icscaイクスカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
Use icsca on Sendai subways and buses and within the Sendai Suica area. It does not work in Tokyo or Osaka and cannot pay for convenience-store purchases.
Using a nationwide card such as Suica in Sendai is different from using icsca in other cities. Choose based on the card's actual coverage if you are visiting several cities.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: Sendai City Transportation Bureau and other operators ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- Sendai City Transportation Bureau and other operators
- Deposit
- 500 yen
- Initial purchase price
- JPY 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000, including the deposit
Buy with cash at Sendai Subway machines or sales counters operated by Sendai City Transportation Bureau, Miyagi Kotsu or Miyako Bus.
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?
Top up at machines or counters displaying the icsca mark. Use the Sendai City Transportation Bureau's top-up location list to find a nearby location.
- 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 Sendai Subway, city buses and other services accepting icsca. It also works within the Sendai Suica area under interoperability conditions, but not 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
icsca has no shopping e-money function. You cannot use it at convenience stores or hotels even if they accept Suica.
Official coverage and exceptions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you get a refund, and what is the fee?
Complete an application and return the card at a designated counter such as a commuter-pass office. Bring identification for registered cards or commuter-pass refunds.
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.
icsca 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