What does Pasmo card cover?

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.



A PASMO card is a rechargeable "smart" IC card that is arguably the most essential tool for navigating Japan. Primarily used in the Greater Tokyo area, it covers almost all trains, subways, and buses, regardless of the operator (it works on JR East, Tokyo Metro, and private lines). However, its utility is no longer limited to Tokyo; through Japan's "Nationwide Mutual Usage Service," a Pasmo card also works on major transit systems in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Beyond transportation, Pasmo is a widely accepted "digital wallet" for shopping and retail. You can use the balance to pay at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), at thousands of vending machines, in "Eki-naka" station shops, and at many restaurants and drugstores. In 2026, most travelers prefer the Mobile PASMO (available on iPhone and Android), which allows you to "tap and go" with your phone and refill your balance instantly using Apple Pay or Google Pay. It is worth noting that while it covers "local" transit, it does not cover the base fare of the Shinkansen (bullet train) without separate ticketing, though it can be used to pay for the "fare" portion of certain limited express trains.

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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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Various PASMO types are available, such as the Adult PASMO, Child PASMO, Personalized PASMO card and Commuter Pass. Select the right PASMO for you. PASMO can be topped up at station ticket machines, on buses, and at stores.

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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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Do i need a Pasmo Card for my trip? With your JR Pass, you'll be able to ride JR lines within Tokyo, such as the Yamanote Line and the Chuo line, to access many places. However, if, for example, your hotel is located on a subway line, you may be taking the subway a lot, and for that a Pasmo is really convenient.

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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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