I couldn't purchase Suica card around Tokyo. Where can I find it?
Can’t find a Suica card in Tokyo? Here’s the easiest way to get Suica in 2025 — including the new Welcome Suica Mobile and tourist-friendly tips.
Conclusion
If you're visiting Tokyo in 2025 and couldn't find a Suica card — don't worry! The best option now is the digital “Welcome Suica Mobile” for iPhone users. It's easy, fast, and doesn’t require visiting any ticket machines or JR counters.
Due to ongoing physical card shortages, digital options are now the most reliable.
✅ Option 1: Get a Digital Suica via iPhone or Android (Recommended)
📱 For iPhone & Apple Watch users:
- Open Wallet app → tap “+” → choose Suica
- Add balance using Apple Pay (credit card)
- Works even if your Apple ID is not Japanese
- No physical card needed
🤖 For Android users (limited compatibility):
- Download Mobile Suica app from Google Play
- Requires Osaifu-Keitai or Google Wallet–compatible device
- Note: Some international Android models are not supported
📝 Tip: Digital Suica works exactly like a physical one — use it for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines.
❌ Option 2: Physical Suica Cards – Hard to Find (2024–2025)
Due to supply issues, JR East stopped general sales of regular Suica cards. However, you might still find limited versions at:
- JR East Travel Service Centers
(e.g., Narita Airport, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku) - Ticket machines (during off-peak hours at small stations)
- Narita or Haneda Airports (stock is limited & often sold out by afternoon)
🛑 Welcome Suica (Physical version)
- Available only to tourists
- No deposit needed
- Valid for 28 days
- Cannot be recharged after expiry
- No refund available once it expires
❓ If You Can’t Find Suica, Try These Alternatives
| Card | Works Like Suica? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PASMO Passport | ✅ Yes | Tourist-only, valid 28 days |
| ICOCA (JR West) | ✅ Yes | Works in Tokyo too |
| Mobile PASMO | ✅ Yes | Android only |
All major IC cards in Japan (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work interchangeably for transit and shopping in Tokyo.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you're staying in Japan short-term and have a compatible phone, the digital “Welcome Suica Mobile” is your most convenient and stress-free option.
📱 Welcome Suica Mobile – Launched March 6, 2025
JR East has released a digital version of Welcome Suica exclusively for iPhone and Apple Watch. This is perfect for tourists, and does not require a physical card.
🔹 Why It’s Great for Travelers
✅ Use it before or after arriving in Japan
✅ Works on trains, buses, stores, vending machines
✅ No deposit and no name registration
✅ Valid for 180 days (longer than the physical 28-day version)
✅ Charge with Apple Pay or at a ticket machine
✅ Setup takes just a few minutes
🔍 Welcome Suica Mobile vs. Physical Welcome Suica
| Feature | Welcome Suica Mobile | Physical Welcome Suica |
|---|---|---|
| Name Registration | ❌ Not needed | ❌ Not needed |
| IC Card Functions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Special Discount Tickets | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Refund Available | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Validity | 180 days | 28 days |
| Charging Method | Apple Pay / Cash | Cash only |
| Deposit | ❌ None | ❌ None |
🚆 Coming Soon – JR East App Features
📌 Autumn 2025:
- Buy Shinkansen & Limited Express tickets inside the app
📌 Spring 2026:
- Add Green Car (first class) tickets to Welcome Suica Mobile
❓ How to Get Welcome Suica Mobile
- On your iPhone, open the Wallet app
- Tap the “+” and choose Suica
- Select Welcome Suica
- Add funds via Apple Pay
- Use it just like a regular IC card!
💡 You can also download the Mobile Suica app for more features (optional).
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/wsmlp/
📌 Final Thoughts
- ✅ Have an iPhone? Use Welcome Suica Mobile — it’s fast, easy, and long-lasting.
- 🤖 Using Android? Wait for future support or use Mobile PASMO / ICOCA
- ✈️ Flying into Japan? Don’t rely on finding a physical card — stock is very limited.
- 🧳 Short trip? Digital options are 100% better than the 28-day paper card.
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