, , ,

Which One To Get Commuter Pass vs Ic Card For Tourist in Tokyo

Leave a Comment
Which One To Get Commuter Pass vs Ic Card For Tourist in Tokyo
 
Navigating Tokyo as a Tourist: Keeping It Simple

When visiting Japan, particularly Tokyo, it's best to keep things straightforward and avoid unnecessary complications. Have you seen the train map? They can be quite overwhelming! To help simplify your experience, here’s a guide to choosing between a commuter pass, IC Card, Welcome Suica Card, and the Tokyo Subway Pass while in Tokyo, especially tailored for tourists like us. Let’s go!



"This site contains Affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^

Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


For Tourists: Should you get a Commuter Pass or an IC Card in Tokyo?

  • It depends; get a Commuter Pass only if you will be traveling the same route every day during your stay, or if you live, work, or study in Tokyo.
  • Choose an IC card and get the Suica card for exploring around Tokyo. Keep it simple. Continue reading to discover the reasons why.


Before landing in Japan, we loaded our Suica card onto our phones for 2,000 JPY / 13 USD, so we have something to use right away when we land in Tokyo. When you’re gearing up to explore the land of sushi and samurai, you’ll find yourself asking, “What on earth is a Suica card in Japan?” Fear not, fellow adventurer! I too was tangled in the web of IC cards and Suica confusion, so here’s the breakdown we all needed.


What is an IC card?
  • An IC card lets you pay as you go and works on almost all major trains, subways, and buses across the country. 


What is a Suica card?
  • "Suica" is one brand of IC card.


What is a Commuter Pass?

In comparison, a Commuter Pass is for a specific route, like between two stations, and you can buy it for 1, 3, or 6 months.

My brothers bought a Commuter Pass because it’s more affordable and offers unlimited stops between Ueno and Tokyo. This pass allows them to get on or off at any station along the route without paying additional charges.


How to Get a Commuter Pass in Tokyo from a Ticket Machine

  • Go to Ueno Station or Tokyo Station and find a ticket machine or a JR Ticket Office.
  • At the ticket machine, choose "Commuter Pass" and pick how long you want it for.
  • Select your starting and ending train stations. Remember, the pass is only good for the exact route on the card.
  • The pass can be linked to a Suica or PASMO card. After buying it, you can use it as much as you want, but only on the route you registered.


If all else fails...
  • If you're having trouble, ask a train staff member for help picking the right stations, dates, and card type. We had help from someone nearby. Be polite, smile, and say thank you or "arigato" with a bow before and after buying!


Easy way to purchase a Commuter Pass
  • You can also use the Mobile Suica and PASMO to purchase commuter passes on your phone anytime. But if there's no Wi-Fi or you can’t connect to one, then you'll need to use the ticket machine.
  • Most people get their commuter passes on their IC card. This can be confusing—are IC cards and Suica cards the same? Let me explain it simply.


Which One To Get Commuter Pass vs Ic Card For Tourist in Tokyo

What is the difference between an IC card and a Suica card?
  • An IC card is a reusable card for public transport and shopping in Tokyo. "Suica" is one type of IC card. 
  • Is it clearer now? Let's just break it down even more.


What is an IC card?
  • As I mentioned at the top, an IC card is a rechargeable card for public transport and shopping in Tokyo.


There are two types of IC card
  • Suica and 
  • PASMO.


The Difference Between Suica and PASMO?
  • They're basically the same cards; the only difference is that they are issued by different companies.


Why a Suica card?

  • As a tourist, it's simple to just get a Suica card. 
  • Similar to EZLink in Singapore and the Octopus card in Hong Kong.
  • Suica and PASMO are rechargeable cards that allow for easy tapping at ticket gates for a smooth entry and exit experience.
  • Suica and PASMO are available in physical and mobile/digital form. The mobile card is helpful for those who tend to lose physical cards or prefer mobile use.


Where can you use your Suica card?

  • Suica and PASMO can be used for more than just trains.
  • They work as payment in convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. Here are more specific places you can use a Suica card:

    • Retail Stores & Pharmacies: Popular brands like Uniqlo, Muji, GU, Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and more.

    Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and more.

    Cafés & Fast Food: Starbucks, McDonald's, restaurants, and more.

    Station Services: Coin lockers and baggage storage kiosks.

    Vending Machines: Most machines near the stations accept Suica.

  • However, Suica can only be used for local routes and is not valid for traveling on the Shinkansen or Bullet Trains.
  • In Tokyo, Suica and PASMO are the most common cards.
  • In Osaka or Kyoto, you'll find ICOCA or PiTaPa.


Where to Get a Suica card?

For the Physical Suica card

  • JR East stations
  • Narita Airport
  • Haneda Airport
  • Ticket vending machine
  • JR ticket office, also called Midori-no-Madoguchi
  • Take note: A deposit of 500 JPY is required.


For the Digital/Mobile Suica card

For iPhone Users Only

  • The Mobile Suica is compatible only with iPhones. To be able to download the digital card, you will need an Android phone purchased in Japan.


For Android Users

  • For Android users, the only option available is to purchase a Physical Suica card.


How to Get a Digital/Mobile Suica Card on an iPhone?

You won't need any additional apps for this process.

  • Open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on “Add,” then choose “Transit Card,” and select Suica from the list.
  • Fund your balance using Apple Pay.


How to Load a Digital/Mobile Suica Card on an iPhone?

For iPhone Users Only: The Easiest and Most Convenient Method via Apple Walletgg

  • Open your Apple Wallet, choose your Suica card, and tap on "Add Money"
  • Enter the desired amount and authorize the payment.


Can you load your Suica card at a ticket machine or convenience store using a credit card? 

For some reason, cash seems to be the only payment method accepted.


How to Load a Physical Suica Card?

At Major Train Station IC Ticket Machine

  • Use the IC ticket machines to add funds. 
  • Place your Suica card on the reader, select "Charge." 
  • Choose the amount, and insert cash. 
  • Take note: Cash is the only accepted payment method at these machines, as credit card payments are only available through Apple Wallet.


At Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart

  • Give your card to the cashier
  • Tell them how much you want to add, and 
  • Pay in cash. 
  • Take note: Even Convenience stores only accept cash for reloading an IC card.


Which One To Get Commuter Pass vs Ic Card For Tourist in Tokyo

For Tourists: Should you get a Suica card or the Welcome Suica Card in Tokyo?

  • It depends on you.

We prefer to obtain the physical/mobile Suica card, particularly the physical card, because we can ask for a refund of any remaining balance. We also like the Mobile Suica card, as we plan to return frequently, and any unused funds on the physical/mobile Suica card remain valid for ten years after the last use.


What is the Welcome Suica Card?

  • The "Welcome Suica" is a tourist card with a cute cherry blossom design and can already be a souvenir for Japan.
  • It expires after 28 days and has no deposit fee.
  • However, the remaining balance cannot be refunded, so we prefer to use the Physical/Mobile Suica.


Where can you buy the Welcome Suica Card?

Find a JR East Travel Service Center or a Suica vending machine at:

  • Narita Airport
  • Haneda Airport
  • Major JR East stations, including  Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station


What to Do with the Remaining Balance on Your Suica Card?

  • Future Travel: Keep the card for your next trip; it lasts 10 years after the last use.
  • Use at Stores: Accepted at most convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, Lawson) or airport shops; you can split payments between the Suica card and cash or another card.
  • Gift: Consider giving the card to a friend who can use the balance.
  • Refund Request: Inquire about refunds at the ticket station, though a fee may apply.


How to Refund Remaining Balance on Your Suica Card?

You can request a refund only if you have a Physical Suica card.


For a Physical Suica Card

  • If you have a physical Suica card, you can get any remaining balance refunded at a JR East Travel Service Center before your departure.
  • You will receive your 500 JPY deposit back, minus a handling fee of 220 JPY. 
  • You can also keep the card for your next trip as it does not expire and lasts for 10 years after the last use.


For Mobile Suica Card

  • The remaining balance on a Mobile Suica Card is non-refundable unless you have a Japanese bank account. 
  • Fortunately, it does not expire and lasts for 10 years after the last use.


For Welcome Suica Card

  • The remaining balance on a Welcome Suica card is non-refundable, and it expires in 28 days, so make sure to use up the balance completely before your trip ends.


Which One To Get Commuter Pass vs Ic Card For Tourist in Tokyo
We got a 72-hour Tokyo Subway Pass combined with Keisei Skyliner Narita Airport Express Tickets via Klook.


Lastly... How about for Short Visits to Tokyo?

  • The  Tokyo Subway Pass is great for short visits to Tokyo.
  • This pass is ideal for tourists visiting Tokyo for just 2 to 3 days. It's only available for foreign visitors and requires a passport to buy.
  • If you plan to use the subway three or more times a day, the Tokyo Subway Pass is a great deal.


What Is the Tokyo Subway Pass?

  • The Tokyo Subway Pass is a convenient option if your travels are limited to the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
  • The Tokyo Subway Pass is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours to match your travel plans.
  • Take note: JR Lines, including the Yamanote Line, are NOT included.
  • Access the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines only.
  • Enjoy unlimited travel throughout the city without concern for your metro card balance.


Tokyo Subway Pass Prices

  • 24-hour train pass: 800 JPY for adults, 400 JPY for children
  • 48-hour train pass: 1,200 JPY for adults, 600 JPY for children
  • 72-hour train pass: 1,500 JPY for adults, 750 JPY for children


Train Stations Accessible with the Tokyo Subway Pass

The Tokyo Subway Pass is exclusively valid for use on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. At the station, identifying the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines is straightforward. For example, the symbol for the Ginza Line features the letter "G" inside a circle, making it easy to spot. In contrast, the symbols for JR lines are enclosed in a square.


The Tokyo Subway Pass  can be used at these 13 stations:

Tokyo Metro (9 Lines)
  • G (Ginza Line): Orange
  • M (Marunouchi Line): Red
  • H (Hibiya Line): Silver
  • T (Tozai Line): Sky Blue
  • C (Chiyoda Line): Green
  • Y (Yurakucho Line): Gold
  • Z (Hanzomon Line): Purple
  • N (Namboku Line): Emerald
  • F (Fukutoshin Line): Brown


Toei Subway (4 Lines)
  • A (Asakusa Line): Rose Pink
  • I (Mita Line): Blue
  • S (Shinjuku Line): Leaf Green
  • E (Oedo Line): Magenta


Not valid for JR Lines like: You can't use the Tokyo Subway Pass here
  • JY Yamanote Line
  • JT Tokaido Line
  • JC Cho Line (Rapid)
  • CO Chũo Main Line
  • JH Yokohama Line
  • and any other JR lines


Klook offers Tokyo Subway Pass that can be combined with Keisei Skyliner Narita Airport Express Tickets for added convenience. According to our research, they offer the most affordable deals available. With Tokyo being one of the most beloved and frequently visited destinations in Asia, you can skip the long lines and make the most of your experience.


How to Collect Your Ticket

  • To redeem your physical tickets bought via Klook, simply visit the train station. 
  • Look for a machine designated for collecting your Tokyo subway pass; there is usually a sign that reads “Pick Up Your Ticket.”
  • Tap the QR option.
  • Scan your QR code.
  • Take note that ticket redemption is also available online. Simply follow the instructions provided after purchasing your ticket.


Travel Packing Checklist for couples

Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist

This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.

Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!


And that’s a wrap! Fingers crossed, I’ve untangled the mysteries between IC cards and commuter passes, the magical Welcome Suica card, the Tokyo Subway Pass, and the ins and outs of snagging a physical or mobile Suica card. Plus, I threw in tips on reloading, securing refunds, and mastering it like a pro!

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Do you want more adventure in Japan?

Tokyo Travel Tips

  • Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Largest Pokémon store, with a Pokémon Café.
  • Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
  • Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
  • Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market


Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"

SHARE:

No comments

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)