Getting around the Tokyo Metro Area with our Suica Card

Welcome back to the family’s travel blog! Our long-awaited trip is just around the corner. In our previous posts, we shared our plans for getting from the airports to our hotels in Tokyo Disney Japan, Seoul, South Korea, and Taipei, Taiwan. Now, in this blog, we’re diving into the various Metro IC cards. When we first ventured to Japan back in 2016, we found ourselves scrambling for yen to buy metro tickets. It was a time-consuming and stressful process, and we often ended up either overpaying or falling short on the fare needed for our journeys. However, in our more recent trips to Japan, we discovered a total game-changer – Metro IC cards! My wife and I both purchase our own Suica Card.  Our two little ones won’t be needing a card, since they are both under 6 years old. Here are a quick guide on getting your hands on a Metro IC Card!
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Types of metro cards in the Tokyo metro areaThere are two main types of metro cards in the Tokyo metro area:

• ** SUICA ** (pronounced “soo-ee-ka”) is a rechargeable contactless smart card issued by JR East. It can be used on all JR East trains, as well as on most subways, buses, and private railways in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
• ** PASMO ** is another rechargeable contactless smart card that is compatible with SUICA. It is issued by private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and can be used on all of the same lines as SUICA.

Both SUICA and PASMO cards can also be used as electronic money at many convenience stores and other retailers in Japan. However, there is currently a shortage of IC cards that is limiting the issuance of metro cards in Tokyo. Keep reading to see how to obtain the Welcome Suica Card or PASMO Passport for tourist!

How to buy a metro card

SUICA and PASMO cards can be purchased at most JR East and Tokyo Metro stations. To purchase a card, simply go to a ticket vending machine and select the option to purchase a new card. You will need to pay a 500 yen deposit for the card, which is refundable when you return the card.

How to reload a metro card

There are multiple ways to recharging your metro card:

• Ticket Vending Machine
• Any convenience store in Japan, including 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson
• Metro Card App

Ticket Vending Machine

To reload your SUICA or PASMO card at a ticket vending machine:

1. Simply go to a ticket vending machine
2. Change the language to English or desired language, and then
3. Select the option to recharge your card
4. Insert your card into the reader and
5. Select the amount of money you want to recharge. (You can pay with cash or with a credit card.)

Any Convenience Store in Japan

To reload your SUICA or PASMO card at convenience store in Japan:

1. Go to the cashier and tell them that you want to reload your metro card.
2. Hand the cashier your metro card.
3. Tell the cashier how much money you want to add to your card.
4. Pay the cashier.
5. The cashier will reload your card and give it back to you.

Metro Card App

To reload your SUICA in the App:

1. Download the Suica app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
3. Tap the “Add Money” button.
4. Enter the amount of money you want to add and tap “Add.”
5. Select your preferred payment method and confirm the transaction.
6. Hold your Suica card to the back of your phone.
7. When the reload is complete, you will see a confirmation message on the app screen.

To reload your PASMO in the App:

To reload your PASMO card through the PASMO app:

1. Download the PASMO app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
3. Tap the “Reload” button.
4. Enter the amount of money you want to add and tap “Reload.”
5. Select your preferred payment method and confirm the transaction.
6. Your PASMO card will be reloaded automatically.

Notes:

• If you are reloading your Suica or PASMO card from outside of Japan, you will need to have a valid Japanese credit or debit card.
• There is a minimum reload amount of ¥1,000 for both Suica and PASMO cards.
• There is a maximum reload amount of ¥50,000 for Suica cards and ¥100,000 for PASMO cards.

Pros and cons of metro cards

Pros

• Metro cards are very convenient to use. You can simply tap your card on the reader at the fare gate to enter and exit the station.
• Metro cards can be used on a variety of different transportation lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including JR East trains, subways, buses, and private railways, and major metro areas outside of Tokyo such as Kansei area.
• Metro cards can also be used as electronic money at many convenience stores and other retailers in Japan.

Cons

• Metro cards can be expensive, especially if you are planning on using them for an extended period of time.
• Metro cards can be lost or stolen. If you lose your card, you will need to purchase a new one and pay a deposit.
• Metro cards DOES NOT work on Limited Express Trains and High Speed Rail Trains (Shinkansen). Separate tickets will be purchased to ride on these particular trains.

Tourist IC Card – Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport

As mentioned above, there is currently a shortage of IC cards that is limiting the issuance of new metro cards in Tokyo. However, tourists can still obtain a Welcome Sucia or PASMO Passport card. These cards are designed specifically for tourists and offers a variety of discounts on attractions and transportation.

Welcome Suica

Pro

• No deposit is needed
• Can be reloaded multiple times
• 28 days use – Great for short term travelers due to valid period of 28 days
• Works the same as regular Sucia card for metro and store purchases

Con

• No refunds can be made, regardless of the validity period status or balance loaded on the card (make sure to use the balance prior to leaving Japan)
• 28 days use – Tourists who wish to extend their stay beyond 28 days may find this restriction inconvenient

Where to Purchase the Welcome Suica Card

The Welcome Suica Card can be purchased at the following locations as of (10/26/2023):

• JR EAST Travel Service Centers located in Narita Airport and Haneda Airport:
  • Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) station
  • Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
  • Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station
• Welcome Suica Ticket Vending Machine
  • Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
  • Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station
  • Haneda Airport Terminal 2 (Tokyo Monorail) station
  • Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) station

To purchase a card, simply go to a ticket vending machine or a staffed ticket office and ask for a Welcome Suica and present your passport. No deposit is needed to purchase the card, simply purchase with the desire amount in increment of 1000 yen.

PASMO Passport

Pro

• No deposit is needed
• Now waiving 500 yen issuing fee (minimum store fare of 1500 yen)
• Can be reloaded multiple times
• 28 days use – Great for short term travelers due to valid period of 28 days
• Works the same as regular PASMO card for metro and store purchases
• Discounts at restaurant, shopping, and lodging

Con

• No refunds can be made, regardless of the validity period status or balance loaded on the card (make sure to use the balance prior to leaving Japan)
• 28 days use – Tourists who wish to extend their stay beyond 28 days may find this restriction inconvenient

To purchase a PASMO Passport card, simply go to sales locations displaying a special banner, ask for PASMO Passport card and present your passport.  No deposit is needed to purchase the card, simply purchase with the minimal require amount of 1500 yen.

If you are unable to purchase a Welcome metro card, you can still purchase a virtual metro card on the Tokyo Metro app or website.

Metro Fare for Children

Children need to pay for the metro in Tokyo, but there are some discounts available.

Here is a summary of the Tokyo metro fare discounts for children:

• Children under 6 years old: Free with a paying adult
• Children aged 6 to 11 years old: Half the adult fare
• Children aged 12 and over: Full adult fare

Please note that these discounts only apply to the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway systems. Other public transportation systems in Tokyo may have different fare structures.

Tips for Using Your Tokyo Metro Card

• Keep your card charged: It is a good idea to keep your Tokyo metro card charged at all times, so that you do not have to worry about running out of money while you are traveling.
• Be aware of the fare structure: The fare for each metro journey is determined by the distance traveled. Be sure to check the fare chart before you start your journey to avoid overpaying.
• Take advantage of discounts: There are a number of discounts available for Tokyo metro card holders. Be sure to ask about discounts at attractions and businesses before you make a purchase.
• If you are traveling with a child under 6 years old, be sure to bring a paying adult with you so that the child can ride for free.
• If you are traveling with a child aged 6 to 11 years old, be sure to purchase a child’s fare for them or get a child’s Suica, you will need to have proof of age, so bring your child’s passport.

Conclusion

The Tokyo metro system is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city. By using a Suica or PASMO card, it removes a huge burden of calculate and purchase fare on each trip.  Hope this post was useful for you, and follow along for more future post!

Happy Travels!