2024 Japan ICOCA Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
On our previous 10-day Japan trip, we bought the Suica Card since we mostly traveled around Tokyo and nearby areas. But if you are mainly exploring the Kansai Region including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, we suggest that you get an ICOCA Card instead.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ICOCA Card in Japan, from its usage, price list, and where to buy, to tips and FAQs.
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What is a Japan ICOCA Card?
The ICOCA Card is an electronic IC card in Japan that you can mainly use to ride Japan’s public transportation such as trains and buses, especially in the Kansai Region. The ICOCA Card is integrated with the other Japan IC cards including the Welcome Suica Card and PASMO Card, so you can use it in any other places that accept these cards.
Like Korea’s T-Money Card, Taiwan’s EasyCard, Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, and Singapore’s EZ-Link Card, the ICOCA Card can be used for transportation as well as purchases in participating outlets.
Which areas in Japan can I use my ICOCA Card?
You can use your ICOCA Card in the following areas in Japan:
JR West Lines in the Kansai Region:
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Nara
- Kobe
Other parts of Japan:
- Sanyo region: Okayama and Hiroshima
- Northern Shikoku, San’in, and Hokuriku regions
- Areas that accept other Japan IC Cards:
- Suica: Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Sapporo, Sendai, Niigata
- PASMO: Tokyo Metro, Keikyu
- Toica: Tōkaidō, Chūō, Kansai, Taketoyo, Gotemba, Minobu, Iida, Takayama, and Taita (JR Central)
- PiTaPa: Hankyu, Hanshin, Osaka Metro, Keihan, Kintetsu, Nankai
- Kitaca: Hokkaido
- Manaca: Meitetsu, Nagoya Municipal Subway
- SUGOCA: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima
- Hayakaken: Fukuoka
- Nimoca: Hakodate, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto, Saga
What is NOT covered by the ICOCA Card?
While your ICOCA Card can be used in most parts of Japan, you cannot use it to ride the following:
- Shinkansen (bullet train) (Read our Shinkansen guide)
- Airport shuttles (Read our Kansai Airport transfer guide)
- Express trains
- Highway buses
What can I use my Japan ICOCA Card for?
You can use your ICOCA Card to pay for the following:
1. Public transportation
The ICOCA Card is mainly used to pay for public transportation in Japan including trains and buses, especially in the Kansai Region. You can also use it to ride public transport in other areas that accept other Japan IC cards like Suica and PASMO.
2. Convenience stores and drug stores
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, MINISTOP, and LAWSON, as well as drug stores like wellnee and welcia, accept ICOCA as a mode of payment.
3. Department stores
Department stores like Kintensu, Hankyu, Fukuya, Hanshin, and TENMAYA also accept ICOCA as payment for your purchases.
4. Malls, shops, and supermarkets
There are many malls, shops, and supermarkets in Japan that accept ICOCA as payment. These stores include MIO, Lucua, Marier, EST, SATO Group, and more.
5. Restaurants and cafes
Some notable restaurants and cafes in Japan that accept ICOCA as payment include McDonald’s, Starbucks, CoCo Curry House, Domino’s Pizza, and Mister Donut.
*See complete list of ICOCA participating stores.
How much does an ICOCA Card cost?
An ICOCA Card itself costs ¥2,000, which already includes a ¥500 deposit.
The maximum amount for ICOCA top-up is ¥20,000. Do note that you cannot use a credit card to top up your ICOCA card. Only Japanese Yen is accepted.
Where can I buy an ICOCA Card?
You can buy your card from the following:
Option 1: Online purchase
ICOCA IC Card on Klook [Currently Unavailable]
- Card price: ¥2,000 (US$13)
- Top-up included: ¥1,500 preloaded amount + ¥500 deposit
- Nice feature: With preloaded amount options and easy pick-up
- Pick-up location: EASYGO Counter on the 1st floor of Kansai Airport Arrival Hall (Open from 9.30am to 6.30pm)
Option 2: Kansai Airport
If you haven’t bought your ICOCA Card online, you can get one when you arrive at Kansai International Airport. Just proceed to the JR Ticket Office of Kansai Airport Station.
Option 2: Ticket vending machines of JR-West Stations
You can also buy your ICOCA card from ticket vending machines of any JR-West Station.
Notes:
- Only one ICOCA Card is sold per person.
- You must present your passport upon redemption of the card.
- You must have a Temporary Visitor Visa to buy an ICOCA.
How do I use the ICOCA Card?
Using your ICOCA Card is easy — just tap the card on the reader at the ticket gate or when boarding the bus. Tap the card again when exiting or alighting. Fares are calculated and deducted upon exit.
Japan ICOCA Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How do I put money on my ICOCA Card?
To top up or put money on your ICOCA Card, you can go to:
Option 1: Ticket vending machines at JR-West Stations
Go to any ticket vending machines at JR-West Station and follow these steps:
- Step 1: Change the display to English language.
- Step 2: Select “Charge / Check History”.
- Step 3: Select “Charge with Cash” and pick the desired amount.
- Step 4: Put your ICOCA Card on the cardholder until you hear the beep.
- Step 5: Get your ICOCA Card with a new charged amount.
Option 2: Convenience stores
You can also go to any convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or LAWSON and inform the staff that you want to reload your ICOCA Card.
2. Which one is better: Suica or ICOCA?
Both IC cards have the same function to pay for transport and shopping in Japan. However, the ICOCA Card is mainly used in the Kansai Region such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. If you are arriving in Tokyo, it’s better to get a Welcome Suica instead. Read our Welcome Suica Card guide to learn more.
3. Can foreigners buy an ICOCA Card?
Yes, foreigners can buy an ICOCA Card in Japan. Just present your valid passport and Temporary Visitor Visa when buying the card.
4. Can I withdraw money from my ICOCA Card?
The ICOCA Card is a prepaid smart card and does not function as a debit or ATM card where you can withdraw cash in Japan.
5. Is my ICOCA Card refundable?
Yes, your ICOCA Card is refundable with a refund fee of ¥220, which will be deducted from your balance. You can surrender your card to any JR-West Station ticket counter.
6. Do ICOCA Cards expire?
Yes, ICOCA Cards are valid for 10 years. Meaning, you have to use any remaining amount within 10 years or surrender the card to get a refund.
7. Can I still reuse my ICOCA Card when I travel back to Japan?
Yes, you can definitely reuse your Japan ICOCA Card when you travel back to Japan so long as it’s still within the 10-year validity period.
We hope we covered the basics of the Japan ICOCA Card.
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