Travel Pasmo Pass

As the sales of Suica and Pasmo cards issued by JR East have been suspended following an IC chip shortage, I'd like to point out the Pasmo Pass as a viable alternative for those who cannot use the Suica or Pasmo mobile apps.


Mobile IC cards:

• Mobile Suica is available for iPhones (from iPhone 8) and requires the device region to be set to Japan and at least one card enabled in your Apple Pay wallet. Most Android smartphones only allow one app to function at a time. These apps are incompatible with international model Android phones without the FeliCa function or Osaifu-Keitai.
• Mobile Pasmo only works on Android devices with the FeliCa or Osaifu-Keitai functions.

My brother couldn't set up either app on his Android device without creating a new Google profile, which he was reluctant to do.

For international travellers staying in Japan for up to 28 days, Pasmo Pass is a convenient alternative to Suica and Pasmo cards:

This is a special IC card with privileges only available to overseas travellers visiting Japan. It can be used for train and bus travel in the Kanto area and all across the country, where IC cards are accepted, and for electronic payments when shopping. Presenting this card at participating facilities and shops in the PASMO area entitles you to special discounts.

Click to expand...

Price: ¥1,500 (Stored fare of ¥1,500 + issuing fee of ¥500)
Expires after 28 days (stored fare balance cannot be refunded)