💳 Essential Japan Travel Guide: How to Buy & Use ICOCA in Kansai (Plus Mobile Options)

The ICOCA transport IC card, provided by JR West, is an indispensable tool for traveling across the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe). This comprehensive guide covers the latest purchasing methods, charging options, using Mobile ICOCA, and crucial travel tips for maximizing its convenience in Japan, tailored specifically for international visitors.

🌟 [Latest Update] IC Card Sales Status

• ・ICOCA Card (Adult/Registered): Sales have resumed and are currently available. You can purchase them at ticket windows and vending machines across JR West and major private railways/subways.
• ・Kansai One Pass: Sales will be phased out starting November 1, 2025. We recommend purchasing a standard ICOCA card instead.

---

1. What is ICOCA? Basics & Coverage Area

ICOCA is an IC transit card issued by JR West, primarily used in the Kansai, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions. Crucially, since 2013, it has been fully interoperable with all other major Japanese IC cards (like Suica and PASMO) nationwide.

If your itinerary involves frequent use of JR lines, private railways (Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Nankai, Kintetsu), and subways in major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, using ICOCA eliminates the hassle of buying individual paper tickets for every trip.

Information
ICOCA Official HP: https://www.jr-odekake.net/icoca/

---

2. How and Where to Buy Your ICOCA Card

ICOCA cards are currently available for purchase. The standard price is ¥2,000 (¥500 refundable deposit + ¥1,500 usable credit). The ¥500 deposit is returned upon card refund.

🏢 ICOCA Sales Locations

ICOCA cards and Commuter Passes are available at the following locations:

JR West: Stations within the ICOCA area “Midori no Madoguchi” (Ticket Offices) at Sanyo Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen stations (excluding some) IC-compatible automatic ticket vending machines (excluding some)

Other Rail/Subway Operators (Also selling ICOCA): Osaka Metro Kintetsu Railway Keihan Railway Nankai Electric Railway Kyoto City Subway Kobe City Subway Sanyo Electric Railway Kobe Electric Railway Osaka Monorail Semboku Rapid Railway Kobe New Transit Hankyu Railway Hanshin Railway Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway JR Shikoku Ainokaze Toyama Railway IR Ishikawa Railway Hapi-Line Fukui Hiroshima Rapid Transit, etc.

🚄 Standard ICOCA Purchase Procedure (Adult)

Follow these steps at an ICOCA-selling vending machine (or manned window):

1. 1. Select “ICOCA” (ICOCAを買う).
2. 2. Choose the desired purchase amount (usually ¥2,000).
3. 3. The screen will display the ¥500 deposit and refund details.
4. 4. Insert cash, press “Issue,” and the card and change will be dispensed.

👧 How to Buy Kodomo (Child) ICOCA

The Kodomo ICOCA (for children who qualify for child fares) must be purchased at a “Midori no Madoguchi” (Ticket Office).

1. 1. Fill out the “Kodomo ICOCA Purchase Application Form.”
2. 2. You must present a public identification document (e.g., health insurance card, passport) to confirm the name and date of birth of the child.
3. 3. Parents or guardians may purchase the card on behalf of the child.

---

3. Go Mobile! How to Use Mobile ICOCA/Suica

Mobile versions of ICOCA and Suica allow you to use your smartphone as your transit card, highly recommended for international visitors.

🍎 iPhone Users (Apple Pay)

Convenience: The virtual card links to your credit card via Apple Pay, allowing instant charging directly from your phone.

Requirements: iPhone 8 or later, running iOS 16 or later.

Setup: Open the iPhone Wallet app, tap the “+” button, select ICOCA, and follow the instructions to load an initial minimum amount (¥1,000) and issue the card.

🤖 Android Users (Mobile ICOCA)

Recommendation: Android users are required to use the “Osaifu-Keitai” app. Please check the official Mobile ICOCA website for the latest setup guidance for international devices.

[NEW] Attention: Scheduled Maintenance

JR West conducts regular system maintenance for Mobile ICOCA. During these hours, services such as charging, new card issuance, and refunds may be temporarily unavailable. Maintenance often occurs late at night/early morning. We recommend checking the official website for maintenance schedules during your trip.

Information:
・Get started with ICOCA on iPhone/Apple Pay
Official Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/icoca/applepay/start/
・Get started with Mobile ICOCA on Android
Official Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/icoca/mobileicoca/start/

---

4. How to Recharge (Top Up) Your ICOCA Card

There are two main methods to add funds to your ICOCA card:

4-1. At Major Station Vending Machines

Select “Charge” or “Top Up” (チャージ(入金)する) on the initial screen, choose the amount, and insert bills or coins.
Note: Charging procedures may vary slightly by railway company.

4-2. At Convenience Stores (The Easiest Option)

The most convenient option is to use the cash register or in-store ATMs at major convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.
In-Store Procedure: Hand your card to the clerk and clearly say, “Charge [amount] yen, please.” (e.g., “Charge 3,000 yen, please.”) Pay in cash; there are no transaction fees.
Chargeable Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Poplar, Ministop, Daily Yamazaki, etc.

💡 Recommended Balance

To avoid delays at the gate due to insufficient funds, we recommend keeping a balance of ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 on your card at all times.

---

5. [IC Card Alternative] Credit Card Contactless Payment

For travelers who prefer not to purchase an IC card or avoid the hassle, credit card contactless payment (“Tap to Pay”) is an emerging alternative.

Private railways like Nankai Electric Railway (Kansai Airport access) and some bus/subway lines are increasingly adopting contactless payment, allowing you to tap your existing credit/debit card directly on the turnstile to ride.

Important: This feature is limited to specific lines and gates and is not as universally accepted as ICOCA. Always check the available services on your specific route.

---

6. ICOCA Usage and Where It Works

Coverage Area

ICOCA is accepted on major JR lines, private railways, subways, and buses nationwide where the national interoperability mark is displayed.

For detailed coverage maps, please check the official HP (which also covers PASMO, Suica, and others):

Information
ICOCA Usable Area
Official HP: https://www.jr-odekake.net/icoca/area/

How to Use at Gates
Lightly touch the card to the blue sensor panel at the automatic ticket gate when entering and exiting.

Information
ICOCA Electronic Money Retail Stores
ICOCA Official HP: https://www.jr-odekake.net/icoca/guide/money/store.html

Question	Answer	Additional Information
Q1. Can I use ICOCA on buses?	Yes. On bus routes that display the common IC card symbol, tap the card when boarding and alighting.
Q2. Can I ride Limited Express trains?	ICOCA covers the base fare, but you must purchase a separate “Limited Express Ticket” (特急券) to board special express trains.
Q3. What if my balance is insufficient at the exit gate?	Use the Fare Adjustment Machine (精算機) located near the turnstiles to top up the required amount.
Q4. Can I get a refund for the card?	Yes, you can return your ICOCA card at any JR West “Midori no Madoguchi” (ticket office). After deducting the refund fee (usually ¥220), the ¥500 deposit and any remaining balance will be returned. The refund fee is waived if the remaining balance is ¥0.	Refund Fee specified.
Q5. What if the card is lost or stolen?	Registered (named) ICOCA cards (including mobile versions) can be reissued upon presenting identification (like your passport). Unregistered ICOCA cards cannot be reissued.	Lost/Stolen Card Warning added.
Q6. Does the card work in Tokyo?	Yes. ICOCA is fully interoperable with Suica and PASMO and can be used on almost all public transport across Japan.

Summary: Travel Smart with IC Cards

・ICOCA cards are currently available for purchase at JR and private railway stations.
・The ICOCA card is valid across all major transport networks nationwide (including Tokyo).
・Credit Card Contactless Payment is an alternative in some areas but is not yet universal.
・Keep a generous balance by charging easily at convenience stores.

Choose your preferred card and enjoy your trip to Japan!