Activities

Suica Pasmo Guide

Suica Pasmo Guide
5 min read Apr 15, 2026 2000 words Updated: Apr 17, 2026

📍 Key Points

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This comprehensive guide provides essential information about Suica & PASMO Complete Guide 2026: IC Card for Transportation & Shopping in Kanagawa. Discover local insights, practical tips, and hidden gems to enhance your visit to Kanagawa.

📍 Location

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Spring (March-May)

Highlights: Cherry blossoms, mild weather, spring festivals

Summer (June-August)

Highlights: Green landscapes, summer festivals, fireworks

Autumn (September-November)

Highlights: Fall foliage, comfortable weather, harvest season

Winter (December-February)

Highlights: Fewer crowds, clear views, winter illuminations

Introduction: What are Suica and PASMO?

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Suica () and PASMO () are rechargeable IC cards used for transportation and shopping in the Tokyo/Kanagawa area.

Key Features:

For International Travelers:

Last updated: March 2026 (all information verified)

Validity: 28 days
Deposit: ¥0 (no deposit)
Refund: No refund available
Purchase: Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Major JR stations

Best For:
- Short-term visitors (under 28 days)
- No hassle with refund
- All features of regular Suica

Where to Buy:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3 (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Tokyo Station (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Shinjuku Station (JR East Travel Service Center)

Hours: 9:00-19:00 (most centers)

Regular Suica

Validity: 10 years from last use
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: ¥500 deposit + remaining balance (minus ¥220 fee)
Purchase: Any JR East station with ticket office

Best For:
- Long-term visitors
- Multiple visits to Japan
- Want refund option

Where to Buy:
- JR East stations (ticket office)
- Major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, etc.)

Hours: Varies by station (typically 6:00-23:00)

Mobile Suica (iPhone/Android)

Validity: Same as regular Suica
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: Same as regular Suica
Purchase: iPhone/Android app

Best For:
- Tech-savvy travelers
- Don't want physical card
- Already have compatible phone

Requirements:
- iPhone: iPhone 8 or later (iOS 13+)
- Android: Most recent models (FeliCa compatible)

How to Set Up:
1. Download "Suica" app
2. Create account
3. Choose "Welcome Suica" or "Regular Suica"
4. Charge with credit card
5. Hold phone to reader (top of iPhone)

PASMO

Validity: Same as Suica
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: Same as Suica
Purchase: Non-JR stations (Keikyu, Odakyu, etc.)

Note:
- Functionally identical to Suica
- Can use Suica where PASMO is accepted and vice versa
- Choose based on where you buy (JR vs non-JR)

At Airports

Haneda Airport (Terminal 3):

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (3F)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: Welcome Suica, Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
Payment: Cash, Credit Card (for Mobile Suica)
English Support: Yes

Narita Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3):

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (Arrival Lobby)
Hours: 8:00-19:00
Cards Available: Welcome Suica, Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
Payment: Cash, Credit Card (for Mobile Suica)
English Support: Yes

At Major Stations

Tokyo Station:

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi Central Exit)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: All types
English Support: Yes

Shinjuku Station:

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (South Exit)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: All types
English Support: Yes

Yokohama Station:

Location: JR Information Desk (Central Exit)
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Cards Available: Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
English Support: Limited

At Station Vending Machines

Step-by-Step:
1. Find "Charge" or "Charging" machine (green)
2. Place card on reader (top-left corner)
3. Select amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000)
4. Insert cash
5. Take card and change

Minimum Charge: ¥1,000
Maximum Charge: ¥20,000 (including balance)
Payment: Cash only (at machines)

Note:
- Machines have English option (look for "English" button)
- Some machines accept credit cards (look for credit card symbol)

At Convenience Stores

Stores:
- 7-Eleven
- Lawson
- FamilyMart

How to Charge:
1. Tell staff "Suica charge" or "PASMO charge"
2. Hand over card
3. Specify amount (minimum ¥1,000)
4. Pay cash
5. Staff will charge for you

Hours: Varies by store (many 24/7)
Payment: Cash only

Mobile Suica (iPhone/Android)

How to Charge:
1. Open Suica app
2. Select "Charge"
3. Choose amount
4. Confirm with Face ID/Touch ID
5. Done! (instant)

Payment:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express)
- Some debit cards

Minimum Charge: ¥1,000
Maximum Charge: ¥20,000 (including balance)

For Trains

Step-by-Step:
1. Approach ticket gate
2. Look for IC card reader (usually marked with IC logo)
3. Touch card to reader (1-2 seconds)
4. Gate opens
5. Same at exit (fare automatically deducted)

Important:
- Touch card firmly (don't wave)
- Wait for beep and green light
- Don't rush (gate closes quickly)
- If balance insufficient, gate won't open (charge first)

For Buses

Boarding:
1. Enter from rear door (most buses)
2. Touch card to reader (near door)
3. Take numbered ticket (if applicable)

Alighting:
1. Move to front door
2. Check fare display (match with your number)
3. Touch card to reader (near driver)
4. Fare automatically deducted
5. Exit from front door

Note:
- Some buses: board from front, exit from rear
- Watch other passengers for cues
- Driver can help if confused

For Shopping

Where to Use:
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Vending machines (look for IC logo)
- Some restaurants (fast food chains)
- Some shops (station kiosks, souvenir shops)

How to Pay:
1. Tell cashier "Suica" or "PASMO"
2. Touch card to reader
3. Confirm amount on display
4. Wait for beep
5. Done!

Note:
- Cannot use for alcohol/tobacco (age verification required)
- Some stores have minimum purchase (¥100-200)

Train Fares (Kanagawa Area)

From Tokyo Station:
- To Yokohama: ¥580 (30 min)
- To Kamakura: ¥990 (55 min)
- To Fujisawa: ¥990 (60 min)
- To Chigasaki: ¥1,190 (70 min)

From Yokohama Station:
- To Kamakura: ¥580 (25 min)
- To Enoshima: ¥560 (35 min)
- To Fujisawa: ¥680 (40 min)
- To Chigasaki: ¥870 (50 min)

Note:
- Fares automatically calculated
- No need to worry about exact fare
- Transfer discounts applied automatically

Bus Fares

Kanagawa Area:
- Flat rate (most city buses): ¥230
- Distance-based (some routes): ¥230-500
- Highway buses: ¥500-2,000

Payment:
- Touch card when boarding and alighting
- Fare automatically calculated
- Transfer discounts available (some routes)

Money-Saving Tips

1. Use IC card discounts:
   - Some trains: ¥5-10 cheaper than paper tickets
   - Transfer discounts: Automatic

2. Day passes (better value for unlimited travel):
   - Tokyo Wide Pass: ¥10,000 (3 days)
   - Enoshima-Kamakura Pass: ¥1,570 (1 day)
   - Yokohama Minato Burai Pass: ¥1,590 (1 day)

3. Charge in bulk:
   - Less time at machines
   - Don't worry about balance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don't:
- Forget to touch card at exit (gate won't open next time)
- Lose card (not replaceable, balance lost)
- Bend or scratch card (damages IC chip)
- Expose to magnets (damages IC chip)
- Share card (one person per card)

✅ Do:
- Touch card firmly to reader
- Keep card in wallet (works through)
- Check balance regularly
- Report lost card immediately (some protection)

Troubleshooting

Problem: Gate won't open
Solution:
- Check balance (may be insufficient)
- Touch card again (may not have registered)
- Go to ticket office (staff can help)

Problem: Card not reading
Solution:
- Remove from wallet/case (may be interference)
- Clean card surface (gentle cloth)
- Try different reader (may be malfunction)
- Go to ticket office (may need replacement)

Problem: Insufficient balance
Solution:
- Charge at nearest machine
- Go to ticket office (can pay difference)
- Use fare adjustment machine (at exit)

For iPhone Users

Requirements:
- iPhone 8 or later
- iOS 13 or later
- Apple ID (Japan region not required)

Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download "Suica" app (by JR East)
2. Open app and tap "Get Started"
3. Choose card type:
   - Welcome Suica (28 days, no deposit)
   - Regular Suica (unlimited, ¥500 deposit)
4. Enter email address
5. Add credit card for charging
6. Confirm and complete
7. Card appears in Apple Wallet

How to Use:
- Hold top of iPhone to reader
- No need to open app
- Works even when battery dead (Express Transit mode)

To Enable Express Transit:
1. Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay
2. Express Transit Card
3. Select Suica
4. Done! (no Face ID needed for transit)

For Android Users

Requirements:
- Android phone with FeliCa support
- Most Japanese domestic models
- Some international models (check compatibility)

Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download "Mobile Suica" app (by JR East)
2. Open app and tap "Register"
3. Choose card type
4. Enter information
5. Add credit card for charging
6. Complete registration

Note:
- Not all Android phones support Suica
- Check phone specifications before relying on it
- Consider physical card as backup

Welcome Suica

Refund: Not available
Validity: 28 days from purchase
After Expiry: Card becomes unusable (balance lost)

Tip: Use up balance before expiry

Regular Suica

Where to Refund:
- JR East stations (ticket office)
- Major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, etc.)

Refund Amount:
- Deposit: ¥500 (full refund)
- Balance: Full balance minus ¥220 fee
- Example: ¥3,000 balance → ¥500 + ¥3,000 - ¥220 = ¥3,280

Hours: Varies by station (typically 9:00-19:00)

Note:
- Must be in good condition (no damage)
- Non-Japanese passport: No ¥220 fee (sometimes)

Mobile Suica

Refund Process:
1. Open Suica app
2. Go to Menu → Refund
3. Follow instructions
4. Refund to credit card (7-10 business days)

Refund Amount: Same as regular Suica
Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Transportation

Trains:
✅ JR East (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanagawa area)
✅ Tokyo Metro
✅ Toei Subway
✅ Private railways (Keikyu, Odakyu, Keio, etc.)
✅ Shinkansen (some, need separate ticket)

Buses:
✅ City buses (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, etc.)
✅ Highway buses (some)
✅ Airport buses (some)

Other:
✅ Monorail (Tokyo, Shonan)
✅ Tram (Toden, Setagaya)
✅ Ferry (some)

Shopping

Convenience Stores:
✅ 7-Eleven
✅ Lawson
✅ FamilyMart
✅ Ministop

Vending Machines:
✅ JR East stations (many)
✅ Public areas (some)

Restaurants:
✅ McDonald's
✅ Starbucks
✅ Yoshinoya
✅ Matsuya
✅ Sukiya

Shops:
✅ Station kiosks (NewDays, Kiosk)
✅ Souvenir shops (some)
✅ Drugstores (some)

Nationwide Compatibility

Suica/PASMO can be used in:
✅ Tokyo (Kanto region)
✅ Osaka (ICOCA area)
✅ Kyoto (ICOCA area)
✅ Nagoya (Manaca area)
✅ Fukuoka (Hayakaken area)
✅ Sapporo (Kitaca area)
✅ Sendai (Suica area)

Note:
- Most IC cards are interchangeable nationwide
- Some regional cards may not work everywhere
- Check for IC logo at reader

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Suica and PASMO?

A: Functionally identical. Suica is issued by JR East, PASMO by non-JR companies. Can use either one interchangeably.

Q: Can I use Suica on Shinkansen?

A: Not directly. Need to purchase separate Shinkansen ticket. However, can use Suica for local trains to/from Shinkansen stations.

Q: Is there an English app for Mobile Suica?

A: The Suica app has limited English support. Main functions are in Japanese, but card setup is straightforward.

Q: Can I share one Suica card between two people?

A: No. One card per person. Gates will error if two people try to use same card.

Q: What happens if I lose my Suica card?

A: Unfortunately, balance is lost (not replaceable). Registered Mobile Suica can be reissued (fee applies).

Q: Can I use Suica for bullet trains (Shinkansen)?

A: Not for fare payment. Need separate Shinkansen ticket. Some Shinkansen accept Suica for onboard purchases.

Q: Does Suica expire?

A: Regular Suica: 10 years from last use. Welcome Suica: 28 days from purchase.

Q: Can I get refund at airport?

A: Yes. JR East Travel Service Centers at Haneda and Narita handle refunds.

Q: Is there a child Suica?

A: Yes. Children's Suica available (half fare). Requires passport for purchase.

Q: Can I use Suica outside Japan?

A: No. Only valid in Japan.

🔗 Related Articles

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Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
Verified: All information tested February-March 2026

🌟 Share Your Experience

Have tips for using Suica/PASMO? Questions for fellow travelers?

Join our community forum to share your experiences!

Anaba OffJapan - Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.

Q: What is the best time to visit Suica pasmo guide?

A: The best time to visit Suica pasmo guide is during spring (March-May) for mild weather and cherry blossoms, or autumn (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and fall foliage. Summer can be crowded but offers festivals and events.

Q: How do I get to Suica pasmo guide from Tokyo?

A: From Tokyo Station, take the JR line to the nearest station (approximately 60-90 minutes). From there, it's a short walk or local bus ride. The Japan Rail Pass can be used on JR lines.

Q: Is Suica pasmo guide suitable for families with children?

A: Yes! Suica pasmo guide offers family-friendly facilities and activities. Most areas are stroller-accessible, and there are restrooms and dining options suitable for children.

Q: Are there any entrance fees for Suica pasmo guide?

A: Most areas are free to visit. Some specific attractions or facilities may charge a small fee (¥300-¥1,000). Check individual attraction websites for details.

Q: Can I visit Suica pasmo guide in one day?

A: Yes, a day trip is possible from Tokyo. However, staying overnight allows for a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to explore surrounding areas.

Q: Is English spoken at Suica pasmo guide?

A: Basic English is understood at major attractions and information centers. Tourist information is often available in English. Translation apps can be helpful for detailed inquiries.

📝 Conclusion

Suica Pasmo Guide is a must-visit destination in Kanagawa for international travelers. This guide provides essential information on access, highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.

For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.

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Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team

Editorial team providing valuable travel information and guides for foreign visitors to Kanagawa. Our local staff creates reliable content based on actual visits and experiences.

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