Suica Card Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Note: Prices and availability change frequently. The prices shown in this article are examples as of April 2026. Always verify the latest prices and details on the official provider’s website before booking or purchasing.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for travelers and is not professional financial advice. Fees, terms, and card availability change frequently. Always verify the latest details directly on the official JR East Suica website before purchasing. Consult a licensed professional for advice tailored to your situation.

What Is Suica?

Suica is a rechargeable prepaid IC card issued by JR East (East Japan Railway Company). Think of it as Japan’s version of London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card — except it works almost everywhere in the country.

New in 2026: You can now tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, or other credit card directly at ticket gates in 700+ stations across the Kanto region (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, and surrounding areas). This means you do not necessarily need a Suica card if you have a contactless credit card. However, Suica still works at more locations nationwide and at vending machines, convenience stores, and other non-transit payments.

You can use Suica for:

• Trains and subways (JR lines, Tokyo Metro, private railways, and more)
• Buses across Japan
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
• Vending machines and coin lockers
• Restaurants, drugstores, and supermarkets with the IC card symbol

Thanks to Japan’s nationwide IC card interoperability system, a single Suica card works on transit systems in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and most other major cities. You do not need separate cards for different regions.

Learn more about getting around Japan →

Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA: Which Card Should You Get?

Japan has 10 interoperable IC cards, but three come up most often for tourists:

The verdict: All three cards function identically at the tap reader. Suica has the widest international recognition, the most English-language support, and the easiest mobile setup. Unless you have a specific reason to choose otherwise, Suica is the recommended choice for most visitors.

For detailed Pasmo information, see our upcoming Pasmo Card Guide.

Browse Japan transportation passes on Klook →

Mobile Suica Setup: Apple Pay & Google Pay (Recommended)

Mobile Suica is the best option for most travelers. No physical card needed, no deposit, and you can set it up before arriving in Japan.

Apple Pay Suica (iPhone 8 or later)

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
2. Tap the + button in the top right corner
3. Select Transit Card → Suica
4. Choose an amount to charge (minimum ¥1,000, approximately $6.25 as of April 2026)
5. Confirm payment with your credit or debit card
6. Done — hold your iPhone near the card reader at any train gate

Tip: If Suica doesn’t appear as an option, go to Settings → General → Language & Region and add Japan to your preferred regions. You do not need to change your primary language.

Google Pay Suica (Android with NFC)

1. Open Google Wallet on your Android device
2. Tap Add to Wallet → Transit pass
3. Select Suica
4. Set a charge amount and confirm payment
5. Tap your phone at the train gate reader

Note: Some international credit cards may not work for in-app charging on Android. If this happens, charge your Suica at any convenience store in Japan (see How to Charge Your Suica below).

Why Mobile Suica Is the Best Choice

• No ¥500 deposit (physical cards require one)
• Check your balance instantly on your phone
• Charge anytime via the app — no need to find a ticket machine
• No risk of losing a physical card
• Set up before you arrive in Japan

Get a Japan transportation pass on Klook →

Physical Suica Card: Where to Buy and How It Works

If you prefer a physical card or don’t have a compatible phone, you can still buy a plastic Suica card in Japan.

Standard Suica Card

• Where to buy: JR East ticket machines at major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, etc.)
• Deposit: ¥500 (refunded when you return the card)
• Initial charge: ¥1,000 to ¥10,000 (you choose the amount at the machine)

Important: Physical Suica card sales were temporarily suspended in June 2023 due to a global semiconductor shortage. Sales resumed in limited quantities at select stations in 2024, but availability can still vary. Check the official JR East website for the latest status before your trip.

Welcome Suica (Tourist Card)

Welcome Suica is a special tourist version designed specifically for short-term visitors:

• No deposit required
• Valid for 28 days from the date of purchase
• No refund for remaining balance — spend it all before leaving
• Available at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and major JR East stations
• Cherry-blossom design (a popular souvenir)

Welcome Suica is a good option if you want a physical card without worrying about the deposit, but remember to use up your balance before the 28-day expiration.

For airport arrival tips, see our Narita Airport Guide or Haneda Airport Guide.

How to Charge Your Suica

Running out of balance is common — here are three easy ways to top up:

1. Station Ticket Machines

Every JR, Metro, and private railway station has ticket machines that accept Suica recharges. Look for machines with the IC card symbol. Insert your card (or tap your phone), select the charge amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000), and insert cash. Most machines accept bills only, not coins.

2. Convenience Stores

At 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart, tell the cashier you want to charge your Suica. Place your card or phone on the reader, hand them cash, and they’ll add the amount. You can charge in increments of ¥1,000. This method is available 24 hours a day.

3. In-App Charging (Mobile Suica Only)

Open the Suica app or your phone’s wallet, tap “Add Money” or “Charge,” select an amount, and confirm with your linked credit or debit card. This is the fastest method — no need to visit a station or store.

Maximum balance: ¥20,000 across all charging methods.

Read our Japan Travel Money Guide for more payment tips →

Where You Can Use Suica

Suica works at far more places than just train stations. Look for the IC card symbol (a stylized card with radio waves) at any register or reader.

Transportation

• JR trains (nationwide)
• Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway
• Private railways (Odakyu, Keio, Tokyu, Hankyu, Hanshin, and more)
• City buses (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and most major cities)
• Monorails and trams

Shopping & Dining

• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop
• Supermarkets: Aeon, Ito-Yokado
• Drugstores: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sundrug
• Fast food: McDonald’s, Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Starbucks
• Vending machines (drinks, snacks, and even some ticket machines)
• Coin lockers at stations and airports

Where Suica does NOT work: Long-distance Shinkansen reserved seats (you need a separate ticket or reservation — see our Shinkansen Guide), highway buses booked online, and some rural transit systems. For Shinkansen, consider a Japan Rail Pass if you plan multiple trips.

What to Do When Your Balance Runs Out

At the Train Gate

If your balance is too low to exit, the gate will close and beep. Don’t panic — this happens to locals too. Look for the Fare Adjustment Machine (精算機 / seisanki) near the exit gates. Insert your card, the screen shows the shortfall, and you add cash to cover it. Then tap your card at the gate again to exit.

At a Store

If your Suica balance is insufficient at a convenience store or shop, you can pay the difference in cash. Tell the cashier “genkin de” (in cash) for the remaining amount. Alternatively, charge your card first at the same register, then pay.

Preventing Balance Issues

• Check your balance at any ticket machine (press the “balance inquiry” button)
• Mobile Suica users: open your wallet app to see the current balance
• Keep at least ¥1,000 on your card during travel days

Getting a Refund

Physical Suica Card

Return your card at any JR East Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口 / Green Window) service counter. You’ll receive:

• Remaining balance minus ¥220 processing fee
• Plus the ¥500 deposit back
• If your remaining balance is ¥220 or less, no processing fee is deducted — you just get the deposit back

Bring your passport for identification. The refund is paid in cash on the spot.

Welcome Suica

Welcome Suica cards are non-refundable. The card expires after 28 days. Spend your remaining balance at a convenience store or vending machine before you leave Japan.

Mobile Suica

To close your Mobile Suica account, use the Suica app’s “Withdraw” or “Cancel” function. Any remaining balance transfers back to your linked payment method. Alternatively, spend it all at stores before you leave.

Always verify the latest refund policies on the official JR East website, as terms are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Suica on the Shinkansen (bullet train)?

Suica works on local and express trains, but for Shinkansen reserved seats, you need a separate ticket or reservation. Some Shinkansen routes allow IC card boarding for non-reserved seats via the “Smart EX” system, but most tourists will need a Japan Rail Pass or individual ticket.

Should I get Suica or Pasmo?

They work identically in practice. Suica has slightly better international support and mobile setup options. Either one will serve you well — there’s no wrong choice.

Can I use Suica in Osaka and Kyoto?

Yes. Thanks to IC card interoperability, Suica works on JR West trains, Osaka Metro, Kyoto buses, and virtually all transit in the Kansai region.

What happens if I lose my physical Suica card?

Unfortunately, anonymous physical Suica cards cannot be reissued or recovered. Your balance is lost. This is another strong reason to use Mobile Suica — if you lose your phone, you can recover your Suica on a new device by logging into your account.

Can I share my Suica with another person?

No. Each person needs their own Suica for train travel, as the entry and exit taps must match on the same card. For shopping, there’s no enforcement, but it’s impractical to share a mobile Suica.

Related Articles

• Japan Transportation Guide: Trains, Buses & More
• Japan Rail Pass 2026: Is It Worth It?
• Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors