Suica Pasmo Guide - Kanagawa 2026

This guide provides essential travel tips and practical advice for navigating Kanagawa Prefecture. From transportation passes to safety information, you will find everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

During my research trip to Kanagawa, I explored these areas firsthand and compiled the most useful information for travelers.

Overview

Location

• Suica and PASMO are interchangeable (use either one)
• Available at major stations (Tokyo, Yokohama, Shinjuku) Get the Yokohama Seaside Gourmet Train Pass — combine transport & dining for a perfect bay area day out
• Use for trains, buses, and shopping
• Mobile Suica available (iPhone/Android)
• Refundable deposit (¥500)

Introduction: What are Suica and PASMO?

Suica pasmo guide sub 5 stands out as a must-visit spot, combining natural beauty with easy access from nearby transport hubs.

Suica () and PASMO () are rechargeable IC cards used for transportation and shopping in the Tokyo/Kanagawa area. Key Features:

• Touch-and-go payment system
• No need to buy tickets for each ride
• Automatic fare calculation
• Can be used for shopping at convenience stores, vending machines
• Interchangeable (Suica = PASMO)

For International Travelers:

• Welcome Suica (28-day validity, no deposit)
• Mobile Suica (iPhone/Android)
• Regular Suica (unlimited validity, ¥500 deposit) Updated: March 2026 (all information verified)

Welcome Suica (Recommended for Tourists)

Validity: 28 days
Deposit: ¥0 (no deposit)
Refund: No refund available
Purchase: Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Major JR stations Best For:
- Short-term visitors (under 28 days)
- No hassle with refund
- All features of regular Suica Where to Buy:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3 (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Tokyo Station (JR East Travel Service Center)
- Shinjuku Station (JR East Travel Service Center) Hours: 9:00-19:00 (most centers)

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Regular Suica

Validity: 10 years from last use
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: ¥500 deposit + remaining balance (minus ¥220 fee)
Purchase: Any JR East station with ticket office Best For:
- Long-term visitors
- Multiple visits to Japan
- Want refund option Where to Buy:
- JR East stations (ticket office)
- Major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, etc.) Hours: Varies by station (typically 6:00-23:00)

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Mobile Suica (iPhone/Android)

Validity: Same as regular Suica
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: Same as regular Suica
Purchase: iPhone/Android app Best For:
- Tech-savvy travelers
- Don't want physical card
- Already have compatible phone Requirements:
- iPhone: iPhone 8 or later (iOS 13+)
- Android: Most recent models (FeliCa compatible) How to Set Up:
1. Download "Suica" app
2. Create account
3. Choose "Welcome Suica" or "Regular Suica"
4. Charge with credit card
5. Hold phone to reader (top of iPhone)

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PASMO

Validity: Same as Suica
Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
Refund: Same as Suica
Purchase: Non-JR stations (Keikyu, Odakyu, etc.) Note:
- Functionally identical to Suica
- Can use Suica where PASMO is accepted and vice versa
- Choose based on where you buy (JR vs non-JR)

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At Airports

Haneda Airport (Terminal 3):

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (3F)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: Welcome Suica, Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
Payment: Cash, Credit Card (for Mobile Suica)
English Support: Yes

Narita Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3):

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (Arrival Lobby)
Hours: 8:00-19:00
Cards Available: Welcome Suica, Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
Payment: Cash, Credit Card (for Mobile Suica)
English Support: Yes

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At Major Stations

Tokyo Station:

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi Central Exit)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: All types
English Support: Yes

Shinjuku Station:

Location: JR East Travel Service Center (South Exit)
Hours: 9:00-19:00
Cards Available: All types
English Support: Yes

Yokohama Station:

Location: JR Information Desk (Central Exit)
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Cards Available: Regular Suica, Mobile Suica
English Support: Limited

At Station Vending Machines

Step-by-Step:
1. Find "Charge" or "Charging" machine (green)
2. Place card on reader (top-left corner)
3. Select amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000)
4. Insert cash
5. Take card and change Minimum Charge: ¥1,000
Maximum Charge: ¥20,000 (including balance)
Payment: Cash only (at machines) Note:
- Machines have English option (look for "English" button)
- Some machines accept credit cards (look for credit card symbol)

At Convenience Stores

Stores:
- 7-Eleven
- Lawson
- FamilyMart How to Charge:
1. Tell staff "Suica charge" or "PASMO charge"
2. Hand over card
3. Specify amount (minimum ¥1,000)
4. Pay cash
5. Staff will charge for you Hours: Varies by store (many 24/7)
Payment: Cash only

For Trains

Step-by-Step:
1. Approach ticket gate
2. Look for IC card reader (usually marked with IC logo)
3. Touch card to reader (1-2 seconds)
4. Gate opens
5. Same at exit (fare automatically deducted) Important:
- Touch card firmly (don't wave)
- Wait for beep and green light
- Don't rush (gate closes quickly)
- If balance insufficient, gate won't open (charge first)

For Buses

Boarding:
1. Enter from rear door (most buses)
2. Touch card to reader (near door)
3. Take numbered ticket (if applicable) Alighting:
1. Move to front door
2. Check fare display (match with your number)
3. Touch card to reader (near driver)
4. Fare automatically deducted
5. Exit from front door Note:
- Some buses: board from front, exit from rear
- Watch other passengers for cues
- Driver can help if confused

For Shopping

Where to Use:
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Vending machines (look for IC logo)
- Some restaurants (fast food chains)
- Some shops (station kiosks, souvenir shops) How to Pay:
1. Tell cashier "Suica" or "PASMO"
2. Touch card to reader
3. Confirm amount on display
4. Wait for beep
5. Done! Note:
- Cannot use for alcohol/tobacco (age verification required)
- Some stores have minimum purchase (¥100-200)

Train Fares (Kanagawa Area)

From Tokyo Station:
- To Yokohama: ¥580 (30 min)
- To Kamakura: ¥990 (55 min)
- To Fujisawa: ¥990 (60 min)
- To Chigasaki: ¥1,190 (70 min) From Yokohama Station:
- To Kamakura: ¥580 (25 min)
- To Enoshima: ¥560 (35 min)
- To Fujisawa: ¥680 (40 min)
- To Chigasaki: ¥870 (50 min) Note:
- Fares automatically calculated
- No need to worry about exact fare
- Transfer discounts applied automatically

Bus Fares

Kanagawa Area:
- Flat rate (most city buses): ¥230
- Distance-based (some routes): ¥230-500
- Highway buses: ¥500-2,000 Payment:
- Touch card when boarding and alighting
- Fare automatically calculated
- Transfer discounts available (some routes)

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Money-Saving Tips

1. Use IC card discounts: - Some trains: ¥5-10 cheaper than paper tickets - Transfer discounts: Automatic 2. Day passes (better value for unlimited travel): - Tokyo Wide Pass: ¥10,000 (3 days) - Enoshima-Kamakura Pass: ¥1,570 (1 day) - Yokohama Minato Burai Pass: ¥1,590 (1 day) 3. Charge in bulk: - Less time at machines - Don't worry about balance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don't:
- Forget to touch card at exit (gate won't open next time)
- Lose card (not replaceable, balance lost)
- Bend or scratch card (damages IC chip)
- Expose to magnets (damages IC chip)
- Share card (one person per card) ✅ Do:
- Touch card firmly to reader
- Keep card in wallet (works through)
- Check balance regularly
- Report lost card immediately (some protection)

Troubleshooting

Problem: Gate won't open
Solution:
- Check balance (may be insufficient)
- Touch card again (may not have registered)
- Go to ticket office (staff can help) Problem: Card not reading
Solution:
- Remove from wallet/case (may be interference)
- Clean card surface (gentle cloth)
- Try different reader (may be malfunction)
- Go to ticket office (may need replacement) Problem: Insufficient balance
Solution:
- Charge at nearest machine
- Go to ticket office (can pay difference)
- Use fare adjustment machine (at exit)

For iPhone Users

Requirements:
- iPhone 8 or later
- iOS 13 or later
- Apple ID (Japan region not required) Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download "Suica" app (by JR East)
2. Open app and tap "Get Started"
3. Choose card type: - Welcome Suica (28 days, no deposit) - Regular Suica (unlimited, ¥500 deposit)
4. Enter email address
5. Add credit card for charging
6. Confirm and complete
7. Card appears in Apple Wallet How to Use:
- Hold top of iPhone to reader
- No need to open app
- Works even when battery dead (Express Transit mode) To Enable Express Transit:
1. Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay
2. Express Transit Card
3. Select Suica
4. Done! (no Face ID needed for transit)

For Android Users

Requirements:
- Android phone with FeliCa support
- Most Japanese domestic models
- Some international models (check compatibility) Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download "Mobile Suica" app (by JR East)
2. Open app and tap "Register"
3. Choose card type
4. Enter information
5. Add credit card for charging
6. Complete registration Note:
- Not all Android phones support Suica
- Check phone specifications before relying on it
- Consider physical card as backup

Welcome Suica

Refund: Not available
Validity: 28 days from purchase
After Expiry: Card becomes unusable (balance lost) Tip: Use up balance before expiry

Mobile Suica

Refund Process:
1. Open Suica app
2. Go to Menu → Refund
3. Follow instructions
4. Refund to credit card (7-10 business days) Refund Amount: Same as regular Suica
Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Transportation

Trains:
✅ JR East (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanagawa area)
✅ Tokyo Metro
✅ Toei Subway
✅ Private railways (Keikyu, Odakyu, Keio, etc.)
✅ Shinkansen (some, need separate ticket) Buses:
✅ City buses (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, etc.)
✅ Highway buses (some)
✅ Airport buses (some) Other:
✅ Monorail (Tokyo, Shonan)
✅ Tram (Toden, Setagaya)
✅ Ferry (some)

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Shopping

Convenience Stores:
✅ 7-Eleven
✅ Lawson
✅ FamilyMart
✅ Ministop Vending Machines:
✅ JR East stations (many)
✅ Public areas (some) Restaurants:
✅ McDonald's
✅ Starbucks
✅ Yoshinoya
✅ Matsuya
✅ Sukiya Shops:
✅ Station kiosks (NewDays, Kiosk)
✅ Souvenir shops (some)
✅ Drugstores (some)

Nationwide Compatibility

Suica/PASMO can be used in:
✅ Tokyo (Kanto region)
✅ Osaka (ICOCA area)
✅ Kyoto (ICOCA area)
✅ Nagoya (Manaca area)
✅ Fukuoka (Hayakaken area)
✅ Sapporo (Kitaca area)
✅ Sendai (Suica area) Note:
- Most IC cards are interchangeable nationwide
- Some regional cards may not work everywhere
- Check for IC logo at reader

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Suica and PASMO?

A: Functionally identical. Suica is issued by JR East, PASMO by non-JR companies. Can use either one interchangeably.

Q: Can I use Suica on Shinkansen?

A: Not directly. Need to purchase separate Shinkansen ticket. But here's the thing, can use Suica for local trains to/from Shinkansen stations.

Q: Is there an English app for Mobile Suica?

A: The Suica app has limited English support. Main functions are in Japanese, but card setup is straightforward.

Q: Can I share one Suica card between two people?

A: No. One card per person. Gates will error if two people try to use same card.

Q: What happens if I lose my Suica card?

A: Unfortunately, balance is lost (not replaceable). Registered Mobile Suica can be reissued (fee applies).

Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Verified: All information tested February-March 2026

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Have tips for using Suica/PASMO? Questions for fellow travelers? Join our community forum to share your experiences!

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Yokohama Area

|---|---|---|---|---| | Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 | | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |

Ringer Hat Yokohama

• 🏷️ Type: Ramen
• 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
• 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
• ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
• 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
• 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
• 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes

• 🏷️ Type: Cafe
• 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
• 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
• ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
• 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
• 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
• 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)

• Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations) Explore Mt Fuji & Hakone on a full-day trip with sukiyaki lunch, Hakone Cruise, Ropeway & Shinkansen return

Pro Tips

References & Sources

Visiting in person, I truly appreciated the depth of this area. I hope this serves as a useful reference for your trip.

My personal exploration of Kanagawa has been incredibly rewarding, and I recommend adding this region to any Japan travel itinerary — the variety of experiences within short distances is what makes it special.

With a little preparation and these insider tips, you can focus on what matters most: immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Kanagawa.

Access

Tips

• Available at major stations (Tokyo, Yokohama, Shinjuku) Get the Yokohama Seaside Gourmet Train Pass — combine transport & dining for a perfect bay area day out

• Multiple visits to Japan

• 🏷️ Type: Ramen

• 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/

• 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX

• ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00

• 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500

• 📍 Area: Yokohama Station

• 🔗 Official Website

• 🔗 Official Website

  🎫Get the Minato Burari Ticket — unlimited transport and discounts in Yokohama's Minatomirai bay area→

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Conclusion

Suica Pasmo Guide - Kanagawa is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels!