When you land in Tokyo, juggling paper tickets and finding the right fare can feel like a puzzle. Luckily, prepaid train cards in Tokyo turn every gate into a quick tap-and-go moment. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn how these stored-value IC cards work, where to grab one, and how to pair them with day passes to save both time and yen.
You’ll walk away knowing which card suits your itinerary, how to top it up, and where to get refunds at the end of your trip. Ready to breeze through Tokyo transit like a local?
Prepaid train cards Tokyo
What they do
Prepaid train cards are rechargeable smart cards that store credit for trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo. Just touch your card to the reader for about one second and the fare is deducted automatically. You can even use these cards for vending machines, convenience store snacks, and some restaurants.
Travel coverage benefits
- Valid on almost all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka (Japan Guide)
- No need to buy a paper ticket for every trip
- Speeds up transfers, especially during rush hour
- Easy balance checks and recharges at machines or shops
- Works on selected shinkansen lines once you add a supplement ticket
Why you’ll love them
You’ll skip lines, avoid fare errors, and keep walking on your own two feet instead of fumbling for loose change. Plus, one card works across multiple regions so you won’t need separate passes if you dash out of Tokyo for a day.
Compare popular IC cards
Suica vs Pasmo
Though Suica and Pasmo are fully compatible, they come from different operators. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Suica | Pasmo |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | JR East | Tokyo Metro & private railways |
| Deposit | ¥500 refundable | ¥500 refundable |
| Visitor option | Welcome Suica (no deposit, 28-day expiry) | No deposit waiver |
| Mobile support | Mobile Suica for tourists | Limited smartphone app support |
| Unique perks | JR East e-money offers | Some private lines promotions |
If you’re still undecided, dive deeper into our suica pasmo difference explained guide.
Visitor Suica options
The Welcome Suica card skips the ¥500 deposit but expires after 28 days, making it perfect for short stays. You can grab one at Narita or Haneda airports, and at eight major JR stations as of March 2025 (Rakuten Travel).
Mobile Suica app
iPhone users can add a virtual Suica to their Apple Wallet for tap-and-go ease. It feels more reliable—and you never lose it at the bottom of your bag. Apple Pay works for transit and many shops across Tokyo.
Buy and reload cards
Where to buy
- Ticket machines and counters at JR East stations (deposit + initial charge)
- Pasmo vending machines at Metro stations (deposit + initial charge)
- Major Tokyo airports (Welcome Suica kiosks)
- Many convenience stores offer “Suica” top-ups at the register
Need more details on pickup spots? Check our pasmo card where to buy post.
Reload points
You can recharge up to ¥20,000 per card at:
- Ticket machines of any participating railway or bus operator
- Special recharge machines in stations
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart (Japan Guide)
For step-by-step top-up instructions, see suica card reload locations.
App and online options
Pasmo is rolling out an app that lets you buy and charge a virtual card. Manila-style reloads via credit card may require a Japanese billing address, so physical top-ups often stay simpler.
Use cards smoothly
Tapping on and off
At entry gates, touch the card surface to the reader. You’ll hear a beep and see your remaining balance. Always tap out when you exit, or you’ll owe the maximum fare for that line.
On buses and metros
Most Tokyo buses have a reader near the driver’s seat—you’ll tap upon boarding and exiting. On the metro, tap the same way you would at train gates. No need to pick between paper tickets and IC cards.
On shinkansen lines
You can use Suica and Pasmo on certain shinkansen routes for the base fare. For a limited express seat, buy a supplement ticket at the counter before boarding. That makes long-distance hops nearly frictionless.
Combine with day passes
When your sightseeing day involves hopping around multiple zones, a mix of IC card credit and day passes can cut costs.
Tokyo Subway 24-hour ticket
- Unlimited rides on Toei and Tokyo Metro lines for 24 hours
- Costs around ¥800 for adults
- Great for heavy urban exploring (tokyo-subway-24-hour-ticket)
Tokyo Metro 72-hour ticket
- Covers all Tokyo Metro lines for three days
- Priced at roughly ¥1,500
- Ideal when you’re museum-hopping or gallery-touring (tokyo-metro-72-hour-ticket)
Greater Tokyo Pass
Unlimited rides on JR East, Toei, Tokyo Metro, private lines, and some buses across multiple prefectures. It’s worth comparing against a 7-day Suica spend if your trip takes you to Mount Fuji or Yokohama (greater-tokyo-pass-worth-it).
JR East regional passes
For day trips on JR East lines—like Nikko or Kawaguchiko—regional passes often beat IC card fares. Check out our jr pass yamanote line coverage piece to see if a Tokyo-only JR Pass makes sense (jr-pass-worth-it-tokyo-only).
Pass versus IC card
Roughly speaking:
- Use passes when you’ll take 3+ long rides in a day
- Stick with your IC card for casual hops and off-peak travel
Compare your options in our tokyo transportation card comparison chart.
Manage balance and refunds
Check card balance
Tap your card at any ticket machine or fare reader to see your remaining credit. You can also check balances at convenience store registers.
Deposit refund
You can reclaim your ¥500 deposit plus leftover credit at major JR stations and airports, minus a small service fee. For step-by-step guidance, visit suica card deposit refund or suica card refund tokyo airport.
Lost card tips
If you register your card (mobile users) you can block it remotely and transfer the balance. For plastic cards, treat it like cash—once it’s gone, any stored credit vanishes.
Main takeaways and actions
- Pick Suica or Pasmo based on where you land and extra perks you need
- Recharge at stations or convenience stores to avoid running out mid-trip
- Tap in and out on trains, buses, and select shinkansen lines
- Mix IC card credit with day passes for the most cost savings
- Get your deposit back before you head home
Grab your card, top it up, and give yourself one less worry on your Tokyo adventure.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use a single IC card across multiple Japanese cities?
Yes, Suica and Pasmo are interoperable in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and more, covering most urban trains, subways, and buses (Japan Guide).
2. How do I know when to buy a day pass instead of tapping my IC card?
If you plan 3 or more long rides in one day, day passes usually save you money. Compare your rough fare total to pass prices first.
3. What happens if I don’t tap out of a train gate?
The system charges the maximum fare for that line. You can adjust it at a fare adjustment machine near the exits.
4. Can I get a refund for the leftover balance after 10 years of inactivity?
Standard Suica cards expire after 10 years without a charge. You’ll lose the deposit and any leftover balance.
5. Is the Welcome Suica better than a regular Suica?
Welcome Suica waives the deposit but expires after 28 days, making it ideal for short stays. For longer trips, a regular Suica stays active for 10 years.
