Maximize Your Trip: Suica Card Reload Locations to Know

Suica reload basics

Picture this, you step off your flight and hop straight onto a train in Tokyo. Your Suica card balance is nearly empty, and you need to top up fast. That’s where knowing the top Suica card reload locations pays off. With a little insider knowledge, you’ll breeze through gates and grab snacks without hunting for change.

You’ll use your Suica (a rechargeable IC card) like a digital wallet for trains, buses, and even vending machines. Tap your card at the gate, and the fare auto-deducts. No paper tickets, no coin fumbling. If you need a primer on how the system works, check out our guide on using a Suica card in Tokyo.

Deposit and refund

Every standard Suica carries a 500 yen deposit. You can reclaim it when you return your card, minus a 220 yen handling fee (Japan Guide). The Welcome Suica for visitors skips the deposit but can’t be refunded or reused after 28 days (MATCHA). Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Standard Suica

• 500 yen refundable deposit

• Valid for 10 years after last charge

• Refundable at JR East stations, minus 220 yen fee (suica card deposit refund)

• Welcome Suica

• No deposit required

• 28 day expiry, no refund on leftover balance (MATCHA)

If you’re weighing other options, our comparison of Suica vs Pasmo cards in Tokyo might help you decide.

JR East ticket machines

Need to top up quickly at major train hubs? JR East ticket machines have your back. You’ll find them at almost every JR-East station, from Narita to Shinjuku.

Ticket vending machines

• Location: Station entrances and concourses
• Payment: Cash (¥1,000–¥20,000 bills or coins), credit cards on newer machines
• Language support: English touch screen option

Steps to reload:

1. Tap your Suica card on the reader panel.
2. Select “Charge” on the screen.
3. Choose an amount (min ¥1,000, max ¥20,000) (Japan Guide).
4. Insert cash or swipe your credit card.
5. Confirm and collect your topped-up card.

Recharge kiosks

If you prefer a dedicated machine, look for blue-topped recharge kiosks near ticket offices. They work the same way but usually have clearer English menus. You’ll spot them at major terminals like Tokyo, Ueno, and Ikebukuro.

Convenience store top-ups

Ever hunted for a konbini at midnight? Convenience stores are your 24/7 lifeline for topping up. Major chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart accept Suica recharges at the register and self-service kiosks.

Major chains

• 7-Eleven: Staff will charge your card at “Terminal” or “Charge” station.
• Lawson: Ask the cashier “Suica charge, onegaishimasu.”
• FamilyMart: Use the FamiPort kiosk or tell staff your amount.

Self-service machines

You’ll find touchscreens near the entrance or next to ATMs. Select “Transportation IC” then “Suica,” tap your card, and choose your top-up amount. English instructions vary by store; you may want to refer to Pasmo card English instructions since the menus are almost identical.

Why we love konbinis:

• Open 24 hours, even on holidays
• No deposit needed
• Quick snacks while you wait

For a deeper dive into all your konbini options, see our guide on Suica reload in convenience stores.

Station service counters

If you need human help, head to JR East’s Travel Service Center or ticket offices. Staff can top up your card, swap to a Welcome Suica, or answer any IC card question.

JR East Travel Service Center

These “View Plaza” counters cater to tourists. You’ll find them in Narita and Haneda airports, Tokyo Station, and a handful of other major hubs. They offer:

• English-speaking staff
• Welcome Suica sales and top-ups
• Advice on passes like the JR Pass and Yamanote Line coverage

Ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi)

At most JR stations you’ll see a green sign. Staff can reload Suica, sell paper tickets, and even order supplemental tickets for limited-express trains (you still need to add your Suica base fare then buy the extra fare separately) (Japan Guide). Lines can get long at rush hour, so aim for mid-morning or early afternoon if you can.

Mobile and digital reloads

Let’s be honest, your phone is always in your hand. Digital reloads mean you never have to stand in line or search for coins.

Welcome Suica Mobile app

JR East plans to launch a mobile-only Welcome Suica app for visitors in 2025. You’ll download it to iPhone or Apple Watch, top up with your credit card, then tap your device at the gate. The app gives you:

• 180 days of usage
• No deposit hassles
• Narita Express compatibility (2025)
• Green Car seat reservations (2026) (MATCHA)

Check out our mobile Suica for tourists guide once the app goes live.

Apple Wallet integration

Got an iPhone 8 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 3+? You can add a standard Suica to your Apple Wallet today (Rakuten Travel). Here’s how:

1. Open Wallet and tap “+”
2. Select “Suica” under transit cards
3. Follow the prompts to add a new card
4. Top up with your credit card anytime
5. Tap your device to ride

Digital Suica stays active for 10 years after the last charge. Remember, you still need to return to a station for a physical deposit refund.

Alternative recharge spots

You’ve seen the main hubs, but you can also top up in unexpected places.

Bus terminals

Some major bus terminals in Tokyo have Suica recharge machines near ticket counters. These work like station machines but tend to have only cash options and minimal English menus.

Shopping malls

If you’re in a mall attached to a station, keep an eye out for small ticket machines near the food court. Department stores like Lumine and Atre often hide these kiosks by escalators or near exits.

Tips for smooth reloads

No one likes a hiccup at the gate. These quick pointers will keep your Suica topped up without stress.

• Carry small bills and coins to meet the ¥1,000 minimum.
• Aim for machines with English menus during busy travel times.
• Avoid last-minute top-ups right before train departure.
• If you’re comparing day passes, check our Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket and Tokyo Metro Pass vs Suica guides.
• For multi-day trips, weigh the cost against passes like the Greater Tokyo Pass or the Tokyo Wide Pass.

Comparing reload methods

Here’s a quick table to see the pros and cons at a glance:

Location	Payment	Hours	English menu	Speed
JR East ticket machines	Cash/credit	5 am–midnight	Yes	Fast
Convenience stores	Cash	24/7	Limited	Medium
Service counters (JR Travel)	Cash/credit	9 am–5 pm	Yes	Slowest
Suica App (iPhone/Apple Watch)	Credit only	24/7	N/A	Instant

Choose the option that fits your schedule, language comfort, and payment preference.

Frequently asked questions

1. What’s the minimum and maximum top-up?
You can add as little as 1,000 yen or as much as 20,000 yen in one transaction (Japan Guide). If you need smaller increments, reload twice or use a service counter.

2. Can I use Suica outside Tokyo?
Yes, Suica works across most of eastern Japan and on interoperable networks in Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Just make sure both your origin and destination are within IC card coverage.

3. How do I refund leftover balance?
Return your card to any JR East station ticket office or Travel Service Center. You’ll get your 500 yen deposit back minus a 220 yen handling fee (suica card refund tokyo airport).

4. Should I pick a Suica or a Pasmo?
Both cards work the same across Tokyo transit. Pasmo sometimes shows slightly different fares, but the experience is identical. For a side-by-side look, see Pasmo vs Suica benefits.

5. Do IC cards offer discounts?
Generally no, but in Greater Tokyo and some regional networks you might save a few yen by tapping with an IC card instead of buying paper tickets (Japan Guide).

Key takeaways

• JR East ticket machines and konbinis are the most convenient reload spots.
• Service counters and kiosks help if you need extra support or want a Welcome Suica.
• Digital reloads via the Suica app or Apple Wallet mean no lines, no cash.
• Keep small bills handy, and aim for English-friendly machines during peak hours.
• Compare day passes if your travel includes multiple rides in one day.

Ready to keep your Suica charged and your trip on track? Try topping up at your next stop, and let us know your favorite reload hack in the comments below.