PASMO Card Guide for Tourists in Japan
PASMO is one of the most popular IC cards for public transportation in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re using trains, buses, or even shopping at convenience stores, PASMO simplifies travel in Japan. However, some services like the PASMO Passport have been discontinued, so here’s the latest complete guide for 2025.
PASMO Card Overview
PASMO is a rechargeable smart card used to pay for transportation and purchases. It’s especially convenient for foreign tourists who want to avoid the hassle of buying individual train tickets.
What Is PASMO?
PASMO is a contactless IC card issued by private railway and bus companies in the Tokyo area. It allows you to travel easily on trains, subways, and buses by tapping the card on ticket gates or readers.
Why Use PASMO?
Using PASMO makes traveling in Tokyo and other cities much easier for visitors.
Instead of buying a new ticket every time, you can simply tap and go, saving both time and stress. It’s a convenient and efficient way to get around Japan like a local.
- No need to buy tickets each time
- Avoid confusion at vending machines
- Usable for both transportation and small purchases
- Works nationwide in most major cities
＞＞＞ Pasmo
Where to Buy a PASMO Card in 2025
Buying a PASMO card is simple and can be done at airports, train stations, or through your phone.
Purchase Locations
You can easily purchase a PASMO card at various locations throughout Tokyo, especially at airports and major train stations. Whether you’re arriving by plane or already in the city, getting a PASMO card takes just a few minutes.
You can buy a PASMO card at:
- Narita Airport
Keisei Line counter or vending machines - Haneda Airport
Keikyu Line station or vending machines - Major subway and private railway stations in Tokyo (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway)
Cost of PASMO
Before you start using PASMO, it’s helpful to know how much it costs. The card requires a small deposit and an initial balance, but the total is affordable and well worth the convenience.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Card deposit | ¥500 |
| Minimum load amount | ¥1,000 |
| Total initial cost | ¥1,500 or more |
How to Use PASMO – Transportation and Shopping
PASMO makes it easy to navigate Japan without speaking the language. Just tap and go!
Trains and Subways
Tap your PASMO at the ticket gate when entering and exiting. The fare is automatically calculated and deducted from your balance.
Buses
Tap the card at the entrance when boarding and again at the exit (in some cases). Some buses have a flat fare, while others charge based on distance.
Convenience Stores & Vending Machines
Many convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart accept PASMO. You can also use it for vending machines, coin lockers, and some restaurants.
PASMO vs Suica – Which Should You Get?
Both cards are nearly identical in usage, coverage, and cost. The key difference lies in who issues them.
| Feature | PASMO | Suica |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Tokyo Metro & Private Railways | JR East |
| Area of Use | Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama | Same |
| Usable Nationwide | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit Required | Yes (¥500) | Yes (¥500) |
Which should you choose?
Choose PASMO if you arrive via Haneda or plan to use non-JR lines more often. Suica is great if you’re coming via Narita and plan to use JR East trains frequently.
PASMO Passport Is No Longer Available (As of 2024)
In the past, tourists could buy a PASMO Passport, a short-term version of the PASMO card. However, PASMO Passport was officially discontinued in August 2024.
Alternatives for Tourists
- Standard PASMO card: Still available and usable.
- Mobile PASMO (iPhone/Android): Virtual card for your smartphone (no deposit, no physical card needed).
- Welcome Suica: A tourist-only IC card issued by JR East (no deposit, valid for 28 days, non-refundable).
| IC Card Option | Deposit | Validity | Refundable? | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PASMO | ¥500 | 10 years | Yes (fee may apply) | Stations, vending machines |
| Mobile PASMO | None | 10 years | Virtual balance only | Apple Wallet |
| Welcome Suica | None | 28 days | No | JR East service counters |
How to Recharge and Refund PASMO
Once you start using PASMO, you’ll need to recharge it when the balance runs low. Fortunately, recharging is simple and can be done almost anywhere.
And if you’re finished with the card, you can also get a refund for any remaining balance and the deposit.
Recharging PASMO
Keeping your PASMO card topped up is easy and quick. You can recharge it at train stations, convenience stores, and other locations throughout the city.
Most machines offer English instructions, making the process smooth even for first-time visitors.
- At ticket machines (available in English)
- At convenience stores (ask the cashier)
- Amounts usually start at ¥1,000
Getting a Refund
If you’re finished using your PASMO card, you can return it and get a refund for the remaining balance.
The process is straightforward, but it must be done at a service counter in the Tokyo area. Keep in mind that a small handling fee may apply.
Where PASMO Works – Nationwide Compatibility
Although PASMO is issued in Tokyo, it can be used in many other cities across Japan. Thanks to nationwide IC card compatibility, you can travel with PASMO in regions like Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka without any trouble.
Cities Where PASMO Is Accepted
Here are some of the major cities and regions where PASMO is accepted. While it’s primarily a Tokyo-based card, it works seamlessly across most of Japan’s major IC card networks.
- Osaka (ICOCA)
- Kyoto
- Nagoya (manaca)
- Sapporo (Kitaca)
- Fukuoka (nimoca)
- Sendai, Hiroshima, and more
Final Thoughts on PASMO for Tourists
PASMO is one of the best ways to travel smoothly across Tokyo and beyond. With one card, you can ride trains, take buses, and shop without cash. Even though the PASMO Passport is no longer available, standard PASMO cards and mobile options make it easy for travelers to enjoy Japan efficiently.
Whether you’re staying for a few days or longer, PASMO is a smart and reliable companion for your journey.
FAQ – PASMO for Tourists
- Can I still buy a PASMO Passport in 2025?
-
No. PASMO Passport was discontinued in 2024. Consider standard PASMO or Welcome Suica instead.
- Is the PASMO card refundable?
-
Yes, if it’s a physical card. You can get your deposit and balance refunded in Tokyo.
- Can I use PASMO outside Tokyo?
-
Yes, PASMO works in most major cities in Japan thanks to IC card interoperability.
- Is Mobile PASMO available for iPhone?
-
Yes. You can add PASMO directly to Apple Wallet on supported iPhones.
Final Thoughts on PASMO for Tourists
PASMO is one of the best ways to travel smoothly across Tokyo and beyond. With one card, you can ride trains, take buses, and shop without cash. Even though the PASMO Passport is no longer available, standard PASMO cards and mobile options make it easy for travelers to enjoy Japan efficiently.
Whether you’re staying for a few days or longer, PASMO is a smart and reliable companion for your journey.
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