Even if it's your first trip to Japan, don't worry! A thorough explanation of how to use a convenient Suica card

Suica (Suica) is one of Japan's major transportation IC cards, and is offered by East Japan Railway Company (JR East).

This card can be used not only to pay train and bus fares, but also to pay for buses, convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines, etc.

If it's a mobile Suica, you can register for an iPhone or Android, and if you charge the required amount, you can complete the payment simply by holding your smartphone over the payment terminal.

Since it makes it easier to use means of transportation, etc., it is a must-have item during a trip to Japan.

What is the mobile “Suica”?

Mobile Suica is an application that allows you to use the functions of the transportation card “Suica” provided by JR East.

There is no big difference in basic functions between the card type “Suica” and the mobile “Suica,” but since the mobile “Suica” is used by registering it with a smartphone, there is no need to carry a card.

Also, when using a card-type Suica, it is necessary to use a dedicated terminal at the station when charging balance or cash, but if it's a mobile Suica, you can operate it on a smartphone.

Previously, card types could be purchased at ticket vending machines and counters at JR East stations within the Suica area, but as of 2024, purchases were temporarily discontinued.

In some places, card types can also be purchased at Haneda Airport, etc., but there are restrictions, so using a mobile Suica is convenient.

Details

How to buy a mobile “Suica”

This time, I would like to introduce how to purchase a mobile “Suica” rather than a card type.

Apple Pay's Suica is a convenient service that issues Suica on an iPhone or Apple Watch, and can be used smoothly for trains, buses, and shopping without the need to line up at the counter or automatic ticket vending machine at the station through charging or purchasing tickets with a credit card, etc.

1. Prepare a mobile Suica compatible device and credit card

2. Install Mobile Suica on your phone and make a new registration

3. Top up your mobile Suica balance

4. Tap “Ticket Purchase Suica Management” from the menu at the bottom of the screen with various convenient settings

Beauty experience in Japan

Mobile “Suica” compatible models

In order to use a mobile Suica, it is necessary to prepare a compatible model.

In the case of iPhones, it can be used with iPhone 7 and later models.

Note that in the case of Android, there is an upper limit on the number of Suica (or PASMO) cards that can be issued depending on the model.

Credit cards that can be used for mobile “Suica”

Credit cards that can be registered to the mobile Suica app are compatible with the following international brands in addition to View Cards and JR Tokai Express Cards.

・ JCB

・ VISA

・ Mastercard

・ American Express

・ Diners Club

How to install the app

Let's install the app from the following URL.

You can install the iPhone Suica app from the following.

iPhone

You can install the Android Suica app from the following.

Android

How to use a mobile Suica

If you charge your mobile Suica balance in advance, you can pay simply by holding your phone over the payment terminal at a train station ticket gate or store cash register.

You don't have to launch the app every time.

However, be aware that it may not respond if the battery is out of charge or if the power is off.

1. How to pass through the ticket gate when boarding a train

You can pass by simply holding your Suica over the card reader at the ticket gate.

When the mobile Suica is successfully scanned, it makes a “beep” sound.

When you touch it, your balance will be displayed, so be sure to check it.

If you run out of it, you won't be able to get out of the ticket gate, so be sure to charge it up beforehand.

2. How to use it on a bus

You can also use your Suica when you get on the bus.

Touch the card reader near the driver when getting on or off the bus.

Similar to trains, it also makes a “beep” sound when the reading is complete.

When you touch it, your balance will be displayed, so be sure to check it.

3. How to use it for shopping

Suica can be used not only for transportation, but also for shopping.

When using Suica at a convenience store or vending machine, simply hold the Suica over the reader at the time of payment.

Beauty experience in Japan

How to use the bullet train

If you use a mobile Suica, you can board the bullet train (unreserved seats only) by simply holding your phone over the ticket gate, just like when boarding a train.

In order to use a mobile Suica on the bullet train, different settings are required.

1. Purchase bullet train tickets and e-tickets on the dedicated website. (Method that does not require paper tickets)

Purchase site

2. Enter your Suica number in the message “Please link to your Suica.” (Can also be linked with the ID number of the mobile Suica app)

3. When I got on the train on the day, I held up my cell phone to the ticket gate, passed through the bullet train ticket gate, and took my reserved seat.

Details

How to get a refund for a mobile Suica

A prescribed fee (220 yen) will be charged for repayment.

However, refunds are not realistic because they are transferred to the designated bank account in Japan for about 2 weeks to 1 month after completing the procedure.

As much as possible, we recommend that you charge only the amount you can use up, pay for souvenirs, eat and drink, and use up the remaining amount.

Beauty experience in Japan

summary

“Suica” is a very convenient transportation IC card for tourists.

Everything from purchase to charging and usage is easy to use, making it easy to move around and shop while traveling.

As of 2024, mobile Suica's foreign language support is not very smooth, but a convenient service was announced in 2025.

An even more convenient service “Welcome Suica Mobile,” which can issue and charge Suica by simply operating the application before entering the country, is scheduled to be offered in the spring of 2025.

Be sure to check it out when you come to Japan next year.

Please use Suica during your stay in Japan and enjoy a comfortable trip.

A beauty experience is also recommended when visiting Japan!

Finding a spot in Japan where you can experience beauty treatments such as massages, nails, and esthetics to heal the tiredness of your trip is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.

Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.

Beauty experience in Japan

Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.

Hand and foot nails can be performed simultaneously. For those who are concerned about the burden of gel nails, we have prepared a number of “non-scraping” gel polishes, shellac, nail care, foot care, etc.

Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.

Details

Ginza/ “head CONCIERGE Ginza Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”

It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.

Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”

Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.

Details

Ikebukuro/ “Mix Up!! Ikebukuro store”

This salon, located about a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro, offers many effective facial treatments for pores, beautiful skin, lift-up, and anti-aging.

As for body treatments, you can choose between slimming or relaxation courses. You can have your whole body well cared for according to the condition of the day.

Details

Jimbocho (Akihabara area)/“CREBIA Jimbocho Store”

A slimming esthetic salon that leads to effortless results! Highly skilled and experienced staff are popular.

It is a talented salon that is a strong ally for women who want to go on a diet.

Our experienced staff will suggest a menu tailored to each person's constitution and concerns, so you can get closer to your ideal body without difficulty, without waste, and effectively.

Details

Osaka/ “bellissimo”

A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.

This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.

We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.

Head spas approach scalp problems felt due to aging, dryness, stress, etc.

It thoroughly relaxes stiff scalp and improves blood circulation, thereby improving blood color.

Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.

Details

Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”

If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.

We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.

Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.

Details

Fukuoka/ “NAILSALON EPI”

A 3-minute walk from Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka Metro Airport Line, this is the perfect nail salon for those looking for trends.

Packed with trendy colors you can't find anywhere else. We have a selection of popular magnet colors, and after the treatment, “Where did you do that nail?” There is no doubt that you will be asked.

The color can be changed according to the wishes of each customer, and it is popular for its good durability and beautiful finish.

You can also enjoy a movie during the treatment in the stylish store, so you can spend a relaxing time.

Enjoy fashion from your fingertips at this popular nail salon.

Details

Fukuoka/ “head CONCIERGE Fukuoka Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”

Head Concierge is a group of experts who have learned how to train their arms with their fingers.

It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.

Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”

Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.

Details