅ (most) | Handy for small purchases |
| Taxis | Varies by vehicle | Many accept cards and QR (taxi guide) |
Cash-only works too
Without an IC card you can still ride everything — just buy paper tickets at the machines. But you'll queue at a machine for every transfer, so for stays of two days or more, an IC card (or phone setup) ends up being the easiest. Keep some cash on hand regardless: a few situations, like the night-time emergency clinic, are cash-only.
For the full journey from the airport, see the Urayasu & Maihama access guide; for pre-trip prep, the pre-trip checklist.