Tech Contactless transit: credit card ticketing across Japan by 2026

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Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. plans to launch contactless credit card payments for public transit nationwide in Japan by 2026, aiming at simplifying travel for tourists who often rely on cash or temporary transit passes. Beyond Sumitomo Mitsui cardholders, the system will accommodate other credit cards, eliminating the need for dedicated transit cards like Suica or Pasmo or purchasing individual tickets. Travellers must use ticket machines or buy physical IC cards for train and bus travel.

Sumitomo Mitsui's idea is to allow users to make touch payments through their credit cards, which is already common overseas.

Contactless transit: credit card ticketing across Japan by 2026

CC test in Fukuoka. Photo credit: Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. via Kyodo​

The company, which develops card sensors, is working with public transport operators to install reading devices on ticket gates in train stations and buses, according to the official. The measure is also expected to reduce the burden on transport operators, such as explaining fares in English or other languages, and is hoped to assist bus drivers who often are responsible for ticketing. Sumitomo Mitsui has already introduced the touch payment system in some areas. To date, 108 operators in 31 out of the country's 47 prefectures have adopted the system. According to global credit card brand Visa Inc., touch payment usage has become widely accepted in Japan, up from 1 percent in 2020 to 40 percent in 2024 due to increased demand at stores and eateries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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mainichi.jp

Credit card ticketing on public transport across Japan eyed in 2026 - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A major Japanese credit card company plans to introduce touch payments for public transportation tickets across Japan in 2026 at the
mainichi.jp mainichi.jp
 
Isn't this what is happening when I see people using their phones at the gates?

Our local bus system has its own card, and does not 'accept' suica, which confuses some people. Maybe they'll go straight to this system (or phones).
 
One thing that I've seen on the local buses is one person trying to pay for several people with one card. Tourists (and the poor bus driver), I guess they didn't get the message that each person needs their own to tap in and out with (that fares are collected that way).
 
Sorry, I'm not taking buses often these days, but can you still use good old cash?
 
Here, when you get on, you can take a small slip with a number, then the number of stops you ride generally determines the fare (it doesn't change every stop, can be several or more, or you hit the max). Change machine to make your own change before putting the exact fare in a slot with the ticket as you get off (not sure how the machine figures that out). I'm technically 障害者 so only pay half, and have a card with that keyed in already--easier than carrying/showing my 手帳 all the time.

These days, or before the snow started(!), I'd walk downtown on one or another course, and then hop a bus to come home. I was trying for a good number of steps a few days a week. But now, shoveling will be my exercise... :(
 

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