Public transportation in Japan is one of the most convenient in the world. Among them, an IC card (Suica or 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.
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 to ride trains and buses, and to pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
✅ What is the difference between Suica and Pasmo?
●Suica: Issued by JR East, it can be used on JR lines, subways, and buses nationwide.
●Pasmo: An IC card that can be used mainly on Tokyo Metro and private railways.
◎Whichever you choose, it can be used throughout Japan!
Suica and Pasmo can be used in almost the same area thanks to the nationwide mutual usage service in 2013.
2. How to buy Suica and Pasmo?
✅ Where can I buy them?
✅ Initial cost (deposit)
When you buy Suica or Pasmo, you need to deposit 500 yen.
Example)If you pay 2,000 yen, you can use the balance of 1,500 yen!
3. How to charge an IC card (What if I run out of balance?)
✅ Places where you can charge
1. Automatic ticket vending machines at stations → Insert your Suica or Pasmo card and charge the desired amount
2. Convenience stores → Hand your card to the cashier and tell him how much you want to charge
3. ATMs compatible with transportation IC cards → You can also charge at some bank ATMs
◎You can use the Suica app to charge from your smartphone! (compatible with iPhone and Android)
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: With vending machines that accept IC cards, just touch to complete the purchase
●Cafes and restaurants: Available at some restaurants
◎You can shop around Japan without carrying cash!
5. Points of Attention and Troubleshooting
✅ Unable to get through the ticket gate due to insufficient balance?
If you cannot 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
・Show your ID at the ticket counter at the station and go through the procedure
✅ How do I return my card when I return home?
・You can return your unused Suica/Pasmo at the ticket counter at the station
・500 yen deposit plus unused balance will be refunded (handling fees may apply)
6. Trivia related to Suica/Pasmo
✅ Secrets of the Suica Penguin
●The character penguin on Suica doesn't actually have a name!
●The design was created by illustrator Chiharu Sakasaki
✅ Origin of the Suica and Pasmo Names
●Suica: stands for Super Urban Intelligent Card. It is also a cross between "easy to use"
●Pasmo: a combination of "pass" and "mobility"
7. Why are Suica and Pasmo so convenient?
◎What are the benefits for travelers?
✅ It saves you the trouble of buying a ticket every time → It saves you time!
✅ It's convenient to use for shopping → No cash required at convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants
✅ It can be used all over Japan → You can use just one card anywhere in Japan!
8. Summary
Suica and Pasmo, which can be used not only for riding but also for shopping, are essential items to make traveling in Japan comfortable.
◎If you travel in Japan, make use of Suica and Pasmo to enjoy smooth travel!
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