Imagine gliding through bustling Japanese streets, effortlessly hopping on trains, buses, and even paying for a steaming cup of matcha latte – all with a simple tap. Suica, a magical contactless card, unlocks this cashless dream, turning your trip into a seamless adventure. Forget fumbling for tickets or coins; Suica is your key to navigating Japan’s dynamic transportation network and charming shops with ease.
What is Suica?
Think of it as your personal travel and spending companion. This rechargeable IC card, issued by JR East, eliminates the hassle of buying tickets at vending machines. Simply top it up, tap it on readers, and voila! You’re exploring vibrant Tokyo or charming Kyoto with peace of mind. Think beyond transportation; Suica transforms convenience stores, vending machines, and even some restaurants into your cashless playground.
It last 10 years since the last recharge, is a cool souvenir to bring home and you have plenty ways to recharge it around the city.
Why Suica card?
Picture yourself breezing through busy stations, avoiding ticket queues and boarding trains in seconds. Suica’s tap-and-go magic saves precious time, especially in fast-paced cities. Plus, no more worries about exact change – Suica handles the math for you, deducting fares and purchase amounts automatically. Its versatility extends beyond travel, allowing you to grab snacks, souvenirs, and even a refreshing drink without digging into your wallet.
Where to get Suica card?
As of 2023 original SUICA cards sales were suspended due to a chip shortage and only Welcome Suica was available to purchase (same of Suica, but with a 28 days long expiry date). In 2024 it seems Suica is back, and acquiring yours is as easy as finding a friendly JR East ticket office or a convenient store like Lawson or Ministop.
In December 2023 JR East’s non-Japanese language webpage released the following information:
If you wish to purchase an IC card after December 11th, please purchase Suica at JR EAST Travel Service Center Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or Ueno.
In principle, only one Welcome Suica and Suica will be sold per person.
Welcome Suica and Suica may be sold out.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Choose from various designs and denominations, remembering the ¥500 deposit (refundable upon return). Don’t forget, limited-use Welcome Suicas, perfect for short trips, offer a deposit-free option. Regional variations like Pasmo or ICOCA might be your companions depending on your destination.
How to use Suica card?
Top-up before boarding, ensuring your balance covers the fare. A simple tap on the reader at ticket gates, bus fare boxes, or designated points unlocks your journey. The reader displays the deducted fare, keeping you informed.
When you get off the train, the fare will be calculated at that station. If the balance is insufficient, however, you will need to add more money to your Suica.
Note:
Additional tickets must be purchased to use the Suica for travel on a limited express, express or Green Car. You can’t use it for travel on the Shinkansen. Remember, Suica might not work on all lines, so double-check compatibility for express trains or long-distance buses.
More than just Fare
The card goes beyond transportation. Look for the Suica logo at stores and vending machines, tap your card, and enjoy the cashless convenience. The deducted amount appears on your receipt, ensuring transparency.
The Suica can be used wherever the below logos are displayed:
Digital Version (iPhones only )
Download the Suica app to manage your balance, top-up online, and track transactions. Consider setting up auto top-up to avoid running out of funds. For faster entry at specific gates, explore the Express Pass service. If you lose your card, immediate reporting ensures a replacement or refund.
While Suica simplifies your adventures, remember its limitations. Not all lines accept it, especially express trains or long-distance buses. Always check compatibility before relying solely on Suica.
Recharge your card
You can load and use Suica as many times as desired; recharge up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark. Remember you can only use Yen (cash) to load a card and not credit cards.
Note that IC Cards are a completely different tool than Japan Rail Pass, as I explain here.
Refunds
You can return your Suica card at the end of your trio and get a refund of the deposit fee. Anyway, I strongly suggest to keep your card with you as a souvenir of this incredible country.
Cards issued by JR East Japan can be returned only at JR East stations. Cards issued by the Tokyo Monorail or elsewhere cannot be returned to JR East. Refer to the issuing company for further details on how to return them.
More details:
- When the card is returned, the deposit of 500 yen is returned along with any remaining amount.
- There is a charge of 220 yen to return a Suica card, which is deducted from the total. For refunds, a fee of 220 yen is subtracted from the total (a result of less than zero is considered zero), and then the initial 500 yen deposit is added.
So for example, with a balance of 1,000 yen, they subtract the fee of 220 yen for a total of 780 yen, and then add the deposit of 500 yen for a refund of 1,280 yen.
Suica does not replace the savings of a Japan Rail Pass. Learn more about regional passes to save on transportation after the National Japan Rail Pass price increase of October 2023.
With its convenience, speed, and versatility, Suica is more than just a card; it’s your gateway to a smoother, more enjoyable Japanese experience. So, unleash its magic, explore freely, and let Suica transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure!
Bonus: Get the free Suikakeibo app to check the balance on your Suica card anytime!
[…] IC Cards (Suica, Icoca, etc.) Prepaid cards offering a convenient way to pay fares by tapping the card at ticket readers. See my dedicated page for details. Indeed one of the best way to ride trains in Japan. […]