Public transportation in Japan is one of the most convenient in the world. Among them, the **IC card (Suica/Pasmo) ** is an essential item for smooth travel.
This article explains in detail how to use Suica and Pasmo, how to purchase them, how to charge them, and how to use them.
It also introduces ** Welcome Suica and Welcome Suica Mobile (scheduled to be released in spring 2025) ** for foreign visitors to Japan!
Please refer to this article to make your travel experience more comfortable.
1. What is an IC card (Suica or Pasmo)? The basics of how to use them!
IC cards are convenient electronic money that can be used on trains and buses throughout Japan, as well as at convenience stores, vending machines, and cafes and restaurants.
✅What are the differences between Suica and Pasmo?
●Suica: Issued by JR East. Available on JR lines, subways, and buses throughout Japan.
●Pasmo: An IC card that can be used mainly on Tokyo Metro and private railways.
◎No matter which one you choose, you can use it all over Japan!
Suica and Pasmo can be used in almost the same area thanks to the nationwide mutual usage service in 2013.
✅ Welcome Suica is now available for foreign visitors to Japan!
No deposit required, valid for 28 days from the date of purchase.
It can be used for payment of transportation and electronic money.
Welcome Suica Mobile is scheduled to arrive in spring 2025.
It can be issued and recharged with a smartphone (compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch) before visiting Japan.
It is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
2. How to buy Suica/Pasmo?
✅ Where can I buy it?
●Suica/Pasmo → You can buy it at ticket machines in stations, at the Green Ticket Office, and at convenience stores.
●Welcome Suica → You can buy it at selected locations such as Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and major stations.
●Welcome Suica Mobile (scheduled to start in spring 2025) → You can issue it with your smartphone before you visit Japan!
✅ Initial cost (deposit)
●Regular Suica/Pasmo: A 500 yen deposit is required at the time of purchase.
Example)If you pay 2,000 yen, you can use the balance of 1,500 yen.
●No deposit is required for Welcome Suica!
3. How to charge an IC card (What if I run out of balance?)
✅ Places where you can charge
Ticket vending machines at stations → Insert your Suica or Pasmo card and charge the desired amount.
Convenience stores → Hand your card to a cashier and tell the amount you want to charge.
ATMs compatible with transportation IC cards → You can also charge at some bank ATMs.
Suica app (compatible with smartphones) → Use your iPhone or Android to charge online.
◎"Welcome Suica" can also be charged in the same way as regular Suica!
◎"Welcome Suica Mobile" can be charged from the smartphone app, so you can prepare before visiting Japan!
4. How to use Suica and Pasmo
✅ How to use trains and buses
●Trains: Just lightly touch the reader on the ticket gate!
●Buses: Touch when getting on or off (may vary depending on the area)
●Taxis: Some taxis accept payment with Suica and Pasmo
✅ Payment at convenience stores and vending machines
●Convenience stores: Just say "Suica, please"!
●Vending machines: These vending machines accept IC cards, and just touch the card to complete the purchase.
●Cafes and restaurants: These vending machines can also be used at some restaurants.
◎"Welcome Suica" can be used just like regular Suica!
5. Points of Attention and Troubleshooting
✅ Unable to get through the ticket gate due to insufficient balance?
If you are unable to get through the ticket gate, you can recharge at a nearby ticket vending machine!
✅ What if I lose my card?
A registered card can be reissued.
Please show your ID at the ticket window at the station and go through the procedure.
✅ How do I return my card when I return home?
●Regular Suica/Pasmo: You can return it at the ticket window at the station. The deposit of 500 yen plus the unused balance will be refunded (a fee may apply).
●Welcome Suica: You can return it at the ticket window at the station after the end of the usage period (however, the balance cannot be refunded).
●Welcome Suica Mobile: It will be automatically disabled 180 days after the issue date.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I recharge my Suica/Pasmo with a credit card?
->Yes, you can do so with some ticket machines and the Suica app (Visa, MasterCard, JCB).
Q2. Can I use Suica with Apple Pay?
->Yes, you can sign up for Apple Pay and use it with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Q3. Can I use Welcome Suica Mobile with Android?
->As of spring 2025, it is limited to iPhone and Apple Watch. Android support has not been decided yet.
7. Why are Suica and Pasmo so convenient?
✅ You can save time by buying a ticket every time!
✅ It's convenient to use for shopping → No cash required at convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants!
✅ You can use it all over Japan → Just one card is enough!
✅ Welcome Suica is easy to use with no deposit required!
✅ With Welcome Suica Mobile, you can prepare before visiting Japan and start your trip smoothly!
8. Summary
Suica and Pasmo are convenient IC cards that can be used not only for riding but also for shopping.
With the introduction of Welcome Suica and Welcome Suica Mobile for foreign visitors to Japan, there is no deposit required and you can prepare before visiting Japan, making it even more convenient!
To make your trip to Japan more comfortable, make use of Suica and Pasmo to enjoy smooth travel!
Trivia Notes
✅ Origin of Suica and Pasmo
●Suica: An abbreviation for Super Urban Intelligent Card. It is also a cross between "you can use it easily"
●Pasmo: A combination of "pass" and "mobility"
✅ Areas where IC cards can be used
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