Tokyo Metro to Launch Contactless Payment Service Using Credit Cards and Other Touch Payment Methods on All Lines in Spring 2026
Tokyo Metro has announced the launch of a post-payment boarding service using touch payment methods with compatible cards (including credit, debit, and prepaid cards) and smartphones with such cards configured, on all Tokyo Metro lines starting in spring 2026.
Tokyo Metro has been operating a "boarding service utilizing credit card touch payment and QR codes" since March 22, 2025, targeting special tickets purchased in advance through the Tokyo Metro sales website.
This initiative will now be expanded to launch a post-payment boarding service using touch payment. Starting in spring 2026, customers will be able to use all Tokyo Metro lines by simply holding their touch payment-compatible cards over the reader at automatic ticket gates and passing through without purchasing tickets in advance. The service start date and detailed information will be announced once determined.
Moving forward, Tokyo Metro will continue to focus primarily on transportation IC cards, which are widely used by many customers for railway transportation, while advancing the provision of boarding services that offer more convenient and smooth usage for customers who regularly use Tokyo Metro lines and visitors to Tokyo from both domestic and international locations.
About "stera transit"
The payment platform "stera" is a business-oriented payment platform jointly developed by Sumitomo Mitsui Card with GMO Payment Gateway, GMO Financial Gate, and Visa to solve challenges in cashless implementation. "stera transit" is a public transportation solution utilizing the "stera" payment platform and international brand contactless payment "touch payment."
In addition to "convenience improvement" for consumers by eliminating the need for cash and advance charging, it is expected to have wide-ranging effects beyond the transportation sector, including "infection prevention measures," "inbound reception environment development," and "regional cashless payment promotion."
The technology of "stera transit" can also be utilized as an authentication infrastructure for MaaS and smart cities. Implementation is planned in various locations nationwide.
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass (Credit Card Touch) and Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass (QR)
Tokyo Metro currently sells Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass (Credit Card Touch) and Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass (QR) on their online sales website. By purchasing in advance, customers can conveniently and smoothly board all Tokyo Metro lines using the touch payment-compatible card (credit, debit, prepaid) used for purchase or the QR code issued after purchase.
Additionally, Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass (QR) supports children's versions and allows purchase of up to 10 passes. By distributing QR codes issued to customers with smartphones, it can be conveniently used for family outings and group tourism.
Expansion of Touch Payment and QR-Compatible Automatic Ticket Gate Installation Stations
Tokyo Metro is progressively installing automatic ticket gates compatible with boarding services utilizing touch payment and QR codes.
The number of stations with compatible automatic ticket gates within Tokyo Metro lines has reached 104 out of all 180 stations as of now, with 26 new stations added in June 2025.
To provide more convenient service usage for customers, Tokyo Metro will continue expanding the number of installation stations, aiming for installation at all stations by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Norbert Gehrke
