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Suica cards make travelling around Japan on the local trains much easier, but if you’ve never been to the country before, where do you get your first one? This guide explains how to get a Suica – or, a similar card – at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3.
What is a Suica Card?
It’s a brand of IC card. These are rechargeable smart cards used across Japan to get on local trains and buses. Instead of buying individual tickets, you simply tap your card on the reader when entering and exiting train stations or boarding buses.
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
The most common IC cards in Tokyo are Suica and Pasmo. Functionally, they are almost identical and can be used interchangeably across most of Japan. Both are also used to pay for small purchases in places like convenience stores or vending machines.
Where to Get a Suica or Pasmo at T3 Haneda Airport
Because they are so convenient, many people want to buy their Suica Card at Haneda Airport, but, arriving at any foreign airport can be confusing – you’re tired, possibly jetlagged, lugging suitcases and navigating crowds and a strange environment, and, to add to the issues, when it comes to the IC cards, the places to buy them are actually a little bit hidden – so, here’s what to look for.
Start by finding a sign directing you to the main transport at Haneda Airport like the one below. This one is just outside where you come out from customs and immigration. Follow the arrow toward the Monorail and Keiyku Lines.
From this point, you have three options to buy a card…
The Welcome Suica Machine
This is located in the T3 arrivals area, close to the Tokyo Monorail entrance, so follow the signs for that. The card is free, and you can top it up immediately – minimum top-up is 1000 yen. These machines have English options and are straightforward to use, but there can be a long queue.
You can also buy the kids’ version of Welcome Suica here. This offers cheaper travel for children under 12.
The airport machines are the only time you can use a credit card to ‘top up’ your Welcome Suica – so, have a rough idea of how much you want to load onto it and buy it now if you’d prefer to fund your card with a card. After this, you’ll need to top up with cash.
As a rough idea, a simple journey on the Tokyo Metro is around 200-250 yen. Same for buses in Kyoto.
One thing to remember about the Welcome Suica is that the funds expire within 28 days, so don’t go overboard topping them up, especially as the end of your trip gets closer.
Related Read: If you don’t know about the different types of Suica yet, or, are a bit confused about the whole thing, read our simple guide to Suica after this, and it will explain EVERYTHING.
Pasmo Machines
While most tourists know about Suica cards, Suica is just one type of IC Card. Its Tokyo rival, Pasmo, is exactly the same thing – and, you can get these from the machines by the entrance to the Keikyu Line in T3 arrivals.
This is the same direction as the entrance to the monorail and the Welcome Suica spot, BUT THERE’S LESS LIKELY TO BE A QUEUE!
Just pick one of the machines that look like this with the Pasmo logo and select the option to Purchase a New Pasmo.
You’ll pay 500 yen for the card plus the amount you want to load onto it. The benefit of this type of Pasmo is that the funds don’t expire. You cannot use a credit card to buy or top up a Pasmo.
JR East Travel Service Centres
At Haneda Airport Terminal 3, you’ll also find a service counter where you can get a physical Suica card. Again, this is located down toward the monorail and Keikyu line, so just follow the signs.
When you arrive, walk past the Welcome Suica line pictured above; the JR East office is just to the right of the monorail entrance.
Buying a Welcome Suica in Advance
If you think you’re going to be super jetlagged when you arrive, you can also book a Welcome Suica in advance via Klook. They come with the deposit for the card paid and 1500 yen loaded onto the card to get you started.
You then pick this up at the EasyGo counter in Haneda Airport T3. They are open from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (with a lunch break between 1 pm and 2 pm), so make sure the hours fit your flight timings before you book. And double-check they haven’t changed closer to arrival.
The counter is just before you go toward the Keikyu and Monorail lines. Klook gives you a map and picture to make it easy to spot.
Need Extra Planning Help?
Our Japan trip planners can help. You might like our First-Timers Japan Planner, which will help you plan your trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka step-by-step, including tips on everything from picking hotels to sightseeing and dining. Or our super-duper Tokyo Disney Planner makes arranging your park trip MUCH easier. Find them in our Planners store – printable and digital versions are available.
Adding a Mobile IC Card
If you have an iPhone, you can use a digital version of Suica or Pasmo.
You can add these cards to your phone before you arrive in Japan and use them immediately upon landing. This is especially useful if you want to skip queues at ticket machines. Our guide here explains how to set up a Mobile Suica card on your phone.
You can also set up the Mobile Welcome Suica app.
What if You Don’t Get One at the Airport
Don’t stress. You can set up a digital IC card at any point during your trip if you have an iPhone.
If you want to buy a Welcome Suica, you’ll find machines at the major stations like Shinjuku, Ueno and Shibuya. This webpage has a list of offices and their locations.
Normal Suica cards are also sold at stations.
Is It Worth Getting an IC Card at Haneda Airport?
For most travellers, the answer is yes.
An IC card makes navigating Tokyo much easier, eliminates the need to figure out ticket prices, and can be used across multiple cities during your trip.
If you’re arriving at Haneda Airport, it’s one of the simplest and most useful things you can set up before heading into the city.
Save Money with Klook & Japlanease
If you plan on buying tickets or tours from Klook for when you’re in Japan, you could save up to 10 per cent by using the code JAPLANEASEKLOOK at the checkout. Click here to see what’s on offer.
T&Cs apply. Some items, including Tokyo Disney and USJ tickets, are not available for discounts.
FAQ
Can I Use My IC Card Immediately?
Yes. As soon as you purchase or top up your card, you can use it on trains and in many shops throughout the airport.
Should I Get Suica or Pasmo?
It doesn’t matter. Both cards work the same way and are accepted on the same transport systems.
Can I Use One IC card for Multiple People?
No. Each person needs their own card when travelling on trains and buses.
Do IC Cards Work Outside Tokyo?
Yes. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are compatible with most major cities across Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond.
What If I’m Arriving at Terminal 2?
Most international flights come into T3, but if you’re flying ANA, they will sometimes land at HanedaT2 – if they do, consider yourself lucky, as it’s usually a lot less busy, but unlucky, as you can’t buy a Welcome Suica at T2. You’ll need to travel into Tokyo on a regular ticket and pick up either a Welcome Suica or a normal Suica at a station.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve travelled to Japan nine times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 50 towns and cities. My last visit was in April 2026, so everything here is pretty up to date.
