If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to travel smoothly without worrying about paper tickets or carrying too much cash, the Welcome Suica is one of the most convenient tools you can have. Designed specifically for international visitors, this prepaid IC card lets you move around major cities and shop effortlessly, making your journey more comfortable from the moment you arrive.
What Is the Welcome Suica?
The Welcome Suica is a prepaid, contactless IC card issued by JR‑East for temporary visitors. It works just like a regular Suica but with several benefits tailored to travelers:
- No deposit required (regular Suica requires ¥500)
- Valid for 28 days from the date of purchase
- No refund of remaining balance, so plan your usage
- Available in both adult and child versions
- Distinctive red cherry‑blossom design—a nice keepsake after your trip
Where Can You Use It?
You can use Welcome Suica across a wide range of transportation and shops:
Public Transport
- JR trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area
- Subways & buses
- Tokyo Monorail (ideal for Haneda Airport → Tokyo)
- Usable in major regions:
- Sendai, Niigata, Aomori, Morioka, Akita
- Parts of Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan, Kyushu
Note: You cannot make continuous travel across IC regions in one trip. If you cross an area boundary, you must exit the gate once before re‑entering.
Shopping & Services
You can tap your Welcome Suica at:
- Convenience stores
- Vending machines
- Restaurants & cafés
- Coin lockers (the card acts as the key!)
- Many retail shops displaying IC logos (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.)
How to Use It
- Simply tap the card on the ticket gate or bus reader.
- Fare is deducted automatically—no need to buy tickets every time.
- To top up, visit:
- JR ticket machines
- Convenience stores
- Station counters
Where to Buy Welcome Suica
You can purchase the Welcome Suica only at selected JR East locations, mainly around major airports and key JR stations.
Airport Locations
- Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station (JR East Travel Service Center & designated ticket machines)
- Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station (JR East Travel Service Center)
Buying at the airport is the easiest option for most international visitors.
Major JR East Stations (Selected Locations)
Welcome Suica is also available at specific JR East Travel Service Centers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including: Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa
(Not all Travel Service Centers issue Welcome Suica, so look for the Welcome Suica logo or ask a staff member.)How to Buy the Welcome Suica
How to Buy the Welcome Suica
Option 1: Purchase from a JR Ticket Machine
Many JR East multi‑function ticket machines support Welcome Suica purchases.
- Choose English or your preferred language
- Select “IC Card” → “Welcome Suica”
- Choose your stored value amount
- Pay and receive the card instantly
No deposit and no passport are required.
Option 2: Buy at a JR East Travel Service Center
If you prefer assistance, you can purchase the card directly from staff at the counter.
- Ideal if you want advice on transport passes
- Child Welcome Suica (for children aged 6–11) is also available here
Price
Welcome Suica has no deposit, unlike the regular Suica.
You pay only for the amount you load onto the card.
Available stored value amounts: ¥1,000 / ¥2,000 / ¥3,000 / ¥4,000 / ¥5,000 / ¥10,000
The full amount is available as usable credit.
Child Welcome Suica
- For children aged 6–11
- Automatically applies child fares on trains and buses
- May require age verification when purchasing at staffed counters
Welcome Suica Mobile (for iPhone Users)
Launched in 2025, Welcome Suica Mobile lets visitors:
- Issue a digital Suica valid for 180 days
- Top up via Apple Pay (no machine needed)
- Use it for trains, buses, and shopping just like the physical card
- Great for travelers who prefer a smartphone‑based experience
Why Travelers Love It
- No deposit, so the cost is more straightforward
- Instant usability—tap and go
- Works on nearly all urban transportation systems
- Multipurpose (transport + shopping + lockers)
- Eliminates cash hassle
- Attractive design & useful for the entire stay
Is Welcome Suica Right for You?
Choose Welcome Suica if you:
- Stay under 28 days
- Want a no‑deposit, easy‑to-use IC card
- Prefer quick travel without queues for ticket machines
Choose Regular Suica if you:
- Expect to return to Japan frequently
- Want a refundable deposit and longer validity
If you want a seamless travel experience across Japan—without stopping to buy tickets or counting coins—the Welcome Suica is one of the smartest travel essentials you can pack. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s buzzing neighborhoods, hopping on the monorail from Haneda, or grabbing a quick snack at a convenience store, this little red card keeps your journey smooth from start to finish. You can find more details on the official JR website → Welcome Suica | JR-EAST
