If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ll almost certainly run into the Suica vs PASMO question. At first glance, they look like competing products. In reality, they’re two versions of the same system.
Suica and PASMO are issued by different companies, but they work interchangeably across almost every train, bus, and store in Japan. The more important decision in 2026 isn’t which brand to choose. It’s which version of the card you can actually get.
Since 2023, a global chip shortage has limited the availability of standard cards. That’s why most tourists now choose between Welcome Suica, PASMO PASSPORT, or Mobile Suica. The key point: for tourist use, Suica and PASMO are functionally identical. Both work on the same trains, buses, and shops nationwide.
What Is the Difference Between Suica and PASMO? — Quick Answer
In 2026, the real choice is between Welcome Suica, PASMO PASSPORT, and Apple Pay Suica—not between the brands themselves.
What Are Suica and PASMO?
Both Suica and PASMO are prepaid IC cards used to pay for transportation and small purchases across Japan.
Suica, short for “Super Urban Intelligent Card,” was introduced by JR East in 2001 for use on JR trains in the Tokyo region. PASMO followed in 2007, launched by private railways and bus operators as a replacement for older ticketing systems.
Today, they’re part of a nationwide network. Cards issued in Tokyo work seamlessly in Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and beyond, alongside regional cards like ICOCA, TOICA, and SUGOCA.
For an IC card Japan tourist setup, this means one card works almost everywhere you’ll go.
What Is the Difference Between Suica and PASMO?
In practical terms, there’s almost no difference.
Both cards:
- Work on the same trains and subway lines
- Are accepted on the same buses
- Pay at the same convenience stores and vending machines
- Use the same tap-in, tap-out system
The differences are administrative.
Suica is issued by JR East, so it’s easiest to find at JR stations and airport counters tied to JR services. PASMO is issued by private operators, so it’s more commonly sold at Tokyo Metro and non-JR stations.
There are small differences in mobile integration. Mobile Suica tends to work more reliably with foreign-issued credit cards via Apple Pay, but for most travelers, the deciding factor is simply where you pick up the card.
The 2026 Reality: Welcome Suica, PASMO PASSPORT, and Mobile Suica
Since mid-2023, standard Suica and PASMO cards have been difficult to obtain due to a global semiconductor shortage. As a result, tourists now rely on three main options:
Welcome Suica
A tourist version of Suica with 28-day validity and no ¥500 deposit. Available at Narita and Haneda airports and major Tokyo stations. Any remaining balance expires at the end of the 28 days and cannot be refunded.
PASMO PASSPORT
The PASMO equivalent of Welcome Suica. It has the same 28-day validity, no deposit, and a non-refundable balance. It’s available at airports and selected tourist counters in Tokyo.
Mobile Suica (Apple Pay)
For iPhone users, this is often the simplest option. You add Suica directly to Apple Wallet, reload it with a credit card, and skip the physical card entirely. There’s no deposit, and the balance doesn’t expire.
For most travelers, the recommendation is straightforward:
- Use Mobile Suica if your phone supports it.
- Otherwise, get whichever tourist card (Welcome Suica or PASMO PASSPORT) is easiest to find on arrival.
Where to Get Suica or PASMO on Arrival
- Welcome Suica: This is available at JR EAST Travel Service Centers in Narita Airport (all terminals), Haneda Airport Terminal 3, and major Tokyo stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno. You’ll need your passport.
- PASMO PASSPORT: This is available at PASMO counters in Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and tourist information centers across Tokyo, especially near major metro hubs
- Mobile Suica: Set it up before you travel. Add the card to Apple Wallet and test a small top-up to confirm that your credit card works.
Once you’re in the city, these cards are essential for navigating systems, where IC cards replace the need for paper tickets entirely.
How to Reload Suica or PASMO at the Station
- At ticket machines: Use station vending machines (usually green). Insert your card, select “チャージ” (charge), and add cash. Most machines accept ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 bills.
- At convenience stores: Go to the cashier at 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart and request a recharge. Payment is usually cash only.
- Mobile Suica: Open Apple Wallet, tap your card, and select “Add Money.” Payment is handled through your linked credit card.
The maximum balance is ¥20,000. Tourist cards like Welcome Suica and PASMO PASSPORT can be reloaded just like standard cards during their 28-day validity.
Can I Use Suica for Buses and Convenience Stores?
Yes, and this is where the card becomes most useful.
Buses
It is accepted on most urban bus systems, including Tokyo, Osaka, and many regional cities. Tap when boarding, and sometimes again when exiting, depending on the fare system.
Convenience stores
All major chains, such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, accept IC card payments. Just tap at the register.
Other uses
- Vending machines
- Coin lockers
- Many restaurants and shops near stations
- Some taxis (look for the IC logo)
For everyday travel, the card effectively replaces small cash transactions.
Travelers combining long-distance trips with local transport often use both a Japan Rail Pass for intercity travel and an IC card for everything else.
Where Suica and PASMO Don’t Work
- Shinkansen tickets: You can’t use Suica or PASMO balance to buy Shinkansen tickets directly. Reservations must be made separately, including through standard train ticket booking systems for high-speed rail.
- Limited express trains: IC cards cover the base fare only. You’ll still need a separate ticket for the limited express surcharge.
- Long-distance travel: IC cards work within defined urban areas. If you travel beyond those zones, you’ll need to settle the difference at your destination.
- Rural lines: Some smaller or rural railways still require cash.
- JR Pass overlap: IC cards and the JR Pass are separate systems. The JR Pass covers JR trains, while IC cards cover metro systems, buses, and private railways. Most travelers use both.
FAQs
FAQs
What is the difference between Suica and PASMO?
Suica is issued by JR East, while PASMO is issued by private railway and bus operators. Functionally, they are interchangeable and work on the same transport networks and stores across Japan.
How to reload a Suica card at the station?
Insert the card into a ticket machine, select the recharge option, and pay in cash. You can also reload at convenience stores or through Apple Wallet if using Mobile Suica.
Can I use Suica for buses and convenience stores?
Yes, Suica is accepted on most urban buses and at all major convenience store chains. It also works for vending machines, lockers, and many small purchases.
How do I use a Suica card?
Tap the card at the gate when entering and exiting train stations. The system calculates and deducts the fare automatically. The same tap method works for buses and stores.
What is the Welcome Suica tourist card?
Welcome Suica is a tourist-only version of Suica with 28-day validity and no deposit. It’s available at major airports and stations in Tokyo, with the same functionality as a standard Suica during its active period.
