SUICA/PASMO - what are they and where to purchase
Update March 2025:
As of March 1st, the supply issues seen in the Tokyo area have been resolved, according to the statement from the supplier.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/images_h/22ecff2155b80321001e7e88224b0bab.pdf (PDF File in Japanese)
Cards should be available at any ticket machines at a random station like they were before the shortage became a problem in 2023.
The SUICA or PASMO cards are reloadable transportation cards that work on practically every major rail company in Japan. How it works is similar to the Oyster Card in London, T-money in Seoul or the EZ-Link in Singapore, just to name a few.
Many bus systems allow use of these cards and it can also be used to activate the luggage lockers placed at stations or for payments at most convenience stores at major chains.
Having these cards is not compulsory for travel and they provide little to no discount over the standard single-ride ticket, but they are recommended for its convenience since the Japanese transport system is made up of multiple public and private carriers who each have their own separate fare structure.
Each traveler will need to carry one card and tap-in/out every time you go through the automated gates.
If you use iPhones, you can get the digital version of SUICA added to your wallet with the exact same feature as the physical card. Otherwise, the below is where you can purchase them on arrival.
・Arriving at Haneda Airport ---> Go to the T3 Monorail Station and buy Welcome SUICA from a ticket machine.
・Arriving at Narita Airport ---> Go to the JR Station and purchase a Welcome SUICA from vending machines. Or go to the JR East Travel Center (there is usually a long line)
・Within Tokyo ---> The JR East Travel Center at Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Ueno and Shinagawa Stations
・(After March 1st, 2025) Most ticket machines in stations should be stocked with a card. For a JR station in the Tokyo area, the black-colored machines should be stocked with the SUICA.
Details on where SUICA/PASMO can be obtained
"SUICA or "WELCOME SUICA"
1) Vending machines at the Haneda Airport Monorail Station (T3)
2) JR East Travel Center in Haneda Airport (T3, 6:45am-8pm)
3) Vending machines at the Narita Airport Station, both T1 and T2/T3 Station.
4) After March 2025 - a ticket machine at any JR station. Try the black colored ones, not the green one.
The Welcome SUICA has an expiry date which is 28 days after purchase. It does not require a deposit.
Usually the station staff will initially offer this version to international tourists. The card works exactly the same as a normal SUICA; the only difference is it has an expiry date.
If getting the cards at the airport does not work, the JR East Travel Center at the major stations within Tokyo (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Ueno and Shinagawa) will all be stocked with the card. Again, they might offer the WELCOME SUICA, but if you want the regular one, that should also be an option.
Rail operators other than JR and Tokyo Monorail sell a version called PASMO. There is no difference in the function, it's just a difference in the company that issues them. Since March 2025, they should be available from the ticket machines at any station.
Unlike the SUICA which has versions with an expiry date, the PASMO will not have an expiry date (There used to be a product called PASMO Passport with validity of 28 days, but this was discontinued).
You need to pay 500 JPY as a deposit upon purchase but any amount left on the card can be used in your next trip to Japan. If you wish to receive a refund at the end of the trip, you can go to any staffed counter of a participating company. For example, a PASMO purchased at a Tokyo Metro station and can be refunded at the Keisei counter in Narita Airport or Keikyu counter in Haneda Airport since these companies are a part of the PASMO network. However you cannot go to a JR or Tokyo Monorail station for a PASMO refund, because they are a SUICA service provider.
Different regions of Japan issue cards with a different name. Again they have the exact same function (Eg. ICOCA in the Osaka area, or MANACA in Nagoya) They work the exact same way as a SUICA/PASMO and can be used in any Japanese city.
Of course you can use your SUICA or PASMO for public transport in any other Japanese city also.
In smaller markets, some service providers will not accept any form of IC card but do accept contactless payment with credit cards. Or there are cases where payment is still only in cash. It's always advised to do some checking if you are visiting rural regions of Japan.
THE DIGITAL VERSION (ONLY FOR IPHONE USERS)
iPhone users have the choice to download SUICA/PASMO on their wallet app instead of using the physical card. In the past, it was reported that US-issued VISA cards might experience errors when trying to add funds but this has been resolved.
For Android users, the app is only compatible with phones sold in Japan with the "Felica" feature enabled, so for foreign visitors it is not an option (The app can be downloaded but funds cannot be added, making it essentially useless)
CHILDREN'S SUICA
Half-priced SUICA for children (without expiry date, for passengers under 12) should be available for purchase at any JR ticket office and not limited to just the JR East Travel Center.
You will require identification to verify age, such as a passport for the purchase.
TAP AND GO WITH CREDIT CARD...BECOMING MORE COMMON
There are an increasing number of operators that allow users to tap their credit card at the ticket gate for easy payment.
Already a common feature in many transport networks around the world, several Japanese cities like Fukuoka began experimenting with this method in recent years.
Operators in the Tokyo area were behind but starting December 21st, 2024 selected stations on the Keikyu Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Oedo Line rolled out this option.
Initially it will support six brands including VISA and American Express but Mastercard will be excluded (It will be added to the lineup at a later date)
All stations on the Keio Line, all Tokyu operated lines with exception of the Setagaya Line and the Minatomirai Line also support the touch payment. Again, the Mastercard is excluded for the time being.
Usually just one of the gates at the station will be usable with credit cards. It will look different from the others as it has a separate reader for an IC card and credit card.