
Tokyo Transit Credit Cards Offer Convenient Payment Options.
You can use prepaid IC cards, such as Suica and Pasmo, to pay for fares on Tokyo's public transportation system.
These cards can be purchased at most train stations and can be refilled at convenience stores or online.
Suica and Pasmo cards have a deposit fee, but you can get it back when you return the card.
You can also use contactless credit cards, such as VISA and Mastercard, to pay for fares on Tokyo's public transportation system.
These cards can be used at most train stations, and you don't need to take any action to use them.
The fare will be automatically deducted from your account when you pay with a contactless credit card.
Suica and Pasmo Cards
Suica and PASMO cards are physical cards that can be purchased to make traveling on Tokyo's rail and bus system easier. You can buy them at stations of participating train companies, and a 500-yen deposit is required.
These cards can be used instead of other cards, and they work in many different service areas. As of October 2023, you can use PASMO cards in addition to those of 28 rail operators and 77 bus operators nationwide.
The cards are available for purchase starting March 1st, ending a "long national nightmare" caused by a chip shortage. You'll be able to buy them again, and it's a great option for tourists and locals alike.
If you're planning to use PASMO cards, make sure to check out the complete list of participating operators, which includes 28 rail operators and 77 bus operators nationwide. You can find this list by clicking here.
You can use your PASMO card to ride Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for a day, and it's a great option for tourists and locals who want to explore the city without worrying about buying multiple tickets. The fare for a one-day ticket is 900 yen for adults and 450 yen for children.
Tap-and-Go Payments
Tap-and-Go Payments are coming to Tokyo train stations. This summer, Tokyu Corporation will start trials of the service on the Den-en-toshi Line.
The new system will allow tourists and commuters to pass through the station gates by simply hovering their credit or debit card over the sensor. This will make traveling in Tokyo even more convenient.
Tokyo Metro plans to begin a tap-and-go system at its stations by 2024. This will likely make it easier for tourists to navigate the city.
The system will also accept prepaid cards and QR code payments via smartphones. This is a big advantage for tourists who may not have a Suica or Pasmo card.
By using card-based payments, rail companies can slash their costs for installing and maintaining ticket machines. This is a win-win for both tourists and commuters.
Metro and Tokyu Payment
Tokyo Metro and Tokyu are introducing contactless fare payment systems that are compatible with credit and debit cards.
This move is aimed at making the services more convenient for foreign tourists. The trial for the service will begin on some lines in fiscal 2024 using a platform developed by Sumitomo Mitsui Card, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.
Tokunai Pass
The Tokunai Pass is a convenient option for navigating Tokyo's 23 cities. It allows for unreserved seats on all local trains, including rapid services.
You can purchase the pass through the Suica mobile app for one-day tickets only. Alternatively, you can buy it from reserved-seat ticket machines at major stations in the JR East Pass free area, or from affiliated vendors and major travel agents.
The pass is valid for one day and costs 760 yen for adults or 380 yen for children.
Metro and Tokyu Ease Tourist Payment Hassle
Tokyo Metro and Tokyu are making it easier for tourists to pay for their subway rides. They're introducing contactless fare payment systems that work with credit and debit cards.
The trial for this new service will start in fiscal 2024 on some Tokyo Metro subway lines, using a platform developed by Sumitomo Mitsui Card.
This will definitely make it more convenient for foreign tourists to use the subway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a credit card for trains in Tokyo?
Credit cards can be used for JR trains, but not always for short-distance subway fares in Tokyo. Check our FAQs for more information on using credit cards in Japan
Can foreigners buy a Suica card?
Yes, foreigners can buy a special version of the Suica card, called Welcome Suica, designed for foreign tourists. This card is available with no deposit fee but has a limited validity period.
Which transit card is best in Japan?
In Japan, the best transit cards are PASMO and SUICA, which can be used interchangeably for trains, subways, and buses.
Sources
- https://unseen-japan.com/tokyo-trains-credit-card-payment/
- https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/tokyo-train-stations-to-start-tap-and-go-credit-card-payments-081623
- https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/getting-around/ic-card/index.html
- https://newsonjapan.com/article/138240.php
- https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15002144
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