Welcome Suicaウェルカムスイカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A physical card valid for 28 days, intended for visitors arriving in Tokyo. It has no deposit, but the unused balance is not normally refundable.
The physical card is valid for 28 days from the day you start using it. Any money left becomes unusable after expiry, so add only what you need for your remaining itinerary.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: JR East ↗
Where can you buy it, and how much does it cost?
- Issuer
- JR East
- Deposit
- 0 JPY
- Initial purchase amount
- No deposit · Spend the amount loaded when buying
Buy at designated Welcome Suica sales points in airports and stations listed by JR East. A station selling ordinary Suica may not sell Welcome Suica, so consult the official sales location list.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you add money?
Top up with cash at a station top-up machine or a convenience store offering IC top-ups. Available amounts and accepted banknotes vary by machine. The maximum stored balance is ¥20,000.
- Select 「チャージ」 (top up), then insert your card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the balance on the completion screen, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The card insertion order 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 acceptance mark. You need a separate ticket for a journey across different IC service areas or to a station that does not accept IC cards.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card when entering and leaving train gates. With a mobile card, use the same device to exit. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on getting off, or both; follow the signs at the door and on board.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before travelling across separate IC service areas or 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 payment mark. Only participating hotels accept it; acceptance for room charges and payment limits vary by hotel.
Say the card name at checkout, then tap when the amount appears on the reader. If your balance is too low, ask whether the shop allows 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?
There is no ordinary refund of unused balance at the end of your trip. Spend it on transport or at participating shops before expiry. A separate refund procedure applies if a faulty card cannot be used.
Welcome Suica Official refund locations and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
For mobile use, the separate Welcome Suica Mobile app is available. It does not transfer physical Welcome Suica into Apple Wallet. Follow the app’s own device requirements and validity period.
Apple Wallet setup and top-up steps →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17