Public transportation apps, curated for travelers visiting Japan.
An IC card is extremely useful, but the best setup depends on the device. On a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, many travelers can issue Suica, PASMO or ICOCA directly in Apple Wallet without downloading a railway app. Welcome Suica Mobile is a separate English visitor app for eligible iPhone and Apple Watch users. It needs no account registration, remains valid for 180 days from issuance, accepts supported Apple Pay cards or cash top-ups, and can buy selected JR East passes and local Green Car tickets. Its stored balance is not refundable and expires with the card. Location Services are required, and JR East says issuance or top-up before arrival may be restricted in some countries, so retry after entering Japan. As of August 2026 there is no current visitor version for ordinary overseas Android phones. JR East has announced Welcome Suica Mobile for certain Samsung Galaxy phones sold from 2027, planned for the first half of 2027, but compatible regions and models are still pending. Android travelers can buy a physical card or normal ticket. TOURIST PASMO launched in May 2026 at Narita and Haneda; physical Welcome Suica has its own current sales list. Both visitor cards are valid 28 days and do not refund unused value. Regular Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and other interoperable cards may also be available. IC cards do not cover every rural service, reserved train or Shinkansen booking. Load only what you expect to use, keep yen and a ticket fallback, and ask station staff to clear an incomplete tap before starting another journey.
JR East's 180-day visitor Suica app for eligible iPhone and Apple Watch users, with no account registration.
These apps need data
Guac eSIM covers Japan with plans from $1.50 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
Check our transit section for Japan.
There are 1 transit apps available in Japan as of 2026.
