Introduction
Looking for the suica pasmo difference explained? You’re at the right place. Navigating Tokyo’s trains and buses gets a lot easier once you’ve got an IC card in hand. In this ultimate guide you’ll find everything you need to choose, use, and top up your Suica or Pasmo card with confidence.
Here’s the one-sentence promise of value: we’ll break down features, fees, tourist options, plus handy money-saving tips so you never overpay on Tokyo transport.
Understanding Suica and Pasmo
What are IC cards
IC cards are reloadable stored-value cards you tap to pay fares on trains, buses, and even at shops. Think of them like London’s Oyster or Hong Kong’s Octopus card. You load money once, then enjoy ticketless travel across major networks (Japan National Tourism Organization).
Why two brands exist
Suica launched in 2001 by JR East, while Pasmo debuted in 2007 from private rail and bus operators. Even though they wear different names and logos, they work exactly the same way on most lines. Their main difference is which company issues them.
Key features compared
Coverage and acceptance
Both cards work on virtually all subways, trains, and buses in Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. You can also pay at vending machines, convenience stores, and many restaurants by tapping the reader for about one second (Japan Guide).
- Suica is issued by JR East
- Pasmo is issued by private rail and bus companies
- Interchangeable across major IC networks (Japan National Tourism Organization)
Recharge options and methods
Reloading takes seconds and you’ve got a few choices:
- Ticket vending machines in stations
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson (suica card convenience stores)
- Suica and Pasmo apps on your smartphone
Looking for a full list of reload spots? Check out our guide to suica card reload locations.
Fees, deposits, and refunds
Both cards require a refundable 500 JPY deposit for the physical version. Here’s what you need to know:
- Deposit: 500 JPY (physical cards only)
- Handling fee: 220 JPY deducted on refund
- Expiration: 10 years of inactivity for standard Suica and Pasmo cards
Tourist-specific versions like Welcome Suica and PASMO PASSPORT waive the deposit and expire 28 days after activation. To learn how to get your deposit back at the airport, see suica card refund tokyo airport or read about suica card deposit refund.
Using IC cards in Tokyo
How to tap and pay
Ready to ride? Simply touch your card to the reader at the ticket gate or register at the shop cashier. You’ll hear a beep and see your remaining balance on the screen. Need more detail? Our step-by-step on suica card how to use tokyo walks you through every screen.
Digital versions
Prefer your wallet on your phone? You can add Suica or Pasmo to Apple Wallet (iPhone 8 or newer, Apple Watch Series 3 or later), Google Pay, or the official Suica app. Mobile cards let you top up via credit card and skip vending machines completely. Learn more at mobile suica for tourists.
Buying your card
You can pick up a Suica or Pasmo card at:
- Major JR East stations and airports (Narita, Haneda)
- Pasmo ticket machines and offices at private rail stations
- Tourist desks and kiosks
For English instructions on Pasmo, refer to pasmo card english instructions. To find purchase spots, see pasmo card where to buy.
Special tourist cards
Welcome Suica
Specifically for short-term visitors, Welcome Suica:
- Costs 2,000 –10,000 JPY including deposit-free stored value
- Expires after 28 days, no refund required
- Sold at Narita/Haneda airports, select JR stations (Rakuten Travel Guide)
PASMO PASSPORT
Japan’s private-operator answer to a visitor card, PASMO PASSPORT:
- Zero deposit, 28-day validity
- Available at major Tokyo IC card sales points
- Keeps a neat souvenir design
Tourist card comparison
| Feature | Welcome Suica | PASMO PASSPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | None | None |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days |
| Refund | N/A | N/A |
| Purchase locations | Airports, JR stations | IC ticket offices, tourist spots |
| Mobile option | Yes (iPhone app) | No official mobile version |
Pros and cons
Suica benefits
- Issued by JR East, seamless on JR lines
- Widely recognized and accepted nationwide
- Mobile version offers auto top-up
Pasmo benefits
- Equally functional on most lines
- Issued by private networks, sometimes preloaded with promotions
- Some tourism bundles may include Pasmo only
Side-by-side overview
| Aspect | Suica | Pasmo |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | JR East | Private rail and bus companies |
| Coverage | Major cities nationwide | Major cities nationwide |
| Deposit | 500 JPY refundable | 500 JPY refundable |
| Tourist version | Welcome Suica | PASMO PASSPORT |
| Mobile card | Yes | Limited |
| Internal link | suica vs pasmo card tokyo | pasmo card vs suica benefits |
Tips to save
Compare day passes vs IC cards
If you ride a lot in a day, a flat-rate pass may cost less than pay-as-you-go. Explore options like the 24-hour Tokyo Subway ticket (tokyo subway 24 hour ticket) or the Tokyo Metro 72-hour pass (tokyo metro 72 hour ticket). For an in-depth comparison, see tokyo metro pass vs suica and tokyo transportation card comparison.
Use JR Pass perks on Yamanote
Holding a JR Pass means unlimited rides on the Yamanote Line, plus other JR East lines. If you plan many JR trips, check jr pass yamanote line coverage and decide if a Tokyo-only pass makes more sense (jr pass worth it tokyo only).
Bundle local day tickets
For side trips to Mt Fuji or Nikko, regional day passes often cover IC cards plus scenic trains. Browse our tokyo train pass recommendations and tokyo day pass train options for the best deals.
Final thoughts
Here’s the thing, you really can’t go wrong with either Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo. Both cards give you seamless access to most transit and a host of cashless benefits at stores. Choose based on where you pick up the card, whether you want a mobile version, or if you prefer a specific design. Once you’ve tapped in, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without one.
FAQs
-
Can I use Suica and Pasmo interchangeably?
Yes, these cards work on the same IC networks, so you can use either on most trains, subways, and buses (Japan National Tourism Organization). -
How do I refund my card before leaving Japan?
Visit a JR East ticket office or Pasmo service counter. You’ll get your deposit back minus a small handling fee. See more at suica card refund tokyo airport. -
Is the mobile version as reliable as the physical card?
Absolutely. Mobile Suica works the same way, and auto top-up means you never run out of balance. Check mobile suica for tourists for setup details. -
What’s the best pick for short visits under 28 days?
Go with Welcome Suica or PASMO PASSPORT since they skip the deposit and are valid for 28 days. -
Are there any discounts using IC cards over paper tickets?
Generally fares match paper tickets, though some areas like Greater Tokyo, Niigata, and Sendai may price fares slightly differently when you use an IC card (Japan Guide).
