Thank you for the explanations - very well thought out and easy to understand for a foreigner. It's a pity that the mobile Suica card is not available on foreign Android phones. I do hope that it'll be made possible in the very near future. The proportion of Apple vs Android users is around 50:50 so there is definitely a market for it. I don't understand why big corporations do not embrace Android. I know that there are some security concerns but I'm sure it can be overcome!
It is not that the companies do not support Android. Suica uses Felica not NFC and most manufacturers do not include support on the phone's hardware due to licensing costs etc which is why mostly only Japanese sold phones support it.
@@FlywithmeNetAu Tks for the insight. I just hope that the Jap side can overcome these problems. The future direction is to go virtual so I hope it wouldn't be too long.
I'm so happy that I purchased my physical SUICA card and added my name to it a few years ago! I did not expect the semi-conductor shortage to still be an ongoing issue, but after these last couple of years, maybe it's for the best that they stop using them for IC cards when everyone has a compatible phone. Most young people that I see have moved to using their phone to tap, instead of their card, but I still enjoy using the card instead. Just a personal preference :)
@@Joel-ru4nm I just got a Pasmo card by getting it along with a one day pass at Shimbashi station. You have to go to the ticket machines that sell both tickets and commuter passes, then select “value tickets”, then select the Pasmo option, then it will give you the option to buy it on a new Pasmo card. Then you select the type of pass you want and then the steps are very simple. I also got two Suica cards the same way also at Shimbashi but you have to go to the JR ticketing machines. You can do this at any major JR stations. You just have to go to one of the black ticket machines (the multi purpose one, the green one and the pink ones will not allow you to do this, only the black ones will), go to value tickets again, and then select Suica, then select the pass you want, then the steps that follow will be the same as if you were normally purchasing a Suica card (selecting registered or unregistered etc.)
Of all the talk, one crucial information missing is what public transports the suica card is good for since there are so many different lines including subway operating in Tokyo.
Im travelling to Tokyo Narita Airport in November. Would it be possible to update if the Welcome Suica will be there around that time. Thank you for the video!
When I travelled to Tokyo in Apr 2024, the only airport that sold Welcome Suica was at Haneda Airport. I guess once the Welcome Suica are sold out, there should have no more Welcome Suica. I think visitors prefer to buy the Welcome Suica. When I was at the Haneda Airport, nearly everyone purchased Welcome Suica instead of Suica.
You really should have explained that you can add a Suica, PASMO or IOCCA card from Apple Wallet and don't need the official apps which aren't available in English (or any other language besides Japanese). You just need to go into Wallet and Add a Card and choose Transport Card instead of Payment card and they are listed in there. Then you only need add some credit and it's active and it then works as you have shown in your video as far as topping up etc.
Hello Ono, and thank you so much for the video; it is very helpful! I would like to ask for some advice about a trip I'm planning to Japan in 2024. Both flights are to/from Narita Airport. We will stay in Tokyo for the first 4 days, then travel to Kyoto before returning to Tokyo for our flight back. We're considering getting a 7-day JR Pass, but we'll be in Japan for 10 days. What would be the best combination of transportation cards, financially speaking?
The JR Pass allows you to use the Shinkansen and other trains, so it’s recommended to use it on days when you're traveling to distant locations. Since the JR Pass gives you access to express trains and the Shinkansen, it’s a bit more expensive. If you're only sightseeing in Tokyo, other passes might be a better option!!!
Thank you for your video. Your English is very well understandable for other foreigners. Do i need a suica or pasmo card for riding a bus/tramway? In my first Japan trip I avoided traveling by bus and tram, which worked well in Osaka and Tokyo, but in Hiroshima I had to walk from the park to the train station because I didn't know how to pay for the tram ride and didn't want to bother other passengers.
If you're not an apple user and plan to go to Japan within every 10 years, just get yourself a 10-year IC card. Each time you use/recharge it, the 10 year duration is refreshed. You can pay for so many things without the need to deal with cash (coins) so just recharge more at a time.
hi, if i get the subway ticket do i need the suica to get around tokyo? i assume the suica is only withing tokyo as i plan to travel from tokyo, kyoto, osaka n kii-tanabe. can u recommend the best option for me
Hi Ono and to everyone who's watching has been to Japan recently! Traveling in first week of August this year (2024). Would you guys have an update on whether they were able to restock/reissue IC cards? Coming from Narita Airport. Thanks!
Hi Ono, hope you answer my question, since Im looking IC card online (welcome suica) and they are sold out everywhere. Can I buy IC card at Asakusa station?
Thanks for the video. We'll be arrive at Narita Airport. We have already bought Keisei Line Train tickets and 72h metro ticket. We don't want to use 72 hours metro tickets in our first day so after we using keisei line train, could we get an ic card at Nippori Station? Do you have any idea about it? Thanks a lot.
Hello Ono - Very useful info. I´ve an iphone and tried downloading the Suica card but it seems it is all in Japanese. Is there a version in English? I´d appreciate your help. Greetings from Costa Rica - Central America - Toby
Why do this? Japanese people are complaining about foreign tourists. Why promote your country to more people and have them face the anger of your compatriots and also make your compatriots angry?
Thank you for the explanations - very well thought out and easy to understand for a foreigner. It's a pity that the mobile Suica card is not available on foreign Android phones. I do hope that it'll be made possible in the very near future. The proportion of Apple vs Android users is around 50:50 so there is definitely a market for it. I don't understand why big corporations do not embrace Android. I know that there are some security concerns but I'm sure it can be overcome!
It is not that the companies do not support Android. Suica uses Felica not NFC and most manufacturers do not include support on the phone's hardware due to licensing costs etc which is why mostly only Japanese sold phones support it.
@@FlywithmeNetAu Tks for the insight. I just hope that the Jap side can overcome these problems. The future direction is to go virtual so I hope it wouldn't be too long.
I'm so happy that I purchased my physical SUICA card and added my name to it a few years ago! I did not expect the semi-conductor shortage to still be an ongoing issue, but after these last couple of years, maybe it's for the best that they stop using them for IC cards when everyone has a compatible phone. Most young people that I see have moved to using their phone to tap, instead of their card, but I still enjoy using the card instead. Just a personal preference :)
6 years ago I refunded my suica... Now I regret it ever since
Suica card is available right now, which I have bought 2 at Shinjuku station JR customer service in 16th,June.2024.
Good. No suica or pasmo last may 2024
how much is the max amount you can buy for a suica card? Is the physical card refundable after your trip?
do you uhave to arrive super early or huge lineup to get it? I am going there in 2 months.
@@Joel-ru4nm I just got a Pasmo card by getting it along with a one day pass at Shimbashi station. You have to go to the ticket machines that sell both tickets and commuter passes, then select “value tickets”, then select the Pasmo option, then it will give you the option to buy it on a new Pasmo card. Then you select the type of pass you want and then the steps are very simple.
I also got two Suica cards the same way also at Shimbashi but you have to go to the JR ticketing machines. You can do this at any major JR stations. You just have to go to one of the black ticket machines (the multi purpose one, the green one and the pink ones will not allow you to do this, only the black ones will), go to value tickets again, and then select Suica, then select the pass you want, then the steps that follow will be the same as if you were normally purchasing a Suica card (selecting registered or unregistered etc.)
Thanks - do you know if these are also available at Haneda yet? Landing in T3 and would like to get our cards at the airport
Yo people, the Suica or Pasmo card can be used all over Japan. Likewise, any IC card purchased in other regions (see 1:29) can be used all over Japan.
I used the digital version instead on my phone. Worked perfectly fine!
I can’t read it as it’s all in Japanese, or can you see it in English?
Did you have excess funds at the end of your trip?
I got a Pasmo back in 2017 and a Suica in 2018 - was a good choice to keep them then :D
Of all the talk, one crucial information missing is what public transports the suica card is good for since there are so many different lines including subway operating in Tokyo.
my cute sanrio pasmo passport will be a great little souvenir to put in my scrapbook
Im travelling to Tokyo Narita Airport in November. Would it be possible to update if the Welcome Suica will be there around that time. Thank you for the video!
When I travelled to Tokyo in Apr 2024, the only airport that sold Welcome Suica was at Haneda Airport. I guess once the Welcome Suica are sold out, there should have no more Welcome Suica.
I think visitors prefer to buy the Welcome Suica. When I was at the Haneda Airport, nearly everyone purchased Welcome Suica instead of Suica.
Thanks for the video! It seems that Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport will be discontinued soon...
You really should have explained that you can add a Suica, PASMO or IOCCA card from Apple Wallet and don't need the official apps which aren't available in English (or any other language besides Japanese). You just need to go into Wallet and Add a Card and choose Transport Card instead of Payment card and they are listed in there. Then you only need add some credit and it's active and it then works as you have shown in your video as far as topping up etc.
i tried adding suica on my Apple Wallet, and was able to add ¥1000, but it would not work for me for some reason.
Just tried this and it worked for me! Great tip! Thank you 🙏🏻
Can we prepay Icoca in iPhone wallet by a bank outside Japan?
@@mrbeesg Sure can but sometimes it wont accept foreign VISA cards which seems to be JR blocking them but some work otherwise use Amex or Mastercard.
I am having the exact same issue. We’re you able to find a solution?
Thank you for the information. It's very helpful 👍
yea couldn't find the welcome card at the narita airport but luckily have a apple watch.
Thanks for the video. Quite helpful!
Hello Ono, and thank you so much for the video; it is very helpful! I would like to ask for some advice about a trip I'm planning to Japan in 2024. Both flights are to/from Narita Airport. We will stay in Tokyo for the first 4 days, then travel to Kyoto before returning to Tokyo for our flight back. We're considering getting a 7-day JR Pass, but we'll be in Japan for 10 days. What would be the best combination of transportation cards, financially speaking?
The JR Pass allows you to use the Shinkansen and other trains, so it’s recommended to use it on days when you're traveling to distant locations. Since the JR Pass gives you access to express trains and the Shinkansen, it’s a bit more expensive. If you're only sightseeing in Tokyo, other passes might be a better option!!!
Thank you for your video. Your English is very well understandable for other foreigners.
Do i need a suica or pasmo card for riding a bus/tramway?
In my first Japan trip I avoided traveling by bus and tram, which worked well in Osaka and Tokyo, but in Hiroshima I had to walk from the park to the train station because I didn't know how to pay for the tram ride and didn't want to bother other passengers.
If you're not an apple user and plan to go to Japan within every 10 years, just get yourself a 10-year IC card. Each time you use/recharge it, the 10 year duration is refreshed. You can pay for so many things without the need to deal with cash (coins) so just recharge more at a time.
Thanks for the trip. I visit every few years.
hi, if i get the subway ticket do i need the suica to get around tokyo? i assume the suica is only withing tokyo as i plan to travel from tokyo, kyoto, osaka n kii-tanabe. can u recommend the best option for me
Suica is an IC card for Tokyo, but can be used nationwide!
Hi Ono and to everyone who's watching has been to Japan recently! Traveling in first week of August this year (2024). Would you guys have an update on whether they were able to restock/reissue IC cards? Coming from Narita Airport. Thanks!
Subscribed 👍🏻
Thank you!!😄
The Suica app is only in Japanese? the how to use it?
Thank you for your comment!
You can also use English version! You can select the language from the settings screen of your phone.
How about android phone user who going to osaka , which ic card is better ? Thanks
Android users may not be able to install the Suica app, so I recommended buying a Welcome Suica or Suica from a ticket machine!
Can I use suica card to Osaka?nagoya? Thank you
It can be used in either location!
Hi Ono, hope you answer my question, since Im looking IC card online (welcome suica) and they are sold out everywhere.
Can I buy IC card at Asakusa station?
It can be purchased from a registered Suica ticket vending machine!
I will be arriving at the Osaka Kansai Airport. Is there any chance of getting an IC card from there?
The same question
I don't think there are any chansus, but soon Suica will be available for purchase at JR’s stations😄
Can you also use a commuter pass suica like a regular suica
Yes!!!
Thanks for the video. We'll be arrive at Narita Airport. We have already bought Keisei Line Train tickets and 72h metro ticket. We don't want to use 72 hours metro tickets in our first day so after we using keisei line train, could we get an ic card at Nippori Station? Do you have any idea about it? Thanks a lot.
You used to be able to buy IC cards at any station, but now it's only at Haneda Airport🥲
So you can’t get IC cards at Nippori station😭😭😭
I subscribe 😅
Thank you🥹🥹🥹👍
How to translate the app to English? I downloaded the app but don't know how to change it to English
I think you can change it from the iPhone settings screen!
is it possible to recharge sanrio pasmo and welcome suica card after expired date?
I think it is impossible to recharge once the expiration date has passed😭
Suica and Pasmo card are able to let me into JR trains?
Suica and PASMO can be used on trains anywhere in Japan🚃
Can we buy Tokyo Subway Metro in Narita Airport Terminal 1?
In Vending Machine?
Thank you for your comment!
Tokyo Metro tickets would have had to be purchased at a Tokyo Metro station🤔
@@ONOinJapan Arigato! Only in Big Station Tokyo Metro?
I think it is sold at all Tokyo Metro stations!
@@ONOinJapan wow!!! Hopefully October they re-new the card!
Recharge machines give change?
May I give 10000¥ to charge only 5000¥?
The recharge machine allows you to choose the amount of money you want to recharge, and of course, you get change😁
Is Suica card available in Kansai Airport?
Yes, of course!!😁
@@ONOinJapan Can we use the Suica in Kyoto? Can we buy it in KIX (Osaka)?
How about card of JR BANK?
JR Bank is different from IC cards🥹
I am planning to travel in Japan in October for two week. Hope you could suggest itinerary.
#informative
Hello Ono - Very useful info. I´ve an iphone and tried downloading the Suica card but it seems it is all in Japanese. Is there a version in English? I´d appreciate your help. Greetings from Costa Rica - Central America - Toby
Thank you for your comment!!
Is it possible to select the language from the iPhone settings screen??
@@ONOinJapan Dont worry - I already have my suica card with ur instructions. Appreciate it
✅ NEW SUBSCRIBER
I thought Android phone user also can use download too.?
Really?
Why do this? Japanese people are complaining about foreign tourists. Why promote your country to more people and have them face the anger of your compatriots and also make your compatriots angry?