Suica card basics
Picture this, you step off the plane in Tokyo, eyes glued to your phone map—and you need a quick, cashless way to hop on trains and grab snacks. That’s where a Suica card shines. It’s a rechargeable IC (integrated circuit) card issued by JR East that works on trains, buses, vending machines, and yes, convenience stores across Greater Tokyo.
Here’s what makes it magic:
- Tap and go if you’re riding JR East trains, subways, or private lines.
- Pay at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and more for coffee, sandwiches, or even toiletries.
- Keep it active for 10 years after your last charge, topped up at stations or stores.
Whether you’re here for a week or planning a longer stay, a Suica card streamlines your travel and daily purchases without fumbling for yen.
Pick your Suica option
You have three main ways to carry Suica in Tokyo—pick the one that fits your trip length and style.
Standard Suica card
- Requires a refundable ¥500 deposit (you’ll get ¥220 back on return after fees).
- Sold at JR East Travel Service Centers in airports, ticket machines, and station offices.
- Valid for 10 years, recharge ¥500–¥10,000 via machines or at most convenience stores (Japan Travel – Suica & Pasmo Guide 2025).
Welcome Suica card
- A no-deposit tourist option valid for 28 days.
- Preloaded credit not refundable, but you keep the card as a souvenir.
- Available at Narita and Haneda airports, plus select JR stations.
Mobile Suica
- Digital version you add to Apple Wallet or via the Mobile Suica app.
- Skip the plastic, top up with your phone, and tap at ticket gates or cashiers.
- Check out mobile suica for tourists for setup tips.
Wondering if you should go Suica or PASMO? For a head-to-head comparison, see suica pasmo difference explained, or learn where to buy a PASMO card in our guide on pasmo card where to buy.
Buy and top up at convenience stores
Convenience stores aren’t just for midnight ramen. They’re your one-stop shop to buy or refill your Suica card almost around the clock.
Why convenience stores?
- Open 24/7 with English menus at bigger branches.
- Short lines, friendly staff ready to top up your card.
- Locations near train stations, hotels, and sightseeing spots.
Top-up locations
You can charge your card from ¥500 to ¥10,000 in one go at these chains:
- 7-Eleven
- FamilyMart
- Lawson
Just hand your Suica to the cashier, say the amount, and you’re set (Japan Travel – Suica & Pasmo Guide 2025).
Store-by-store guide
| Store | Language support | Minimum charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | English terminals | ¥500 | Buy tickets too |
| FamilyMart | Japanese cashier | ¥500 | Simple top-up process |
| Lawson | English terminal | ¥500 | Station-adjacent shops |
| Ministop | Limited English | ¥500 | Few urban outlets |
For a station-focused recharge map, see our suica card reload locations guide.
Pay with Suica
Using your Suica at a convenience store is as easy as swiping a keycard on a hook—only quicker.
Step-by-step payment
- Pick your items and head to the register.
- When the cashier finishes scanning, place your Suica on the reader.
- Wait for the beep and green light. You’re done.
Need more details on tapping into Tokyo’s transit and mini-mart scene? Check suica card how to use tokyo.
What you can buy
- Snacks, drinks, and prepared meals
- Travel essentials like SIM cards or batteries
- Metro day tickets and small souvenirs
No wrist-twisting PIN entry, no signature—just a smooth beep and you’re on your way.
Compare store features
Shopping around? Here’s a quick look at perks and quirks by chain.
| Feature | 7-Eleven | FamilyMart | Lawson |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-store English menu | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Station proximity | High | Moderate | High |
| Additional services | Ticket sales | Bill payments | Parcel lockers |
| Popular snack picks | Onigiri | Bento boxes | Hot snacks |
Choose 7-Eleven if you want multilingual terminals and ticket machines. FamilyMart offers a friendly local vibe, while Lawson excels near major stations.
Troubleshoot common issues
Even the best systems hiccup sometimes. Here’s how to fix bumps in the road.
Top-up declined
Cause, low battery reader at terminal
Fix, move to another counter or recharge reader
Cause, your amount exceeds limit
Fix, split into smaller charges
Card not accepted
Cause, low balance
Fix, top up at any convenience store
Cause, dirty or scratched card
Fix, wipe gently or get a replacement at JR station
Lost or stolen card
Cause, misplacement
Fix, report to JR East offices—deposit refund varies, see suica card deposit refund
End of trip refund
Cause, returning standard card
Fix, return at airport counters for deposit and remaining balance (suica card refund tokyo airport)
Tips and tricks
- Keep at least ¥1,000 on your card to avoid surprise zero-balance moments.
- Link Suica to your Google or Apple account for auto-recharge above a set threshold.
- Use Suica to pay utility bills or online purchases where accepted.
- Collect Suica point rewards when shopping at partner stores.
Takeaways and next steps
- A Suica card streamlines travel and everyday buys in Tokyo.
- You can buy or top up at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and more.
- Tap to pay with a quick beep, no cash needed.
- Keep your balance healthy and troubleshoot common hiccups easily.
Grab or charge your Suica at a nearby convenience store tonight, then tap your way through Tokyo’s trains and snack racks without missing a beat.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use my Suica card in all convenience stores?
Most major chains—7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson—accept Suica for payments and top-ups. Smaller or rural outlets might not.
2. What’s the difference between Suica and PASMO cards?
Both work similarly on transit and at stores. Suica is issued by JR East, PASMO by private rail companies. For a deep dive, see suica pasmo difference explained.
3. How do I check my Suica balance?
At ticket gates, vending machines, or store readers. Some convenience stores display your balance after payment.
4. Can I get a refund on my Suica before I leave Japan?
Yes, return your standard card at airport JR East counters for deposit and leftover balance minus a small fee. Details in suica card refund tokyo airport.
5. Is there a fee to top up at convenience stores?
No extra fee, you only pay the recharge amount you request. No surprises.
