Suica, Pasmo, and the Art of the Tokyo Train

Suica (JR East) and Pasmo (Tokyo Metro & private lines) are Tokyo's tap-and-go IC transit cards. Load yen once, tap in and out of every train, subway, bus, and monorail in the city — and pay at convenience stores and vending machines. Functionally identical and fully interoperable, they are the single most essential item for navigating Tokyo.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Does Suica or Pasmo work outside Tokyo?

Yes. Japan's ten major IC cards, including Suica and Pasmo, have been mutually interoperable since 2013. A Tokyo Suica works on Osaka Metro, Kyoto City Bus, Hiroshima tram, and transit systems in Fukuoka, Sapporo, and most major cities. The only restriction is that IC cards cannot be used for journeys that cross between separate IC fare zones on local lines.

Can I use Suica or Pasmo to pay for things other than transit?

Yes. Both cards double as e-money wallets accepted at most convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), vending machines, station coin lockers, taxis, and many restaurants and shops displaying the IC card logo. Top up with cash at any station machine or convenience store register; iPhone users can also top up via Apple Pay.

Is paying with an IC card cheaper than buying a paper ticket?

In central Tokyo, yes — IC card fares are always slightly cheaper than paper tickets because they are charged to the nearest ¥1 rather than rounded to the nearest ¥10, saving up to ¥9 per trip. Outside central Tokyo the difference is minimal and can occasionally favor paper tickets. IC cards also save time by eliminating ticket-machine queues.

How much does a Suica or Pasmo card cost?

A standard physical Suica or Pasmo starts at ¥1,000, which includes a ¥500 refundable deposit and ¥500 of usable credit. You can load up to ¥10,000 at purchase. The ¥500 deposit is returned (minus a ¥220 handling fee) when you return the card at an issuing station office.

What is a Welcome Suica and should tourists get one?

The Welcome Suica is a tourist-specific card with no ¥500 deposit and a cherry-blossom design. It is valid for 28 days from purchase and any remaining balance is non-refundable, so spend it down before leaving. An app version (Welcome Suica Mobile, iPhone only) launched in March 2025 and is valid for 180 days.

Where can I buy a Welcome Suica or Tourist Pasmo in Tokyo?

Welcome Suica is sold at JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita and Haneda airports, and at major JR stations including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Ikebukuro, and Ueno. Tourist Pasmo launched in May 2026 and is available at Narita and Haneda airports. Queues at airports can be long, especially on arrival.

Can I use Suica or Pasmo on my phone?

iPhone users (iPhone 8 or later, iOS 16+) can add Suica or Pasmo directly to Apple Wallet in about five minutes using an international Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. The Welcome Suica Mobile app (iPhone only) is the recommended tourist option and is valid for 180 days. Most international Android phones lack the required FeliCa chip, so Android users should get a physical card.

What is the difference between Suica and Pasmo?

Suica is issued by JR East and Pasmo by a consortium of Tokyo's private railways and subway operators. In practice they are functionally identical — both work on all trains, buses, subways, and IC-enabled shops across Tokyo and most of Japan. For tourists, the choice is largely irrelevant; use whichever you can get first.

Nearby in Ask Tokyo

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