If you’ve traveled to Japan before, you probably know that Suica and PASMO are must-have IC cards for getting around. However, due to a global semiconductor shortage, the sale of new cards was suspended in 2023, leaving many travelers struggling to find alternatives. But here’s the good news—starting March 1, 2025, unregistered Suica and PASMO cards will be available for purchase again! This means all types of Suica and PASMO cards will be back in stock, making travel in Japan much more convenient.

What Are Suica & PASMO, and Why Do You Need Them?

Suica and PASMO are prepaid IC cards that can be used for trains, buses, and even shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants. The biggest advantage of unregistered cards is that they are easy to buy and use without the need to register personal information, making them perfect for short-term travelers.

Due to a global semiconductor shortage, the issuance of these IC cards was halted in 2023, except for commuter passes. While the sale of registered Suica and PASMO cards resumed in September 2024, they require personal information and are not as user-friendly for tourists. Now, with unregistered cards making a comeback, visitors can once again purchase and use them hassle-free! 🚆

Unregistered Cards Return on March 1!

📌 Sales Resume: March 1, 2025
📌 Where to Buy: JR East stations, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways, ticket machines, and service counters
📌 Available Cards: All Suica and PASMO unregistered cards

Starting March 1, you’ll no longer need to worry about not finding Suica or PASMO cards! Simply head to a ticket machine or service counter at major stations and buy one on the spot. This is especially great for those who prefer a physical card over mobile versions (which are still limited to certain smartphones).

What If You Couldn’t Get a Suica/PASMO Before?

1️⃣ From March 1, just buy one at the station!

Visit JR East stations, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and private railway stations to purchase your card at a ticket machine or service counter.

2️⃣ Already have an old card? You can still use it!

If you already own a Suica or PASMO, you can continue recharging and using it as usual.

3️⃣ Mobile Suica/PASMO is still an option

If you use an iPhone (with a Japan-region Apple ID) or a compatible Android device, you can also register a digital Suica or PASMO card via their official apps.

How This Affects Travelers

✅ Short-term visitors can now buy IC cards easily again!
✅ No registration needed—just buy and use it right away!
✅ Future Suica & PASMO availability will be more stable, so no need to worry about shortages!

Exclusive for iPhone Users: Welcome Suica Mobile is Coming!

For travelers visiting Japan, there’s even more good news! JR East is launching a brand-new smartphone app called Welcome Suica Mobile, designed exclusively for iOS users. Starting from March 6, 2025, you’ll be able to purchase and use a Suica card directly on your iPhone—no need for a physical card! You can set it up before your trip, so you’ll be ready to use Japan’s transportation system as soon as you arrive.

Want to know more about how Welcome Suica Mobile works? Check out our detailed guide here:

Welcome Suica Mobile: The Convenient App Version of Welcome Suica

Travel in Japan Just Got Easier!

With unregistered Suica & PASMO cards back on sale, traveling in Japan is once again smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re taking trains, buses, or just grabbing a snack at a convenience store, these IC cards make everything more convenient.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, mark March 1 on your calendar and get ready to grab your Suica or PASMO with ease!

Don’t forget to share this great news with friends who are heading to Japan soon!

Source:

JR東日本：無記名の「Suica」・「PASMO」カード発売の再開に関するお知らせ

東京Metro：無記名の「Suica」・「PASMO」カード発売の再開に関するお知らせ.pdf(PDF：872 KB)