Imagine you’ve just touched down in Tokyo, excitement bubbling but your wallet still full of foreign coins. A Pasmo card lets you breeze through stations, hop on buses, and even grab a snack with a tap of your wrist. If you’re wondering pasmo card where to buy, you’re in the right place.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn which Pasmo type fits your trip, the easiest spots to pick one up, how to top up, and even how to get that ¥500 deposit back. Let’s get you set for smooth travels.
Why choose a Pasmo card
Tokyo’s transit system is vast and ticket machines can be confusing. With a rechargeable IC card like Pasmo, you tap in and out—no fumbling for yen, no guessing fares. You can:
- Use trains, buses, and even taxis
- Pay at vending machines, shops, and cafes
- Reload quickly at stations or convenience stores
Here’s the thing, if you plan multiple rides a day, Pasmo often ends up cheaper than single tickets. Plus you avoid lines and language barriers at machines.
Understand Pasmo card types
Pasmo comes in several flavours, each designed for different travellers. Pick the one that matches your needs.
| Card type | Who it’s for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Blank Pasmo | Anyone | Ready to use, no registration required |
| Personalized Pasmo | Long-term stays or lost-card security | Reissue when lost by registering personal details |
| Child Pasmo | Kids under 12 | Discounted fares, valid until March 31 after age 12 |
| Commuter pass | Daily commuters | Flat-rate travel on a set route |
| Pasmo Passport | Short-term visitors (up to 28 days) | Special store discounts, valid with foreign passport |
Blank Pasmo cards
These are ready out of the box. You pay a one-time fee plus a ¥500 deposit (not usable for fares or shopping) which you get back when you return the card (PASMO). No ID required, perfect if you just need a simple payment tool.
Personalized Pasmo cards
If you lose your card, you can reissue it—handy if you’re here for a month or more. You’ll register your name, birth date, gender, and phone number at the counter (PASMO). If it goes missing, your balance is protected.
Child and commuter passes
Child Pasmo details
Kids under 12 ride at a discount until March 31 of the year they turn 12. After that date, you can convert it to an adult Pasmo by following the simple procedures at a ticket office.
Pasmo commuter pass
Ideal if you’re trekking the same route daily, like from a hotel outside central Tokyo. It calculates fares beyond your set route when you tap out, so you only pay the extra portion.
Pasmo Passport
This special card is for visitors holding a foreign passport, valid 28 days after activation. You’ll snag discounts at select stores and restaurants. Keep it as a souvenir or return it for the ¥500 deposit (Japan Travel).
Pasmo card where to buy
Finding a purchase spot is easier than you think. You can grab a Pasmo card right after you land or at almost any major transit hub.
Airport counters
Narita and Haneda both have Pasmo counters in arrival lobbies. Lines can form during peak arrivals, so look for the “IC Card” or “Pasmo” signs. Keep your passport handy if you opt for a Pasmo Passport.
Station ticket machines
Most train and metro stations let you buy a blank Pasmo from multilingual vending machines. Just select English, choose “Pasmo,” insert cash, and you’re all set. For step-by-step guidance in English, see pasmo card english instructions.
Convenience stores
Many 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson stores near stations sell Pasmo cards at the cash register. Ask “Pasmo kudasai” (please) and hand over ¥2,000 or more (includes deposit plus initial load).
Ticket vending machines
You’ll see dedicated IC card machines next to regular ticket machines. They can issue or reload Pasmo in English, Chinese, and Korean. These machines accept coins and bills up to ¥10,000.
Mobile Pasmo app
If you have an iPhone 8 (iOS 14.0+) or Apple Watch Series 3 (watchOS 7.0+), set up Mobile Pasmo through the official app. You can only use one device at a time, but you skip all in-person queues (Japan Travel).
Top up and use your card
Once you have your Pasmo, here’s how to keep it charged and tap through gates like a pro.
Using ticket gates
Simply touch your Pasmo to the reader panel at the gate. The fare is deducted automatically and you’re through in seconds. Got questions about Suica? Check out suica card how to use tokyo.
Reloading at machines and stores
- Station machines: Select “Charge” or “Load,” insert cash, and confirm
- Buses: Minimum top-up is ¥1,000 when boarding, just hand your card to the driver
- Convenience stores: Ask the clerk to add value to your Pasmo
Checking your balance
Your remaining balance appears on the gate reader after every tap. You can also view it on station machines or in the Pasmo mobile app.
Pasmo card costs and refunds
Understanding fees and refunds helps you plan without surprises.
Card price and deposit
New Pasmo cards cost the face value you load plus a refundable ¥500 deposit. That deposit can’t be used for travel or purchases (PASMO).
Refund procedures
To get your ¥500 back, return the card at any major station’s Pasmo counter. Note that integrated credit-type Pasmo cards may not qualify for a deposit refund. If you’re headed home from Narita or Haneda, you can also refund at airport offices (see suica card refund tokyo airport).
Compare your transport options
Pasmo is great, but how does it stack up against other cards and passes?
Pasmo vs Suica
These cards work almost identically, and you can even use them interchangeably across Tokyo. If you need details on key differences, read suica pasmo difference explained.
Day passes and commuter passes
Sometimes a day ticket or metro pass makes more sense. Compare options like the Tokyo subway 24 hour ticket or Tokyo metro pass vs Suica before deciding.
JR Pass and other options
If you plan Shinkansen trips outside Tokyo, a JR Pass might save you money. See how the JR Pass lines up with your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
-
What’s the difference between Pasmo and Pasmo Passport?
Pasmo Passport is for short-term visitors with a foreign passport. It’s valid 28 days and gives special discounts. -
Can I refund my Pasmo balance when leaving Japan?
For a plastic Pasmo, yes—you get your deposit back but not the stored value. Mobile Pasmo refunds must go through a Japanese bank. -
How do I replace a lost Personalized Pasmo?
Report it at any Pasmo counter with your ID details. Your registered balance is reissued on a new card (PASMO). -
What’s the maximum load limit on Pasmo?
You can top up to ¥20,000 at once. -
Can I use Pasmo on other IC systems?
Yes, Pasmo works interchangeably with Suica, ICOCA, Kitaca, TOICA, and more in most regions.
Ready to tap your way through Tokyo? Grab your Pasmo, top it up, and get exploring. Happy travels!
