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Are pasmo cards still available?

Sales of Suica and PASMO Transit Cards to be Temporarily Suspended. Due to a global shortage of semiconductors, sales of Japan's two largest types of IC Cards (imminently convenient, once-omnipresent, charge-and-tap transit cards) Suica and PASMO, will be suspended as of August 2nd, 2023.



As of March 2026, physical Pasmo cards are available but restricted compared to previous years. Due to a global semiconductor shortage that began in 2023, the sale of "unregistered" anonymous Pasmo and Suica cards remains largely suspended for residents. However, tourists can still obtain the "Pasmo Passport," a special 28-day IC card designed specifically for visitors, which is sold at major hubs like Narita and Haneda airports. For those with compatible smartphones, the Digital Pasmo (via Apple Wallet or Google Pay) is the most recommended option in 2026, as it avoids the need for a physical card entirely and can be topped up instantly using a credit card. If you happen to have an old Pasmo card from a previous trip, it is likely still valid, as these cards typically don't expire for 10 years after their last use. In some regions outside Tokyo, you may also find "Icoca" or "Sugoca" cards, which are fully interchangeable with Pasmo for use on trains, buses, and at vending machines across Japan.

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Unfortunately, due to the current global semiconductor shortage, sales of both Pasmo and Suica cards have been suspended indefinitely.

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A Pasmo card is the same as a Suica. You can use it for trains, subways and metro stations and some buses. It is also a tap on card. You can purchase a Pasmo at most stations ( including subway stations) at a vending machine by tapping ENGLISH on the machine and following the instructions provided.

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a PASMO PASSPORT. This is a special IC card with privileges only available to overseas travelers who are visiting Japan. It can be used for train and bus travel in the Kanto area and all across the country where IC cards are accepted, and for electronic payments when shopping.

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If you are planning to travel out of Tokyo even a day trip to Nikko or a little further to Kyoto, then JR pass is the way to go and select the JR line . Pasmo/Suica card is doable within Tokyo and is similar to tap and go card. You can load up whenever you need them (cash only for loading) .

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The card is available at Narita and Haneda airports, plus major Tokyo stations like Ueno, Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. For a full list of where to buy the Pasmo Passport, visit here. Be sure to bring your passport with you as you will need to show proof that you are a temporary visitor when you buy the card.

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PASMO is an IC card that can be used on transportation in Japan. Adding it to your iPhone or Apple Watch Wallet app makes using PASMO easier, more convenient, and smarter. This symbol indicates a transportation IC card that can be used across the entire country.

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Purchasing a Pasmo for your trip depends on what your itinerary looks like. If you are in Tokyo and you already have a Japan Rail Pass, you can ride all JR lines, like the Chuo line and Yamanote line, and be able to get to a number of popular tourist attractions in the area even without a Pasmo.

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CAN I KEEP MY CARD FOR MY NEXT TRIP TO JAPAN? Yes, you can. Pasmo and Suica cards do not expire for 10 years.

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Can PASMO PASSPORT be used on JR trains? Yes, it can.

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PASMO PASSPORT can be used for trains and buses in the Tokyo metropolitan area and across all of Japan. What should I do if I have an insufficient balance? Let the train staff or bus driver know when entering the ticket gate or when getting on or off the bus.

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If your PASMO is damaged and can no longer be used, it can be reissued. Visit a nearby station or bus operator office. If you no longer need your PASMO, it can be refunded. It is also possible to refund the Commuter Pass cost on its own and switch to a Personalized PASMO card.

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You can also use the Pasmo and Suica cards to pay for certain services such as lockers, parking and taxis.

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The Suica card initially costs ¥ 1 ( US$ 0), of which 500 is credit and the other 500 goes as a deposit. This deposit is returned when you return the card to the Japan Rail (Suica). The Pasmo card costs ¥ 500 ( US$ 3.30), which is non-refundable, as well as the money you want to charge it with.

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