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 East stations; availability can vary by station | Metro and participating private-railway stations |
| Mobile version | Apple Wallet / Google Wallet | Apple Wallet only |
| Deposit | ¥500 (plastic) | ¥500 for a standard plastic PASMO |
| 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.
Choose by device and trip length
Best Option for Visitors Right Now
1. Welcome Suica Mobile (iPhone)
- Issued in the iOS app and valid for 180 days.
- No deposit; remaining value is non-refundable at expiry.
- Users must be at least 13 and use an Apple Pay-compatible device. Some app or top-up functions are restricted by country.
2. TOURIST PASMO (physical card)
- For international visitors and valid for 28 days from purchase.
- Remaining value is non-refundable.
- Use PASMO’s visitor page to check current sales locations.
3. Welcome Suica or standard Suica/PASMO
- Welcome Suica is the short-stay physical JR East option; check airport and station availability.
- Sales of standard blank Suica and PASMO cards resumed, although individual stations can temporarily run out.
- Mobile Suica/PASMO compatibility is device- and wallet-dependent; not every Android phone sold outside Japan supports Japanese transit IC cards.
Options checked July 26, 2026. PASMO visitor information
Welcome Suica Mobile validity and device conditions. JR East: Welcome Suica Mobile
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?
Choose TOURIST PASMO, Welcome Suica, or a standard Suica/PASMO card. Sales locations and stock vary, so check the operator page before making a special trip.
Can I get a refund on my IC card?
Refund rules depend on the product. TOURIST PASMO and Welcome Suica products do not refund remaining stored value. Standard cards and mobile products follow their own operator and app rules; check before loading a large balance.
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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