💳 Suica & Pasmo Card 2025 – Tokyo Transport Guide

📍 What Are Suica & Pasmo?

Suica (issued by JR East) and Pasmo (issued by private rail/bus operators) are compatible smart cards used across Greater Tokyo and many other regions in Japan. Tap in/out at gates for seamless travel, and pay at vending machines and convenience stores that accept IC cards.

Functionally they’re almost identical for visitors — choose whichever is easiest to get on arrival.

🛒 Where to Buy Suica/Pasmo

• Ticket machines and counters at major JR and Tokyo Metro/Toei stations.
• Airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) upon arrival.
• Typical starter cost: 2,000 JPY (includes 500 JPY refundable deposit + 1,500 JPY stored value).

⚡ How to Use the Card

• 🚇 Tap at ticket gates on subways and trains (in/out).
• 🚌 On buses, tap when boarding (and when alighting if required).
• ☕ Pay at IC-enabled shops, cafés and vending machines.
• 🔄 Top up at station machines or convenience stores (typical max balance: 20,000 JPY).

💰 Costs & Benefits

• No extra service fee per ride — fares are deducted automatically.
• Faster than buying single tickets for every trip.
• Refunds: the 500 JPY deposit is refundable when you return the card at an issuing operator’s counter (handling fees may apply).

Tip: For intercity travel in Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto), see our guide to the ICOCA Card.

❓ FAQ — Suica & Pasmo

Do I need Suica or Pasmo as a tourist? Yes — they save time and make transfers effortless.

Can I use the card outside Tokyo? In most major cities, yes. IC networks are widely interoperable.

How do I top up? Use station machines (cash/accepted cards) or convenience stores.

Which is better, Suica or Pasmo? For visitors they work the same; get whichever is available at your nearest counter or machine.