SAPICAサピカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A local card for Sapporo Subway, the streetcar and selected buses. For a card you can also use in Tokyo or Osaka, choose a nationwide card such as Kitaca.
Some SAPICA routes in Sapporo also accept Suica or Kitaca. That does not mean SAPICA works on Suica or Kitaca routes in other cities.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: Sapporo Information Network ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- Sapporo Information Network
- Deposit
- 500 yen
- Initial purchase price
- JPY 2,000 = JPY 1,500 usable balance + JPY 500 deposit
Buy at Sapporo Subway ticket machines or commuter-pass offices. Participating bus operators also sell SAPICA at their counters.
The JPY 500 deposit is paid when you first buy the card. You cannot spend it on travel or shopping, and you do not pay it again when topping up.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you top up?
Use ticket machines, top-up machines or counters displaying the SAPICA mark. Before using a convenience store, make sure that location offers SAPICA top-ups.
- Select チャージ (Charge), then insert the card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the final balance, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The order of steps and available amounts vary by machine.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you use it?
Use it on Sapporo Subway, the streetcar and buses accepting SAPICA. It cannot be used on JR or treated as a nationwide card in Tokyo or Osaka.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card at entry and exit gates. With a mobile card, leave using the device you tapped in with. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on exit, or both; follow the door and onboard instructions.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before boarding if you are crossing separate IC card areas or going to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
Use it at merchants displaying the SAPICA payment mark. A shop accepting Suica or ICOCA does not necessarily accept SAPICA.
Name the card at checkout and tap when the amount appears on the reader. If the balance is short, ask whether you can split payment with cash or another card.
Official coverage and exceptions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you get a refund, and what is the fee?
Return it to a designated SAPICA refund counter. Bring identification for a registered card. Cards containing commuter passes must go to the company that issued the pass.
Remaining balance − refund fee + deposit
If your balance is below the fee, only the remaining balance is deducted. Points and commuter passes are handled separately. Rounding rules and identification requirements depend on the card.
Keep the card if you plan to use it on another trip. To return it now, find the refund counter's opening hours and bring the card and any required identification.
SAPICA Official refund counters and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
This card cannot be added to Apple Wallet. For a mobile alternative, add Suica, PASMO or ICOCA in Wallet and tap your device on routes accepting that mobile card.
How to add and fund a card in Apple Wallet →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17