Welcome Suicaウェルカムスイカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A physical card for visitors arriving in Tokyo, valid for 28 days. There is no deposit, but unused balance is not normally refundable.
The physical card is valid for 28 days from the start of use. Remaining money becomes unusable after expiry, so add only what you need for the rest of your trip.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: JR East ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- JR East
- Deposit
- 0 yen
- Initial purchase price
- No deposit; spend the amount loaded at purchase
Buy from designated Welcome Suica sales locations at JR East airports and stations. A counter selling standard Suica may not sell Welcome Suica. Find your arrival station in the official sales-location list.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you top up?
Add cash at a station top-up machine or a convenience store offering IC card top-ups. Accepted amounts and banknotes vary by machine. The maximum balance is JPY 20,000.
- Select チャージ (Charge), then insert the card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the final balance, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The order of steps and available amounts vary by machine.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it nationwide?
Use it on trains and buses displaying the nationwide IC card interoperability mark. Buy a separate ticket for journeys crossing separate IC card areas or continuing to a station that does not accept IC cards.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card at entry and exit gates. With a mobile card, leave using the device you tapped in with. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on exit, or both; follow the door and onboard instructions.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before boarding if you are crossing separate IC card areas or going to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
Use it at convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines and shops displaying the IC card payment mark. Only participating hotels accept it; ask each hotel about room-charge payments and limits.
Name the card at checkout and tap when the amount appears on the reader. If the balance is short, ask whether you can split payment with cash or another card.
Official coverage and exceptions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you get a refund, and what is the fee?
Unused balance is not refundable at the end of your trip. Spend it on accepted trains, buses or shop purchases before expiry. A separate procedure applies if a faulty card cannot be used.
Welcome Suica Official refund counters and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
For mobile use, Welcome Suica Mobile is a separate app service. You do not transfer the physical Welcome Suica into Apple Wallet. Follow the app's device requirements and validity period.
How to add and fund a card in Apple Wallet →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17