A standard Suica, PASMO or ICOCA costs ¥500 as a refundable deposit, and holds a maximum balance of ¥20,000. Return the card at a ticket office and you get the deposit and any remaining balance back, minus a handling fee.
The tourist version, Welcome Suica, works differently in a way worth knowing before you pick one. It takes no deposit, so every yen you load is spendable, but it expires 28 days after first use and any balance left on it is gone. Load it in small amounts near the end of a trip.
Where you stay changes how much this matters: a hotel on one subway line needs less transferring than one that only works by bus, and bus-heavy areas are where a card saves the most fumbling for coins.
Start here
Read this guide as a practical checklist. Start with the points that affect your route, stay choice, booking decision, or day-of-travel comfort.
In this guide
- What IC cards help with
- What to check
- How this affects where you stay
How to use this guide
Identify the constraint
Tattoo policy, luggage, food needs, bath privacy, access, or timing.
Check the public note
Read the hotel policy, station details, route rules, or official guidance.
Confirm before relying on it
Ask the hotel, restaurant, or operator when the detail affects your booking.
What IC cards help with
- Local trains and many buses in major areas.
- Small purchases at many convenience stores, vending machines, and lockers.
- Reducing ticket-machine friction during busy transfers.
What to check
- Whether a physical visitor card or mobile IC setup is available for your device.
- Whether your route includes areas or operators where IC cards are not accepted.
- Whether you need cash backup for rural transport, buses, temples, or small shops.
How this affects where you stay
A hotel near a direct station can reduce transfer stress. If traveling with children, large luggage, or mobility concerns, the simplest route can be more valuable than the cheapest route.
Sources
Rules and availability can change. Use official sources for final confirmation.
Common questions
FAQ
How much does a Suica card cost?
A standard Suica or ICOCA takes a ¥500 deposit, which is refundable when you return the card at a ticket office along with any remaining balance, minus a handling fee. Welcome Suica, the tourist version, takes no deposit at all, but it expires 28 days after first use and its remaining balance is not refundable.
What is the maximum balance on a Suica or ICOCA?
¥20,000. This applies to physical cards and to the mobile versions. Topping up past it is not possible, so for a long trip expect to reload rather than front-load the whole budget.
Should I get a Welcome Suica or a normal Suica?
Welcome Suica if your trip is under 28 days and you would rather not queue at a ticket office to reclaim ¥500. A standard card if you want the balance back, or if you may return to Japan, since it stays valid. The trade-off is the non-refundable balance: with Welcome Suica, top up in small amounts as the trip ends.
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Planning next steps
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