Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport: A Complete Guide

1. Introduction

Japan’s public transportation system is known for its efficiency, but purchasing tickets or calculating fares can be a hassle for first-time visitors. To simplify travel, Japan offers special IC cards for foreign tourists: Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport.

These cards make it easy to use trains, buses, and even make cashless payments at convenience stores and vending machines.

Key Features of Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport:

• For tourists only: Available exclusively to foreign visitors on short-term stays.
• No deposit required: Unlike regular Suica or PASMO cards, these do not require a 500-yen deposit.
• Easy to purchase: Available at airports and major train stations for immediate use.

This article will explain everything you need to know about Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport, including their features, where to buy them, and how to use them. By the end, you’ll be ready to navigate Japan’s transportation system stress-free!

2. Overview of Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are special IC cards designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan. They can be used seamlessly across Japan’s public transportation network and for shopping, providing convenience and flexibility during your trip.

2-1. Welcome Suica Features

• Issuer: JR East (East Japan Railway Company)
• Usage Area:
  • JR East trains (Tokyo and surrounding regions)
  • Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, buses, and other private railways
  • Payments at convenience stores, vending machines, and tourist shops accepting Suica
• Validity Period: 28 days from the purchase date
• Deposit: No deposit required (unlike regular Suica, which requires a 500-yen deposit)
• Bonus Feature: The simple and clean card design can be kept as a souvenir of your trip.

2-2. PASMO Passport Features

• Issuer: PASMO Co., Ltd. (primarily for private railways and subways)
• Usage Area:
  • Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways, and buses
  • JR trains (mutual use with Suica)
  • Payments at convenience stores, vending machines, and attractions
• Validity Period: 28 days from the purchase date
• Deposit: No deposit required
• Bonus Feature: The PASMO Passport features a colorful, special design, making it perfect as a travel keepsake.

2-3. Comparison: Welcome Suica vs. PASMO Passport

Feature	Welcome Suica	PASMO Passport
Issuer	JR East	PASMO Co., Ltd.
Usage Area	JR East, private lines, subways	Tokyo Metro, private railways, JR lines
Validity Period	28 days	28 days
Deposit	None	None
Design	Simple, traveler-friendly	Colorful, special design

Common Features:

• Both cards work seamlessly with IC card systems across Japan, such as ICOCA (Kansai) and manaca (Nagoya).
• They are valid for public transportation, shopping, and more, offering hassle-free cashless payments.

2-4. Which Card Should You Choose?

• Welcome Suica: Best for those traveling on JR lines and focusing on the Tokyo and East Japan area.
• PASMO Passport: Ideal for tourists using Tokyo Metro, private railways, and those who prefer a more colorful card design.

3. Where to Purchase

Both Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are easy to purchase at major airports, train stations, and designated tourist information centers. For tourists, this ensures you can start using these cards as soon as you arrive in Japan.

3-1. Purchasing at Airports

Japan’s major international airports provide the most convenient locations for purchasing Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport:

1. Narita Airport (Tokyo)
   • Where: JR East Narita Airport Station counters and Keisei Line ticket counters.
   • Available Cards: Both Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport.
2. Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
   • Where:
     • Keikyu Line counters
     • Tokyo Monorail stations inside the airport.
   • Available Cards: Both Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport.
3. Kansai International Airport (Osaka)
   • Where: JR Kansai Airport Station and Nankai Electric Railway counters.
   • Available Card: PASMO Passport (ICOCA is also available in this region).

3-2. Purchasing at Train Stations

Both cards can also be purchased at major train stations in Tokyo and surrounding areas:

• Welcome Suica:
  • Available at JR East’s major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Ueno Station.
  • Look for the Midori-no-Madoguchi (Green Window) or dedicated ticket counters.
• PASMO Passport:
  • Available at major private railway and subway stations, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway counters.
  • Stations operated by private railways like Keio, Odakyu, and Keikyu Lines also sell PASMO Passport.

Tip: Look for PASMO or Suica logos near ticket counters to confirm availability.

3-3. Tourist Information Centers

Many tourist information centers in major cities also offer these cards:

• Locations: Popular tourist spots like Asakusa, Shibuya, Akihabara, and major stations.
• Advantages: Multilingual staff can assist with purchasing cards and answering questions about transportation.

3-4. Important Notes for Purchase

1. Passport Required
   • Both cards are for foreign tourists only. You must present your passport (with a short-term stay visa stamp) at the time of purchase.
2. Payment Methods
   • Most locations accept cash (Japanese yen) for purchasing the cards.
   • Some counters may accept credit cards, but it’s safer to carry cash for payment.
3. Operating Hours
   • Check the operating hours of ticket counters or information centers, especially if arriving late at night or early in the morning.

Summary: Where to Buy

Purchasing a Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport is easy and convenient at airports, train stations, and tourist centers. For the smoothest experience, consider buying your card as soon as you land in Japan—just don’t forget your passport!

4. How to Purchase

Purchasing a Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport is simple and quick, ensuring that you can start using them immediately after arriving in Japan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to purchase these cards.

4-1. Items Needed for Purchase

1. Passport:
   • You must present a valid passport with a short-term stay visa.
   • These cards are exclusive to foreign tourists, and your passport is required to verify eligibility.
2. Payment:
   • Cash (Japanese yen): The most commonly accepted payment method.
   • Credit Cards: Some counters may accept major credit cards, but carrying cash ensures a smooth transaction.

4-2. Purchasing at a Ticket Counter

1. Find the Counter:
   • Look for JR East counters for Welcome Suica or private railway and subway counters for PASMO Passport.
   • Counters are often located at airport terminals, train stations, and tourist centers.
2. Request the Card:
   • Tell the staff you want a Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport. Multilingual assistance is available at major airports and stations.
3. Show Your Passport:
   • Present your passport to confirm your short-term stay visa status.
4. Choose Your Initial Balance:
   • You’ll need to add an initial amount when purchasing the card (e.g., 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, or more).
   • This amount is stored as a balance for travel and payments.
5. Complete Payment:
   • Pay with cash or a credit card (depending on the counter).
6. Receive Your Card:
   • Once payment is complete, the staff will hand you your card, which will already be ready for use.

4-3. Purchasing from a Ticket Machine (Welcome Suica only)

Some JR stations offer automated ticket machines where you can purchase a Welcome Suica.

1. Find a Suica-compatible Ticket Machine:
   • Look for machines with the Suica logo. Many machines allow you to switch the interface to English or other languages.
2. Follow the Instructions:
   • Select “Welcome Suica” from the menu.
   • Choose your desired initial charge amount.
3. Insert Payment:
   • Insert cash into the machine. (Credit card payments may not be accepted at machines.)
4. Collect Your Card:
   • The machine will dispense your Welcome Suica, preloaded with the balance you selected.

4-4. Key Points to Note

1. Non-Refundable:
   • Unlike regular Suica or PASMO cards, Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport cannot be refunded after purchase.
2. No Deposit:
   • There is no 500-yen deposit, so the full amount you pay will be available for use.
3. Usage Period:
   • Both cards are valid for 28 days from the date of purchase.
4. Cash-Preferred System:
   • Always carry enough cash to cover the purchase and recharges, as not all machines and counters accept credit cards.

Summary: Easy Purchase Process

Whether buying at a ticket counter or using a machine, purchasing a Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport is quick and straightforward. Ensure you have your passport and cash ready, and you’ll be able to enjoy seamless travel throughout Japan immediately!

5. How to Recharge (Add Money)

Since Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are prepaid IC cards, they require sufficient balance to use. If your balance runs low, you can easily recharge (add money) at various locations throughout Japan. Here’s how to do it.

5-1. Recharging at Ticket Machines

1. Locate a Ticket Machine:
   • Look for machines with the Suica or PASMO logo. These are available at most train and subway stations.
   • Ticket machines often have multilingual options (English, Chinese, Korean).
2. Steps to Recharge:
   • Step 1: Select the “Recharge” or “Charge” option on the screen.
   • Step 2: Place your Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport on the card reader.
   • Step 3: Choose the amount you want to add (e.g., 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or more).
   • Step 4: Insert cash into the machine.
   • Step 5: Confirm the transaction and collect your card.
3. Key Points:
   • Machines accept cash only (Japanese yen). Credit cards are generally not supported.
   • The maximum balance you can store on a card is 20,000 yen.

5-2. Recharging at Convenience Stores

Major convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer IC card recharge services.

1. Go to the Cash Register:
   • Inform the cashier that you want to “recharge” or “top up” your Suica or PASMO.
   • You can simply say: “Suica charge, please.”
2. Specify the Amount:
   • Let the cashier know how much you want to add (e.g., 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen).
3. Pay in Cash:
   • Recharges at convenience stores are cash-only transactions.
4. Receive Your Card:
   • The cashier will return your recharged card along with a receipt showing the updated balance.

5-3. Where Else Can You Recharge?

• Station Ticket Counters: Some staffed ticket counters at JR or private railway stations can also recharge your card.
• Vending Machines: Selected vending machines inside train stations support Suica or PASMO recharges.

5-4. Checking Your Balance

1. At Ticket Machines:
   • Insert your card into the ticket machine or place it on the card reader to view your current balance.
2. At the Ticket Gate:
   • When you tap your card on the ticket gate, the remaining balance will briefly display on the screen.
3. Receipts:
   • When recharging at a convenience store, your balance will be printed on the receipt.

5-5. Important Notes

• No Credit Card Recharges: Recharging your Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport requires cash.
• Check the Expiry Period: Both cards expire 28 days after purchase, so plan your recharges accordingly to avoid leftover balances.
• Avoid Overcharging: Since the maximum limit is 20,000 yen, monitor your balance before adding funds.

Summary: Easy Recharge Anywhere

Recharging your Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport is straightforward, whether at station machines, convenience stores, or counters. Always carry cash for recharges, check your balance regularly, and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

6. Usage Scenarios and Benefits

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are incredibly versatile tools for tourists in Japan. Not only do they simplify transportation, but they are also useful for shopping and other daily transactions. Below are the main scenarios where these cards can be used and the benefits they offer.

6-1. Public Transportation

1. Trains and Subways
   • How to Use: Tap your card on the IC card reader at the ticket gate when entering and exiting.
   • Where It Works:
     • JR lines, subways, and private railway lines across Japan.
   • Benefit: Avoid the hassle of buying individual tickets, and save time at busy train stations.
2. Buses
   • How to Use: Tap your card when you enter and exit the bus. The fare is automatically deducted.
   • Benefit: No need to worry about exact change or finding bus fare charts.
3. Monorails and Trams
   • Use the card on airport monorails (e.g., Haneda Airport Monorail) and tourist-friendly trams in cities like Hiroshima.

6-2. Shopping and Payments

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport can also be used for cashless payments at many locations:

1. Convenience Stores
   • Popular chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson accept Suica and PASMO for purchases.
2. Vending Machines
   • Many vending machines at stations and public spaces are IC card compatible. Purchase drinks and snacks with a quick tap.
3. Station Shops and Cafés
   • Use the cards at shops, cafés, and kiosks within train stations for souvenirs or refreshments.
4. Tourist Attractions
   • Some tourist spots, such as museums or amusement parks, accept IC cards for admission payments.

Benefit: Shopping with Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport reduces the need to carry and manage small change, which is especially convenient in Japan.

6-3. Coin Lockers and Facilities

1. Station Coin Lockers
   • Tap your card to pay for coin lockers at train stations, perfect for storing luggage while sightseeing.
2. Other Facilities
   • Some parking lots and small facilities also accept IC card payments.

6-4. Benefits for Tourists

1. Saves Time and Effort
   • No need to purchase tickets or carry exact change for trains and buses. Just tap and go.
2. Convenient Cashless Payments
   • The cards work like electronic wallets, eliminating the need for small cash payments during your trip.
3. No Deposit Required
   • Unlike regular Suica or PASMO cards, these special tourist cards have no refundable deposit, making them easier to manage.
4. A Perfect Souvenir
   • Both Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are beautifully designed and can be kept as a travel memento.
5. Short-Term Travel-Friendly
   • With a 28-day validity, these cards are ideal for tourists staying in Japan for a short period.

Summary: Versatile and Convenient

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are more than just train tickets—they streamline transportation, shopping, and even luggage storage, all while saving time and effort. With these cards in hand, you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey through Japan.

7. Important Notes After Using the Cards

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are special, non-refundable IC cards tailored for tourists. Unlike regular Suica or PASMO cards, they come with specific rules regarding their usage after your trip. Here are the key points to keep in mind.

7-1. No Deposit Refund

Unlike regular Suica or PASMO cards, which require a 500-yen refundable deposit, Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport do not include this fee.

• Benefit: There’s no need to return the card, and you can keep it as a memorable souvenir.

7-2. Validity Period

• Usage Limit: Both cards are valid for 28 days from the purchase date.
• What Happens After 28 Days:
  • Once the validity period expires, the card becomes inactive, and any remaining balance cannot be used.
  • Be sure to plan your trip accordingly and use up the balance before the expiration date.

7-3. How to Use Up the Remaining Balance

If you have unused funds on your card, consider the following tips to ensure you make the most of your balance:

1. Convenience Stores: Use your card to buy snacks, drinks, or small souvenirs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson.
2. Vending Machines: Spend the remaining balance on drinks or light refreshments at station vending machines.
3. Station Shops and Kiosks: Purchase last-minute items like magazines, gifts, or snacks before you leave.
4. Coin Lockers: Use the card to store your luggage for a final day of sightseeing.

7-4. Souvenir Value

• Keep It as a Souvenir: Both Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport feature special designs that make them excellent keepsakes from your trip to Japan.
• Gift It to Others: If you don’t plan to keep it, you can give the card to friends or family as a memento.

7-5. No Refunds

• Remaining Balance: Any remaining balance on Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport cannot be refunded or transferred.
• Plan Ahead: Monitor your balance and avoid overcharging the card, especially as your trip nears its end.

Summary: Use It, Keep It, Enjoy It

Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are designed for convenience and simplicity. With no deposit or refund process to worry about, you can focus on enjoying your trip. Use up the remaining balance on small purchases, then keep the card as a unique travel souvenir to remind you of your journey in Japan.

8. Conclusion

The Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport are invaluable tools for tourists visiting Japan. Not only do they simplify transportation, but they also enhance the travel experience by providing convenient, cashless payment options for shopping and other small purchases.

8-1. Choosing the Right Card

The choice between Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport depends on your travel needs and preferences:

• Welcome Suica: Ideal for those primarily using JR lines or traveling around the Tokyo and East Japan regions.
• PASMO Passport: Best for visitors frequently using Tokyo Metro, private railways, and those who appreciate a colorful card design.

8-2. Key Takeaways for Easy Use

1. Purchase Locations: Get your card at airports, train stations, or tourist centers upon arrival.
2. Recharge Options: Easily top up your card at ticket machines, convenience stores, or station counters using cash.
3. Wide Usage: Use the card for trains, buses, shopping, vending machines, and station facilities like coin lockers.
4. No Refund Process: Enjoy stress-free usage, as there’s no deposit and no need to return the card.
5. A Perfect Souvenir: Take the card home as a keepsake of your memorable trip to Japan.

8-3. Enhancing Your Japan Travel Experience

By using Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport, you can save time, avoid confusion, and travel effortlessly through Japan’s extensive transportation network. These cards help you focus on enjoying the stunning scenery, delicious food, and unique culture that Japan has to offer.

Whether you’re hopping between shrines, exploring urban districts, or simply grabbing snacks on the go, these IC cards make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Final Thought

Make the most of your time in Japan with Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport. Travel like a pro, enjoy hassle-free payments, and bring home a little piece of Japan as a reminder of your unforgettable adventure!