Can you use SmartEX without a smartphone? Yes. You don’t need a smartphone or digital IC card to use SmartEX at the ticket gate. Instead, you can link a physical Suica card (or other compatible IC card) to your SmartEX account and use that card to board the shinkansen.
Shinkansen at Kokura Station © Chris Rowthorn.
Who Is This For?
Most iPhone users will find it easiest to use a digital Suica card in Apple Wallet and link it directly to SmartEX (described on our The Best Way to Buy Shinkansen Tickets page). Alternatively, you can board using the QR code generated for each shinkansen ticket purchase, displayed on your iPhone or Android phone. You can also print a paper ticket from designated machines at JR stations (see the SmartEX site for details).
The method described here is mainly useful for:
- Travelers who prefer a physical Suica card.
- Travelers who do not want to use their phone at the ticket gate.
- Travelers without smartphones.
- Families where one person makes the reservations but another traveler carries a physical IC card.
Overview
Using SmartEX with a physical Suica card involves two separate steps:
- Link your physical Suica card to your SmartEX account.
- Designate that card for a specific reservation.
Once both steps are complete, you simply tap the card at the shinkansen ticket gate to enter.
Step 1: Link Your Physical Suica Card to SmartEX
Log into your SmartEX account.
SmartEX login screen.
Select “Change/Cancel Membership Information.”
Select “Change/Cancel Membership Info.”
Select “Change” or “Add” under IC Card Information.
Select “Change” or “Add.”
Enter the number printed on the back of your IC card.
Enter IC card number.
When finished, click “Complete.”
Hit “Complete.”
Review the information and click “Change.”
Hit “Change.”
You should then see a confirmation screen showing that the card has been successfully registered.
Change confirmation screen.
Your physical Suica card is now linked to your SmartEX account.
Step 2: Reserve a Shinkansen Ticket
From the SmartEX main menu, reserve your ticket in the usual way.
Main menu, reserve your ticket.
After completing the reservation, you’ll see the reservation confirmation screen.
Reservation complete.
At this point, the reservation exists in your SmartEX account, but it is not yet assigned to your physical IC card.
Step 3: Designate the IC Card for the Reservation
On the reservation confirmation screen, select the IC card designation option.
Designate IC card screen.
Click “Designate IC Card.”
Click “Designate IC card.”
Click “Next.”
Click “Next.”
Select the registered IC card you wish to use for the reservation and click “Designate.”
Click “Designate.”
You should then see a confirmation screen showing that the reservation has been successfully assigned to the card.
IC card designation complete.
Step 4: Confirm the Assignment
To verify the assignment, open “My Trips.”
Select “My Trips.”
You should see the reservation associated with your registered IC card.
Using the Card at the Ticket Gate
On the day of travel, simply tap the designated physical Suica card at the shinkansen ticket gate.
The gate will recognize both your base fare ticket (jōsha-ken) and your shinkansen reservation (tokkyūken), allowing you to pass through without printing tickets or showing a QR code.
Troubleshooting
I Have an iPhone With a Digital Suica Card
If you have a digital Suica card in Apple Wallet, it is usually easier to link that digital card directly to SmartEX instead of using QR codes.
One common issue occurs when travelers try to use a SmartEX QR code while also carrying a digital Suica card configured for Express Transit. In some cases, the ticket gate detects the digital Suica card first and ignores the QR code, resulting in an error.
If this happens, you’ll need to temporarily adjust your Apple Wallet Express Transit settings or use the linked digital IC card instead.
Can I Use Other IC Cards?
Yes. SmartEX supports several compatible IC cards, including Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and others. The registration process is essentially the same.
Final Thoughts
For most travelers, using a digital Suica card or a SmartEX QR code is the simplest option. However, if you prefer a physical IC card—or simply don’t want to use your phone at the ticket gate—linking a physical Suica card to SmartEX is an easy and reliable alternative.
More Information
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- HOTELS – Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- FLIGHTS – Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
