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Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

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IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo can be used as prepaid transportation tickets or E-Money in Japan. This article explains the features of Suica and Pasmo, how to buy them in physical or mobile versions, and offers information on other types of IC cards such as ICOCA, which is common in Osaka.

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Suica, Pasmo, and Other IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: How to Buy Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Suica (issued by JR-EAST) and PASMO (Pasmo) are IC cards that can be used as prepaid transportation tickets and E-Money in Japan.

Reusable and rechargeable, these prepaid cards allow you to ride train and subway stations with just a tap at the ticket gates in most areas in Japan. You can also use IC cards for other public transportation methods, including buses, and for shopping at convenience stores and other retailers.

Since early 2023, due to a chip shortage, physical IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo cannot be purchased anew. This problem is currently occurring mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area and eastern Japan. ICOCA (issued by JR-WEST) and other types of regional IC cards are still available for purchase.

Visitors to Japan arriving at Tokyo's airports have two options:

1. Purchase a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport, which are physical IC cards exclusively available for short-term visitors to Japan.

2. Use digital versions of the Suica/Pasmo cards by enabling the Transit Card function on the iPhone Wallet app, or the E-Money function on the Android Google Wallet.

We introduce these options in detail along with other useful information on Suica/Pasmo cards below.

Table of Contents

1. How to Buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport
2. How to Get the Mobile Suica/Pasmo
3. What Is a Suica/Pasmo Card? ICOCA for Osaka and Other Regional IC Cards
4. Suica vs. Japan Rail Pass: The Difference Between Them
5. Buying a Suica Card Online
6. How to Buy a Physical IC Card (in Other Areas than Eastern Japan)
7. How to Charge an IC Card
8. Using IC Cards for Shopping
9. Summary: Physical Suica and Mobile Suica

How to Buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport

The Welcome Suica for Visitors to Japan

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: How to Buy Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Image courtesy of JR EAST

Welcome Suica is a physical IC card issued by JR-EAST exclusively for foreign visitors to Japan. If you arrive at Tokyo's Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, go to the JR-EAST Travel Service Center within the airport to purchase the Welcome Suica.

The Welcome Suica does not require a deposit. The basic fee is 1,000 yen for both adults and children, and you can charge it with the sum of your choice.

The only limitation is that the Welcome Suica is only valid for 28 days. To find out more visit the official JR-EAST page.

The Welcome Suica card can now be prebooked on the activity booking site Klook in combination with one day of unlimited rides on JR lines!

The Pasmo Passport for Visitors to Japan

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: How to Buy Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Image courtesy of Pasmo

While Suica is an IC card brand issued by JR-EAST, Pasmo is an independent IC card brand.

Similar to Welcome Suica, the Pasmo Passport is a 28-day IC card for foreign visitors to Japan. It can be purchased at train ticket offices operated by Keisei Railways at Narita Airport, Keikyu Railways at Haneda Airport, as well as Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway stations in Tokyo. For a full list of vendors, please refer to: https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/

The Pasmo Passport requires a non-refundable stored fee of 1,500 yen but it has the advantage that it can be purchased at many more locations in Tokyo and is not exclusively available at airports.

Both Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport can be recharged and used for 28 days for paying for train/bus rides and shopping at vendors that accept E-Money anywhere in Japan!

How to Get the Mobile Suica/Pasmo

Get Around With Ease: How To Buy Your Own Suica

In order to use the mobile versions of IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo, your phone's region needs to be set to Japan.

With Mobile Suica, just download the app and connect it to your credit card. You can recharge it wherever and whenever you want.

You can either purchase a new Suica card via this app or transfer your old one by scanning it with your mobile camera. Once you have created your Mobile Suica, touch your phone on the card reader whenever you enter or exit the gates at the train stations. Your phone needs to be on but it doesn't need to be unlocked, and you don't need to be connected to WiFi.

How to Get the Mobile Pasmo

Similar to the Suica mobile app, Pasmo also offers the option of downloading a digital Pasmo card on their mobile app. Pasmo is especially compatible with iPhones, allowing customers to add currency via Apple Pay as well as connect the app to their Apple watch.

For an English guide on how to download and charge a digital Passmo card on your iPhone follow the official Passmo website:https://www.pasmo.co.jp/mp/app/en/

For Android users: https://www.pasmo.co.jp/mp/and/charge/gp/ (Japanese site)

Using Google Pay or the iPhone Wallet

We recommend this option especially to foreign residents in Japan due to requirements regarding regional settings.

iPhone users need to activate the Transit Card function of their iPhone Wallet app. You can choose the type of digital IC card you want to use and activate it.

Android users need to open their Google Wallet app and select the E-Money function. You can choose the type of digital IC card you want to use and activate it.

To charge the Mobile Suica/Pasmo, you'll simply have to select Add Money and choose the way you want the transaction to be performed.

What Is a Suica/Pasmo Card? ICOCA for Osaka and Other Regional IC Cards

Suica: IC Card Issued By JR-EAST

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: How to Buy Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Suica is a prepaid IC card issued by JR East Railways (JR-EAST). This IC card allows you to travel all across Japan with just a tap, useable at subway and metro stations, JR lines, and non-JR lines. As the Japan Rail Pass only works on JR lines, having a Suica is highly recommended when using other railways. The Suica can also be used to make purchases at station kiosks, convenience stores, and vending machines.

The Suica card can be charged at any train station and even at convenience stores. With a Suica card, there is no need to buy tickets for each ride on subways and trains. You can enter and exit the train stations by merely touching the card reader with your Suica card.

You can also use your IC card to pay at convenience stores, at most vending machines and shops inside train stations, and even some restaurants.

Suica cards are only sold in the eastern Japan area (wherever East Japan Rail operates). This includes the greater Tokyo area and Tohoku (northern Japan).

The PASMO Card

PASMO card

A PASMO card is nearly identical to the Suica. It allows for entrance and exit to train, subway, and metro stations with a simple tap. It can also be used on buses and to make purchases. The only significant difference is its appearance (shown above) and where you can purchase it.

While Suica is only available at JR-EAST stations in Tokyo and eastern Japan, the PASMO card can be purchased at stations in eastern Japan operated by other railways such as Tokyo Metro, Keisei Railways, Keikyu Railways, Tobu Railways, and others.

PASMO is very convenient if you are not at a JR station but want to get a prepaid card quickly. It can also be used at JR stations and across Japan as well.

The PASMO card is purchased in a similar way to the Suica. Go to a ticket machine, change the language to English, and follow the instructions.

A special PASMO with Sanrio characters, called the PASMO PASSPORT, is available to buy at station ticket counters (not at machines). It is an IC card usable for 28 days. You can purchase it at Narita and Haneda airports, as well as at Tokyo Metro stations like Ueno, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro.

ICOCA in Osaka, Kitaca in Hokkaido - IC Cards All Over Japan

Each major region of Japan sells a different prepaid, reusable transportation card. The above-mentioned Suica and PASMO cards are used widely and sold in eastern Japan.

In Osaka, Kyoto, and the greater Kansai region, ICOCA (issued by JR-WEST) is more common. You can purchase an ICOCA card online via Klook or at ticket machines at train stations in west Japan, in a similar method to the Suica or PASMO.

Other cards include Kitaca in Hokkaido, Manaca in the Nagoya area, and Sugoca in southern Japan (Kyushu). It is possible to use a Suica card in these areas as well (some exceptions apply).

Whatever their name might be, they work all the same and can be purchased the same way. If you are mainly planning to travel around Japan by subways, trains, or buses, IC cards are the easiest way to go.

Suica and Japan Rail Pass: The Difference Between Them

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: How to Buy Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

If you come to Japan on a tourist visa, you may consider buying a Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14, or 21 days. The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on JR lines, including bullet train lines, throughout the country at a reasonable price.

Please be aware, however, that the JR Pass is only valid on JR lines! You won't be able to use the services of other railways than JR - this includes the subway networks in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, which are operated by private companies.

A prepaid IC card like Suica/PASMO can be used on almost any train, subway, or bus line in Japan (*with the exception of rural operators that only support paper tickets.)

If your IC card is charged, you don't need to worry about switching to another line than JR. The only disadvantage is that IC cards don't come with the incredible discount that the JR Pass brings.

Our suggestion is to use both! Use the JR Pass for travel around Japan and between cities, and an IC card like Suica in great cities where it's hard to notice when you're switching to another railway.

If you attempt to access a different railway than JR using a JR Pass, you'll be stopped at the ticket gates. Having a Suica at hand is convenient in such a situation because you can tap it over the scanner at the ticket gate and go your way.

Buying a Suica Card Online

The ticket and activity booking site KLOOK still offers the option to book a physical Suica card beforehand and pick it up at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

Due to the ongoing chip shortage, this option may be available for a limited period of time. If your stay in Japan is shorter than four weeks, we suggest buying a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport instead.

Book your Suica Card on KLOOK

If your main destination is Osaka or Kyoto, then book the ICOCA card, which is more common in western Japan and, as of September 26, 2023, not affected by the chip shortage. After booking your ICOCA, you can pick it up at the KIX EasyGo Counter within Osaka's Kansai International Airport.

Book your ICOCA on KLOOK

How to Buy a Physical IC Card in Other Regions than Eastern Japan

As mentioned above, eastern Japan and especially the Tokyo Metropolitan Area is affected by a chip shortage, which makes it difficult to buy new physical IC cards like Suica or Pasmo.

In western Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, and other regions such as Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido, physical IC cards are still available for purchase at ticket offices and vending machines at train stations.

For those who are buying a physical IC card at a train station, follow the directions below to buy a card.

1. Find a Ticket Machine

Suica And Pasmo IC Cards - How To Purchase Your Own

IC cards such as the ICOCA used by JR-WEST can be purchased through ticket machines available at train stations. To buy one, please find a ticket vending machine as shown above.

First, we recommend changing the language to English to make the following steps easier.

2. Purchase a New IC Card (ICOCA, Sugoka, Nimoca, etc.)

Suica And Pasmo IC Cards - How To Purchase Your Own

After you change the language setting, you need to press the "Purchase a New IC card" button.

3. Select the Type of Card

You can choose the amount of yen to put on your IC card initially. Anything from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen is possible. Select the button of the IC card you wish to purchase. In this case, we chose an IC card worth 2,000 yen.

4. Insert Your Payment

If you choose a card worth 2,000 yen, the card itself will have a 1,500 yen charge. The cost of the card itself is 500 yen, which is a refundable deposit.

5. Use Your IC Card

The IC card is ready to use right away. Now you do not have to worry about buying tickets each time you ride on trains, subways, or buses. If the IC card is empty, charge it at one of the ticket machines.

Charging IC Cards

At Convenience Stores

711

Most of the ticket vending machines of railway companies that accept transportation IC cards have a function for charging the IC cards.

However, the most convenient and easily accessible machine for charging IC cards is the ATM at Japan's 7-Eleven convenience stores.

儲值畫面

Picture courtesy of JR-EAST
The first step is to press '電子マネーチャージ' (Electronic Money Charge) at the top of the screen, then place your card in the reading area on the right side. Next, you will see options for selecting an amount. After choosing the amount, the cover at the bottom will open, and you can insert bills. Wait for a moment, and the charge will be completed, and there are no handling fees, which is very convenient.

You can also ask the store staff for assistance in charging at convenience stores in Japan. When charging, simply say 'Charge' in English, and then state the amount and make the payment in cash.

Convenience stores where you can charge: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, ポプラ (Popura), MINI STOP, and Daily Yamazaki.

Top-up at Major Train Stations

初始畫面

In the initial screen, click on the right side where it says 'チャージ(入金)する' (Charge/Deposit).

After that, the screen will show you several amount options. Press the button showing the amount you want to charge your IC card with, then proceed to insert bills or coins in the same manner as the purchasing steps. (The specific steps may vary depending on the railway company's machine).

How to Use IC Cards

At Ticket Gates within Train Station

touch

Photo by Pixta
The machines of various railway companies may vary slightly, but most of them work as shown in the picture above. You simply need to lightly touch the card to the blue area, and it will automatically allow passage through the ticket gate. The same procedure applies when exiting the station.

As Electronic Payment Method

東京美食_松屋

IC cards can be used as electronic payment methods (E-Money) for accepting vendors.

In addition to using it for transportation and convenience stores, it can also be used at a wide variety of other stores. For example, well-known drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku, and Tsuruha, fast-food chains like McDonald's, Matsuya, Coco Ichibanya, Mos Burger, and many more.

Summary: Physical Suica and Mobile Suica

Name Suica (Regular) Welcome Suica Mobile Suica
Purchase Qualifications Anyone Foreign Tourists on Short-Term Tourist Visas Anyone with a smartphone
*The phone's region needs to be set to Japan
Price 500 Japanese yen (refundable) + desired top-up amount You can choose from 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, or 10,000 yen Not required
Discount Not applicable If you store Welcome Suica using the Suica APP, you can visit JR East Japan's HOTEL MET Shibuya, Tokyo STATION HOTEL, and Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, and present the screen to exchange for Suica Penguin-related merchandise. Not applicable
Limitation Unlimited Usage for an Unlimited Number of Days Valid for only 28 Days Unlimited Usage for a Certain Number of Days
Ticket Purchase Location Automatic Ticket Machines or Ticket Counters at Major Stations JR EAST Travel Service Center at Specific Stations: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport Download the mobile app

FAQ

Which is better, Suica or Pasmo?

Suica and Pasmo are both contactless smart card systems widely used for public transportation and various purchases in Japan, especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Both cards are functionally equivalent, and they can be used interchangeably for the most part.

Can I use Suica or Pasmo in Kyoto?

While Suica and Pasmo cards are not directly issued in the Kansai region, they can still be used in Kyoto and the wider Kansai area for transportation on compatible IC card readers. This includes using the cards on the JR West lines, Kyoto City Subway, and non-JR lines such as Keihan Railway and Hankyu Railway, which accept IC cards for fare payment. Additionally, many buses in Kyoto also accept IC cards for payment. Therefore, if you already have a Suica or Pasmo card from another region in Japan, it can still be used for convenient fare payment during your travels in Kyoto.

Do you need both Pasmo and Suica?

No. The Pasmo and Suica cards serve the same purpose as rechargeable contactless smart cards for transportation and various purchases in Japan. They are both widely accepted in the Tokyo metropolitan area and can be used interchangeably for the most part. The only significant difference between them is that they are issued by different companies.

Can I use Pasmo for Shinkansen?

While the Pasmo card can be used on many train and subway lines in Japan, it cannot be used directly as a form of payment for Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. Passengers typically need to purchase separate tickets for Shinkansen travel.

Do Suica and PASMO cards expire?

Suica and Pasmo cards themselves do not have an expiration date for the card itself. However, the stored value on the card may have an expiration date specified by the respective card issuers. We recommend checking the specific terms and conditions for your Suica or Pasmo card to understand any expiration policies that may apply to the stored value or the card itself.

Is it worth getting a Suica card?

In short, yes. Unlike rail passes, which are valid only on designated railway networks, a Suica or Pasmo card can be used to pay for transportation on all modes of transportation, including trains, subway, and busses. An IC card like Suica or Pasmo is all you need in order to transfer from one railway to another. Additionally, it can be also used for cashless payments at station shops and some restaurants.

 

Get Around with Ease with an IC Card

Whether it's a physical card or a digital version, an IC card is the easiest way to get around and make casual purchases in nearly every area of Japan.

 

Written by

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

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