1. What Are Suica and Kitaca? 🎫
If you are visiting Sapporo or anywhere in Japan, using an IC card makes traveling easier and faster. The two most popular options in Hokkaido are Suica and Kitaca.
1-1. Overview of Japanese IC Cards
- IC cards are rechargeable smart cards used to pay for public transportation (subway, trains, buses) and even shopping at convenience stores.
- The most famous IC cards in Japan include Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, ICOCA, and others.
- All major cards are compatible thanks to a nationwide mutual usage system, which means you can use a Suica card issued in Tokyo in Sapporo and vice versa.
1-2. Which Cards Can You Use in Sapporo?
- Suica: Originally issued by JR East in Tokyo, Suica works perfectly in Sapporo subways, JR trains, streetcars, and buses.
- Kitaca: This is the local version issued by JR Hokkaido, mainly promoted for use across Hokkaido but also usable nationwide.
- SAPICA: Another card used on Sapporo subways and buses, but SAPICA does not work outside Hokkaido, making Suica and Kitaca more flexible for most travelers.
👉 Tip: For short-term tourists, Suica or Kitaca are the best options because you can use them in other cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
1-3. What’s the Difference Between Kitaca and SAPICA?
| Feature | Kitaca | SAPICA |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | JR Hokkaido | Sapporo City Transportation Bureau |
| Can use nationwide? | ✅ Yes (compatible with Suica and others) | ❌ No (only in Sapporo area) |
| Where to buy | JR stations in Hokkaido | Sapporo Subway stations |
| Good for tourists? | ✅ Best choice | ➖ Limited to Sapporo |
In summary, Kitaca and Suica are your smart, flexible travel companions for visiting Sapporo and traveling around Japan.
2. Where to Get a Suica or Kitaca Card 🛒
Getting your IC card is simple and convenient in Sapporo. Here’s how to buy a Suica or Kitaca and start using it right away.
2-1. Where to Buy (JR Station, Airport, Ticket Machines)
- JR Stations: You can buy a Kitaca or Suica card at any JR Hokkaido ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or ticket machine.
- New Chitose Airport: After arriving in Hokkaido, you can get your card at the JR ticket counter in the airport station.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Most machines have an English language option, making it easy to purchase and charge your card yourself.
💡 Tip: Buy your IC card before you leave the airport to avoid lines at Sapporo Station.
2-2. Welcome Suica: The Best Option for Tourists?
- Welcome Suica is a special Suica card designed for short-term visitors.
- Valid for 28 days with no deposit required—just pay for the value you load.
- Currently issued only in Tokyo area, but you can use it anywhere in Japan, including Sapporo.
- If you plan to start your trip in Tokyo, this may be the most convenient option.
2-3. Cost and Deposit Information
| Card Type | Deposit | Initial Load | Total Cost at Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Suica | ¥500 deposit | ¥1,500 value | ¥2,000 |
| Kitaca | ¥500 deposit | ¥1,500 value | ¥2,000 |
| Welcome Suica | No deposit | Pay as you load | Flexible |
- Regular Suica and Kitaca require a ¥500 deposit, refundable when you return the card (minus a ¥220 handling fee).
- You can top up (recharge) anytime at stations and convenience stores.
3. How to Use Suica/Kitaca in Sapporo 🚌🚃
Using your Suica or Kitaca card in Sapporo is very easy. Here’s everything you need to know to travel smoothly.
3-1. Subway, JR Trains, Streetcars (Tram), Buses
- Subway: Just touch your card on the reader at the ticket gate. The fare is automatically deducted.
- JR Trains: Same process—tap your card when you enter and exit the station.
- Streetcars (Tram): Enter through the back door, tap your card when you get off at the front.
- Buses: Tap your card when boarding and again when exiting.
💡 Tip: Always check your remaining balance on the screen after tapping.
3-2. Touch & Go: How Ticket Gates Work
- You don’t need a paper ticket.
- Simply touch your Suica or Kitaca on the blue or orange reader.
- If you don’t have enough balance, the gate will close and you’ll hear a beep.→ In that case, use the fare adjustment machine next to the gates.
3-3. Where Else You Can Use It (Convenience Stores, Shops)
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart—almost all accept IC cards.
- Vending Machines: Many drink machines accept Suica and Kitaca.
- Restaurants & Shops: Look for the IC card logo near the register.
👉 Tip: You can also use Suica/Kitaca in other cities, making it a perfect all-in-one travel card.
4. How to Recharge (Top Up) Your Card 💰
Keeping your Suica or Kitaca charged is simple. Here’s how to add money and keep your travels smooth.
4-1. Recharge at Machines, Stations, Convenience Stores
- Ticket Machines: Use any JR or subway ticket machine with the IC card logo.
- Select “Charge” on the screen.
- Insert your card.
- Insert cash (bills or coins).
- Confirm and complete.
- Station Counters: Staff can recharge your card for you—just show it and say “Charge, please.”
- Convenience Stores: Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven can recharge your card at the cashier.
4-2. Minimum/Maximum Balance & Smart Tips
- Minimum Recharge Amount: Usually ¥1,000.
- Maximum Balance: ¥20,000.
- Tip: Always keep a ¥1,000–¥2,000 balance, especially if you plan to ride JR trains or buses multiple times.
4-3. Can You Use Credit Cards to Recharge?
- At ticket machines: Cash only.
- Some convenience stores may allow credit card top-ups, but most require cash.
- To avoid problems, always have some yen in hand.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are using Welcome Suica, you can recharge the same way—just remember it expires after 28 days.
5. What Happens If You Run Out of Balance? ⚠️
Don’t worry if your card runs low—there are easy ways to handle it.
5-1. Fare Adjustment Machines
- If you don’t have enough money, the ticket gate will close with a beep.
- Look for the Fare Adjustment Machine (精算機) next to the gates.
- Insert your card.
- The screen will show how much you owe.
- Pay the difference with cash.
- The machine updates your balance automatically.
5-2. Handling Insufficient Funds on the Bus
- If your card doesn’t have enough balance when exiting the bus:
- Tell the driver “Charge please” or show your card.
- Pay the remaining fare in cash.
- You can also recharge at the bus payment machine (if available).
💡 Tip: Always check your balance when you tap in!
5-3. Lost Card and Refund Procedures
- Suica / Kitaca:
- If registered (named cards), you can report it lost at JR counters.
- A new card can be issued with the remaining balance.
- Welcome Suica:
- Not refundable if lost—treat it like cash.
- To get your deposit refund:
- Return your Suica or Kitaca at any JR ticket counter.
- ¥500 deposit refunded minus ¥220 handling fee.
6. Suica and Kitaca in Other Cities ✈️
One of the best features of Suica and Kitaca is that you can use them across Japan, not just in Sapporo.
6-1. Using Suica Nationwide (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto)
- Suica is accepted in almost all major cities:
- Tokyo (JR, subways, buses)
- Osaka (JR and many private lines)
- Kyoto
- Nagoya
- You can tap and go just like in Sapporo—no need to buy separate cards.
- Shopping, vending machines, and convenience stores nationwide accept Suica.
💡 Tip: If you travel to Tokyo, your balance and transaction history stay the same.
6-2. Using Kitaca Outside Hokkaido
- Kitaca is fully compatible with Suica and other IC cards.
- You can use Kitaca in:
- Tokyo (Suica area)
- Osaka (ICOCA area)
- Nagoya (TOICA area)
- Fukuoka (SUGOCA area)
- Just tap as you normally would—no extra setup is needed.
- However, note that Kitaca doesn’t work on Shinkansen ticket gates (you still need a separate reserved seat ticket).
👉 Summary: Whether you choose Suica or Kitaca, one card covers nearly all your travels in Japan, making it the most convenient payment solution.
7. Summary: Travel Smarter with IC Cards in Japan 📝
Suica and Kitaca are the simplest way to explore Sapporo and the rest of Japan. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a longer trip, these rechargeable IC cards help you save time, avoid ticket machines, and enjoy a cashless experience.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Where to Buy: JR stations, ticket machines, airports, convenience stores.
- Where to Use: Subways, JR trains, streetcars, buses, shops, vending machines.
- Recharge Anytime: At stations or convenience stores.
- Nationwide Compatibility: Use the same card in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more.
- Recommended for Visitors: Choose Suica or Kitaca over SAPICA for flexibility.
Whether you choose a Suica, Kitaca, or Welcome Suica, having an IC card will make your trip smoother and more convenient.
Enjoy your journey through Sapporo and beyond—travel smart and explore more! 🌟
