Should I purchase a Suica or Pasmo card? Where can I buy, top up, and use them?

Tokyo TravelIC cardTransportationPaymentsTravelJapan
Created At: 8/15/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

No problem at all! For anyone new to Tokyo travel, the Suica vs. Pasmo question is practically a rite of passage. Don't worry at all – it's actually very straightforward, here's the breakdown.

Suica vs. Pasmo: Which Should You Choose?

Honestly speaking, for us tourists, these two cards are nearly identical. You really can't go wrong with either!

Think of them as Japan's version of cards like China's "Transport Card Standard," Taiwan's "EasyCard," or Hong Kong's "Octopus Card." They're all rechargeable IC cards, fundamentally for a quick tap to enter stations and board trains, or to tap-and-pay for purchases.

IC Card Logo (In Japan, you can use your card virtually anywhere you see this symbol)

So what are the differences?

  • Different Issuers: Suica is issued by JR East (the company running the Yamanote Line, N'EX, etc.), featuring a penguin 🐧. Pasmo is issued by a consortium of Tokyo's private railway, subway, and bus operators, featuring a robot 🤖.
  • Different Refund Locations: This is the only practical difference. Suica can only be refunded at JR East stations; Pasmo can only be refunded at non-JR stations (e.g., Tokyo Metro stations). But honestly, since most tourists get limited-time cards that can't be refunded anyway, this difference is basically irrelevant.

The bottom line? Just get whichever card you see first at the airport or station, or whichever kiosk has the shortest line. Seriously, no need to overthink it!

Where to Buy?

This is the crucial change from the last year or two — pay close attention! Due to a chip shortage, regular physical Suica and Pasmo cards are currently suspended for sale.

But don't panic! Tourists have alternatives:

  1. Visitor-Exclusive Physical Cards (Recommended for non-iPhone users or those who prefer physical cards)

    • Welcome Suica: Red card design, quite nice. Available at JR East Travel Service Centers or designated ticket machines at Narita & Haneda Airports.
    • Pasmo Passport: Also has a nice design, featuring Sanrio characters. Sold at Keisei Electric Railway and Keikyu Railway ticket counters at Narita & Haneda Airports.

    Key Features

    • Valid for only 28 days.
    • No initial deposit, but leftover balance cannot be refunded! So try to spend down your balance at convenience stores, etc., before leaving.
    • Passport required for purchase.

  2. Mobile IC Cards (Highly recommended for iPhone users!)

    • If you have an iPhone 8 or later, the easiest way is to add a Suica or Pasmo card directly to your Apple Wallet.
    • Major Advantages
      • No need for a physical card – just tap your phone (incredibly convenient!).
      • Recharge anytime, anywhere using a credit card in Apple Pay so no need to hunt for machines.
      • No expiry date – leftover funds can be used on your next Japan trip.
      • Free to issue, with no deposit.

    How to Add

    • Open the Wallet app -> Tap "+" (top right) -> Select "Transit Card" -> Find Suica or Pasmo in the list -> Follow the prompts.

How to Recharge (Charge)?

Adding money to your card is easy too, called "チャージ" (Chāji) in Japanese.

  1. Cash Recharge (Works for all card types)

    • Station Ticket Machines: Almost all ticket machines at stations can charge cards. Look for machines labeled "ICカードチャージ" (IC Card Charge). Switch the interface to English, insert your card, select the amount to recharge, then insert cash. You can usually recharge ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000, etc.
    • Convenience Stores (7-11, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.): Super convenient! Hand the card to the clerk and say "Charge, please" (or simply point to the card and say "Charge"). Give them the cash, they'll process it, and return your card with a receipt.

  2. Credit Card Recharge (Mobile cards only - big advantage!)

    • This is the biggest perk of mobile cards! Simply open the Apple Wallet app, select your Suica/Pasmo, tap "Refill", enter the amount, and pay with your Apple Pay linked card (Mastercard or Amex recommended; some Visa may fail). It's instant! No more worrying about running out of cash.

Where Can You Use It?

These cards are incredibly versatile, extending far beyond just transport.

  • Transportation 🚆🚌

    • All Public Transit in Tokyo: JR trains, subways, private railways, buses – all accept them.
    • Most Major Areas Across Japan: Even outside Tokyo – Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, etc. – the card is widely accepted so you likely won't need to buy a local card.

  • Payments 🏪🛍️

    • Convenience Stores: Essential for drinks, snacks, bento!
    • Vending Machines: Get a drink without fiddling with coins.
    • Station Coin Lockers: Super handy for storing luggage.
    • Many Chain Restaurants: Fast food spots like McDonald's, Matsuya, etc.
    • Some Stores & Drugstores: When paying, look for the IC card logo at the register.

Simply put, whenever you see that IC card logo, go ahead and tap your card or your phone!

Final Recommendations

  • If you're an iPhone user: Go straight to your Apple Wallet and get a virtual Suica. It's hands-down the most convenient and useful option right now.
  • If you're an Android user or prefer a physical card as a souvenir: After you land, pick up a visitor-exclusive card (Welcome Suica if at a JR station; Pasmo Passport if at Keisei/Keikyu stations).
  • Choosing between Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport?: Whichever is easiest to get at the moment; they are functionally identical for your use.

Hope that clears everything up! Enjoy your Tokyo trip! 👍

Created At: 08-15 05:24:36Updated At: 08-15 10:08:55