The Welcome Suica, the perfect IC card for traveling in Japan!
- Published on : 08/04/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Welcome Suica
@ekispert.jp
The Welcome Suica is the ideal travel companion for the archipelago. More than just a travel card, it enables contactless payment and requires no security deposit. Japan Experience takes a closer look at this essential IC card when traveling in Japan!
A very welcome card!
Introduced in 2019 by JR East in the run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Welcome Suica is a simple, accessible solution for foreign travelers to the archipelago.
Based on the classic Suica card, launched in 2001 for residents, it adapts to travelers' needs, with a limited validity period and no deposit required.
After the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary shortages of classic IC cards since 2020, the Welcome Suica has established itself as a key alternative for travelers, facilitating access to transport and everyday payments!
Transport and purchasing card in one
The Welcome Suica is a rechargeable electronic transport card (IC) specially designed for travelers in Japan. It makes it easy to pay for train, metro and bus journeys by passing through the gates without having to buy paper tickets.
Want to discover Japan in a thousand and one ways? Whether you're a group, a family or a customized tour, we've got you covered!
An advantage over standard Suica
The Welcome Suica differs from the classic Suica in its ease of use for tourists. It doesn't require a 500 yen deposit, so there's no need to pay in advance. Its validity is limited to 28 days to correspond to a tourist stay, and it can be topped up freely during this period.
Note, however, unlike a classic Suica, the remaining balance is non-refundable at the end of the validity period.
Where to buy the Welcome Suica?
The Welcome Suica is available
- JR EAST Travel Service Centers in major stations or airports (Haneda, Narita, Tokyo, Shibuya, etc.)
- Welcome Suica vending machines in certain stations
- Before you leave, with Japan Experience, a sure-fire way to avoid any shortages or disappointments once you've arrived in the archipelago!
Welcome Suica vs. classic Suica
@kimuchi583 on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Buy your Welcome Suica now!
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