When visiting Tokyo, one essential item will make your trip smoother than anything else: a transportation IC card. Tokyo has one of the most advanced and complex railway networks in the world, and navigating it efficiently requires either a Suica or PASMO card. But which one should you choose? This guide breaks down the differences and gives you the best recommendation for travelers.
The Best Option: Welcome Suica Mobile
For most visitors, the best and easiest choice is Welcome Suica Mobile—a digital transportation card added directly to your smartphone.
Once downloaded, you can top it up instantly with your credit card and start using trains, subways, and buses right away.
👉 Important note:
Welcome Suica Mobile is currently available only for iOS users.
Official page
If you use Android or don’t have a smartphone, you will need a physical Suica or PASMO card instead.
What Is Welcome Suica?
Welcome Suica is a special transportation IC card designed specifically for short-term visitors to Japan. Here’s why it’s convenient:
- Valid for 28 days after activation
- No deposit required
- No need to return the card
- You should use up the remaining balance, as it cannot be used on your next Japan trip
It works the same way as any Suica or PASMO: tap in, tap out, and travel seamlessly.
Where to Buy a Welcome Suica Card
You can get a physical Welcome Suica at the following locations:
JR EAST Travel Service Centers
Located at:
- Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
- Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station
- Tokyo Station
- Shibuya
- Shinjuku
- Ikebukuro
- Ueno
- Yokohama
- Sendai
Other Locations
- JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO
- TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center
What About PASMO?
PASMO does not offer a tourist-specific version.
You can purchase a normal PASMO card at ticket machines in major stations for non-JR lines (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways).
Key points:
- Requires a ¥500 refundable deposit
- Remaining balance should be used before returning the card
- PASMO also has a mobile app, but it is for domestic users only, so travelers should avoid it
PASMO works exactly the same as Suica for transportation and shopping.
Traveling with Children — What You Need to Know
Children 12 and under pay half-price fares in Japan.
However, simply buying a regular Welcome Suica or PASMO card does not apply the discounted child fare.
To get a child IC card:
- You must show your child’s passport at the ticket counter
- Staff will issue a personalized Child Suica or Child PASMO with the child’s name
- This ensures the correct half-price fare is automatically applied
So… Suica or PASMO?
For travelers, the most convenient option is:
✔ Welcome Suica Mobile (iOS only)
Fast, easy, no deposit, and works instantly.
✔ Physical Welcome Suica (iOS users without mobile or Android users)
Best physical card option for short-term stays.
✔ PASMO (physical card)
A good alternative if Suica machines are crowded or unavailable.
Both cards work the same across Tokyo and most of Japan, so the difference is mainly how easy they are to buy and manage.