@@GG-tr2xe as someone who's currently sorting through a deceased loved ones belongings that applies to many things. Might as well keep it if means something to you. Not everything has to be passed on to someone.
My wife and I are going to Japan in March / April 2025 for 15 days. Our first time in Asia and your videos have been very helpful to us. Planning a first time trip to Japan (from Alabama) is a bit overwhelming, but your videos make it manageable! Thanks again for taking the time to post these. We’ll use the digital Pasmo card based on your recommendations! All the best to you and your family!
Great to hear and happy to help! Let us know if you have any specific questions that you haven't found answers to! Do you plan to attend Expo 2025 in Osaka?
@@KenshoQuest Not heard of Expo. We plan on staying in Osaka as well be attending the F1 race in Suzuka. I’d love to send you our dates and interests and get your take on an itinerary. As of now,we’re open other than the race. Thanks again. We’re at the lake with family for Father’s Day. Back to you soon. Happy Father’s Day to you also!
Just came back 5 days ago. You’ll love it. It is overwhelming to plan for and a bit nerve wracking but once you get there, it goes away. The Japanese are very polite and helpful. Download Google translate and you’ll be fine. GO PADS!
Got a digital ic card. Very convenient and easy to load. Just be careful because some areas have their specific ic card, just like in Nagano(kururu ic card). Suica doesn't not work on Nagano buses so buy a Kururu ic card or a one day pass that you can use on specific region.
I am amazed that you put lots of effort and time to guide all the Travellers to Japan, including me. Those videos are so well recorded and presented and very to understand and follow. You and your wife are the ONLY ONE. Very kind kind people! BYW your daughter and son is adorable. Keep doing the good works that you and your wife like. The only question I have is: I want to take my wife to Hokkaido to see the 1st snow fall or the regular month in Winter that the snow will fall more oftenly? The reason is, she came from a hot & rainy seasons country, while enjoyed 7 years, 6 months long winter in Norway and I told her I loved every winter season in that 7 years. And my part, loving the country like Japan very very much, the scenery, the food, the cleanliness, the etiquette and last but not least the famous Cherry Blossom 🌸 and the golfen leaves 🍂 in Autumn, and want to take those awesome things in Japan offering. I am a novice photographer but very keen to learn. I am looking forward for your answer. Thank you for video clip and advices.
Thank you! It should be snowing in Hokkaido by December. But if you want to see it completely covered in snow, I recommend visiting in February. Our more recent trip was in February, and it was amazing. So much powdery snow. Here’s one of our videos on Hokkaido in winter: ruclips.net/video/qwpOI9alcJc/видео.htmlsi=5JpApqPJhB7_G5vy 🌸 Heidi
I usually travel a long period of time in Japan and also lots in rural areas, my fav is a physical ICOCA card, and a digital PASMO, and coins as some trams or busses don’t take the common IC cards or have their own system.
I bought a Pasmo at the airport as that's the first desk we came too, then got a SUICA card at Shibuya Station which ended up being the one I used most often in Tokyo. I bought local cards in Nagoya and Osaka until a friend told me it was on a nationwide network and I could use the SUICA everywhere. I continued to buy them for keepsakes or souvenirs, but they went right into my suitcase and I continued to use my SUICA as my main card, even down as far as Okinawa.
As always, your videos are a life saviour; it doesn't matter wich subject it is: is always helpful, clear and easy to understand. I will never get tired of saying that you guys need to be more recognized.
I've heard you can just use a money card (wise visa card) at the train stations, tap it when you enter and tap it on your way out at the next station and it charges you for the trip. But you have to book the bullet trains online before you go.
Thank you for the useful info. I have all 3 digital cards and top it up to 20,000 yen to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate. Unfortunately, the digital card max top up is 20,000 yen. I find Mastercard usually works without problem.
SUICA is back for regular sale since the start of this year, but unlike before where you could get them out of machines at every JR station. Now they are limited to be sold only at the big main stations in Tokyo that have JRE travel center offices. Think: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa and Narita. (keep in mind the Narita JRE travel center has giant queues always so you might wanna skip getting a card until you're in central Tokyo) If you're flying into Tokyo, get the regular SUICA, not the Welcome one. The regular SUICA is for all intents and purposes valid indefinitely (have to use it once per 10 years to renew; i still use my 2008 purchased SUICA to this day) so you can use it for your next trip, or pass it on to a friend/family member. You can also refund your balance, and/or the card entirely (Which is 500 yen deposit you paid for it) if you have money left and/or know you won't re-use the card in any way.
@@miraxterrikWhere did you find it? I keep searching them i can't find online. I try to look, but it sold out. There's a lot at ebay but is too expensive
Kensho Quest fam deserves a 100K subscribers! Everyone please don’t skip ads, ok? As always, thank you for everything! BTW:any of these cards are ok to use in Okinawa? We might add Okinawa in our itinerary. ☺️
Thank you so much for the kind words and your support 😁 Unfortunately, Okinawa is the odd one out and none of these cards will work in Okinawa. They have their own system and IC card called the OKICA.
I got a Welcome Suica after my arrival in Tokyo, but I bought an ICOCA before I left the kansai region because the card doesn't expire and I can use it for my next trip without having to fear another semiconductor shortage. Furthermore, I love the platypus mascot.
I just got back from Japan last week, and as of at least 2 weeks ago when I arrived (10/22/24) there are now Welcome Suica cards available for purchase at machines across from the JR store in Narita airport.
At first my family were purchasing tickets at the kiosk. The Suica cards were sold out in 11/21/24 at the Shinjuku station. Not a big deal, it is a good experience for the family and kids. My husband situation is a bit complicated. He has an iPhone which he used to iMessage the kids on their iPads when they were younger. He still uses the iPhone via Wi-Fi and brought it with him. We found out he was able to use the digital Suica on his iPhone even though he didn’t have cell service! Using the digital Suica card is SO much easier than purchasing single tickets. Hope this helps.
We are currently in Japan arrived last 05/30 and leaving this 06/20. We had a great time from Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya & Tokyo. We followed all of your advices like renting Pocket WiFi that works even under the train stations and we purchased also the Suica Card for buses, purchases of almost anything and train stations. Thank you for your help for first time travelers to Japan.🙏
This is the first video showing how easy it is to add a digital PASMO card to my iPhone. Thank you!!! First visit in Japan I got the temporary Pasmo passport since I couldn’t figure out the SUICA app.
@@KenshoQuest how do you get the Fuujin and Raijin card? Is it from the machine where you can select your design or do you have to go see a person who needs to confirm that you are a tourist?
Hope you’ve had a nice trip in Japan. I’m traveling next month landing in KIX as well, will spend 2 nights in Osaka and 3 nights in Kyoto. Which card did you end up using?
Thanks for this video! Thanks to your info, I actually bought the Fujiin and Raijin card at KIX. My plan was to flip it for cash, but now I kind of want to have it as a souvenir. 😅
Get a digital IC; I got one digital for my iphone, one digital for my Applewatch (for whatever reason they don’t cross platforms so you need one for each) and SO CONVENIENT!!!
Thanks for the video :) It'll be very helpful for my travel to Japan this September :) I really hope to get one of those Fuujin Raijin ICOCA's they look so amazing 😍
Thank-you for a very thorough presentation. We got an ICOCA the last time in Japan, but our next trip is to Kumamoto; so, we plan to pick up the Kumamon no IC Card there. Very helpful tip about being mindful of transit zones even within the same JR area. Lingustic trivia: Sugoca is the northern Kyushu variant of the Japanese word sugoi (amazing, wonderful). So, you'll often hear umaka (umai: delicious), yoka (yoi: good) in that area.
@@KenshoQuest Just saw a news report from Kumamoto prefecture saying that buses in the prefecture as well as Kumamoto Electric Railway will stop accepting nationwide IC transit cards (e.g., SUICA, ICOCA) by the end of 2024. Kumamoto City Tram will stop accepting as well by March 2026. Payment methods will now be cash, the local Kumamon no IC Card, & credit card touch. They cite the cost of the transit IC card system as the main reason.
Thanks Kensho Quest for your guides in Japan. We got 8 pasmo cards in Haneda when we arrived in June 9, 2024. No pasmo passport though. Not sure how this will last.
So I'm in Osaka in May, hopefully they still have them nice Fujin Raijin cards. This works all of Japan from how I understand. Can you also get a digital card on google wallet, or is this whole ordeal just blocked for ios users?
just returned from a 14 day trip to the area and picked up 3 suica cards at Tokyo Station. The CSR reps there were super helpful! The odd thing is we wanted the Welcome Suica card but they weren't available and we also had a child in our party and a child suica card wasn't available.
Thank you so much. At the start of my trip 2 june i got a pasmo at narita airport, but really wanted a suica and i needed it longer then 28 days. So I saw this comment and went to a JR east service center at Tokyo Station and yes I got a regular Suica. 😃
Thanks for the tip. My family bought Named Suica cards from Ueno station machine right after Japan reopened in 2022, and it only expires 10 years after your last rail or bus trip in Japan. Another advantage of Named Suica cards is the value is transferable to another Named card. Good to know we can use it in the Kansai + Nagoya regions. It's a bummer that the JR Pass is so expensive now so we may just pay for our Shinkansen rides without a Regional pass since our upcoming Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka is spread over 14 days.
I got my first IC card in 2017, a Suica, then lost it before my next trip in 2018, so I got a Pasmo (then found it years later lol). If I could switch to a digital IC card I definitely would, but I'm an Android user 😅 Now I use my Pasmo and keep my Suica as a backup for any of my friends who don't have one!
Suica keeps your balance for 10 years after the last use or charge. If your lost Suica was registered (name, phone number, etc), you can ask for a refund of the balance (minus the deposit you made) the next time you're in Japan.
@@emikami1 Yes, that's such good info! I was in a hurry both times I got my IC cards so unfortunately I can't request for a reimbursement if I lose them 😔 but I keep them on me all the time, and I usually go to Japan once a year, so thankfully the balance won't expire. Thanks for sharing!
@@kuri9573 That is kind of the point of having the Card registered to your name/address/phone number so that if you do lose the card, it is possible to get a refund of the balance even if you never located the lost card. As for carrying the Japanese IC card(s) with you at all times, I think it makes more sense to just keep the Japanese IC card(s) with your passport. You can't go to Japan without a passport anyway and if the card(s) are at the same place as your passport, I suppose you won't forget to take them with you in your next trip to Japan.
Wish I'd seen this before my recent trip, as I love the design of that limited edition ICOCA, and I had a few hrs at Kansai Airport before my flight back home....
Thanks, this is handy. As I'm planning to fly into Osaka and depart Tokyo, it seems the Icoca is the one I need. I have an Android phone, so a good excuse to get the special Icoca card 😉
I found some onlines sites that sold the Welcome Suica online and event send it to your Home outside of Japan. I have recently purchase it this way and it should arrive next week.
@@KenshoQuest They have just arrived this morning to my home, in Madrid, it just took 4 days finally. It was fast and very cheap shipping costs. It was sent from France, where the online store is located.
I’m going to Tokyo at the end of August for the first time and landing in Narita. You said the Welcome Suica is not available there, the regular Suica may not be available, and the Passmo Passport is being discontinued in August. Now I’m a bit concerned because I don’t know what will be available and where to look once I land in the airport.
Hi, I understand your concern. Please do not worry as the PASMO Passport is supposed to be replaced by the regular PASMO. We will make an update as we get close to August as this is a big concern for both Suica and PASMO.
as of july the welcome suica card is only sold in Narita and Haneda Airport according to their website. Im gonna land there on the 3rd of september and see if theyre available
Thank you so much for the amazing explanations, your videos are truly life saving. I've got one question regarding the travel between different areas, how does one know if the trip they take is going to change areas?are there any signs in the stations?
Hi, great question! In some places there are clear signs but in most there will not be any signs. Therefore, if you have traveled a long distance ( more than across town ) consider tapping out of the gate first if you need to make a train change. Don't worry if you don't as the gates won't let you pass if you did! There will be an attendant window at either the left or right sides of the exit gates, just see them.
Very helpful video. This helped in our trip last week in Tokyo. We got the inscribed suica. We are planning to go back in the near future. Can we use the suica in Nagoya once we are there? Thank you!
Hi, Glad it was helpful! Yes! Your newly registered Suica Card will be valid for the next 10 years or longer if you keep using it and will be valid in Nagoya. Perhaps, the only place that is changing in the near future is southern Fukuoka, which will soon phase out the use of these cards.
Thank you for this video. I didn’t know about the special edition card. I’ll be making a special trip to the airport just to get this lol. Do you know if there’s a specific place to go to in order to get one?
Still got my ICOCA from Osaka. As long I can use it in Tokyo all is good. The ICOCA card does not have that IC Logo on the back. Does that mean it will not work? The description on the back says it works everywhere 🤔
Hi thanks for all the great tips for Japan travel. Just wondering if i can get your advice/guidance regarding which train pass to buy. Below is my trip itinerary. Narita airport > Osaka (4days) > Yokohama (1 day) > Taito (rest of the trip)
Hi. For that itinerary you don't really need a train pass. You can buy limited express and Shinkansen train tickets as needed. Here's our video on the easiest way to buy Shinkansen tickets online: ruclips.net/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/видео.html
ive heard the Fujin and Raijin Card isnt available anymore after the Corona chaos. i am there in a few days and would ride down there to get one but not if its unclear if i get one.
i just got a welcome suica at Hanada airport! In order to recieve the card you have to load it with at least 1000 yen. But reloading it at the machine is real easy and they have a language option. unfortunately, the digital suica did not work for me. I was told that suica does not like state-side VISA.... and it absolutely refused to load any money or even issue me a digial suica IC. when i return i'll see if i can get the other IC cards!
i’m flying into tokyo next week and unfortunately won’t be able to get the ltd edition ICOCA card from Kansai, however i will be in Osaka on sunday 15th and if any kind soul could get one for me i’ll trade food & drink for it 😅😅 looooove the design!
Very helpful. Great in detail of IC cards. We had experience with suica that only a "MasterCard" would be able to top up in the app. Do we have any other travel card with option of loading by "visa" cards?
Hi. Visa didn’t work for a long time, but we’ve heard of people being able to use Visa with digital Suica recently. We haven’t personally tried. You could try and see if anything has changed. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you for the informations. I am planning to arrive to Kansai International Airport as I will start my trip from Osaka to Tokyo, I would really appreciate if you did a video about the airport it self, I been trying to find guidelines for it but I couldn't find one.
Thank you for this video. The Kansai One Pass looks excellent to me but why is it "..may not be as widely accepted as the rest.." . Do you know the reason for that? Because using it will make me feel uncomfortable without knowing where reject
Hi, The Kansai ONe Pass is one of the 10, since it is actually an ICOCA card. So it should be widely accepted. There are always exceptions. Especially now, in the Kumamoto Area of Fukuoka no longer accept any of the 10 IC cards as of December 1, 2024.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for your explanation. I also thought that it will be accepted all places that ICOCA is accepted but the sentence from the video(that I added previous message) sounds like there are some limitations especially for Kansai One Pass card, this is why I asked:)
Thanks for sharing! I am having trouble to add suica and pasmo card in apple wallet using Visa payment. Checked online a lot of people are having same trouble not only add new card but top up existing card with varities of credit cards. Not sure how to solve this.
👋 Try the Apple Master Card. Used it for Suica IC digital on my iPhone in April. Was Perfect! Just linked it for a Shinkansen trip in 2 weeks on the EX App. 👍
Hi, we agree. We understand that it requires getting another credit card but the Apple Card ( Mastercard ) works every time for us. Many have trouble with Visa, not just for topping up your digital IC card but using your credit card online for many Japanese companies you will run into issues. Apple Card usually works.
Thanks so much for this video. My wife and I both have iPhones and want to load the digital PASMO. If we are going to Kamakura one day do we just tap it at the gate and proceed to the train? And coming back do the same thing? Thanks!
Yes. Tap when you enter the train station and tap out when you arrive. We included Kamakura in our video about Day Trips from Tokyo: ruclips.net/video/NGSW8nVdqYA/видео.html
Thank you so much for the informative video. I will be going to Hokkaido early next year. 8 oours Transit at Haneda International airport. Am I able to buy Suica cards (not Welcome Card) at Haneda airport?
Hi, it might be possible to get a registered Suica at Haneda. Please visit the the JR Ticket office. If not available you might be interested in the PASMO which should be available at Haneda. It is opposite the JR ticket office.
Great video, thank you! One question, if we travel with the "JR Rapid" from Kyoto to Nara, do we have to book tickets for the journey? Or is it as simple as using our IC card to enter the turnstile and riding it like a "metro" (from Kyoto station to Nara Station)?
Thank you for all of your videos. We are going to Japan in October and I'm still a little overwhelmed when it comes to the cards and trains. If my son and I purchase a JR rail pass is that all I need for our visits to Toyko-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Fukuoka?
Also a clear disclaimer, the mobile version of the Suica cards will NOT work if you have a Visa card in your Apple Wallet. You must have a non-Visa card like Mastercard or American Express for the mobile version to work properly. Also, if you have a physical card, DO NOT (again, DO NOT) transfer it to a digital card because doing so will render your physical card invalid, which will legitimately make it e-waste. Edit Jan 2025: Visa cards now work with digital Suica cards.
I added a Suica card to my Apple Wallet and was able to add money to it with my Visa card. But I have not yet used it. Are you saying that we can add money to it but not use it to get on the trains?
@@canIsee I’m currently in Japan for vacation right now and we have been adding money on the IC digital card with our visa credit card. Haven’t had any problems yet.
Love yalls videos ive been watching them alot the past week because I will be in japan in 6 months. We plan on doing the golden route, which card do you recommend for us to use for all 3? (tokyo, kyoto, osaka) Only if theres one card to use locally when we are in either city I know this excludes the bullet train so i need the card or cards that will help me within those 3 cities if possible. Thanks. We are android users so I know we cant go digital.
Hi, thanks so much! For IC Card, it depends on where you will arrive. If arriving in Tokyo ( both airports ) then the registered Suica ( good for 10 years ) or Welcome Suica ( only valid for 28 days ) are readily available from the vending machines or the JR Ticket Office. If you arrive at Kansai in Osaka then get the ICOCA. Any of these IC cards will work well for you throughout Japan and perfect for your trip. I hope this helps :)
Hi! Thank you so much for this video! I will try travel whole japan and I have +-3 days stop in almost every spot I want to visit. I better for me to buy pass in kyushu and Hokkaido if I will be there only for travel not more likely spend night there or what is good pass for travel whole japan. I will use Pasmo, Suica and Icoca for sure, but I'm still confused with the areas and lines where I can use it. I know I need to watch the symbol IC, but what to do if there is not that symbol? Just buy a single ticket? Thank you so much. I'm little bit stressed out from my 30+days trip in japan 😅
Hi. You only need one card, either PASMO, Suica or ICOCA. Just get the card that's available when you first arrive in Japan. Parts of Kyushu accept IC card, but the southern portion doesn't. For areas that don't accept IC card, you may be able to pay by credit card or purchase a paper ticket with cash.
I will be on a cruise ship from Seoul to the following ports in Japan: the first port is Sasebo, and then we will go to Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kochi, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nagoya, Shimizu, and Tokyo. I will visit the attractions by subway at each port. I would like to know which IC card I should buy from Sasebo so that I can use it for subways and buses in all these places. Thank you
Hi, either the Hayakaken, Nimoca or Sugoca will work. However, you may encounter some buses where they will not work as not all buses are part of the system.
Thank you so much for sharing 🙏 May I ask you something? If me and my family want to go from Osaka to Kyoto back and forth by train, can i use ICOCA? Or is it only for buses and trains within the osaka/kyoto city only? Thank you in advance 🙏
Hi, great question. It depends on the type of train. If you take a local train, then yes, you can just tap in and out with your IC card to and from Osaka/Kyoto. However, if you plan to travel via the Thunderbird Limited Express train or the Shinkansen, then you need to purchase separate tickets.
Thanks for the very informative video. I’m planning our next journey to Japan after 15 years and we have a 12 years old boy company this time 😊. Since he cannot add an IC card on his iPhone wallet (because you need to be at least 13 to add a credit card) and he needs to use an adult card anyway, do you think I can add both a Pasmo and a Suica to my wallet, so that I can switch between the two when required? I know, it’s a bit convoluted, but it seems the only viable option.
Hi, yes, you can certainly have more than one digital IC card in your Apple Wallet but I don't recommend that your son's IC card also be in your wallet. The main reason being that each time you need to tap in and out, you will need to go into your wallet and switch the IC cards which might cause some hiccups and possible lines waiting behind you adding some unneeded stress. But it can be done. If you want to reconsider, Welcome Suica IC Cards are available at both Haneda and Narita airports.
If you want to know where to purchase the Fujin and Raijin IC card then it is available at the Kansai Airport train station. Visit the JR Ticket office.
Some advice please. We fly into Haneda and then catch a domestic flight to Takamatsu. I think I read somewhere, perhaps one of your videos that you have to first use an IC in the home area, eg if you buy a Suica then it has to be used once in Tokyo before using it in another area, say in Osaka or Kyoto. If this is the case then I think we would have to buy a ICOCA card as we will be going to Osaka, then Kyoto and finally Tokyo.
Hi, sorry if we caused some confusion. You can purchase any of the 10 IC cards mentioned in the video and they will work. If you buy the Suica you do not need to first use it in Tokyo, it will work fine in Osaka.
Can you buy and top off IC cards with Visa? One of your videos mentioned that topping off was considered a cash withdrawal for Visa and additional fees would be incurred - is that still the case?
Hi, you can buy some physical IC cards with Visa but you cannot charge them with any type of credit card. If you have a digital IC card and want to charge your digital IC card with Visa you can but as far as it considered a cash withdrawal it depends on the card. Please contact your card issuer to find out. We now only use our Apple Card to charge our digital IC cards since they do not charge any fees.
Hey, we just got to Japan yesterday. Thought I share my own experience here. I initially installed digital ICOCA but was not able top up using Wise Visa. However, no problems with Suica.
Hi and thank you for your videos, they have helped me relax for my trip in a few days. However, I am staying long term for work and I notice your videos hardly ever touch on what to do if you are staying long term. So with this card, I will work in Chiba and travel to Tokyo often, which card is better? I am already lost. LOL! Thanks again for the tips.
Hi, want to get a regular Suica or PASMO if possible since the tourist versions of both expire after 28 days. If you have an iPhone you can get either the digital Suica, PASMO or ICOCA. It doesn't matter which one you get, they will all work fine in the Tokyo area including Chiba.
I went to Tokyo Japan in December 2024. Went to JR East Travel Service Center at Tokyo Station for a Welcoming Suica Card. They instead advised me to get a named Suica Card from a ticket vending machine outside the service center (with black color, at this place is number 4). And voila, within minutes I got my Suica Card with my name on it and expires in 10 years after last transaction (instead of only 28 days for Welcoming Suica Card).
Oh my! I have the regular Icoca already but it looks like I'm about to get another one this August! Go Fuujin and Raijin! Does the Fuujin Raijin card expire? Regular Icoca is 10 years of non use, so I was told.
Yes, but you will need to first figure out the card number associated with your digital Suica card. - Install the Suica Finance app on your phone. - Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet - Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone - Select "Card Details" - Select "Open" in Suica Finance App - In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number. Here's our video about buying Shinkansen tickets on SmartEX: ruclips.net/video/KglsSHuex0Q/видео.html
It's not a waste if you're keeping it and not throwing it in the garbage, it'd make a nice edition to anyone's scrapbook for example.
Yeah but how many people are actually doing that.
The problem is, when u pass on, someone will be throwing it away for u
I have my pasmo card since 2012 and i am going to use the same card next year on my 5th japan holiday.
Yes! My plan is to get each card I can at least once 😊 I want to frame them, hahaha 😅
@@GG-tr2xe as someone who's currently sorting through a deceased loved ones belongings that applies to many things. Might as well keep it if means something to you. Not everything has to be passed on to someone.
This video needs to be a must-watch for all those who travel to Japan! Kudos to the Kensho Quest team!!!
Thanks!
My wife and I are going to Japan in March / April 2025 for 15 days. Our first time in Asia and your videos have been very helpful to us. Planning a first time trip to Japan (from Alabama) is a bit overwhelming, but your videos make it manageable! Thanks again for taking the time to post these. We’ll use the digital Pasmo card based on your recommendations! All the best to you and your family!
Great to hear and happy to help! Let us know if you have any specific questions that you haven't found answers to! Do you plan to attend Expo 2025 in Osaka?
@@KenshoQuest
Not heard of Expo. We plan on staying in Osaka as well be attending the F1 race in Suzuka. I’d love to send you our dates and interests and get your take on an itinerary. As of now,we’re open other than the race. Thanks again. We’re at the lake with family for Father’s Day. Back to you soon. Happy Father’s Day to you also!
Just came back 5 days ago. You’ll love it. It is overwhelming to plan for and a bit nerve wracking but once you get there, it goes away. The Japanese are very polite and helpful. Download Google translate and you’ll be fine. GO PADS!
@@ImAlLynn My wife and I will be going at the exact same timing as you and these videos are incredibly informative!
@@ImAlLynn how cool! I’m visiting the first time too!
Got a digital ic card. Very convenient and easy to load. Just be careful because some areas have their specific ic card, just like in Nagano(kururu ic card). Suica doesn't not work on Nagano buses so buy a Kururu ic card or a one day pass that you can use on specific region.
Thanks for adding that!
By far the only video that goes into these important nuts and bolts of IC cards. Well done team! And thank you
You’re welcome! Which IC card will you get?
I am amazed that you put lots of effort and time to guide all the Travellers to Japan, including me. Those videos are so well recorded and presented and very to understand and follow.
You and your wife are the ONLY ONE. Very kind kind people!
BYW your daughter and son is adorable.
Keep doing the good works that you and your wife like.
The only question I have is: I want to take my wife to Hokkaido to see the 1st snow fall or the regular month in Winter that the snow will fall more oftenly? The reason is, she came from a hot & rainy seasons country, while enjoyed 7 years, 6 months long winter in Norway and I told her I loved every winter season in that 7 years. And my part, loving the country like Japan very very much, the scenery, the food, the cleanliness, the etiquette and last but not least the famous Cherry Blossom 🌸 and the golfen leaves 🍂 in Autumn, and want to take those awesome things in Japan offering. I am a novice photographer but very keen to learn.
I am looking forward for your answer.
Thank you for video clip and advices.
Thank you! It should be snowing in Hokkaido by December. But if you want to see it completely covered in snow, I recommend visiting in February. Our more recent trip was in February, and it was amazing. So much powdery snow. Here’s one of our videos on Hokkaido in winter: ruclips.net/video/qwpOI9alcJc/видео.htmlsi=5JpApqPJhB7_G5vy 🌸 Heidi
Yes fully agree! Really v useful videos! Amazing!
I started to get confused with options. However, because you helpfully reply to others questions these clarified my use of a card in Kyoto.
I usually travel a long period of time in Japan and also lots in rural areas, my fav is a physical ICOCA card, and a digital PASMO, and coins as some trams or busses don’t take the common IC cards or have their own system.
June 2024 I was able to get 3 Suica cards for myself and daughters at Narita airport.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Love the astro boy card !! We still have our suica cards from 5 years ago , we use them when we come back 😊
Cards have a 10 year expiry so you're good 👍 I use android but if you use an iPhone can use digital app to top up cards.
Not all cards. The Kansai One Pass doesn't have an expiration date for example.
'Cards' I meant Suica cards I was not talking about other cards as OP mentioned his Suica Card
I will be more specific next time 🙄
@@Herr.Mitternacht the Astro Boy Kansai One Pass says on it's rear side that it will expire 10 years after the last use.
I bought a Pasmo at the airport as that's the first desk we came too, then got a SUICA card at Shibuya Station which ended up being the one I used most often in Tokyo. I bought local cards in Nagoya and Osaka until a friend told me it was on a nationwide network and I could use the SUICA everywhere. I continued to buy them for keepsakes or souvenirs, but they went right into my suitcase and I continued to use my SUICA as my main card, even down as far as Okinawa.
So you're the reason for the chip shortage 😏😏
As always, your videos are a life saviour; it doesn't matter wich subject it is: is always helpful, clear and easy to understand.
I will never get tired of saying that you guys need to be more recognized.
Thank you so much!
@@KenshoQuest You are always verte welcome ^^
I've heard you can just use a money card (wise visa card) at the train stations, tap it when you enter and tap it on your way out at the next station and it charges you for the trip. But you have to book the bullet trains online before you go.
Your videos offer invaluable information for our upcoming trip to Japan in the Fall. Thank you!
You're welcome! Have a wonderful time in Japan!
Thank you for the useful info. I have all 3 digital cards and top it up to 20,000 yen to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate. Unfortunately, the digital card max top up is 20,000 yen.
I find Mastercard usually works without problem.
@@docvern7 If credit card is used to top Digital IC card, does the credit card charge you fee as cash advance?
@@kelqe no. It’s charged as a regular purchase, not cash advance. Make sure to use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
Aarigato Gozaimasu.
Praying hopping to get physical card only, so I can keep as a memory 🥰
SUICA is back for regular sale since the start of this year, but unlike before where you could get them out of machines at every JR station. Now they are limited to be sold only at the big main stations in Tokyo that have JRE travel center offices. Think: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa and Narita. (keep in mind the Narita JRE travel center has giant queues always so you might wanna skip getting a card until you're in central Tokyo) If you're flying into Tokyo, get the regular SUICA, not the Welcome one. The regular SUICA is for all intents and purposes valid indefinitely (have to use it once per 10 years to renew; i still use my 2008 purchased SUICA to this day) so you can use it for your next trip, or pass it on to a friend/family member. You can also refund your balance, and/or the card entirely (Which is 500 yen deposit you paid for it) if you have money left and/or know you won't re-use the card in any way.
The official website still says it's discontinued
Edit: i found a website that says it's back with limited stock. So let's see 😊
@@miraxterrikWhere did you find it? I keep searching them i can't find online. I try to look, but it sold out. There's a lot at ebay but is too expensive
@@Najerafamilyadventure my understanding is that you can only buy there in person, in some JR offices.
Kensho Quest fam deserves a 100K subscribers! Everyone please don’t skip ads, ok? As always, thank you for everything! BTW:any of these cards are ok to use in Okinawa? We might add Okinawa in our itinerary. ☺️
Thank you so much for the kind words and your support 😁
Unfortunately, Okinawa is the odd one out and none of these cards will work in Okinawa. They have their own system and IC card called the OKICA.
@ Also, in Okinawa the transportation system is not good. 😏
I got a Welcome Suica after my arrival in Tokyo, but I bought an ICOCA before I left the kansai region because the card doesn't expire and I can use it for my next trip without having to fear another semiconductor shortage. Furthermore, I love the platypus mascot.
I just got back from Japan last week, and as of at least 2 weeks ago when I arrived (10/22/24) there are now Welcome Suica cards available for purchase at machines across from the JR store in Narita airport.
Thanks for the update!
I bought the Kansai One Pass in Osaka and used it without problem in Tokyo.
Thanks for sharing!
Going to Osaka next week😊 I hope the Fujin and Raijin card is still available
@@abbie9071 oh i know right, im landing in Osaka this Saturday night, im totally going to look for that card
@@ezeNdog Where you able to get one? If yes, where exactly at the airport?
@pitch_and_power no i didn't get one, i didnt see it openly advertised, we were so tired and busy i didn't have time to look
@ezeNdog too bad but thanks for the feedback
At first my family were purchasing tickets at the kiosk. The Suica cards were sold out in 11/21/24 at the Shinjuku station. Not a big deal, it is a good experience for the family and kids.
My husband situation is a bit complicated. He has an iPhone which he used to iMessage the kids on their iPads when they were younger. He still uses the iPhone via Wi-Fi and brought it with him. We found out he was able to use the digital Suica on his iPhone even though he didn’t have cell service! Using the digital Suica card is SO much easier than purchasing single tickets. Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing!
@ your videos have been so helpful! Thank you so much!
I updated right when I saw they didn't stretch the video to 10 minutes. Great job guys!
I was able to buy a Suica card at Naritia airpot on 24 June 2024. My colleague was also able to purchase one.
Thanks for the update!
Legend 💳
Thank you!!!
We are currently in Japan arrived last 05/30 and leaving this 06/20.
We had a great time from Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya & Tokyo.
We followed all of your advices like renting Pocket WiFi that works even under the train stations and we purchased also the Suica Card for buses, purchases of almost anything and train stations.
Thank you for your help for first time travelers to Japan.🙏
Hi, we are so happy to hear this! Thank you for sharing, we really appreciate it, Aloha 🤙🏼
Got a Welcome Suica card at Narita Airport Station just a few days ago
Thanks for the update!
This is the first video showing how easy it is to add a digital PASMO card to my iPhone. Thank you!!! First visit in Japan I got the temporary Pasmo passport since I couldn’t figure out the SUICA app.
You’re welcome! Digital PASMO works great.
Thank you so much!! So much great information 😊
Glad it was helpful!
We will travel to Japan next week and landing in Osaka. Will try to get our hands on the Fujin Raijin card 😊 Thanks for your content
That's awesome! They should have it at Kansai. Have a great trip!
Same here
@@KenshoQuest how do you get the Fuujin and Raijin card? Is it from the machine where you can select your design or do you have to go see a person who needs to confirm that you are a tourist?
@@dwaynedcruz1519 Hi, the only place this card is available is at the JR Ticket Office, Kansai Airport Station. So you need to visit this office.
Hope you’ve had a nice trip in Japan. I’m traveling next month landing in KIX as well, will spend 2 nights in Osaka and 3 nights in Kyoto. Which card did you end up using?
Thanks for this video! Thanks to your info, I actually bought the Fujiin and Raijin card at KIX. My plan was to flip it for cash, but now I kind of want to have it as a souvenir. 😅
It makes a great souvenir!
Get a digital IC; I got one digital for my iphone, one digital for my Applewatch (for whatever reason they don’t cross platforms so you need one for each) and SO CONVENIENT!!!
How? Does it work for Android
Doesn't work for Android not originally made for Japanese market. Most people use Android.
Thank you for this video. We are planning to travel to Japan soon so this is very helpful.
Have a wonderful time in Japan!
Thanks for the video :)
It'll be very helpful for my travel to Japan this September :)
I really hope to get one of those Fuujin Raijin ICOCA's they look so amazing 😍
Thank you for the info. It is good to know that in case the digital one fails, i can always get a paper one.
Glad to have helped. Yes, if the digital one doesn't work you can get a physical IC card instead.
Thank you! We are headed to Japan touring North to South for a month - your channel has been super useful ❤
Glad to have helped!
Thank-you for a very thorough presentation. We got an ICOCA the last time in Japan, but our next trip is to Kumamoto; so, we plan to pick up the Kumamon no IC Card there. Very helpful tip about being mindful of transit zones even within the same JR area.
Lingustic trivia: Sugoca is the northern Kyushu variant of the Japanese word sugoi (amazing, wonderful). So, you'll often hear umaka (umai: delicious), yoka (yoi: good) in that area.
Thanks for the great explanation about the Sugoca card. It makes perfect sense 😁, thanks for sharing!
@@KenshoQuest Just saw a news report from Kumamoto prefecture saying that buses in the prefecture as well as Kumamoto Electric Railway will stop accepting nationwide IC transit cards (e.g., SUICA, ICOCA) by the end of 2024. Kumamoto City Tram will stop accepting as well by March 2026. Payment methods will now be cash, the local Kumamon no IC Card, & credit card touch. They cite the cost of the transit IC card system as the main reason.
What IC card shall I get if I will be traveling in Tokyo and Kyoto areas? Thank you for all your information and making Japan travel less stressful 😁
If you arrive in Tokyo, get the Welcome SUICA (or regular SUICA, if available). If you arrive in Osaka/Kyoto area, get the ICOCA card.
@@KenshoQuest Thanks. Will be I able to use SUICA card in Kyoto? I will start my travels in Tokyo and going to Kyoto after.
@@irinaphillips8962 Yes
Thanks, your video tips on Japan is really helpful to plan my trip 👍🏽
Thanks Kensho Quest for your guides in Japan. We got 8 pasmo cards in Haneda when we arrived in June 9, 2024. No pasmo passport though. Not sure how this will last.
Thanks for letting us know!
So I'm in Osaka in May, hopefully they still have them nice Fujin Raijin cards.
This works all of Japan from how I understand.
Can you also get a digital card on google wallet, or is this whole ordeal just blocked for ios users?
Coming back to this video after 2 months since im going to go to japan tomorrow with a friend to get my unique icoca card :D
Exciting! Have a safe trip.
@@KenshoQuest thank you, looking forward to put my little Japanese knowledge to the test :'D
Thanks for getting back.
just returned from a 14 day trip to the area and picked up 3 suica cards at Tokyo Station. The CSR reps there were super helpful! The odd thing is we wanted the Welcome Suica card but they weren't available and we also had a child in our party and a child suica card wasn't available.
Thanks for sharing this update!
Thank you so much. At the start of my trip 2 june i got a pasmo at narita airport, but really wanted a suica and i needed it longer then 28 days. So I saw this comment and went to a JR east service center at Tokyo Station and yes I got a regular Suica. 😃
We're going to Japan in September so this is soooo helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful. Have fun in Japan!
Thanks for the tip. My family bought Named Suica cards from Ueno station machine right after Japan reopened in 2022, and it only expires 10 years after your last rail or bus trip in Japan. Another advantage of Named Suica cards is the value is transferable to another Named card. Good to know we can use it in the Kansai + Nagoya regions.
It's a bummer that the JR Pass is so expensive now so we may just pay for our Shinkansen rides without a Regional pass since our upcoming Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka is spread over 14 days.
Thanks for adding that! Yeah, the JR Pass isn't the amazing deal it once was.
I got my first IC card in 2017, a Suica, then lost it before my next trip in 2018, so I got a Pasmo (then found it years later lol). If I could switch to a digital IC card I definitely would, but I'm an Android user 😅 Now I use my Pasmo and keep my Suica as a backup for any of my friends who don't have one!
Suica keeps your balance for 10 years after the last use or charge. If your lost Suica was registered (name, phone number, etc), you can ask for a refund of the balance (minus the deposit you made) the next time you're in Japan.
@@emikami1 Yes, that's such good info! I was in a hurry both times I got my IC cards so unfortunately I can't request for a reimbursement if I lose them 😔 but I keep them on me all the time, and I usually go to Japan once a year, so thankfully the balance won't expire. Thanks for sharing!
Having a back up IC card is always a good idea, I've misplaced mine several times!
@@kuri9573 That is kind of the point of having the Card registered to your name/address/phone number so that if you do lose the card, it is possible to get a refund of the balance even if you never located the lost card.
As for carrying the Japanese IC card(s) with you at all times, I think it makes more sense to just keep the Japanese IC card(s) with your passport. You can't go to Japan without a passport anyway and if the card(s) are at the same place as your passport, I suppose you won't forget to take them with you in your next trip to Japan.
I have got also a nimoca I believe since 2014. ;)
We are planning to go to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto nd ten back to Tokyo...which card would be best for us to purchase???...PLZ AND THANK YOU!!!
You can get either Suica or PASMO while in Tokyo. It will work in Osaka and Kyoto, as well.
What if they added Kobe to that list? Would Pasmo still be a good choice?
I just came back from Japan a couple of days ago. We went to osaka and when I got off at KIX, I got an icoca card from the machine no problems.
Perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Wish I'd seen this before my recent trip, as I love the design of that limited edition ICOCA, and I had a few hrs at Kansai Airport before my flight back home....
Sorry you missed getting one!
Hayakaken is my IC card. The difference is you cant connect it to apple wallet. Unlike Suica and Icoca you can use your Iphone as mode of payment.
Very informative. Thanks
You're welcome!
The PiTaPa card is not for tourists because unlike other IC cards, it's a debit card linked to a Japanese bank account.
Thanks for explaining.
Thanks, this is handy. As I'm planning to fly into Osaka and depart Tokyo, it seems the Icoca is the one I need. I have an Android phone, so a good excuse to get the special Icoca card 😉
Good plan!
Thanks for the great video.
I really like the design of the Fujin Raijin Icoca card.
Does it expire after 28 days like the Welcome Suica though?
Hi, thanks for the comment :). The Fujin and Raijin card does not expire after 28 days since it is a regular ICOCA Card.
Thanks for this information!
I found some onlines sites that sold the Welcome Suica online and event send it to your Home outside of Japan. I have recently purchase it this way and it should arrive next week.
Awesome. Let us know how that works out.
@@KenshoQuest They have just arrived this morning to my home, in Madrid, it just took 4 days finally. It was fast and very cheap shipping costs. It was sent from France, where the online store is located.
I’m going to Tokyo at the end of August for the first time and landing in Narita. You said the Welcome Suica is not available there, the regular Suica may not be available, and the Passmo Passport is being discontinued in August. Now I’m a bit concerned because I don’t know what will be available and where to look once I land in the airport.
Hi, I understand your concern. Please do not worry as the PASMO Passport is supposed to be replaced by the regular PASMO. We will make an update as we get close to August as this is a big concern for both Suica and PASMO.
as of july the welcome suica card is only sold in Narita and Haneda Airport according to their website.
Im gonna land there on the 3rd of september and see if theyre available
Thank you so much for the amazing explanations, your videos are truly life saving. I've got one question regarding the travel between different areas, how does one know if the trip they take is going to change areas?are there any signs in the stations?
Hi, great question! In some places there are clear signs but in most there will not be any signs. Therefore, if you have traveled a long distance ( more than across town ) consider tapping out of the gate first if you need to make a train change. Don't worry if you don't as the gates won't let you pass if you did! There will be an attendant window at either the left or right sides of the exit gates, just see them.
Very helpful video. This helped in our trip last week in Tokyo. We got the inscribed suica. We are planning to go back in the near future. Can we use the suica in Nagoya once we are there? Thank you!
Hi, Glad it was helpful! Yes! Your newly registered Suica Card will be valid for the next 10 years or longer if you keep using it and will be valid in Nagoya. Perhaps, the only place that is changing in the near future is southern Fukuoka, which will soon phase out the use of these cards.
@ Thank you for the reply.
Welcome Suica is available at Narita as at Jan 2025 - there are 2 vending machines which also allow you to top them up with a credit card :)
Thanks for the update!
Thank you for this video. I didn’t know about the special edition card. I’ll be making a special trip to the airport just to get this lol. Do you know if there’s a specific place to go to in order to get one?
You're welcome! Yes, you can get the Fujin & Raijin IC card at the JR Ticket Office at Kansai Airport Station.
Thank you for the tip🙏🏼
Still got my ICOCA from Osaka. As long I can use it in Tokyo all is good. The ICOCA card does not have that IC Logo on the back. Does that mean it will not work? The description on the back says it works everywhere 🤔
The ICOCA card will work fine in Tokyo! The IC symbol is found on buses, stores, and other places that accept payment by the major IC cards.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you
Hi thanks for all the great tips for Japan travel.
Just wondering if i can get your advice/guidance regarding which train pass to buy. Below is my trip itinerary.
Narita airport > Osaka (4days) > Yokohama (1 day) > Taito (rest of the trip)
Hi. For that itinerary you don't really need a train pass. You can buy limited express and Shinkansen train tickets as needed. Here's our video on the easiest way to buy Shinkansen tickets online: ruclips.net/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/видео.html
You guys are incredible with info! Wish it wasn't this confusing for travel and or avail for android
Sorry it's confusing. Just buy whichever IC card is available when you arrive in Japan, as long as it's one of the major 10 IC cards.
ive heard the Fujin and Raijin Card isnt available anymore after the Corona chaos. i am there in a few days and would ride down there to get one but not if its unclear if i get one.
i just got a welcome suica at Hanada airport! In order to recieve the card you have to load it with at least 1000 yen. But reloading it at the machine is real easy and they have a language option. unfortunately, the digital suica did not work for me. I was told that suica does not like state-side VISA.... and it absolutely refused to load any money or even issue me a digial suica IC. when i return i'll see if i can get the other IC cards!
Thanks for the update!
Thanks for the information. Very informative. 👍👍
You're welcome!
i’m flying into tokyo next week and unfortunately won’t be able to get the ltd edition ICOCA card from Kansai, however i will be in Osaka on sunday 15th and if any kind soul could get one for me i’ll trade food & drink for it 😅😅 looooove the design!
Very helpful. Great in detail of IC cards. We had experience with suica that only a "MasterCard" would be able to top up in the app. Do we have any other travel card with option of loading by "visa" cards?
Hi. Visa didn’t work for a long time, but we’ve heard of people being able to use Visa with digital Suica recently. We haven’t personally tried. You could try and see if anything has changed. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you for the informations. I am planning to arrive to Kansai International Airport as I will start my trip from Osaka to Tokyo, I would really appreciate if you did a video about the airport it self, I been trying to find guidelines for it but I couldn't find one.
Thanks for the suggestion! We'll make a video next time we fly into Kansai, but it might be a while.
Thank you for this video. The Kansai One Pass looks excellent to me but why is it "..may not be as widely accepted as the rest.." . Do you know the reason for that? Because using it will make me feel uncomfortable without knowing where reject
Hi, The Kansai ONe Pass is one of the 10, since it is actually an ICOCA card. So it should be widely accepted. There are always exceptions. Especially now, in the Kumamoto Area of Fukuoka no longer accept any of the 10 IC cards as of December 1, 2024.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for your explanation. I also thought that it will be accepted all places that ICOCA is accepted but the sentence from the video(that I added previous message) sounds like there are some limitations especially for Kansai One Pass card, this is why I asked:)
Thanks for sharing! I am having trouble to add suica and pasmo card in apple wallet using Visa payment. Checked online a lot of people are having same trouble not only add new card but top up existing card with varities of credit cards. Not sure how to solve this.
👋 Try the Apple Master Card. Used it for Suica IC digital on my iPhone in April. Was Perfect! Just linked it for a Shinkansen trip in 2 weeks on the EX App. 👍
Hi, we agree. We understand that it requires getting another credit card but the Apple Card ( Mastercard ) works every time for us. Many have trouble with Visa, not just for topping up your digital IC card but using your credit card online for many Japanese companies you will run into issues. Apple Card usually works.
Hi,, thank you for this informative video.. can we still buy physical ICOCA card at the Kansai airport? I’m flying in early Nov’ 2024 .. Thank you 🙏
Hi, yes they are available at Kansai Airport Station
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for replying 🙏
Thank you so much for this! I’m probably going to get the Welcome Suica card, I want to keep it for a souvenir for my trip! 😊
Welcome Suica is a nice card to have!
Can we use Suica card in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima?
Yes.
Thanks so much for this video. My wife and I both have iPhones and want to load the digital PASMO. If we are going to Kamakura one day do we just tap it at the gate and proceed to the train? And coming back do the same thing? Thanks!
Yes. Tap when you enter the train station and tap out when you arrive. We included Kamakura in our video about Day Trips from Tokyo: ruclips.net/video/NGSW8nVdqYA/видео.html
Thank you so much for the informative video. I will be going to Hokkaido early next year. 8 oours Transit at Haneda International airport. Am I able to buy Suica cards (not Welcome Card) at Haneda airport?
Hi, it might be possible to get a registered Suica at Haneda. Please visit the the JR Ticket office. If not available you might be interested in the PASMO which should be available at Haneda. It is opposite the JR ticket office.
Great video, thank you! One question, if we travel with the "JR Rapid" from Kyoto to Nara, do we have to book tickets for the journey? Or is it as simple as using our IC card to enter the turnstile and riding it like a "metro" (from Kyoto station to Nara Station)?
Hi, great question. The Rapid can be used with just your IC card : )
Thank you for all of your videos. We are going to Japan in October and I'm still a little overwhelmed when it comes to the cards and trains. If my son and I purchase a JR rail pass is that all I need for our visits to Toyko-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Fukuoka?
In addition to the JR Pass, you will probably want an IC card to pay for local transportation.
@@KenshoQuest thank you!
Also a clear disclaimer, the mobile version of the Suica cards will NOT work if you have a Visa card in your Apple Wallet. You must have a non-Visa card like Mastercard or American Express for the mobile version to work properly.
Also, if you have a physical card, DO NOT (again, DO NOT) transfer it to a digital card because doing so will render your physical card invalid, which will legitimately make it e-waste.
Edit Jan 2025: Visa cards now work with digital Suica cards.
I added a Suica card to my Apple Wallet and was able to add money to it with my Visa card. But I have not yet used it. Are you saying that we can add money to it but not use it to get on the trains?
Also wondering…
@@canIsee I’m currently in Japan for vacation right now and we have been adding money on the IC digital card with our visa credit card. Haven’t had any problems yet.
@@VicBayolo I’m in Japan now and have had no problems with it either.
@@canIsee heck, my wife has been using it from her apple watch no problems as well lol
Love yalls videos ive been watching them alot the past week because I will be in japan in 6 months. We plan on doing the golden route, which card do you recommend for us to use for all 3? (tokyo, kyoto, osaka) Only if theres one card to use locally when we are in either city I know this excludes the bullet train so i need the card or cards that will help me within those 3 cities if possible. Thanks. We are android users so I know we cant go digital.
Hi, thanks so much! For IC Card, it depends on where you will arrive. If arriving in Tokyo ( both airports ) then the registered Suica ( good for 10 years ) or Welcome Suica ( only valid for 28 days ) are readily available from the vending machines or the JR Ticket Office. If you arrive at Kansai in Osaka then get the ICOCA. Any of these IC cards will work well for you throughout Japan and perfect for your trip. I hope this helps :)
@KenshoQuest Oh yes it helps alot! Thank you for the advice and I will continue watching yalls videos, yall have truly been helpful! Take care!
You are super helpful 🎊
Glad to have helped!
Hi! Thank you so much for this video! I will try travel whole japan and I have +-3 days stop in almost every spot I want to visit. I better for me to buy pass in kyushu and Hokkaido if I will be there only for travel not more likely spend night there or what is good pass for travel whole japan. I will use Pasmo, Suica and Icoca for sure, but I'm still confused with the areas and lines where I can use it. I know I need to watch the symbol IC, but what to do if there is not that symbol? Just buy a single ticket? Thank you so much. I'm little bit stressed out from my 30+days trip in japan 😅
Hi. You only need one card, either PASMO, Suica or ICOCA. Just get the card that's available when you first arrive in Japan. Parts of Kyushu accept IC card, but the southern portion doesn't. For areas that don't accept IC card, you may be able to pay by credit card or purchase a paper ticket with cash.
I will be on a cruise ship from Seoul to the following ports in Japan: the first port is Sasebo, and then we will go to Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kochi, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nagoya, Shimizu, and Tokyo. I will visit the attractions by subway at each port. I would like to know which IC card I should buy from Sasebo so that I can use it for subways and buses in all these places. Thank you
Hi, either the Hayakaken, Nimoca or Sugoca will work. However, you may encounter some buses where they will not work as not all buses are part of the system.
Thank you so much for sharing 🙏 May I ask you something? If me and my family want to go from Osaka to Kyoto back and forth by train, can i use ICOCA? Or is it only for buses and trains within the osaka/kyoto city only?
Thank you in advance 🙏
Hi, great question. It depends on the type of train. If you take a local train, then yes, you can just tap in and out with your IC card to and from Osaka/Kyoto. However, if you plan to travel via the Thunderbird Limited Express train or the Shinkansen, then you need to purchase separate tickets.
Thanks for the very informative video. I’m planning our next journey to Japan after 15 years and we have a 12 years old boy company this time 😊. Since he cannot add an IC card on his iPhone wallet (because you need to be at least 13 to add a credit card) and he needs to use an adult card anyway, do you think I can add both a Pasmo and a Suica to my wallet, so that I can switch between the two when required? I know, it’s a bit convoluted, but it seems the only viable option.
Hi, yes, you can certainly have more than one digital IC card in your Apple Wallet but I don't recommend that your son's IC card also be in your wallet. The main reason being that each time you need to tap in and out, you will need to go into your wallet and switch the IC cards which might cause some hiccups and possible lines waiting behind you adding some unneeded stress. But it can be done.
If you want to reconsider, Welcome Suica IC Cards are available at both Haneda and Narita airports.
Is there an update on i there is still a chip shortage? Are some cards still in short supply? Thanks!
You can currently get a registered Suica card (with your name on it). You also should be able to get an IC card when you arrive at the airport.
Where in Kansai airport? At the station or somewhere in the terminal?
If you want to know where to purchase the Fujin and Raijin IC card then it is available at the Kansai Airport train station. Visit the JR Ticket office.
Some advice please. We fly into Haneda and then catch a domestic flight to Takamatsu. I think I read somewhere, perhaps one of your videos that you have to first use an IC in the home area, eg if you buy a Suica then it has to be used once in Tokyo before using it in another area, say in Osaka or Kyoto. If this is the case then I think we would have to buy a ICOCA card as we will be going to Osaka, then Kyoto and finally Tokyo.
Hi, sorry if we caused some confusion. You can purchase any of the 10 IC cards mentioned in the video and they will work. If you buy the Suica you do not need to first use it in Tokyo, it will work fine in Osaka.
Can you buy and top off IC cards with Visa? One of your videos mentioned that topping off was considered a cash withdrawal for Visa and additional fees would be incurred - is that still the case?
Hi, you can buy some physical IC cards with Visa but you cannot charge them with any type of credit card. If you have a digital IC card and want to charge your digital IC card with Visa you can but as far as it considered a cash withdrawal it depends on the card. Please contact your card issuer to find out. We now only use our Apple Card to charge our digital IC cards since they do not charge any fees.
Hey, we just got to Japan yesterday. Thought I share my own experience here. I initially installed digital ICOCA but was not able top up using Wise Visa. However, no problems with Suica.
Hi and thank you for your videos, they have helped me relax for my trip in a few days. However, I am staying long term for work and I notice your videos hardly ever touch on what to do if you are staying long term. So with this card, I will work in Chiba and travel to Tokyo often, which card is better? I am already lost. LOL! Thanks again for the tips.
Hi, want to get a regular Suica or PASMO if possible since the tourist versions of both expire after 28 days. If you have an iPhone you can get either the digital Suica, PASMO or ICOCA. It doesn't matter which one you get, they will all work fine in the Tokyo area including Chiba.
I went to Tokyo Japan in December 2024. Went to JR East Travel Service Center at Tokyo Station for a Welcoming Suica Card. They instead advised me to get a named Suica Card from a ticket vending machine outside the service center (with black color, at this place is number 4). And voila, within minutes I got my Suica Card with my name on it and expires in 10 years after last transaction (instead of only 28 days for Welcoming Suica Card).
Oh my! I have the regular Icoca already but it looks like I'm about to get another one this August! Go Fuujin and Raijin! Does the Fuujin Raijin card expire? Regular Icoca is 10 years of non use, so I was told.
Hi, it’s the same as a regular ICOCA, so 10 years as well!
If I use iPhone for Digital IC, do I need to have data plan or can I use Digital IC on airplane mode? Thank you for your informative video.
Hi, we personally haven't tried it but it should work, and we have heard from others that it worked for them.
Can you link an electronic Suica card (apple wallet) to a shinkansen ticket purchased through SmartEx?
Yes, but you will need to first figure out the card number associated with your digital Suica card.
- Install the Suica Finance app on your phone.
- Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet
- Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone
- Select "Card Details"
- Select "Open" in Suica Finance App
- In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
Here's our video about buying Shinkansen tickets on SmartEX: ruclips.net/video/KglsSHuex0Q/видео.html