Imagine stepping off the plane, skipping every ticket-machine line, and heading straight to ramen—because your iPhone is already your train ticket and your wallet.
Welcome Suica Mobile lets you issue a 180-day transit & e-money card abroad, load it with your own credit card via Apple Pay, and tap your way across the country—from Shinkansen gates to corner-store coffee—without ever hunting for cash.
Even we Japanese use it every day! Meow~
What Is Welcome Suica Mobile?
On March 6, 2025, JR East launched an innovative service called "Welcome Suica Mobile" for foreign travelers. This groundbreaking system allows international tourists visiting Japan to issue and charge a Suica transit card using only a smartphone application.
Suica: Your All-in-One Payment Card in Japan
Suica is a contactless smart card payment system provided by JR East, which can be used not only for public transportation like trains and buses but also for payments at convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and many other retail locations. While Japanese residents typically use physical Suica cards or mobile apps, special services are offered for international visitors.
How to Issue & Top-Up Before You Fly
Welcome Suica Mobile is a dedicated app for foreign visitors that works exclusively on iPhone and Apple Watch. This service allows users to utilize Suica without a physical card. Importantly, travelers can prepare before arriving in Japan and use public transportation immediately upon arrival.
How to Use
- Download the "Welcome Suica Mobile" app from the App Store
- Enter the required information in the app to issue a Suica
- Charge using a credit card registered with Apple Pay
- Touch your iPhone or Apple Watch to ticket gates or payment readers to use
Why It Beats Physical Cards & JR Pass
5 Reasons Why iPhone Users Will Love This App
- Pre-Arrival Preparation: Ability to download the app and issue Suica before arriving in Japan
- Credit Card Charging: Simple charging option using credit cards registered with Apple Pay
- App-Only Solution: No physical card needed, with everything from issuing to charging Suica completed within the app
- iPhone and Apple Watch Only: Currently not compatible with Android devices
- English Language Only: At present, the app is only available in English
Unlock Japan with Just Your Phone: Where to Use Welcome Suica
- Public Transportation: JR lines, private railways, buses, subways, and all transportation with IC card symbols nationwide
- Shopping: Convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, supermarkets, and all Suica-affiliated stores across Japan
- Shinkansen Non-Reserved Seats: Ticketless travel on non-reserved seats on JR East Shinkansen lines (compatible with "Touch and Go! Shinkansen")
Important Notes
- Validity Period: Valid for 180 days from the date of issue
- No Refunds: Charged balance cannot be refunded
- Balance Expiration: Any remaining balance expires after the validity period ends
- No Deposit Required: Unlike regular Suica cards, no deposit is needed
Future Developments
In the future, the service plans to accommodate ticketless services for Shinkansen and limited express trains in the JR East area, as well as purchasing Green Car tickets for regular trains. These developments are expected to make travel in Japan even more convenient for international visitors.
Conclusion
Welcome Suica Mobile makes the Japan experience smoother and more convenient for international tourists. By eliminating the need to purchase physical cards or complete procedures at ticket counters, it's now even easier to enjoy Japan's public transportation and shopping. For iPhone owners, this app is becoming an essential preparation tool before traveling to Japan.
