Is Pasmo and Suica the same?

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.



While Pasmo and Suica are issued by different companies (JR East for Suica and a consortium of private railways/bus companies for Pasmo), they are functionally identical and fully interchangeable for the vast majority of travelers. Both are rechargeable "stored-value" IC cards used for seamless payment on trains, buses, and at convenience stores throughout Japan. Since 2013, a nationwide integration has allowed either card to work in almost every major city, including Osaka and Kyoto (where they are compatible with the Icoca system). In 2026, the primary difference remains the "Welcome" or "Passport" versions designed for tourists, which expire after 28 days and do not require a deposit. For most users, the choice between them usually comes down to which station you arrive at first, as Suica is sold at JR stations while Pasmo is sold at subway and private rail kiosks.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

MORE DETAILS

In addition to the Tokyo area, the Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Have a wonderful time in Japan with PASMO PASSPORT, a convenient IC card that can be used for travel and shopping all across the country.

MORE DETAILS

You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

SUICA cards are provided by JR East and PASMO cards are provided by the other railroad company including private railroad company and subway company. JR East used to be a part of the Japanese National Railways. They operate SUICA cards alone. The other railroad companies operate PASMO cards together.

MORE DETAILS

You can charge your Welcome Suica card (put money on it) in various places, including ticket machines at stations and in convenience stores. Just look for the mark. You can charge your card with cash. You can put up to 20,000 yen on it.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Where to buy a My Suica card? You can purchase a “My Suica” at any JR East station ticketing machine or booth, including the ones located at Narita and Haneda airport. You can also buy it at some tourist information centers.

MORE DETAILS

Can we just swipe the same card 3 times while going thru the gate? You need 3 cards. Every individual needs their own cards to use train. Scanning the card three times to allow three people, or giving the card back so three people could use it would not work because of the design of the system.

MORE DETAILS