Does Tokyo use Suica or Pasmo?

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.



Tokyo uses both Suica and Pasmo, and for the average traveler in 2026, they are functionally identical and completely interchangeable. Suica is issued by JR East (the railway company), while Pasmo is issued by a consortium of private subways and bus companies. You can use a Suica card on a Pasmo-branded bus, and you can use a Pasmo card on a JR train; both are "tapped" at the same gates. In 2026, the primary choice for tourists is usually the Welcome Suica or the Pasmo Passport, which are special versions designed for visitors that do not require a deposit and feature cute designs (like Hello Kitty or cherry blossoms). These tourist cards are valid for 28 days and can be purchased at Haneda and Narita airports. Furthermore, most travelers now skip physical cards entirely and simply add a digital Suica or Pasmo to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay on their smartphone. This allows you to "tap-and-go" at nearly every train station, bus, and vending machine in Tokyo, as well as at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, making it the most essential tool for navigating Japan's capital.

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They work exactly the same, and in my time of living in Tokyo and using a Pasmo I never had any limitation. The only limitation you might encounter, but not public transportation related, is that some vending machines may accept one and not the other, but that would be relevant only if you are out of cash.

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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.

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The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo. Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.

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PASMO PASSPORT can be used for trains and buses in the Kanto 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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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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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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Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station. Thank you for the quick response.

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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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A Suica card is a card you load up for transport, you can use this card for all forms of transport and even at vending machines and lockers. It covers all lines and you just pay however much you want to load up into the card. YA JR Pass is a one off pass for tourists that you purchase.

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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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Short-term visitors can also consider the special Welcome Suica card. This tourist card with a sakura design comes without a JPY500 deposit fee but is valid for only four weeks and the balance credit cannot be refunded. It makes a cute souvenir to take home for memories.

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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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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. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR Kyoto Station.

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