Recommended for Visitors to Japan! Your Guide to Using “Welcome Suica”

Easily travel by train and bus in Japan!

Actually, many ticket gates in Japan still do not accept credit card tap payments (though recently, some private railways and subways have started accepting Visa and other tap payments).

Therefore, for transportation, you need to choose one of the following:

• Buy paper tickets from ticket machines every time

• Use an IC card like Suica* and simply tap to ride smoothly

Among these, our top recommendation is the special travel card “Welcome Suica”!

*Suica is a transportation IC card issued by JR East. It can be used for train and bus rides, as well as for payments at convenience stores and vending machines in Japan.

1. What is Welcome Suica?

The Welcome Suica is a special IC card for international travelers. It can be used on JR East trains, subways, buses, and for shopping at convenience stores and vending machines.

• Valid for 28 days

• No deposit required! (Regular Suica cards require a 500 yen deposit)

• No refunds for remaining balance; it is a use-it-up card

• No hassle of refunds! You can keep the card as a travel souvenir

Also, you can save even more by combining it with the IC Special Pass!

2. What is an IC Special Pass?

The IC Special Pass is a service that allows you to load special unlimited travel passes directly onto IC cards issued by JR EAST, such as Suica (including My Suica and Welcome Suica).

• You can ride as much as you like within a fixed area and period for a flat rate.

• Just touch your Suica at the ticket gate — no need to buy a separate ticket!

• It’s super easy because no paper ticket is needed.

There’s also a version called Welcome Suica with IC Special Pass that comes preloaded with the pass.

Please note that the available passes and services may change, so be sure to check the official website or ask at a station before using it.

👉Details on IC Special Passes

3. Welcome Suica Mobile (App version)

Source: Official website

In spring 2025, JR East launched Welcome Suica Mobile!

This is not a physical card but an app you use on your smartphone. It supports iPhone and Apple Watch; Android is not yet supported.

Features include:

• No card needed! Just your smartphone

• Valid for 180 days, no deposit required

• Linked to your Apple ID

• Issue and charge the card instantly via the app, no need to visit stations

Suica is a versatile e-money that works for trains, buses, and shopping. Prepare the app before you arrive in Japan, and you’re all set!

4. Where can I buy it? How much does it cost?

You can get Welcome Suica at major JR East stations such as Narita Airport Station, Haneda Airport Station, and Tokyo Station!
It is sold at dedicated Welcome Suica vending machines, JR EAST Travel Service Centers, JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ, and TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center, among others.

• Prices range from 1,000 to 5,000 yen (including prepaid balance)

• Ticket machines support English

👉Details on purchase locations

5. Where can I use it?

• JR East trains (Tokyo, Yokohama, Sendai, etc.)

• Subways and some private railways

• Buses

• Convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart)

• Vending machines and tourist spots

👉Details on usable areas and locations

6. How to use it? Super easy!

Just tap your card or phone on the reader at ticket gates or stores. No need to buy tickets every time, so it’s super convenient!

If you accidentally travel beyond your balance, just pay the difference at the “fare adjustment machine” or add more balance by charging.

7. How to charge

Physical Welcome Suica cards:

You can recharge at station ticket machines, convenience stores, or Seven Bank ATMs—but only with cash.

Mobile version (iPhone and Apple Watch):

You can easily recharge via Apple Pay using a credit card!

8. Important notes

• The physical Welcome Suica card is valid for 28 days, while the mobile version is valid for 180 days.

• No refund for remaining balance

• It’s recommended to use up the balance before leaving Japan, at convenience stores or vending machines

• Only one card per person

9. Recommended ways to use it

• Get it right after arriving at the airport → Use not only for trains but also taxis and other transport

• Convenient for shopping at convenience stores, station shops, and buying souvenirs

• Register special passes to explore the JR area economically!

• iPhone users should also take advantage of the Welcome Suica app version!

Summary

With Welcome Suica, travel and shopping in Japan are a breeze.

Whether you’re here short-term or long-term, you can choose the best method for you—physical card or smartphone app.

Reduce stress during your trip and enjoy to the fullest by getting your Welcome Suica first!