Enjoy Japan Travel with E-Money and Cashless Payments

Many international tourists in Japan likely travel via bus, subway, or train. Venture to famous tourist hubs like Asakusa or Roppongi, and you’ll see numerous travelers buying tickets with cash. But, it can be a real hassle to purchase a ticket with cash each time you ride, right?

For trains, simply tap your Welcome Suica card at the ticket gate and for buses, tap the sensor when getting on and off! There’s no need to purchase a ticket.

The Welcome Suica card can be used for shopping.You can use your card to make purchases onboard trains as well as from vending machines, to rent coin lockers and for spending at convenience stores and restaurants.

Welcome Suica – East Japan Railway Company

If you want to conveniently get around during your stay in Japan, we recommend using IC cards such as Welcome Suica or KANSAI ONE PASS, tailored for international tourists. In this article, we’ll introduce the features of these IC cards, where to get them, and how to use them to enhance your Japan travel experience.

The Convenience of Welcome Suica and KANSAI ONE PASS

Both Welcome Suica and KANSAI ONE PASS are IC cards filled with electronic money designed for foreign visitors. Just tap the card on the blue-lit spot of the ticket gate, and your fare is automatically deducted. Say goodbye to the fuss of pulling out your wallet to buy a ticket each time you travel. Plus, these cards are versatile. They can be used on trains, buses, subways, and taxis across Japan. You can use your Welcome Suica in Hokkaido or your KANSAI ONE PASS bought in Osaka in Tokyo.

What’s more, these cards can also be used to pay at city stores like convenience stores and pharmacies. If you have one of these during your stay in Japan, your travel will be super comfortable. So, why not use it? But, remember, you cannot use these for Shinkansen (bullet train) rides.

Where to Recharge when you Run Out of Electronic Money

If you run out of electronic money on your card, you won’t be able to board a train or shop. But, no worries! You can easily recharge your card at a station whenever it runs low. The ticket vending machines like the one in the photo above can be found at train and subway stations, and you can recharge your IC card from these machines. The maximum recharge amount is 20,000 yen.

Also, if you leave Japan with unused electronic money on your IC card, it’s a waste. In such cases, try to use up the remaining balance on your last day in Japan. If you have 1,000 yen left on your card and you want to use it up, you can shop at a convenience store. If you purchase items worth 1,200 yen, first use your IC card, then pay the remaining 200 yen in cash. That way, you can use up your electronic money.

How Much Do Welcome Suica and KANSAI ONE PASS Cost?

Welcome Suica cards can be purchased from 1,000 yen. This amount is equivalent to the initial electronic money charged to the card. So, if you buy a card for 2,000 yen, it means your card is loaded with 2,000 yen. The KANSAI ONE PASS costs a flat 3,000 yen (including a 500 yen deposit), and comes with 2,500 yen of electronic money.

Differences between Welcome Suica and KANSAI ONE PASS

Welcome Suica doesn’t require a deposit, but it can only be used for 28 days from the date of purchase, and a refund for the remaining balance is not available. In contrast, KANSAI ONE PASS has no expiration date and includes a 500 yen deposit in its purchase price, allowing you to get a refund for the remaining balance at station counters in the Kansai area. Another difference is that Welcome Suica is available for purchase in the Tokyo area, while KANSAI ONE PASS can be bought in the Kansai area.

Where is Welcome Suica sold?

Where is “KANSAI ONE PASS” sold?