PASMO Card Guide: Price, Uses and How to Buy

Getting around Japan is easier with a PASMO Card. You can use it to pay for trains, subways, buses, convenience store purchases, vending machines, and more. This guide explains the regular PASMO, the new TOURIST PASMO, where to buy one, how to top it up, and which option is best for your Japan trip.

What Is a PASMO Card?

PASMO is a rechargeable prepaid IC card used for transport and small cashless payments in Japan. Tap it at a ticket gate when entering and leaving a station, and the correct fare will be deducted automatically.

You can use PASMO for:

• Trains, subways, and local buses
• Convenience stores
• Vending machines
• Coin lockers
• Restaurants and cafés
• Shops that display the PASMO or transport IC card logo

Although PASMO started in the Tokyo area, it also works on many participating railway and bus networks across Japan. However, it is not accepted on every route, and some long-distance or special trains require a separate ticket.

Types of PASMO Cards

TOURIST PASMO

TOURIST PASMO is a special physical IC card for international visitors on short stays. It was introduced in May 2026 as the new tourist option after PASMO PASSPORT ended.

• Valid for 28 days from the purchase date
• No ¥500 deposit or service charge
• Purchase price becomes the card’s stored value
• Available at selected locations at Haneda Airport and Narita Airport
• Remaining balance cannot be refunded
• Cannot be reissued if lost
• Can be kept as a souvenir

The card comes with a reference paper showing the expiry date, card type, stored value, and other important details. Keep this paper with you while using the card.

Regular PASMO

A regular PASMO is suitable for travelers who plan to visit Japan again. A new card normally costs at least ¥1,000, including a refundable ¥500 deposit and ¥500 of usable balance.

There are two common types:

• Blank PASMO: Anyone can use it, but it cannot be reissued if lost.
• Personalized PASMO: Your details are registered, so it can be reissued if lost. A reissue fee applies.

A regular PASMO becomes invalid if it is not used or topped up for 10 years.

Child PASMO

A Child PASMO automatically deducts child fares. A passport or another official document showing the child’s age is required when purchasing one.

Each child should have their own card. Child PASMO is valid until March 31 of the year the child turns 12. From April 1, the card can be changed to an adult PASMO by completing the required procedure.

PASMO in Apple Wallet

Travelers with a supported iPhone or Apple Watch can create a PASMO directly in Apple Wallet. You can check the balance, view recent transactions, and add money from your phone.

You need an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet. Some foreign-issued cards may not work, so carry Japanese yen as a backup.

Which PASMO Card Should You Choose?

For most Filipino tourists taking a short Tokyo trip, TOURIST PASMO is the simplest physical option. iPhone users may prefer Apple Wallet because there is no need to buy or carry another card.

TOURIST PASMO Price and Where to Buy

TOURIST PASMO is sold at selected locations at Haneda Airport and Narita Airport.

At Haneda Airport, the dedicated ticket machines accept credit cards. TOURIST PASMO is intended for international visitors on short stays. Follow the instructions provided by the ticket machine or airport counter when purchasing the card.

Prices and sales locations may change, so check the official TOURIST PASMO website before arrival.

Where to Buy a Regular PASMO Card

You can buy a regular PASMO at ticket machines and service counters operated by participating transport companies. These are available at many Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and private railway stations.

How to Buy PASMO at a Ticket Machine

1. Change the language to English.
2. Select PASMO.
3. Choose Purchase New PASMO.
4. Select a blank or personalized PASMO.
5. Choose the starting value.
6. Pay and collect the card and receipt.

Regular physical PASMO purchases generally require Japanese yen cash. The ¥500 deposit cannot be used for fares or shopping.

Where Can You Use PASMO?

PASMO works on many trains, subways, buses, and shops across Japan. However, some routes and special trains require a separate ticket.

PASMO is also accepted on many networks that support Suica, ICOCA, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken. Check your route before taking a long-distance or special train.

How to Top Up a PASMO Card

Sources: www.pasmo.co.jp

You can top up your PASMO at station ticket machines, convenience stores, and on selected buses. Physical card top-ups normally require Japanese yen cash.

The PASMO balance cannot exceed ¥20,000.

Suggested Top-Up Amount

These are only suggested amounts. Start with a smaller top-up, especially when using TOURIST PASMO because the remaining balance cannot be refunded.

How to Add PASMO to Apple Wallet

You need a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, an Apple Account with two-factor authentication, updated software, and an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet. PASMO’s official guide also says the device region should be set to Japan.

Add PASMO on an iPhone

1. Open the Wallet app.
2. Tap the plus button.
3. Select Transit Card.
4. Choose PASMO.
5. Tap Add New Card.
6. Select the amount you want to add.
7. Confirm the payment and complete the on-screen steps.

Set PASMO as your Express Transit Card so you can tap at ticket gates without opening Wallet or using Face ID each time.

Some foreign-issued payment cards may not be accepted, so keep Japanese yen as a backup.

PASMO Card Refunds

TOURIST PASMO balances are not refundable, even if the card is unused. Try to spend the remaining value before the 28-day validity ends.

For a regular PASMO, return the card to a participating PASMO operator’s counter. The remaining balance and ¥500 deposit can be refunded.

A handling fee of up to ¥220 is deducted from the stored balance. If the balance is zero, you can still receive the ¥500 deposit. Identification may be required for a personalized PASMO.

PASMO vs Suica

PASMO and Suica work almost the same for most tourists. Both can be used on many trains, subways, buses, and shops across Japan.

Choose the card that is easier to buy when you arrive. For normal sightseeing around Tokyo, there is little difference in daily use.

Tips for Filipino Travelers

• Get one PASMO for each traveler.
• Keep some Japanese yen cash for physical card top-ups.
• Keep the TOURIST PASMO reference paper until the end of your trip.
• Do not place PASMO beside another IC card when tapping.
• Check your balance before a long travel day.
• Top up in smaller amounts when using TOURIST PASMO.
• Buy separate tickets for Shinkansen and limited express trains when required.
• Ask the station staff for help if the gate shows an error.
• Keep your regular PASMO for your next Japan trip if you do not need a refund.