icscaイクスカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A card for Sendai’s subway and buses, and the Sendai Suica area. It does not work in Tokyo or Osaka and has no convenience store payment function.
Using nationwide cards such as Suica in Sendai is different from using icsca in other cities. Check the service area when choosing a card for a multi-city trip.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: Sendai City Transportation Bureau and other operators ↗
Where can you buy it, and how much does it cost?
- Issuer
- Sendai City Transportation Bureau and other operators
- Deposit
- 500 JPY
- Initial purchase amount
- ¥1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 / 5,000 / 10,000, including deposit
Buy with cash at Sendai Subway ticket machines or counters run by Sendai City Transportation Bureau, Miyagi Kotsu or Miyako Bus.
The ¥500 deposit is paid when you first buy the card. You cannot spend it on transport or shopping, and you do not pay it again when topping up.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you add money?
Use machines displaying icsca or counters handling the card. The Sendai City Transportation Bureau’s top-up location list can help you find a nearby point.
- Select 「チャージ」 (top up), then insert your card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the balance on the completion screen, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The card insertion order and available amounts vary by machine.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Which areas accept it?
Use it on Sendai’s subway, city buses and other services accepting icsca. It also works in the Sendai Suica area under local interoperability conditions, but not in Tokyo or Osaka.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card when entering and leaving train gates. With a mobile card, use the same device to exit. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on getting off, or both; follow the signs at the door and on board.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before travelling across separate IC service areas or to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
There is no shopping e-money function. You cannot pay with icsca 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 your card at a designated counter, such as a commuter pass office. Bring identification when refunding a registered card or commuter pass.
Remaining balance − refund fee + deposit
If the balance is lower than the fee, only the remaining balance is deducted. Points and commuter passes are handled separately. Rounding rules and identification requirements differ by card.
You can keep the card for another trip. To return it now, check the refund counter’s opening hours and bring your card and any required identification.
icsca Official refund locations and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
This card cannot be added to Apple Wallet. To travel without a physical card, add Suica, PASMO or ICOCA in Wallet instead. Tap your device on routes accepting that mobile card.
Apple Wallet setup and top-up steps →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17