Japan is making it easier for tourists to get around with the launch of the 'Welcome Suica' mobile app on 6 March 2025. Instead of buying a physical Suica travel card, visitors can now download a digital version on their iPhones or Apple Watches, allowing them to pay for public transport and some other services across Japan.
One major benefit is that tourists can add credit to the app before they even arrive in Japan, so they can start using trains and buses immediately. Unlike the physical Welcome Suica card, which expires in 28 days, the app version lasts for 180 days.
Previously, tourists had to buy Suica cards at airport vending machines or JR East service counters. Now, they can skip the queues and simply top up their digital card via Apple Pay on their iPhone. The app also provides useful travel information, including train schedules, route maps, and real-time updates. Visitors can even use it to buy Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets.
In addition to the new app, Japan will resume selling physical Suica and PASMO cards from 1 March 2025. These prepaid travel cards, which were unavailable for some time due to a semiconductor shortage, work similarly to Singapore’s EZ-Link card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card.
With both digital and physical options now available, tourists have more flexibility in choosing how they pay for transport, making travel in Japan smoother and more accessible.