What is a Welcome Suica card?

The Welcome Suica is a type of temporary IC card specifically offered to visitors to Japan. It’s a rechargeable smart card used mainly for transportation as well as other purchases in Japan, particularly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It can be used on local trains, buses, subways, and even for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.

The card is valid for 28 days from the first day of use, or the date the card is first charged. After that, it expires and can no longer be used.   

TRAVEL: There's no need to use cash to purchase a paper ticket for every single train ride! The Welcome Suica card can be used on the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses, most local trains, as well as in taxis displaying the IC card logo. Just tap the Welcome Suica on the card reader when you enter and exit the ticket gate, and the fare will be automatically deducted from your balance.

ELECTRONIC WALLET: Using the balance on the card you can make small purchases on trains, at vending machines, shops, and restaurants that display the Suica or IC Card or symbols. It can often also be used to pay for taxis and station storage lockers.