How to travel around Tokyo with ease using the Welcome Suica IC Card
The Welcome Suica Card, specifically designed for short-term visitors to Japan, is finally back as of March 2025! While it was out of stock for a few years due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage, these handy cards are now ready to purchase online and at physical JR ticket centers.
Welcome Suica Card
In this guide, we'll share with you the card's functionalities, how to effortlessly recharge it, while also optimizing expenses with other travel passes. Discover the convenience of purchasing and redeeming the Welcome Suica Card on Klook and say goodbye to cash troubles and embrace a hassle-free travel experience in Japan!
Understanding the Welcome Suica Card
For visitors, understanding Japan’s transportation systems and finding the most cost-effective travel methods can be complex. The Welcome Suica Card eliminates the necessity for paper tickets and cash, offering a seamless and convenient contactless payment method for transportation and various services.
What is the Welcome Suica Card?
The Welcome Suica Card is a prepaid and contactless IC card that allows you to access subways, buses, and all local trains in Japan, including Tokyo Metro lines. It is specifically designed for short-term visitors to Japan, providing a hassle-free travel experience without the need for paper tickets or cash. You can purchase your Welcome Suica Card only at the train stations of Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.
The Welcome Suica Card not only offers convenience in transportation but can also be used for shopping and dining at numerous establishments that display the Suica logo shown below. With interoperability between Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA cards, you can have confidence in using your Welcome Suica Card throughout your travels in Japan.
Why choose the Welcome Suica Card?
One of the key benefits of the Welcome Suica Card is that it does not require a deposit, making it a more economical option for visitors compared to regular Suica cards. And it’s ready to use as soon as you activate it, allowing you to jump straight into exploring Japan.
The Welcome Suica Card is compatible with a wide range of transportation systems and establishments, including trains, buses, subways, vending machines, convenience stores, and restaurants. This one-touch payment system allows for a hassle-free travel and shopping experience, making it an ideal choice for short-term visitors to Japan.
Klook Tip: A child Welcome Suica Card is also available for children under 12 years old. This will allow you to pay child fare on Tokyo Metro, which is half the price of the adult fare.
How to use your Welcome Suica Card
Now that you understand the Welcome Suica Card and its advantages, let’s see how you can use it. Activating and using your card is a breeze, whether you’re boarding trains and buses or shopping and dining at participating establishments. Continue reading to learn how to optimize your use of the Welcome Suica Card during your Japan visit.
How to activate your Welcome Suica Card
Activating your Welcome Suica Card is a simple process that can be done at designated locations or ticket machines, such as Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Once you’ve obtained your card, simply top up your Welcome Suica Card, and touch the card to the sensor at the ticket gate. Then you're tall se to explore Tokyo!
Klook Tip: If you need assistance, JR East Travel Service Centers at major stations, such as Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, and Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3 Station, are available to help with card activation and any other questions you may have.
Reference Paper
The Welcome Suica Card is valid for 28 consecutive days from the day you start using it. Upon receiving your Welcome Suica, you will also be provided with a Reference Paper which you can verify the card's validity. It is highly recommended to keep the Reference Paper with you at all times and present it to staff if requested.
Klook Tip: You can also check your Welcome Suica Card's validity when you tap in and out at the ticket gates. It will be indicated on the digital screen where you can see the balance on your card, the fare deducted, and also the validity.
How to board trains and buses with the Welcome Suica Card
The Welcome Suica Card is versatile, allowing you to use them on JR lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as on subways, buses, and the Tokyo Monorail connecting Haneda Airport with Tokyo city.
Beyond Tokyo, the Welcome Suica Card extends its utility to include certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan, and Kyushu areas. With the Welcome Suica Card, getting around Japan will be a breeze!
Shopping and Dining
Beyond transportation, the Welcome Suica Card can also be used for shopping at stores, restaurants, convenience stores, drug stores, and fast-food restaurants displaying the Suica logo. Just like using it for transportation, you can make payments by tapping the card against the machine’s card reader.
Additionally, you can use the Welcome Suica Card to purchase drinks from vending machines! The purchase amount will automatically be deducted from your card balance, making it a convenient and cashless way to enjoy your time in Japan.
Recharging and managing your Welcome Suica Card
You can recharge your Welcome Suica Card and keep track of the remaining balance easily. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with simple steps to help you stay on top of your card management.
How to top up your Welcome Suica Card?
This card can be effortlessly loaded and used repeatedly. Maximize your experience by topping up your Welcome Suica with up to ¥20,000 at designated ticket machines showcasing the Welcome Suica mark. You can also conveniently load your card at Seven Bank ATMs, strategically located at 7-Eleven stores and other convenience outlets.
Klook Tip: Be sure to have Japanese Yen with you cause you can only use cash to top up the card. A credit card cannot be used to top up a Welcome Suica Card.
Checking your card balance
It’s important to monitor your Welcome Suica Card balance to make sure you have enough funds for your journey. When passing through ticket gates or boarding a bus, simply tap your card on the card reader, and your remaining balance will be displayed.
Also, you can check your Welcome Suica Card balance easily by inserting it into a ticket vending machine displaying the Welcome Suica mark. Select the balance check option, and the machine will show your remaining funds.
Klook Tip: Don't worry if your fare exceeds the balance on your card. If that's the case, simply head to a Fare Adjustment machine located near the ticket gates before you exit the station to top up your Welcome Suica Card.
Tips for using your Welcome Suica Card Effectively
To make the most of your Welcome Suica Card, keep in mind the card’s expiration date and consider combining it with other travel passes for a more comprehensive and cost-effective travel experience. We’ve compiled some helpful tips to ensure you get the most value from your card during your stay in Japan.
Expiry Date Reminder
Your Welcome Suica Card is valid for 28 days after activation. Remember, any remaining balance won't be refunded after it expires. Plan your usage smartly to get the most out of your card during your stay in Japan and avoid any hiccups in your travel plans!
Combining with other travel passes
The Welcome Suica Card can be used in conjunction with other travel passes, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass), which includes 1-Day unlimited rides on non-reserved seats on JR local and rapid trains within the 23 districts of Tokyo, and the Whole Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which lets you ride almost all JR railways (including JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido) across the country.
Combining the discounted travel rates offered by the Suica Card with other travel passes can help optimize your travel expenses and reduce the burden of purchasing tickets for each journey.
Using the digital Suica Card on your phone
There is also a digital version of Japan’s Suica card, available for both Apple and Android users. The digital Suica Card functions just like the physical card. You can top it up with a linked payment method, view your balance in real time, and use it across Japan’s trains, buses, and stores that accept IC cards.
For iPhone users, you can add the Suica card to Apple Wallet and use “Express Mode” to tap through train gates or make purchases without unlocking your device. Android users can do the same through Google Pay or the Suica app, which works similarly for contactless transport and payments.
Purchasing Welcome Suica IC Card on Klook
You can buy the Suica Card online, and over the counter in JR East Travel Centers and ticket machines, as well as JR Ticket Offices (Midori no Madoguchi).
Klook also offers a straightforward, stress-free method to buy your Welcome Suica Card with an easy-to-use platform.
Why use Klook?
Klook offers a user-friendly platform for purchasing travel essentials, including the Welcome Suica Card, making it easy to plan your trip to Japan. Alongside the card, Klook offers a wide selection of attractions, tours, unique travel experiences, accommodations, and essential travel services like WiFi devices and SIM cards. This ensures you have everything you need for a memorable trip.
Klook Tip: Due to limited inventory, the Welcome Suica cards are available only at JR EAST Travel Service Centers, Welcome Suica Ticket Vending Machines found at the Narita and Haneda Airports, JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ TOKYO, and TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center.
Purchasing on Klook
The process to buy your Welcome Suica Card on Klook’s website or app is straightforward and secure.
Redeeming your Welcome Suica IC Card at Haneda Airport
Redeeming your Welcome Suica IC Card at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 is a breeze – just present your Klook voucher at the Ninjia Wifi Counter on the third floor of the Departure Hall. The counter operates daily from 7am to 11pm. Once your card is redeemed, you're all set to embark on your exploration of Japan with utmost ease.
Navigating Japan’s transportation systems and making payments for shopping and dining can be a breeze with the Welcome Suica Card. This versatile and convenient IC card, designed specifically for short-term visitors, offers a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
By understanding its features, learning how to use and manage the card, and combining it with other travel passes, you can make the most of your time in Japan. With the help of Klook, purchasing and redeeming your Welcome Suica Card has never been easier. So embark on your Japanese adventure and let the Welcome Suica Card be your guide.
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
🚅Trains & Airport Transfers
📌Mobile Data & Metro Passes
FAQs about the Welcome Suica Card
What is the Welcome Suica Card and how does it work?
The Welcome Suica Card is a prepaid transportation card made especially for short-term visitors to Japan. You can use it to tap in and out of trains, subways, and buses across Tokyo and other major cities — no need to buy separate tickets each time. It also works for payments at convenience stores, vending machines, and even some restaurants, making it one of the easiest ways to get around and shop while traveling.
What is the difference between Suica and Welcome Suica?
The Suica and Welcome Suica are essentially the same cards, but the regular Suica requires a ¥500 deposit while the Welcome Suica does not. The regular Suica is also not readily available due to limited stock, but you can still get the Welcome Suica at specific train stations and airports easily.
Where can you buy a Welcome Suica Card in Japan?
You can get a Welcome Suica Card at major JR East stations, including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku Station. Look for JR East Travel Service Centers or designated Suica vending machines that display the “Welcome Suica” sign. These are easy to spot right after you land.
How much does the Welcome Suica cost and what is the validity period?
Unlike the regular Suica, there’s no deposit required for the Welcome Suica Card. You simply pay the amount you want to load onto it (from ¥1,000 up to ¥10,000). The card stays valid for 28 days after the first use, which makes it ideal for those visiting Japan for a few weeks.
Can foreigners buy Suica cards?
It is recommended that you buy the Welcome Suica card, a special version of Suica designed for foreign tourists. This prepaid IC card comes without a deposit fee and is valid for four weeks, however, refunds are not allowed.
Can you use the Welcome Suica Card outside Tokyo (for example in Osaka or Kyoto)?
Yes! The Welcome Suica can be used across most major cities in Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. It’s compatible with other IC cards like ICOCA and PASMO, so you can tap in and out of trains, buses, and subways nationwide without buying a new card in every region.
Can I use the Welcome Suica Card on multiple transportation systems in Japan?
Yes, the Welcome Suica Card can be used on multiple transportation systems in Japan, including trains, buses, and subways in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, and beyond.
How can I recharge my Welcome Suica Card?
You can recharge your Welcome Suica card at JR East ticketing machines, service centers, or convenience stores using cash or a credit card.
What happens if you don’t use up the balance before you leave Japan? Are refunds possible?
Here’s the catch: refunds aren’t available for the Welcome Suica Card. Since it doesn’t require a deposit, any leftover balance can’t be cashed out once you leave Japan. The best move? Use up your remaining yen at the airport — you can spend it on snacks, drinks, or last-minute souvenirs at stores that accept Suica payments.
Related Articles
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
