How to Use Suica & PASMO in Japan (2026): A Practical Guide
This guide is part of our Transport in Japan overview and explains how to use IC cards for everyday travel.
Quick guide:
Suica and PASMO are rechargeable IC cards used for trains, subways, and buses across Japan.
Once you have one, you can tap in and out without buying tickets each time.
This article focuses on how to actually use Suica & PASMO during your trip — not history or detailed product comparisons.
What You Can Use Suica & PASMO For
- JR local and rapid trains
- Subways and private railways
- Buses in most cities
- Small purchases at convenience stores and stations
If you are unsure whether you need a rail pass instead, see → Japan Rail Pass: Do You Really Need It?
How to Use Suica & PASMO (Basic Steps)
- Touch the card on the gate reader when entering the station
- Touch again when exiting
- The fare is deducted automatically
No seat reservations or ticket machines are needed for regular rides.
Checking Your Balance
- The remaining balance appears briefly when you tap out
- Station ticket machines display your balance
- Some cards can be checked in mobile wallet apps
How to Recharge (Top Up)
- Use ticket machines at stations (cash is always accepted)
- Recharge at convenience stores
- Select amount → insert cash → tap your card
Tip: Many machines are cash-only, so keep some yen available.
Using Suica & PASMO on Buses
- Tap when boarding (and sometimes when exiting)
- Follow on-board signs — rules vary slightly by city
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to tap out when exiting a station
- Running out of balance before boarding
- Trying to use IC cards on long-distance Shinkansen rides
Suica & PASMO vs Paper Tickets
| IC Card | Paper Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Tap and go | Queue and buy |
| Flexibility | High | Route-specific |
| Ease for visitors | Very easy | Can be confusing |
When Suica & PASMO Are Enough
- Staying mainly in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto
- Using trains and subways for sightseeing
- Not making frequent long-distance Shinkansen trips
When You May Need Something Else
- Traveling across multiple regions in a short time
- Using Shinkansen repeatedly over several days
In those cases, compare with → Japan Rail Pass: Do You Really Need It?
Using Suica & PASMO for Airport Travel
Suica and PASMO work on most trains connecting major airports and city centers.
Bottom Line
For everyday travel within cities, Suica or PASMO is usually all you need. They are simple, fast, and accepted almost everywhere visitors go.
For an overview of trains, tickets, and airport access, start here → Transport in Japan
This guide focuses on everyday use.
Availability and rules may vary slightly by region.
Last updated: 2026-01-29
