😉Suica Card price
What is Suica Card?
The Suica Card is a contactless e-card with prepaid e-money, used on public transportation in Japan, including trains, subways, buses and even some taxis. It was introduced by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and has become one of the most popular and widely accepted IC cards in Japan.
You can simply tap the Suica Card on the card reader at the ticket gate and the fare is automatically deducted from your Suica, eliminating the need for paper tickets or exact change. Besides, the Suica Card can also be used to buy drinks from vending machines and convenience stores. It offers a convenient and cashless payment to make travel much more convenient.
Types of Suica Card
Source: JR East offficial
| Type | Eligibility | Highlight |
| Welcome Suica | For visitors to Japan | -Ride trains and buses and shop -No need to use cash -No need deposit and no refund -Validity: 28 days |
| Suica | For residents of Japan | -A 500-yen deposit -Refundable remaining card balance |
Where to use my Suica card?
Public transportation
Suica cards are primarily used for public transportation, including JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, as well as certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas. You can use your Suica card to conveniently tap in and out at ticket gates without purchasing paper tickets.
Other smart card transportation systems
You can use your Welcome Suica Card for any train, bus or store in Japan with the IC logo, which is for the nationwide network of mutual use services, including Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken.
Source: JR East offficial
Note: The Welcome Suica cannot be used for continuous travel between areas. If you want to travel across one to another, make sure you leave the ticket gate and re-enter.
Shopping
The Welcome Suica can be used to buy drinks or snacks from onboard train sales, vending machines, and convenience stores, wherever the logos below are displayed. You can use your Suica card to make purchases by simply tapping it on the card reader.
Source: JR East offficial
Coin lockers and facilities
Certain facilities such as coin lockers at train stations or public baths may accept Suica cards as a payment method.
Where to buy Suica Card?
Buy Suica Card pass online
Trip.com offers online Welcome Suica pass purchase, allowing you to buy it in advance and pick it up at Haneda Airport.
Buy Suica Card pass on-site
Welcome Suica are sold at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) station (JR EAST Travel Service Center and Welcome Suica exclusive vending machine).
The Suica can be purchased in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).
*Please note that only one Welcome Suica will be sold per person.
How to use Suica Card?
Step 1: Redeem your Suica Card
If you buy a Welcome Suica Card online, please present your electronic voucher at the Haneda Airport Ninjia WiFi Counter to exchange for a physical pass.
- Location: 3rd floor, departure hall, Haneda Airport Terminal 3
- How to get there: Go to the 3rd floor from the arrival hall opposite the Tokyo Monorail ticket gate
- Counter service hours: 07:00 - 23:00
If you buy a Suica Card on-site, you will directly get the card and there’s no need to redeem.
Source: NINJA WiFi official
Step 2: Top up the Suica Card
Activate your Suica Card at the selling spot or ticket machines, such as Haneda Airport. Then top up your Suica Card.
Source: JR East offficial
Step 3: Use the Suica Card for transportation and shopping
When entering a train station or boarding a bus, hold your Suica Card over the card reader. The gate will open, or you'll hear a beep indicating that your card has been successfully read. When exiting, repeat the process. This will deduct the fare from your card's balance. If you use it for shopping, just touch your card.
Source: Wikipedia
Note: You can check your balance at ticket vending machines. Your balance is also displayed on the ticket gate when you pass through.
Suica vs PASMO or ICOCA cards: What’s the difference?
Source: PASMO official and JR West official
| Feature | Suica Card | PASMO | ICOCA |
| Issuer | JR East | Private company - PASMO Co.,Ltd. | JR West |
| Region | Greater Tokyo Area | Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounds | Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc.) |
| Transportation | JR East trains, subways, buses, others | Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private lines | JR West trains, subways, buses, others |
| Purchase | JR EAST stations ticket vending machines, JREAST ticket offices or online | Sales locations displaying a special banner, or online | JR-WEST station ticket vending machines, JR-WEST ticket offices or online |
| Availability | Be used for transportation and shopping | ||
How to use Suica Card on iPhone in Japan?
Check your devices first
To add a Suica Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch, you need:
- 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. Or an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan.
- An eligible payment card in Apple Wallet.
Steps to add Suica Card to the Apple Wallet app
- Step 1: Open the Wallet app and tap the Add button
- iPhone: Open the Wallet app and tap the Add button.
- Apple Watch: On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap the My Watch tab. Then scroll down, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, and tap Add Card.
- Step 2: Tap Transit Card.
- Step 3: Choose the card that you want to add.
- Step 4: Tap Continue.
- Step 5: Choose an amount to put on the card and tap Add.
- Step 6: Follow the steps on the screen to confirm your purchase and add your Suica Card.
Note: You can select Suica in Wallet, and tap “Transactions” to check the transactions' history
How to recharge the Suica Card?
Source: JR East offficial
At Ticket Vending Machines
You can recharge your Suica Card at JR East ticketing machines, service centres, or convenience stores. The Welcome Suica can be charged to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Welcome Suica mark.
At convenience stores
You can recharge your Suica Card at Seven Bank ATMs, found at 7-Eleven and at other convenience stores.
From credit card
You can recharge your Suica Card from a credit card, but only the Apple Wallet app can be used to load.
Why choose the Suica Card?
Convenience
The Suica card offers unparalleled convenience to take public transportation, covered all over Japan. Simply tap your card at the gate or on the card reader, and you're good to go. It saves a lot of time to bypass ticket queues.
Versatility
Not only for transportation, the Suica card can also be used for making purchases at stores, vending machines, and restaurants. This versatility makes it convenient for everyday transactions during your stay in Japan.
Cost-effective
Suica Cards offer discounted fares compared to purchasing individual tickets, especially if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your trip. Discount tickets can now be registered and used through the Welcome Suica card.
Popular attractions you can get by Suica Card
| Attraction | Highlight | Nearest Suica-Accessible Station(s) | Check Details |
| Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea | Japan's most popular theme parks | Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line, JR Musashino Line) | Check Now! |
| Tokyo Skytree | A towering landmark that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo | Tokyo Skytree Station, Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line) | Check Now! |
| Senso-ji Temple | Tokyo's oldest temple features a vibrant shopping street (Nakamise-dori) and Kaminarimon Gate | Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line) | Check Now! |
| Shibuya Crossing | One of the busiest intersections in the world, known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment | Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Keio Inokashira Line) | Check Now! |
| Osaka Castle | A historic landmark and symbol of Osaka's power and prestige | Osaka Castle Park Station (JR Osaka Loop Line), Tanimachi 4-chome Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, Osaka Metro Chuo Line) | Check Now! |
FAQ about Suica Card
Can I get a refund for my Suica Card?
Yes, if you have any remaining balance on your Suica Card at the end of your trip, you can receive a refund of both the remaining balance and the deposit fee, which is only suitablele for standard Suica Card. It can be done at ticket offices located at train stations.What should I do if my Suica Card is lost or stolen?
If your Suica card is lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the nearest JR East ticket office or customer service centre. They can help deactivate the lost card and transfer any remaining balance to a new Suica Card.Are there any discounts or benefits for using a Suica card?
Yes, some transportation companies offer discounts or benefits for using Suica cards, discounted fares for frequent travellers, and special promotions for tourists.