The Welcome Suica (Child) IC card, when charged in advance, can be used to automatically calculate and pay your child train fare, with just a tap on the ticket gate. The Welcome Suica (Child) card can be used by children up to 12 years old, and until the March 31 that follows their 12th birthday.

In Japan, children aged 6 to 11 need their own "Child Suica" card to take advantage of the 50% discount on train and bus fares. Children under the age of 6 typically travel for free when accompanied by an adult (up to two children per adult). You cannot buy a Child Suica at a standard machine; you must go to a "Midori no Madoguchi" (JR Ticket Office) and present the child's passport as proof of age. The staff will then issue a personalized card with the child's name on it. Once a child turns 12, they are considered an "adult" by the transit system and must use a standard Suica card. For tourists in 2026, the Welcome Suica or Pasmo PASSPORT (temporary versions that don't require a deposit) also offer child versions. Having a card for each child is much easier than buying individual paper tickets at every station, especially since the cards can also be used to buy snacks at convenience stores or from the ubiquitous vending machines found on every platform.