Suica vs Pasmo: The Only IC Card Guide You Need for Japan

Updated October 15, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

One of the easiest ways to make getting around Japan smoother is a rechargeable IC card. Instead of studying fare maps and buying a ticket for every ride, you tap a card or phone at the gate and go. Suica and Pasmo are the two best-known cards in the Tokyo area, and a little background makes it easy to choose the right option for your trip.

Suica and Pasmo in Plain Terms

According to Japan Specialist, Suica is a Tokyo and Kanto card that works on JR East trains, subways, buses and for shopping, while Pasmo is also a Tokyo and Kanto card that covers non-JR trains, subways and buses. Explorer Tom describes Suica as common in Tokyo and eastern Japan and Pasmo as tied closely to Tokyo subway and private railway lines, and says that for travelers the two work almost the same, so the easier one to get is a reasonable choice.

The cards are also not limited to Tokyo. ATT Japan describes Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA and the other major cards as usable interchangeably throughout the country, with minor functional differences, though bus use is generally limited to the designated area for some cards. Japan Specialist gives a similar example: a Suica can be used in Osaka and an ICOCA in Tokyo. It also notes that some rural areas may not accept IC cards, so carrying some cash as a backup is wise.

Choosing a Card Type

Several versions exist, and the right one depends on how long you will be in Japan. The details below come from Japan Specialist, Jasumo, ATT Japan and Explorer Tom. Prices, deposits and sale locations can change, so check the official JR East and Pasmo pages for current information.

Standard Suica or Pasmo: A rechargeable physical card that suits residents and longer stays. Explorer Tom and ATT Japan both describe a 500 yen deposit that is returned when the card is handed back at the right office. ATT Japan adds that balances stay valid for 10 years, so a card can be kept for a future trip.
Welcome Suica and Tourist Pasmo (also called Pasmo Passport): Visitor cards. Japan Specialist and Explorer Tom say they have no deposit and are valid for 28 days. ATT Japan notes that Welcome Suica starts at 1,000 yen and is non-refundable, although it can be kept as a souvenir. Jasumo suggests it suits stays of under three weeks and says it is sold at Narita and Haneda airports.
Digital cards: Japan Specialist and Jasumo describe adding Suica or Pasmo to Apple Wallet on a compatible iPhone, linking a payment card and topping up. ATT Japan says the Welcome Suica Mobile app for iPhone launched in March 2025, with no deposit and 180 days of validity from issue. Explorer Tom cautions that foreign credit and debit cards may not top up reliably depending on the issuer, and that some Android phones bought outside Japan may not support the Japanese mobile wallet functions needed, so confirm your phone and card before you rely on this option.

Where to Get One

Japan Specialist lists Narita (JR East Travel Service Centres), Haneda (Monorail Suica and a JR East Travel Service Centre) and major stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya, with English options at most kiosks. Jasumo similarly lists Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno stations. Japan Specialist also notes that Lawson and FamilyMart sell IC cards at some locations.

One important point is availability. Explorer Tom states that availability and sales locations can change, and recommends checking the airport or railway website before arrival. Jasumo gives the same advice for physical cards. If a physical card is hard to find, a phone-based card or a visitor card may be the simpler route.

How to Use the Card

Using the card is straightforward, and Japan Specialist and ATT Japan describe the same basic flow.

Trains and subways: Tap on the IC reader at the entry gate and tap again at your exit gate. The fare is deducted when you exit.
Buses: Tap when boarding and, on many routes, again when leaving. The fare may depend on distance.
Shopping: Look for the IC logo near the register. Japan Specialist and ATT Japan list convenience stores, vending machines and some restaurants as common places to pay.
Low balance: If your balance is too low at the exit gate, a fare adjustment machine nearby can add funds. Explorer Tom lists fare adjustment machines among top-up points.

Adding Money

Top-ups are easy. Japan Specialist says you insert the card into a ticket machine, choose an amount, usually in 1,000 yen steps, and insert cash. Look for the charge sign (チャージ) near the gates. Explorer Tom adds that physical cards are generally topped up with cash, and that topping up is possible at ticket machines, fare adjustment machines, some convenience stores and some bus systems. ATT Japan gives a top-up range of 1,000 to 10,000 yen per charge, with a maximum balance of 20,000 yen, and Explorer Tom also notes a usual maximum of 20,000 yen.

How much should you load? Jasumo suggests keeping about 2,000 to 3,000 yen on the card for daily transport and small purchases, and an initial balance of about 2,000 to 5,000 yen for a physical card. Your own plans matter more: a few days of local trains need less, and a week of busy sightseeing may need more. Digital cards can be topped up at any time, which removes much of the guesswork.

What an IC Card Does Not Cover

An IC card is meant for local trains, subways, buses and small purchases. Japan Specialist notes that IC cards cannot be used for Shinkansen tickets and must be bought separately, and that the Japan Rail Pass and an IC card are used separately. Explorer Tom explains that the IC balance does not pay for Shinkansen fares and lists options such as a separate ticket, a QR ticket, a SmartEX booking or a valid rail pass. Rules for long-distance trains are specific, so check the current guidance for your route.

Before You Leave Japan

Refund rules depend on card type. ATT Japan says a standard Suica can be returned for its deposit when you leave, or you can pay a 220 yen fee to collect the remaining balance, and no refund is given if the balance is smaller than the fee. Welcome Suica and Tourist Pasmo are non-refundable according to Japan Specialist, Jasumo and Explorer Tom. Fees and procedures can change, so check with a JR East ticket office or the Pasmo site. A simple approach: spend down the balance on a last convenience store snack or drink, or keep the card as a souvenir for a future trip.

Quick Tips

Pick whichever card is easiest to get, since Suica and Pasmo work almost the same for visitors.
Check card availability and sale locations before you arrive.
Keep a little cash with you for rural areas, as Japan Specialist advises.
Remember that cards are not registered, so Japan Specialist warns that a lost physical card's balance cannot be recovered. Report any loss to JR East promptly.