2024-07-21

Even if it's your first trip to Japan, don't worry! Complete guide on how to charge your Suica

WellBe Inc.

Even if it's your first trip to Japan, don't worry! Complete guide on how to charge your Suica

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

For visitors to Japan, Suica is a convenient prepaid card that can be used not only to pay train and bus fares, but also at convenience stores and vending machines.

In this article, I will explain in detail how to charge Suica.

Basic information about Suica

Suica Basic Information — Basic information about Suica

A Suica card is a must-have item for first-time travelers to Japan to make transportation easier.

By charging in advance, you can eliminate the trouble of buying a ticket and easily pass through the ticket gate.

It can also be used to pay for shopping and meals, reducing the need to carry cash.

How to buy Suica

First, let's do a quick review of how to buy a Suica card.

Suica can be purchased at major airports such as Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, and at vending machines and green counters at major JR stations. Once purchased, you can immediately charge and start using it.

How to charge Suica

Charging at vending machines

The most common method is to charge with a Suica-only vending machine installed inside the station.

Step 1: How to find a vending machine

The Suica logo and “charge” are displayed on vending machines inside the station.

They are usually installed near ticket gates or in the center of train stations.

Step 2: Insert your card

Insert your Suica card into the card slot of the vending machine.

If the card is inserted in the correct orientation, the machine will automatically recognize it.

Step 3: Select the amount you want to top up

Select the desired amount from the charge amount options displayed on the screen.

Normally, there are options for 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

Step 4: Pay with cash or credit card

Insert cash corresponding to the selected amount into the vending machine. If a change comes out, you will receive it from the change port.

Step 5: Pick up your card

Once the charge is complete, a confirmation message will be displayed on the screen.

Receive your Suica card and confirm the charge amount.

Charging at convenience stores

Suica can also be charged at convenience stores.

It is compatible at many convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

Step 1: Show your Suica to the clerk

Give your Suica card to the clerk at the cash register and tell them the amount you wish to charge.

Step 2: Pay with cash or credit card

Pay the top up amount with cash or credit card. The clerk charges the Suica card and returns the card.

Step 3: Check your receipt

Once the charge is complete, you will receive a receipt and confirm that the charge amount is correct.

Charging with smartphone apps

If you use the mobile Suica app on your smartphone, you can easily charge using a credit card.

This method is especially useful when you don't want to carry cash or when you're in a hurry.

Step 1: Download and set up the app

Download the mobile Suica app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. I will register my credit card information.

Step 2: Select the charge menu

Open the app and select the charge menu. Enter the charge amount and select the payment method.

Step 3: Confirm your charge

Make a payment with your credit card and check the app to confirm that the charge has been completed.

summary

Suica is a very convenient IC card for travelers visiting Japan.

You can easily charge using a variety of methods, such as vending machines, convenience stores, and smartphone apps.

If you know these methods, moving and shopping in Japan will be much smoother.

Be sure to use your Suica card to make effective use of your time during your trip and enjoy it without stress.

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.

Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

maninail　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.

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.

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.

Jimbocho (Akihabara area)/“CREBIA Jimbocho Store”

crebia　jinbocho — “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.

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.

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

Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”

WATANABE SHINKYU-SEITAIIN — “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.

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.

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.

Fukuoka/ “head CONCIERGE Fukuoka Store”