Planning your Tokyo trip means getting from A to B with zero hassle. That’s why understanding the suica vs pasmo card tokyo debate matters right off the bat. Both cards let you tap in at ticket gates, buy a snack, or grab a coffee without juggling coins or tickets.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything about these rechargeable fare cards—from buying and topping up to sneaky tips for squeezing out every last yen. By the end, you’ll know exactly which card fits your travel style and budget, so you can focus on exploring, not fumbling.
IC card basics
An IC card (integrated circuit card) is a rechargeable smart card you tap on a reader to pay for transport or purchases. In Japan, dozens of companies issue these cards, but the ten major brands—including Suica and Pasmo—have been interoperable since 2013 (Japan Guide). That means you can pick up Suica in Tokyo and use it in Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and more.
Key IC card features:
- Tap-and-go convenience across trains, subways, and buses
- Payment at vending machines, convenience stores, and many shops
- Auto-balance check at ticket machines or during payments
- Ten-year expiry if unused, so you can use it on your next trip (Japan Guide)
Here’s the thing: these cards rarely offer big fare discounts over paper tickets, but they do shave off a few yen in places like central Tokyo due to rounding differences (Japan Guide). You’ll also need a supplemental ticket for some Shinkansen rides.
Comparing Suica and Pasmo
If you’ve heard chatter about the Suica vs Pasmo debate, rest easy—both cards work almost identically. Still, a few small differences can tip the scale.
Comparison table
| Feature | Suica | Pasmo |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | JR East | Private railways and Tokyo Metro |
| Deposit | ¥500 refundable deposit (Rakuten Travel Guide) | ¥500 refundable deposit (Rakuten Travel Guide) |
| Initial load | Typically ¥1,500 credit | Typically ¥1,500 credit |
| Purchase locations | JR East stations, ticket machines, online orders | Station machines, ticket counters |
| Mobile integration | Apple Pay, Mobile Suica app | Mobile Pasmo (Android) |
| Coverage | Most of Greater Tokyo, major cities nationwide | Same interoperability as Suica |
| Expiry | 10 years after last use | 10 years after last use |
Both cards let you add funds, tap for most transport, and spend at shops. If you plan to stick around JR East lines (into Saitama or Chiba), Suica feels more natural. If your routes focus on private lines or Tokyo Metro, Pasmo is just as simple. You can learn more about subtle nuances in our suica pasmo difference explained and check out specific perks in this pasmo card vs suica benefits guide.
Buying and topping up
Your next step is grabbing a card and loading it with credit. Let’s walk through the where and how.
Where to buy cards
- Suica: JR East stations, vending machines, ticket offices, or order online and pick up at Haneda (Rakuten Travel Guide)
- Pasmo: Ticket machines or counters at private railways, Tokyo Metro stations, and some airport kiosks (pasmo card where to buy)
- Welcome Suica: A 28-day, deposit-free version for visitors, sold at major airports and eight JR stations
How to reload
- Station ticket machines: follow English prompts
- Convenience stores: look for touch terminals
- Mobile apps: top up with a credit card on Apple Pay or Mobile Suica
- Automatic recharge (if linked to a credit card)
For a full list of reload spots, check suica card reload locations.
Handling refunds
When you leave Japan, get your deposit back (and any unused credit) at JR East ticket offices or refund kiosks. A small handling fee (¥220) may apply (suica card deposit refund). If you’re flying out, you can also do this at select airport counters (suica card refund tokyo airport). Pasmo refunds follow a similar process at Tokyo Metro and private railway offices.
Using on transport
Tapping your card is a breeze, but a few rules help you avoid surprises.
Trains, subways and buses
- Simply tap your card on the reader at gates or on board
- Your fare deducts automatically based on distance
- Works on JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei buses, and most private lines (ic card tokyo subway)
Shinkansen and supplements
You can’t just tap for a bullet train ride. To use your IC card on select Shinkansen lines, purchase a supplement ticket at a machine or counter before boarding (Japan Guide). Then tap your card along with the supplement.
Coverage restrictions
Your tap-in and tap-out stations must lie within the card’s service area. If you cross into non-covered zones, you’ll need a paper ticket for the segment (Japan Guide). Always check the origin and destination before hopping on.
Spending beyond trains
Your card isn’t just for transport. Tap and pay pretty much anywhere you see a reader.
Shops and vending machines
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart
- Ticketed attractions with touch terminals
- Automated vending machines for drinks or snacks
Restaurants and services
You’ll find Suica and Pasmo accepted at some cafes, locker systems, and even taxis in Tokyo. Just look for the contactless logo on the counter reader.
Maximizing your card
You’ve got a smart card—why not squeeze out some perks?
Fare discounts and rounding
Although there’s no flat IC card discount, fares in Greater Tokyo can be a few yen cheaper than paper tickets thanks to rounding rules (Japan Guide). Over dozens of trips, those savings add up.
Avoiding expiration
Don’t let your card die of neglect. A ten-year expiry kicks in after your last use, so keep it active if you plan to return for another visit.
Combining with passes
Pair your IC card with day passes for extra value:
- Tokyo Subway 24-hour ticket plus IC for JR lines (tokyo subway 24 hour ticket)
- Tokyo Metro 72-hour pass top-up on your Suica (tokyo metro 72 hour ticket)
- Greater Tokyo Pass plus Suica for JR East local lines (greater tokyo pass worth it)
- Yamanote Line coverage with JR Pass plus your IC card (jr pass yamanote line coverage)
Considering other options
If you’re juggling multiple passes or mobile plans, these might fit your itinerary better.
Mobile Suica for tourists
Skip the plastic card—use Apple Wallet or the Mobile Suica app for instant top-ups. Check out mobile suica for tourists to learn setup tricks.
JR passes and day tickets
Traveling beyond Tokyo? A JR Pass might save you cash. For Tokyo-only travel though, compare it against IC plus local passes (jr pass worth it tokyo only) or a Tokyo Wide Pass (tokyo wide pass yamanote line).
Visitor Oyster-style cards
If you plan heavy subway use, a prepaid day ticket like the Visitor Oyster model offers unlimited rides on local lines (tokyo visitor oyster card). Then top up your Suica or Pasmo for JR and non-subway trips.
Final thoughts and tips
- Both Suica and Pasmo give you fast, fuss-free access to trains, buses, and shops
- Deposit the same, recharge the same, and tap the same—choose based on issuer perks
- Use mobile apps if you hate queues, and link a credit card for auto-top-up
- Combine your card with day passes to slice travel costs further
- Remember to refund your deposit before you fly home
Ready to tap and go? Pick up your card at the station, load it up, and let the adventure begin. If you have tips of your own, drop them in the comments below so fellow travelers can benefit.
FAQs
1. Which card is best for first-time visitors?
Either Suica or Pasmo works great for newcomers. If you land at Narita or Haneda, Suica’s airport kiosks are handy. Pasmo gives equal coverage once you’re in the city. Choose whichever is easiest to grab after baggage claim.
2. Can I share one card between friends?
No, each card stores a single travel history and balance. Swapping it between people could lead to fare disputes or card lockouts, especially on timed transfers. It’s safer to get one card per traveler.
3. What happens if I lose my card?
Lost plastic cards mean lost balance, unless you’d registered it via Mobile Suica. Registered users can report cards, transfer balances to a new device, or block unauthorized use. Unregistered plastic cards can’t be replaced or refunded.
4. Do these cards work outside Tokyo?
Yes, the ten major IC cards interoperate nationwide in major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka (Japan Guide). Just tap away on compatible buses and trains outside Tokyo as well.
5. How do I check my remaining balance?
Tap your card at any ticket machine or fare gate to see your balance on screen. Many convenience stores also display the remaining credit when you pay. If you’re on a mobile version, open the app or Wallet for an instant read.
