The short answer
Suica and PASMO are rechargeable IC cards you tap at the ticket gate instead of buying a ticket for every ride. They work the same way on almost all trains, subways and buses in Tokyo and in Japan's big cities, and you can pay with them in convenience stores and many vending machines.
Which card to get
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Suica | Short-stay visitors | Sold at airports and some major stations for tourists. No deposit, but valid for a limited period and the remaining balance is not refunded — top up little by little. |
| Regular Suica / PASMO | Longer trips or repeat visits | Small refundable deposit; balance can be refunded when you return the card. |
| Suica on iPhone (Apple Wallet) | iPhone users | No physical card, top up with your bank card in Wallet, works with Express Mode — no need to unlock the phone. |
Suica on your phone
- Open Wallet on iPhone and tap +.
- Choose Transit Card → Suica (or PASMO).
- Add a starting amount with your card.
- At the gate, hold the top of the phone near the reader.
Many Android phones sold outside Japan cannot add Suica — in that case use a physical card.
Where it works
- JR trains, private railways, subways and most city buses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo and other areas.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), many vending machines, lockers and some taxis and restaurants.
- Look for the IC logo on the reader.
How to top up
Use the charge machines at stations (choose English, insert the card, pay cash) or pay at a convenience store counter. Many machines accept only cash — keep some yen with you. On iPhone you top up directly in Wallet.
What the card does not cover
- Shinkansen reserved seats: you need a proper Shinkansen ticket (or JR Pass reservation). Read the Shinkansen guide.
- Crossing between some regions on one journey can fail at the gate — if it does, go to the staffed window and pay the difference.
- Limited express surcharges may need a separate ticket.
Tips that save time
- Keep at least ¥1,000–2,000 on the card so a gate never stops you.
- Tap in and tap out — always.
- One card per person, even for children (children's fares need a child card).
- Lost a physical card? Unregistered cards cannot be blocked, so don't load large amounts.
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