When tourists travel to Japan, many of them purchase a Suica card for convenient transportation. However, starting from June 8, 2023, Japan ceased the sale of unregistered Suica and Pasmo cards. Furthermore, from August 2, 2023, the sale of registered Suica and Pasmo cards was also discontinued, with the resumption date yet to be determined. Apart from using the mobile version of Mobile Suica, visitors can still utilize a special IC card called the “Welcome Suica,” designed specifically for travelers to Japan, which has been available since September 1, 2019. So, what are the differences between the Welcome Suica Card and the original regular Suica card?

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Color and Card Design

Picture from：JR East

The regular Suica card features a silver background, with the left half adorned in the signature grassy green hue of JR East Japan. In the bottom right corner, you’ll find the iconic Suica character, depicted as a small penguin.

Picture from：JR East：Welcome Suica

In contrast, the design of the “Welcome Suica” card differs significantly from the standard green Suica card. It predominantly features a red and white pattern against a white background. The design elements are the same as those on the regular Suica card, but in red, embellished with white sakura blossoms. The red symbolizes the sun, while the white represents cherry blossoms – fittingly, these are also the colors of the Japanese flag. Notably, the “Welcome Suica” card does not include the small penguin character on its face.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Purchase Locations

As mentioned earlier, the regular green Suica card, both named and unnamed, is currently unavailable for purchase, with no fixed date for its restoration. Except for limited availability in the Aomori, Morioka, and Akita regions, the card cannot be obtained in other areas across Japan.

The Suica card is now available for purchase again for foreign tourists. Currently, foreign tourists can purchase the non-personalized Suica card (green regular version) at JR East Japan Travel Service Centers (駅たびコンシェルジュ) located at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or Ueno stations.

Due to the recent resolution of IC chip stock issues, JR East plans to resume issuing registered Suica cards by the fall of 2024.
Registered Suica Cards to be Reissued Soon

The Welcome Suica (the red Suica card) was previously limited to sales at Haneda Airport International Terminal due to chip shortages. However, with an increase in chip inventory, this uniquely designed Suica card is now available at more locations.

Here’s where you can currently buy Welcome Suica cards:

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Validity Period

The red “Welcome Suica” card has a validity period of 28 days, which starts counting from the first time you use the card and automatically expires on the 28th day. If your stay in Japan exceeds 28 days, you will need to apply for a new card after the red Welcome Suica expires, as the validity of the old card cannot be extended. However, visitors can certainly keep this Suica card as a souvenir of their time in Japan.

On the other hand, the regular green Suica card typically does not have an expiration date as long as it is consistently used. It only becomes invalid if not used for ten years.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Period Pass

A period pass, equivalent to a monthly or seasonal pass in an English context, allows unlimited travel on specific trains within a designated area for a certain period of time. In Japan, these passes typically come in durations of one month, three months, and six months. Additionally, there are distinctions between commuter passes for school and work commutes.

For the regular green Suica card, converting it into a period pass is a simple process. You just need to visit the station’s green window, fill out an application form, and pay the required fee.

However, the red “Welcome Suica” card, designed specifically for tourists, comes with certain limitations, including its 28-day validity period. Due to these restrictions, it is not possible to convert the Welcome Suica into a period pass.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Deposit and Card Return

When you get a new regular green Suica card for the first time, you’ll need to pay a 500 yen deposit upfront. For instance, if you deposit 2000 yen, only 1500 yen will be available for travel or purchases, with the remaining 500 yen held as a deposit. This deposit will be refunded when you return the card.

Upon returning the card, you’ll receive the 500 yen deposit back along with any remaining balance on the card. However, a handling fee of 220 yen will be deducted from the refund amount. So, the total refund amount will be: 【550 yen deposit + card balance – 220 yen handling fee】. If the card balance is less than 220 yen, the entire balance will be used to cover the handling fee, and the 500 yen deposit will be refunded.

On the other hand, when getting a red Welcome Suica, there’s no need to prepay a 500 yen deposit. Instead, the entire initial top-up amount can be used for fare or shopping.

Although the Welcome Suica doesn’t require a 500 yen deposit, it also doesn’t provide balance refunds. This means that regardless of whether you return the card before or after its expiration date, the remaining balance won’t be refunded.

Therefore, make sure to use up the remaining balance on the card before leaving Japan or before the Welcome Suica expires to avoid losing it.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Identical Usage

For both types of Suica cards, when adding value, you can only choose from rounded amounts, such as:

• 1,000 yen
• 2,000 yen
• 3,000 yen
• 4,000 yen
• 5,000 yen
• 10,000 yen

You cannot add, for example, 1,500 yen. (On a side note, for Mobile Suica, you have the option to add 500 yen.)

Furthermore, both cards have a maximum balance limit of 20,000 yen.

When using the card for transportation or shopping, the process is the same. Simply tap the card on the ticket gate or payment machine at the store, and you’re all set for travel or shopping. Whether you’re traveling from the northernmost tip of Hokkaido to the southernmost point of Fukuoka or exploring Kansai regions like Osaka and Kyoto, wherever Suica cards can be used, the “Welcome Suica” can also be used seamlessly.

「Welcome Suica」Official Website（English）

Suica Official Website（English）

You may also want ot read:

The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

Welcome Suica Mobile: The Convenient App Version of Welcome Suica