Suica or PASMO for Tourists?
For riding trains, it does not matter: Suica and PASMO work on the same gates and in the same nationwide IC areas. Pick by where you land. Visitor versions — Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO — last 28 days with no deposit but no refund; regular cards cost a ¥500 refundable deposit.
Where Each Card Works
Both cards are part of Japan’s nationwide mutual-use IC system. Wherever you see the shared IC logo — including Kitaca, PASMO, Suica, manaca, TOICA, ICOCA, Hayakaken, nimoca and SUGOCA areas — you can tap either card.
- You cannot use them in shops in PiTaPa areas
- You cannot ride straight from one IC area into another in a single trip (for example Tokyo to Sendai) — leave the gates and buy a ticket for that journey
Welcome Suica
JR East’s card for short-term visitors:
- Valid for 28 days, counting the day you buy it; the "GOOD THRU" date on the back is not the expiry date
- No deposit, and no refund of any balance left
- Top up with yen cash only, up to a balance of ¥20,000
- Sold at JR EAST Travel Service Centers (including Narita Airport and Haneda Airport Terminal 3) and at Welcome Suica machines at Narita and Haneda Terminal 3; as a rule, one card per person
TOURIST PASMO
PASMO’s card for international visitors works the same way: valid 28 days from purchase, no deposit, and no refund of the remaining value. PASMO lists sales at Haneda Airport (Keikyu ticket machines, Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and Narita Airport (Keisei information centers, Terminals 1 and 2).
Regular Suica and PASMO
If you stay longer than 28 days or visit often, a regular card may suit you better. A regular Suica includes a ¥500 deposit. Return a JR East-issued Suica at a JR East station and you get back the deposit and remaining balance, minus a ¥220 handling fee. A Suica unused for 10 years becomes invalid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Suica or PASMO better for tourists?
Neither is better for riding trains — both work on the same gates nationwide. Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO both last 28 days with no deposit and no refund, so buy whichever is sold where you arrive.
Can I get my money back from a Welcome Suica?
No. Welcome Suica has no deposit and the remaining balance is not refunded. A regular Suica refunds the ¥500 deposit and balance, minus a ¥220 fee.
Can I top up Welcome Suica with a credit card?
No, the physical Welcome Suica is topped up with yen cash only. The Welcome Suica Mobile app on iPhone uses a credit card registered in Apple Pay.
Can I use Suica in Osaka or Kyoto?
Yes. Suica works in the ICOCA area and the other nationwide IC areas, but you cannot make one continuous trip from one IC area into another.
Sources
- JR East — Welcome Suica: validity and where to buy
- JR East — Suica deposit and refunds
- JR East — Where Suica can be used
- City of Yokohama Transportation Bureau — PASMO sales resume (Mar 1, 2025) (Japanese)
- JR East — Welcome Suica Mobile
- PASMO — End of PASMO PASSPORT (PDF)
- PASMO — TOURIST PASMO
Sources checked: September 24, 2026
Researched and fact-checked by the TravelSafe Japan team against the sources above. AI tools helped with drafting; every rule, number and date was checked by an editor. General information, not legal or medical advice. Spotted an error? Tell us · How we verify