2026 Japan TOURIST PASMO Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
Recently launched in May 2026, the new Japan TOURIST PASMO Card replaces the old PASMO PASSPORT. This new IC card technically functions like a Welcome Suica, which is sold primarily to international visitors and expires after 28 days.
While we didn’t get to try the TOURIST PASMO on our 10-day Japan trip, it’s still worth buying if you’re landing at Haneda or Narita Airport and you see shorter lines than the Suica or Welcome Suica.
Now, let’s get to know the Japan TOURIST PASMO Card, including its usage, comparison with other IC cards, price, where to buy, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
What is a Japan TOURIST PASMO Card?
The TOURIST PASMO Card is a special IC card for tourists in Japan, similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard, Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, Singapore’s EZ-Link Card, Korea’s T-Money Card, and Japan’s very own Welcome Suica.
Like the Welcome Suica, the TOURIST PASMO can be used as cashless payment for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and many shops across Japan.
Japan IC cards comparison table
To help you decide on which Japan IC card to use, see comparison table below:
| Features | TOURIST PASMO | Welcome Suica | PASMO | Suica | ICOCA |
| Provider | PASMO Consortium | JR East | PASMO Consortium | JR East | JR West |
| Main Region | Tokyo, Kanto | Tokyo, Kanto | Tokyo, Kanto | Tokyo, Kanto | Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara) |
| Best For | Tourists visiting Japan for less than a month | Tourists visiting Japan for less than a month | Tokyo visitors using private railways | Travelers starting in Tokyo | Travelers starting in Kansai |
| Deposit | No deposit | No deposit | ¥500 | ¥500 | ¥500 |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Mobile Version | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nationwide Coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Refundable | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Read our Welcome Suica guide, Suica Card guide, and ICOCA Card guide for more info.
Japan TOURIST PASMO Card usage
This IC card can be used for the following:
1. Public transportation in Japan
The TOURIST PASMO is mainly used to ride Japan’s public transportation, including trains and buses.
2. Convenience stores and drugstores
You can use the card to pay for items you buy from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart, as well as drug stores in Japan.
3. Shops
Many shops, including souvenir shops, accept TOURIST PASMO as electronic payment, so there is no need to pay in cash.
4. Vending machines
If you buy coffee, drinks, or other items from vending machines at train stations, you can use your PASMO to pay, especially if you lack coins or cash.
5. Cafes and restaurants
When you dine at cafes and restaurants in Japan, you can use the card as payment, especially if you see the PASMO logo at the cashier area.
6. Lockers
You can tap the card to pay for the lockers instead of inserting coins.
What is covered by the TOURIST PASMO Card?
The TOURIST PASMO Card can be used nationwide, including JR East trains, buses, and monorails. Specifically, you can use it within:
- The Greater Tokyo Area: PASMO/Suica Network, local subways, private railways
- Major cities in Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, and more cities that accept compatible IC cards in Japan, such as ICOCA (Kansai Area), Manaca/Toica (Nagoya), Kitaca (Hokkaido), and Sugoca/Nimoca (Kyushu & Fukouka), among others.
What is NOT covered?
You can’t use the PASMO Card to ride the Shinkansen, express trains, airport shuttles, and highway buses. You need to buy separate tickets for them.
How much is the TOURIST PASMO Card?
The price ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥10,000, depending on where you buy it. The amount is already charged to the card as usable credit.
Where can I buy a TOURIST PASMO Card?
You can only buy it from Tokyo’s two main airports: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. See specific locations and card prices below:
Option 1: Haneda Airport (Keikyu)
- Terminal 1 & 2 Station: Ticket machines
- Terminal 3 Station: Keikyu Tourist Information Center; Ticket machines
- Price: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000
Option 2: Narita Airport (Keisei)
- Terminal 1 Station: Skyliner & Keisei Information Center
- Terminal 2 Station: Skyliner & Keisei Information Center
- Price: ¥2,000
Notes:
- Only one PASMO Card is sold and used per person.
- Keep the Reference Paper containing the card’s information.
- The card cannot be reissued if lost.
💡Tip: Don’t know what to ride from the airport to Tokyo City? Read our Haneda Airport Transfer and Narita Airport Transfer guides.
How to use the Japan TOURIST PASMO Card?
Like other IC cards, just tap on the card reader or payment terminals. The final amount will be automatically deducted from your card balance.
Japan TOURIST PASMO Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How to top up the card?
Here’s how to load an amount to your card:
Option 1: Ticket machines
- Insert your TOURIST PASMO in the card slot.
- Select your preferred amount.
- Insert the cash you selected.
- The card will be ejected with the new balance.
☝️ Note: The balance should not exceed ¥20,000 when you top up.
Option 2: Bus
You can tell the bus driver that you will top up an amount to your PASMO Card.
☝️ Note: Only ¥1,000 denominations are accepted for top-up, and the balance should not exceed ¥10,001.
Option 3: Convenience stores and shops
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, as well as select shops, accept top-ups for your PASMO Card. Feel free to ask the store attendant for details and assistance.
2. What’s the difference between TOURIST PASMO and Welcome Suica?
In terms of functionality, there really is no difference. Both IC cards are specifically made for tourists in Japan with a 28-day validity. The only visible difference is the design — the Welcome Suica has a red sakura design while the TOURIST PASMO has a kanji design. Both cards make for a great Japan souvenir.
3. Can foreigners buy a TOURIST PASMO Card?
Definitely! It’s really made for tourists. However, you can only buy it from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita Airport, unlike the Welcome Suica, which you can buy ahead online.
4. Does the TOURIST PASMO have a mobile version?
The TOURIST PASMO does not have a dedicated mobile version. But users of iPhone 8 and above can set up PASMO/Suica on Apple Pay. Though there is a PASMO mobile version for Android users, it is mainly for locals and difficult to use for foreigners.
5. Can I use my card to pay for others at the same time?
No, each person should hold one card. You can’t use your card for other people at once.
6. Can children use it?
There is a TOURIST PASMO version for children. However, it can only be used up to March 31 of the year the child turns 12 years old. You need to show the child’s passport upon purchase.
7. Does the TOURIST PASMO Card expire?
The TOURIST PASMO Card is valid for 28 days only. Any unused balance after the expiry will not be refunded.
8. Is my TOURIST PASMO Card refundable?
No, it is NOT refundable. Use up the remaining balance as it will not be refunded once the card expires.
9. Can I reuse my TOURIST PASMO Card when I go back to Japan?
Unfortunately, you can’t reuse the card after the 28-day validity. You have to buy a new one when you travel back to Japan.
That’s it! Hope we covered the basics of the Japan TOURIST PASMO Card. Visit PASMO’s official website for more information.