Which IC Card to Buy When Going to Japan : Pasmo or Pasmo Passport Card?

As a first-time visitor to Japan, navigating the public transportation system can be daunting. However, with the convenience of prepaid IC cards like PASMO or SUICA, getting around the city has never been easier.

Pasmo is a popular IC card used for travel and shopping across Japan, including the Tokyo metropolitan area. There is also another option, the Pasmo Passport card for visitors. So which one is the best choice for you?

When deciding between the PASMO card and the PASMO Passport, it ultimately comes down to the length of your stay and your travel plans. So let’s take a look at which one is the best for you and your travel needs.

Understanding the Pasmo IC Card

What Is a Pasmo IC Card ?

The Pasmo IC card (also called blank Pasmo, regular Pasmo, or standard Pasmo) is a smart prepaid transportation card that contains an integrated-circuit (IC) chip, allowing the user to pay for trains or subways by simply placing the card over an IC card reader located on the fare gates.

This card is accepted on all major transportation systems in Tokyo, including subways, trains, buses, and streetcars.

Pasmo IC card smart prepaid transit card for Japan train or subway or bus travel automatic tap and pay at terminal — Pasmo IC card purchased from Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, excellent for paying for train, subway, or bus rides, as well as paying for food and goods from vending machines, convenience stores and shops

The card can be bought at ticket vending machines at train stations or at convenience stores, with a one-time fee of 500 yen at the time of purchase.

It is also rechargeable at any time, using the ticket vending machines anywhere across Japan, and can be used over and over again.

Once the card is not used, it remains active for 10 years before expiring. If used again during the 10-year period, the validity period is extended for another 10 years from the latest use. So if you come back to Japan within that time period, you can use the card again and again for many future trips. Amazing, right?

I have a detailed post on all-thing IC cards, such as Pasmo and Suica, easy-to-understand guides, and helpful tips for visitors to Japan. Feel free to check it out here!

What Is a Pasmo Passport Card ?

Created for short-term visitors in mind, PASMO Passport is a special version of the PASMO card that offers additional benefits and discounts for tourists.

While similar in function, the PASMO Passport waives the 500 yen issuing fee, and includes exclusive discounts on some popular tourist attractions.

It is important to note that the PASMO Passport is only available for purchase by foreign visitors and can only be used for up to 28 days. After the 28 days are up, the card expires, and the remaining balance in the card disappears and cannot be used.

Card Comparison

1 . Functions

Both the regular Pasmo and Pasmo Passport cards are similar in functions :

Both are accepted as form of payment on all major public transportation systems in Tokyo, such as trains, subways, buses, and ferries.

Both can be used to pay for goods and food at convenience stores, shops, vending machines, coin lockers, and local eateries or restaurants.

Both can be recharged with more yen whenever the card balance runs low.

2 . Card Fees

The regular Pasmo card requires a 500-yen one-time card fee at the time of purchase, while the Pasmo Passport card waives this fee entirely.

3 . Discounts

The standard Pasmo card offers no discounts, while the Pasmo Passport card offers small discounts and special offers at various tourist attractions and shops.

For a full list of tourist attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels which visitors can receive discounted pricing or offers, check out the official Pasmo Passport Privileges page at : https://pasmopassport.jp/

4 . Refund

The standard Pasmo gives you the option to return the card at the end of your trip, and get a cash refund (in yen) for the unused card balance. A 220-yen processing fee is required for the refund.

Unlike the regular Pasmo card, the Pasmo Passport card is non-refundable. Which means you cannot return it at the end of your Japan vacation in exchange for the remaining card balance in the card in cash.

So if you opt for the Pasmo Passport, make sure to use up the remaining card balance in before you leave Japan.

5 . Expiration Date (or Validity Period)

The regular Pasmo card is valid for 10 years since the last use. If the card was used again any during the 10-year period, the expiration date resets, and it is active for another 10 years. Pretty sweet, right?

Unlike the regular Pasmo, the biggest disadvantage of the Pasmo Passport card is that it expires 28 days after the purchase day. That means the card is unusable after 28 days, and any remaining unused balance in the card will disappear as well.

So make sure to use up the entire balance before you leave Japan, or before the 28-day mark, which ever comes first. Otherwise, you you lose the yen on your card balance when it expires after 28 days.

6 . The Verdict : Should I Get a Blank Pasmo Card or a Pasmo Passport Card?

For short-term visitors looking to save a little bit of money and make the most of their trip, and don’t plan on returning to Japan in the future, the PASMO Passport card is a suitable choice.

For visitors and tourists who plan to visit Japan longer (more than 28 days) or have multiple trips to Japan, and want the flexibility (long validity period) and the card refund option, the regular (blank) Pasmo IC card is the best option.

In my opinion, the regular Pasmo card is the ULTIMATE WINNER. It is convenient, easy to use, can be recharged with any amount of money, and any remaining balance can be refunded at the end of your trip. And it is active for 10 years, which is AWESOME for many of my Japan adventures over the years.

Regardless of which card you choose, using a prepaid IC card like Pasmo will make navigating Japan’s public transportation system a breeze, compared to buying tickets with cash.

Guide for First-Time Visitors to Japan

As a first-time visitor to Japan, navigating the public transport system can be daunting. However, with a Pasmo card (or Suica card, which does the same thing), it becomes a lot easier.

In this section, I will guide you through using a Pasmo card to navigate the public transport system in Japan.

IC cards smart prepaid transit cards Pasmo Suica Icoca Stress free Japan Travel

*** Note that this applies the same way for all other IC cards, such as Suica, Icoca, Nimoca, Sugoca, Pitapa, Kitaca, etc.

If you want a detailed and easy step-by-step guides and travel tips with Pasmo and Suica (or any other Japanese IC card), check out my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

Navigating Public Transport with Pasmo Card

With a Pasmo card, you can use all modes of public transport in Tokyo, including trains, subways, buses, and streetcars.

The card is widely accepted in other cities across Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

To use a Pasmo card, simply touch it to the card reader at the ticket gate when entering and exiting a station or bus. The fare will be automatically deducted from the card balance.

You can also use the card to pay for purchases at vending machines, convenience stores, shops and local eateries.

Choosing the Right IC Card

As mentioned above, the regular Pasmo IC card is a convenient and essential tool for navigating public transportation in Tokyo.

With its ease of use, wide acceptance, great functionality, long validity period, and the refund option, it is a must-have for any traveler visiting Japan.

The regular Pasmo and Suica cards are the most popular Japanese IC cards. They both works the exact same way, and have been travelers’ favorites over the years.

Is the Regular Pasmo Card Got Suspended in 2023?

Unfortunately, yes. Due to the global chip shortage, in June 2023, it was announced that both the regular Pasmo and Suica new card sales are now temporarily suspended.

The Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport card sales are not effected by the chip shortage, and are still available for purchase.

As this onle affect new card sales, travelers who already owned a physical Suica or Pasmo card are not affected, and could still use your card as usual.

For those who wants to purchase a regular Pasmo card (or Suica), you can still get a digital Pasmo (or Suica) on Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and use your phone to tap-and-pay. Crisis averted!

Want More IC Card Tips and Guide?

1 . Check out the Pasmo IC Card official website at : https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/normalpasmo/

2 . Check out the Pasmo Passport official website at : https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/

3 . Want my summarized Pasmo and Suica All-Questions-Answered post? I wrote a detailed yet easy-to-understand guides and tips when it comes to where to buy / how to buy / how to use / where to use / how and where to reload your Pasmo and Suica card (or any other Japanese IC card) at “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What in the world is a Pasmo card, and why should I care?

Think of the Pasmo IC card as your magical wand to navigate Japan’s bustling public transportation system effortlessly. It’s a rechargeable smart card that lets you hop on and off trains, buses, subways, and even some ferries without fumbling with cash or tickets. How cool is that?

What is the difference between Pasmo card and Pasmo passport?

Both cards are used the same way, but the Pasmo Passport IC card comes with additional benefits such as discounts on admission fees to various tourist attractions and facilities, waived initial card fee (500 yen), expires in 28 days after purchased, and is non-refundable.

What is the difference between a Pasmo Passport card and a Welcome Suica card?

They are essentially the same

Is the Pasmo Passport IC card worth it?

In my opinion, no. the regular Pasmo card is way better in term of flexibility, refund-ability, and long-lasting validity period.

Where can I get a normal (standard) Pasmo card?

Easily grab a Pasmo Card at any train or subway stations and airports. Look for the ticket vending machine that are located near every gate. You can even buy a personalized Pasmo, and have your very own name printed on it.

Do I need to get a new Pasmo card (or a different IC Card) for every city I visit in Japan?

Fear not! Your Pasmo card works like magic across all cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Take your card with you anywhere in Japan and use it to conveniently pay for food and goods.

How do I use my Pasmo card to pay for public transport rides and food?

Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy! Just tap your card on the card reader as you enter AND exit the gates, and the fare is automatically deducted from it. No sweat, right?

How much yen should I load onto this card?

Any amount your heart desires, with a minimum of 500 yen.

You want to have enough funds to cover multiple train/subway/bus rides, some vending machine drinks, or convenience store food and snack purchases throughout the day. I recommend 3,000-5,000 yen at a time to last you a few days, before you have to reload again.

Can I use Pasmo for shopping too?

Absolutely. Most shops and department store accepts it. Just look at the shop sign next to the cashier area to see a list of acceptable forms of payments (cash, IC Cards, credit cards).

My Pasmo Card ran out of cash! What now?

Don’t panic! You can recharge your Pasmo IC card at various places like train stations, subway stations, or convenience stores. Just top it up with more yen, and you’re back on the go! Crisis averted.

What if my Pasmo Card goes missing? Will I get a refund or a replacement card?

Unfortunately, there is no refunds or replacement for lost or stolen cards. You will need to buy a new Pasmo card.

Where do I go for answers or guides if I have more questions about the regular Pasmo or Suica card?

To get answers to all questions you possibly have regarding Pasmo, Suica, or other IC cards, read my post at “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

You can also check out the official websites of Pasmo and Suica cards for info.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Interested in buying a Suica IC card, but not sure what the differences between a regular Suica card and a Welcome Suica card? Read my “Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.

Which IC Card to Buy When Going to Japan : Pasmo or Pasmo Passport Card?