Suica vs PASMO: Which Card Should You Get?
For almost every visitor, the two cards work in the same places. Get whichever is easiest to buy.
The difference that actually matters
Suica is issued by JR East. PASMO is issued by a group of private rail and bus operators around Tokyo. That sounds important, but it rarely changes how a visitor uses the card.
Both can pay for trains, subways, buses, convenience stores, vending machines and many other small purchases wherever the compatible nationwide IC symbol is displayed.
| Question | Welcome Suica | TOURIST PASMO |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Tokyo trains and subways? | Yes | Yes |
| Works on compatible networks elsewhere? | Yes | Yes |
| Pays at convenience stores? | Yes | Yes |
| Visitor-card validity | 28 days | 28 days |
| Unused stored value refunded? | No | No |
TOURIST PASMO replaced the older PASMO PASSPORT visitor product in 2026. That name change is one reason older travel articles can make this simple choice look more confusing than it is.
Which version should you buy?
If you see a Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO sales point when you arrive, either visitor card is a sensible choice. They avoid the deposit used by some standard physical cards, but the trade-off is a 28-day validity period and no refund of the remaining balance.
Standard Suica or PASMO products and mobile versions may also be available. Their issuing rules, compatible phones and purchase locations differ, so do not spend the first hour of your trip hunting for one specific logo when a suitable visitor card is already in front of you.
When you might care
The main differences are where and how a card is issued, whether it is physical or mobile, and what happens to unused value. Availability can change, so check the issuer page shortly before arrival.
If the machine or counter in front of you sells a compatible IC card, that is usually the right one to buy.
One limitation people miss
An IC card is a payment method, not a magic nationwide train pass. It will not replace a limited-express or Shinkansen reservation, and it does not make every railway in Japan compatible.
You also cannot assume that one continuous tap-in journey can cross from one IC operating area to another. For a long-distance trip, buy the appropriate ticket or split the journey as directed by the operator.
Loading and using the card
Keep the balance modest and top up as needed. Cash is still the safest assumption at station top-up machines, even though some mobile products can be funded differently. Tap once at the entry gate and once at the exit gate; the system deducts the fare automatically.
For shopping, look for the compatible IC logo. The same balance can often pay at convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers and restaurants, but it cannot be combined with cash for every transaction. If the balance is low, top up before relying on it at a busy gate.
The practical choice
- Staying fewer than 28 days? Either visitor card is fine.
- Using a compatible iPhone and comfortable with mobile setup? Compare the mobile options before arrival.
- Traveling with a child? Buy the correct child product in person and bring proof of age.
- Leaving Tokyo? Keep the card, but check that the next operator displays the compatible IC symbol.
Official sources
Use these for the latest rules and details.
Reviewed by the Japan, Solved. editorial desk on the date above. Fares, rules and availability can change, so confirm time-sensitive details with the operator before you travel.