How to Get a Suica Card

What Is a Suica Card?

A rechargeable IC transit card that works on trains, buses, and increasingly at shops, vending machines, and convenience stores. The single most useful item for getting around Japan.

Where to Get One

Welcome Suica (Best for tourists): Available at Narita and Haneda airports. Pre-loaded with ¥1,000–5,000. No deposit. Valid 28 days. Get this on arrival.
Regular Suica: Available at JR East ticket machines at any major station. ¥500 deposit (refundable). No expiry.
Mobile Suica: Add to iPhone or Android Wallet. No physical card needed, top up with any credit card.

How to Charge

Top up at any ticket machine (Suica/IC logos), at convenience store registers, or via Mobile Suica app. Machines accept cash and sometimes credit cards.

Where It Works

All JR East trains in Tokyo, Tokyo Metro, Toei subway, most JR trains across Japan, buses in major cities, and convenience stores, vending machines, some restaurants and taxis.

Tips

• Load ¥3,000–5,000 at the airport
• Balance appears when you tap in/out at gates
• Can be linked to Apple Pay
• Suica and Pasmo are functionally identical — get whichever is available