Every Japanese person carries an IC card. Tourists should too. This guide explains what Suica/Pasmo are, how to use them, and whether you need both (spoiler: you don't).
What Are Suica and Pasmo?
Suica: Rechargeable smart card by Japan Railways (JR)
Pasmo: Rechargeable smart card by Tokyo Metro and other non-JR operators
In reality: They're functionally identical. Both work on trains, buses, and convenience stores. They're not competing—they're cooperating. You only need one.
Which One Should You Get?
Suica: If arriving at Haneda or Narita (easier to buy at airport)
Pasmo: If already in Tokyo and buying at station
Actual answer: It doesn't matter. Pick whichever is convenient to purchase. They work identically in practice.
Suica Pricing & How to Buy
Initial Purchase: ¥2,000
- ¥1,500 usable balance
- ¥500 refundable deposit
- Valid for 10 years from last use
Where to Buy Suica
At airports:
- Haneda: Convenience stores in terminals 1, 2, 3
- Narita: Convenience stores in terminal buildings
- Cost: ¥2,000, no premium
At convenience stores:
- 7-11, Lawson, FamilyMart, Circle K Sunkus
- Cost: ¥2,000, no premium
- Takes 2 minutes
At train stations:
- JR East ticket offices
- Vending machines (some)
- Cost: ¥2,000, no premium
Pro tip: Buy at airport so you can immediately use it for airport train to hotel. No need to buy separately.
How to Use Suica
- Tap the card on the sensor at train gates (like a contactless credit card)
- Gate opens
- Walk through
- Repeat at destination
Cost deducted automatically. You never think about it.
How Much Does Each Journey Cost?
Suica charges based on distance traveled, not flat rates.
Tokyo Examples
Around Shibuya/Shinjuku (short distance): ¥170-210
Shibuya to Asakusa (medium distance): ¥220-280
Tokyo to Yokohama (long distance): ¥400-600
Exact price depends on:
- Number of train lines crossed
- Exact distance
- Time of day (rush hour vs. off-peak)
Kyoto/Osaka
Local buses in Kyoto: Flat ¥220 (one fee regardless of distance)
Local trains in Osaka: ¥150-280 depending on distance
Rule: Longer trips cost more. Budget ¥200-300 per local train journey.
Reloading (Topping Up) Your Suica
When to Reload
You'll likely deplete ¥1,500 in 3-4 days of heavy Tokyo use.
How to Reload
At convenience stores:
- Go to any 7-11, Lawson, FamilyMart
- Place card on reader
- Request reload amount
- Pay cash
- Takes 1 minute
At train station vending machines:
- Find a reload machine (clearly marked)
- Insert card
- Select amount
- Pay
- Done in 2 minutes
At ticket windows:
- JR ticket office
- Give card and amount
- Takes 5 minutes (there's often a line)
How Much to Reload
- Short trip: ¥5,000-10,000 (enough for 25-50 trips)
- Full week in Tokyo: ¥10,000-15,000 (safe amount)
- Multi-city trip: ¥5,000 per city (reload when arriving)
Pro tip: Reload at convenience stores, not ticket offices. Lines are shorter.
Unused Balance
When you leave Japan, your remaining balance stays on the card. Either:
- Keep the card as souvenir (the balance remains)
- Refund it at a station office (you get remaining balance + ¥500 deposit back, minus ¥210 fee)
Most people just keep the card. It's a nice memory, and if you return, the balance is still there.
Suica vs. Pasmo: Real Differences
Are They Different?
Feature · Suica · Pasmo
Works on JR trains · Yes · Yes*
Works on subway · Yes · Yes
Works on buses · Yes · Yes
Cost · ¥2,000 · ¥2,000
Valid for · 10 years · 10 years
Difference for tourist · None · None
*Pasmo works on JR trains in Tokyo. Outside Tokyo, check locally.
Actual difference: Marketing and which company issued it. For travelers, they're identical.
What You Can Buy with Suica/Pasmo Besides Trains
Convenience Stores
- Use card to pay for coffee, onigiri, snacks
- Often get bonus points with Suica at select stores
- Faster than paying with cash
Vending Machines
- Train station vending machines accept Suica
- Some street vending machines (50/50 acceptance)
- Great if you're thirsty on the platform
Restaurants (Some)
- Rare, but some casual restaurants accept Suica
- Not reliable; always have cash backup
Taxis (Some)
- Newer taxis display Suica acceptance
- You can pay with Suica instead of cash
- Not guaranteed at every taxi
In practice: Use Suica for trains and buses (primary), convenience store snacks (bonus), and vending machines (convenience). For restaurants, use cash.
Do You Actually Need an IC Card?
Scenario 1: 7 Days in Tokyo Only
With Suica:
- Buy at airport: ¥2,000
- Use for all local transport
- Refund remaining balance: ¥500-1,000 typically
- Net cost: ¥1,000-1,500
Without Suica (buying individual tickets):
- 3-4 metro rides/day × 7 days = 25 rides
- ¥220 average per ride × 25 = ¥5,500
- More hassle (buying tickets each time)
- Net cost: ¥5,500
Winner: Suica saves ¥4,000-5,000 for a week-long stay. Also saves mental overhead (no thinking about change).
Scenario 2: 3 Days in Tokyo, Then Kyoto & Osaka
With Suica:
- Buy at airport: ¥2,000
- Tokyo (3 days): use ¥1,500
- Kyoto (¥500 reload): ¥500 (only bus travel, flat ¥220/ride)
- Osaka (reload as needed)
- Refund: ¥300-500 typically
- Net cost: ¥2,000-2,200
Without Suica:
- Tokyo: buy daily passes or individual tickets ¥2,000
- Kyoto: buy bus day pass (¥900) or individual tickets ¥1,500
- Osaka: same as Kyoto
- Net cost: ¥4,000-5,000
Winner: Suica still saves ¥2,000+.
Bottom Line
You should buy a Suica/Pasmo card. Even if you're in Japan for just 7 days, it saves money, time, and stress. It's the best ¥2,000 you'll spend.
Honest Tips for Using Your Card
1. Tap Firmly
Some tourists tap lightly and the gate doesn't recognize it. Tap firmly (you'll hear a beep).
2. Keep It Accessible
Don't bury your Suica at the bottom of your backpack. Keep it in your pocket or outer pocket for fast tapping.
3. Check Balance Often
You can check balance at:
- Station vending machines (insert card, it displays)
- Convenience store when reloading
- Some ATMs
Budget ¥200-300 per trip. If your balance is below ¥100, reload. Annoying to run out mid-trip.
4. It Works Nationwide (Mostly)
Suica and Pasmo work in:
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
- Most major cities
Doesn't work in tiny rural towns (but you won't be taking trains there anyway).
5. You Can't Pay for Long-Distance Trains with Suica
Shinkansen and long-distance JR trains require special tickets (sold separately). Suica is for local/regional transport only.
Kids' Suica & Group Discounts
For Children
Under 6: Free on most transit (no card needed)
Ages 6-11: Half price with child Suica (¥1,000 initial)
Ages 12+: Full price adult Suica
Groups & Discount Passes
If you're traveling with others or staying 14+ days, you might prefer:
- 24-hour metro pass: ¥820 (good for heavy sightseeing days)
- 3-day pass: ¥2,100 (if you do 10+ rides in 3 days)
- JR Pass: See dedicated article (usually not worth it for short stays)
Suica is still the default unless you're doing extremely high-volume transit.
Suica International + Digital Suica (Advanced)
Suica International (Google Pay)
Apple Pay and Google Pay now support digital Suica in Japan. You can:
- Use iPhone or Android phone as Suica
- No physical card needed
- Same functionality
Caveat: This is only available in Japan (you can't pre-load before arriving). Get a physical card at airport, then link to Apple Pay/Google Pay once activated.
Why Still Get Physical Card
Physical cards are:
- Simpler for first-timers (no tech confusion)
- Work when your phone battery dies
- More reliable than digital versions
- Accepted everywhere (digital sometimes has glitches)
Recommendation: Get physical card. Digital is bonus but not essential.
Quick Reference
Buy at: Airport convenience store (easiest)
Cost: ¥2,000 (¥1,500 usable, ¥500 deposit)
Reload: Any convenience store or station machine
Average usage: ¥2,000-5,000 per week
Duration: 10 years validity
Refund: Yes, remaining balance + ¥500 deposit minus small fee
Should you get one: Yes, unless staying less than 3 days in one city.
It's the single best investment you'll make for Japan travel logistics. Buy it immediately upon arrival.
