Suica and Pasmo may sound confusing at first, but they function almost identically. Pick one, charge it, and you’re set for trains, buses, and quick payments.
What is an IC card?
It's a small rechargeable card — or your phone — that you tap to ride trains, buses, and subways. It also pays for things at convenience stores and vending machines. No buying individual tickets, no figuring out fares. Just tap and go.
Suica or Pasmo — which one?
Pick Suica. Here's why: if you have an iPhone, you can set it up before you even leave home. That's the only real difference that matters for most travelers.
If you end up with a Pasmo — maybe that's what the airport machine offers — that's completely fine too. Both work on the same trains, buses, and stores across all of Japan.
Gohan World tip: Don't spend time comparing them. Just get one and go.
How to get one — before you leave home (iPhone only)
- Open your Wallet app → tap + → choose Transit Card → select Suica
- Choose a starting amount — ¥2,000 is a good start
- Pay with Apple Pay using your US card
Done. When you land in Japan, walk straight to the train gate and tap your phone. No queues, no machines, no stress.
Android users: the setup takes a few extra steps through the Suica app. If it feels complicated, skip it and just buy a card at the airport — it takes about five minutes.
How to get one — at the airport
Look for the blue ticket machines near the train gates in the arrivals hall. Every major airport has them — Haneda and Narita both do.
- Tap the English flag on the screen
- Select Suica (or Pasmo if that's what's available)
- Insert ¥2,000–¥3,000 to start
- Take your card and go
Gohan World tip: ¥2,000–¥3,000 covers your airport train into Tokyo plus a few days of rides and snacks while you settle in.
How to add more money (top up)
Any time your balance gets low, reload at any of these:
- Ticket machines at any train station — insert card, press Charge, choose an amount
- Convenience store registers — hand your card to the cashier and say how much you want to add
- Your phone — open Wallet, tap your Suica, tap Add Money, pay with Apple Pay
What to do with leftover balance
This is the question everyone asks at the end of the trip. Here are your simple options:
- Spend it — easiest by far. IC cards work at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, vending machines, and some restaurants. Buy snacks for the flight home.
- Keep it — balances never expire. If you're coming back to Japan, just tuck the card away. It'll be ready when you return.
- Return it — take your physical card to any major JR station service counter. Get your remaining balance back minus a ¥220 handling fee, plus your ¥500 deposit returned.
Gohan World tip: My favorite option is just keeping it. No fees, no forms — and the moment you land next time, you're already ready.
One important warning for mobile card users
If you added Suica or Pasmo to your phone and want a refund on the remaining balance — do not just delete it from your Wallet app. The money doesn't come back automatically.
To get a refund, visit a JR station refund machine before you delete the card. The cashier at the station information counter can point you to the right machine. If you're short on time at the airport, just leave it on your phone. The balance keeps forever.
Quick summary
- Suica or Pasmo — both work on trains, buses, and at convenience stores across Japan
- Get Suica if you have an iPhone — you can set it up before you leave home
- Start with ¥2,000–¥3,000, reload at any station or convenience store
- Leftover balance — spend it, keep it, or return the physical card at a JR counter
- Mobile card users — visit a refund machine before deleting from your phone
Klook — Japan Rail Pass, Tickets & Tours
For travel beyond Tokyo — bullet trains, theme parks, and pocket Wi-Fi rentals.
- Japan Rail Pass delivered to your US address or Japan hotel
- Skip-the-line tickets for Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios Japan, teamLab
- Pocket Wi-Fi and SIM card rentals for pickup at major airports