What Welcome Suica Mobile can do in 2026: ticketless Shinkansen rides and Green Car tickets
Published: 2026-10-23 · Last verified: 2026-10-20
JR East's app for overseas visitors, Welcome Suica Mobile, keeps getting more useful. Since October 2025 it links with JR-EAST Train Reservation for ticketless Shinkansen and limited express rides, and since March 2026 you can buy Green Car tickets for local trains around Tokyo.
The short answer
| Welcome Suica Mobile | |
|---|---|
| What it is | A mobile Suica for overseas visitors (for iPhone) |
| From October 1, 2025 | Linked with JR-EAST Train Reservation: book the Shinkansen or limited express and tap your phone at the gate |
| From March 1, 2026 | Buy Green Car tickets for local trains in the Tokyo area in the app |
| Note | The Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka) is not part of this link |
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No paper ticket needed: tap your phone at the gate for the Shinkansen you booked.
Ticketless Shinkansen and limited express (since October 2025)
Your phone becomes the ticketBook on JR-EAST Train Reservation and the booking links to your in-app Suica, so you just tap at the gate.
Shinkansen coveredTohoku, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.🚄
Limited expressesConventional limited expresses such as the Narita Express and FUJI EXCURSION are included.- In-app booking is for one adult only. For two or more people, book in a web browser.
Green Car tickets (since March 2026)
- You can buy Green Car tickets in the app for local trains around Tokyo (Tokaido Line, Chuo Line Rapid, Shonan-Shinjuku Line and more).
- Tickets are for the same day only, one per passenger per phone.
- Pay with Apple Pay; your Suica balance can't be used.
- On board, tap your phone on the reader above your seat.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on Android?
JR East describes it as an iPhone app. Check the official site for the latest.
Can I use it for the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka?
The JR-EAST Train Reservation link covers the Tohoku, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Tokaido Shinkansen is not included.
Can I buy a Green Car ticket the day before?
No, only for the day you travel.
Official websites
- JR East: Welcome Suica Mobile
- JR East: Green Car tickets in the app (February 20, 2026)
- JR East: linking with JR-EAST Train Reservation
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Services can change. Check the official site for the latest.
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