For a more convenient and comfortable Japan trip!

Welcome SuicaWith IC Special Pass

​"Welcome Suica" is a convenient IC card offered by JR EAST, that allows you to shop and get on trains, buses, etc., with just a tap of the card.​

Welcome Suica

  • No need to deposit money to purchase the card!
  • No need to pay with coins or deal with change!
  • Comes with an IC Special Pass! Get from the airport to central Tokyo, and all around the city!

What is the Welcome Suica?

28-Day Validity Period (Ex: 28 days from 1/1 – 1/28)

  • Charge the IC card for repeated use.
  • Get through the automatic ticket gate with just a tap of the card. (Touch & Go)
  • Makes shopping a breeze at stores with the mark shown to the bottom, in addition to its use for the train.Suica logo
  • This one card can be used for all trains and buses in Japan that have the mark shown to the right.IC logo

There will be no refunds for any remaining charge on your IC card.​
​ (Welcome Suica IC cards will not be collected after use.)

What is the Welcome Suica (with IC Special Pass) Card?

  1. Comes with one of three non-dated IC special passes

    Narita → Tokyo 1-Day Pass
    Haneda → Tokyo 1-Day Pass
    Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass)
    One of these passes will come preset in the card.
    Travel as much as you want all day within the designated area!
    Because the pass is undated, customers will have to activate the pass themselves.
    It will only be valid for the day (one day) in which it is activated.

    Narita→Tokyo 1-Day Pass

    Use this pass for unlimited rides on non-reserved seats on local and rapid trains from Narita Airport to Tokyo Metropolitan District, or within the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo. This pass is especially handy for business and shopping.

    Period of Sales:
    year-round
    Period of Use:
    year-round
    Validity Period:
    1 day
    Price:
    adults – 1,890 yen, children – 940 yen
    Narita→Tokyo 1-Day Pass

    Haneda→Tokyo 1-Day Pass

    Use this pass for unlimited rides on non-reserved seats on local and rapid trains from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Metropolitan District, or within the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo. This pass is especially handy for business and shopping.

    Period of Sales:
    year-round
    Period of Use:
    year-round
    Validity Period:
    1 day
    Price:
    adults – 1,240 yen, children – 610 yen
    Haneda→Tokyo 1-Day Pass

    Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass)

    Unlimited hop on hop off travel using non-reserved seats in ordinary cars of ordinary trains (including rapid trains) in the 23 wards of central Tokyo

    Period of Sales:
    year-round
    Period of Use:
    year-round
    Validity Period:
    1 day
    Price:
    adults – 760 yen, children – 380 yen
    Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass)

  2. You can also register other IC special passes onto your card

    You can register and use other IC special passes on your Welcome Suica IC card after using up the preset special pass.

    Discount tickets that can be registered with the Welcome Suica and Suica

About Activation

The one-time activation process will:

  • Allow you to start using the Suica function of the card (28-day validity period).
  • Allow you to start using the IC special pass (same-day only).

How to Activate

  1. If you are within​ the IC Special Pass applicable area

    • Simply tap your card onto the automatic ticket gate.
      Automatic ticket gate
      Automatic Ticket Gates

    • Activate the card at a ticket vending machine or a multifunction ticket vending machine.

      • Ticket Vending Machine
        Ticket Vending Machines
      • 1
        1. Please touch the button on the left hand side for ticket purchases.
      • 2
        2. Do you wish to commence use?
      • 3
        3. Please touch the desired charge amount button.
      • 4
        4. Please insert the amount of money you wish to charge onto the card.
      • 5
        5. Thank you.Please make sure to take IC Card and reference paper.
      • Multifunction Ticket Vending Machine
        Multifunctional Ticket Vending Machines
      • 1
        1. Please touch desired button.
      • 2
        2. Do you wish to commence use?
      • 3
        3. Please touch the desired charge amount button.
      • 4
        4. Please insert money or View Card.
      • 5
        5. Thank you. Please make sure to take IC Card and reference paper and details.
    • If you have any difficulty with the process, tell a ticket gate staff member you'd like to activate your pass.

  2. If you are outside of the IC Special Pass applicable area

    [If you are within the Suica area]

    • You can activate the card at a ticket vending machine or a multifunction ticket vending machine.

      • Ticket Vending Machine
        Ticket Vending Machines
      • 1
        1. Please touch the button on the left hand side for ticket purchases.
      • 2
        2. Do you wish to commence use?
      • 3
        3. Please touch the desired charge amount button.
      • 4
        4. Please insert the amount of money you wish to charge onto the card.
      • 5
        5. Thank you.Please make sure to take IC Card and reference paper.
      • Multifunction Ticket Vending Machine
        Multifunctional Ticket Vending Machines
      • 1
        1. Please touch desired button.
      • 2
        2. Do you wish to commence use?
      • 3
        3. Please touch the desired charge amount button.
      • 4
        4. Please insert money or View Card.
      • 5
        5. Thank you. Please make sure to take IC Card and reference paper and details.
    • If you have any difficulty with the process, tell a ticket gate staff member you'd like to activate your pass.
      You will not be able to use your card to get through the automatic ticket gates if it has not been activated.

    [If you are within the PASMO area]

    • You will be able to use the Suica function of the card at ticket vending machines.
    • You will not be able to activate the IC special pass using the ticket vending machines.
      *You will not be able to activate the IC special pass outside of the Suica/PASMO area.
    • Once you charge your card, you can use it to get through the automatic ticket gates.
    • The IC special pass will be activated once you use your card to pass through the automatic ticket gates. Note, however, that you will only be able to use the IC special pass within the IC special pass designated area.

Reference Paper

Use your Reference Paper to check the validity period of your Welcome Suica IC card, information about the preset IC special pass, etc.
Customers should print the Reference Paper themselves, and carry it with them at all times during their travels.

  • You can print the Reference Paper at a ticket vending machine or multifunction ticket vending machine.

    • Ticket Vending Machine
      Ticket Vending Machines
    • 1
      1. Please check that the standby screen is displayed and insert your Suica card.
    • 2
      2. Please touch the "Reprint reference paper" button.
    • 3
      3. The Reference Paper is reprinted. Please make sure to carry it at all times during your travel.
    • Multifunction Ticket Vending Machine
      Multifunctional Ticket Vending Machines
    • 1
      1. Please check that the standby screen is displayed and insert your Suica card.
    • 2
      2. Please touch the "Reprint reference paper" button.
    • 3
      3. The Reference Paper is reprinted. Please make sure to carry it at all times during your travel.
  • If you lose your Reference Paper, you can reprint it at a ticket vending machine or multifunction ticket vending machine in the Suica area. You can also ask a staff member at a station in the Suica area for help.

Example Reference Paper

  • Example Reference Paper
  • Example Reference Paper

How to Use the Welcome Suica Card

Riding Trains

Tap your Welcome Suica card on the automatic ticket gate for one second, and you can get on the train without buying a ticket.

  • 1
    Tap your card onto the sensor at the station where you start your journey.
  • 2
    Get to your destination by train!
  • 3
    Tap your card onto the sensor at the station where your journey ends to automatically pay your fare.
  • You will not be able to get through the gate if you don't have sufficient balance on your card.​
    Recharge your card at the fare adjustment machine, then tap your card on the sensor of the automatic ticket gate.

Shopping in Stores

  • 1
    Pay at the cash register.
  • 2
    Tell the cashier, "I want to pay by Suica."
  • 3
    Confirm the purchase amount displayed on the screen, and then tap your Welcome Suica onto the sensor.
  • 4
    Your payment will be complete.

Buying Beverages at Vending Machines

  • 1 まず最初に 商品を選んで！！
    Check that there is a Suica logo.
    Press the button for the beverage
    ​ you wish to purchase.
  • 2
    Tap your Welcome Suica card firmly onto the sensor, until you hear a "beep."
  • 3
    Remove the beverage from the dispensing slot.

Using a Locker

You can use your Welcome Suica card as the key to your locker, and use it to pay for the locker as well.
*You cannot split your payment between cash and your Welcome Suica card.

  • 1
    Leaving your baggage.
    Place your baggage in the locker, then close the door, and the light will come on.
    *If the light is on, it means the locker is in use.
  • 2
    On the payment method screen, tap the Suica card icon.
  • 3
    Tap your Welcome Suica card on the sensor, and the locker will lock.
  • 4
    Make sure to take the receipt.
    *The receipt lists the location of the locker and contact information in case you have any inquiries.
  • 1
    Picking up your baggage.
    Select the "retrieval" option on the screen.
  • 2
    Tap your Welcome Suica card on the sensor, and the locker will be unlocked.
  • 3
    Open the door, and pick up your baggage.

The Welcome Suica is So Convenient

You can use your card in places like these!

  • ​
    Trains / Subways
  • Buses
    Buses
  • タクシー
    Taxis
  • 駅ナカ・駅ビル
    Train Station Shopping Areas
  • 自販機
    Vending Machines
  • お土産
    Gift Shops
  • カフェ
    Cafés
  • ブックストア
    Bookstores
  • コンビニ
    Convenience Stores
  • ドラッグストア
    Drug Stores
  • ファミレス
    Casual Dining Restaurants
  • ファストフード
    Fast Food Restaurants

You can use your Welcome Suica card in any store that has one of these marks!

The Welcome Suica IC Card can be used for shopping throughout the country!
Use it to pay anywhere you see a Suica electronic payment mark, even in areas where it cannot be used for the train.

IC, Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, tolca, manaca, ICOCA, SUGOCA, nimoca, HayakakenIC, Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, tolca, manaca, ICOCA, SUGOCA, nimoca, Hayakaken

Major Stores Where You Can Use the Welcome Suica

セブンイレブン, NewDays, KIOSK, FamilyMart, LAWSON, TAITO STATION, acure, CocaCola, ビックカメラ, atré, ecute, LUMINE, GRANSTA, GRANROOF, Gran GOURMET, welcia, マツモトキヨシ, DOUTOR, マクドナルド, 松屋, Narita Airport

Enjoy shopping with Suica! It's easy to shop with no need for cash

Charging the Welcome Suica IC Card After Activation

The Welcome Suica card can be charged at any ticket vending machine, convenience store, etc., with the logo logo. You can charge your card using cash, and the maximum amount you can charge is 20,000 yen.

Charging at a Ticket Vending Machine

  • 1
    Insert your Welcome Suica card into the card slot.
  • 2
    Tap the amount you want to charge in the "Charge" section of the screen.
  • 3
    Insert the amount of cash you selected.
  • 4
    Your newly charged Welcome Suica card will be returned to you.

Charging at a Convenience Store

  • This mark is a landmark!
    Check that there is a Suica logo.
    Tell the cashier "I want to charge my Suica," then hand over your Welcome Suica card and the amount of cash you would like to charge the card with.

Charging on
Seven Bank ATM (in Seven-Eleven Stores, etc.)

ATM

  • 1
    1. Tap the charge E-money button.
  • 2
    2. Place your Welcome Suica card here.
  • 3
    3. Tap the button.
  • 4,5
    4. Tap the amount you want to charge.
    5. Insert the cash bills into the cash insert slot below the screen.
  • 6
    6. Tap "Receipt" if you want a receipt, or "Confirm" if you don't want a receipt, and the charging process is complete.

Areas Where You Can Use the Welcome Suica Card for Trains

  • For the latest details on each area, see the official website, etc., for the relevant railway company.
  • Some transportation companies may not allow you to pay with a Welcome Suica card.
  • You may only use your Welcome Suica card for journeys that begin and end within the same card area.
    You may not travel beyond the area in which you begin your journey and into another area when using the Welcome Suica card.
  • You can still use the card to pay for your shopping, in all stores with theSuica logo in Japan, even in areas that don't allow you to pay for trains with your Welcome Suica card.

Welcome Suica Train Areas

Logo for Transportation IC Card Nationwide Network of Mutual Use Service

IC

  • This is the logo for the IC card nationwide network of mutual use service, which includes Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken.
  • You may use your Welcome Suica Card for any train, bus, or in any store, etc., in Japan with the IC logo.

Welcome Suica Train Areas Current as of March16, 2020

Other

Checking and/or Printing Payment History
You can use any ticket vending machine or multifunction ticket vending machine in a Suica area to check and/or print your Welcome Suica payment history (statement).
Checking Balance
You can use any ticket vending machine or multifunction ticket vending machine in any Suica area to check the balance on your card. Your balance will also be shown on the display on the automatic ticket gate when you use your card on it.
Traveling beyond and into another Area
The Welcome Suica card can be used for any train, bus, etc., that has the​​ ​logomark in Japan. However, the card can be used only for journeys that begin and end in the same card area, but not beyond and into another area. Purchase tickets in advance if you plan to travel outside a card area. If you accidentally travel outside of the Welcome Suica train area while using your Welcome Suica card, show a station attendant at your destination your Welcome Suica card and Reference Paper. They will ask you to pay for your entire fare in cash.
We cannot reissue your Welcome Suica card if you lose it.
You cannot register a commuter pass on a Welcome Suica card.
Welcome Suica is not Apple Pay compatible.
Refunds for IC Special Passes Registered onto the Welcome Suica
  • Refunds for IC special passes that you have registered on your own will be given only if the pass is unused, and is still within its validity period. (Service fee required.)
  • There will be no refunds due to train outages.
  • Refunds are only possible at JR East Ticket Offices within the designated area.
If your Welcome Suica card stops working
If your card stops working even if your Welcome Suica card is still valid and has sufficient balance, you may be experiencing one of the following issues. Check your card holder, etc., and if you still can't use the card, ask a station attendant in a Suica area for help.
  • There may be something in your card holder that is preventing the automatic ticket gate from scanning your card.
  • Your card may not have processed properly the last time you used it at a automatic ticket gate.
  • You have used a station outside the Suica area, and your card need to be adjusted.
If the issue is due to a faulty card, we ask you to do the following.
Apply for a malfunction refund
We will check the balance on your card through the Card Number (17-digit number that starts with "JE") listed on the back side of your card, and proceed with your refund.
We cannot, under any circumstances, provide you with your refund if we cannot read the Card Number on the back of your card.
Malfunction refund
We will refund your balance at any JR EAST Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) in the Suica area, starting the day after your refund application, up to 14 days after the end date of your Welcome Suica card validity period. You will not be able to receive your refund on the day of your application.
To claim a refund, bring your faulty card, Reference Paper, and any other necessary documents with you to a JR EAST Ticket Office (Midorino-madoguchi) in the Suica area.
You may use IC special passes registered onto a malfunctioning card by showing your malfunctioning card, Reference Paper, and any other necessary documents every time you enter a ticket gate.
Validity Period of the Welcome Suica Card
The validity period is printed in the bottom right on the back of your card. Note that you will not be able to use a card that is past its validity period.

Suica Card

For example, here is the expiration date of the card until the end of May 2025. Cannot be used from June 2025. Please be careful.

East Japan Railway Company
East Japan Railway Company Procedural Regulations for IC Cards for Foreign Visitors to Japan (Terms and Conditions) (English)

East Japan Railway Company IC Card Ticket Handling Rules (Terms and Conditions) (English)

See here for more details.

About Suica

Suica Card

If you plan to use the Suica for longer (29 days or more) and/or for your next trip to Japan*, you should use the regular Suica.

Purchase Locations
Multifunction ticket vending machines or Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) at JR EAST stations within Suica areas
*Suica are not sold at JR EAST Travel Service Centers.
Prices
You can select from 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen Suica.
*You will be charged a 500 yen deposit. The deposit is included in the initial price.
*You can purchase Suica with cash. You cannot purchase Suica with credit cards.
Miscellaneous Information
You can receive a refund for any remaining balance on your Suica at Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) in JR EAST stations within the Suica areas. See here for more details.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html

*Please be aware that your Suica will expire 10 years from the last date of use.

The information on this site is current as of March 2020, and is subject to change.
Photos/illustrations are reference images.

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