What is the difference between Suica and PASMO visa?

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.



Suica and PASMO are both "Integrated Circuit" (IC) cards used for transportation and small purchases in Japan, and for the average traveler in 2026, there is virtually no difference in how they function. Suica is issued by JR East (the main railway company), while PASMO is issued by non-JR private railways, subways, and bus companies in Tokyo. Both cards are fully "interoperable," meaning a Suica card works perfectly on PASMO readers and vice versa, across almost all of Japan. The primary difference is the "Welcome" versions for tourists: the Welcome Suica and PASMO PASSPORT are special short-term cards that do not require a deposit but expire after 28 days and do not allow for refunds of unused balances. If you are using a digital version on your iPhone or Android, you can add either to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay; the main choice simply comes down to which app you prefer or which station you happen to be at when you decide to buy a physical card. Both are essential tools for a frictionless Japanese travel experience, allowing you to "tap and go" on trains, buses, and even at vending machines and convenience stores.

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Will a Suica card save me money over regular train tickets? Yes, but only a very little at a time. Within Tokyo, the fare for Suica (or any IC card) users is a couple of yen cheaper than the full fare price.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica in other parts of Japan as well. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR stations in Osaka.

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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. The card must be returned. Stored fare balances cannot be refunded on their own.

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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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Suica cards are managed by JR East, while Pasmo cards are managed by non-JR Lines, including Tokyo Metro and Keikyu Electric Railway. However both cards can be used on train lines run by other operators, e.g. you can use you Suica on a Tokyo Metro Line or your Pasmo on a JR Line without issue.

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You can buy the Welcome Suica card through Vending Machines located at the Haneda Terminal 3 station, Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station, and Narita Terminal 1,2, and 3 Stations. For official information please visit the Welcome Suica Card official website.

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Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally 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 Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores.

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