“Should I get a Suica or a PASMO?” is one of the most common questions Tokyo visitors ask — and the short answer is: it doesn’t matter, get whichever one you can buy first. Both are prepaid IC (integrated circuit) cards that work identically across Tokyo’s trains, buses, and thousands of shops. They’re interchangeable, equally convenient, and accepted everywhere.

That said, there are some real differences worth understanding — especially with the recent changes to physical card availability, the rise of mobile IC cards, and the introduction of tourist-specific versions. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right IC card for your Tokyo trip and start using it like a local from day one.

Suica vs PASMO: Quick Comparison

Here’s the essential breakdown:

Suica is issued by JR East (Japan Railways). The name is a play on the Japanese word for watermelon (suika), and the card features a cute penguin mascot. Suica originated as JR East’s fare card and is the most recognized IC card brand among international visitors.

PASMO is issued by a consortium of private railways and bus companies including Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and dozens of other operators. The name comes from “PASSNET more” (an older magnetic card system it replaced). PASMO features a pink robot mascot.

In practice, both cards function identically for these purposes:

• Riding any train in Tokyo (JR, Metro, Toei, private lines — all of them)
• Riding any bus in the Tokyo metropolitan area
• Making purchases at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
• Paying at vending machines, coin lockers, and many restaurants and shops
• Working in other major Japanese cities (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and more)

Physical Cards vs Mobile IC Cards

Physical Cards: Current Availability (2026)

Physical Suica and PASMO cards experienced a supply shortage from 2023 due to a global semiconductor chip shortage. As of March 2025, standard physical card sales have fully resumed at most locations. However, availability can still be inconsistent at some smaller stations. Here’s where to reliably buy each:

Physical Suica: Available at JR East ticket machines (green machines) at major stations including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Ikebukuro. Also available at JR East service counters. Requires a ¥500 refundable deposit plus whatever amount you want to charge (minimum ¥1,000 recommended).

Physical PASMO: Available at Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and private railway ticket machines and station offices. Widely available at Haneda Airport and Narita Airport stations. Same ¥500 refundable deposit requirement.

Welcome Suica (Tourist Version)

The Welcome Suica is a special tourist-only version available at JR East Travel Service Centers (at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku Station). Key differences from a regular Suica:

• No deposit required — you only pay for the amount you charge
• 28-day expiration — the card stops working after 28 days (any remaining balance is forfeited)
• Cherry blossom design (makes a nice souvenir)
• Cannot be refunded — plan your charging carefully

The Welcome Suica is convenient because you don’t need to worry about returning the card or getting your deposit back when you leave Japan. However, the 28-day expiration means any unused balance is lost, so don’t overcharge it.

Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO

Mobile IC cards on your smartphone are increasingly the best option for visitors. Here’s the current state:

iPhone (Apple Wallet): Both Suica and PASMO can be added to Apple Wallet. The Welcome Suica Mobile app (launched March 2025) is specifically designed for overseas visitors — it supports English, works with non-Japanese Apple IDs, and accepts foreign credit cards. This is now the easiest option for most iPhone users. Simply download the app, set up your card, and charge it with your regular credit card before you even arrive in Japan.

Android (Google Wallet): Unfortunately, adding Suica to Google Wallet requires a phone with Osaifu-Keitai (FeliCa) support — a Japan-specific NFC chip that is NOT found in phones purchased outside Japan. This means most overseas Android users cannot use mobile Suica or PASMO. You’ll need a physical card instead.

How to Use Your IC Card

Riding Trains

Using an IC card on Tokyo’s trains couldn’t be simpler:

1. Entering: Tap your card on the blue IC reader at the ticket gate. The gate opens and your entry station is recorded
2. Exiting: Tap your card again at your destination station. The correct fare is automatically deducted from your balance
3. Transfers: For transfers within the same station complex, just walk to your next platform — you don’t need to tap out and back in. For transfers between separate stations (e.g., walking between connected stations), you’ll tap out and in at each gate
4. Insufficient balance: If your balance is too low at an exit gate, use the fare adjustment machine (精算機, seisanki) near the gates to add money, then tap through

Riding Buses

Most Tokyo buses use a flat fare system (¥210 for adults within the 23 wards). Simply tap your card when boarding (front door) and the fare is deducted automatically. Some suburban routes use a distance-based system where you tap when boarding AND when exiting. IC cards also work on airport limousine buses.

Shopping and Payments

Your IC card doubles as an electronic wallet at thousands of locations:

• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop — all accept IC cards
• Vending machines: Most drink and snack vending machines have IC readers
• Coin lockers: Station lockers increasingly accept IC cards instead of coins
• Restaurants and shops: Many chain restaurants, fast food outlets, and retail shops accept IC payment — look for the IC card symbol
• Supermarkets: Major chains like Aeon, Ito-Yokado, and Life accept IC cards

The maximum single transaction is ¥20,000. When paying, simply hold your card to the reader — no PIN or signature required. The speed and convenience of IC card payment often makes it faster than cash, even in a country that still loves cash.

How to Charge (Recharge) Your IC Card

IC cards can be charged at:

• Station ticket machines: Insert your card, select the amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000), and insert cash. Most machines have English language options
• Convenience stores: Tell the cashier the amount you want to charge (“charge kudasai”) and hand them your card with cash. Amounts from ¥1,000 to ¥10,000
• Mobile IC (iPhone): Charge directly from the app using your credit card — no machine needed. You can charge anywhere, anytime
• Maximum balance: ¥20,000 per card

How much should you charge? For a typical visitor spending 7 days in Tokyo using trains daily, ¥5,000–¥7,000 for transportation is a good starting point. If you plan to use the card for convenience store purchases and vending machines too, add another ¥3,000–¥5,000. You can always top up as needed, so it’s better to start low and recharge than to overcharge and lose the balance.

IC Card vs Day Passes: Which Should You Get?

Tokyo offers several day passes that might save money depending on your plans:

• Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket (¥600): Unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines for 24 hours. Pays for itself after 3 rides. Does NOT cover JR, Toei, or private lines
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (¥800/24hr, ¥1,200/48hr, ¥1,500/72hr): Covers both Tokyo Metro AND Toei Subway lines. Available only to foreign tourists at airports and select locations
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass (¥15,000/3 days): For day trips — covers JR trains in the greater Tokyo area including shinkansen to destinations like Karuizawa, GALA Yuzawa, and Izu

Our recommendation: Get BOTH an IC card AND a day pass when it makes sense. Use the IC card as your everyday card for simple trips and convenience store purchases. Use day passes on days when you’re doing heavy sightseeing across many stations. The Tokyo Subway Ticket (tourist-only, available at Narita/Haneda airports) is exceptional value for sightseeing days.

Using Your IC Card Outside Tokyo

Both Suica and PASMO work across Japan thanks to the IC card interoperability agreement. Your Tokyo card will work on trains and buses in:

• Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe: Works on JR West, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, and all other major operators
• Nagoya: Works on JR Central, Nagoya Metro, and Meitetsu
• Fukuoka: Works on JR Kyushu, Fukuoka Metro, and Nishitetsu
• Sapporo: Works on JR Hokkaido and Sapporo Metro
• Hiroshima, Sendai, and most major cities

Important limitation: You cannot use your IC card to ride between different IC card regions. For example, you can’t tap in at a Tokyo station and tap out at an Osaka station — you’ll need a separate ticket (like a shinkansen ticket) for intercity travel. The IC card works within each city’s local network independently.

Getting Your Deposit Back

When you leave Japan, you can return your physical IC card to get your ¥500 deposit refunded:

• Suica: Return at any JR East ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi). They’ll refund your deposit plus any remaining balance (minus a ¥220 processing fee if there’s remaining balance)
• PASMO: Return at any PASMO-member railway or bus service counter
• At the airport: Both Narita and Haneda airports have JR East service counters where you can return Suica cards

Alternatively, just keep the card. IC cards remain valid for 10 years from the last use, so if you plan to return to Japan, keep your card and recharge it on your next trip. Many visitors keep them as souvenirs — especially the Welcome Suica with its cherry blossom design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card should I get if I’m arriving at Narita Airport?

At Narita Airport, you can easily buy either card. The JR East Travel Service Center sells Welcome Suica (no deposit, 28-day expiry), and the ticket machines sell regular Suica. PASMO is available at the Keisei and Skyliner ticket windows. If you have an iPhone, skip the physical card entirely and set up Mobile Suica via the Welcome Suica app before you land.

Which card should I get if I’m arriving at Haneda Airport?

At Haneda Airport, PASMO is slightly more convenient to purchase since the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line stations both sell PASMO at their ticket machines. JR East’s Welcome Suica is also available at the JR East Travel Service Center. Again, Mobile Suica on iPhone is the easiest option overall.

Can children use IC cards?

Yes. Children aged 6-11 can get a child IC card (kodomo Suica or kodomo PASMO) that charges the discounted child fare (half the adult fare). You’ll need to show the child’s passport at a staffed service counter — child IC cards cannot be purchased from machines. Children under 6 ride free in Tokyo.

What happens if I lose my IC card?

Physical IC cards are like cash — if you lose one, the balance is gone. This is another advantage of Mobile Suica/PASMO, where your balance is tied to your phone and Apple ID, and can be recovered if you lose or replace your device. For physical cards, only registered (personalized) cards can be reissued with the balance restored.

Can I use my IC card on the shinkansen?

Not directly for long-distance shinkansen rides. You’ll need a separate shinkansen ticket. However, the new Smart EX system allows you to link your IC card to a shinkansen reservation, using the IC card as your boarding pass on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Nagoya–Kyoto–Osaka). Register at smartex.jp before your trip.

Do I really need an IC card, or can I just buy individual tickets?

You can buy individual paper tickets from machines for every ride, but we strongly recommend against it. IC cards save you ¥1-10 per ride (IC fares are slightly cheaper than paper ticket fares), eliminate the need to figure out fares and buy tickets at confusing machines before every ride, and let you breeze through gates in seconds. The convenience alone is worth it — getting an IC card should be one of the first things you do in Tokyo.