In Japan, not every train station — especially small rural stations — has IC card readers.

Unfortunately Takahama is one of them. But don’t worry, simply follow the steps below if you came to Takahama with your IC card.

1. After arriving at Takahama station, buy a paper ticket at the ticket office with cash.

2. If you don’t have any cash, please exit the station and go to the nearest ATM to withdraw money and then return to the station to pay the fee (nearest Family Mart ATM).

3. The station staff will then give you a special paper slip (called a “証明書” / shōmeisho or “IC精算証明書”) as proof of your journey.

4. At your next major station with IC card gates, go to the fare adjustment counter (精算窓口) or ticket office. Show your IC card and the proof slip. The staff will manually adjust your balance, charge you the correct fare, and reset your card.