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Welcome Suica Mobile Launches March 6! Japan's Suica & PASMO IC Card Sales Resume

• Written by: LIVE JAPAN's editorial team

Date published: 18 February 2025

In March 2025, traveling in Japan will become even more convenient. On March 6, the Welcome Suica Mobile app, designed for international visitors, will be released. Additionally, sales of non-personalized Suica and PASMO, which were suspended in 2023 due to a global semiconductor shortage, will resume on March 1. Here’s everything you need to know.

Suica and PASMO are convenient contactless IC cards for using public transportation in Japan. They can be recharged and used not only for train and bus fares but also for shopping, making them popular among international visitors. However, sales were suspended in 2023 due to a global semiconductor shortage.

While registered (personalized) versions of the cards had already resumed sales, non-personalized Suica, Rinkai Suica, and PASMO, which do not require personal information, will be available again starting March 1, 2025.

Non-personalized Suica cards can be purchased at JR East station multi-function ticket machines and Midori no Madoguchi counters. Available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, each includes a 500-yen deposit. For details, check the official website.

International visitors can also use the Welcome Suica, a special IC card for travelers. Like a regular Suica, it allows for electronic payments and access to discount tickets such as free passes and round-trip tickets. It can be recharged with cash at ticket machines and is valid for 28 days from the first use. Unlike standard Suica, it requires no deposit, but note that any remaining balance cannot be refunded. For more information, visit the official website.

PASMO can be purchased at ticket machines and counters at stations operated by PASMO-affiliated companies. For details, please check the official website.

(Note: The PASMO PASSPORT, a special IC card for international visitors, has sold out due to high demand.)

On March 6, the Welcome Suica Mobile app will be released for international travelers. It offers the same functionality as the physical Welcome Suica card but with two key differences.

First, users can recharge their balance via Apple Pay using a registered credit card, eliminating the need to visit a ticket machine or counter—Suica issuance and top-ups can be done entirely through the app before or after arrival. (Cash top-ups at tray-style ticket machines are also possible.)

Second, the validity period is extended—Welcome Suica Mobile remains valid for 180 days from the date of issue.

The app interface is available in English and is compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch. However, some iOS and watchOS versions may not support the app.

By fall 2025, Welcome Suica Mobile will integrate with the JR-EAST Train Reservation system, allowing users to access Shinkansen e-ticket services and ticketless reservations for limited express trains. By spring 2026, it will also support purchasing Green Car tickets for regular trains.

Be sure to take advantage of these upcoming features!

Images are for illustrative purposes only. The app interface is subject to change.
The information in this article is current as of February 18, 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

* "Suica" and "Mobile Suica" are registered trademarks of East Japan Railway Company.
* "PASMO" and "Mobile PASMO" are registered trademarks of PASMO Co., Ltd.
* Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Pay, iPhone, and Apple Watch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
* "iPhone" is a trademark of Aiphone Co., Ltd., used under license.

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Written by:

LIVE JAPAN's editorial team

LIVE JAPAN's editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We're devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we're here to help make your journey unforgettable!

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