The Complete Guide to Tokyo IC Cards & Transport Passes (Suica, PASMO, Subway Ticket)

Top Priority for Tokyo Travel: Mastering Suica and PASMO IC CardsA comparison guide between Suica, PASMO, and Welcome Suica to help you choose the right card.

Here are the IC transport cards and alternatives currently usable in Tokyo. As semiconductor supply issues have been resolved, sales of standard cards have returned to normal, allowing travelers to choose based on their situation.

1) Standard Suica and PASMO Cards

• Status: Sales have fully resumed at all stations since March 2025, making them readily available for purchase.
• Where to Buy: Multifunctional ticket machines at most stations or JR Midori-no-madoguchi (Ticket Office) counters.
• Features: A 500 yen deposit is required, which is refundable upon returning the card. The biggest advantage is the long 10-year validity, allowing for reuse on future trips to Japan.

2) Tourist-exclusive Card: Welcome Suica

• Where to Buy: Dedicated vending machines at Narita and Haneda airports, or JR East Travel Service Centers at major terminal stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.).
• Validity: 28 days from the date of purchase (Remaining balance expires after this period).
• Features: No 500 yen deposit is required, making it a great souvenir without the need for a refund process.
• Cons: Loaded balances are strictly non-refundable. Therefore, you must spend the entire balance at convenience stores or restaurants within 28 days.

3) iPhone and Android Users (Mobile Cards)

This is the most recommended method, as it eliminates the need to wait in line for a physical card.

• iPhone: You can instantly issue a Suica or PASMO via the 'Wallet' app. Charging is simple using cards registered in Apple Pay.
• Android: Usage is generally not possible unless the device was released in Japan (supports FeliCa).

The Core of Smart Travel: Principles for Choosing and Using Tokyo Transport PassesPrepare to understand and select from various transport passes.

Regardless of which region in Japan you visit, the transport pass system is excellently established. A transport pass allows you to use transportation at a lower cost than standard fares under specific conditions (routes, periods, etc.).

However, because there are so many types, travelers often face confusion when choosing. TourCast introduces these complex passes by selecting only what is necessary for beginners, designed so that understanding these few principles will help you grasp other passes easily.

This page explains only the core transport passes usable within central Tokyo. Regional passes for areas like Hakone or Enoshima are covered separately in their respective guides.

1) Three Principles for Choosing a Tokyo Transport Pass

Before purchasing a pass, asking yourself these three questions will make your choice much easier:

• Check the Route: Is my destination primarily focused on JR or the Subway?
• Frequency of Use: Will I take the train at least 3–4 times a day? (For 1–2 rides, an IC card is better.)
• Airport Transfer: Is round-trip airport transport included in the pass?

2) Major Central Tokyo Passes at a Glance

Detailed Analysis of Major Transport Passes for Tokyo SightseeingA complete guide to Tokyo Subway Tickets and the JR Tokunai Pass.

Here is a summary of the transport passes most frequently considered for travel in central Tokyo. Understanding the difference between 'hourly (24 hours)' and 'daily (1-day)' systems will help you make a more economical choice for your schedule.

1) Tokyo Subway Ticket

Known as the essential pass for Tokyo travelers, this is the most recommended transport ticket.

• Coverage: All 9 Tokyo Metro lines + 4 Toei Subway lines.
• Fares: 24 hours (1,000 yen) / 48 hours (1,500 yen) / 72 hours (2,000 yen).
• Features: Based on 'hours', not 'dates'. If you first use it at 3 PM today, it remains valid until 3 PM tomorrow. At 72 hours, it averages just 660 yen per day.
• Note: JR lines and private railways like Odakyu or Keio cannot be used.
• Chikatoku: Present the pass for discount benefits at major tourist attractions.

2) Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket

• Coverage: 9 Tokyo Metro lines only (Toei Subway excluded).
• Fares: Adult 700 yen / Child 350 yen.
• Features: Cheaper than the Tokyo Subway Ticket, but excluding Toei lines (Asakusa, Oedo, etc.) is a major limitation. It is rarely the best option unless your accommodation is exclusively near Metro-only stations.

3) JR Tokunai Pass (Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass)

• Coverage: Local and rapid JR trains within Tokyo's 23 wards (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, etc.).
• Fares: Adult 870 yen / Child 430 yen (1-day pass).
• Features: Useful when using only JR lines. Advantageous if traveling between JR hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Tokyo Station four or more times a day. As it does not cover the subway, route verification is essential.

4) Tokyo Free Kippu (Tokyo 1-Day Ticket)

• Coverage: Almost all lines including JR (Tokyo 23 wards), Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and Toei Bus.
• Fares: Adult 1,720 yen / Child 860 yen (1-day pass).
• Features: The best choice if you "don't want to worry about which line to take," but value-wise, you need to ride at least 8–9 times a day to break even.

💡 Tokyo Transport Pass Comparison Summary Table