Suica & Pasmo Guide
Everything you need to know about Suica and Pasmo IC cards — how to get one, charge it, and use it for trains, buses, and shopping across Japan.
Quick links
You just landed in Japan, and every local is breezing through ticket gates with a tap of their phone. Meanwhile, you’re squinting at a fare chart that looks like a subway map crossed with a spreadsheet. Good news: one little IC card fixes everything — trains, buses, convenience stores, even vending machines.
Best for: Every visitor. Seriously, get one on Day 1.
Honestly, barely any
Suica vs Pasmo — What’s the Difference?
| Suica | Pasmo | |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro / private railways | ||
| Where to buy (plastic) | JR stations (currently suspended for tourists — see below) | Metro / private railway stations (Pasmo Passport available) |
| Mobile version | Apple Wallet / Google Wallet | Apple Wallet only |
| Deposit | ¥500 (plastic) | ¥500 (plastic) / ¥0 (Pasmo Passport) |
| Usable area | Nationwide (all 10 IC card regions) | Nationwide (all 10 IC card regions) |
| Interchangeable? | Yes — works on Metro, buses, shops | Yes — works on JR, buses, shops |
Bottom line: They work identically in daily use. Pick whichever is easier to get.
Mobile Suica wins in 2024
Best Option for Visitors Right Now
1. Mobile Suica (Recommended)
- iPhone 8+ or Apple Watch Series 3+: Add via Wallet app, charge with credit card
- Android with Google Wallet: Available on supported devices
- No deposit, instant setup, charge anytime
- This is the #1 recommendation for 2024–2025 visitors
2. Pasmo Passport (Physical Card)
- ¥2,000 (¥500 card cost + ¥1,500 preloaded balance)
- 28-day validity, sold at major Metro stations and airports
- No refund on remaining balance — spend it at convenience stores before departure
3. Welcome Suica (Physical Card)
- ¥1,000 / ¥2,000 / ¥3,000 / ¥5,000 / ¥10,000
- 28-day validity, sold at JR East Travel Service Centers (Narita / Haneda / major stations)
- Entire amount is usable balance (no deposit)
Top up in ¥1,000 steps
How to Charge (Top Up)
| Method | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Station fare machines | Any JR / Metro / private station | Cash or IC-compatible machines |
| Convenience stores | 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart | Cash only at register |
| Mobile app | Your phone | Credit card, instant |
Tip: Charge in ¥1,000 increments. Maximum balance is ¥20,000.
Trains, shops, vending
What You Can Pay With IC Cards
- 🚃 Trains & subways — JR, Metro, Toei, private lines nationwide
- 🚌 Buses — city buses, airport limousine buses
- 🏪 Convenience stores — 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
- 🍱 Vending machines & ekiben shops
- 🛒 Some retail — Don Quijote, drugstores, UNIQLO (varies by location)
- 🚕 Some taxis — look for the IC card sticker
Tap in, tap out, repeat
Practical Tips
Pro Tips – If your phone supports Mobile Suica, skip the physical card entirely – You can’t cross between JR and Metro on one fare — tap out and tap in again – If your balance is too low at the exit gate, use the fare adjustment machine (精算機) nearby – Keep your IC card separate from other cards to avoid reader confusion – Apple Watch users: double-click the side button at the gate and hold your wrist to the reader
Common questions
FAQ
Can I use Suica in Osaka / Kyoto / Hiroshima?
Yes. Since 2013, all 10 major IC card systems are interoperable. Your Suica or Pasmo works on trains, buses, and shops across Japan. The only exception: you cannot cross regional boundaries on a single ride (e.g., Tokyo → Osaka by local trains on one tap).
My phone doesn’t support Mobile Suica. What do I do?
Get a Pasmo Passport at any major Metro station or airport. It’s the easiest physical card option for tourists.
Can I get a refund on my IC card?
– Plastic Suica/Pasmo: Yes, at ticket offices. ¥220 handling fee deducted from remaining balance, plus ¥500 deposit refunded. – Pasmo Passport / Welcome Suica: No refund. Spend remaining balance at convenience stores. – Mobile Suica/Pasmo: Transfer balance back via the app.
Suica vs Tokyo Subway Ticket — which is better?
Different tools for different jobs. Suica is a stored-value card (pay per ride). Tokyo Subway Ticket is an unlimited ride pass (24h/48h/72h). If you’re doing 4+ subway rides per day, the pass saves money. Otherwise, Suica is simpler.
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