Welcome Suica: A Special IC Card for International Visitors to Japan
Welcome Suica: A Special IC Card for International Visitors to Japan

Welcome Suica is a special IC card designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan. It functions similarly to the standard Suica card, allowing you to ride trains and buses or shop, but it comes with some unique differences.
Features of Welcome Suica
- Purchase Locations:
- Available at JR East’s Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket offices at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, Narita Airport Station, and Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station, among others.
- Validity Period:
- Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days from the first day of use.
- Deposit:
- Unlike the regular Suica, Welcome Suica requires no deposit fee upon purchase.
- Refunds:
- Refunds are not available after the validity period expires.
- Usable Areas:
- Can be used nationwide in areas where Suica and other compatible IC cards are accepted.
- Note: Separate tickets are required for Shinkansen or limited express trains.
- Other:
- Welcome Suica cannot be registered with the Suica app.
Benefits of Welcome Suica
- Convenience:
- Eliminates the need to buy tickets, making travel and shopping seamless.
- Ease of Use:
- Simply tap the card on the gate or reader at stations and stores.
- Versatility:
- Beyond transportation, it can be used for payments at convenience stores, restaurants, and various other locations.
Notes on Welcome Suica
- Validity Period:
- Be mindful of the 28-day limit and plan to use it within that timeframe.
- Non-Refundable:
- Refunds are not available, so avoid overcharging the card.
- Limited Purchase Locations:
- Available only at specific locations, so plan your purchase accordingly.
Welcome Suica is an excellent tool to make your trip to Japan more convenient and enjoyable. Be sure to check the validity period and usable areas to make the most of it. For more detailed information, visit the official Welcome Suica page on the JR East website.
