00:00:02 John Daub: Alright, I got it. This, ladies and gentlemen, is your solution to the PASMO Suica suspension of 2023. That's right. This is a TOICA card, which is the TOICA JR IC card for the Tokaido region between Tokyo and Nagoya. They sell these at Tokyo Station, so you don't need to rely on PASMO and Suica only. This is kind of big news. So this is PASMO, which you cannot get—which I have because I've been living here for a very long time. And there's also this: the Welcome Suica card, which you can get at the airports. They apparently have a lot of the IC card chips available for that. And look how cute it is. I have never had a TOICA card before. Look at the little chicks running there.

00:01:28 John Daub: Nagoya is famous for its chickens—it has the best chicken probably in Japan, certainly the most famous brand—and they put it on the card. I'm not complaining; this is super cute. It's got the same conditions: you can charge it up to 20,000 yen; it costs 2,000 yen to get the card, but 1,500 yen of cash is available on the card after you buy it—500 yen is a deposit. So you return the card when you leave or don't need it anymore. I've actually got way more cards than this—it's part of my job, so I keep them. But I wanted to go over this issue with you because it is something that is still ongoing.

00:01:58 John Daub: I went into the station here at Tokyo Station and literally tried to buy a Suica card. First I went to this machine, which charges them—I thought I could buy cards here. I even switched it to English menu for you. There's not even a menu to buy the IC card on this one, which is a little odd. So I went to the machine next door. And this is the one where you're supposed to be able to buy it. I click pass, go for new pass—I'm not renewing—and there's no option for buying a Suica card, which is weird. None of these work. So I canceled and figured that's a dead end. Then we moved on to section B. There is a sign inside Tokyo Station that lets you know—from the vending machines area—if you walk around, there's a JR Central office that issues tickets, and you can get a TOICA card just in this particular windowed area, which brought me on a wild goose chase—but not so wild.

00:03:28 John Daub: I walked around to that place where the arrow went and came up to this location, which is where I got the TOICA card. It's window number two, and you can clearly see that it says TOICA right there. That's where you buy it—there were a lot of people in line buying there. You don't want to go to the other windows; you can only go to that particular one. And you get yourself a TOICA card, which on the back looks the same as all the other IC cards. It works the same too—you can charge it in Tokyo as well, but you can't return it in Tokyo to get your 500 yen back. You have to go to this particular office in Tokyo Station for that.

00:04:22 John Daub: I get a brand new shiny card with chicks on it—any card with chicks on it. Here's my card collection. I think the TOICA card is really nice. The PASMO one's kind of boring; this one takes the cake. I like it—it's simple, I like the wave. But IC is written right there, and it works on the national network. So there you go. Now, that's for those of you who want a physical card. This is a live stream, so leave a comment—let me know your thoughts. Definitely if you don't need a PASMO or Suica, use your smartphone. I've had people telling me there were issues with Android phones—they couldn't use PASMO. You're going to have to update your phone if it's such a big deal. But if you have an Android, do you have an option: it's called TOICA—T-O-I-C-A—and it's pretty cool. I went online and did the research for you.

00:05:55 John Daub: This is the JR Central website. The Tokai IC card or TOICA can be purchased at vending machines, particularly in the Nagoya area with JR. There's MANACA, which is the Nagoya subway card but works in the central Japan region—and nationally. Purchasing them is regional, but usage is national. What's funny about this map is it shows the regionality of these IC cards: MANACA in the central area, Suica around Tokyo, PASMO in the east—we call this East Japan. Then West Japan has ICOCA, SUGOCA—I use the SUGOCA card right now. But it doesn't even say the TOICA card on there, so it's not especially popular apparently. Kanai likes the Kitaca card, which has a flying squirrel on it and this really cool green color. That's a little bit of information—it works the same as the other IC cards.

00:07:09 John Daub: I was looking on the news today just to check. Yahoo is still a thing here in Japan—Yahoo Japan is successful, just like 7-Eleven and some other Western companies that Japan bought out and made successful. This article from September 18th states that Suica and PASMO are still suspended—suspension started in June, no end in sight, likely continuing until next year. So no physical Suica or PASMO cards easily available—you might find remaining ones at some stations, but they just don't have the IC chips. According to the news, suspension until next year at least. This is the TOICA card, and this can be your card too for ¥2,000 at window number 2.

00:08:36 John Daub: If you guys click the like button, let's take a quick walk inside to show you the booth. The easiest way is the Yaesu North entrance—then Daimaru, the big department store where you can get cool gifts. Walk down this corridor and go straight—it's that ticket office on the left side. That's where you'll find window number 2 for the TOICA card. I was given this info by the JR Cafe window, where you can get JR rail passes—they have English-speaking staff, which is really cool. This window right here is where you get the tickets, and there it is: TOICA at window number 2. There's already a bunch of people waiting in line—word is getting out. It's so busy on a weekday.

00:10:56 John Daub: They always have such good confections in here. Did I show you my favorite? This is the Beniya Kamakura—they sell these walnut things from Kamakura. Oh, they're so good—highly recommend. TOICA is for the Tokai region, central Japan. JR Station here at Tokyo Station is kind of a weird hub because JR is JR East in Tokyo, but the Tokaido Shinkansen is JR Central. Tokyo Station is the terminus for JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen, so they're represented as two networks inside Tokyo Station: JR East for 95% of it, and JR Central offices where you get the TOICA card—one of the many regional IC cards.

00:12:17 John Daub: I asked the guy who was a trainee—with a senior official checking his behavior—who spoke English and was helping tourists. It took forever to get the TOICA card—even though I was next in line—because tourists were arguing with him that Osaka Station was where the Shinkansen stops, not Shin-Osaka. They wanted to go to Osaka Station by Shinkansen and said he was wrong. Why would a JR Central employee be wrong? But he was calm, collected, smiling, and said he could give a ticket to Osaka Station but they'd have to get off at Shin-Osaka. They didn't believe him—like, why would he lie? This back-and-forth went on for 10 minutes. I could have been perturbed because my time is valuable, but I was having fun listening in the background. He handled it really well, and I told him he did a good job—he just smiled. That's the biggest tip: give them a compliment, let them know they're doing good.

00:14:02 John Daub: Shin-Osaka is the Shinkansen station—"shin" means new; it's the new Osaka station made for the Shinkansen because it can't swing into central Osaka and back out. They made a hub like Shin-Yokohama for easy access from local trains—it just makes sense, monetarily anyway. It's a five-minute train ride from Shinkansen to local, or get off at Kyoto and take the Shinkaisoku—20 more minutes, but no change at Shin-Osaka. Lots of alternatives. I wanted to pull them aside and say, let me buy my pass and I'll give advice on planning effectively, but then it was over. If you have questions, let me know in chat. TOICA is one of many IC cards, and now it's in my pocket—two chicks in my pocket. I can use it to buy drinks and stuff.

00:15:28 John Daub: This issue is going to go on longer—I'm pretty sure you can buy Suica on eBay, but you don't need to. You can get IC cards here that aren't Suica. PASMO and Suica underestimated the chips, and they can't reorder because the company is limited—proprietary tech or something. Bottom line: JR and subways want you to use your smartphone. Soon Android phones will have it too—this is where everything's leading, away from physical cards. I've got credit cards, point cards—so many in my wallet. The last thing I want is another, although I just bought one. It weighs me down—that's why I need a bag. But I was able to do it; it took five minutes to figure out where. Now you know—I did the work for you.

00:16:54 John Daub: This is the place: Yaesu North entrance, sign at window number 2 says TOICA—sold there only. Just say "TOICA onegai shimasu," "ichimai" or "one please," and you get it. You now have an IC card you can charge everywhere in Tokyo—convenience stores, subway stations, just about anywhere. It's from central Japan but works nationally. You can't add this to your phone yet, but check for a TOICA app—regional ones like ICOCA now have apps. Suica is the one for Apple—iPhone 7 or later with NFC to touch and recharge. If not iPhone, depends on the maker.

00:18:38 John Daub: I feel lucky you have a PASMO from 2019—now it's valuable, like my collection with Welcome Suica. I dropped my ICOCA in pigeon poo—gross, wiped it on leaves. This Welcome Suica was a campaign from JR East—they gave me and Peter von Gomm one. Haven't used it yet—expires January 1, 2025, has 2,000 yen on it. First use within 28 or 30 days. The bad thing: balance can't be refunded, expires 28 days from first use, but rechargeable up to 20,000 yen.

00:20:18 John Daub: This is the Iso Central entrance—you want Yaesu North. This is highway bus and taxi stand—up there is Hitachi craft beer. Peter von Gomm and I stand there drinking and make fun of tourists with big suitcases—we might if really big. Actually, we're jealous you have free time to trip around Japan without filming. I just checked: ICOCA and PASMO available on Apple iPhone too—maybe TOICA soon. Did you visit Vietnam? Yes, 23 years ago—loved it, got pickpocketed at Hanoi main market. Sitting putting stamps on postcards, guy knelt to sell me some, fingered my pocket—I felt a twinge, he passed cash like football to others. My big Belgian-Dutch friend shook him down; got $7 back—not mine, so I only lost $43. He was scared—worth the story almost. Hanoi was sketchy then; now beautiful. Vietnam's great: weather, people, food, motorbikes—scary in cities, fine countryside. Got three $20 suits in Hoi An—still use them today.

00:23:40 John Daub: Nightbot shared Discord link. Photo Look Hawaii: thanks for info, worried about Suica—now you have options. Welcome Suica useful; TOICA reusable for 10 years, no return needed—they have plenty. I asked; no Suica/PASMO, but fine with TOICA. I did it for you—I didn't need it. Anybody find me, I'll sell my TOICA for 2,000 yen, no profit. Don't buy old Suica on Mercari—can't confirm chip works; they break easy if bent. I have worthless ones. No expiration check, counterfeits possible. 2,000-3,000 yen—not worth risk. You have options like TOICA or Welcome Suica—no deposit.

00:26:09 John Daub: My friend comes for study—is TOICA acceptable? Yes. Oh, hello—nice to meet you. Do you want to buy a TOICA card? They don't sell Suica here, but I got one. When I ordered Japan Rail Pass online, they were still selling Suica physical cards—got one. Where you from? U.S., Washington D.C. area, Maryland—I was born in Alexandria, across the river. Trip good? Yeah, reminds me how hot it is. This isn't hot—today's comfortable, humidity down. Imagine August—you climbed Fuji then? Yeah, big line past Station 5 for sunrise—Fujinomiya or Yoshida? Got the stamped stick? Yeah, but carrying it rest of trip is annoying—like a weapon, not great in cities. What up today? Wandering Tokyo Station, then Asakusa to shop. Had melon pan? Not yet—get whipped cream over ice cream, so much better. Thanks for hi—your posse hiding? Brothers from D.C., now Arizona—you guys big; everyone in Japan shorter. Mom with three big sons—trip good? Pretty good—thanks, been watching a while. First episode? Don't remember—I live nearby, hang at station. Looking for bakery? Japanese or Asian style? Down basement of Yaesu Chika (underground mall)—info desk points to three-four, including French with great croissants. We came from Ikinari Steak—good choice.

00:31:00 John Daub: That was cool—hope I answered. He got Suica online—worth checking websites if you want that brand. Bottom line: get cards at station, window 2—not sold out, just be inventive. Write in chat: what IC card do you have? Michael Sosna: Suica from 2019—you're fine. Pitapa is one of the weird ones. Snowly Mint: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA—you're pro with multiples. Most have those three. Easy Rider prefers TOICA over PASMO Passport—no one better; get IC card rechargeable 10 years nationwide from JR, no Mercari risk.

00:33:28 John Daub: IC card for buses, trains—touch, no cash fumble. Convenience stores, food, taxis—touch to pay. Tracks trips, deducts fare at end—recharge at booths up to 20,000 yen (~$150). Register name/phone to recover if lost—don't lose it. Alright, have a good day—questions in comments, see you tomorrow. Another livestream—gotta get lunch. Roro2k from Kauai, Hawaii—Hakodate first time, JR Pass big time. Yes, Shinkansen there ~20,000 yen—pays for itself. Or JR East-Hokkaido Pass to save. Jealous of your adventure—share photos on Discord: discord.gg/onlyinjapan. Postcards on Patreon too. Releasing video soon: Hiroshima's atomic bomb hibakusha train—bombed in WWII, still in use. Rode it, talked conductor—incredible. Link in chat.

00:36:52 John Daub: TOICA good? Chicken on it—no pigeons yet. Matane.