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ICOCA

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ICOCA

A convenient reloadable IC card for train travel and shopping.

3.30 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  West Japan Railway Company

Featuring Ico-chan the Platypus, ICOCA is a convenient transit IC card issued by JR-West. In addition to paying train fares, it can be used as electronic money at participating stores.

ICOCA is reloadable, allowing you to use the same card repeatedly. Load funds in advance—up to ¥20,000—at a station recharge machine or ticket vending machine, then simply tap the card when passing through an automated ticket gate. It can also be used on various railways and buses throughout Japan that offer nationwide interoperability, including Suica from JR East and PiTaPa from private railway operators in the Kansai region.

ICOCA is accepted for payment at more than 1.85 million participating locations nationwide, including convenience stores, restaurants, and station shops, making both everyday life and travel more convenient.

When you no longer need the card, you can receive a refund consisting of the remaining balance minus a handling fee, plus the ¥500 deposit. Personalized cards such as Child ICOCA can also be reissued if lost for an additional fee.

Highlights

  • A transit IC card issued by JR-West.
  • Can be used to pay for train travel and purchases at participating stores.
  • Reloadable at station recharge machines, ticket vending machines, and other locations for repeated use.
  • Offers interoperability with railways throughout Japan that accept transit IC cards.
  • Refunds and reissuance of certain lost cards are available.

Photos

  • A versatile card that can be used across multiple regions and for shopping

    A versatile card that can be used across multiple regions and for shopping

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do I need a reservation to purchase one?
A

No reservation is required.

Q

Can I reload the card with a credit card?
A

With a few exceptions, ICOCA can only be reloaded with cash.
Exceptions allowing cashless reloads:
Quick Charge for SMART ICOCA, and reloads for Mobile ICOCA / ICOCA on Apple Pay

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    ICOCA is a very convenient transportation card when traveling in the Kansai region. You can simply tap it when taking trains or buses, and it can also be used at many convenience stores and vending machines. The card's main design features a refreshing blue-green color, and the most eye-catching part is its cute mascot, Iko-chan. Designed as a platypus with a round appearance and simple lines, the character is very recognizable~

  • BobbyJenny
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    On this trip to the Kansai region, I added ICOCA directly to my phone, and it was so much more convenient! I used to have to take out the physical card every time I rode the train, but now I can enter and exit stations just by tapping my phone. It’s one less card to carry, and getting around is easier too.

    The most convenient part is that when taking JR trains, subways, or other transportation that accepts ICOCA, you can simply tap your phone. There’s no need to open the app and look for the card every time. You can also use the transit IC card to pay when shopping, buying drinks, or making purchases at convenience stores and some other stores.

    Especially when you’re taking trains and making transfers all day while traveling, you can quickly tap your phone since it’s already close at hand. There’s no need to rummage through your bag for change or tickets. It really saves a lot of time for independent travelers, and you don’t have to keep worrying about where you put the physical card.

  • 雨妤魚
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    Super convenient—even works at hair salons!
    The current limit is still 20,000, but I personally prefer loading up the green Suica card first. I call this one the penguin card!
    I usually add money when the exchange rate is good. Some stores don’t accept it, but most do. As long as you tell the staff “cardo,” they’ll understand!
    Ahhh, I really want to go to Japan!
    Just keep in mind that it does expire. I have four cards, and every time I go, I have to make sure to use each one so I don’t forget!
    But it only expires once every 10 years. My aunt’s family let theirs sit for 9 years, and the station staff actually laughed about it... haha
    Seriously, who can stand not going to Japan for that long?
    Also, these are virtual cards now—you can use them on your phone, and you can add them to your watch too!
    If you link it to Apple Pay, you can reload it directly with a credit card, which is super convenient. I hope EasyCard can be added to Apple Pay too.

Details

Name in Japanese
ICOCA
Issuer
JR-West
Price
¥2,000 per card, including a ¥500 deposit
Where to Buy
Standard ICOCA cards are available at JR-West ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), with some exceptions, and ticket vending machines displaying the ICOCA logo at stations within the ICOCA service area.
For SMART ICOCA, Mobile ICOCA, and ICOCA on Apple Pay, please refer to the official website.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa