❤️Get my FREE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO JAPAN HERE buildyourmoxie.com ❤️ Get my Japan 10+ Day Itinerary Guide & Tips here 🇯🇵 buildyourmoxie.com/shop UPDATE: Apple did a major update to iPhone and now Visa works on the digital suica card. I was able to use my digital suica when I went in May 2024. Happy tapping yay! In this video I show you how to navigate Tokyo's Subway as well as how to get an IC card. Enjoy! 🥰Erica 📍Information on IC cards - helpful links: -Subway Ticket Pass option: www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/ -Welcome Suica option: www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/16917-suica-ic-card-tokyo/?spm=BlogArticle.InArticleHyperlinkWord&clickId=18dee8de4b 📍FYI links: -Understanding IC cards: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html -Understanding Welcome Suica Card: www.klook.com/en-US/blog/welcome-suica-card-guide/# -Understanding ICOCA Card: www.klook.com/en-US/blog/icoca-card-guide/# ⏰**TIME STAMPS:** 0:00 Part 1 - How to Navigate the Subway in Tokyo 2:27 Part 2 - Transit Cards (IC cards) - what it is & how to get them More Helpful Japan Videos: 📍Very detailed Japan TIPS video: ruclips.net/video/xyJYmZauE68/видео.html 📍Helpful updated video (japan rail pass, suica card, FAQ): ruclips.net/video/XnqSCYbSKn8/видео.html 📍How to buy a Shinkansen ticket: ruclips.net/video/45eGJwDlMBc/видео.html 📍Japan Packing Video - EVERYTHING I brought: ruclips.net/video/5yphAAwIuhE/видео.html 📍Must Have Travel Items Video: ruclips.net/video/SuqdI4LAXSM/видео.html 📍How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo (updated): ruclips.net/video/qVkFyfCOuKU/видео.html 📍Japan Travel & Tips Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLl6OVUWv0m5SgNrQ7sRGiSBOWDZW2YVVq 📍My Travel Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLl6OVUWv0m5TapdyDB0uuvBGjdnyu_Vc_
😂😂omg your comment made me laugh! Let me know if there are any questions you have or anything you want to see. I am trying to make more helpful videos!
Very helpful video! I have been to Japan and ridden their metro system before. It takes a little time to learn but it makes so much sense once you are there. Your video perfectly captured the key points of navigating the system and anyone that watches this will be set for success when they arrive. Thank you for always putting out such helpful content! 😄
Thanks for all the awesome vids; just got back from our first trip to Japan and your videos really helped! Especially the packing ones! Took us a few days to figure out the google maps instructions and subways! Learned to not just look at the signs above but also to check the pillars/columns for platform numbers and exit numbers. And also the number of the car on the floor in front of the gates for the subways. We got our 10yr Suicas from the JR East offices on the North side of Tokyo Station. There are two offices so check which one has the shorter line. We went into the smaller office first and it was packed, but one of the workers directed us to the other larger office and there was no one in line at all. (Also google says they open at 10am but I believe they actually open at 7am). If you have any kids between ages 6-11/12 they won't let you buy a normal Suica and you have to go to the underground JR East office to purchase a kids Suica (kids get charged a lower fee). The kids's office is right beneath the two JR East offices and the stairs underground are outside the North exit. And make sure to bring your passports, they asked us for ours for both the adult and kids Suica! Hope it helps for fellow travelers! And thank you again for the awesome channel and vids!!! 😊
I'm going to Japan for all of October and I will be located in Tokyo. I'm leaving in 2 days. Your video was very informative and I will definitely try to use my phone with the Wallet app!
Erika, once again a very helpful video for my upcoming trip to Japan looking forward to December when I will be layering up in Tokyo and Osaka! Again, you're as cute as ever
For the mobile Suica card: Visa worked for me. Also make sure not to add or reload the card between 2-4 am Japan Standard Time. It's down during those times.
Great video! Very Helpful. My wife and I are going at the end of November... We'll be going from Tokyo to Kanazawa, to Shirakawa-go, to Takayama, to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hakone, then back to Tokyo and would love to see a video with details on how to get/buy tickets when traveling long distances because planning travel from the States is a bit overwhelming!
That is an amazing itinerary! 🤗 have so much fun!! And I agree it can be stressful when you are planning from the states. What I did for my last trip was just buy our shinkansen tickets ahead of time through an app called klook. It's nice cuz you buy your seats ahead of time and then you get a QR code and then you scan it at the kiosk at the bigger train stations. This is the Part 1 to my Hakone video if you want to see. I also show a QR code example for the ticket pick up. :) ruclips.net/video/GKVo747fZ5c/видео.html And then this is the Klook website. I'm not sure if my code will work, but it might save you some money on the first purchase. BUILDYOURMOXIEKLOOK is the code :) affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=60178&aff_adid=843708&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F
Nice video regarding Tokyo's rail system. I was only there a week so purchased the Pasmo Card - sooo cute! Do you have problems with Google Maps? I rented a pocket WiFi and Google Maps was kinda wonky. A couple of times, I had to rely on buildings near my hotel to figure out how to get back.
This last trip i didn't have any issues with google maps above or below ground but my first trip i had some issues above ground. So normally I do a mix of apple maps and google maps once i'm above ground! But for the subway, google maps has been helpful!
If your route requires a transfer, either to a bus or another subway line, how do you use the IC card for this? Assuming you don’t have to pay a new fare for the transfer.
@@kmsnow6292 hi! Usually you only have to tap in and out at the final entrances and exits. When you transfer, you are still staying in the underground area. Maybe Sometimes you will tap in and then Tap out it again but most of the time they do it in a way where you only tap out as you go back up into the outside world! Hope that made sense!
If you transfer from a subway line to a bus then you have to exit subway station. In this case I’d imagine you have to tap your card somehow, somewhere in the subway to gain a credit for the bus transfer. Correct?
Hi Erica! Sorry for the maybe stupid question but if i have a Suica card, i just use it when i enter or leave a train/metro station? I don’t have to buy tickets? Thank you in advance ✌️
Hi hi! =D not a stupid question :) . If you have a Suica card or IC card that is already loaded with money, you just need to tap in and tap out :). No need to buy any paper tickets
If you want to explore Tokyo more, we recommend that you purchase a Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket. The fare is 600 yen. If you want to use Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau routes in addition to Tokyo Metro routes, you can do so by paying 900 yen. Also, PASMO holders can put 24-hour tickets in their PASMO. However, there is something you should be aware of. As shown in the video, be sure to know the station you are at and the station you want to go to. Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau lines, with the exception of the Ginza and Marunouchi lines, have direct service with other railroad companies, so even if you have a 24-hour ticket, you must pay the fare in principle to that railroad company when you go outside its jurisdiction. If you have entered another railroad company's line due to misconduct, please inform the station staff and follow their instructions.
Hi Erica! Thank you for such a detailed explanation, this helps a lot! I have a question though. I understand that there are two types of trains that locals mostly use: the Tokyo Subway trains and the JR trains. Are the rates the same for both trains or do they differ? I am considering getting the Tokyo Subway Tickets Unlimited or the Suica card. For context, I will be traveling to only Tokyo for 5 days. I personally wanted to opt for the Suica card to avoid any hassle (it'll be my first time heading to Japan), but I'm still unsure if that's the best choice.
Hi! yes! the subway and JR trains are similar prices! I would recommend getting a SUICA card, PASMO passport, or Welcome Suica, or iphone digital suica. With suica, you can go on subway as well as JR trains! With subway passes, you can't go on JR trains :)
Thanks a lot for your really awesome videos Erica. I am planning to visit Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Will I need to buy a JR rail pass for this? Does that work out cheaper? .... Thanks ... Ranjit
Also don't be afraid of shinkansen. You can buy unlimited pass online before you get there. Depending on how far you play to go makes sense and saves you A LOT of time.
🔥🔥I’m getting updates that it is working now! Something to do with the last IOS update!! 😍 thank you for telling me :) I can’t wait to have it work on my phone soon!
Hey Erica! I had a question for you about "Visa Travel Rewards Cards" and which one you think is best for building miles. I was told by a few friends that the Chase Sapphire Card is the best or one of them. Do you have any reccomendations for the best cards? I think that would make an interesting video since I know you do finance videos and this would tie into traveling.
@@buildyourmoxie thank you. also, I hope you don’t mind answering my questions, do you remember how much you’ve spent on metro alone during your travel in japan? do they have a metro ticket that’s unlimited for like a day or a week/s?
They do! Take a look on Klook (download the app) cuz it’s the easiest and in English and in ur currency And then search subway ticket. It will give you some options! Hmmmm I would say each time I go on the train it’s maybe 200-400 yen? It’s not a lot. But I use the Suica card as well for the convenience stores too haha. So it’s hard to keep track how much I spent on just metro.
Hello!! It should be on the home page half way down! buildyourmoxie.com If it still isn’t working, email me and I can just send it over! erica@buildyourmoxie.com
@@DavidCRonan it changes a lot and is too variable for me to mention accurately. However it’s usually 100-500 yen per direction depending on how far you are going :)
@@buildyourmoxie I’m coming from Yokohama Station to Shinjuku for a day… then to Haenada the next afternoon. You’re recommending I just get a paper ticket at each stop? Both routes have one transfer to a “different line”.
![[SUICA & PASMO ] From Haneda, Credit Card works‼ Latest Updates for Japan Travel 2025!](/img/1.gif)
❤️Get my FREE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO JAPAN HERE buildyourmoxie.com
❤️ Get my Japan 10+ Day Itinerary Guide & Tips here 🇯🇵 buildyourmoxie.com/shop
UPDATE: Apple did a major update to iPhone and now Visa works on the digital suica card. I was able to use my digital suica when I went in May 2024. Happy tapping yay!
In this video I show you how to navigate Tokyo's Subway as well as how to get an IC card. Enjoy!
🥰Erica
📍Information on IC cards - helpful links:
-Subway Ticket Pass option: www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/
-Welcome Suica option: www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/16917-suica-ic-card-tokyo/?spm=BlogArticle.InArticleHyperlinkWord&clickId=18dee8de4b
📍FYI links:
-Understanding IC cards: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html
-Understanding Welcome Suica Card: www.klook.com/en-US/blog/welcome-suica-card-guide/#
-Understanding ICOCA Card: www.klook.com/en-US/blog/icoca-card-guide/#
⏰**TIME STAMPS:**
0:00 Part 1 - How to Navigate the Subway in Tokyo
2:27 Part 2 - Transit Cards (IC cards) - what it is & how to get them
More Helpful Japan Videos:
📍Very detailed Japan TIPS video: ruclips.net/video/xyJYmZauE68/видео.html
📍Helpful updated video (japan rail pass, suica card, FAQ): ruclips.net/video/XnqSCYbSKn8/видео.html
📍How to buy a Shinkansen ticket: ruclips.net/video/45eGJwDlMBc/видео.html
📍Japan Packing Video - EVERYTHING I brought: ruclips.net/video/5yphAAwIuhE/видео.html
📍Must Have Travel Items Video: ruclips.net/video/SuqdI4LAXSM/видео.html
📍How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo (updated): ruclips.net/video/qVkFyfCOuKU/видео.html
📍Japan Travel & Tips Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLl6OVUWv0m5SgNrQ7sRGiSBOWDZW2YVVq
📍My Travel Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLl6OVUWv0m5TapdyDB0uuvBGjdnyu_Vc_
I am about to go in October, and honestly this is exactly what I needed. You are doing the lord's work out here lmao.
😂😂omg your comment made me laugh! Let me know if there are any questions you have or anything you want to see. I am trying to make more helpful videos!
Your video is the ONLY one I've seen that explains how to get the Suica card on your iPhone through the wallet! Thank you!
Aw thanks so much for telling me :)
And for watching! ❤️
Very helpful video! I have been to Japan and ridden their metro system before. It takes a little time to learn but it makes so much sense once you are there. Your video perfectly captured the key points of navigating the system and anyone that watches this will be set for success when they arrive. Thank you for always putting out such helpful content! 😄
Wow thank you for this comment!! 😃 so kind of you to say
Thanks for all the awesome vids; just got back from our first trip to Japan and your videos really helped! Especially the packing ones!
Took us a few days to figure out the google maps instructions and subways!
Learned to not just look at the signs above but also to check the pillars/columns for platform numbers and exit numbers. And also the number of the car on the floor in front of the gates for the subways.
We got our 10yr Suicas from the JR East offices on the North side of Tokyo Station. There are two offices so check which one has the shorter line. We went into the smaller office first and it was packed, but one of the workers directed us to the other larger office and there was no one in line at all. (Also google says they open at 10am but I believe they actually open at 7am).
If you have any kids between ages 6-11/12 they won't let you buy a normal Suica and you have to go to the underground JR East office to purchase a kids Suica (kids get charged a lower fee). The kids's office is right beneath the two JR East offices and the stairs underground are outside the North exit. And make sure to bring your passports, they asked us for ours for both the adult and kids Suica!
Hope it helps for fellow travelers!
And thank you again for the awesome channel and vids!!! 😊
Thank you so much for the informative and well written tips! You are the bomb! 🔥
Is there any advantage to having a physical IC card vs just using the digital IC card via apple wallet?
No advantage :)
Except if your phone runs out of battery :)
Thank you for the step by step guidance!
Thank you! So helpful!
Yay! So glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching :)
I'm going to Japan for all of October and I will be located in Tokyo. I'm leaving in 2 days. Your video was very informative and I will definitely try to use my phone with the Wallet app!
Wow amazing!!! All of October! 😍 incredibly jelly hehe
So informative, thorough - thank you!!
Yay! Thank you so much!! 🥰
So helpful. Thanks Erica!
😍aw yay!!! you are welcome!! thank you for watching! hehe
Erika, once again a very helpful video for my upcoming trip to Japan looking forward to December when I will be layering up in Tokyo and Osaka! Again, you're as cute as ever
Hi michael!! Glad to see you again! ☺️ and thank you so much hahaha 😁😝
For the mobile Suica card: Visa worked for me.
Also make sure not to add or reload the card between 2-4 am Japan Standard Time. It's down during those times.
Yes! Apple did a huge software update so mid 2024 the Suica on my wallet worked!
Thank you for the video. I would have never thought of adding the Suica card through the Wallet. I tried using the app but it’s only in Japanese.
Great video! Very Helpful. My wife and I are going at the end of November... We'll be going from Tokyo to Kanazawa, to Shirakawa-go, to Takayama, to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hakone, then back to Tokyo and would love to see a video with details on how to get/buy tickets when traveling long distances because planning travel from the States is a bit overwhelming!
That is an amazing itinerary! 🤗 have so much fun!! And I agree it can be stressful when you are planning from the states. What I did for my last trip was just buy our shinkansen tickets ahead of time through an app called klook. It's nice cuz you buy your seats ahead of time and then you get a QR code and then you scan it at the kiosk at the bigger train stations.
This is the Part 1 to my Hakone video if you want to see.
I also show a QR code example for the ticket pick up. :) ruclips.net/video/GKVo747fZ5c/видео.html
And then this is the Klook website. I'm not sure if my code will work, but it might save you some money on the first purchase. BUILDYOURMOXIEKLOOK is the code :) affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=60178&aff_adid=843708&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F
How many days are you going? I am going in the beginning of November. Looking for more places in between Tokyo, Osaka, & Kyoto
I travel in June :) Tokyo looks a little overwhelming but I'm thankful for your videos!
I have Ben on them several times before. Absolutely Outstanding
I never knew I could love public transportation!! The subway is what makes me feel like I'm in Japan. I love it!
I am going to Japan next month, this video will be my lecture class. 😂😂
Haha!!! I love this!! It’s a very information dense video hahaha
Instantly saved this video for later this year. Didnt realize google maps told you the exit too, how cool. Is it Novemeber yet?! 😂
Ahhh!! You are going to have such a good time!!!! 😍😍
Excellent explanation of a confusing topic!
Wow thank you 😃. Such high praise!
So helpful!! Love this!
😍Thanks Shayan!!! haha i love making my super dense videos. you can't blink or you will miss something important! hahaha
Hi Erica , what hotel you stayed in Shinjuku ? And where is the location of mega cosmetic store in your video ? Thanks 😊
Nice video regarding Tokyo's rail system. I was only there a week so purchased the Pasmo Card - sooo cute! Do you have problems with Google Maps? I rented a pocket WiFi and Google Maps was kinda wonky. A couple of times, I had to rely on buildings near my hotel to figure out how to get back.
This last trip i didn't have any issues with google maps above or below ground but my first trip i had some issues above ground. So normally I do a mix of apple maps and google maps once i'm above ground! But for the subway, google maps has been helpful!
If your route requires a transfer, either to a bus or another subway line, how do you use the IC card for this? Assuming you don’t have to pay a new fare for the transfer.
@@kmsnow6292 hi! Usually you only have to tap in and out at the final entrances and exits.
When you transfer, you are still staying in the underground area.
Maybe Sometimes you will tap in and then Tap out it again but most of the time they do it in a way where you only tap out as you go back up into the outside world!
Hope that made sense!
If you transfer from a subway line to a bus then you have to exit subway station. In this case I’d imagine you have to tap your card somehow, somewhere in the subway to gain a credit for the bus transfer. Correct?
@@kmsnow6292 yes you would tap out after subway
And then most likely bus you tap in when you get on and then tap out when you exit bus :)
Thank you.
Thank you for watching! =D
Hi Erica! Sorry for the maybe stupid question but if i have a Suica card, i just use it when i enter or leave a train/metro station? I don’t have to buy tickets? Thank you in advance ✌️
Hi hi! =D not a stupid question :) . If you have a Suica card or IC card that is already loaded with money, you just need to tap in and tap out :). No need to buy any paper tickets
@ Thank you very much 🙏✌️
Hi is it better to take the subway over the JR?
Thanks
The subway will get you to so many more places than just the rails above ground!
If you get an IC card, you can ride the subway and the rails :)
Im pretty sure you can use Visa now. I tried it with my debit as a test and it worked.
That is amazing! 🔥I am gonna try again when I go back!
@@buildyourmoxie Awesome! Yeah I think one of the recent iOS update finally fixed it.
To used up the balance on an IC card, will vendors accept IC card balance and cash?
@@kauaiboy5o hi!! They usually don’t do a combo. It’s either IC card or cash for transaction :)
If you want to explore Tokyo more, we recommend that you purchase a Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket. The fare is 600 yen.
If you want to use Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau routes in addition to Tokyo Metro routes, you can do so by paying 900 yen.
Also, PASMO holders can put 24-hour tickets in their PASMO.
However, there is something you should be aware of. As shown in the video, be sure to know the station you are at and the station you want to go to.
Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau lines, with the exception of the Ginza and Marunouchi lines, have direct service with other railroad companies, so even if you have a 24-hour ticket, you must pay the fare in principle to that railroad company when you go outside its jurisdiction.
If you have entered another railroad company's line due to misconduct, please inform the station staff and follow their instructions.
Can i use forex card with japanese yen at all places? Or getting a suica card is compulsory?
Hi Erica! Thank you for such a detailed explanation, this helps a lot! I have a question though. I understand that there are two types of trains that locals mostly use: the Tokyo Subway trains and the JR trains. Are the rates the same for both trains or do they differ?
I am considering getting the Tokyo Subway Tickets Unlimited or the Suica card. For context, I will be traveling to only Tokyo for 5 days. I personally wanted to opt for the Suica card to avoid any hassle (it'll be my first time heading to Japan), but I'm still unsure if that's the best choice.
Hi! yes! the subway and JR trains are similar prices! I would recommend getting a SUICA card, PASMO passport, or Welcome Suica, or iphone digital suica.
With suica, you can go on subway as well as JR trains! With subway passes, you can't go on JR trains :)
Thanks a lot for your really awesome videos Erica. I am planning to visit Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Will I need to buy a JR rail pass for this? Does that work out cheaper? .... Thanks ... Ranjit
Hi ranjit! I would NOT buy one for your itinerary. Just get solo tickets instead :).
Get an IC card tho :)
@@buildyourmoxie Thank you so much Erica
@@ranjitdaniel9212 of course! Yay!! Have fun!!! 😍
Also don't be afraid of shinkansen. You can buy unlimited pass online before you get there. Depending on how far you play to go makes sense and saves you A LOT of time.
Thank you!
😍sure thing!! Thank you for watching!!
My visa worked for my Iphone Suica card
🔥🔥I’m getting updates that it is working now! Something to do with the last IOS update!! 😍 thank you for telling me :) I can’t wait to have it work on my phone soon!
Hey Erica! I had a question for you about "Visa Travel Rewards Cards" and which one you think is best for building miles. I was told by a few friends that the Chase Sapphire Card is the best or one of them. Do you have any reccomendations for the best cards?
I think that would make an interesting video since I know you do finance videos and this would tie into traveling.
wonder if you can pay with your phone directly
If you have the tap to pay suica on your phone then yes!
sorry for asking, so if I have a Suica card I can travel to any station in tokyo?
Yes!
@@buildyourmoxie thank you. also, I hope you don’t mind answering my questions, do you remember how much you’ve spent on metro alone during your travel in japan? do they have a metro ticket that’s unlimited for like a day or a week/s?
They do! Take a look on Klook (download the app) cuz it’s the easiest and in English and in ur currency
And then search subway ticket. It will give you some options!
Hmmmm I would say each time I go on the train it’s maybe 200-400 yen? It’s not a lot. But I use the Suica card as well for the convenience stores too haha. So it’s hard to keep track how much I spent on just metro.
@@buildyourmoxie Thanks for the info :) I’m heading to japan in November so wish me luck!
@@olivol5338 🤩 you got this!! It so be so fun!!!
Hi there! I’ve been planning a trip but have been unable to find the free travel itinerary on your website. Is this a glitch on my end?
Hello!! It should be on the home page half way down! buildyourmoxie.com
If it still isn’t working, email me and I can just send it over! erica@buildyourmoxie.com
@@buildyourmoxie Thanks so much! It worked
R u from Japan
I’m from Los Angeles! 😝
@@buildyourmoxie ohh really u look Asian anyways ur beuteful
I just visited Japan last week and was able to use visa to add money IC card on my iPhone
Why didn’t you say how much a fare was? Yes… per stop… but you could have said what you paid for your fare.
@@DavidCRonan it changes a lot and is too variable for me to mention accurately. However it’s usually 100-500 yen per direction depending on how far you are going :)
@@buildyourmoxie I’m coming from Yokohama Station to Shinjuku for a day… then to Haenada the next afternoon. You’re recommending I just get a paper ticket at each stop? Both routes have one transfer to a “different line”.
@@DavidCRonan are those the only places you are going? No other stops?
Reason I ask is because my answer will be different depending on your answer :)
I am Indian. Cannot understand your English pronunciation.