suica card travel history

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Transaction history for Pasmo or Suica card?

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Both provide transaction records, ie a history of all the "action" you've had on your card. 履歴印字　　Put in your card and when the screen with how much to feed pops up, click on the tab (usually at the bottom of the page) that says 履歴印字. It will peep-peep-peep... and your history will come out. Be sure to collect your card, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sby0dbzwSc

You can also get a receipt every time you fill the card. Press Receipt 領収書 after you feed the money. The receipt will come out after your card does.

Neither will really be useful to someone who only understands English, though. I've only seen them written in Japanese. But NUMERALS are universal, so it's pretty easy to understand.

If you have an android smartphone with NFC(ie not a cheap model), you can dowload apps that can read the transaction history directly from the card. Limited to ~20 transactions or so. “Suikakeibo” app even displays the data in English.

From the publishers website:

.....let's you see your recent trips and keep track of all your IC card expenses with a simple touch.

* Find a colourful history with all the original line colours and check on your monthly spending.

* Always see what's left on your card and never get the buzzer at the gate again

* Nice for travellers: The app as well as all the station information is available in Japanese and English

Thanks for the info. I’ll have a go at doing this.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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The Ultimate Guide to Suica Cards

Suica cards are the universe’s gift to travelers in Japan. Sure, these prepaid IC cards function as train cards, but they’re also so much more than that.

From transport to shopping, here’s everything you need to know about this ultra convenient travel card.

Latest news on Suica cards in Japan

So, let’s talk about this worldwide chip shortage and what it means for our beloved Suica cards. Basically, at the moment, you can’t get a new blank or registered Suica card as easily as you could before. Official statements say that all sales have been suspended. However, the Welcome Suica is still available for short-term visitors to Japan.

But, the actual situation changes a lot. According to our on the ground research, as of February 2024:

The Welcome Suica is only available at Haneda Airport and online via Klook
You can use cash or credit cards to buy Welcome Suica cards from ticket machines at Haneda Airport
Normal Suica cards are available for foreign tourists only at Narita Airport, and at JR Travel Service Centers at major JR train stations

What is a Suica card?

The Suica card is type of train card in Japan. Specifically, a Suica is a IC card issued by JR (Japan Railway) East. At the most basic level, it’s a prepaid card you can use in Tokyo and wider Japan. You can use it on trains, subways, and buses, as well for vending machines, some convenience stores, and station-area facilities like coin lockers. Suica cards are cheap, easy, and flexible — there’s nothing not to love about them.

The Welcome Suica Card: Specifically for short-term visitors to Japan

¥ 1,000 or ¥ 2,000 Buy your Welcome Suica online via Klook Expires after 28 days

In September 2019, JR East introduced the Welcome Suica, a sakura -themed card which is perfect for (some) visitors. It comes pre-loaded with either ¥ 1,000 or ¥ 2,000 . Unlike a regular Suica, it doesn’t have a ¥ 500 deposit — so you don’t need to worry about returning the card when you’re done with it. However, this also means you can’t get a refund for any remaining balance. Also keep in mind that the Welcome Suica automatically expires after 28 days.

You can purchase the Welcome Suica card at JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2/3 Station, Haneda Airport International Terminal Station, Tokyo Station, Hamamatsuchō Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, or Ueno Station. However, we recommend buying your Welcome Suica online via Klook before you arrive.

When you activate the Welcome Suica, you’ll get a receipt that has useful information like the expiration date on it. You’re supposed to keep this receipt in case anyone asks to see it (annoying).

Also, Welcome Suica is not compatible with Apple Pay.

How do you use a Suica card?

Suica cards work much the same as train cards in other parts of the world. They’re prepaid cards, so once you’ve charged your Suica you simply tap it on the IC card panel at a train station ticket gate as you enter and leave. Very occasionally — usually in countryside areas — the IC card reader will be attached to a pole or wall instead of an automatic ticket gate.

Buses are a slightly different beast. If it’s a flat-aree bus, you just need to tap your Suica once — when you exit the bus. However, if the bus has a fare board displayed, you’ll need to tap on and off.

If you tap your IC card and the panel beeps or flashes red, it usually means your balance is too low. You’ll need to find a charging machine before you can get through the gates.

Where can you use Suica cards?

Pretty much everywhere: There’s a fair bit of interoperability, meaning that your Suica card will get you around Tokyo with no bother. It can be used on all JR East train and bus lines, as well as on many lines owned by other Japanese rail companies. It’s also fully compatible with the Tokyo metro area’s Pasmo system . And it works on the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport.

You can also use Suica cards in many other parts of Japan, such as Kyoto , Sendai , and Niigata , as well as areas serviced by other IC travel card systems, including:

ICOCA, run by JR West
Kitaca, run JR Hokkaidō
TOICA, run by JR Central
PiTaPa, used in the Kansai region , and some parts of Okayama , Hiroshima , and Shizuoka
manaca, used in Nagoya and surrounds
SUGOCA, run by JR Kyūshū
nimoca, used by Nishitetsu (Nishi-Nippon), and others in the Fukuoka region
Hayakaken, used by the Fukuoka City Subway

Basically, if the train card name has an “a” on the end, chances are it’s part of the Suica family. Or if you see “IC” on the card reader then it will work with Suica. If you do find yourself somewhere that a Suica card doesn’t get you through the automatic ticket gate, simply make your way to the staffed gate, show them your card and say where you boarded the train. They should have you sorted out in a jiffy.

Pro tip: While Suica cards work in areas outside of Tokyo, you can’t use it to cross from one area to another. For example, you can’t use your Suica to travel from Tokyo to Nagoya in a single tap-on, tap-off journey — you need to tap on and off within the same area. So, you would have to tap on in Tokyo, travel to a station on the border of the area, tap off, then tap on again to re-enter the station.

Can I use my Suica card on the Shinkansen?

Here’s one of the tricky things about trains in Japan: There is the base fare, which is determined by how far you travel. And then, if you are riding any of Japan’s special trains, like the Shinkansen or other high-speed, limited express trains, there is a surcharge on top of the base fare. And IC cards like Suica generally only cover the base fare.

So to ride the Shinkansen (or, say, the Narita Express to the airport), you have to buy a paper ticket from the ticket machines for the surcharge. And then use BOTH the ticket and IC card when going through the ticket machines.

If you live in Japan and ride the Shinkansen a lot, you can set up your Suica so that you can use it to pay for non-reserved (only) Shinkansen rides on JR East-operated Shinkansen lines. You can do this either from the Suica app (in Japanese only) or via a Suica ticket machine. Both methods are explained in this cute video made by JR (in Japanese).

How to charge a Suica card

If the balance on your IC card is getting low, you’ll need to load more money onto it using a ticket machine. There are normally several ticket machines near the ticket gates at a train station. Or, you can usually find a dedicated train Card charging machine inside the ticket gates too.

Once you’ve found a machine, you can change the language to English — there’s usually a button near the top right of the screen. Then just follow the on-screen prompts to charge your Suica card and you’re good to go. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Well almost. Some caveats: The smallest denomination coin you can use to charge your pass is a ¥500-coin. So no, you can’t just tip all your loose change into the machine.

Photo guide for charging your Suica card

Can you charge a phyiscal Suica card with a credit card?

Unfortunately, even the newest, shiniest ticket machine won’t let you top up your Suica IC Card with a credit card. However, you could use a credit card to purchase a commuter pass and load your Suica card at the same time.

Can I charge a Suica card at a convenience store?

Yes, you can also top up your Suica at a convenience store. You can either use the ATM in the store, or load money at the cash register.

Where can I buy a Suica card?

A new Suica Card will cost ¥ 1,000 — this is made up of a ¥ 500 deposit for the card and a ¥ 500 charge loaded onto the card.

Under normal circumstances, you can buy Suica IC cards in a number of places. You could get one at Haneda or Narita , as well as from JR East ticket machines at train stations — just look for the machines displaying the Suica symbol. You can also buy them at JR East Travel Service Centers.

Pro tip: While you can’t buy normal Suica cards at the moment, short term visitors to Japan can buy a Welcome Suica online .

Photo guide for purchasing a blank Suica card

You can buy a Suica card from an issuing machine, and yes, the machines do have Engilsh support.

Registering a Suica card

If you have a blank Suica card — and not a Welcome Suica — you can register it. When you register it, the ticket machine prints your name on it — so you stand a better chance of getting it back if you lose it. And if you don’t get it back, you can request that the remaing balance is transfered to a new card. All of this is useful if you live in Tokyo, but less so if you’re just visiting.

You can register your Suica card at the time of purchase by selecting “MySuica” and inputting the information requested — your name, date of birth, gender, and phone number.

How do I return a Suica card?

At the end of your trip you can return your Suica card and get your deposit back — if you don’t want to keep it as a souvenir, that is. But, there is a fee for this: ¥ 220 , which will be deducted from the remaining balance on your card. Your deposit of ¥ 500 is exempt from this, though, so you’ll always get that back. Obviously, you can’t deduct ¥ 220 from a card with less than ¥ 220 on it, so try to return your card with as little as possible left on it.

To return a Suica card, you need to take it to a train station. If you got the Suica from a JR East train station, you can return it so any JR East station. However, if you purchased it elsewhere, like from Tokyo Monorail, you need to return it there. Whichever station you return it at, you’ll need to take the Suica to a ticket office or station office — you can’t return it to a machine. If you registered the Suica, you may need to fill out a little bit of paper work when you return it.

Pro tip: Suica cards can be also be returned at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport .

Suica cards for children

If you’re traveling in Japan with youngsters, it’s definitely worth getting a children’s Suica card. This is because the fares for children aged 6 to 11 are half the price of adults’. You can get children’s Suica cards from JR Ticket Offices — not ticket machines. You’ll need to provide proof of the child’s age when you get the train card, so make sure to bring some ID along.

Pro tip: In Japan, children under 6 can generally travel on the trains for free, as long as there are only two of them per adult; the third child under 6 will be charged a child’s fare. When passing through the ticket gates, simply scan your own IC train card and walk through together. While the odds of being asked are low, it is worth carrying a proof of age document — like a passport — to avoid any awkward conversations with the train and metro staff.

Virtual Suica cards

If you like your tech, or just having one less card in your wallet, you can look into getting a virtual Suica card. It’s known as Mobile Suica, and works through tapping your phone — instead of a physical card — to pay for your travel. The device doesn’t need to be connected to a network, nor unlocked, to work. It does need to be on, though.

Who can use the Mobile Suica app?

On Apple devices , the Mobile Suica app is available for the iPhone 8 and up, and Apple Watch Series 3 and later. It also works on iPhone 7s that were purchased in Japan (and all new models after that). Anything released earlier is not compatible.

Android users can access Mobile Suica via Google Pay . However, they must have an “osaifu-keitai” eligible phone, which essentially means a smartphone purchased in Japan.

Setting up a virtual (mobile) Suica card in Japan

Got a phone that’s compatible with Mobile Suica? Lucky you. Here’s how to get set up.

Apple users

To set up a virtual Suica on your iPhone, you need an iPhone 8 or later, and the latest iOS. To activate the card, open the Wallet app and select the Suica profile. If you previously had a physical Suica, you can add the remaining amount on that card to your virtual wallet by following the prompts and adding the last few digits of the card. Or you can create a new Suica card on your iPhone. You can choose to pay via Apple Pay or direct from your credit card; the costs are the same, so this is just a matter of preference.

It’s worth noting that if you have an iPhone and Apple Watch, you cannot have the same Suica account on both devices. It is possible to switch between devices, though. See the Apple help on Suica for more info.

How to top up your Mobile Suica through Apple Pay

To top up your Mobile Suica through Apple Pay simply tap on your registered Mobile Suica, press the Add Money button and type in your desired amount. Choose the card you will be paying with and verify your purchase by using Face or Touch ID. Keep in mind that there might be instances where cards issued in your home country — especially if they’re debit cards — might not support this feature.

How to refund your Mobile Suica balance through Apple Pay

To refund your Mobile Suica balance through Apple Pay, you will need two things — the official Suica app and a Japanese bank account.

Load the app and select the Suica balance you want to refund on the list screen, tap refund this Suica and confirm the given information. You will then need to enter your Japanese bank account details and then confirm everything again.

Note, that you may be charged a ¥ 220 refund fee, and that the refund can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to receive.

Android users

To use Mobile Suica on your phone, you need to add Suica to your Google Pay profile. Suica also has an app for Android users that allows you to buy commuter passes, Green Car tickets, and Shinkansen tickets. But it’s only available in Japanese at the moment, and the reviews on Google Play aren’t promising.

Note: The Mobile Suica only works when your device is on. If your battery dies while you’re on the train, inform the staff at your exit gate; they will give you a slip with fare details on it. The next time you arrive at a station, show the staff the ticket you were given to pay what you owe and to allow your Suica to get you through the ticket gate.

Adding a Suica to your Apple Wallet

If you’ve got an iPhone 8 or later, you can add your Suica to your Apple Wallet. This isn’t quite the same as Mobile Suica, which funnels through the Suica app, but follows the same concept. If you don’t already have a physical Suica, you can set one up digitally. Simply go to your Apple Wallet, hit the + button, and select “Travel Card”, followed by “Suica”. Top up your initial amount, and you’re good to go. This can be done without changing your iPhone region, so you won’t have to change to Japan if you’re just visiting.

Alternatively, if you already have a Suica, you can transfer it and your existing balance into your Apple Wallet. To do this, after you hit Suica in the procedure above, tap “Transfer Existing Card.” You’ll be asked for your date of birth and the last four digits of your Suica card number. Fill that in, then you’ll tap your phone against the physical Suica card. Once done, your card and its existing balance will be loaded into your Apple Wallet and be ready to use. Be careful though! Once complete, the physical card will no longer work, so be certain you won’t need it going forward.

To top up a Suica in your Apple Wallet, you’ll need a linked credit or prepaid card in the Wallet app. Tap your Suica in the app, and hit “Add Money.” You’ll choose how much you want to top up, and then be given the choice of which card in your Wallet you want to use for the top up. Choose a card, confirm with Touch or Face ID, and you’re set. Keep in mind that you currently can’t refund money loaded onto a digital Suica in your Apple Wallet, so don’t load too much for a short trip!

Frequently asked questions

Do suica cards save you money.

Yes, but only a very little at a time. Within Tokyo, the fare for Suica (or any IC card) users is a couple of yen cheaper than the full fare price. So a trip on the JR Yamanote line from Shinjuku to Shibuya costs only ¥157 instead of ¥160.

If you’re thinking, hang on that’s almost 2%! It is, but the percentage diminishes with distance until there is no discount at all. But we reckon you can save maybe a couple thousand yen a year.

Note: In a few exceptional cases, the paper ticket is a few yen cheaper than the Suica, but these are rare.

How do I check my balance?

When you tap your card at the ticket gates (or when boarding a bus), your remaining balance will appear on the card reader. You can also check your balance using the same vending machines used to by tickets and passes. If your card is linked to your mobile or watch, then you can check your balance on your device.

Can foreigners buy a suica card?

Yes, there are no restrictions on who can buy a Suica card. But, the Welcome Suica is only available for those with “temporary visitor” stamps in their passports.

What if my Suica card is lost or stolen?

If you lose your Suica card, or it’s stolen, you can get it reissued if you registered it . To get it reissued, you’ll need to head to a JR train station office and the staff will help you through the process.

What if my Suica is damaged?

If your Suica is damaged or not working properly, head to a JR train station office and the staff there will sort you out. Just keep in mind that staff may not speak much English — if this is a concern for you try out a bigger station like Tokyo Station.

How can I use my Suica card for shopping?

Using your Suica card to pay for shopping is very straightforward, you just need to tap it against the card reader. IC cards are often accepted for payments at convenience stores, drink vending machines, and various other stores. Many stores have signs near the register showing what forms of cashless payments they accept, if “IC” is on the list then you’re good to go.

Can you share a Suica train card?

If you are traveling in a group, everyone needs to have their own IC card or train ticket. The exception is children under 6, because they can travel for free.

What does Suica mean?

Suica stands for “super urban intelligent card.” There is also some word play as “sui sui” is the Japanese onomatopoeia for gliding smoothly. Clearly, people put a lot of thought into this.

Wait, is that why the mascot for Suica is a penguin?

For more information on IC cards in Japan, see our handy Suica and Pasmo comparison guide . You can also check the official JR East site .

While we do our best to make sure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was a joint effort with Lily Crossley-Baxter . Last updated: February 2024.

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Transportation

Guide to Suica Cards

How to get a Suica Card and more

For a convenient and stress-free travel experience, both around Tokyo and in regions beyond, it’s worth investing in a Suica card. This debit-style transportation card is popular with both residents of Japan and visitors alike. Take the hassle out of trying to figure out metro routes and ticket costs by purchasing a rechargeable Suica card.

What is a Suica card?

Suica is a debit-style transportation card sold by the JR Rail Company in its Tokyo train station hubs, as well as in locations such as Haneda and Narita Airports. This distinctive bright green card with its penguin logo can be used almost indefinitely – it doesn’t expire unless a period of ten years has passed between uses, and any monetary balance remains unaffected in that time.

What are the benefits of having a Suica card?

Above all – convenience. With Japan still often considered a cash-based society , it pays to have a multi-purpose card that can take care of most of your travel needs, but the Suica IC card can achieve a lot more:

Tap-and-go access to trains, buses and trams around Japan. More >
Pay at vending machines, shops and restaurants. More >
Access to luggage storage lockers at stations. More >

How are Suica and PASMO different?

Many first-time visitors to Japan may often wonder what are the differences between Suica and PASMO – another IC travel card often mentioned.

PASMO cards are transportation cards that are designed and sold by Tokyo Metro. Suica cards are designed and sold by Japan Rail (JR).

Aside from their outward appearance, there is virtually no difference in usage between the Suica and PASMO cards. For travelers or visitors staying near the center of Tokyo, which has an abundance of Tokyo metro stations, it may simply be easier to purchase a PASMO card from the nearest station instead of making the trek to a more outlying JR rail station.

How can I purchase a Suica?

Suica cards can be purchased from ticket machines in most of Tokyo’s main JR rail stations (ie Tokyo, Hamamatsucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc). English instructions walk buyers through the steps needed to obtain a card. Cards can be personalized or left blank – if personalized, a card that is lost can later be identified and reclaimed with proof of identification.

Cards require an initial ¥500 deposit, though this can be reclaimed when returning the card (inside the station) at the end of your holiday.

How to top up a Suica

Cards can be topped up immediately, or at regular intervals as needed. When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted.

You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.

Did you know? If you are caught out and run out of charge on the card when arriving at a station, you can even top-up at special kiosks inside the gates before you exit. It reduces the need to worry about trying to calculate the exact fare between stations.

For children aged 6-11, a special youth Suica card can be obtained. Marked with the kanji for small (小), this card entitles younger users to a discount of 50% on the regular train fare. Youth Suica cannot be purchased at the self-service kiosks and must be bought in person from a JR staff member in one of the JR train offices. Presentation of identification or of the minor him or herself may be required.

Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

Find the nearest ticket vending machine.
Touch the 'English' button on the right corner of the monitor to switch languages for easier use.
Select 'Purchase New Suica' on the lower left panel.
You'll have 3 options: MySuica (for personalization - useful if needing to reclaim a lost card), Suica and Charge.
There are several options you can choose, from ¥1000 to ¥10,000 (including the deposit cost of ¥500).
Insert cash.
And finally, take your Suica card, change, and receipt.

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

If you decide not to keep your Suica for future use, you may return it to any JR rail office.

If any amount of money over ¥220 is left on the card, the JR company will charge a fee of ¥220 to process a refund and return the remaining amount to you. If the balance is under ¥220, no refund is issued and the balance is zeroed out.

(This includes balances such as ¥80, that would end up in negative numbers upon subtraction of the refund fee. The balance is simply zeroed out with no penalty to the card holder.)

However, all customers will receive the initial ¥500 deposit back upon turning in the card.

Where can I use my Suica card?

Travel with suica.

Suica are most commonly used as transportation passes, which users simply tap over the ticket gate to gain entry to the train tracks and tap again to exit a station, where the fare for the journey is automatically calculated and debited. There is a small discount on single journeys for those that use a Suica pass compared to those that rely strictly on paper tickets.

While cards emblazoned with Suica are sold in Tokyo, these JR-sponsored passes are also usable on regional forms of transportation.

Since 2013, Suica can be used interchangeably with the regional IC cards, like Kansai's ICOCA and PiTaPa, Nagoya's TOICA and Manaca, Sapporo's Kitaca, Fukuoka's SUGOCA and Hayakaken and Kyushu's nimoca. Hiroshima's street car/trams also support Suica, as well as several other regional transport systems.

Note that continuous travel between different regions of Japan is not possible just on a Suica alone.

Shop with Suica

Suica can also be used to make purchases at vending machines marked with the card’s logo. Simply tap the card against the machine’s card reader, select the product of your choice, and tap your card a second time to complete the purchase.

Many convenience stores also now provide an option for Suica holders to use their card to pay for purchases. Look for the card reader at the cash register and follow the clerk’s instructions or the instructions on the screen.

Many restaurant chains also support payments by Suica – just look for the familiar green logo near the payment terminal.

Luggage Storage

A number of lockers in Japan have begun switching to a coinless system, where users access their bags with a Suica or other debit-style transportation card.

Often found in train stations, these lockers don’t require a key for entry, and instead provide an entry code to be used in conjunction with the Suica card when reclaiming any baggage.

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Apple Pay Suica and PASMO PDF Receipts

Apple Pay Suica and PASMO are very convenient but what if you need a paper trail ? You have store purchase paper receipts of course but no paper record for recharges or commute plan renewals or purchases in Apple Pay Wallet or in Suica/PASMO App that you might need for company travel expense reports. There are three options, each offering slightly different transaction detail configurations. The below screenshots show Apple Pay Suica but also apply to Apple Pay PASMO.

Option #1 Wallet App Wallet keeps a simple list of the recent Suica • PASMO transactions, things added to or deduced from the balance and ‘No Charge’ NFC card reads. The only way to print this is to take a screen shot, but this might not be enough for your needs. There is also the problem that the Suica or PASMO card transaction record is wiped when the card is removed from Wallet or transferred to another device (Apple Watch, new iPhone, etc.). The transaction record is not really lost: it still lives on in Mobile Suica but is wiped from the local device. Despite the limitations Wallet App is the only place to get Suica or PASMO transaction details in English or your iPhone set language. All other options that follow are Japanese language only.

Option #2 Suica App • PASMO App Accessing transaction records beyond Wallet requires a Suica App • PASMO App and a Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO account. Suica and PASMO App show the most recent 100 SF transactions (or up to 26 weeks whichever comes first) and the SF balance for each transaction. Access transaction history in the bottom menu or tapping SF in the Ticket Purchase/Management section.

Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO cloud systems update the SF transaction list every 24 hours during nightly maintenance, so you will not see current day transactions shown in Wallet. The apps have the added benefit of keeping transaction records accessible even if the Suica or PASMO card is removed from Wallet and re-added, or transferred to another device. If a screenshot is not sufficient you can download a PDF version of this screen in Option #3.

Option #3 Mobile Suica • Mobile PASMO web If options #1 and #2 do not cover your needs there is a 3rd option. Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO web sites offer:

1) SF Transaction History , a printable version of Option #2. Use the search function to set the time period or select transaction items, then download the PDF.

2) Receipts , 12 month history of recharges, commuter plan purchases or renewals, and (Suica only) Green Seat upgrade purchases. Use the search and filter function to find items for PDF receipts for download and print.

To access these go to the Mobile Suica site or the Mobile PASMO site and log in with your Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO account ID and password. On the Mobile Suica login be sure to login in the モバイルSuica section and not the My JR-East section.

Once you are in you will see the main menu as shown in the screen shot below. The explanation that follows uses Suica to explain the steps but also applies to PASMO.

The SF transaction history button is exactly the same as the one in Suica App and only covers SF transactions, not commuter pass renewals and Green Seat upgrades. The print out is a PDF file.

The Receipts button is for printing specific item receipts. Set search dates or use the pop-up filter menu to find the items you want receipts for: commuter pass, Suica Green seat tickets, SF Recharge. The benefit of Mobile Suica web is that it archives the Suica Recharge and ticket purchase history of your Mobile Suica account with separate transaction histories of multiple Suica cards.

The SF Transactions History is simple and straight ahead, select he time period or individual transactions for a customized list view to download.

The Receipts menu has the most recent 12 months of recharges, commuter plan purchases or renewals, etc., that you can search, select, and download individual PDF receipts.

After you have the receipt item you want to print, click the print button on the left hand side of the receipt item, show in red below. The receipt will print the registered name of your Mobile Suica account. If you want to use a different name, enter one in the name fields above the search criteria area. When entering a name you must use either kanji, hiragana, katakana or full width roman characters.

The receipt is a PDF file that can be printed or saved for later. It contains your name, date, amount, purchase type and your Suica card number.

Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO keep your card transaction records safe and secure. The only way to truly delete an Apple Pay Suica or PASMO card, along with the transaction records from the system forever is to apply for a Suica•PASMO Refund .

How to Use the Suica card as a Tourist in Japan

Sharing is caring!

The Suica card is an absolute must-have if you’re visiting Japan. Find out how to use it here (and why it makes your trip so much easier!)

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. I recently returned from a 15-day adventure through Japan’s most popular cities and it was unlike any other trip I’ve been on before. I was overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know. Cultural norms, restaurant culture, tipping or not, navigating public transit in a non-Romance language, etiquette and politeness, and more – everything was a bit unknown to me, no matter how much I researched.

But I was most nervous about navigating public transportation in Japan.

My arrival hotel was located adjacent to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world! In the largest city in the world!

How would I know where to go? How would I buy tickets? Would the ticket machines even have an English option?

Within a day or so, however, I had effectively mastered public transit in Tokyo – and I can attribute a lot of my success to the Suica card.

I know, that sounds silly. But having the Suica card eliminated a lot of the barriers to getting on public transit. It even helped me at the conbini (convenience stores, like 7/11, Lawsons, or Family Mart) and even at Tokyo Disney!

If you’re a tourist visiting Japan, you absolutely need to get a Suica card. Find out why you need to use a Suica, how to use it, and even where to buy a Suica here!

Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. What that means is, if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see my Affiliate Disclosure .

What is a Suica card?

A Suica card is a type of contactless smart card used for transportation in Japan, particularly in major cities like Tokyo. If you’ve been to New York, it’s similar to the Metro card there!

A Suica card can be purchased and loaded with a specific amount of money or linked to a credit card for automatic top-ups. It is used as a convenient and efficient way to pay for public transportation fares, including trains, subways, buses, and even some taxis.

To use a Suica card, the user just taps the card on the reader located at the ticket gate or on the transportation vehicle. The fare is automatically deducted from the card’s balance, and the remaining balance can be checked on the reader or at designated machines.

You can have either a physical Suica card or add your Suica to your iPhone and use it effortlessly from your Apple Wallet. Both are easy, but loading it to your Apple Wallet is definitely the way to go. More on that below.

It really couldn’t be any easier than that!

How do you pronounce Suica?

You may be tempted to say “soo-ee-kuh” but that is not correct.

Suica is promounced “swee-kuh”.

(You may think you’ll never need to pronounce Suica outloud, but your Suica can be used at convenience stores and Tokyo Disney, and you’ll almost certainly have to pronounce it then! Read more below)

Why use a Suica card?

A suica is super convenient for public transit.

You may be thinking “why bother with a Suica card? I’ll only be visiting for a short time – it’s going to be too much hassle for my short trip”.

I cannot emphasize enough how useful a Suica card is.

With a Suica, you can literally just tap into and out of turnstiles at public transportation hubs. You can skip the ticket line all together…

… And just head straight through the passenger gates to your platform.

Entrance turnstiles where you can scan your Suica

Just tap and walk!

This means you are (1) skipping lines that can be long AND (2) skipping what may be a confusing ticket buying experience. (I wouldn’t know how hard it is – I haven’t had to do it! #ThanksSuica). On buses and trams, it also means that you can skip having exact change to pay your fare and just tap in & out.

A Suica is also convenient for convenience stores and vending machines!

Yes, your Suica can also be used to buy things at vending machines or other convenience stores!

The three main conbini – 7/11, Lawsons, and Family Mart – seem to have a surcharge if you pay with credit card. In my experience, at least, the cashier always seemed disappointed if I paid with credit card. Japan is very much a cash-forward society but I love the convenience of paying with cards.

Suica to the rescue!

You can nearly treat a Suica like a credit card. Top it up before making a purchase and then you can use tap-to-pay effortlessly at all the main conbini . Just politely say “Suica?” when going to pay and the cashier will help you navigate to do that.

You can also use it to make purchases at vending machines! Get water, electrolyte drinks, coffee drinks, juice, and even alcoholic beverages… all with a quick tap of the Suica.

Your Suica can even be used to make purchases at Tokyo Disney

Tokyo Disney was definitely more credit card friendly than anywhere else I went in Japan, but I hated having to pull out my card everytime I wanted a churro or a drink.

Using my Suica in my Apple Wallet let me make purchases super easily without whipping out a credit card. It was accepted everywhere that I found – including in the shops!

Why to get a Suica card on your iPhone

Tourists love to purchase the physical Suica card but getting the Suica on your iPhone just elevates the convenience of the Suica card.

Imagine not having to worry about keeping your little physical Suica card safe… not having to pull it out in the middle of hectic rush hour in Tokyo … not having to worry about topping it off… not wondering what the balance is on your physical Suica…

Without a doubt, the absolute best way to have a Suica is to add it to your Apple Wallet. Just pull the phone out of your pocket and tap in and out at the reader on the turnstiles above. You don’t even need to unlock your phone to use it! You can pull it out with a dark, black screen and tap in and out – and your fare will still be processed.

The tap-to-pay at the conbini and vending machines is equally valuable. No digging around for a card (of any kind!) or rumaging through your bag for coins to get your drink – tap, pay, drink. Easy.

How to get a Suica card on your iPhone

I hope you’re convinced now that having the Suica on your iPhone is incredibly convenient.

Open up your Apple Wallet and hit the “+” button in the upper right-hand corner.

Hit “Transit Card” in the bottom box of options and then search “Suica”. Tap Suica, press continue, and then select a yen amount. 1000 yen will be $10 or less with current exchange rates, but you can enter any value you want here.

After that, voila! You have your Suica linked to your Apple Wallet and now will get all the benefits outlined above.

If you weren’t able to add money to your Suica, you may have incompatible cards. When I visited Japan (November – December 2023), only MasterCard was accepted for foreigners. I had to open up a new card in order to top up my Suica which may sound crazy, but it guaranteed that I was alway carrying a broadly-accepted card while in Japan, so it was worth it.

Rumor has it that Visa is going to be accepted soon, but you may need to get a MasterCard until then.

How to buy a physical Suica card

Not willing to mess around with Apple Wallet? Not using an iPhone? No worries, you can always buy a physical Suica card!

To buy a Suica card, you can simply head to any major train station in Japan. Look for the ticket machines or ticket counters, often located near the entrance or inside the station. Go to the ticket machine or counter and select the option for purchasing a Suica card. The machine will guide you through the process, prompting you to select the desired amount to load onto the card. You’ll be charged a deposit that is refundable once you return the card.

The official Suica website indicates that the card can only be loaded with yen instead of a credit card, but some bloggers say it can be loaded with a credit card. It may depend on where you purchase your Suica, I’m sorry I’m unsure!

A “Welcome Suica” is an alternative option for tourists only. It is only valid for 28 days from the date of purchase and doesn’t require a deposit, but still carries all the benefits of the regular Suica card. Both physical Suicas and Welcome Suicas seem to be limited lately due to semiconducter chip shortages, so please research availability of both before departing for Japan.

Ultimate Suica Card Guide: Perfect Travel Card in Japan

March 27, 2024

Welcome Suica Card Sale

Welcome Suica&JR Line One Day Pass (Pick up at Haneda Airport)

What is Suica Card?

Source: JR East official website

Suica Card is a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport, including JR East lines, subways, buses, and even some taxis. The card can also be used for shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and other retail outlets. There is also children Suica card available. The difference between the adult's card and the child's card is the amount deducted in transportation. When using a child's Suica card, the child's fare is deducted, and when using an adult's Suica card, the adult's fare is deducted.

The Suica Card is applicable in the Greater Tokyo Area, the Tohoku region, and the Hokuriku region. It can also be used in other regions of Japan where the ICOCA, Kitaca, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, or Hayakaken systems are accepted .

Two Types of Suica Cards: Welcome Suica Card&Suica Card

Welcome Suica Card Tokyo

Suica Card Tokyo offers the following benefits:

Enjoy unlimited rides on JR local trains and rapid train non-reserved seats for one day in the 23 wards of Tokyo and the Tokyo Monorail Line Seats
One-day unlimited rides on the Tokyo Monorail line between Haneda Airport and Hamaka-cho.

Suica Card Tokyo Applicable Areas

Valid on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.

In addition to the Tokyo area, the Welcome Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas.

Where to buy a Welcome Suica Card Tokyo?

How to Use a Welcome Suica Card?

Welcome Suica card is a popular contactless smart card used for electronic payment in Japan, primarily for public transportation. If you want to learn how to use it, here is a general procedure you might follow:

1. Purchase the Welcome Suica card : You can purchase the card in JR EAST Travel Service Centers, which located in Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.
2. Activate the Welcome Suica card: Once you obtained the card, top up your Welcome Suica card to start your journey.
3. Use your Welcome Suica card: Keep the card in your card holder, then tap it onto the automatic ticket gate for a second to pay automatically.
4. Check your card balance: When you passes through the gate, your remaining balance and validality will be showed after you tap your Welcome Suica card.
5. Shopping&Dining: Apart from public transportation, Welcome Suica card can also be used at a wide range of stores, vending machines, and coin lockers.
6. Recharge your Welcome Suica card: The Welcome Suica can be recharged and used as many times as desired during its validity period, which can charged up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.

Tips for Using Welcome Suica Card

1. No refunds can be made, regardless of the validity period status or balance loaded on the card.
2. When recharging your card, only yen may be used to recharge. A credit card cannot be used to top up a Welcome Suica card.
3. The Welcome Suica can be topped up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.
4. The Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days , including the date of purchase.

Where to Buy Suica Card?

How to charge my suica card.

The Suica card can be charged in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi). Here's the photo guide to show you how to charge your Suica Card.

Source: Photo by Lily Crossley-Baxter

Tips for Charging the Suica Card

You can only use Japanese yen to charge your Suica Card, credit card is not allowed. However, you could use a credit card to purchase a commuter pass and top up your Suica card at the same time.
Apart from Ticket Vending Machines, you can also charge your Suica card at a convenience store, the ATM in the store, or the cash register.
The minimum charging amount would be 500 yen , and the maximum amount would be 20,000 yen .

How to Add a Suica Card to Apple wallet?

Requirements

An Apple ID that you used to sign in on your device, with two-factor authentication enabled.
An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
Apple Pay payment card already in Wallet for adding money to Suica card.
Stable network Connectivity.

How to Add a New Suica Card on Your iPhone or Apple Watch?

How to Transfer a Physical Suica Card to Your iPhone or Apple Watch?

You can transfer your physical Suica card and its current balance to Apple Wallet. After the transfer, your physical card won't work and your deposit will be added to your Suica balance in Apple Wallet.

Tap "Agree" to transfer your physical Suica Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch.

How to Recharge Your Suica Card with Apple Pay?

FAQs about Suica Card

What is the difference between suica and welcome suica, is it worth buying a suica card, how can i recharge my welcome suica card, how to check my suica card balance, can i use the welcome suica card on multiple transports in japan, can two people share the same suica card.

Suica Card Guide

1. Welcome Suica Card Sale
2. What is Suica Card?
3. Two Types of Suica Cards: Welcome Suica Card&Suica Card
4. Welcome Suica Card Tokyo
5. How to Use a Welcome Suica Card?
6. Tips for Using Welcome Suica Card
7. Where to Buy Suica Card?
8. How to Charge My Suica Card?
9. How to Add a Suica Card to Apple wallet?

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The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan

Suica is the name of an electronic prepaid card that allows an easy simple use of public transportation network in Japan as well as to pay at some shops and vending machines. The Suica system of virtual wallet is debited each time its holder uses it and help travel faster by metro, train or bus throughout the archipelago.

We have already mentioned the Suica in other various articles on Kanpai-Japan, as a useful complement to the Japan Rail Pass . This card has become such an essential item to any traveler in Japan that it seemed crucial to describe it in great length in an article. Suica was introduced in the early 2000’s, and at the same time we began traveling Japan we found out it was a necessary tool, but we came to realize not everybody was aware of how convenient it was.

Suica is a prepaid multiuse magnetic card (FeliCa IC technology by Sony) mainly used as a means of payment for transportation fees but also for small purchases in a great number of partner shops. In Japan, where 200 million IC cards have been issued as of 2021 (that is to say more than 150% of the total Japanese population!), and especially in urban areas, the prepaid card has become a real institution thanks to the time it saves and its convenience. It is an individual card (one card per holder), name registered when purchased in Japan, but not name specific when bought in advance from a registered travel agency.

The homophone スイカ suika means "watermelon," but the name of the card we are discussing here is the acronym for Super Urban Intelligent CArd . The initial intent was to facilitate the use of railway networks in greater Tokyo and the archipelago's other megalopoli. In Japan, the base for setting a regional train 🚅 or metro fare is almost systematically the distance. It means that when you buy an individual ticket, you must check the amount beforehand with maps that are only in Japanese and can be a jumble, to buy a ticket at the right amount. Not really flexible and hard to understand for foreigners...Furthermore, several companies can share the same networks and just buying a ticket can be a head-scratcher.

🚃 Operating the reloadable "pass"

The Suica card was established in November 2001 by the national railways company Japan Rail (more precisely JR East) to break free from those constraints with an electronic wallet: the card is swiped at the entrance gate of the departure station, and at the exit at the arrival station. Regardless of the train companies or number of trains used, the exact fee will automatically be debited from the card and displayed on the pay-gate's control screen.

Miscellaneous information about the Suica card:

As often in Japan, cash is king and Suica makes no exception: you can only reload it with coins or bills, but not with a bank card.
If you do not have enough credit on your card to pay the fee, you will have to reload it at a ticket vending machine to get out of the station.
The maximum amount the card can contain is ¥20,000 (~US$129.68).
If the card is lost, the amount cannot be refunded.
Important: the Suica card cannot replace a JR Pass , but often comes as a complement.

It may happen that a bug or a technical malfunction prevents you from using the exit gate. No need to panic: Just go to the information desk and say ___から来ました ( ___ kara keemashta ), which means "I'm coming from ___ ." For example, if you took the train/metro at Shibuya , say " Shibuya kara keemashta " and the station attendant will debit the fare from your card, whilst checking its condition.

However, it is not possible to enter and exit the same station (for example to cross it or hand it to someone) with the Suica. It will then be necessary to find the station attendants near the gates and pay ¥140 (~US$0.91).

Seasoned travelers in Japan appreciated the combined ticket "N'EX+Suica", but it is not on sale anymore since 2013, March 31. Moreover, the Narita Express fare cannot be paid by Suica, and buying a ticket is necessary.

Since 24 December 2014, the Suica card can be used on the bus network in Kyoto .

💴 Prices and discounts

Until August 1st, 2023, you could purchase the Suica upon arrival in Japan, at the airport or at one of the JR stations, such as stations on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Say スイカカードを買いたいです。( Suica caado o kaitaidess ) which means "I want to buy a Suica card." It was also possible to buy the card at any time from a vending machine in the station.

The card costs ¥2,000 (~US$12.97) which includes a ¥500 (~US$3.24) deposit and gives you an immediately useable starting balance of ¥1,500 (~US$9.73). Use your card as you like and reload it when needed at any station where you can find a vending machine marked with the Suica logo.

Returning the card can only be made in the area where it was bought, meaning the greater Tokyo for Suica. The deposit and the remaining balance are then refunded, minus a ¥210 (~US$1.36) return fee. However, as the Suica can be used for a period up to ten years, you can keep it for your next trip to Japan .

Children can have their own Child card: the purchase price is the same, but each swipe cost half the usual price.

On a side note, the use of prepaid cards like Suica grants a small discount (about 5%) on most of transportation fares. Therefore, each trip cost a little bit less , which can be an additional advantage, especially if you use it a lot.

Since August 2, 2023, the classic Suica is no longer available anymore in Japan.

🏪 Suica, beyond Transportation

The prepaid card is considered essential in Japan because its usage is not limited to transportation . Beyond the metro where Western tourists mostly use it, Suica is a convenient method of payment for train tickets (on 52 lines throughout the country), buses, many vending machines, as well as a lot of small neighborhood shops like konbini and many restaurants.

The popularity of the Suica system has led to its adaptation to another must-have tool: The smartphone 📱 . Most Japanese cell phones can now use the Suica function through the NFC protocol (contactless payment). This system is called "mobile-Suica" and turns phones into what is called saifu-keitai (財布携帯) in Japan, which literally means "Cell phone-wallet." Since 2016, October 25, Apple has implemented a Suica function on the iPhone (starting from version 7 only in Japan, then for all devices with iPhone 8 and X).

Even giants like Amazon and Nintendo have adopted Suica. For example, Wii U and New 3DS game consoles equipped with NFC accept payment by Suica and Pasmo. Even arcades increasingly accept payment by prepaid cards, especially since the successive rises of VAT in April 2014 and October 2019 on the ¥100 (~US$0.65) base fee.

JR does not forget its hobby collectors; frequent redesigns of its penguin mascot, special version releases, and limited editions either in time (mostly around special events) or in limited quantity. One of the most memorable was the special "Tokyo Station," with only 15,000 cards released on December 20, 2014. The design was so popular, with 1.7 million of orders in the following two months, that a reedition was announced!

🗾 The other pay-as-you-go cards: Pasmo, Icoca...

With its 42,1 million users, Suica is the most widely used card in Japan. But other cards are available in most city hubs throughout the country:

Pasmo in Tokyo (22 million users) and its monthly subscription system by Tokyo Metro – for tourists, Pasmo’s use is quite similar to Suica’s ;
Icoca (7,7 million users) and PiTaPa for Kansai :Kyoto, Osaka , Nara region;
Manaca (2,8 million users) and Toica for Nagoya and Tokai region;
Hayakaken and Nimoca / Sugoca for Fukuoka and Kyushu island;
Okica in Okinawa (to use only with the airport’s monorail from spring 2020);
Kitaca for Hokkaido .

Before 2013, March 23, each card was only useable in their respective region and not compatible with one another. Now, each card works on every network (except in Hiroshima ), making them more convenient and comfortable to use. It is now possible to pay transportation fees in 4,275 out of 9,000 stations in Japan, and even in more than 200,000 shops and restaurants throughout the country and climbing.

On June 8th, 2023 the JR East company announced that due to a shortage of semiconductors, the classic Suica can no longer be supplied anymore to travel agencies spanning the globe. The Pasmo card is also affected by this sales suspension. The cards retroactively purchased are valid and still usable, but it has become difficult to buy new ones.

Moreover, travelers who purchase their IC card in Japan have to provide personal information (name, gender and date of birth) now.

Since August 2, 2023, it is not possible to purchase an ordinary Suica or a Pasmo in Japan anymore. As for the Welcome Suica, the stocks are also very limited and it is currently only purchasable at Narita and Haneda airports.

Once the last of the classical Suica stocks run out, tourists will have to buy the Welcome Suica, with a special attention on its expiry date (displayed on the paper receipt) at the time of purchase.

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Transportation

Guide to Suica Cards

How to get a suica card and more.

What is a Suica card?

What are the benefits of having a Suica card?

Tap-and-go access to trains, buses and trams around Japan. More >
Pay at vending machines, shops and restaurants. More >
Access to luggage storage lockers at stations. More >

How are Suica and PASMO different?

Many first-time visitors to Japan may often wonder what are the differences between Suica and PASMO – another IC travel card often mentioned.

PASMO cards are transportation cards that are designed and sold by Tokyo Metro. Suica cards are designed and sold by Japan Rail (JR).

How can I purchase a Suica?

Cards require an initial ¥500 deposit, though this can be reclaimed when returning the card (inside the station) at the end of your holiday.

How to top up a Suica

You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.

Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

Select 'Purchase New Suica' on the lower left panel.

Find the nearest ticket vending machine.
Touch the 'English' button on the right corner of the monitor to switch languages for easier use.
Select 'Purchase New Suica' on the lower left panel.
You'll have 3 options: MySuica (for personalization - useful if needing to reclaim a lost card), Suica and Charge.
There are several options you can choose, from ¥1000 to ¥10,000 (including the deposit cost of ¥500).
Insert cash.
And finally, take your Suica card, change, and receipt.

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

If you decide not to keep your Suica for future use, you may return it to any JR rail office.

(This includes balances such as ¥80, that would end up in negative numbers upon subtraction of the refund fee. The balance is simply zeroed out with no penalty to the card holder.)

However, all customers will receive the initial ¥500 deposit back upon turning in the card.

Where can I use my Suica card?

Travel with suica.

While cards emblazoned with Suica are sold in Tokyo, these JR-sponsored passes are also usable on regional forms of transportation.

Note that continuous travel between different regions of Japan is not possible just on a Suica alone.

Shop with Suica

Many restaurant chains also support payments by Suica – just look for the familiar green logo near the payment terminal.

Luggage Storage

A number of lockers in Japan have begun switching to a coinless system, where users access their bags with a Suica or other debit-style transportation card.

Often found in train stations, these lockers don’t require a key for entry, and instead provide an entry code to be used in conjunction with the Suica card when reclaiming any baggage.

Public Transport

Sarah Endarastya @endarastya.sarah

Information

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Story See More of Japan With the Help of the Suica Card The All-in-One Tourist Card to Travel and Shop By JNTO on 13 January 2023

Figuring out ticketing machines at train and bus stations and how to get to popular destinations in Japan can be challenging for foreigners but there are some hacks you can do for a fuss-free travel experience such as getting a Suica card.

Please note that this information is current as of January 2023 and may be subject to change.

Issued by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the Suica card , easily recognised through its penguin mascot motif, is a prepaid, rechargeable card that you can use for many purposes.

Besides using it for JR East train lines, it can also be used for many bus lines, major convenience stores, vending machines, and even coin lockers. Covering a wide transportation network extending beyond the Tokyo metropolitan area, the all-in-one Suica card is easily one of the most popular and convenient tourist cards!

Where Can I Use the Suica Card?

Getting Around Japan:

The Suica card can be used for the JR East train lines in Tokyo’s metropolitan area. It can also be used for many buses and subways. This is good to have handy for the Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, too. Tourists who are contemplating their choices will also be pleased to know that the Suica card is fully compatible with the Tokyo metropolitan area’s Pasmo system.

Outside of Tokyo, it can be used in areas where Kitaca, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, Hayakaken, and odeca are available; these can be used from Hokkaido to Okinawa for railways, buses and more. However, do note that the Suica cannot be used for continuous travel between areas. When crossing from one area to another, you have to first exit the ticket gate and then enter the next station.

Some modes of transportation such as certain highway buses and express trains do not accept the Suica card since you may need to book and pay in advance to use these. To avoid confusion and optimise your travel plans, do check for the latest updates because the valid usage area is constantly expanding.

Shopping With Ease:

More than just a transport card, the versatile Suica card can be used for shopping as well. A wide variety of retailers have started to accept the Suica card as a means of payment, which means the Suica card is your tap-and-go wallet.

You don’t have to worry about not having enough cash on hand as this easy and convenient option can help you pay at many establishments.

vending machine that accepts suica card payment

For a start, you can use the Suica card to pay for purchases at major local convenience store chains that many tourists love. Adding to the list are beverage vending machines, supermarkets, drug stores, cafes and even some fast-food chains. The full list of stores can be found here , or just keep a look out for the Suica and partners’ logos displayed at the store.

Where to Buy and How to Top-Up the Suica Card?

Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

Expect to pay JPY1,000 for the initial purchase of a Suica card, which includes a JPY500 deposit fee that is fully refundable when you return the card. However, do note that a charge of JPY220 is deducted upon return. (If there is less than JPY220 left on your card, it will not be refunded.)

You can easily top up your Suica card at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Multi-Functional Ticketing Machines found at train stations and most convenience stores. The rechargeable amounts available are JPY500; JPY1,000; JPY2,000; JPY3,000; JPY5,000; and JPY10,000. You can load a minimum amount of JPY1,000 at convenience stores.

Short-term visitors can also consider the special Welcome Suica card. This tourist card with a sakura design comes without a JPY500 deposit fee but is valid for only four weeks and the balance credit cannot be refunded. It makes a cute souvenir to take home for memories.

If effortless travel and shopping convenience matter greatly to you, the Suica card is one good thing to have when exploring Japan. Reduce the stresses of public transport and shopping language barriers. Navigate Japan as the locals do; simply tap the card and go!

*Suica is a trademark of East Japan Railway Company.

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Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards on iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan

In Japan, you can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards in the Wallet app to ride transit and make purchases in stores using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

To use a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card with Apple Pay, you need:

An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS .
You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan.
ICOCA only: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later with iOS 16 or later. Or, an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8.7.1 or later.
Your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card added to the Wallet app .*

When you add your first Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to the Wallet app, Express Mode is turned on for that card by default. Express Mode allows you to use your card without waking or unlocking your device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

If you add additional Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards, you can change which card you set to Express Mode.

Learn more about Express Mode .

*To add a PASMO or ICOCA card in the Wallet app, you need to set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

Ride transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

You can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA with Apple Pay to ride transit anywhere that you can use a physical Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, or where interoperable Integrated Circuit (IC), or prepaid, cards are accepted.

How to ride transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

With your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card set to Express Mode, you can quickly pay for rides with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Make sure that your device is turned on. It doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Hold the top of your iPhone or your Apple Watch display near the ticket gate scanner when you enter and exit.
You'll see Done and a checkmark on the screen. If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep.

Depending on your iPhone model, you might be able to use your Express Mode card when your iPhone needs to be charged .

If you want to use a card that isn't set to Express Mode:

On your iPhone: Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
On your Apple Watch: Double-click the side button to access your cards, swipe down to select your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, and authenticate with your passcode.

Put your Suica card in Service Mode

If you need to have a station agent service your Suica card, put your device in Service Mode before you hand it to the station agent.

How to put your Suica card in Service Mode on your iPhone

Open the Wallet app.
Select your Suica card.

Turn on Service Mode.

How to put your Suica Card in Service Mode on your Apple Watch

Remove the Apple Watch from your wrist.
Enter the passcode to unlock it.
Double-click the side button.
Scroll down to select your card.
Use the Digital Crown to scroll down, and tap Turn on Service Mode.
Ask the station agent to hold your watch with the display facing down.

Use your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card in stores

You can use your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card where you see these symbols:

You might need to select the Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA option on the terminal when you pay, or let the sales clerk know which card you are paying with.

When your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card is set to Express Mode, you can pay using Apple Pay without waking or unlocking your device, authenticating, or opening an app. You might even be able to make purchases when your iPhone needs to be charged.

Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
When the transaction is complete, you'll see Done and a checkmark on the screen. If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep.

If your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card isn't set to Express Mode, learn how to make a purchase using Apple Pay .

Check the balance on your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

Check the balance on your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

On your iPhone

Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to see your current balance.

On your Apple Watch

Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
Use the Digital Crown to scroll down to see your current balance.

If your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card balance doesn't update

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app.
Turn on Service Mode, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

To turn off Service Mode, tap on the card. Learn what to do if your balance still doesn't update .

Top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

To add money to your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, you need a supported credit or prepaid card in the Wallet app.

How to top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone

In the Wallet app, tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
Tap Add Money.
Choose the amount that you want to add and tap Add.
Select the credit or prepaid card that you want to use to pay and confirm the transaction with Face ID or Touch ID.

How to top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your Apple Watch

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Get a refund for purchases made with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card using Apple Pay

For items that you bought with a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card using Apple Pay, return the item to the same terminal where you made the purchase before you use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA to make another purchase using Apple Pay.

Learn more about refunds for purchases made with a payment card using Apple Pay .

Use the Suica or PASMO app

When you download the Suica app or PASMO app , you can use it for additional services on your card. For example, you can:

Create a new Suica or PASMO card
Create or change your commute plan
Buy a Shinkansen or Green Car ticket**
Set up auto-reload (using a View Card only)
Set or change the notifications that you get from JR East

** You can buy Shinkansen tickets for Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansens. You can buy Green Car tickets for JR East trains only.

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2024 Japan Suica Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs

On our Japan spring trip, we didn’t buy any transport cards like the Japan Suica Card before our trip. We thought we could easily get one on our arrival.

Our close friend recommended that we immediately buy our Suica Card as soon as we arrive at the Tokyo Station and so we did. We used the ticket machine to buy our Suica Cards, but it got us scratching our heads several times. Mind you, it was challenging and overwhelming, to say the least.

Learn from our experience and secure your Suica Card before your Japan trip. We made this guide so you know everything about the Suica Card in Japan including its usage, price, where to buy, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

[NEWS]: Since Aug 2023, selling of Suica Cards had been temporarily suspended due to the shortage of semiconductors worldwide. Fortunately, tourists can still buy the alternative Japan IC Card Welcome Suica which is valid for 28 days.

BUY WELCOME SUICA

What is a Japan Suica Card?

The Suica Card is an integrated smart card in Japan, similar to Korea’s T-Money Card , Taiwan’s EasyCard , and Hong Kong’s Octopus Card , you can use to pay for public transport such as trains, buses, and even taxis with the Suica logo. Suica also serves as a prepaid e-money card to pay for items in vending machines and convenience stores in Japan.

Although there are many other IC cards in Japan like the PASMO Card and ICOCA Card, the Suica Card is the most popular, which is why it gets easily sold out. With its temporary suspension, tourists can opt to buy the alternative Welcome Suica instead.

Which areas in Japan can I use my Suica Card?

You can use your Suica Card in the following areas in Japan:

JR East Lines in the Greater Tokyo Area:

Tokyo Metropolis

Certain transport systems in other parts of Japan:

What is not covered by the suica card.

While you can use your Suica Card in most parts of Japan, do note that you cannot use it to ride the shinkansen , express trains , highway buses , or airport shuttles .

What can I use my Japan Suica Card for?

You can use your Suica Card to pay for the following:

1. Public transportation

The Suica Card is mainly used to pay for rides on Japan’s public transportation including trains, monorails, buses, and taxis.

2. Convenience stores

Most convenience stores in Japan accept IC cards like Suica as mode of payment. So, you can use it to pay for items you buy from convenience stores like 7-Eleven , Family Mart , and Lawson .

3. Vending machines

You can find vending machines almost everywhere in Japan. If you run out of coins or cash, you may use your Suica Card to pay instead.

You can also use your Suica Card to pay for lockers in Japan.

5. Restaurants

Some restaurants in Japan accept IC cards like Suica as payment for the food. You may ask their staff or look for the Suica logo in their payment counters.

How much does a Suica Card cost?

You may choose to buy your Suica Card for ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000, which already includes a deposit fee of ¥500.

Do note that the maximum top-up is ¥20,000, and you can only load your card with Japanese Yen currency. You cannot use your credit card to top up your Suica Card.

Where can I buy a Suica Card?

As of writing, the sale of the regular Suica Card is temporarily suspended until further notice. As an alternative, you can buy the special Japan tourist IC Card Welcome Suica from the following:

Option 1: Klook

Welcome suica with jr lines 1-day pass.

Card price: ¥1,500 (US$10)
Top-up not included
Nice feature: 1-Day Unli Ride on JR trains in Tokyo + Tokyo Monorail Line
Pick-up location: NINJA WiFi Service Counter of Haneda Airport

GET WELCOME SUICA

Option 2: Haneda Airport

If you failed to secure your Welcome Suica online , you can still buy it at Haneda Airport. You may proceed to the JR EAST Travel Service Center and Welcome Suica vending machine at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail Station).

Do note that as the stocks are limited, only one Welcome Suica is sold per person.

Instructions on how to use the Suica Card

Using your Suica Card is so simple. All you have to do is tap the Suica Card on the reader at any ticket gate. The final fare will be automatically calculated and deducted at the station where you got off.

Watch the video below so you have a better idea on how to use the Suica Card:

Japan Suica Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. how do i put money on my suica card.

To top up or put money on your Suica Card, you can go to:

Option 1: Ticket vending machines at subway stations

Find any JR ticket machine at Japan’s subway stations and top up your Suica Card by following these steps:

1. Place your Suica Card on the card holder. 2. Change the language to English. 3. Choose the amount you’d like to top up. 4. Pay the top-up amount with Japanese Yen. 5. Get your newly reloaded Suica Card.

Option 2: Convenience stores

You may also proceed to convenience stores in Japan including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. They usually have reloading machines for your Suica Card.

2. Can foreigners buy a Suica Card?

Yes, foreigners can buy a Suica Card in Japan. However, with the current shortage problem, tourists are encouraged to buy the Welcome Suica , a special Japan IC card for tourists valid for 28 days. While it does not have a deposit amount, it’s also not refundable.

3. Can I withdraw money from my Suica Card?

The Suica Card is a prepaid e-money card so it’s not usually used to withdraw cash in Japan. Although others say that some ATM machines do allow Suica cash withdrawals, we haven’t personally tried it ourselves.

4. Is my Suica Card refundable?

Yes, your Suica Card is refundable. There is refund fee of ¥220, which will be deducted from the remaining amount in your card. For Suica Cards issued by JR East Japan, you may proceed to any JR East stations for the refund.

However, if you purchased the Welcome Suica , you cannot request a refund for it.

5. Do Suica Cards expire?

Yes, Japan Suica Cards expire in 10 years so you have to use any remaining amount within the validity period or get a refund for it. If you bought the Welcome Suica , it expires after 28 days and any amount left is not refundable.

6. Can I still reuse my Suica Card when I go back to Japan?

Yes, you can reuse your Japan Suica Card as many times as you want so long as it’s still within the 10-year validity period. As for the Welcome Suica , it is only valid for 28 days so you cannot reuse this special tourist card in Japan after it expires.

We hope we covered the basics of the Japan Suica Card.

Excited to plan your Japan trip? Here are more resources for you:

Japan SIM card or pocket WiFi guide
Japan spring itinerary
Japanese food list
Japan Visa guide for Filipinos
Japan Visa Without ITR guide for Filipinos
Japan Tour Packages

Popular Japan experiences

Premium hotels in tokyo.

Suica, Pasmo, Icoca and seven more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains , subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.

What is an IC card?

IC cards are rechargeable cards that can be used to conveniently pay fares on public transportation and to make payments at many vending machines , shops and restaurants by simply touching the card on a reader for about one second. Dozens of train and bus operators across Japan have started issuing their own IC cards since 2001.

Instead of physical IC cards, it is possible to use digital versions of some of the cards on mobile phones ; however, at present, oversea tourists can do this only if they own an Iphone .

What are the ten major IC cards?

The following ten major IC cards are compatible with each other:

What is covered and what is not?

The ten cards are valid on virtually all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo , Osaka , Kyoto , Nagoya and Fukuoka . But there are a few issues to keep in mind:

It is not possible to travel outside IC card areas. Both, the origin and destination stations have to be located inside the IC card's coverage area. Furthermore, it is not possible to use an IC card to travel between disjoined IC card areas (except when using shinkansen trains; see details below). For example, you cannot use it to travel between Tokyo and Sendai .

IC cards can be used on selected shinkansen lines, but need some set-up before use. There are currently three different systems:

On the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen IC cards can be used on the Tokaido / Sanyo / Kyushu Shinkansen via the Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Online Reservation Service . In order to do so, one or more IC cards and a credit card have to be registered on the website or app (note that the app is available only in a limited number of countries and known as smart EX). Afterwards, it is possible to purchase shinkansen tickets online and use the registered IC cards to pass through the shinkansen ticket gates. Fares are charged to the registered credit card rather than subtracted from the IC cards' balance.
On shinkansen in eastern and northern Japan It is possible to use regular IC cards on all shinkansen trains in eastern and northern Japan by purchasing e-tickets through JR East's reservation website . Fares are charged to the registered credit card rather than subtracted from the IC cards' balance.
On shinkansen operated by JR East Regular IC cards can be used on non-reserved seats along the Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata , Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains (Hokuriku Shinkansen only between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko stations). Before you can use an IC card for this service, which is known as "Touch de Go", a one-time set-up procedure is required at a ticket machine. Fares will be subtracted from the IC card's balance.

When riding other trains that require a supplement fee, e.g. limited express trains, travelers can use the IC card to pay the base fare when passing through the ticket gates, but the supplement ticket needs to be purchased separately at a ticket machine, office or online.

Many highway buses cannot be paid by IC card.

The table below shows in more detail the coverage of the IC cards:

How to use IC cards?

When passing automatic ticket gates, touch the card onto the card reader for about one second (rather than inserting it into the ticket slot). The applicable fare will be automatically deducted when you exit through the ticket gate at your destination station. When riding buses , card readers are placed at the entrance and/or exit of the bus. A card cannot be shared by multiple travelers for the same ride. Each traveler needs a separate card.

Is there a discount over regular tickets?

IC cards generally do not provide any discounts over regular tickets. But in Greater Tokyo , Niigata and Sendai , train fares can differ by a few yen depending on whether an IC card or a paper ticket is used. This is because fares are rounded to the nearest ten yen in case of paper tickets, but not rounded in case of IC cards. Around central Tokyo, payment by IC card is always cheaper than payment by paper ticket (by up to nine yen), but outside of central Tokyo, either ticket type can be up to five yen cheaper than the other.

Where to get an IC card?

IC cards can be purchased at ticket machines and ticket counters of the issuing railway companies. The initial cost consists of a refundable deposit of 500 yen plus an initial amount (typically 1500 yen) to be charged onto the card. For a surcharge, Suica and Pasmo cards can also be purchased and sent to you before the start of your trip through Japan Experience . Last but not least, Iphone users can add Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards to Apple Pay .

Are there digital versions of the IC cards?

Iphone 8 and later models can be set up to serve as Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards by adding the cards to Apple Pay, but note that some credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used to charge your card.

Android phones can be used as IC cards through the "Mobile Suica", "Mobile Pasmo" and "Mobile Icoca" apps; however, the apps are targeted at residents of Japan and difficult or impossible to use for visitors to Japan. Specifically, they require Osaifu Keitai compatibility, which is not provided by most phones sold outside of Japan, come in Japanese only, and require an address in Japan and possibly a credit card that has been issued in Japan.

Which IC card shall I get?

The IC cards are virtually identical to each other in terms of coverage. The cards differ mainly on where they can be purchased and refunded. Therefore, most people will want to purchase the card available in the first city they visit, e.g. Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka . If you load a digital card onto your mobile phone , then you have the choice of Suica, Pasmo or Icoca regardless of your geographical location.

How to recharge IC cards?

IC cards can be recharged at ticket machines and special re-charging machines found in strategically meaningful locations. They can also be recharged at stations of companies other than the issuing company, e.g. Suica can also be recharged in Osaka . Furthermore, many convenience stores allow IC cards to be recharged at the cashier. The maximum amount to be charged onto a card is 20,000 yen.

How to check the current balance?

The current credit balance is shown on a small display whenever you pass a ticket gate or make a payment at a store. Furthermore, the balance can be checked at ticket machines together with a usage history.

How to get back the 500 yen refundable deposit?

Bring your card to the ticket counter of the issuing operator in order to get back your 500 yen deposit. Unused credit can also be refunded; however, most companies will subtract a 220 yen handling fee from the remaining balance. Note that IC cards can be returned only to the issuing company, e.g. it is not possible to return a Suica card in Osaka or an Icoca card in Tokyo .

Is there an expiry date?

Cards become invalid if they are not used for ten years.

Besides regular cards, there are personalized cards which can be replaced if lost (handling fee applies), commuter cards which also serve as a commuter pass, and cards for children.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

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Before Your First Trip on JR >

What is it?

How to buy and use a suica, where to purchase, using your suica card – getting around, using your suica card – e-money, recharge the suica, validity period, important notification, suica card sales to be discontinued.

Sales of JR East's Suica card (image of a penguin on the front) will be discontinued for the time being as of June 8 due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage.

By presenting a Suica pamphlet when shopping with Suica Get picture postcards!

The Suica is a prepaid e-money card for moving around and shopping. There is no more need to buy a ticket from a vending machine. Just touch your Suica to the ticket gate and the fare is automatically deducted from your Suica. The Suica can be used not only for JR East trains, but subways and buses as well. See the Suica Map for transportation systems you can use with the Suica.

The Suica can also be used to pay for things with e-money. Buy soft drinks and coffee from vending machines and on the train. Even buy a newspaper at the station kiosk without fiddling for coins. For traveling in Japan, the Suica makes a more pleasant trip.

Sales prices starting April 2014

Note: Prices include a deposit of 500 yen. The difference between the adult's card and the child's card is the amount deducted when using transportation. When using a child's Suica card, the child's fare is deducted, and when using an adult's Suica card, the adult's fare is deducted.

The Suica can be purchased in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Tokyo Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Shinjuku Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Shibuya Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ikebukuro Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ueno Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Hamamatsucho Station)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Narita)

JR EAST Travel Service Center (Haneda)

Riding Trains

Simply touch the Suica card to the reader at the ticket gate when out and about. There is no need to purchase a ticket from a vending machine.
The fare is automatically calculated at the station where you get off.
When you get off the train, the fare will be calculated at that station. If the balance is insufficient, however, you will need to add more money to your Suica.

Note: Additional tickets must be purchased to use the Suica for travel on a limited express, express or Green Car. The Suica cannot be used for travel on the Shinkansen.

Valid Areas and Transportation Systems

The Suica can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.
In addition to the Tokyo area, the Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas.

Click here for the map of Tokyo metropolitan area [PDF/4.39MB]

Click here for the map of Tokyo metropolitan area (Quick Reference) [PDF/1.25MB]

Regions where the Suica can be used

The Suica can be used on other smart card transportation systems, too!

The Suica cannot be used for continuous travel between areas. The use of transportation begun in one area must be ended in that area. When crossing from one area to another, first leave the ticket gate and then re-enter.

The Suica can be used not only for transportation but for shopping as well.
You can use your Suica to make purchases onboard trains as well as from vending machines, to rent coin lockers and for spending at convenience stores and restaurants.

The Suica can be used wherever the below logos are displayed.

To get your wonderful picture postcards, present your receipt showing a Suica purchase of 500 yen or more along with a Suica pamphlet at one of two great malls in Tokyo: ecute Tokyo (located in JR Tokyo Station) or mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI (approximately 5 minutes walk from JR Akihabara Station).

Limit one set of postcards per pamphlet.
This campaign will be over once all postcards are given out.
You can receive a postcard even by copying the Suica pamphlet and bringing that with you.

Suica pamphlet

A receipt showing a Suica purchase of at least 500 yen or more

Tokyo Station/Manseibashi Station (in the old days)

Tokyo Station/mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI (today)

A set of picture postcards

Suica pamphlet distribution locations

Distribution is also available at select stations.
Some Travel Service Centers are closed during the end-of-year and New Year's holiday season.

Gift redemption centers

Ecute tokyo (in japanese only).

Gift redemption center: Event space "ikisui"

Location: Inside JR Tokyo Station

Note: Only receipts from a shop in ecute Tokyo are valid for redemption at ecute Tokyo.

mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI

Gift redemption center: "LIBRARY"

Location: Approximately 5 minutes walk from JR Akihabara Station

Note: Only receipts from a shop in mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI are valid for redemption at mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI.

The Suica can be loaded and used as many times as desired.
The Suica can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark.
Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.

An Automatic Ticket Vending Machine enabled for the Suica

Suica cards issued by JR East Japan can be returned only at JR East stations. Suica cards issued by the Tokyo Monorail or elsewhere cannot be returned to JR East. Refer to the issuing company for further details on how to return them.
When the card is returned, the deposit of 500 yen is returned along with any remaining amount.
There is a charge of 220 yen to return a Suica card, which is deducted from the total. For refunds, a fee of 220 yen is subtracted from the total (a result of less than zero is considered zero), and then the initial 500 yen deposit is added.

Refund examples

With a balance of 1,000 yen, the fee of 220 yen is subtracted for 780 yen, and then the deposit of 500 yen is added for a refund of 1,280 yen.
When the balance is 100 yen, subtracting the fee leaves less than zero, so the amount is considered zero, and then the deposit of 500 yen is added for a total refund of 500 yen.
When the balance is zero, subtracting the fee leaves less than zero, so the amount is considered zero, and then the deposit of 500 yen is added for a total refund of 500 yen.
If not used for a period of 10 years, the Suica becomes invalid. For such invalid cards, the following options are available:
Get a replacement Suica card The charge on the invalid Suica will be transferred to your new card.
Get a refund A refund will be made after subtracting a refund fee from the charge on the invalid Suica. The initial deposit of 500 yen will also be refunded.
Lost Suica cards cannot be reissued.
When traveling outside the Suica valid area please purchase a ticket beforehand.

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【Suica】Suica allows you to pay for trains, buses, and shopping with a single card!

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Suica Pamphlet [PDF/783KB]

The instructions for using Suica are put together in a single pamphlet.

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The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

JR East started to sell a special IC card for visitors to Japan called Welcome Suica on September 1, 2019. Have you used it before? Where can you buy it? Where and how to charge it? Let’s see how it differs from a regular Suica card!

Table of Contents

Red Suica「Welcome Suica」

From： JR East

The design of the ‘Welcome Suica’ card differs from the standard green Suica card, featuring a red and white pattern. The red color symbolizes the sun, while the white represents cherry blossoms, both of which are also the colors of the Japanese flag.

In terms of functionality, there is no distinction between the red Suica card and the green Suica card. Both can be swiped to enter stations directly and used as electronic payment cards for purchases at locations where Suica cards are accepted.

To recharge, you have the option to add 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen at ticket vending machines and other locations.

When applying for the Red Suica Card, unlike the Green Suica Card, there is no need to pre-deposit 500 yen. Instead, the entire amount you recharge for the first time can be used as fare or shopping money.

Additionally, the regular Suica card typically does not have an expiration date and can be used indefinitely. It only becomes invalidated if not used for ten years. In contrast, the red Suica card, known as ‘Welcome Suica,’ has a validity period of 28 days from the first swipe and will be automatically deactivated on the 28th day. Visitors can certainly take this card home as a souvenir of their visit to Japan.

Where to apply for “Welcome Suica”

Special Note:

“Welcome Suica” cards are exclusively available for purchase at the third terminal of Haneda Airport in Tokyo and are not sold at the Terminal 1.

Tokyo Station
Shinjuku Station
Shibuya Station
Ikebukuro Station
Ueno Station
Shinagawa Station
Hamamatsucho Station
Narita Airport Station
Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station
Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station and other stations

Welcome Suica in Narita

Unfortunately, Welcome Suica cards are not available for purchase at Narita Airport. However, travelers needing a Welcome Suica card can easily obtain one by flying into Haneda Airport instead.

If you’re landing at Narita and require a Welcome Suica card for seamless travel across Japan, consider arriving at Haneda instead. Haneda Airport offers convenient access to Welcome Suica cards, allowing travelers to quickly acquire the necessary transportation pass upon arrival. With a Welcome Suica card in hand, navigating Japan’s extensive public transportation system becomes hassle-free, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience from the moment you touch down. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape or venturing beyond to other regions, having a Welcome Suica card offers convenience and flexibility for your journey.

How to Charge a Welcome Suica card

Charging a Welcome Suica card is a straightforward process similar to topping up a regular Suica card. At JR stations, travelers can find automated ticket machines conveniently located throughout the station. Simply insert your Welcome Suica card into the designated slot on the machine and follow the on-screen instructions to add funds to your card. These machines provide a user-friendly interface, making it easy for travelers to navigate the charging process even if they’re unfamiliar with Japanese.

The pink machine on the right is used to recharge the both Suica and Welcome Suica card.

Alternatively, travelers can also recharge their Welcome Suica cards at station staffed ticket counters, known as “Midori no Madoguchi,” where attendants are available to assist with any inquiries or assistance needed. Additionally, many convenience stores in Japan offer Suica card charging services, providing travelers with multiple options to replenish their card balance.

Whether you opt for the automated ticket machines, station staff assistance, or convenience store charging services, topping up your Welcome Suica card is a simple and convenient task, ensuring you have sufficient funds for your travels across Japan.

Notes on the red Suica card “Welcome Suica”

No refund of balance.

The Welcome Suica does not require a 500 yen advance deposit, but it also does not refund the remaining balance. In other words, the balance of the card will not be refunded either before or after the expiration of the Red Suica Card.

Therefore, it is important to use up the remaining balance on your Red Suica Card before it expires in order not to lose out.

The recharge amount is limited to 1,000 yen

When you recharge your Welcome Suica, you can only recharge from

You can choose to recharge within this thousand amount, but not for example 1,500 yen.

The balance limit is 20,000 yen

If you have more cash and wish to reload all of it to your Red Suica Card, you should note that there is a balance limit on the Red Suica Card.

Even if you have 30,000 yen, you can only load up to 20,000 yen.

No renewal after expiration

The Red Suica Card “Welcome Suica” is only valid for 28 days. If you stay in Japan for more than 28 days, you can only apply for a new card after the Red Suica Card expires, and you cannot renew your old card.

You must bring a Reference Paper with you when you use Welcome Suica

A Reference Paper will be delivered with the Red Suica Card.

You can check the validity period of your Welcome Suica card, information about your discount ticket, etc., on the Reference Paper that you receive when you purchase the card. (This information will not be displayed on the Welcome Suica card itself.)

Always carry this Reference Paper around with you, and show it to the staff if they ask to see it.

You may also want ot read: Welcome Suica vs Suica: What’s the Difference?

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay. Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience. We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture. How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for. For inquiries, contact us here =Company Information= CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

Detailed Comparison: the Differences between Suica and ICOCA, Japan’s Transportation Cards

April 15, 2024

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JR-WEST RAIL PASS: Kansai Area Rail Pass

January 19, 2023

Suica Pre-paid Transport pass

A0909C1A-93FB-4548-8F2A-CE5CA53C0BF6 Created with sketchtool. Can be used as an electronic wallet
A0909C1A-93FB-4548-8F2A-CE5CA53C0BF6 Created with sketchtool. Pre-charged and ready to use
Valid in Tokyo and other major cities
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NOTE The SUICA IC Card is currently out of stock.

To travel around cities such as tokyo, osaka, kyoto, and more, take a look at some of our other pre-paid ticket/card options:.

Travel around Japan with the new Welcome Suica card .

This card is the best alternative, as it works similarly to the Suica card, for a set period of 28 days. Please note, it can only be first charged in the Tokyo area.

Travel around Tokyo with the Tokyo Subway Pass .
Travel around Osaka with the Osaka Subway and Bus Pass .
Travel around Kyoto with the Kyoto One Day Pass-Buss .
Travel around the Kansai Region with the Kansai Thru Pass .

Other pass options:

The japan rail pass:.

The National Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited access to a majority of the Japan Railway Network throughout Japan , including within major cities.

The pass will see a price increase as of October 1st, so book your pass by September 29th to purchase it at its current price for use up to the end of December!

Order your Japan Rail Pass here .

Regional Passes:

There are a number of regional passes we offer that allow unlimited travel within specific regions of Japan .

If your destination city is within one of these regions, consider a regional pass to get fully covered access to the transportation there and in the surrounding area!

Take a look at all of our regional pass options here .

The Suica card is a prepaid chip card that allows use of most forms of public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail and taxis) in Japan. The card is charged for each journey or purchase by simply touching the terminals displaying the Suica card logo.

The Suica card is already loaded and ready for use. You will be able to add credit during your stay if necessary.
Only one Suica card per person is required: once the credit has been used up, the card can be topped up at the station as many times as needed.
The Suica card can be purchased prior to your departure to Japan , without affecting its operation.

The card was created by the company JR East, but can also be used throughout Japan on other prepaid card networks, such as Pasmo.

Suica card validity

The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo.

Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.

Electronic wallet

The card also functions as an electronic wallet . You can make small purchases on board trains, at vending machines, mini-markets, shops and restaurants displaying one of the Suica card symbols. It can also be used to pay for taxis and station lockers.

For more information, visit the official JR East website .

Practical information on the Suica card

The Suica card is ready to use and already credited with 2000 yen (including a 500 yen deposit). To recover the deposit, you will have to return your card in Tokyo only, at JR East stations.
You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years.
The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers. Children's Suica cards can be purchased directly in Japan.
Although it is now possible to load your Suica card onto your phone and use it as a payment card linked to your bank account, we strongly advise against doing so. Indeed, if you do, the physical card is no longer usable, and unjustified withdrawals have been noted among some users; certainly due to the link with a non-Japanese bank card and the inherent international money transfers. Japan Experience cannot be held responsible for these inconveniences, as the sale was made for a physical Suica card only.

Common questions related to the suica card

What is a pasmo or a Suica card ?

A Pasmo Card or Suica Card is a rechargeable smart card used throughout Japan for travel on trains, buses, and subways. Similar to the Navigo pass in Paris or the Oyster card in London, the Pasmo or Suica card is very easy to use: simply tap it against the automated gates in train stations or on the readed on the bus, and the cost of your journey is automatically deducted. The card is rechargeable at any time.The Pasmo or Suica card also functions as an electronic wallet to make small purchases or to pay for services, such as parking spots. New : The Pasmo passport is a new Pasmo dedicated for visitors. It has a nice design but is not refundable after 28 days.

What is the difference between the Pasmo card and Suica card?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PASMO CARD AND SUICA CARD?

The Pasmo card and Suica card are sold by different companies. However, they work the same way and can be used in the same places. They are for example comparable with Mastercard and Visa credit cards, which belong to different companies but can be used in the same way. The only small difference is the location where you can give your card back and receive your deposit.If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

How do I get my Pasmo or Suica card?

You can have your Pasmo or Suica card delivered to your home before your departure, or directly in Japan (for example at your hotel). Your card will be sent at the same time as your rail pass, if applicable.

You can also come and collect your Pasmo card or Suica card directly in one of our agencies.

The suica / pasmo cards can be purchased before your trip to Japan, without any impact on their use.

Pasmo or Suica cards usage and restrictions

CAN THE PASMO OR SUICA CARDS BE USED IN ALL OF JAPAN?

Although originally created only for use in Tokyo, since March 2013, the Pasmo card can be used on virtually all rail networks in Japan, as well as many bus lines. Similarly, the Suica card, founded in 2001 by the JR East company, provides access to virtually all rail networks in Japan as well as many subway lines and buses. Look for the special logo below in train stations or on buses to see if they accept IC cards.

WHICH TRAINS CAN I TAKE WITH THE PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Train stations that accept Pasmo or Suica cards will display the logo shown to the left. Pasmo or Suica cards can be used to travel on:

JR train lines
Privately owned train lines
On the Tokyo subway system

Please note that Pasmo or Suica cards cannot be used on limited express trains or shinkansen. Suica cards are not valid on long distance buses (highway bus) or airport shuttles.

CAN I TAKE THE BUS WITH A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can use a Pasmo and Suica card on most buses in the Tokyo area, as well as in other Japanese cities, and even a few inter-city and overnight buses. Buses accepting Pasmo and / or Suica cards will always display the Pasmo logo and / or Suica logo shown below.

IN WHICH STORES CAN I USE A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Pasmo and Suica cards can be used as electronic wallets in stores that display the symbol shown here as an example:

Combini (Japanese convenience stores)
In trains
Shops inside train stations
Vending machines
Certain restaurants

You can also use the Pasmo and Suica cards to pay for certain services such as lockers, parking and taxis.

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD REGISTERED TO MY NAME? CAN I GIVE IT AWAY?

All our Pasmo and Suica cards are non-registered. It is therefore possible to give your Pasmo card or Suica card to a family member or friend if you no longer require it.

CAN I KEEP MY CARD FOR MY NEXT TRIP TO JAPAN?

Yes, you can. Pasmo and Suica cards do not expire for 10 years.

How do I top up a Pasmo or Suica card?

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD ALREADY CHARGED?

Yes, your Pasmo or Suica card is already charged and has ¥2000 on it (including the ¥500 deposit).

HOW CAN I TOP UP A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can top up a Pasmo or Suica card in stations at ticket machines, or on buses that accept Pasmo and/or Suica cards. You can only use cash to top up your card. Instructions will be in both Japanese and English.

Quick guide of how to use the machines :

It is really easy to recharge your suica transport card. You can recharge it on the automatic machine provided for this purpose, in any station. Moreover, the terminals are available in several languages and you will always find English. Step 1: Select the load button on the main screen and insert your card. Step 2: You can then choose to recharge your card, view the remaining amount on your account and print it. Step 3: Select the amount of money you want to insert. You can choose between 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or 10 000 yens. Usually you will have to pay in cash. Still few machines accept card or contactless. Also, it often do not take small change or coins. Step 4: Take your change if you have some and get your card back!

IS THERE A MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM AMOUNT?

You can add between ¥1,000 and ¥20,000 to your card at one time.

HOW DO I CHECK HOW MUCH MONEY IS LEFT ON MY CARD?

The remaining credit is displayed when you place your Pasmo or Suica card vending terminals in stations or on the reader in the bus.You can also check the amount by placing your Pasmo or Suica card into a ticket machine, which can also print a history of your trips.

IF I MAKE A MISTAKE WHILE CHARGING MY CARD, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please take your card to a station attendant immediately. You can be reimbursed if you have not used your card since topping it up.

Where do I return a Pasmo or Suica card? Can I get the deposit back?

If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.

If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

What can i do if my pasmo or suica card is lost or stolen?

Because the Pasmo and Suica cards sold on our website are not registered to an individual, unfortunately they are not eligible for a refund or a replacement.

What are the cancellation conditions and fees for Pasmo and Suica cards?

Is there an app for the suica card?

There is indeed an application for the suica card, however, you should know that : For Apple users, the app is only available for Iphone 8 and above and the latest IOS. It can also be downloaded and used on applewatch. It takes the form of a credit card and facilitates contactless purchases. For Android users, for the moment the app is only available in Japan.

The Suica is out of stock for the moment due to the supply chain situation. We highly recommend that you would buy our Welcome Suica card, our Tokyo Subway Pass or our Kansai Thru Pass.

Our other products

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Why buy a Hakone Kamakura Pass?

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The JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass

A fast, regular and direct way to connect Narita and Haneda airports to Tokyo

Airport Transfer Tokyo

Make the journeys between Tokyo and Narita and

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The JR North Kyushu Pass

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Don't Panic! How To Reissue Your Lost Suica Card

A Suica card is convenient, but if you lose it, you also lose the money you've charged it with. Today we'll be introducing how to reissue a Suica.

Mako Hayashi

How To Reissue A Lost Suica Card

Don't Panic! How To Reissue Your Lost Suica Card

A Suica card is convenient and allows holders to get in and out of stations and ride transportation with the tap of a card. However, if you lose this pre-paid card, you will also lose all the money you have charged in it. It's a small card, so it will be hard to find it again once it's gone.

However, you can reissue your Suica . Today, we will be introducing how to get your Suica back.

1. Make Sure Your Card Is a "My Suica"

The only Suica card that you can reissue is the "My Suica" (lower card in photo), which has your personal information registered on it . Think about when you first issued your Suica. Did you register your name and age? If you did, you can reissue your Suica with no problem.

If not, it will be very hard to differentiate your card from other ones, so you will just have to purchase a new one.

2. Go to A Major Train or Bus Station Booth!

Photo by Pixta

At train and bus stations, there are booths where customers can consult staff. First, you will undergo the necessary procedures for a lost card. If you can't find a booth, you can ask one of the station staff.

3. Identifying Your Lost Card

In order to cancel your lost card, you must first identify your card . You will be asked for your name, date of birth, and gender. Things will be easier if you bring your passport .

You can also identify your card with the card number on the bottom right of the back of your Suica card (starting with "JE"), so it might be a good idea to take a memo of it when you purchase one.

4. Cancel Your Lost Card

Once you have identified your lost card, you have finished the procedures for reissuing your card . Your lost card will be canceled, so others cannot wrongly use your lost card. This is the end of the reissuing process, but you will only be able to receive your new card from the next day .

5. Receive Your New Card the Next Day

The procedures to reissue a lost card is the above, but there are also some things you should keep in mind: ・The guaranteed balance is the balance remaining after the cancellation process.

・If 14 days pass after you declare your loss and you do not pick up your new card, you will need to apply again.

・Once you have applied for reissuing, you cannot cancel it even if you find your lost card afterward.

・Cards cannot be reissued at some stations. If this is the case, be sure to ask an employee about where you can get your card back.

For those without a Suica card––reserve yours online today and pick it up at the station to save time and avoid the hassle. You can reserve and see details on the Suica card by clicking here . Another option is the Suica and Skyliner ticket for those using Narita.

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

東京生まれ東京育ち東京在住の20歳。大学生をしています。動物とたわむれることと散歩をすることがとっても好きです。世界中の野生の動物に会いに行ったり、世界中の街を散歩しに行ったり、いつかできたらいいなぁ、なーんて思ってます。

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The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
The Suica Card
Tarjeta Suica
your-friendly-suica-card
How to use up your Suica card balance easily!

VIDEO

Suica Card, la tarjeta que te salvará en Japón
Getting a Suica Card for your Japan trip
EasyモバイルSuicaでJR北海道の改札を通ってみた Part.2
Welcome Suica How to Use All Funds (0 Balance) #travel #japan #suica #tokyo #pasmo #train #japanese
2024 Where to find SUICA or PASMO card at HANEDA AIRPORT (HND)
Getting an unregistered Suica card at JR East Shinjuku Travel Service Center

COMMENTS

Transaction history for Pasmo or Suica card?
Re: Transaction history for Pasmo or Suica card? If you have an android smartphone with NFC (ie not a cheap model), you can dowload apps that can read the transaction history directly from the card. Limited to ~20 transactions or so. "Suikakeibo" app even displays the data in English. 4.
Suica Cards: Quick Guide to Tokyo's Smart Travel Cards
Specifically, a Suica is a IC card issued by JR (Japan Railway) East. At the most basic level, it's a prepaid card you can use in Tokyo and wider Japan. You can use it on trains, subways, and buses, as well for vending machines, some convenience stores, and station-area facilities like coin lockers.
Guide to Suica Cards
When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted. You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.
IC train cards
r/japanlife. Join. For residents of Japan only - if you do not reside in Japan you are welcome to read, but do not post or you will be removed. Anything relevant to living or working in Japan such as lifestyle, food, style, environment, education, technology, housing, work, immigration, sport etc.
Apple Pay Suica and PASMO PDF Receipts
Option #2 Suica App • PASMO App Accessing transaction records beyond Wallet requires a Suica App • PASMO App and a Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO account. Suica and PASMO App show the most recent 100 SF transactions (or up to 26 weeks whichever comes first) and the SF balance for each transaction. Access transaction history in the bottom menu or tapping SF in the Ticket Purchase/Management ...
How to Use the Suica card as a Tourist in Japan
Open up your Apple Wallet and hit the "+" button in the upper right-hand corner. Hit "Transit Card" in the bottom box of options and then search "Suica". Tap Suica, press continue, and then select a yen amount. 1000 yen will be $10 or less with current exchange rates, but you can enter any value you want here.
Ultimate Suica Card Guide: Perfect Travel Card in Japan
Step 1: Click on Suica card in Apple Wallet, and then tap " Add Money " to recharge your Suica card. Step 2: Choose the amount you need to top up and tap " Add ". Step 3: Select the card you want to pay from and use Face ID/Touch ID to pay with Apple Pay.
Welcome Suica IC Card Complete Guide: Easy Travel With This Prepaid
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 ...
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan. ⏱ 8 minutes. Suica is the name of an electronic prepaid card that allows an easy simple use of public transportation network in Japan as well as to pay at some shops and vending machines. The Suica system of virtual wallet is debited each time its holder uses it and help travel faster by metro ...
Guide to Suica Cards
When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted. You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.
See More of Japan With the Help of the Suica Card
The Suica card can be used for the JR East train lines in Tokyo's metropolitan area. It can also be used for many buses and subways. This is good to have handy for the Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, too. Tourists who are contemplating their choices will also be pleased to know that the Suica card is fully compatible ...
Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards on iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan
To use a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card with Apple Pay, you need: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS. You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan. ICOCA only: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later ...
#TravelLife: How to Check Your Suica/Pasmo Card Balance ...
#TravelLife: How to Check Your Suica/Pasmo Card Balance outside of JapanI use Suica Reader: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yanzm.products.suic...
Suica
Suica (Japanese pronunciation: スイカ, Suika) is a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system used as a fare card on train lines and other public transport systems in Japan, launched on November 18, 2001 by JR East.The card can be used across the nation as part of Japan's Nationwide Mutual Usage Service. The card is also widely used as electronic money for ...
2024 Japan Suica Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
Do note that the maximum top-up is ¥20,000, and you can only load your card with Japanese Yen currency. You cannot use your credit card to top up your Suica Card. Tip: Buy your Welcome Suica Card on Klook for only ¥1,500. This already includes a one-day pass with unlimited rides on JR trains and Tokyo Monorail Line.
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: Suica, Pasmo, Icoca
Pasmo is the prepaid IC card of Tokyo 's railway, subway and bus operators other than JR. A special version of Pasmo, called Pasmo Passport, is available to foreign tourists. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds. Icoca is the prepaid IC card of JR West for JR trains in the ...
Suica
There is a charge of 220 yen to return a Suica card, which is deducted from the total. For refunds, a fee of 220 yen is subtracted from the total (a result of less than zero is considered zero), and then the initial 500 yen deposit is added. Refund examples. With a balance of 1,000 yen, the fee of 220 yen is subtracted for 780 yen, and then the ...
The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan
Updated on January 12, 2024 Japan discontinued the sale of registered/unregistered Suica and registered/unregistered Pasmo cards on June 8, 2023, and August 2, 2023, respectively. As of January 12, 2024, foreign tourists can purchase unregistered Suica cards (the green regular version) at JR East Japan Travel Service Centers (駅たびコンシェルジュ) located in Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya ...
Buy Suica prepaid travel card
A Pasmo Card or Suica Card is a rechargeable smart card used throughout Japan for travel on trains, buses, and subways. Similar to the Navigo pass in Paris or the Oyster card in London, the Pasmo or Suica card is very easy to use: simply tap it against the automated gates in train stations or on the readed on the bus, and the cost of your journey is automatically deducted.
The Suica Card in 2023: Quick Guide to Tokyo's Smart Travel Cards
Find out about the handy Suica card for easy travel in Tokyo & Japan. A guide to where to get Suica cards, what these IC cards cost, and how to load them.Als...
Don't Panic! How To Reissue Your Lost Suica Card
First, you will undergo the necessary procedures for a lost card. If you can't find a booth, you can ask one of the station staff. 3. Identifying Your Lost Card. In order to cancel your lost card, you must first identify your card. You will be asked for your name, date of birth, and gender.

Transaction history for Pasmo or Suica card? - Tokyo Forum

Transaction history for Pasmo or Suica card?

Tokyo Hotels and Places to Stay

The Ultimate Guide to Suica Cards

Latest news on Suica cards in Japan

What is a Suica card?

The Welcome Suica Card: Specifically for short-term visitors to Japan

How do you use a Suica card?

Where can you use Suica cards?

Can I use my Suica card on the Shinkansen?

How to charge a Suica card

Photo guide for charging your Suica card

Can you charge a phyiscal Suica card with a credit card?

Can I charge a Suica card at a convenience store?

Where can I buy a Suica card?

Photo guide for purchasing a blank Suica card

Registering a Suica card

How do I return a Suica card?

Suica cards for children

Virtual Suica cards

Who can use the Mobile Suica app?

Setting up a virtual (mobile) Suica card in Japan

Apple users

How to top up your Mobile Suica through Apple Pay

How to refund your Mobile Suica balance through Apple Pay

Android users

Adding a Suica to your Apple Wallet

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my balance?

Can foreigners buy a suica card?

What if my Suica card is lost or stolen?

What if my Suica is damaged?

How can I use my Suica card for shopping?

Can you share a Suica train card?

What does Suica mean?

Wait, is that why the mascot for Suica is a penguin?

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Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

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