Tap-and-go Credit Card Payment Public Demonstration Begins on Tokyo’s Toei Subway Lines

January, 2025
Bureau of Transportation
Tokyo Metropolitan Government

• Introducing tap-and-go payment services on select lines in Tokyo
• Boosted convenience for international travelers on train lines connecting to Haneda Airport

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has begun public demonstrations for tap-and-go card (credit, debit and prepaid) and mobile payment solutions for transportation, provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company’s “stera transit” services. Toei Transport and Keikyu Corporation will collaborate in this demonstration, enabling mutual use of tap-and-go payment methods across the two transit networks.

The initiative extends across 26 stations on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Mita Line, and Oedo Line, and 10 stations on the Keikyu Line. This coverage enables travelers from Haneda Airport and numerous areas in central Tokyo, to enjoy the convenience of tap-and-go.

With nearly 20 million foreign tourists visiting Tokyo annually, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation is actively promoting cashless payments to enhance the usability of the Toei Subway system for all.

This initiative is a joint effort by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, Keikyu Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Visa Worldwide Japan Co., JCB Co., Nippon Signal Co., Omron Social Solutions Co., Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, and QUADRAC Co.

<Supplemental Information>

Public demonstration of ride services using tap-and-go payments (credit, debit and prepaid cards)

Start date:

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Ride fare:

Regular passenger fare (in 10 yen increments)
*Adult fare only. Transit discounts do not apply

How to pay:

Tap the newly installed reader* at the automatic ticket gate with a card that supports tap-and-go payments (credit, debit, or prepaid) or a smartphone with the appropriate card installed. This will enable you to pass through the ticket gate and board the train.
*Some stations and ticket gates will have dedicated terminals

Available stations

[Toei Subway- 26 stations]

Toei Asakusa Line:

Gotanda, Sengakuji, Mita, Daimon, Shinbashi, Higashi Ginza, Takaracho, Nihonbashi, Ningyocho, Asakusabashi, Asakusa, Honjo Azumabashi

Toei Oedo Line:

Shinjuku Nishiguchi, Higashi-Shinjuku, Ueno-Okachimachi, Tsukijishijo, Daimon, Akabanebashi, Roppongi, Aoyama-itchome, Kokuritsu-kyogijo, Shinjuku, Tochomae, Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome, Toshimaen

Toei Mita Line:

Mita

Payment brands

Visa, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay
*Mastercard® will be added sequentially

Role of each company

How to view touch payment history

Touch payment history can be accessed through QUADRAC’s Q-move site. Complete membership registration to view "My Page". Q-move site: https://q-move.info/

[Reference 1] About tap-and-go payments

Tap-and-go is a payment method that utilizes international standard security authentication technology. Without having to sign or enter a PIN*, payments can be completed by touching a compatible terminal with a card that supports touch payments (credit, debit, prepaid) or a smartphone with the card set up, making it quick, safe, and secure.
Vendors that have enabled tap-and-go payments are expanding rapidly, and include convenience stores, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, restaurants, drug stores, bookstores, department stores, and commercial facilities.
*For payments over a certain amount, card and PIN number entry or identity verification through signature may be required

[Reference 2] About stera transit

“stera transit” is a touch payment solution for public transportation provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC). In order to solve issues related to the introduction of cashless payments, SMCC developed "stera", a payment platform for businesses jointly built with GMO Payment Gateway, GMO Financial Gate, and Visa. “stera transit” utilizes the “touch payment” platform provided by these international brands.
Beyond enhancing consumer convenience by eliminating the need for cash or pre-charging, this initiative is expected to significantly improve the inbound tourism infrastructure and promote cashless payments, not just transportation.
Additionally, “stera transit” technology can be used as an authentication platform for MaaS and smart cities, and is being developed to be utilized across Japan.

Tap-and-go Credit Card Payment Public Demonstration Begins on Tokyo’s Toei Subway Lines