You want to save on transit without getting stuck fumbling for tickets, so here’s your ultimate rundown of Tokyo day pass train options—from reloadable IC cards to unlimited-ride one-day tickets. By the end, you’ll know which card or pass fits your itinerary and your wallet.
In a nutshell, you’ll learn:
- The perks of prepaid Suica and PASMO cards
- How Tokyo’s main one-day passes stack up
- A side-by-side comparison with pricing, coverage, and purchase spots
- Tips to top up, refund, and combine for extra savings
Ready to ride smart? Let’s dive in.
understand ic cards
what are ic cards
IC cards (integrated circuit cards) are reloadable smart passes you tap at ticket gates. Instead of buying paper tickets each trip, you preload money and scan through—kind of like tossing coins in a toll box, but much faster. You can use them on trains, buses, even at convenience stores and vending machines across Japan.
suica card basics
Suica is JR East’s IC card. You pay a 500 yen deposit, then add any amount from 1,000 yen up to 20,000 yen. It works on JR lines, subways, private railways, and buses around Tokyo. You can also buy coffee or a snack at 7-Eleven and other shops, so it’s super handy if you hate carrying cash.
pasmo card basics
PASMO is like Suica but issued by Tokyo’s private railways and subways. It has the same 500 yen deposit and 20,000 yen limit, and you can tap on most of the same networks as Suica. The big perk is availability—you can pick up PASMO at station counters or vending machines without hunting for a JR station.
compare suica and pasmo
They work almost interchangeably, but the small differences can matter if you’re picky about purchase points or app features. For a deep dive, check out our guide on suica pasmo difference explained.
charging and using cards
Reloading takes seconds. At ticket machines or convenience stores, tap your card, select “Charge,” insert cash or use IC-enabled credit, then confirm the amount. You’ll see the new balance instantly. If you prefer your phone, you can go contactless with mobile suica for tourists.
If you need step-by-step help in English, see pasmo card english instructions or suica card how to use tokyo.
deposit and refund
When you’re wrapping up your trip, get your 500 yen deposit back plus any unused balance (minus a 220 yen handling fee at some counters).
- JR station ticket offices, NewDays shops, or airport kiosks handle Suica refunds
- Toei and private-railway counters take PASMO returns
- At Tokyo airports you can grab a refund at official service centers (suica card refund tokyo airport)
Keep your card handy—lost cards usually mean lost deposits and funds.
explore one-day passes
Tokyo’s one-day tickets unlock unlimited rides within specified zones. Prices vary by network and how much territory you need. Let’s break down the main deals.
tokyo metro 24 hour ticket
This pass gives unlimited rides on all nine Tokyo Metro lines for 700 yen (adult) or 350 yen (child) from first tap to 24 hours later. You can buy it at major Tokyo Metro stations or vending machines. Perfect if you plan to hop on and off all day downtown. (Tokyo Metro)
Find more on our tokyo subway 24 hour ticket page.
common one-day subway ticket
Want both Tokyo Metro and Toei subways? For 900 yen (adult) or 450 yen (child) you get unlimited rides on all lines from first use until midnight. Pick it up at any ticket machine in Toei or Tokyo Metro stations. Great for exploring neighborhoods on both networks. (Tokyo Metro)
tokyo free ticket
Also called the Metro 1-Day Open Ticket, this 1,600 yen (adult) or 800 yen (child) pass covers Tokyo Metro and Toei subways, buses, trams, and JR lines within Tokyo’s 23 wards. If you want total freedom—including a spin on the Yamanote line—you’ll love this all-in-one deal. (Japan Travel)
tokyo combination ticket
For the same price as the Free Ticket (1,600 yen adult, 800 yen child), the Combination Ticket adds Tokyo Sakura Tram and Nippori-Toneri Liner to the coverage above. You buy it on the date you want and can request a refund (220 yen fee) if plans change. (Tokyo Metro)
n’ex round trip ticket
Coming via Narita? The N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket is your airport-to-city shortcut. At 5,000 yen (adult) or 2,500 yen (child), it includes a round-trip on the Narita Express plus free transfers to JR East lines within Tokyo. Valid 14 days, sold only to overseas visitors at Narita Airport T1/T2 JR Ticket Offices. (Japan Travel)
compare pass features
Here’s a quick table to spot the best fit at a glance
| Pass name | Price (adult) | Duration | Coverage | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suica / PASMO | 500 yen deposit | Unlimited (reusable) | JR, Metro, private railways, buses, shops | JR stations, Metro stations, kiosks, apps |
| Tokyo Metro 24 hour Ticket | 700 yen | 24 hours | Tokyo Metro lines | Metro stations, vending machines |
| Common one-day ticket | 900 yen | Until midnight | Tokyo Metro + Toei subways | Metro & Toei vending machines |
| Tokyo Free Ticket | 1,600 yen | Until midnight | Metro, Toei, buses, trams, JR within 23 wards | Metro stations, tourist centers |
| Tokyo Combination Ticket | 1,600 yen | 1 day within 1 month | Above + Sakura Tram, Nippori-Toneri Liner | Metro station counters |
| N’EX Round Trip Ticket | 5,000 yen | 14 days | Narita Express + JR East Tokyo transfers | Narita Airport T1/T2 JR Ticket Offices |
For more in-depth side-by-side details, see our tokyo transportation card comparison.
choose your option
Which pass fits your style?
- You take 4+ subway rides in 24 hours: grab the Metro 24 hour Ticket
- You mix Metro and Toei every day: go for the Common one-day ticket
- You want buses, trams, JR within Tokyo: pick the Tokyo Free Ticket
- You fly in and out of Narita: N’EX Round Trip Ticket is your fast lane
- You prefer pay-as-you-go: stick with Suica or PASMO
Still undecided? Check our tokyo train pass recommendations for tailored advice.
buy and use passes
Here’s how to get rolling without stress:
- find a sales point
- IC cards at JR East stations, metro stations, mobile apps
- One-day tickets at station machines or staffed counters
- purchase and validate
- IC cards require a 500 yen deposit plus stored value
- Day tickets print out or load onto IC (IC versions available)
- tap in and out
- At each gate, tap on entry and exit readers
- Keep day tickets handy—they may ask inspectors to check
- top up balance
- At ticket machines, convenience stores, or via mobile apps
- Look for “Charge” or “Reload” options on screens
smooth-ride tips
- Always check your remaining balance on gates or machines
- Save time by charging cards in bulk before peak hours
- If a gate won’t open, speak to station staff—they’ll sort it in seconds
maximize your savings
Here’s how to squeeze extra value from your passes:
- buy unused day tickets early and get a partial refund (220 yen fee)
- combine Suica/PASMO with a day pass—use IC for short hops, pass for heavy-use days
- hit discount ticket shops near major stations for 5% off regular fares (Japan Guide)
- avoid peak hours (7–9 am, 5–7 pm) when trains cost the same but you’ll be packed in
- plan a weekend trip to free sightseeing days when some attractions waive entry for IC card users
frequently asked questions
Do day tickets work on JR trains?
Mostly no—with one exception. The Tokyo Free Ticket and Combination Ticket cover JR lines within Tokyo’s 23 wards. Standard Metro and Toei day passes don’t work on JR.
Can I use a Japan Rail Pass instead?
The Japan Rail Pass covers JR lines nationwide, including the Yamanote loop. It can be worth it if you’re doing long day trips outside Tokyo. See jr pass worth it tokyo only for more.
What if I lose my IC card?
Unregistered cards can’t be replaced. For Mobile Suica, you can suspend and recover your balance if you registered your passport details.
Are children’s tickets cheaper?
Yes—child fares apply for ages 6–11 on one-day and one-way tickets at roughly half the adult rate.
Can I share passes with friends?
No—you must tap each person’s card or ticket through the gates separately.
Enjoy stress-free navigation of Tokyo’s vast rail network. Pick your pass, tap in, and let the city unfold—fast, fun, and budget-friendly. Which option will you try first? Drop your thoughts below!
