What are Suica and Pasmo? A Guide To IC Cards in Japan

In Japan, Suica and Pasmo are two of the most widely used IC (Integrated Circuit) cards for public transportation and various other services. These cards have become an essential part of daily life for residents and visitors alike, offering convenience and efficiency in accessing transportation, making purchases, and availing of other services. 

Currently, due to a manufacturing issue, the production of physical IC cards has been suspended until further notice. However, there are still ways to utilize the benefits of an IC card through other convenient alternatives. 

What is an IC Card in Japan?

An “Integrated Circuit” Card, better known as an IC Card, is a type of payment card in Japan that contains an embedded microchip used to store data like an EMV card. It is often used to pay public transportation fares such as trains, buses, and subways, but it can also be used for vending machines, shops, and restaurants. Besides financial transactions, some IC Cards can also be a form of an employee identification card. 

As of 2021, 200 million IC Cards have been issued in Japan. Since 2001, the IC Card has been an integral part of a Japanese commuter’s life, as these cards have streamlined and simplified the payment process for public transportation in Japan, making it easier for locals and tourists to travel around the country. Additionally, you can check out our guide on How to Travel in Japan for more insights on the public transportation network. 

The Different Kinds of IC Cards in Japan

There are different kinds of IC Cards in Japan, but the top two major cards that the majority of the Japanese population use are Suica and Pasmo, introduced by two separate railway companies in Japan. Suica was launched by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in 2001, while Pasmo was introduced by a group of private railway operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2007.

Suica and Pasmo are the two IC Cards commonly used by tourists who are travelling around Tokyo, since Suica covers the JR East trains in Greater Tokyo, Niigata, and Sendai Regions while Pasmo handles Tokyo’s railway, subway, and bus operators that are not under JR East. 

Besides Suica and Pasmo, there are other kinds of IC Cards such as Icoca, Pitapa, Toica, Manaca, Kitaca, Sugoca, Nimoca, and Hayakaken. Each IC Card has their features and benefits, with certain cards only used in certain regions and cities in Japan. For example, Manaca covers the train, subway, and bus operators of Nagoya, while Hayakaken is the IC Card for the Fukuoka Subway of Fukuoka City.

The Shortage of Suica and Pasmo IC Cards

In June 2023, JR East and other railway operators limited the sales of Suica and Pasmo cards due to a shortage of chips worldwide, making it difficult for their card manufacturers to supply IC chips. This shortage was an effect of the COVID pandemic that affected various industries worldwide, including the electronics industry. 

Eventually, railway operators ceased the production of physical IC cards, suspending the sales of Suica and Pasmo cards until further notice. Personalized and non-personalized Suica and Pasmo cards are included in the suspension. However, this suspension only applies to people who were planning to purchase starting August 2, 2023. Cards that were already purchased prior, and are still active (meaning they’ve been used in the past 10 years), can still be used. 

Resumption of Personalized Suica and PASMO Card Sales

Sales of personalized Suica and PASMO cards were temporarily stopped due to a shortage of semiconductors. However, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, these cards became available again.

The Return of Unregistered IC Cards & Why They Matter

Tourist Only IC Cards

For tourists visiting Japan, having a convenient and hassle-free way to pay for public transportation is essential. That’s where the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards come in—two special IC cards designed exclusively for non-residents. These prepaid travel cards function just like regular Suica and Pasmo cards but come with a 28-day expiration and no deposit requirement, making them perfect for short-term visitors.

Both cards are fully interchangeable across Japan’s extensive transit network, allowing you to hop on and off trains, subways, buses, and even some taxis with ease. They can also be used for small purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and various shops around the country.

The Welcome Suica

The Welcome Suica, issued by JR East, is widely available at Narita and Haneda airports, where you can purchase one from vending machines or JR ticket offices. A major advantage of the Welcome Suica is the ability to load money in thousand-yen increments at the time of purchase, making it flexible for different travel budgets. If you’re traveling with children between the ages of 6 and 11, you can also get a discounted child version, but you’ll need to show their passport at the JR ticket office to verify their eligibility. Since there’s no refund option for unused funds, it’s best to plan your balance carefully to maximize its use before departure.

At Haneda Airport, finding the Welcome Suica card machines is incredibly easy. From the Arrivals Hall, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the machines, which are located next to the Monorail entrance, directly opposite the Tourist Information Office. This makes it convenient for travelers who want to grab a card quickly and hop on the monorail into central Tokyo.

The Pasmo Passport

Similarly, the Pasmo Passport, issued by Pasmo, is another tourist-exclusive IC card with the same 28-day validity and no refund policy. Unlike the Welcome Suica, purchasing a Pasmo Passport requires you to show your passport at the counter to confirm your non-resident status.

You can pick one up at Narita and Haneda Airports, as well as select subway stations in Tokyo (though availability may change, so checking ahead is recommended). One important thing to note is that Pasmo purchases typically require cash payment, so make sure to have some yen on hand if you opt for this card.

You can purchase Pasmo Passport Cards at the following locations;

• Airport Terminals
  • Narita Airport
  • Haneda Airport
• Train Stations
  • Shinagawa
  • Yokohama 
  • Ueno-okachimachi
  • Shimbasi
  • Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
  • Shibuya
• Tokyo Metro Stations
  • Ueno
  • Ikebukuro
  • Ginza
  • Shinjuku
  • Iidabashi
  • Takadanobaba
  • Meiji-jingle
  • Otemachi

Digital Suica & Pasmo IC Cards

Suica and PASMO have embraced mobile payment technology by creating apps that work as digital versions of their IC cards.

A Better Deal For iPhone Users

Digital Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA cards can now be used on Apple iPhones (version 8 or later) and Apple Watches (version 3 or later). They are also available for Android phones, but only if the device was purchased in Japan. This limitation makes it difficult for most tourists to use mobile IC cards on Android.

If you have an iPhone, you can easily add a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to Apple Wallet by opening the Wallet app, tapping the plus sign (+) in the upper right, and selecting “Transit Cards” from the list. More detailed instructions can be found here. You can also transfer a physical Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to your iPhone, but once you do, the physical card will no longer work.

Unlike physical IC cards, mobile versions are recharged using a credit card linked to Apple Wallet. You can also add money at certain train station machines and convenience stores that support phone compatibility. Mobile Suica and PASMO function exactly like their physical counterparts.

Important Notes:

• At this time, non-Japan-issued Visa and Mastercard cards may not work for recharging mobile IC cards. American Express is currently the most reliable option.
• The system undergoes nightly maintenance from 12 AM to 5 AM JST, so you may not be able to recharge your card during this time.
• Oct 2024 Update: If you’re using iOS 18.1, the option to add a transit card might not appear unless your phone is set to a region where transit cards are supported (e.g., the US, Canada, Hong Kong, or Japan). You may need to change your phone’s region or wait until you arrive in Japan to add a digital IC card.

For Android users, Google Pay and Rakuten Pay also support mobile IC cards, but availability depends on the phone model and where it was purchased. If you’re visiting Japan and don’t have a compatible phone, a physical Suica or PASMO card may be the best option.

Enjoy Hassle-Free Traveling in Japan!

IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo remain prevalent and convenient options for managing transportation and payments in Japan. There are indeed alternatives available to accommodate the suspension of the production of physical IC cards. 

From apps to special travel cards, travellers and residents in Japan can still experience the convenience of physical IC Cards. Through these alternatives enhance their overall experience in navigating the country’s transportation systems and retail landscape.