Japan Has Changed / Things to Know for the Updated Japan Suica (IC Card, Welcome Suica) Guide 2025

Japan Has Changed / Things to Know for the Updated Japan Suica (IC Card, Welcome Suica) Guide 2025

Suica is changing. It’s becoming more convenient and user-friendly. Hi, I’m Samurai Junjiro, born and raised in Japan. What if, when you come to japan, you could walk through train gates without touching anything,
just holding your smartphone? JR EAST’s suica is seriously working to make
that future a reality. You won’t need cash or cards to shop. Stations will automatically calculate your fare
as you walk through. This is the next stage of suica. The first big step toward that future is “welcome suica mobile,”
designed specifically for international travelers. No more waiting in line at the station in japan,
just use your phone to issue and start using it. In this video, we’ll explain how suica is evolving and show you the amazing features of the new service
launched in 2025. Chapter 1: welcome suica mobile features and benefits Welcome suica mobile is a smartphone-based suica service
released in march 2025, designed specifically for international visitors. Unlike the traditional plastic welcome suica, everything from issuing to managing it is done
on your smartphone. The biggest advantage is that you can issue the suica
on your phone before even arriving in japan. Once you arrive at the airport,
simply connect to wifi and start using it right away. You won’t have to wait in line at ticket machines or counters,
saving valuable time. Even if you don’t have japanese cash,
you can easily charge it using your credit card. This removes the hassle of finding a currency exchange
and lets you begin your trip smoothly. Payments are completed simply by tapping your smartphone. Even if you don’t speak japanese,
using trains or shopping becomes much easier. Suica is accepted at approximately 2 million locations
throughout japan. It works at convenience stores like 7-eleven, familymart, lawson,
and also at station Kiosks and vending machines. Some taxis and tourist attractions also accept suica,
expanding your range of activities while traveling. Moreover, since welcome suica mobile
is tied to your smartphone, you can restore it if lost. Unlike anonymous plastic cards,
this offers greater peace of mind regarding security. The usage period is 28 days,
which is ideal for short-term travelers. After 28 days, it will automatically expire, so just be sure to spend the remaining balance beforehand. Since refunds are not available, it’s best to use up your suica for shopping or transit
before departing. Soon, welcome suica mobile will also support shinkansen,
express trains, and even green car seats. This means a next-generation travel experience riding trains without ever buying a ticket,
using only your smartphone. Chapter 2: suica area expansion (planned for 2027) In spring 2027, the area where suica can be used is expected
to expand significantly. Until now, suica was mostly limited to tokyo 
and certain urban areas, but it will soon be available across much larger regions. The expansion will include sendai, niigata, nagano,
morioka, aomori, and akita. For example, you’ll be able to travel from ueno station
in tokyo to sendai station without switching to paper tickets just one suica all the way. This makes traveling to rural or regional areas
much more convenient. Getting to sightseeing spots will be easier,
allowing for more flexible travel throughout japan. In short, more travelers will be able to explore japan
using just their smartphone. Chapter 3: the future of gate-free transit (from 2028 onward) Suica is now heading into a new era where you won’t even need to touch the gate. Currently, you tap your suica on the gate,
but soon even that will no longer be necessary. A system called “center server integration”
will manage your travel and payment data through the cloud. This will make it possible to automatically record your ride
just by walking through the gate. Even at stations without gates,
your ride can be tracked using your phone’s location data. “Walk-through gates,” which don’t require touching anything,
are planned for crowded urban stations. Without the need to tap,
passenger flow will improve and stress will be reduced. In addition, travel-based discounts and suica-linked coupons
are also planned. For example, campaigns may offer fare discounts
when you shop in station malls. There may also be special “train day coupons” 
that give you extra points on certain days. When these services launch, traveling itself will become a fun
and rewarding experience. Chapter 4: the evolution of mobile suica (planned for 2026) In the fall of 2026,
mobile suica is expected to receive a major update. The update will introduce various new features, including shopping tools, money transfers, and local perks. The most notable
is the addition of “code payment” functionality. This will allow suica to be used for larger purchases
over 20,000 yen. You’ll also be able to send
and receive suica balances with friends or family. This is especially useful when traveling with others
and splitting expenses. Local campaigns and discount coupons
will also be available directly within the suica app. For example, when you arrive in a tourist area,
a local shopping coupon might automatically appear. This enhances the sense of connection with each region
as you travel. A postpay feature is also planned. It will link with credit cards or bank accounts,
letting you use suica without preloading funds. This means you can continue using suica
without worrying about your remaining balance. Suica is evolving from a simple transit card
into a full-fledged payment platform for everyday life. Chapter 5: local suica and regional integration Suica is now strengthening ties with local communities
and contributing to regional revitalization. At the center of this effort is a new service
called “local suica” (tentative name). Local suica lets you use transportation, shopping,
and government services unique to the area all with one card. You’ll get perks at local buses, shops, and attractions. Discounts for seniors, students, and people with disabilities
will be automatically applied based on local settings. This allows for flexible services tailored to each region’s
specific needs. In some areas, suica may even be linked to local currencies or tourism points, functioning as special electronic money. For example, in a hot spring town, just showing your suica
might get you a discount on the bath fee. Through these community-focused services, suica is evolving from a travel tool into a bridge connecting you
with local culture. Suica is evolving from a simple transit card into a multifunctional platform that supports daily life,
tourism, and regional services. Among these, welcome suica mobile is an especially
user-friendly and reliable service for international travelers. With just your smartphone, you can ride trains, 
go shopping, and head to your accommodation. Even if you don’t speak japanese,
most payments can be completed with a simple tap. From the moment you arrive,
suica ensures smooth travel with no hassles. In the future, simply walking through gates with suica
will become the norm. Beyond travel, suica is also being used for local coupons,
perks, and as a form of electronic money. As local suica expands nationwide, your journey through japan will become more rewarding
and enjoyable. On your next trip to japan,
be sure to install welcome suica mobile on your smartphone. With it,
a smoother and more comfortable journey surely awaits you.

Planning your Japan travel? Suica, Welcome Suica, and Mobile Suica are must-haves for getting around with ease.
Whether you’re taking trains, buses, or shopping at convenience stores, these IC cards make your trip simple and smooth.
In this video, we’ll explain how Suica is evolving and show you the amazing features of the new service launched in 2025.

【VIDEO】
◆Things to do in Ginza Tokyo

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Would love to have your support!!
【Patreon】https://www.patreon.com/samurai_junjiro

【YouTube Membership】https://www.youtube.com/c/SAMURAIJUNJIROChannel/join

Follow me! /
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/samurai_junjiro

X：https://twitter.com/samurai_junjiro

★ For more info about Samurai Junjiro Channel
The ultimate channel for traveling in Japan!
Junjiro and Akanemaru, both Japanese locals, share helpful information for travelers visiting Japan.
– Popular tourist spots and things to do in Japan
– Recommended foods to try
– Things to know before traveling to Japan, etc
We are introducing these topics in detail, making them easy to understand and enjoyable 🙂

#japantravel #japan #tokyo