Oops! Japan #37 — Is Suica Your Best Friend (If You Have an iPhone)? （ICカードはiPhoneユーザーの味方？）The Different IC Card Experience in East and West Japan


 Oops! Japan #37 — Is Suica Your Best Friend (If You Have an iPhone)?


（ICカードはiPhoneユーザーの味方？）The Different IC Card Experience in East and West Japan


⸻


English:


Japan’s train IC cards — like Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA — are super convenient. But not all cards (or regions) treat you equally.


If you’re an iPhone user, Suica and Pasmo (used in Tokyo and East Japan) can be added directly to Apple Wallet. No app needed, no physical card required. You can even top them up with Apple Pay.


But in West Japan (like Osaka or Kyoto), you’ll encounter ICOCA — and here’s where things get tricky:

• You can’t easily add ICOCA to Apple Wallet without a Japanese iTunes account.

• Even the app (for tourists) requires face verification, which many found confusing or buggy.

• Some travelers were locked out of online functions after failed face scans.


As one user wrote:

“I just wanted a train card, but instead I had to upload a passport, take a selfie, and still couldn’t log in.”


What’s the fix?

• If you’re mainly in the Tokyo area, go with Suica or Pasmo — easy, smooth, and tourist-friendly.

• In Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto), buy a physical ICOCA card at the station or convenience store. Don’t bother with the app unless you really need online recharging.

• Use credit card auto-recharge or pair it with your phone’s NFC for tapping, but manage expectations.


Japan’s IC cards are great — but depending on your region and device, some are more “friendly” than others.


⸻


日本語の補足：


日本の交通系ICカード（Suica、Pasmo、ICOCAなど）は便利ですが、地域やスマホの機種によって体験が大きく異なります。


特にiPhoneユーザーにとって、Suica（東京など）やPasmoはApple Walletに直接登録でき、チャージもApple Payで簡単。アプリ不要・カード不要です。


しかし関西圏で主に使われているICOCAでは、事情が異なります：

• Apple Walletでの登録が難しく、日本のApple IDが必要

• ICOCAアプリは顔認証を求められ、うまくいかないケースも多い

• パスポートや自撮りを求められる手間があり、ログインすらできないという声も


関東ならモバイルSuicaでOK、関西なら物理カードの購入が一番シンプル。使い分けを意識すれば、ストレスも減ります。



Nexusxt up: Oops! Japan #38 — Coming Soon

A new surprise, a new survival tip — stay tuned!

次回予告：Oops! Japan #31 — 近日公開予定！

日本での「意外な落とし穴」を次回もご紹介予定です。お楽しみに！

コメント

コメントを投稿

このブログの人気の投稿

Oops! Japan #48 — Should You Buy a Suitcase in Japan? One suitcase in, two suitcases out? Let’s talk strategy

  Oops! Japan #48 — Should You Buy a Suitcase in Japan? One suitcase in, two suitcases out? Let’s talk strategy. Many travelers to Japan ask the same question: Should I bring all my luggage from home, or just buy a new suitcase while I’m there? On Reddit, one user wrote: “We’re flying to Japan for a month and thinking of bringing just one suitcase — then buying another before we return. Where’s the best place to get one?” It’s a common idea, especially for those planning to shop a lot or return with souvenirs. But is it a good one? ⸻ 🧳 What Reddit Travelers Say: • Prices vary a lot. Expect to pay anywhere from ¥5,000 to ¥25,000+ depending on size and quality. Some users found large suitcases for around ¥13,000 — while others said they found cheaper ones for half that. • Don Quijote (Donki) is a popular store — open late, convenient, and well-stocked. “Donki’s suitcases used to be the cheapest, but now they’re not really a bargain.” “Still, they’re durable and have train-fr...
続きを読む

Oops! Japan #10 — Bug Bites & Thigh Rashes How to Survive Japan’s Hidden Travel Hazards

イメージ
  Oops! Japan #10 — Bug Bites & Thigh Rashes How to Survive Japan’s Hidden Travel Hazards It’s not always about culture shock. Sometimes it’s just the mosquitoes. Bring anti-itch cream. Some travelers report getting multiple bites daily — especially in warm or rural areas. Don’t let it ruin your trip. If you’re prone to thigh chafing, be prepared. Shorts, tights, or anti-chafe creams can save your sanity, especially if you're walking long distances in skirts. 👕 And one more: a light long-sleeve shirt helps avoid sunburn and stares (if you’re used to sleeveless tops). Versatile and respectful — win-win. 🗾 日本語の補足： 「日本で気をつけること」と聞いて蚊を思い浮かべる人は少ないですが、夏場は本当に刺されます。かゆみ止めクリームは持参すべきアイテム。さらに、スカートでの長時間の移動では太ももの擦れ対策も忘れずに。服装や小物で快適さが大きく変わります。 Next up: Oops! Japan #11 — The Luggage Game（増え続ける荷物との戦い）
続きを読む

Oops! Japan #28 — You’ll Regret Skipping Rest Days （休養日なしは後悔のもと）Why Even Magical Japan Can Wear You Down

イメージ
  Oops! Japan #28 — You’ll Regret Skipping Rest Days （休養日なしは後悔のもと）Why Even Magical Japan Can Wear You Down English: Just came back from a 9-day Japan trip and feeling… wrecked? You’re not alone. One Reddit traveler shared how they packed their itinerary wall-to-wall with sights, food, and shopping — but forgot one thing: A day to do nothing. “I didn’t plan any rest day. I just kept going around and now I’m exhausted. Legs sore, eyes half-closed. I had to spend two days back home hibernating.” Even others chimed in: “I’d extend this to any trip longer than 7 days. Japan is magical — but physically draining.” “Next time, I’ll book a day at an onsen town or just sleep in and stroll slowly.” What counts as a rest day? Not sitting in a café between activities. A true rest day means: No sightseeing No strict plans Maybe a nice hot bath or a nap Staying in the hotel or exploring slowly around your base area Where to rest? Try a sento or onsen — even city ones like in Osaka Book a hotel ...
続きを読む