A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Japan’s train system may look complicated, but paying for transportation can be surprisingly simple.

Instead of buying a paper ticket every time you travel, you can use a prepaid transportation IC card such as Suica or PASMO.

Just tap the card at the ticket gate when you enter a station and tap it again when you leave.

The correct fare is calculated and deducted automatically.

You can also use Suica and PASMO for much more than trains. They are accepted at many buses, convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, coin lockers and other participating businesses.

This guide explains:

What Suica and PASMO are
The difference between them
Which card visitors should choose
How to buy and recharge a card
How to use it on trains and buses
Where you can use it for shopping
How mobile IC cards work
Common mistakes and limitations

Quick Answer: Which Card Should You Choose?

For most visitors, Suica and PASMO work almost identically.

Choose whichever is easiest to obtain.

Suica

Originally issued by JR East.

It is especially common at JR stations in the Tokyo area.

PASMO

Originally associated with private railways, subways and buses in the Tokyo area.

It is commonly found at subway and private-railway stations.

Welcome Suica

A visitor-oriented physical Suica card that:

Requires no ¥500 deposit
Is valid for 28 days
Can be used for transportation and shopping
Is designed for temporary visitors

JR East states that Welcome Suica can be used for 28 days from the purchase date and does not require a deposit.

Welcome Suica Mobile

An iPhone-based service for overseas visitors that:

Can be issued through an iOS app
Can be recharged using an eligible payment card in Apple Pay
Is valid for 180 days after issuance
Can be used for trains, buses and shopping

Availability of issuance and recharging may depend on the laws and payment conditions of the user’s country.

TOURIST PASMO

A new visitor card introduced in 2026.

It is:

Available mainly to short-term international visitors
Valid for 28 days
Sold without a deposit
Available at selected locations at Narita and Haneda airports
Not refundable, including any unused balance

TOURIST PASMO launched from May 2026 and can be used on compatible trains, buses and at participating stores across Japan.

The simplest recommendation

iPhone user: Consider Welcome Suica Mobile.
Prefer a physical card: Buy Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO where available.
Staying longer or returning to Japan: A regular Suica or PASMO may be more suitable.

What Is an IC Card?

An IC card is a rechargeable prepaid card used for transportation and small cashless payments.

“IC” stands for integrated circuit.

The card contains a chip that communicates with the reader when you tap it.

You do not need to:

Insert the card
Swipe it
Choose your destination
Calculate the fare
Buy a new ticket for every journey

You simply:

Add money to the card.
Tap it when entering.
Travel to your destination.
Tap it again when leaving.
Let the system deduct the correct fare.

What Is Suica?

Suica is a prepaid transportation and electronic-money card issued within the JR East network.

It can be used for:

JR trains
Subways
Private railways
Buses
Convenience stores
Restaurants
Vending machines
Shopping malls
Coin lockers
Other participating services

JR East states that a charged Suica can be used at convenience stores, restaurants, shopping malls and other businesses displaying participating IC-card logos.

The name is often associated with JR East’s green penguin design, although card designs vary.

What Is PASMO?

PASMO is another prepaid transportation IC card.

It is commonly associated with:

Tokyo Metro
Toei Subway
Private railways
Bus operators
Other participating transportation networks

PASMO can be used on compatible transportation systems and for shopping at participating businesses, much like Suica.

For ordinary travel, the practical difference between Suica and PASMO is very small.

Suica vs PASMO: What Is the Difference?

The main difference is the issuing organization.

Feature	Suica	PASMO
Main association	JR East	Private railways, subways and buses
Common color	Green	Pink
Trains and buses	Yes	Yes
Shopping	Yes	Yes
Nationwide mutual-use areas	Broadly supported	Broadly supported
Tap-in and tap-out process	Same	Same
Fare calculation	Automatic	Automatic
Best choice for visitors	Whichever is easier to obtain	Whichever is easier to obtain

For most visitors:

There is no meaningful reason to prefer one over the other based solely on usability.

You do not need to buy both.

Can Suica and PASMO Be Used Across Japan?

Suica and PASMO participate in Japan’s nationwide IC-card interoperability network.

This means they can be used in many regions that accept major transportation IC cards, including areas associated with:

ICOCA
TOICA
Kitaca
manaca
SUGOCA
nimoca
Hayakaken

Welcome Suica can also be used nationwide at participating trains, buses, stores and vending machines displaying compatible IC-card marks.

However, there is an important limitation.

You Cannot Always Travel Continuously Between IC-Card Areas

An IC card may work in both the Tokyo and Sendai areas, for example, but that does not mean you can begin a normal IC-card journey in Tokyo and simply tap out in Sendai.

JR East states that Suica cannot be used for continuous travel between separate applicable areas. Travelers crossing those boundaries may need to purchase a ticket in advance.

For long-distance intercity journeys, check whether you need:

A paper ticket
A limited-express ticket
A Shinkansen reservation
A separate online booking

Which Suica or PASMO Should Visitors Buy?

There are several options.

Regular Suica

A standard rechargeable Suica.

It is useful for:

Longer stays
Repeat visits
People who want a long-validity card
Travelers who may want to return the card for a refund

A regular Suica generally includes a ¥500 deposit.

When returned to the appropriate JR East location, the deposit and remaining balance may be refunded, minus a handling fee deducted from the balance.

Regular PASMO

A standard PASMO can be purchased at participating ticket machines or ticket counters.

The official PASMO guide states that a new regular PASMO includes a ¥500 deposit and that credit cards are not accepted for the ordinary purchase procedure described on its visitor page.

Welcome Suica

This is designed for temporary visitors.

It has:

No deposit
A 28-day validity period
Transportation and shopping functions
No need to return the card for a deposit

It is convenient for shorter trips but becomes unusable after its validity period.

Welcome Suica Mobile

This may be the easiest option for compatible iPhone users.

It lets visitors:

Issue Suica digitally
Recharge through the app
Check the balance
Use Apple Wallet
Tap at ticket gates
Pay at participating stores

It is valid for 180 days after issuance.

TOURIST PASMO

TOURIST PASMO is a physical visitor card available from selected airport-area locations.

According to PASMO’s April 2026 announcement:

It is valid for 28 days.
It has no deposit.
Unused funds cannot be refunded.
It is sold at selected locations at Narita and Haneda airports.
Narita sales start at ¥2,000, including ¥2,000 in usable value.
Haneda offers several denominations.

Where Can You Buy Suica or PASMO?

Availability depends on the card type.

Regular Cards

Regular Suica or PASMO cards may be available at:

Participating railway ticket machines
Station ticket counters
JR service centers
Subway or private-railway counters

For PASMO, ticket-machine instructions typically include:

Select PASMO.
Select Purchase New PASMO.
Choose a blank or personalized card.
Follow the instructions.
Pay the required amount.

Actual menus may vary by station and operator.

Visitor Cards

Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO availability is more limited.

Look at:

Haneda Airport
Narita Airport
Selected JR East Travel Service Centers
Participating airport railway stations
Designated ticket machines or counters

Because availability and sales locations can change, check official information shortly before your trip.

How Much Does an IC Card Cost?

The amount depends on the type of card.

Regular Suica or PASMO

The initial payment generally consists of:

A ¥500 refundable deposit
A prepaid balance for transportation and shopping

The ¥500 deposit cannot be used to pay fares or purchases.

Welcome Suica

There is no ¥500 deposit.

The amount you pay becomes usable value, subject to the product’s terms and validity period.

TOURIST PASMO

There is no deposit.

The entire purchase amount is loaded as usable value, but unused funds cannot be refunded.

How to Use Suica or PASMO on Trains

The basic process is extremely simple.

Step 1: Enter the Station

Find an automatic ticket gate displaying an IC-card reader.

Step 2: Tap Your Card

Touch the card flat against the reader.

Do not wave it quickly.

Hold it close until you hear a beep and see the gate open.

Step 3: Keep the Same Card

Use the same physical card, phone or watch throughout the journey.

Step 4: Travel to Your Destination

Transfer normally by following station signs.

Step 5: Tap Out

At the destination, tap the same card or device at the exit gate.

The system calculates and deducts the fare automatically.

Step 6: Check the Display

The gate may briefly show:

The fare deducted
Your remaining balance

Never Use Different Cards to Enter and Exit

One common mistake is entering with one card and trying to exit with another.

For example:

Entering with physical Suica
Exiting with Mobile Suica

The system treats these as different cards.

Always use the exact same:

Physical card
iPhone
Apple Watch

for both entry and exit.

How to Use an IC Card on Buses

Bus procedures vary by region.

You may need to:

Tap when boarding and again when leaving
Tap only when leaving
Board from the rear and exit from the front
Board from the front and exit from the rear

In many distance-based fare systems:

Tap when boarding.
Ride to your stop.
Tap again when leaving.
The fare is deducted automatically.

Welcome Suica guidance confirms that on compatible buses users tap the sensor when boarding and leaving.

Watch what local passengers do and check the signs near the doors.

How to Recharge Suica or PASMO

“Recharge” is sometimes shown as:

Charge
Top Up
チャージ

You can usually recharge a physical card at:

Train-station ticket machines
Fare-adjustment machines
Convenience stores
Selected station counters

Recharging at a Ticket Machine

A typical process is:

Insert or place the IC card as instructed.
Select Charge.
Choose an amount.
Insert cash.
Wait for the recharge to complete.
Take your card and receipt.

JR East’s official recharge instructions describe inserting the Suica, selecting “Charge,” choosing an amount and inserting cash.

Recharging at a Convenience Store

Tell the cashier:

Suica charge, please.

or:

Suica ni chāji onegaishimasu.

You will usually:

State the amount.
Pay cash.
Tap or place your card on the reader.
Wait for confirmation.

Important: Carry Some Cash

Physical IC-card recharging frequently requires Japanese cash.

Do not rely entirely on foreign credit cards for topping up a physical card.

How Much Should You Recharge?

Avoid loading too much money at once, particularly onto a visitor card whose balance cannot be refunded.

A practical approach is:

Initial charge: ¥2,000–¥5,000
Recharge when the balance falls below ¥1,000
Add more before a long travel day

For short trips around a city, several thousand yen may last for multiple journeys and small purchases.

Your actual usage depends on:

Travel distance
Number of journeys
Bus use
Shopping
Vending-machine purchases

How to Check Your Balance

You can check your balance:

At a ticket gate
At a ticket machine
At a fare-adjustment machine
On some shop terminals
In Apple Wallet for mobile cards
In the relevant mobile application

Apple states that users can view a supported Japanese transit-card balance directly in the Wallet app on an iPhone or Apple Watch.

What Happens If Your Balance Is Too Low?

If your balance is insufficient when exiting a station, the gate may close and display an error.

Do not panic.

Go to:

A fare-adjustment machine
The station office
A nearby charging machine

Then:

Recharge the card.
Pay the fare difference if required.
Try the gate again.

Station staff handle this situation regularly.

Where Can You Use Suica and PASMO for Shopping?

Look for:

Suica logo
PASMO logo
IC symbol
Nationwide mutual-use IC-card mark
交通系IC

Common places include:

Convenience stores
Vending machines
Station shops
Restaurants
Cafés
Supermarkets
Drugstores
Shopping malls
Taxis
Coin lockers
Tourist attractions

JR East lists convenience stores, restaurants, shopping malls and participating station shops among the places where Suica can be used.

How to Pay with Suica or PASMO in a Store

At a staffed register, say:

Suica de onegaishimasu.

or:

PASMO de onegaishimasu.

This means:

“Suica, please.”

The cashier will activate the appropriate payment mode.

Then:

Check the amount.
Place the card or phone on the reader.
Wait for the confirmation sound.
Check that payment is complete.

At self-checkout, choose:

IC Card
Transportation IC
Electronic Money
交通系IC

Do not select Credit Card merely because you are tapping.

An IC-card payment is processed differently from a contactless credit-card payment.

Can You Split a Payment Between IC Card and Cash?

Do not assume that split payment is available.

Some stores may permit limited combinations, but many do not allow:

Partial IC-card balance plus credit card
Two IC cards
IC card plus another electronic wallet

Welcome Suica’s official coin-locker guidance, for example, states that payment cannot be divided between the card and cash.

Keep enough balance available or be prepared to use another payment method for the entire purchase.

How to Use Suica with a Coin Locker

At compatible coin lockers, an IC card may serve as both:

The payment method
The electronic key

A typical process is:

Put your luggage in the locker.
Close the door.
Select IC-card payment.
Tap your Suica or PASMO.
Take the receipt.
Return later.
Select the option to retrieve your luggage.
Tap the same card again.
Open the locker.

The receipt may contain the locker location and contact information, so keep it. JR East provides this same basic process for compatible Welcome Suica lockers.

Never use a different card or phone when returning to the locker.

Can Suica or PASMO Be Used on the Shinkansen?

A basic IC-card balance does not automatically function as a normal Shinkansen ticket on every route.

You may need:

A Shinkansen ticket
A reserved-seat ticket
An online reservation linked to your IC card
Registration for a specific touch-to-ride service

Welcome Suica Mobile supports certain JR East Shinkansen services and reservations, but route and service conditions apply.

For a first-time visitor, the safest assumption is:

Buy or reserve the required Shinkansen ticket unless your booking service explicitly says your IC card is linked and ready to use.

Can You Use Suica or PASMO for Limited Express Trains?

The IC card may cover the basic fare, but some trains require an additional ticket.

Examples include:

Limited Express
Reserved-seat services
Green Cars
Airport express trains
Shinkansen

JR East states that limited express, express and Green Car travel may require a separate ticket in advance.

Do not assume that tapping through the gate covers every charge.

Mobile Suica and PASMO on iPhone

Compatible transit cards can be added to Apple Wallet and used on an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Apple currently supports Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and TOICA in Wallet for transportation and participating store purchases in Japan.

Basic Requirements

Apple lists:

An Apple Account with two-factor authentication
A compatible iPhone or Apple Watch
A supported version of iOS or watchOS

Current compatibility generally includes iPhone 8 or later and Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with limited earlier-device exceptions.

How to Use It

With Express Mode enabled:

Hold the top of the iPhone or the Apple Watch near the ticket-gate reader.
Wait for the confirmation.
Use the same device when leaving.

The phone does not normally need to be unlocked or connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi for ordinary Express Mode transit use.

Do Not Switch Between iPhone and Apple Watch Mid-Journey

A card on your iPhone and a card on your Apple Watch are treated as separate payment instruments.

Enter and exit with the same device.

What About Android Phones?

Mobile IC-card compatibility on Android varies significantly by:

Device model
Region
Hardware support
Operating system
Where the phone was sold

Many overseas Android devices do not support the required Japanese mobile-transit functionality.

For international Android users, a physical card is generally the safer option unless the device manufacturer and the relevant IC-card operator explicitly confirm compatibility.

Physical Card vs Mobile Card

Feature	Physical card	Mobile card
Requires compatible phone	No	Yes
Works if phone battery fails	Yes	Depends on device
Recharge at station machines	Yes	Mobile recharge often available
Easy for children	Often yes	Depends on device and account
Balance visible at all times	No	Yes
Risk	Losing the card	Phone loss or battery issues
Best for	Simplicity and broad accessibility	Compatible iPhone users

A physical card remains the most straightforward choice for many families and first-time visitors.

What Happens If You Lose the Card?

The outcome depends on the card type.

Unregistered Physical Card

A blank, anonymous card may not be replaceable if lost.

JR East states that lost regular unregistered Suica cards cannot be reissued.

Personalized Card

A personalized card may be eligible for reissue after identity verification.

PASMO notes that personalized PASMO cards can be reissued if lost because personal information is registered.

Visitor Card

Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO have special conditions and generally should be treated like cash.

Mobile Card

Mobile cards may offer account-based recovery options, depending on:

Registration status
Device
Apple Account
Card operator
Mobile service terms

Can You Get a Refund?

Regular Suica

A regular JR East-issued Suica may be returned at eligible JR East locations.

JR East states that:

The ¥500 deposit is refunded.
Remaining balance is refunded after a ¥220 handling fee is deducted.
Cards issued by other companies must be returned to the relevant issuer.

Regular PASMO

The ¥500 deposit is refundable when an eligible regular PASMO is returned, subject to the applicable PASMO procedures.

TOURIST PASMO

No refunds are available, including unused stored value.

Visitor Cards Generally

Because short-term visitor products can have fixed validity and refund restrictions, avoid leaving a large balance on them near the end of your trip.

Use the remaining value for:

Airport transportation
Convenience-store purchases
Drinks
Snacks
Souvenirs
Vending machines

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

The Ticket Gate Turns Red

Possible reasons include:

Insufficient balance
Incomplete previous journey
Wrong card used
Card read error
Unsupported route
Entering and exiting at the same station unusually

Move aside and ask station staff for help.

You Forgot to Tap Out

Visit a station office before the next journey.

Staff may need to correct the travel record.

You Used the Wrong Card

Explain which card you used to enter.

Do not repeatedly tap multiple cards because this can create more confusing records.

The Card Does Not Work in Another Region

You may be crossing between separate IC-card service areas.

Ask staff whether you need a paper ticket or fare adjustment.

Your Mobile Card Does Not Respond

Check:

The correct card is in Express Mode
You are using the same device used to enter
The device is powered on
The top of the phone is held near the reader
The card has sufficient balance

Your Physical Card Will Not Recharge

Try:

Another ticket machine
A fare-adjustment machine
A convenience store
Asking station staff

Useful Japanese Words

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
交通系IC	Kōtsū-kei IC	Transportation IC card
チャージ	Chāji	Recharge / top up
残高	Zandaka	Remaining balance
改札	Kaisatsu	Ticket gate
入場	Nyūjō	Entry
出場	Shutsujō	Exit
精算	Seisan	Fare adjustment
現金	Genkin	Cash
切符	Kippu	Ticket
乗り換え	Norikae	Transfer
利用できません	Riyō dekimasen	Cannot be used
残高不足	Zandaka busoku	Insufficient balance

Useful phrases include:

Suica wa doko de kaemasu ka?
Where can I buy a Suica?

Chāji onegaishimasu.
Please recharge it.

Kono kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I use this card?

Kaisatsu o deraremasen.
I cannot exit the ticket gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Suica better than PASMO?

For most visitors, no.

They are widely interoperable and work in almost the same places. Choose whichever is easier to obtain.

Do I need both Suica and PASMO?

No.

One card is normally enough.

Can I use Suica on the Tokyo Metro?

Yes, on participating Tokyo Metro services.

Can I use PASMO on JR trains?

Yes, on participating JR services.

Can I use Suica in Osaka or Kyoto?

Yes, on many participating services and at compatible businesses, but you cannot necessarily use it for continuous travel across separate IC-card areas.

Can I use it at convenience stores?

Yes, at stores displaying a compatible IC-card logo.

Can I recharge with a foreign credit card?

Mobile options may support eligible cards through Apple Pay. Physical-card recharge machines commonly require cash, so carry Japanese yen.

Does Suica expire?

A regular Suica becomes invalid after 10 years without use. Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days, while Welcome Suica Mobile is valid for 180 days after issuance.

How long is TOURIST PASMO valid?

It is valid for 28 days from issuance.

Can I refund TOURIST PASMO?

No. Neither the card nor unused balance is refundable.

Can one card be shared by two people?

No.

Each passenger needs a separate card because the system records the entry and exit of one person.

Can children use Suica or PASMO?

Yes, but a child-rate card may require age verification and a specific purchase procedure.

Using an adult card normally results in the adult fare being charged.

Can I use it for the Shinkansen?

Not automatically. You may need a separate reservation or ticket unless a specific compatible Shinkansen service has been set up.

What should I do with the remaining balance?

Use it for transportation or purchases before leaving Japan, especially if your visitor card does not allow refunds.

Final Thoughts

Suica and PASMO are among the most useful tools you can have while traveling in Japan.

The basic process is simple:

Obtain a physical or mobile IC card.
Add some Japanese yen.
Tap when entering a train station.
Tap again when leaving.
Recharge when the balance gets low.
Use it for shopping wherever compatible IC-card logos appear.

For most visitors, the difference between Suica and PASMO does not matter.

The best option is simply the one that fits your trip:

Welcome Suica Mobile for compatible iPhone users
Welcome Suica for a simple short-term physical card
TOURIST PASMO for eligible visitors buying at selected airport locations
Regular Suica or PASMO for longer stays or repeat visits

Once you start using one, traveling in Japan becomes much easier.

Instead of studying fare maps and buying tickets for every journey, you can simply tap and go.

Continue Exploring Japan

How to Ride Trains in Japan
Cash or Credit Card? How to Pay in Japan
How Japanese Convenience Stores Really Work
How to Use Self-Checkout Machines in Japan
How to Ride the Shinkansen
How to Use Coin Lockers in Japan