Kagoshima Transport Cards & Passes: Rapica, Suica, CUTE Compared
Which card or pass actually works on Kagoshima's trams, city buses and Sakurajima ferry — and which one is worth buying for your trip.
Official "How to use the tram and bus" guide →At a glance
The four things visitors most often ask.
Suica / ICOCA?
Not accepted on the city tram or city buses. They do work on the Sakurajima ferry (no top-up there) and on JR trains.
Rapica
Kagoshima's own rechargeable card: ¥3,000 to start (¥2,500 credit + ¥500 refundable deposit). Works on tram, city bus and ferry.
Credit card tap
Contactless credit/debit cards work on the tram (tap on boarding and again on exit) and at the ferry, with no card to buy.
Day passes
Tram & bus one-day pass ¥700. CUTE pass ¥1,400 (1 day) / ¥2,100 (2 days) also covers the Sakurajima ferry.
Which option works where
| Option | Tram & city bus | Sakurajima ferry | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | Yes (¥200 flat, exact change) | Yes (¥250 adult) | Pay per ride |
| Rapica IC card | Yes (tap on and off) | Yes | ¥3,000 to start (¥500 refundable deposit) |
| Suica / PASMO / ICOCA etc. | No | Yes (no top-up on site) | Your existing card |
| Tap-to-pay credit / debit card | Yes (tap on and off) | Yes (most major brands) | Pay per ride |
| Tram & bus one-day pass | Yes, unlimited | No | ¥700 adult / ¥350 child |
| CUTE pass (digital) | Yes, unlimited | Yes, unlimited | 1 day ¥1,400 · 2 days ¥2,100 (adult) |
Which should you get?
A tap-to-pay credit card is enough
- No card to buy and no deposit. Tap when you board and again when you get off the tram.
- If you only carry a Suica-type card, keep using it for JR and the ferry, and pay the tram with a credit card or cash.
Get the ¥700 one-day pass
- At ¥200 a ride, the pass pays for itself on your 4th ride and also covers the City View sightseeing bus.
- Good for a loop such as hotel → Tenmonkan → Kagoshima Station.
Get the CUTE pass
- The only pass that also covers the Sakurajima ferry, plus the city tram, buses, the City View and Sakurajima Island View buses and attraction coupons.
- Buy it in the "myroute" or "Wakuwaku" app. It needs an internet connection and cannot be changed or refunded.
A Rapica makes hopping on and off easy
- It also gives a ¥200 transfer discount between the tram and city buses within 60 minutes.
- Buy or top up at Transportation Bureau counters (including Kagoshima-Chuo Station), at machines in town, or from the driver.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Suica on the Kagoshima tram?
No. Nationwide transit IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA are not accepted on the city tram or city buses. Use Rapica, a tap-to-pay credit card or cash. Suica does work on JR trains and on the Sakurajima ferry.
What is the cheapest way to use the tram for a day?
The tram is a flat ¥200 per ride. From the 4th ride in a day, the ¥700 tram and bus one-day pass is cheaper.
Is the CUTE pass worth it?
Yes if your day includes the Sakurajima ferry (¥250 one way for an adult) plus several tram or bus rides. If you only use the tram and buses, the ¥700 one-day pass is cheaper.
Where do I buy a Rapica?
At Transportation Bureau ticket counters (including one at Kagoshima-Chuo Station), at machines around the city, or directly from the tram driver.
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