Note: Prices and availability change frequently. The prices shown in this article are examples as of April 2026. Always verify the latest prices and details on the official provider’s website before purchasing.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information for travelers and is not professional financial advice. Fees, terms, and card availability change frequently. Always verify the latest details directly on the official Pasmo website before purchasing. Consult a licensed professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Quick Summary
- Bottom line: Pasmo and Suica are functionally identical — either card works everywhere in Japan
- Cost: ¥500 deposit for physical card (refundable); free for mobile
- Key tip: Set up Mobile Pasmo (Apple Pay or Google Pay) before you arrive — no physical card needed
- When to pick Pasmo: You’re staying near a private railway or Tokyo Metro line, or Suica physical cards are sold out
Already have Suica? You’re all set — read our Suica Card Guide →
Want a free travel toolkit? Try our Japan Travel Concierge App →
Need details? Read the full Pasmo guide below →
What Is Pasmo?
Pasmo is a rechargeable prepaid IC card used for trains, buses, and everyday purchases across Japan. It was launched in 2007 by a consortium of Tokyo’s private railways and bus operators, including Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, Odakyu, Keio, Keisei, Seibu, and Tobu.
New in 2026: You can now tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, or other credit card directly at ticket gates in 700+ stations across the Kanto region (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, and surrounding areas). This means you do not necessarily need a Suica card if you have a contactless credit card. However, Suica still works at more locations nationwide and at vending machines, convenience stores, and other non-transit payments.
In practical terms, Pasmo does exactly what Suica does:
- Tap in and out at train and bus gates
- Pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants
- Works on JR lines, private railways, subways, and buses nationwide
Thanks to Japan’s IC card interoperability system, a Pasmo card works on every transit system that accepts Suica, ICOCA, or any of the other eight major IC cards. You can ride JR trains with a Pasmo, and you can ride Tokyo Metro with a Suica. There is no practical difference at the tap reader.
See the full Japan Transportation Guide →
Pasmo vs Suica: What’s the Difference?
This is the question every tourist asks. Here’s the honest comparison:
| Feature | Pasmo | Suica |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Private railways & bus operators | JR East |
| Where it works | All IC card areas nationwide | All IC card areas nationwide |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Physical card purchase | Private railway / Metro ticket machines | JR station ticket machines |
| Deposit | ¥500 | ¥500 |
| Tourist version | Pasmo Passport (28 days) | Welcome Suica (28 days) |
| Refund fee | ¥220 | ¥220 |
The real answer: Pick whichever you find first. If you arrive at Narita or Haneda and see a Suica machine before a Pasmo machine, get Suica. If you’re staying near a Tokyo Metro station, Pasmo may be slightly more convenient to buy. If you use Mobile (Apple Pay or Google Pay), it genuinely does not matter — both set up in under two minutes.
For a deep dive on Suica, including step-by-step mobile setup, charging methods, and refund details, see our Suica Card Guide.
Browse Japan transportation passes on Klook →
When to Choose Pasmo Over Suica
While both cards are interchangeable, there are a few scenarios where Pasmo makes slightly more sense:
You’re staying along a private railway line
If your hotel is on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Odakyu Line, or Keio Line, the nearest station’s ticket machine will sell Pasmo, not Suica. It’s just more convenient.
You’ll mainly use Tokyo Metro
Tokyo Metro stations sell Pasmo at their ticket machines. If your daily commute is Metro-heavy (Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line), you’ll encounter Pasmo machines everywhere. See our upcoming Tokyo Subway Guide for route planning.
Physical Suica cards are unavailable
JR East temporarily suspended physical Suica card sales in 2023 due to chip shortages. While sales have partially resumed, availability varies. If you can’t find a Suica, Pasmo is the same thing with a different logo.
You want the Pasmo Passport design
The Pasmo Passport tourist card features a unique Japanese-style design that differs from the Welcome Suica. Some travelers collect both as souvenirs.
Mobile Pasmo Setup: Apple Pay & Google Pay
The setup process for Mobile Pasmo is nearly identical to Mobile Suica. If you’ve already read our Suica Card Guide, the steps will look familiar.
Apple Pay Pasmo (iPhone 8 or later)
- Open the Wallet app
- Tap + → Transit Card → Pasmo
- Choose an amount to add (minimum ¥1,000, approximately $6.25 as of April 2026)
- Confirm payment with your credit or debit card
- Hold your iPhone near the reader at any train gate
Tip: If Pasmo doesn’t appear, add Japan to your region settings (Settings → General → Language & Region). You don’t need to change your language.
Google Pay Pasmo (Android with NFC)
- Open Google Wallet
- Tap Add to Wallet → Transit pass → Pasmo
- Set a charge amount and confirm
- Tap your phone at the gate reader
Note: Some international cards may not work for in-app charging on Android. If yours doesn’t, charge at any 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart register in Japan.
Get a Japan transportation pass on Klook →
Pasmo Passport for Tourists
Pasmo Passport is the tourist-friendly version of Pasmo, equivalent to JR East’s Welcome Suica:
- No deposit — unlike the standard ¥500 deposit card
- Valid for 28 days from the date of purchase
- Non-refundable — use up your balance before leaving Japan
- Where to buy: Narita Airport (Keisei counters), Haneda Airport (Keikyu counters), and select Tokyo Metro station offices
- Features a distinctive Japanese-themed design
Pasmo Passport works exactly like a standard Pasmo. The only differences are the lack of a deposit, the 28-day expiration, and the inability to get a refund on unused balance. Plan to spend it down at convenience stores or vending machines before your departure.
For airport-specific arrival tips, see our Narita Airport Guide or Haneda Airport Guide.
Charging & Refunds
Pasmo charges and refunds work identically to Suica. Here’s the quick version:
How to Charge
- Ticket machines: Available at every Metro, private railway, and JR station. Insert your card, choose an amount (¥1,000 to ¥10,000), and pay with cash.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart all support IC card charging at the register, 24 hours a day.
- In-app (Mobile Pasmo): Add money directly from your linked credit or debit card through the wallet app.
Maximum balance: ¥20,000.
Getting a Refund
- Standard Pasmo: Return at any private railway or Tokyo Metro station office. You receive: remaining balance minus ¥220 processing fee, plus ¥500 deposit.
- Pasmo Passport: Non-refundable. Spend your balance before leaving.
- Mobile Pasmo: Use the app’s withdrawal function, or spend down your balance at stores.
For detailed step-by-step charging instructions and troubleshooting (including what to do when your balance runs out at the gate), see our Suica Card Guide — the process is identical for both cards.
Read our Japan Travel Money Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Pasmo on JR trains?
Yes. Pasmo works on all JR lines nationwide, just as Suica works on all private railways and Metro lines. The interoperability is complete.
Should I get both Pasmo and Suica?
No. One card is enough. They work in the same places, accept the same charges, and offer the same mobile features. Getting both just means managing two balances for no benefit.
Can I use Pasmo outside of Tokyo?
Yes. Pasmo works in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and every other city that accepts IC cards. You don’t need a local card for each region.
Does Pasmo work on the Shinkansen?
Not for reserved seats. You need a separate Shinkansen ticket or a Japan Rail Pass. Some routes allow IC card boarding for non-reserved seats via Smart EX, but most tourists will need a dedicated ticket.
I already set up Mobile Suica. Do I need Mobile Pasmo too?
No. If you already have Mobile Suica on your phone, you’re covered. Adding Mobile Pasmo would be redundant since both cards work everywhere.
Whether you choose Pasmo or Suica, an IC card is the fastest way to navigate Japan. Set up mobile before you land and skip the ticket machines entirely.
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