💳 Suica & Pasmo Card 2026 – Tokyo Transport Guide
Uncategorized💳 Suica & Pasmo Card 2026
Japan • Tokyo • transport
Suica & Pasmo Card (2026) – Tokyo Transport Guide (Buy, Top Up & Use)
Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable IC cards that make Tokyo transport simple: you tap at gates on trains/subways, and you can also pay at many convenience stores and vending machines. In this 2026 guide you’ll learn what they are, where to buy them (including airports), how to top up, and the smartest way to use them during your Japan trip.
Last update: • Reading time: 6–9 minutes
Planning your Tokyo days after sorting transport? Browse top-rated Tokyo tours & tickets on GetYourGuide via Tripmoo (partner_id=UYPBP5T).
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📌 Related Japan guides (Tripmoo)
Open in tabsUse this block as the standard “Related” section for Japan transport / planning articles.
- 🗺️ Japan Family Itinerary (10–12 Days): Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka
- 🚄 Shinkansen Guide (Tickets, seats & tips)
- 🎫 JR Pass: When it’s worth it
- 🏙️ Asakusa & Sensō-ji Guide
- 🗼 Tokyo Skytree Guide
- 🎨 teamLab Planets Tokyo
- 🎢 Tokyo Disney (Planning & tickets)
- 🎡 Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
- 🚌 ICOCA Card (Osaka/Kyoto transport)
💳 What are Suica & Pasmo Card?
Quick definitionSuica (JR East) and Pasmo (private rail/bus operators) are prepaid IC cards. For most visitors, they’re functionally similar: you load money onto the card and tap to pay for transport instead of buying single tickets for every ride.
- Use on: Tokyo subways, JR lines, private trains, and many buses.
- Also works at: convenience stores, vending machines, some cafés/shops (IC accepted).
- Best for: city days with multiple rides + quick transfers.
Bottom line: pick whichever is easiest to get at your arrival point.
🛒 Where to buy Suica & Pasmo Card (2026)
Airports & stations- Major stations: ticket machines and counters at JR / metro stations.
- Airports: often available at transport counters/machines at Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) (availability can vary).
- Typical starter amount: about 2,000 JPY (often includes a 500 JPY refundable deposit + stored value).
Planning tip: buy your IC card on day 1 and keep it in the same spot (wallet pocket) so you don’t slow down at gates.
⚡ How to use Suica/Pasmo (step-by-step)
Tap rules- 🚇 Trains/subways: tap at the gate on the way in and on the way out.
- 🚌 Buses: tap when boarding (and tap again when alighting if the system requires it).
- ☕ Shops/vending: tap on the reader where IC payment is accepted.
- 🔄 Top-ups: station machines or many convenience stores (keep a buffer so you don’t run out mid-trip).
Common mistake: keeping the card behind a thick wallet layer with multiple cards can cause a “double read”. If a gate fails, take the IC card out and tap again.
💰 Costs, limits, and refunds
Know the basics- No service fee per ride: the fare is simply deducted from your balance.
- Max stored value: commonly up to around 20,000 JPY (depends on card system).
- Refunds: deposit is usually refundable when returning the card to the issuing operator’s counter (handling fees may apply).
If you’re heading to Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto), consider the regional IC option too: ICOCA Card guide.
✅ IC card vs passes: what should you choose?
Decision ruleIn Tokyo, an IC card is the default choice for most travelers. Consider special passes only if you have a very pass-heavy plan.
- Use Suica/Pasmo if you want “tap and go” simplicity and mixed routes.
- Use a pass if your itinerary is extremely concentrated on a specific network and you’ll ride it many times in one day.
- Intercity travel? Compare JR Pass / Shinkansen options: JR Pass and Shinkansen guide.
Now that your transport is sorted, lock in the “big experiences” early (popular dates sell out). Browse Tokyo options on GetYourGuide (partner_id=UYPBP5T).
Links include affiliate (partner_id=UYPBP5T).
🔗 More Japan planning links (Tripmoo)
Useful next stepsKeep these links at the end of Japan transport/planning articles to help readers continue building their trip.
- 🗺️ Japan Family Itinerary (10–12 Days): Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka
- 🚆 JR Pass Guide: when it’s worth it
- 🚄 Shinkansen Guide: tickets, seats & tips
- 💳 ICOCA Card (Osaka/Kyoto transport)
- 📍 Asakusa & Sensō-ji Guide
- 🗼 Tokyo Skytree Guide
- 🗼 Tokyo Tower Guide
- 🌸 Fushimi Inari (Kyoto) Guide
- 🏯 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Guide
- 🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Guide
- 🎢 Tokyo Disney (Planning & tickets)
- 🎡 Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
- 🎠 Fuji-Q Highland Guide
- 🎨 teamLab Planets Tokyo
- 🛍️ Akihabara Guide
- 🐕 Hachikō Statue (Shibuya) Guide
Want to book popular Japan experiences now? Browse top-rated tickets & tours on GetYourGuide via Tripmoo (partner_id=UYPBP5T).
Links include affiliate (partner_id=UYPBP5T).
❓ FAQ – Suica & Pasmo (2026)
Quick answers🏁 Conclusion – the simplest Tokyo transport setup
Smart planIf you want the easiest Tokyo experience, start with Suica or Pasmo, keep a small balance buffer, and tap your way through trains/subways/buses without thinking about ticket types. Then build your days around your Tripmoo Japan plan: Japan Family Itinerary (10–12 Days).

