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A2 · ElementaryJapan·Technology, Media & Video Games

Suica Makes Travel Easier in Japan

Key Vocabulary

Word / PhraseMeaningExample
carda small plastic or digital item used for travel or paymentI used my card at the train gate.
farethe price of a bus or train tripThe train fare comes from the card.
tapto touch something quicklyTap the card on the reader.
travelto go from one place to anotherSuica makes local travel easier.
visitora person who comes to a place for a short timeThe mobile app is useful for some visitors to Japan.

Article

Suica is a travel card in Japan. People can put money on the card before they travel. Then they tap it at a train gate. [1]

The gate takes the correct train fare from the card. People can use Suica on many trains, buses and other kinds of public transport. [1]

Suica can also pay for small things in many shops and restaurants. This means one card can be useful during much of the day.

People can also use Suica on some phones and watches. Apple supports Suica in its Wallet app. [3] JR East also has a Welcome Suica Mobile app for visitors. [2]

Suica does not work for every trip. Some long or special train journeys need another ticket. Travelers should check before they go. [1]

The main idea is simple: tap and go. Technology can be useful when it removes small jobs and makes everyday travel easier.

Discussion Questions

  1. How do you pay for buses or trains in your country?
  2. What makes public transport easy to use?
  3. Which small things do you often buy without cash?
  4. What problems can happen if your travel card or phone does not work?
  5. What technology would make travel easier in your city?

References

  1. JR East, "Suica."
  2. JR East, "Welcome Suica Mobile."
  3. Apple Support, "Use transit cards on your iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan."