PASMO: How to Buy and Use for Transportation and Shopping

PASMO: An IC Card Usable for Transportation and Shopping

PASMO is an IC card (electronic transportation ticket) introduced by the PASMO Committee, which is made up of transportation operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area such as Tokyo Metro.

With a PASMO, you don't need to buy paper tickets for each train ride in urban areas. If your PASMO is charged, you'll pay for your train/bus ride by touching the IC card reader at the ticket gates.

PASMO has the exact same functions as the Suica IC card. The only difference between them is that Suica is issued by East Japan Railways (JR-East).

Since 2013, PASMO has been accepted nationwide in Japan, allowing interoperability with other electronic transportation tickets. If you plan to primarily use city trains and subways during your travel without purchasing a travel pass, buying a transportation card like PASMO is the most convenient option.

Where to Buy a PASMO Card

You can purchase PASMO at automatic ticket machines or service counters of various affiliated transportation operators (such as Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Keisei Electric Railway, and 28 other operators).

Mobile PASMO

You just need to download the PASMO app on your smartphone and follow the setup instructions to use your phone as a PASMO card. It’s very convenient for both taking transportation and shopping!

Exclusive PASMO PASSPORT for Foreign Visitors

The purchasing method for the PASMO transportation card is similar to that of the Suica card, with the only difference being that the purchase locations are at subway automatic ticket machines rather than JR stations.

The PASMO PASSPORT is exclusive to foreigners and costs 2,000 yen, which includes a 500 yen buyout fee; thus, the actual usable amount is 1,500 yen.

If you need more, you can add value. Additionally, by presenting this card at participating stores, you can enjoy various discounts.

How to Reload Transportation IC Cards

There are two main methods to reload transportation IC cards: the first is at stations, and the second is at convenience stores.

1. At Convenience Stores

Most automatic ticket machines at railway companies that accept transportation IC cards have a reloading function, but the easiest and most widely accessible reloading machines are the ATMs at Japan's 7-11 convenience stores.

Picture courtesy of JR東日本
The first step is to press "電子マネーチャージ" (Electronic Money Charge) on the screen at the top, then place your card in the reading area on the right. Next, a selection of amounts will appear; choose the amount you want, and the cover at the bottom will open.

After inserting the bills, just wait a moment, and the reloading will be completed—plus, there are no processing fees, making it very convenient.

You can also ask staff at convenience stores in Japan for help with reloading. When reloading, say "Charge" in English, followed by the amount, and pay in cash.

*Convenience stores that offer reloading: 7-11, FamilyMart, Lawson, Poplar, MINI STOP, Daily Yamazaki.

2. Reloading at Major Stations

On the initial screen, click on the "チャージ（入金）する" (Charge/Deposit) option on the right side. Then, various amounts will appear; after selecting an amount, proceed to insert bills or coins just like in the purchasing step. (Note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the railway company's machine.)

Scope of PASMO Usage

For the current areas where PASMO can be used, please check the official website.

How to Use the PASMO

Picture courtesy of pixta
The machines from different railway companies may vary slightly, but in most cases, you can simply touch the card to the blue part on the ticket gates as shown in the image to pass through. The same process applies when exiting.

Stores Where PASMO Can Be Used

Just like the Suica or ICOCA cards, PASMO has a comprehensive electronic wallet function, and in addition to transportation and convenience stores, it can be used at many other retailers.

For example, well-known drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku, and Tsuruha; fast-food chains like McDonald's, Matsuya, Coco Ichibanya, and MOS Burger are included, making it quite diverse.

For a detailed list of stores where PASMO can be used, please refer to the official PASMO website (in Japanese).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can PASMO be used on buses?
A: The PASMO card can be used on most city bus routes that accept transportation IC cards.

Q2. Can PASMO be used on limited express trains?
A: PASMO and other IC cards can be used to pay for the fare, but if you are taking a train that requires an additional limited express fee, make sure to also purchase a limited express ticket with a seat reservation or buy one on board.

Q3. Can PASMO be used in Kyoto and Osaka?
A: Generally, PASMO can also be used in the urban areas of Osaka and Kyoto. However, if you accidentally arrive at a destination outside the city where it cannot be used, please ask the station staff to clear your record and pay the fare in cash.

Q4. What should I do if my balance is insufficient when exiting?
A: There are recalculation machines near the automatic ticket gates, so please reload there.

Q5. Can I return my card?
A: If you have a standard PASMO card, you can go to the affiliated operator's counter to return it. A handling fee will be deducted, and you will receive your deposit of 500 yen along with any remaining balance.

Q6. Can the PASMO be used outside the Kansai and Kanto regions?
A: Yes! Anywhere that has the IC card interoperability symbol can accept it.

Calculation Method for Card Return Fees

Refund Amount = Card Balance - Handling Fee (220 yen) + Deposit (500 yen)
*If the balance is zero, only the 500 yen deposit will be refunded.

How to Return the Card

Go to the station counter and inform the staff that you want to process a refund. You can hold the card and show this Japanese phrase to the staff: Harai modoshitai desu.

Summary of Various Tickets

Use the PASMO instead of Buying Train Tickets

Now that transportation cards are almost universally accepted across the country, choose your favorite card and explore the major cities of Japan!