The "Welcome Suica" IC card offers a convenient solution to the trouble of dealing with cash payments.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you'll likely be using public transportation like trains and buses.

When traveling, it's common to have a lot of luggage, making cash payments for transportation challenging.
Imagine being unfamiliar with the Japanese yen, fumbling through scattered coins in your wallet while rushing to pay in a line full of fellow travelers.

For those facing these challenges, we recommend "Welcome Suica."
This is a contactless IC card designed specifically for tourists visiting Japan.

By loading money onto this card in advance, you can easily make contactless payments not only for transportation services like trains and buses but also at various retail locations, including convenience stores.

This eliminates the trouble of digging through your wallet for cash when making a payment.
Simply tap the card at the register to complete your transaction effortlessly.
It's an incredibly useful tool for handling numerous small payments while traveling, and it will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the "Welcome Suica" IC Card.

About Welcome Suica

Features of Welcome Suica:

1. No Deposit Required and Unlimited Recharges

The Welcome Suica card is issued at no cost, with no deposit required.
You can recharge the card as many times as needed, ensuring you always have funds available.

2. Effortless Access Through Automatic Ticket Gates

Simply tap the card at automatic ticket gates for instant payment.
Conveniently, you can even keep the card in your card holder while using it.

3. The IC Card is a more Cost-Effective Alternative to Tickets

Using the IC card for train travel is slightly more economical than purchasing individual tickets.

4. Quick and Easy Shopping at Various Stores

Beyond trains and buses, the card is accepted at numerous stores across Japan that display the logos shown below.
It allows quick payments at convenience stores and restaurants.

*The Welcome Suica card cannot be used at stores within the PiTaPa shopping network.

Where Can I Get The Welcome Suica IC Card?

You can get it at the following places:
Conveniently get it after arriving at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.

• Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2, and 3 Stations
• Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station
• Welcome Suica vending machines at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Ueno Station
• JR East Travel Center (Tokyo Station)
• Japan Rail Cafe Tokyo (Tokyo Station)

About Fees and Charges:

• No deposit is required when purchasing the card.
• Cash and credit cards can be used for the initial charge.
• For the second and subsequent recharges, only cash is accepted.

About Welcome Suica for Children:

• The Welcome Suica for children is available for those up to 12 years old (until March 31st of the year following their 12th birthday).
• By charging the card in advance, you can conveniently pay the child's fare at the ticket gate.
• An ID is required at the time of purchase.

Points to Note:

• The card is valid for 28 days from the date of purchase.
• Card balances are non-refundable, so it is advisable to use up the balance before it expires.
• Be sure to keep the reference paper issued at the time of purchase for your records.
• The maximum amount that can be loaded onto the card is 20,000 yen.
• In principle, only one card can be issued per person.

Get Even More Convenience with Welcome Suica Mobile!

The Welcome Suica Mobile app is set to launch in the spring of 2025.
This app is available for iPhone and Apple Watch, and will be offered in English.

Here are several benefits that make it more advantageous than the physical card:

• Previously, Welcome Suica cards were only available at airports and train station counters, but now you can download and issue it directly to your iPhone before your trip.
• While the card version could only be recharged with cash, the mobile version allows you to recharge via Apple Pay!
• You can access unreserved seats on the Shinkansen by simply tapping your device at the ticket gate, eliminating the need to purchase a separate ticket!

If you're planning a trip to Japan in the spring of 2025 or later, try using the Welcome Suica Mobile!

Conclusion

What did you think about the Welcome Suica?
When traveling, navigating multiple transfers can be challenging.
With this card, you can skip the lines for ticket purchases at stations, ensuring a smooth and efficient payment process.
Be sure to pick one up at the airport or train station when you arrive in Japan.

Additionally, starting in the spring of 2025, the Welcome Suica will be available as an iPhone and Apple Watch app, offering even greater convenience.

To further enhance your travel experience, you can also try using the route search service, "Ekispert."
This tool quickly provides the best routes, times, and fares to the station nearest your destination, making public transportation even more convenient.

Enjoy a smart and seamless trip to Japan by utilizing both "Ekispert" and "Welcome Suica"!

For more information about Welcome Suica, please refer to this page.

Reference: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY - Welcome Suica
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html

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