Tokyo’s SUICA & PASMO IC Card CANCELED COMPLETELY! 8 Solutions To Solve Japan's Crisis!

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Tokyo’s SUICA & PASMO IC Card CANCELED COMPLETELY! 8 SOLUTIONS To Solve Japan's Crisis!
Tokyo's travel situation just keeps getting worse and worse. As if all the restrictions and price hikes weren't bad enough, now it seems you won't even be able to get a train card to travel the cities of Japan anymore... or so you might think! Behind every problem lies a solution, and I am here to provide those solutions for you! So check this video out and be ready to take notes, as I am have plenty of alternatives to the regular IC cards that should help alleviate your worse Japan Travel nightmares!
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1) Suica Card
2) Tokyo Japan
3) Japan Travel
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#japan #tokyo #suica #japantravel #japan2023 #tourism #japanopen #japanopen2023
0:00 - 1:24 Intro
1:24 - 1:59 (1) Old Pasmo & Suica Cards!
1:59 - 3:35 (2) Seishun 18 Kippu
3:35 - 4:21 (3) Other Japan IC Cards
4:21 - 5:23 (4) Electronic Suica
5:23 - 6:25 (5) JR Pass (For Now)
6:25 - 7:10 (6) Physical Train Tickets
7:10 - 8:11 (7) Welcome Suica
8:11 - 9:11 (8) Pasmo Passport
9:11 - 9:31 Closing Thoughts
9:31 - 9:44 Outro

Пікірлер: 580

@fusionor 10 ай бұрын

They just announced today that Tokyo train companies will implement contactless fare systems compatible with credit and debit cards. Almost 700 globally accepted credit cards will be compatible with Tokyo’s public transport systems.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Yea I saw that. Of course as soon as I make a video about the suica cards, they release this update lol. I will probably make a short video announcing this news in the near future. Thanks for commenting about the update and hope to hear from you again :)

@Tchernobog11 10 ай бұрын

Did they say how soon? I'll be heading there by the end of November and hoping this will be implemented!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

@@Tchernobog11 it'll be spring of 2024 so not for a while.

@Tchernobog11 10 ай бұрын

@@harblife ah darn! I guess it's the welcome card for me then! Thanks!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

@@Tchernobog11 no prob man

@TGreerTGreer 10 ай бұрын

A couple of points from a Japanese local: First, your suggestion at 5:09 that the Suica and Pasmo cards are "souvenirs to take home" directly contributes to the issue. These IC cards have chips in them that can be reused for new IC cards. That's why with every Suica/Pasmo card, you have to pay a 500 yen deposit up front, which you can get back at the station at the end of your trip (with the exception of the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards). Suggesting to visitors that the Suica/Pasmo cards are souvenirs further accelerates the IC chip shortage, as cards that could be used for others end up gathering dust outside of the country. And if you're a visitor to Japan and you want a card that you can take home with you, please use the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport cards instead. Second, I want to emphasise that the Seishun 18 Ticket can only be used *for local trains*. It was mentioned in the video but I felt it was glossed over. This means that you cannot ride the Shinkansen, the Narita Express, or other Express trains on the JR lines. Therefore, it may be a good option if you want to get on and off the JR trains many times around one area like Tokyo, but it will be very difficult to use this ticket to go from Tokyo to Kyoto, for example. I have happily used this ticket many times, but I would probably not suggest this to visitors that may not be well-versed in Japanese or the transport system here. If you've ever gotten lost finding your platform at Shinjuku station, try doing that 6 times over getting to Osaka. It'll be an adventure, sure, but one that you might want to avoid.

@AdamForest-yh9eo 10 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for clarifying that. I just have a question, does local trains include the subways or is it something totally different ?

@TGreerTGreer 10 ай бұрын

@@AdamForest-yh9eo the "local trains" I referred to are the lines operated by Japan Railway (JR) and do not include the Metro or subway lines, nor private operators. For everything else, you'll have to use either an IC card or paper tickets, which is why I would not recommend this option to people that are not well-versed in the transport lines in Japan.

@AdamForest-yh9eo 10 ай бұрын

@@TGreerTGreer Okay I understand now thank you

@droamir 10 ай бұрын

If you take home a Pasmo or a Welcome Suica card that still has an IC chip leaving the country. Isn't it the same insides, just a different color and policy?

@ubernewb3005 10 ай бұрын

@@droamir no, the welcome suica cards have a different cheaper chip in them. that's why they're only good for 28 days, and are useless (other than being a sweet souvenir) after that period is up. i don't have any experience with the pasmo passport personally, but i'd assume it's the same deal

@FollowTheSunAustralia 10 ай бұрын

How cute is the Pasmo Passport first time I heard anyone mention this one , best option in my books , great update!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much followthesun! And I agree -- the Pasmo Passport looks super cute and could make for a great souvenir!

@anushka21011980 10 ай бұрын

If possible i will try and get the pasmo passport 😂

@Press10 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for all the great travel videos. makes our trip more at ease

@kaylacollado2931 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for all the information! Making planning so much easier 😊

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Not a problem! Thank you so much for taking the time to say thank you!!

@kaylacollado2931 10 ай бұрын

@@harblife 😊😊

@miyamariediaz7620 6 ай бұрын

Hi, Do you need an internet access to use Suica card like using to pay for train fare

@gordonsgrl1 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for that first clarification. I have my Pasmo from 2019 but could not figure out if it was still valid. Great job. Thanks

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Not a problem!

@WolfgangTEM 10 ай бұрын

I was just in Japan last month. Was unable to get the regular Suica card but they did offer the Welcome Suica card and it worked just fine for us. The leftover money we had on it, we ended up spending at the airport before heading home. We may go back in December, so hopefully they still offer the Welcome Suica card, otherwise i might be screwed since I'm an Android user as well.

@TC-cd5sm 10 ай бұрын

If you go back in December, and you want to get the JR Pass, best make the purchase a few days before Sept 30th to lock in current rates.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I think the whole reason they are limiting the sales is to make sure they don't run out of the welcome suica and pasmo passport! Fingers crossed!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Good point! Thanks for reminding us!

@hanagara1907 10 ай бұрын

Today (August 22) I couldn't get Welcome Suica at Ueno (idk about elsewhere) but I went to the metro office and got Pasmo Passport just fine

@penguinqueen1462 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I’d never know all this if I wasn’t subscribed to you ❤

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I am so glad I could help you out :)

@mjraarssen 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, I m going to Tokyo the 20th of August and will definitely go for the Pasmo Passport. love your video's they are so helpful for first time visitors.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Glad I could help! Hope you're having a good time in Japan!

@Curzon1999vie 10 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot! Very helpful.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

No problem at all !!

@matdriks 10 ай бұрын

Thanks ! This was very useful

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Not a problem! Glad I could help!

@tommyc7597 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great video and info

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great comment and contribution to the channel!

@mysticatmayau 10 ай бұрын

Thank youuu! I’m going to Japan next week and thank God i watched this ❤

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I am glad you came across the video and found it helpful! I hope you are enjoying your trip in Japan!

@paddypenton9778 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for keeping us up to date Alex. Luckily we kept our Suica cards. Regarding JR pass, it is so expensive now and we want more time in the countryside so we are hiring a campervan - same price as a hotel room per night and much cheaper for daily travel for three weeks.

@fusionor 10 ай бұрын

I've heard those campervans only go for about $200-300 a day. How much was yours? I'm really interested in my next trip just so I can camp around Mt Fuji and parks.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

No problem. I enjoy keeping everyone up to date and making their trip in Japan stress free! Actually a campervan sounds like a legit idea. Definitely a unique way to see Japan. Let me know how it goes!

@five_eleven_AKA 9 ай бұрын

I have an old Suica card. Your video was super helpful. Thank you

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

I'm glad I could help!

@robyates136 10 ай бұрын

Great update - thanks. We're visiting in November. Mostly Tokyo but hoping to get to Kyoto too.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great! Hope you have a good time! Also love the bike photo. I am big biker myself !

@HanaFilms1 10 ай бұрын

So glad I kept my pasmo card from my February trip as a souvenir! I'm going back next year and glad I can use it

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I always recommend to people to keep it as a souvenir. Never know when it'll come in handy!

@meiruetsukino3578 10 ай бұрын

I wish i had known about how to use the train tickets when i first went to japan. Glad to have met up with my japanese friend and she got me a Suica/pasmo card and have been using that since

@BananaManInaPan 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info! This video was really useful. Luckily I'll be able to get the JR pass in September before the price doubles, but should I still get a Pasmo Passport or Welcome Suica for trains in cities that aren't JR?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Glad I could help! Almost all cities in Japan will be using JR lines for the most part. Only some very local train lines will not accept JR Cards.

@miobulle1112 10 ай бұрын

Wow , thank you for the information . Lucky i kept my Suica card and will be able to use it again on my next journey to Japan in next January. But it is rough for the tourist on their first time or if they didn't keep their pass.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Smart move to keep your card! I always keep my cards for souvenirs! I hope they solve this issue soon for first time tourists as well!

@miobulle1112 10 ай бұрын

I do the same as souvenir. But this time i am very glad to have it.

@vguy488 10 ай бұрын

Hi Harb! Hope you're enjoying Hawaii, and please stay safe due to the recent happenings in Maui. I was afraid the named Suica cards would go down this route. I held out hope for my October trip, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I had no idea about the Pasmo Passport cards though, I'll definitely see if I can get one in Kansai intl. in Osaka once we land with my travel buddy. Hopefully the chip shortage will at least be manageable and suica card issuance will normalize, but if all else crumbles, then we'll have to just handle more physical money than expected. Cheers!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the well wishes. All of us over here in Oahu couldn't even tell such a catastrophic event was happening in Maui -- we are pretty far away. If you're landing over in the Kansai area, you should be able to get one of the ICOCA cards since you'll be in the JR West realm. You can get the PASMO PASSPORT once you're in Tokyo for extra credit, but I don't believe they issue them in JR West. Hope you're doing well and thanks for sharing your thoughts as always!

@Nelsea7190 10 ай бұрын

might as well buy every IC card you can get over there. that way you have an IC card in a pinch.

@solarcash 9 ай бұрын

@@harblifeif i remember correctly, they have their own version of the pasmo passport in the JR west realm. I looked it up a while ago:)

@MrKlimafilip 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this very useful video. Can you make video about getting from Tokyo airports, especially at night? Thank you.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! I just made the video check it out!

@naomiikeda5404 10 ай бұрын

You're here!!! I thought so when I saw the background. Have fun!!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Oh I did not know you lived in Hawaii! I wonder how many people who watch the channel live here!

@naomiikeda5404 10 ай бұрын

I was born in Japan but moved here cause my dad was from here!

@christopherhughes3551 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. I appreciate the information you and some of the commenters have given. We're planning to go at the end of 2024 so hopefully the chip issue will be figured out by then. Though it also seems they may just take credit and debit cards by that point. If they do switch to using credit and debit cards, hopefully there isn't a fee for each use for overseas travelers, but I feel like there would be. Pasmo Passport seems to be the best current option. I wonder if the JR Pass will drop in price if they see sells drop drastically. I understand inflation and raising prices, but raising by that margin seems a bit extreme.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Agreed. I think the issue will be resolved by the end of 2024. I think they just need some time to catch up on the demand of all the tourists coming back in.

@learnenglishwithdayamudra704 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for these tips, Alex. I am going to Yamagata (from Narita) in April, a return to Japan after many decades! Japan sure has changed since I was there as a student. Thanks for helping me catch up!

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yamagata is a great place I hope you have fun!! Hope to hear from you again as well :)

@learnenglishwithdayamudra704 9 ай бұрын

@@harblife Thanks! I'lll let you know how it goes! So excited...

@Death_Bounty 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the update this is a great video as always!! I wonder if they get a lot of backlash from the raise in prices that it might make them change their mind and lower them back down I just see people adjusting their plans in the future and not venturing out as far.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Ya I am thinking the same thing. We will see if they lower the price if demand goes way down.

@tal7724 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for Sharing! So what do you recommend welcome suica or pasmo passport? Both are the same except for the design and plaece of purchase? Thank you

@harveyh3696 10 ай бұрын

That opening view looked like Hawaii Kai. Was puzzled till you said you were in Hawaii. Just came across your channel and this incident prompted me to like and subscribe.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great!! Yes I was in Hawaii on business. Was very nice weather as always. Thank you so much for subscribing and hopoe to hear from you again!

@ethanxun4101 10 ай бұрын

Thank you appreciate it

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words!

@ezwriter101 9 ай бұрын

Great! Thank you! Sounds like the Pasmo Passport is a better deal. May I pick this up at Haneda?

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

You can and also other major stations in Tokyo!

@n1k1george 10 ай бұрын

I'm so glad I did my 2 week JR Pass trip a few months back. We rode the Shinkansen all the way down to Kagoshima and back as well as many other places, so we really saved big $$$.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Oh Kagoshima you'll definitely get your money's worth going that far. Glad you had a good time!

@TC-cd5sm 10 ай бұрын

A friend of mine was in Osaka and I had her help me purchase two ICOCA cards to bring back. =D I already have a Pasmo and Suica card but opted to get extras just in case friends need them and if they don't have iPhones. As a last resort and as mentioned, can always get the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Perfect planning ! Nothing wrong with getting a collector's item!

@dereksbooks 10 ай бұрын

That's wonderful for you, but what you're doing is part of the reason why there is a shortage. People are needlessly hoarding these cards or just throwing them away instead of returning them for the deposit like intended.

@devilangel4655 9 ай бұрын

@@dereksbooks😂😂😂

@MugiwaraRuffy 10 ай бұрын

It's very unfortunate and annoying, if you have planned a Japan trip in the near future. However, that chip-shortage won't probably an forever issue. I guess that should stabilize in the next couple of months

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Right I am hoping this issue will sort itself out soon. If it does, you'll be sure to hear it from me!

@user-jl1zm2iy2b 10 ай бұрын

The chip for SUICA was made by a Panasonic subsidiary, but it was sold to a Taiwanese company. Now Sony and JR are rushing to formulate a new standard.

@lenhampton4986 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations on all your videos, they are very informative. Now I know this is off-subject but I was wondering if you could give me any insight into sending parcels from Japan via Japan Post as we are carry-on luggage travellers and we would also like to buy gifts while we are in Japan.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Thank you! I have an older video about Japan post that goes in detail about all that. Check out that video for the info!

@dariusq8894 10 ай бұрын

I'm traveling to Tokyo in Sep and bringing a buddy. I've still got my Pasmo from 2019, so I guess my buddy can get the Pasmo Passport. Hopefully a more permanent solution is found in the future. And stay safe in Hawaii. 😃

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Right I am sure the Pasmo Passport will work for your friend! You can also give him a hard time when he has a Hello Kitty on the front of his train card hahaha. Thanks I am doing just fine in Hawaii but can't wait to be back in Japan soon!

@vinyalonde 10 ай бұрын

Very helpful - thanks. Perhaps I missed something but the Pasmo card in the Apple Wallet appears to accept a Visa card for adding funds. I kept my Pasmo card from 2016 and used it again in 2018 so I look forward to using it again in 2023, this Fall. For what it is worth, your videos are very helpful.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I hope you prove me wrong! Having more options to get an electronic pasmo or suica would be great news!

@PerfectChaos7 10 ай бұрын

I was able to put funds on my virtual Suica card on my phone using a Visa credit card when I was in Tokyo in 2020, as well. So unless the MasterCard/American Express limitation was placed within the last few years, it should work with Visa too.

@higon99 10 ай бұрын

thank you for the info. I didn't know they stopped selling the card. that was a surprise. They still offer a month-long Welcome Suica Card at limited counters (a long-term one is dead). I think if you really want the card, getting a regional IC card is the way to go. They are basically the same cards. They said in a domestic news article that the reason is they didn't expect tourist demand to be this much. They are planning to restart selling the cards in spring 2024 if supply meets demand by then. Also the JR Pass price increase was to reduce the usage of shinkansen. I suspect Chinese immigrants are abusing the pass for regular use and resale. JR Pass was an experimental service but with this revision it's now formal service so it won't go away.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Hey thanks a ton for your useful insight! I really appreciate it and some of it really makes sense. I hope they can restart normal IC card sales sooner than that... but we will have to see. So they purposely wanted to reduce the amount of people buying the JR Pass? I mean with all the over tourism in Osaka and Kyoto, I am not too surprised. Anyways, would love to hear more insight from you in the future. Hit me up on discord if you get more relevant news about Japan. Would love to chat with you!

@higon99 10 ай бұрын

@@harblife thx for the response. Exact reason is unknown. After some research I got some more information. (2)(3) were the phenomenon I was referring to but I think I'm wrong to assume they had big impact on their rail service. (6) (7) are probably the reasons for the price increase. Probably regional JR Pass is the thing JR really want to promote as the alternative. Everyone has been saying current JR Pass is too good of the service to be true, but oh well the time has come... 1. JR pass was an experimental and loose service. JR wanted to revise it for a long time while many wanted it to be left as it is. 2. About illegal usage: chinese EC site was said to be selling a thousand "used and valid" passes a day. (case in 2019) 3. Abusing free reservations: Tourists are reserving seats in multiple trains (esp. for NEX trains) and issuing multiple green train tickets they don't use. They've been competing to create empty seats on popular lines. 4. Tips: You may be able to purchase the JR pass at old price until 9/30 then claim it before 12/29. 5. Tips: You can still use Hikari Shinkansen without additional cost. 6. Promoting regional passes: Many other passes (JR West/East Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass...) are also getting price adjustments. JR Pass was too cheap and almighty other passes didn't make much sense. 7. Inflation and the epidemic.

@IceQueen975 10 ай бұрын

Genuinely unsure why Japan did not anticipate tourism to kick up so fast. They stayed closed to the world the longest, and the interest in anime and Japanese culture has only increased in the last 2-3 years during lockdown.

@spydude38 10 ай бұрын

There are still online options to purchase Suica cards. These vendors (Japan-Experience) still have some in stock and will mail them to your home. Its about $35.00 (includes Shipping) for the Suica card and comes with 2,000 Yen on it. We ordered five just a week ago and they arrived ready to go.

@lifeeasier3462 10 ай бұрын

Where did you order yours from? Shipping from Japan to the states?

@matthewpalko2743 10 ай бұрын

@@lifeeasier3462 I bought one from Japan-Experience and I had it in ~3 days. Mine shipped from California. You can search for Japan-Rail-Pass Suica to find it.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great! I saw those as an option as well, but was afraid to mention it because they might run out too. Glad to hear you could get some cards for your family though!

@bespinoza66 10 ай бұрын

So it took about a week to get to you? Are you able to refill it as well?

@dereksbooks 10 ай бұрын

@@bespinoza66 it's now unavailable 😢

@kayschut9327 10 ай бұрын

I'm so glad I have a Suica card that I got on my first visit all those years ago. With me returning yearly (though there was a bit of a gap due to Covid), I'm happy that I can still use it. For me it's easier to just take out the card rather than having to take out my phone, and I feel safer getting this out than my credit card in a public and possibly crowded space.

@kayschut9327 10 ай бұрын

@@TheTaoOfDow Now you do the same for being an ass for no reason.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Check it out on my Thatch profile and it's saved on my google profile there. It's the easiest way I can share it with you.

@kenwong3469 10 ай бұрын

We were able to buy some permanent Suicas 'under the counter' (figuratively and literally) for a small 'agent fee' at the Namco claw machine store in the Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Lmao oh wow some shady deals happening with these Suica Cards!! Lol I actually have a few leftover myself... Maybe I should give some away hmmmm

@fano1th 10 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great lottery game option for your viewers! :-) @@harblife

@annapham5949 10 ай бұрын

Hey there I’ll be going to Japan in November for the first time. Loving your content and tips. Is it possible to pre book the welcome suica or pasamo passports before I arrive at Narita airport? Or can you only purchase it once you’ve arrived at Narita airport? Also I downloaded the suica app on my apple iPhone but I’m that it’s all in Japanese and there’s no English translation?

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

I think there are some websites that offer the ability to order the card before you arrive. Don't get the suica app. Just add it on your apple wallet like i showed in the video.

@shucroc 10 ай бұрын

As a couple of Visa only tourists in Shinjuku realizing we missed our opportunity to get a Welcome Suica card, not wanting to lose 3 hours on the NEX, I appreciate the other options. We have just been buying tickets and paying cash at convenience stores. We are going to try the Pasmo Passport! Thank you!

@shucroc 10 ай бұрын

The website is a little misleading at Shinjuku you have to go to the Tokyo Metro office in another part of the station, not the Tourist Information Office on the third floor of the southern terrace. The Tourtist info people were nice enough to show us how to get there north a block passed the station through the Studio Alta building entrance to the station in the basement. It's save us so much time using the passport already! I was a little sad to learn they charge you 150 yen to go into the station without even going on a train.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

No problem!

@erezfbmomy 9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this video :) I'm planning my 1st trip to Japan for March-April 2024. I just didn't understand: Seishun 18 Kippu is for all transportation or only trains? Thanks :)

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Great! Seishun will only work on trains -- and only local trains no special express trains.

@valeriemacdougall6085 9 ай бұрын

wow - have just watched about 5 of your videos in a row ...wow you are so dedicated and i'm super pleased for it. If you could guide me, i would greatly appreciate it. I am thinking the JR expensive one pass is NOT for me. I am only going from Osaka to Tokyo -one way ( thinking of the bullet train at approx $135 AUD ) otherwise the apple card suica suits me for my Osaka local trips and my Toyko local trips including the airport transfers ? thoughts?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much ! comments like yours is the reason why I make these videos! You don't need the jr pass for that little amount of usage. Hope you watch more videos in the future ! 😊

@lucassanchez5133 10 ай бұрын

Was just in Japan in July. Bought an icoca from a pink kiosk, worked perfectly in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great!!! Thanks for sharing!

@marilyndesantos4806 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. When I used a Shinkansen I needed 2 tickets for the one way journey. Has this changed?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

You will need a ticket everytime you want ride the shinkansen. There is no "round-trip" shinkansen ticket you can buy. Also, if there are certain areas in Japan that will require you to transfer onto another shinkansen -- meaning you will have to buy two tickets.

@evahurst6938 9 ай бұрын

I am visiting Japan for 45 days (I leave this week)! My plan is to pickup the Welcome Suica in the Haneda airport, and then once that expires, pick up a pasmo passport at a station in Tokyo. From my understanding, that is a possible option? Super informative video, I love it!

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yea that can definitely work. Thanks for the kind words and I hope you have a great 45 days in Japan!

@SL0WZER0 10 ай бұрын

When we were in Japan in 2019 we flew a lot of routes. With the Visit Japan Deal you could fly very cheaply and have the same luggage conditions as on international flights. At that time, a flight from Tokyo to Okinawa cost around 50 dollars. But you could only book outside of Japan with a non-Japanese passport.

@lauren8784 10 ай бұрын

Where can I find the Visit Japan Deal? I’m visiting Japan in October and am going to be booking 3 domestic flights while I’m there (Tokyo to Okinawa, Okinawa to Fukuoka, Osaka to Hokkaido)

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Ya I heard about this deal and it seems like a good one too! Thanks for sharing!

@YueWTravels 10 ай бұрын

You can still get Suica Cards from some JR's online partners. It will be a bit more pricy and you'd have to cover shipping, but you'll be guaranteed a card at least.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

This is true. I saw some websites were still offering it, but I was hesitant to advertise it because I feel like their supply might get cut off soon.

@americaninthailand8760 6 ай бұрын

Great info. My wife and I are going to Kyoto of 5 days in March. Since we have I Phones, looks like the IC Phone APP will be the way to go. Do credit cards work in the currency machines? Or only debit cards. Thanks!

@darthdiddums845 10 ай бұрын

I purchased a Suica card from a local travel agent - JTB - in Australia. The commision charged was fairly high, but, at least I now have a physical card I can use. I must look in to that Pasmo Passport card too. Thank you for the heads up!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Glad to hear you could get that figured out! Yea the pasmo passport is a truly unique card you should consider getting!

@margaretgerhardus6247 10 ай бұрын

I bought I'm from a local agent in London commission not that bad so I hoping I'm sorted and ready for my trip in Oct 2023 as well

@paulineh4019 10 ай бұрын

I'm in Oz and travelling Japan in Oct. Can you tell me the price please and a bit more info re the seller. My daughter has a Pasmo card she is posting up to me 🤞

@rogersomera-lj8do 9 ай бұрын

Hi Harb, Aloha from Honolulu, I'll be traveling Japan mid September. I love traveling Japan, but me being in a wheelchair, it's a challenge sometimes. Trains ate pretty good being accessible, but wanted to know about the Bus options. How can I find out what bus are wheelchair accessible? If traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima on a bus, how can I get information about wheelchair access on busses options? Also, 2nd question, what does it means wifi or Sims when renting the Interenet access? Thank you for your videos on travel to Japan. Roger Somera

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Aloha! Thanks for dropping by! I believe the bus will clearly state if it's wheelchair accessible with the universal blue sign you see everywhere. Wifi and sim cards are the different choices you have when using data in Japan. You can choose from either one from the data rental websites you can find. Hope this helps!

@2024noname 10 ай бұрын

Hey Harb ! What's the optimal choice for traveling from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo? Is it possible to make use of the PASMO PASSPORT for this journey?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Best option would be the Narita Express, although it will be more expensive than a local train. If you don't want to pay for the extra fees, you could always just take the local train. Only downside is it will be a longer ride. Can use the passmo on local trains, but you will have to pay for a separate ticket for the Narita Express.

@sansidaan2039 7 ай бұрын

Hey Harb. I travel for work and will be in Haneda/Tokyo a lot. But my stint there is usually only for 24hrs. As an Adroid user with no access to the the Suica card what would you advice for a person like me? The Pasmo Passport etc though cute is not good for me. Thanks for the Seishun 18 Kippu idea as I will visit friends in Fukui next March and will also be in Kyoto/Osaka.

@sagibarel 10 ай бұрын

thanks for you great videos , we will travel japan next month, we are family of 5 people, do we need 5 pasmo \ suica different cards or we can have 1 for everybody? is this suica good for both tokyo\osaka\kyoto local trains ?

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yep will need one for each. Good for all trains

@jamiewilliams2603 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the info my guy! Im moving to Japan, just north east of Tokyo for a year. Any advice on how to make friends without looking like a creep or crazy gaijin

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Same as anywhere in the world : meeting them at work, izakayas, out in town, etc. They also have meet ups for foreigners where Japanese people will go to make friends with foreigners. Hope that helps!

@Perfectlyhonest22 10 ай бұрын

I bought my Pasmo card in 2014 and have used it every time I visit japan and used it most recently in June of 2023. :)

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Great!

@ijustbechilling 10 ай бұрын

I will throw out a extra option. Tokyo metro 24-hour ticket.(you can purchase at most tokyo metro ticket machines) although you can't use jr lines. you can use tokyo metro subway which will still get you everywhere in tokyo. it is only 600yen per day and can ride all day long as much as you like. you can also buy in advanced. so if you are in tokyo for 7 days for example. you are only paying 4200= $29 usd. this is cheapest option if you are only staying around tokyo and not going to another prefecture/willing to fly or catch bus there.

@Eldiran1 10 ай бұрын

I still think that some Local Pass are a must have right now. Some of them are really great and the price didn't increase that much . Like the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass cost 23 000 Y (20.000Y before ) for 7 days , you can go from Kyoto to Fukuoka (in Kyushu) AND you can even use The fastest train of japan , the Nozomi and Mizuho! (which you can't do with the old JR Pass and only do now with an high additionnal fees !) All in all these kind of pass are really worth it. Like if i wanted to go to Fukuoka from Osaka , it cost around 15900 Y with shinkansen , so you can see that the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass with 23 000 Y will be profitable in no time . And that just one example , a lof of other options exist .

@theboyzpng 10 ай бұрын

Hi! I will be travelling to osaka to fukuoka this coming november. Would like to ask if just getting the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass be fesible for my commute in osaka in fukuoka? For non jr routes like taking buses etc, would geting a digital suica card on my wallet be good?

@copleston 9 ай бұрын

Hi there. Its quite easy to get lost in all the option. So im wondering if you can advise the best option for the following: We arrive in osaka in october for 2 days, then to koyoto for another 2 days, and onto Tokyo from there for 4 days. Would the JR pass be the best option? Considering the other options are only available for purchase from Tokyo locations?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Probably just a regular IC card would be best ! Don't need the jr pass to get around everywhere if you'll only be going to one or two cities

@thedishonorableparasite 10 ай бұрын

I didn't have any problem using my Visa card to charge the electronic Suica on my iPhone two weeks ago. Maybe there are card restrictions depending on where you live, but for me in Germany it definitely worked with Visa.

@anfu7411 10 ай бұрын

Which app did you use? The ones I’m seeing in the Apple Store are Japanese only

@thedishonorableparasite 10 ай бұрын

@@anfu7411 You don't have to install any extra apps, it works with the native Apple Wallet app, but you need to have a credit card added to your wallet first, so you can charge the suica card after it's been installed.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great to hear you could use the visa cards! Always gotta give the worst case news for people so it's only good news from then on!

@ReiwaMagi 9 ай бұрын

If your final destination is somewhere not in the Kanto Region of Japan, then you should be able to get that Region's IC Card which will work throughout all of Japan. toiCA, manaca, ICOCA, Kitaca, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken work anywhere regardless of where you are (Except for Shikoku and places that do not accept IC Cards) Also, the Suica card is only not available in the Kanto Region. If you head to say Niigata or Sendai, then you can buy the Suica with no issue.

@levanaalkaly4024 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the informative video. I have a question: if i buy the Welcome Suica spend a few days in Tokyo and then move to Hiroshima and Kyoto will this card work there as well or do I need to but a different card there?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Yes an ic card bought in Japan will be compatible anywhere else in the country.

@lrbco488 10 ай бұрын

Great video! Very helpful! My sister & I will be going mid October. We plan to go to Nagano to see the Snow Monkeys. We will try the Welcome Suica & Pasmo Passport cards. I have an IPhone & my sister has an android. I will have the apple wallet too just in case. Could I use my phone to cover for my sister as well? lol

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great! Nagano isn't visited too often by foreign tourists. You should have a pretty fun experience up there! And no you'll need one suica per person unfortunately.

@tm4s426 10 ай бұрын

Heading there at the end of September, is that a good time to go considering all the typhoon season?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Hmmmmm well considering there is a typhoon making landfall in Japan right now, I'd say the risk is always there... plus August and September are the worst months for typhoons. The chance of a typhoon totally ruining your trip to Japan, however, is small.

@femininomenons 10 ай бұрын

im gonna arrive at narita airport at 8:30pm on my trip and saw that pasmo is the easier ic card to buy but it will be too late for me to go to their booth (they close at 9pm). though im taking the skyliner to ueno, should I buy the pasmo at ueno station next morning? or do they have pasmo kiosks at the airport where I can get it without the staff like skyliner tickets

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Might be too late. You can get a welcome suica from the machine though. Maybe you can get the pasmo passport in the morning though!

@jingles1176 10 ай бұрын

Just came back from a 2 week trip in japan today, didn't need or used suica/pasmo cards at all. We did use JR pass and uber. We stayed in tokyo and Kyoto.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Great!

@ThePhantomXIA 9 ай бұрын

Will landing on Kansai this december. Did the ICOCA still available? If not what the alternative card i can use?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Yes the icoca is still around no problem!

@futurecanadian 7 ай бұрын

question about the Pasmo Passport? Do you ask for the visitor stamp at Customs or it's normally stamped on my USA passport so I don't need to remember to ask for it?

@axios101 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, as always! 😁 A question: could a person, who already owns a "standard" no-name-inscribed Suica, have it "named" and tied to his own informations after the announced suspension? I mean: usually, before the cancellation/suspension of sales, one could choose to purchase either a normal "blank" Suica or a "named" one (by giving contact infos) directly from the vending machines... is now this process available "manually" for those who already own a blank one?

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yes you can still use your card. You just can't get any more Suica cards, that's all.

@axios101 9 ай бұрын

Thanks, but can I convert my "standard no name" Suica to a "named/inscribed" one?

@Inorek 10 ай бұрын

At tokyo central station there is a ticket counter where you can buy tickets for shinkansen. It is run by JR central and it seems like they sell toica ic cards there. I will get a welcome suica card at the airport and my long term ic card there once I arrive in tokyo.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great! Also if you travel outside the Tokyo area, there is a chance you could get another IC card from another region!

@ellierami1268 10 ай бұрын

For the pasmo passport, would we need to repurchase it again if were gonna be ther longer or can we recharge it like the suica/pasmo?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

It will expire after 28 days unfortunately. I feel like you could simply just get another one at another station if you can't get more than one a time.

@MetalGearW0lf 9 ай бұрын

Hi there. Thank you very much for your video. I'll visit japan this thursday with my son. I'm planing to buy 2 pasmo passports for us. Do you know, if we can drive express trains (like the Kintetsu Kyoto Line Express) with the pasmo passport? Thank you very much for your answer. Cheers!

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

I think with any special express trains you'll have to get a special ticket for that

@qqhakku1 10 ай бұрын

If I want to take shinkansen from Shin-Fuji to Tokyo, is it advisable to prebook or ticket machine on the day? I don't need JR Pass as only will travelling around tokyo & 1 way from fuji to tokyo

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

You could probably get a reserved seat same day, but might not be a good seat -- especially if its a weekend. I would recommend booking the reserved seat and a couple days in advance.

@naksm424 10 ай бұрын

Hi Harb! Is it better to load up my suica/passmo card via iPhone while I’m here in Hawaii or should I do this when I go to Japan?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

You can just do it when you get to Japan -- or anytime really!

@cinnamonlitta2040 9 ай бұрын

Hi there ! I reckon there are few types of train in japan, like local train, shinkansen , limited express train and express train . I read thru a blog that ic card cannot be used on shinkansen & express train, can you do a video on how to recognize this train type symbols on google map? And also how to transfer if our trip on google map require to transfer from local train to shinkansen / express train? Thankyou !

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

You won't be able to miss the shinkansen part of a station from the normal one -- people will stop you from entering anyway. You just need to buy a shinkansen ticket at the right ticket booth. Check out my other video on how to navigate trains for that answer.

@Technician5k 10 ай бұрын

Hey Harb, how about a day ticket for public transport from the train station (paper ticket), are they too expensive?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

nah but it will take a ton of time to get a ticket every time you need a train.

@mrcharmbento 10 ай бұрын

i have some questions if youre able to answer them ^_^ are the welcome suica and passmo passport reusable/rechargable after their expirations? i have a planned trip in november... am i able to order the JR pass right now at the cheaper price and receive it for my trip in november?

@HaapsaluYT 10 ай бұрын

I can answer the first one. Once your welcome suica expires, it is void and cannot be used anymore. You will lose any money on the card that you didn’t spend.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Right what the other commenter said : you won't be able to recharge the card when it expires. As for the JR Pass, that is right. You would have to purchase it in September to safely redeem it in November

@WyeChengChong-ql7lr 9 ай бұрын

I don't understand it. So why isn't everyone buying the JR pass now to hoard for when they go travelling in Japan in 2024.

@lyndonlives638 10 ай бұрын

This video is a lifesaver, as I'm going to be heading over in just a few days. I have an iphone, but use visa. Now I'm going to get a mastercard debit card before I head over. Hopefully that'll work with my apple wallet. I'm staying a bit over 28 days, so I suppose although I could have gotten both a welcome suica and pasmo passport at different times and then used one after the other one expired, now I hopefully don't have to worry about leaving lost credit on an expired card.

@greenpig85 10 ай бұрын

I had no issue topping up the suica card in my apple wallet by using my visa/apple pay

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great I am so glad I could help you out! Please let us know if you have any more questions. Would be happy to help!

@CarloAndrewRelayo 10 ай бұрын

I have a trip coming this November to multiple cities in Japan, can I buy the JR Pass now while it's still cheaper, will that still work after the price increase?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

yup! buy it now and redeem it in november! just make sure its 90 days out from when you redeem it.

@fxarts9755 10 ай бұрын

oh man that sucks. me and a friend will be staying for almost 3 months and will be traveling around a lot so the welcome cards arnth that good of an option for us. our flight is in a week so have to see if i can maybe buy one online

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I think if you're staying for 3 months, you can justify going to Osaka for a bit. You can get the ICOCA card still no problem. Just food for thought.

@MrLeonivan123 10 ай бұрын

Hey Harb, I'll be visiting Japan for two weeks late October to early November. I'll be arriving at the Haneda airport and the 3 main locations I'll be visiting are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. My initial plan was to purchase a 14 day JR pass sometime in September before the price increase and obtain a Suica card as soon as i arrive. Now I'm thinking the 14 day JR Pass and the Welcome Suica card are my best options? What would you recommend? Thanks in advanced.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Yea JR pass before the price increase and Welcome Suica will be great to use for stores etc! Hope you have fun!

@artan. 10 ай бұрын

if your only going from tokyo to kyoto/osaka and back to tokyo it might not even be worth it. check on google maps the trains, usually they show the ticket price aswell there. At least its showing the prices for me now, but Im currently also in Japan, maybe thats why. Otherwhise check on maybe other websites if you can find individual prices and compare it.

@MrLeonivan123 10 ай бұрын

@@harblife Thank you!

@MrLeonivan123 10 ай бұрын

@@artan. Thank you, I'll look into more options.

@ChrisWilliams5605LS 10 ай бұрын

@artan. I am in the US and reading your comment. I am also able to see all that detail for Japan rail travel on google maps.

@ChrisWilliams5605LS 10 ай бұрын

I purchased JR Rail passes on 8/30/2023. At the same time, I was offered the option to purchase $23 pre loaded Suica cards and purchased two.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Great!

@sdsi68 10 ай бұрын

So if I purchased my Pasmo card in December 2022 it's still good? And a big thanks for all the updates 👍, enjoy your stay on the island I call home 😉🤙🤙🤙

@cstpa1 10 ай бұрын

yes

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Good to go! And thanks! I had a good time in Hawaii!

@Funkynugget2004 10 ай бұрын

Pasmo Passport looks most appealing as it is Japan wide, which would help eliminate stress

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Right! And it looks super cute too hahaha

@benjaminpuerta541 9 ай бұрын

I'm about to visit Japan next week, it was an unexpected travel, can I purchase the JR pass online and pick it up at the airport? I don't think there's enough time to receive an exchange order at my home country 😅

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Yeah and probably not worth it to buy one. I hope you had a good time though !

@redria074 8 ай бұрын

Does the electronic suica on iPhone work everywhere? I've seen some suica cards can be used at convenience stores - will they also accept the electronic suica?

@ThatBullDupree 10 ай бұрын

So to confirm, they’ll still take IC cards (other regions and still support the iPhone wallet suica card)- they just won’t have physical cards anymore for that? I used a welcome suica card for my trip this time (fly home tomorrow) but wanted to try the suica iPhone wallet option next time

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Yea you'll be able to use the electronic Suica the next time you come no problem!

@systemchris 10 ай бұрын

Theyve been trying to remove Oyster cards in London also but theyre so useful for tourists, even if contactless with most bank cards works also, because sometimes your bank is a pain and you just need to travel 😅

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Not sure what a oyster card is. Is it like an IC Card?

@systemchris 9 ай бұрын

@@harblife yes the ic used here since 2003. Like you can use debit and credit cards now, but you do need a basic alternative especially as ticket machines and offices have been closed a lot

@joseacero9132 10 ай бұрын

For the welcome suica and pasmo passport do you reload them the same as a suica card?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Yep!

@mtblake 10 ай бұрын

The Apple wallet Suica (or Pasmo) took me about 30 seconds to add and charge for my upcoming trip. That was huge for me, considering all the 'can't get this card no more' talk I've heard!!!

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Great to hear! I am glad you could get it all solved so quickly!

@kc3302 10 ай бұрын

I couldn't get it to work the other day (kept saying Payment Not Completed) - I tried multiple cards but it kept failing. Today I look and as well as being able to add a Suica, I can add a Pasmo or ICOCA - I try adding those two but it kept failing. I tried adding a Suica again, first card failed so I tried a second card (which I previously tried without success) and it suddenly decided to work!

@mtblake 10 ай бұрын

Interesting! I'll keep that in mind if after a day of travel, I run into the issue of my card not working!!!@@kc3302

@rafaelribeiro4221 9 ай бұрын

I will buy the JR Pass (before Oct 1) for my trip in December, because I will visit different cities in the country. But can I use it for getting around in Tokyo, from one neighborhood to another? If it's not the case, is Welcome Pasmo an option for getting around in the city? Thank you very much!

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

If you bought the pass, yes you can use it for lines to get around Tokyo -- as long as they are JR lines.

@rafaelribeiro4221 8 ай бұрын

@@harblife Thanks!

@atllauren 10 ай бұрын

I’m going to be in Japan mid-October. Am I able to buy a JR Pass soon and hold it until October and still use it even though prices will have increased by then?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

You could by the pass now and redeem it when you get here. IT will be in the 90 day window.

@Eazy0boy 10 ай бұрын

Is still possible to get the welcome sucia card form the vending machine at haneda airport? My flight will arrive at 8pm so all the service counters will be closed..

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

It appears so! It looks like it said you can still get them at vending machine terminals.

@rhoniallen958 10 ай бұрын

Hey! I saw that on your video that a visa could potentially be used to top up your iPhone suica card .. but you only mentioned Mastercard and amex… can you use a Visa card?

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I just used the photo and had a picture of the visa card on it. I have been told by people who use the electronic Suica that only mastercard and amex works.

@rhoniallen958 10 ай бұрын

@@harblife thanks for the reply! That sucks. I don’t have those cards. Only a visa 😢 I have kept my suica from when I visited Japan this year so I hope I can use this instead.

@IceQueen975 10 ай бұрын

They're pushing for cashless/cardless to go digital. This is deeply concerning...

@MrYewheng 10 ай бұрын

Pushing for cashless/cardless is of no issue. The only problem is that there need to have a lot of planning and consideration and not just suspend and left many hanging. Like tourist for example.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

I think they are just trying to provide more options for commuters so they don't have to rely on one method of payment.

@moonwolf790 10 ай бұрын

I'm travelling in Japan from mid Oct to mid November, Can get a 21 day JR pass right now for about $630 aus which is about $400 US. Should I do this as a first timer there? Thanks for your videos, really helpful.

@harblife 10 ай бұрын

Depends on how many cities you travel to and how often you use the shinkansen. Use the Japan Guide shinkansen calculator to see if it will be worth it for you!

@NANICU 10 ай бұрын

Only in Japan where illogic dictates you suspend a product (Suica /Pasmo) which can be used over and over for almost eternity while continuing to sell another product (Welcome Suica /Pasmo Passport) which becomes totally useless after 28 days, in the name of IC chip shortage 🤦

@ducktouchergaming 9 ай бұрын

Welcome suica uses "binned chips" that aren't suitable for regular IC cards.