Does Kyoto accept PASMO?

Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Kyoto. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores.



Yes, Kyoto fully accepts PASMO and all other major Japanese IC cards (like Suica, Icoca, and Pitapa) in 2026. Thanks to the "Nationwide Mutual Usage" agreement, you can use your PASMO card to pay for almost all city buses, the Kyoto Subway, and JR West trains throughout the region. You can also use it at convenience stores, vending machines, and many traditional shops in the Gion district. In 2026, the most convenient method is the Mobile PASMO on your smartphone, which allows you to tap your way through the Kyoto gates without needing to find a physical card or top-up machine. Just keep in mind that you cannot "return" a physical PASMO card for a refund in Kyoto; you would need to do that in the Tokyo area where it was issued. For 2026 travelers starting their journey in Kyoto, it is recommended to buy an ICOCA card instead, which works identically but can be refunded locally.

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The Pasmo card can be used to pay for journeys in Japan's main cities, from Tokyo to Osaka, on JR train lines, private train lines, in the Tokyo subway, as well as in any bus or taxi displaying the Pasmo logo. Please note that the Pasmo card does not work on express trains or Shinkansen bullet trains.

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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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The only difference between PASMO and SUICA is who sells them. SUICA is from JR East, and PASMO is from Tokyo-area non-JR rail operators, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Wherever you can use SUICA, you can use PASMO, and vice versa. Same with charging with new amounts.

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Pasmo/Suica will not work in Kyoto. IC cards are pretty much interchangeable nationwide these days (with some rare exceptions). JR West's ICOCA is the only IC card a short-term visitor can purchase in Kyoto/Osaka region.

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Simply touch your PASMO to the reader on the ticket gate to ride the train. Simply touch your PASMO to the reader inside the bus to pay the fare. PASMO can be used for easy electronic payments so there is no need to count out coins.

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Can it be used on trains and buses in other cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya? Yes, it can. Note that PASMO PASSPORT cannot be used in some areas, so make sure to ask the train and bus operators in each area.

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You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Kyoto. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR Kyoto Station.

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A standard fee for a one-way Tokyo to Kyoto ticket is around 160 USD during peak seasons and 100-120 USD off peak, although the price heavily depends on such factor as what travel class you prefer or do you purchase a ticket with reserved or unreserved seats.

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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.

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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 Pasmo card can be used to pay for journeys in Japan's main cities, from Tokyo to Osaka, on JR train lines, private train lines, in the Tokyo subway, as well as in any bus or taxi displaying the Pasmo logo. Please note that the Pasmo card does not work on express trains or Shinkansen bullet trains.

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In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered.

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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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In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered.

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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 utilize IC cards (PiTaPa, ICOCA, Suica, etc.) on the city bus and the subway.

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Rechargeable IC cards such as SUICA, ICOCA and PITAPA can be used on all Kyoto City and Kyoto Buses. Outside the flat fare zone you should touch your card to an IC card reader when you enter the bus and again on your way out.

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