For those planning a trip to Kumamoto, there's fantastic news! 📢 The "Suica suspension incident," which caused inconvenience for many travelers, is about to take a turn for the better. According to the latest official news, Kumamoto's five major transportation operators and the city's power grid have decided to reinstate the use of the "nationwide universal transportation IC card" in 2026 .
But how should one pay fares during the transition period before the system officially returns? Especially for those planning to visit Koshi Ward and take the Kumamoto Electric Railway, MOVA Villa has prepared a complete payment status comparison table for you!
📊 2026 Comparison Table of Current Payment Methods for Transportation in Kumamoto
Current payment rules vary by provider; please check your card's compatibility before you travel.
| Types of transportation | Suica / PASMO / ICOCA | Credit card contactless payment (Touch Pay) | Kumamon IC Card/Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Kyushu Train | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Cash available |
| Kumamoto Streetcar (City Electricity) | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Normal use |
| Kumamoto Electric Railway (Trains & Buses) | ⏳ Expected to recover in 2026 | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Normal use |
| Kumamoto 5 Major Bus Operators | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Normal use | ✅ Normal use |
*Note: The five major bus operators include Sanko, Denryaku, Kumamoto, City Bus, and City Tram. For credit card contactless payments, it is recommended to use physical or mobile payments linked to Apple Pay/Google Pay.
💡 Why is the Kumamoto Electric Railway so important to tenants?
For travelers, the Kumamoto Electric Railway is an important branch line connecting accommodation areas with Kita-Kumamoto and even the Kamitsu shopping district. Although Suica cards are not currently accepted on the trains, contactless credit card payments are fully supported, making it very convenient for foreign tourists!
🧥 Recommended best solution at this stage
- The easiest solution: simply tap your phone to make a contactless payment. As long as your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card supports contactless payment, you won't have to worry about not being able to buy a card, whether you're using the tram, bus, or Kumamoto Railway.
- One card for multiple people: Parents can rest assured. When taking various buses and trams in Kumamoto, simply tell the driver "Duo-nin" (multiple people) before getting off, and you can pay the fare for the whole family with one click.
🏠We will continue to provide you with the latest travel information.
We understand that changes in traffic rules can disrupt your travel plans. Therefore, MOVA Villa not only offers high-quality all-inclusive accommodations and private parking, but also stays abreast of local developments.
- JR Hohi Main Line (Hara-Mizu, Otsu-So): Suica can still be used on the JR system when going to see the beautiful scenery of Mount Aso!
📢 Conclusion: Latest news will be continuously updated.
Kumamoto's payment system is moving towards full digitization. After the nationwide IC card system is reinstated, a powerful three-way collaboration between contactless credit cards, Suica, and Kumamon cards will be achieved. We will continue to track the official announcements regarding the reinstatement date, and MOVA Villa will update you here immediately with any new developments!
👉Click to book MOVA Villa and get the most up-to-date and convenient travel experience in Kumamoto.
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