The easiest way to pay for transportation in Tokyo is the prepaid Suica and Pasmo cards. These cards can be purchased at various places throughout Tokyo, or you can buy one before you leave your home country. This guide will explain where to purchase a Suica or Pasmo card and how to use it during your trip to Tokyo!
Step 1: Choose your flavor
There are two main types of rechargeable smart cards in Japan: Suica and Pasmo. Both can be used on trains, subways, and buses operated by JR East, as well as other participating companies.
All tourists during their first time in Tokyo should purchase a Suica or Pasmo for smooth transportation.
So, which one should you get?
If you have a plan only on using public transportation within the 23 wards of Tokyo, then either card will work just fine.
However, if you decide to take day trips outside of the city or use non-JR East trains, you will want to get a Suica card.
The main difference between these two cards is that Suica can be used nationwide on JR East trains (including Narita Express). In contrast, Pasmo can only be used within the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Step 2: Buy your new Suica or Pasmo card
You have to go to the station to purchase Suica or Pasmo card.
You can do this at any major train station in Tokyo. Look for the green ticket machines and select English on the menu.
Then, choose Suica or Pasmo as your payment method. First, you need to pay a 500 yen deposit, which you can get back when you return the card. Next, enter your name into the machine, confirm that you want to purchase the card, insert cash into the machine then wait a few seconds for it to print out with your receipt.
Very easy.
You now have an electronic rechargeable smart card that’s linked to your bank account (or JCB) so that every time you use it, you automatically withdraw money from your account (unless you put money onto it beforehand).
Please keep in mind that if anyone else uses your Suica card, they will be able to access all of the money in your account! So, be sure not to lend it out or lose it because there are no guarantees of getting reimbursed.
At the same time, you can refill your card in numerous places around Tokyo. Simply enter the amount you want to add and hit 支払い when prompted to make a transaction. Keep in mind that if you travel outside of Japan, these cards will not work on other countries’ trains.
Japanese commuters do not usually carry cash with them. Still, tourists might find it helpful to know that some vendors will not accept anything less than 10 000 yen bills, and most people will not accept 1000-yen notes or coins unless they are paying for something like food or clothing at a small business.
Step 3: Load it up with some cash:
First purchase Suica or Pasmo.
Then you will first need to load it up with cash to use the card.
You can buy at any train station by using the ticket machines. Simply insert your cards into the machine and follow the prompts to add money to your account.
Besides, you can also add money at some convenience stores. These usually have a sign on the door reading Suica/Pasmo. At these stores, you enter the store and go directly to customer service, where they can transfer money from your bank account onto your Suica/Pasmo card.
The minimum amount required to activate a new card is 500 yen ($5). If there are already funds on an inactive card, these funds will automatically be added when activated.
Step 4: Add it to a Digital wallet:
Probably, you love using Google Maps to get around like me because that is very convenient, and it even shows the cost of one station to another.
Luckily, it’s easy to add your Credit Cards to Suica or Pasmo cards to recharge your balance. At the same time, you can add any digital wallet to use it, just like any other smart card.
But if you don’t want to add your credit card, that’s fine. You can recharge with cash.
How to use Suica and Pasmo?
Step 5: How to use Suica and Pasmo?
How to use Suica and Pasmo at the transit entrance?
Just place your card on the reader (don’t swipe it) and take your cards. Make sure you have enough money on your Suica, Pasmo, to go through the gates. You will see a screen like this:
You will see your balance on the screen. If you have enough amount (Yen), then you are good to go! You may continue using your card until the end of your journey.
If you do not have enough balance, then you can not go. The entrance will not block your way and make a red signal.
However, you refill it there.
Sometimes, JR readers do not show balance, but you can check your balance in the refill machines.
Final Word:
Suica and Pasmo are two rechargeable cards used on almost all trains and subways in Tokyo. You can purchase Suica or Pasmo, two types of cards, at any major train station. These cards also can be reloaded at any 7-11 convenience store.
These cards are incredibly convenient and will save you a lot of time and hassle while traveling around the city.
But, if you are not sure where to get one, ask your hotel staff where they recommend going and head there before heading out to explore. If you need more information related to your first time in Tokyo, feel free to check out my first time in Tokyo blog post as well as this website.
If you have a Prepaid Smart Card like Suica or Pasmo, you can use it on the way to Shinjuku from Haneda Airport or other locations in Tokyo.
Note: if you travel to more cities in Tokyo, then consider buying a JR Tokyo Wide Pass.
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