Tokyo Metro to accept contactless payment at all stations by 2026

The Tokyo Metro has announced that it will launch a full, post-payment service for riders using contactless credit cards no later than spring 2026.

This new service will allow passengers to use a compatible credit, debit, or prepaid card, or a smartphone with a card linked to it, to simply tap on a reader at the ticket gate to ride the subway.

tokyo metro contactless payment 2 — Contactless payment can be used to tap in and out of ticket gates

The fare for the journey will then be calculated and charged to the card account at a later time, eliminating the need to purchase a ticket or charge a dedicated transit card in advance.

This change in ticketing follows warnings that the Tokyo Metro may have to increase fares due to rising costs.

Tokyo Metro operate nine subway lines across Tokyo — Tokyo Metro operates nine subway lines within Tokyo

Currently, the primary method for most residents to ride the subway is by using a rechargeable transportation IC card, such as a Suica or Pasmo.

While this system is efficient for daily commuters, it can be a hurdle for tourists and infrequent riders who may not have a local card.

Tokyo Metro has been implementing the necessary infrastructure for this new service in phases.

Travel by rail, whether via railway or subway, remains the most popular form of public transport in Tokyo — Tokyo Metro is one of two companies that operate a subway network in Tokyo

In March 2025, the company launched an initial service that allowed users to link pre-purchased special excursion tickets to their credit cards for tap-and-go entry.

The full “pay-as-you-go” post-payment service was delayed to address complex fare calculation issues, such as those involving out-of-station transfers between different lines.

Public transport in Tokyo is facilitated by two subway companies, Japan Railways, a number of private railways and bus companies — Public transport in Tokyo is operated by two subway companies, Japan Railways, and several private railway and bus companies

The company has been progressively installing new ticket gates that are compatible with both contactless card and QR code payments.

As of now, 104 of the system’s 180 stations have been equipped with the new gates.

tokyo metro contactless payment 1 — The stations in yellow now accept contactless payments

The plan is to have the compatible gates installed at every ticket gate in all stations, except for a few managed by other companies, by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, which will be spring 2026.

Tokyo Metro has stated that while the traditional IC transit cards will remain a central part of their service, this new option is being introduced to provide a more convenient and seamless experience for a wider range of users, especially international visitors.

Source: Official Website

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