JAPAN UPDATED | Tokyo’s SUICA IC Card Is BACK? | Suica & PASMO Updates You MUST KNOW | Travel 2024

After MONTHS of the Suica and PASMO being canceled, it looks like Japan’s ICONIC Suica Card is officially back. Suica has recently resumed sales at select stations in Tokyo. In this video, I comprehensively explore the current status of transportation IC cards for foreigners, focusing on the situation in Tokyo, a key arrival point for many visitors. This research, conducted at the end of January, provides up-to-date information. Throughout the video, I’ll delve into the details of each aspect. In the end, I’ll guide you through the optimal choices based on your travel situation. Stay tuned until the end for valuable insights into these essential travel tips.
#travelguide #japan #Tokyo #tokyo2024 #Osaka2024 #Kyoto2024 #japantraveltips #thingstodo #japanevents #Tourismevets #thingstoknow #UniqueCulture

⭐️CHAPTERS⭐️
0:00 Opening
1:27 1.Physical Suica
2:46 2.Physical PASMO
3:14 3.TOICA
4:03 4.Welcome Suica
5:14 5.PASMO PASSPORT
6:19 6.Mobile Suica
7:15 7.Conclusion for Your Choice

⭐️Related Videos⭐️
JAPAN HAS CHANGED | 10 New Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan | Travel Update 2024

UPDATED 9 BEST APPS + 2 Websites for TRAVELING IN JAPAN | MOST USEFUL for Visit Japan | Guide 2024

⭐️REFERENCES⭐️
Suica update information
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/index.html
PASMO PASSPORT information
https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/
Sales of Suica and PASMO Transit Cards to be Temporarily Suspended
https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/news/suica-and-pasmo-transit-cards-to-temporarily-halt-sales/

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Hi, I’m Toshi from Japan and tourist guide for foreigners. In this video, I will show you Japan Suica & PASMO Updates You MUST KNOW before traveling to Japan! In Japan, transportation IC cards like ‘Suica’ and ‘PASMO’ are essential for travelers, seamlessly integrating into daily life.

Not just for public transportation, these cards are a lifeline for shopping at convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines. Offering incredible convenience, they’re a must-have for streamlining your travel within Japan. However, as mentioned in my previous video, semiconductor shortages led to the suspension of Suica and PASMO sales.

But, here is breaking news! Suica has recently resumed sales at select stations in Tokyo. In this video, I comprehensively explore the current status of transportation IC cards for foreigners, focusing on the situation in Tokyo, a key arrival point for many visitors.

This research, conducted at the end of January, provides up-to-date information. The triangular items in the table indicate conditional availability or use. Throughout the video, I’ll delve into the details of each aspect. In the end, I’ll guide you through the optimal choices based on your travel situation.

Stay tuned until the end for valuable insights into these essential travel tips. So, let’s get started. No1 is Physical Suica. According to the official J R East website, the sale of physical Suica cards has resumed, but currently, it’s limited to specific areas in Tokyo.

The available stations for purchase include Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ueno. To provide firsthand information, I visited these stations to confirm the availability. The conclusion is that you can purchase them, but there were a few important points to note.

First, each person can only buy one card due to limited stock amid semiconductor shortages. I asked to purchase one for a friend, but was told that they could not sell it due to a shortage of semiconductors and low inventory.

Second, there are two purchase options: a plan with a 500 yen deposit and 500 yen charge (total 1000 yen), and another with a 500 yen deposit and 1500 yen charge (total 2000 yen). Third, it’s crucial to be aware that sales may end once the stock is depleted.

According to the staff, while it’s not expected to run out immediately, the popularity of these cards may lead to shortages in the coming months. I’ll share the information as soon as there are any updates, so please subscribe to my channel. No2 is Physical PASMO.

Regarding Physical PASMO, it has been unavailable since August 2023, similar to Suica. Despite checking the official website and visiting sales stations in person, it remains suspended. However, the PASMO Passport, an alternative option, is currently available. More details about this will be explained in the upcoming chapter. No3 is TOICA.

Physical TOICA is an IC card for public transportation in the Nagoya area, presented by J R Tokai. This card, offering functionalities akin to Suica and PASMO, has been a convenient travel companion.

Actually you were able to buy this card at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but a recent investigation at the end of January unveiled a cessation of sales since January 19.

Upon engaging with the station staff, she told me that Suica and PASMO had been discontinued and many foreign tourists had purchased them, leading to a shortage in stock. Unfortunately, as of now, there is no set date for the resumption of sales. Stay tuned for further updates on this matter. No4 is Welcome Suica.

Similar to the Physical Suica, PASMO, and PASMO Passport, Welcome Suica boasts the same fundamental features. However, a distinctive aspect is its lack of a required deposit, allowing users to utilize all stored value without concerns about refunds.

It’s crucial to note the 28-day validity period, and since refunds are not an option, it’s essential to utilize the balance within this timeframe. However, due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage, Welcome Suica is currently sold exclusively at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. While it was previously sold at Narita Airport, it is temporarily unavailable there.

If arriving at Narita airport, I recommend taking the Narita Express or a bus to Tokyo and purchasing the Physical Suica, as mentioned in the previous chapter, from a station where it’s still available.

I confirmed with sales staff that due to the severity of the semiconductor shortage, there’s a possibility of discontinuing sales at Haneda Airport in the future. Stay tuned for the latest updates; make sure to subscribe to my channel. No5 is PASMO PASSPORT.

As mentioned in the previous chapter, PASMO Passport shares the same functionalities as Welcome Suica. However, I highly recommend PASMO Passport for two compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers access to discount coupons. You can receive coupons for various activities, dining, shopping, and accommodations, enhancing your overall travel experience.

For more details, please check the official website. Secondly, the adorable designs make it a standout choice. Featuring iconic Japanese landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Asakusa, Skytree, and the beloved character ‘Hello Kitty,’ the PASMO Passport’s charming designs have made it a popular souvenir among foreign visitors.

I confirmed with staff that there is currently sufficient stock available, and you can conveniently purchase it at major stations in Tokyo. For a seamless and delightful travel experience, consider opting for the PASMO Passport, where practicality meets cuteness. No6 is Mobile Suica.

Serving as the mobile app version of SUICA, this convenient tool is compatible with iPhones, seamlessly integrating with Apple Wallet for iPhone users. Before diving in, please be aware that you need to register your credit card information in advance to use Mobile Suica.

However, it’s essential to note that some credit cards issued outside of Japan, as well as certain debit and prepaid cards, may not be compatible. I personally attempted to link my Chase Sapphire Reserve when I got during my stay in the United States, but unfortunately, it couldn’t be registered.

On the bright side, some of my foreign friends successfully linked their cards, such as Citi Prestige Mastercard and Amex Gold. I encourage you to give it a try with your own card. For a step-by-step guide on the registration process, please check my previous video. No7 is Conclusion for Your Choice.

As I wrap up this comprehensive update on SUICA IC card, let’s summarize the key points. I’ve covered six types of transportation IC cards, offering a range of choices for your travel needs. With such variety, it can be challenging to decide which card suits you best.

To help you make an informed choice, I present two key considerations: Firstly, check if Mobile Suica is compatible with your device. If you can use it, I recommend you use it. Secondly, consider whether you’ll be entering Japan through Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. If so, you have three options.

You can buy the option to purchase PASMO Passport or Welcome Suica at the airport. Alternatively, take a train to the city, visit the stations mentioned in Chapter 1, and acquire a Physical Suica. If you don’t enter from Haneda Airport, you will enter from Narita Airport in Tokyo.

In this case, please purchase a PASMO Passport at the airport, or take the limited express train Narita Express or bus to Tokyo, go to the station described in Chapter 1, and purchase a Physical Suica. For those entering through other regions like Osaka or Fukuoka, the process may vary.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments if you’re uncertain. How was Japan Suica & PASMO Updates You MUST KNOW before traveling to Japan? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and like button. See you in my next video, bye!