Trains are an essential means of transportation in Japan.
To ride the train, you can either buy a paper ticket or use an IC card.
The most convenient is the IC card, which allows you to pass through the ticket gate with just one touch.
There are two main types of IC cards, “Suica” and “PASMO”, which are also available to foreign visitors.
First, there are two types of “Suica” and “PASMO” cards one for regular use and another for short stays.
In this post, we will teach you how to get one.
Regular Suica and PASMO
①Registered card
An IC card that includes your name, gender, date of birth, and other details.
If lost, it can be reissued for a fee.
②Unregistered card
An IC card that can be used by anyone.
If lost, it cannot be reissued.
Suica and PASMO for short stays
①Welcome Suica
This is a “Suica” issued by JR East for short-term foreign tourists.
It is valid for 28 days.
No deposit of 500 yen is required.
The remaining balance cannot be refunded.
②PASMO PASSPORT
This is a “PASMO” issued by the PASMO Council for short-term foreign tourists.
It is valid for 28 days.
No deposit of 500 yen is required.
The remaining balance cannot be refunded.
Differences between the two IC cards
There are no major differences between “Suica” and “PASMO”.
The only differences are their designs and how points are earned, as the cards are issued by different railway companies.
For travelers from overseas, both cards can be used in the same way.
We will now explain how to purchase each IC card.
Where to buy（Regular）
Suica
Multi-function ticket vending machines or “Midori no Madoguchi” （Green Window） at major JR East stations.
PASMO
Ticket vending machines at major private railway and subway stations, station offices, and commuter pass sales offices
What you need
Cash （500 yen deposit + amount to be charged.）
Usually, the first purchase starts from 1,000 yen, of which 500 yen is the deposit and 500 yen is the usable amount.
If you use a named card, you will need to provide information such as your name, gender, date of birth, and phone number （your phone number in Japan is fine）.
You can input this information into the ticket machine or provide it at the counter.
How to charge
(1) Select “Purchase Suica” or “Purchase PASMO” on the ticket machine screen.
(2) Select “New Purchase”.
(3) Select “Named” or “Anonymous”.
(4) Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your personal information.
(5) Select the amount you want to charge.
(6) Receive your card and change.
Where to buy（Short stay）
Welcome Suica
be purchased at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, JR EAST Travel Service Centers in major JR East stations, and some ticket vending machines.
PASMO PASSPORT
Can be purchased at station counters at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, and at information desks and commuter pass sales offices at major private railway stations in Tokyo.
What you need
Passport （to confirm short-term stay visa）
Cash （charge amount）
How to charge
(1) Tell the counter at any of the above stations that you would like a “Welcome Suica” or “PASMO PASSPORT”.
(2) Present your passport.
(3) Pay the charge amount.
(4) Receive the card.
In conclusion, both cards are very convenient and there is no big difference in functionality.
It is best to choose the one that is easier to obtain at the airport or the first station you visit.
If the regular anonymous cards are no longer on sale, we recommend the “Welcome Suica” or “PASMO PASSPORT” cards for foreign tourists.
With one of these cards, you can avoid the hassle of buying tickets and travel around Japan with ease.
Have a nice trip！
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