Stressed About Japan IC Cards?! This Video Will SAVE You! (2025 Updated Essential Info!)

Between the ICOCA, Suica, Welcome Suica, and everything else, it can be confusing to decide which card to choose for your trip to Japan! As well as all the places you CAN and CAN'T use the cards! Let's talk about which card you should get and how to get them!
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[@widehusky]

Very nice video, really cleared up the air as this topic tends to get very confusing. Your explanation really unraveled the mystery and it now makes sense. Thanks.

[@widehusky]

I do have a question though. I will be landing in tokyo so my option is SUICA. Problem is, ive seen around so many videos and blogs saying that they will stop giving out suica cards. Is that true? Since your video is only 2 days old I would assume these videos are incorrect?

[@piqtourjapan]

The Suica you can get now are the ones that you must put your name on when you buy them. The ones that are nameless are often stopped. It's easier, I guess, for JR to assume people will not just use and toss one that they take the time to register their name, birthday, etc. on. But at any time, they may stop with both, in which case, the Welcome Suica is always available. I filmed the Suica stuff for this video just days before I posted it, so it was being sold then. Hope that kinda helps!

[@miltonchung5016]

Traveled to Japan in Nov 24. Used the Suica on my IPhone. Super convenient. Was able to use on Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto subways and buses. Caution: need to have internet to activate or recharge the card.

[@Jessica_Cruz86]

Im so glad I've found this channel!!! These videos have been so helpful 😊

[@piqtourjapan]

I'm so glad, thank you!

[@Pitman33]

Great info, Abi. Have a good weekend!

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you, you too!

[@larrydizon4421]

This video answered all my questions! Thanks you!

[@erniesandoval9669]

Thanks for the info, love your channel.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you!!

[@Chrisb8s]

Using the Apple phone app for icoca is soooooo convenient. So easy to recharge. Just always carry a back up battery.

[@galebourn]

My reason for owning a Kitaca is because it has a cute Ezo-Momonga on it. That's all I need.

[@leafhound]

Great info. For our trip in December, for the Welcome to Suica, we were able to purchase and load the initial amount with a credit card. And yeah cash afterwards when reloading.

[@piqtourjapan]

Good to know! I've had some people say they could and some say they couldn't....wonder what the logic is. Glad to know that worked for you!!

[@leafhound]

@@piqtourjapan For what it's worth, this was at Narita next to the JR travel center in Terminal 1

[@shure7586]

I got the welcome suica the last time, gonna get the passmo passport next time. Keeping them for souvenir 😊

[@arneberg9261]

This was great- thank ya. Doin Japan soon in Mars and now I defenetly know that Welcome Suica card is my choice ---

[@nateshf9303]

Don't bother with the useless, limited Welcome card that you have to physically load up money onto.

[@arneberg9261]

@@nateshf9303 Useless ??

[@AmmarZolkipli]

I'm watching just because you're wearing a michigan sweater. go Blue

[@looseshoulderssumali7311]

I wish I had taken a pic of the card number. This is a great tip. I also wish that 7-11 or Lawson or Family mart sold these IC card. They don't. Not every machine at a station sell the IC card either. I lost 2 Icoca cards and ended up getting a Pasmo card. Oh well...

[@SamAdam87]

Hello from Michigan, cause you're repin Michigan!

[@angelicstreaming3997]

Just want to mention that in Kansai Airport you can get a special design ICOCA card from the JR Service Centre.

[@eraserrx]

I have great experience with Welcome Suica. In my case, I started with ¥2000. Then I top up ¥1000 at a time

[@Geokai]

A small 'trick' for android users that don't have a phone bought in Japan and wanna use their phones like the iphone users do, is to buy a smartwatch (like the Galaxy watches) in Japan.

[@fragilelove]

Thank-you for the video

[@mugekuge]

What is the expiration date for these cards?

[@ajaxwhat]

When I was in Japan in 2019, I was able to obtain my Suica refund from the same machine I loaded the money on. Not sure if that's changed in the last 5 years...

[@DuarteTeixeira_PT]

Hi Abi, how do I check how much credit I still have on the cards?

[@taipon.s9159]

I recommend you guys Mobile Suica

[@nicoleh1680]

Great tip about taking a photo of your physical IC cards just in case you lose it. They are so useful, but if you load it with (approx $100) and lose it, that would really ruin your day.

[@piqtourjapan]

Definitely!!

[@Invictus_Mithra]

Thanks for all the information. In some other videos I've seen people were talking about there being an IC shortage. Is this still a problem? So if I understand correctly, once I arrive at a major airport in Japan, as long as I have Japanese cash, I can get an IC card from there?

[@zam023]

FYI, one more info about IC cards. IC cards have a shelf life of 10 years, except the Welcome Suica which has a set time limit. So, if you think there is a possibility that you might come back to Japan with in the next 10 years, then I recommend you keep your IC card. You can use it again when you come back to Japan.

[@superiornightwing]

I got the normal suica because I had this feeling I would be back. And I will be so I can just load the card and skip the line at the airport

[@kennypuaykiattay4388]

How about the Kansai One Pass instead of Icoca Card?

[@robertmadden7536]

When u use IC cards on buses, do u tap on and off or just on

[@nateshf9303]

Yes, in most big cities.

[@citroniron8861]

Is the card with Hello Kitty not available anymore?

[@santibozzo]

Hi Abby!!!! I'm planning to go in March, and I was wondering if it's possible to have both the regular Suica and the Welcome Suica with me. Thanks a lot! I love the channel!

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you!! Hmm you definitely could if you wanted! Any specific reason you want to?

[@santibozzo]

@piqtourjapan Hi!!!! Yes, just for back up, in the case I'm in a hurry and have no time to recharge if I have only one. Also as souvenirs when I come back 😄

[@hollish5915]

I just thought that for people who have not experienced purchasing an IC card before, they might get confused if they come across a machine that sells Pasmo cards, or if they see people using a Pasmo card. I have used a Pasmo card before and was not aware the terms were used interchangeably because they are not the same card.

[@MissPatsylicious]

Hi Abi could you share information on the metro day passes i hearing there is 3 day passes and so on.. thankyou ..when to get a suica card vs using passes

[@dachosenone207]

Just use google maps to estimate. It will give you the total amount per trip. Then compare which one is cheaper

[@Vlican]

Love your content and information! Question about charging IC cards, are there any places where you can dump all the coins to charge an IC card?

[@piqtourjapan]

If you charge at a station, you can generally insert coins to charge. Usually only takes certain coins, probably not one yen coins. But for lots of 50s and 100s, definitely.

[@Vlican]

@piqtourjapan awesome, that should help with the loose change!

[@nateshf9303]

@@Vlican Get rid of your coins on the bus. My wife and I did.

[@leelafrese9881]

Can I add a Suica to my iPhone before leaving for Japan? Is that recommended? Is there a deposit charged when creating a Suica on your iPhone?

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I downloaded three mobile IC card apps on our iPhones before our trip to Japan last year. We each loaded them with ¥20,000 each when the exchange rate was ¥160 to $1 USD. Using the mobile apps was incredibly convenient, especially since when I set one of them to "transit" mode.

[@ashchbkv6965]

So the ICOCA card doesn't require your personal identity information but the Suica cards do?

[@luismarquez8065]

Hi great video. Can I pay with Apple Pay to purchase the ICOCA card for the very first time instead of paying with cash? Thanks

[@piqtourjapan]

Nope, only cash. But the Welcome Suica you can pay for and charge with card (in some locations) when you're buying it for the first time. Otherwise you just need to get cash from the ATM.

[@luismarquez8065]

@ Hi I’m taking about paying using the Apple phone app.

[@kennethwu115]

Hi Thanks very much..for a welcome Suica..how much cash should I pre load?in Tokyo for about 4 days. Thanks v much

[@MsLillilli]

If I were to decide against a Suica, can I still pay cash on buses?

[@piqtourjapan]

Yep 👍🏼

[@phillip1588]

Thanks for the video! Still have one question: When you want to get a refund with your normal suica card, are you still keeping your suica card or do you have to give them away too?

[@nateshf9303]

No refund on remaining balance. That is why I prefer the mobile ic card apps.

[@Keny-Quintanilla]

Do kids need a suica card?

[@hollish5915]

Is the Pasmo card no longer issued? Or, it is no longer popular to use? Other than a very short, typed reference to Pasmo, nothing else was said about it.

[@yo2trader539]

We tend to use the word SUICA and PASMO interchangeably in Tokyo. Technically speaking, Tokyo subway, private railways, and buses use the name PASMO, while JR uses the brand name SUICA. But they're based on the same technology platform, and can be used on each others services or charged anywhere...so we don't really differentiate it anymore. Some people say Suica, some people say Pasmo referring to the same card.

[@mikebialecki]

Can you use the iPhone to purchase other things such as lockers and food at convenience stores just like the card?

[@nateshf9303]

Yes, and very convenient. I used my iphone ic card app at a locker in Hiroshima JR Station last year.

[@portalphenom4558]

What about the TOICA card?

[@piqtourjapan]

There's a whole lot of cards in Japan so I chose the ones I generally recommend. Of course, they are pretty much interchangeable across the country so you're welcome to get whichever one you like.

[@lilyw.1788]

I have 13 and 14 yr old traveling with us so they also need their own cards to use for transportation or can I use my card for all passengers ?

[@piqtourjapan]

Everyone who is 6 and older needs their own card

[@treats21]

Hi, I'm planning to go to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo this coming week. Also been watching all your videos which have been very helpful. Can you get the Welcome Suica card at any subway station in Osaka? (arriving at Cosmos Square station actually) Also, is it sweatshirt/light jacket weather already? It doesn't seem to be very cold right now...thanks

[@glademaster]

How do I get a child discount IC card in Tokyo Bay or Kyoto?

[@bobchieu2354]

Great info, would you be able to get the refund for unused amount for the iphone. I'm planning to land in osaka for a few days and then travel to takayama, kyoto and back to osaka. Does that mean this iphone option should be sufficient for my travel and perhaps only special ticket for the highspeed train to takayama. Are there any option for unlimited subway/ride option on the iphone? Any info you provide would be great help. Thanks.

[@nateshf9303]

Unused amount stays on the iphone. Ours do since my wife and I go to Japan several times a year.

[@julienonepiece]

J'ai pris la.carte ICOCA pour mon voyage. Je prends l'avion dans 2 jours.

[@AmyMilliken-j5j]

What is Pasmo card?

[@nateshf9303]

Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA are all the same. I used them throughout Japan. It comes down to which design you prefer. My kids love the blue ICOCA card.

[@scrapbookcrazy8612]

Hi why was it looking for personal info like date of birth and phone number? Is that mandatory?

[@nateshf9303]

Download the mobile IC card apps if you can and don't input personal info.

[@orlandopotts4819]

Do the osaka card last 10 years

[@dereksbooks]

They last indefinitely, so long as you use them at least once every ten years.

[@KarolFuksiewicz]

Google pixel android phone can install pasmo 🙂

[@piqtourjapan]

? You mean non-Japanese (non-osaifu keitai) enabled devices? Without rooting your phone?

[@KarolFuksiewicz]

@piqtourjapan google pixel phone have osaifu keitai

[@piqtourjapan]

If your phone was purchased in Japan, yeah?

[@KarolFuksiewicz]

It seems that pixel phones have it installed globally. IPhone and pixel should work then 🙂

[@piqtourjapan]

You have to root your phone tho. Foreign google pixels do have felica built-in but it's software locked. Do you have a source that suggests otherwise? If so, I'd love to know.

[@ReiwaMagi]

I have a nimoca, two different Hayakaken, two different SUGOCA, Three different ICOCA cards, manaca, toICa, Monorail Suica, Pasmo on my phone (Transferred from physical), and a Kitaca :) Yay for collection!

[@piqtourjapan]

Wow, love it!!

[@liwyatan]

Visited Japan last November. First of all, if you have an iPhone you have the cards with you already. Look at the wallet. Japan has started the process of phasing out the physical IC cards for virtual ones. I didn't buy any or had to use any machine. I used the IC cards (I'm "team" Suica) on the iPhone. Only had to pay with physical money once (we got lost in the mountains near Nagano and we had lunch on a small town (like really small). It didn't seem that they had seen foreigners on a long time. Also, contactless is spreading really fast. On big and medium cities I was able to pay with my Apple Watch with no issues on most convenience stores.

[@aaroneleby3886]

We’ll be there in July from MI. Can’t wait until then. Go Blue!

[@meestaShin]

Summer is the worrrst time to go. Get ready for insane humidity!

[@aaroneleby3886]

@ I’ll be fine. I’ve been to Taipei in early August.

[@jfdewoluwe]

Don't get your money back because you will come back and it's valid 10 years :) and you can also use them on vending machines.

[@zam023]

Cash = Freedom. Don't give up your cash for cashless i.e Debit card and charge card apps. Why? Because they can get blocked by a 3rd party, for example when your government tells your bank to freeze all your accounts. IC cards are considered an alternative to cash because when you charge it with cash, it is a stand alone card, not linked to any banks.

[@Mochichan2]

Last time I was there I got a Hello Kitty Passmo Passport, and I am super sad that it is no longer offered. 😢