Introduction
Hi! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
Feeling anxious about Japan’s complex railway network? Tired of fumbling for coins in front of ticket machines?
A single card (or your smartphone) can solve all those problems. That card is the transportation IC card, “Suica” or “PASMO.”
This isn’t just a ticket. It’s an essential “magic wand” for your Japan trip that lets you pay for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines with a simple “beep.”
Master how to use it with this article, and you’ll be moving around the city as smoothly as a local!
In 2025, This is the Perfect Card for You!
In 2025, the IC card situation for travelers has become simpler and more convenient than ever. No more confusion. Just choose the best option for your travel style from these three choices.
Option A: The “Welcome Suica Mobile” App [The Definitive Choice for iPhone Users]
This is the official app for foreign tourists, launched in 2025.
If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, this is by far the smartest and most convenient option.
Pros:
- Rechargeable with a credit card: You can register a credit card in the app and top up anytime. No cash needed.
- Instant issuance: Just download the app and your digital card is issued on the spot. No need to wait in line at a counter.
- Long validity period: Valid for 180 days from the date of issue.
How to get it:
- If you’re on an iPhone, you can download it from the link above.
Otherwise, search for “Welcome Suica Mobile” in the iPhone App Store and download the official app. - Follow the in-app instructions to issue your digital Suica card.
Option B: A Regular Physical “Suica / PASMO” Card [The Simple Choice for Android Users]
This is the standard green (Suica) or silver (PASMO) IC card that Japanese locals use. In 2025, they became available for tourists to purchase again, making them a very straightforward option.
Pros:
- The deposit is refundable: A ¥500 deposit is required at purchase, but you can get it back by returning the card to a station ticket office.
- No expiration date: The card is valid for 10 years from the last date of use, so you can use it on your next trip to Japan.
How to get it:
- Look for an IC card-compatible ticket machine at any major JR or private railway station.
- Select “Purchase Suica” on the touch panel, choose your desired amount (¥1,000 or more), and insert cash.
Option C: A “Welcome Suica” Souvenir Card [The Choice for Collectors]
This is a special physical card for short-term visitors, featuring beautiful, Japan-themed designs like cherry blossoms.
Pros:
- No deposit required: You don’t have to pay the ¥500 deposit.
- Makes a great souvenir: The beautiful design is a wonderful memento of your trip.
Cons:
- Valid for 28 days only: It’s a use-it-or-lose-it type of card that expires after 28 days.
- No refunds: Any remaining balance cannot be refunded, so you need to use it all up before you leave Japan.
入手方法:
- Available for purchase at tourist counters and dedicated machines at major terminals like Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Tokyo Station, such as the “JR EAST Travel Service Center.” →Detailed Purchase Locations
How to Use & Insider TIPS
- How to use: For both transport and shopping, just touch it for one second on the blue-lit IC reader until it “beeps.”
- Nationwide use: It works on most major city railways and buses outside of Tokyo, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
- Check your balance: The remaining balance is displayed on the screen at the ticket gate every time you pass through.
- Coin lockers: It can also be used to pay for IC card-compatible coin lockers at major stations.
Ken’s Final Advice: Speed Up Your Trip
Have you found the perfect card for you? Now you don’t have to feel stressed about getting around. With this card in hand, spend more time seeing more sights. Have the best trip to Japan!
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