Although Suica and PASMO cards are once again available after a temporary suspension, if you arrive in Japan via Kansai Airport in Osaka, you might consider purchasing an ICOCA card instead. ICOCA is primarily available in the Kansai region and is convenient for train travel. It can be used not only in Kansai, including Osaka and Kyoto, but also in other regions like Tokyo. So even if you’re starting your journey in western Japan, ICOCA will still work throughout most of the country!

What is an ICOCA？

ICOCA (Integrated Circuit Operating Card) is a prepaid transportation card initially introduced by JR West, operating in western Japan. The ICOCA card can be used for riding JR (Japan Railway) trains, subways, buses, and even for making purchases at certain convenience stores. The payment process is as simple as Suica; just place the card on the card reader to pay for your ticket or shopping. ICOCA is extremely user-friendly, making it especially suitable for frequent travelers in Japan.

In addition to the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, ICOCA is also usable in transportation networks in other areas. Whether you are in Tokyo, Fukuoka, or even Hokkaido, you can use ICOCA to swipe and ride.

Where and How to Get an ICOCA?

To purchase ICOCA, you can buy it at JR West Japan stations or some convenience stores, where recharging ICOCA is also conveniently available.

When purchasing a new ICOCA card, a one-time payment of 2000 yen is required. Of this, 500 yen serves as a deposit, and the remaining 1500 yen automatically becomes the card’s balance.

You can purchase ICOCA from the self-service ticket machines at various JR West Japan stations, and some machines support purchasing ICOCA with 1000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen. Like the 2000 yen ICOCA, 500 yen serves as a deposit, and the remaining amount is loaded onto the card as the card balance.

Additionally, you can directly inquire with the staff at the “Midori no Madoguchi (Green Window)” at various JR West Japan stations to purchase ICOCA.

It’s important to note that ICOCA can only be purchased in the ICOCA-compatible area of JR West Japan, which includes the Kansai city circle (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe), commonly visited by tourists. However, if you are in the Tokyo vicinity, such as Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, as well as places like Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, you cannot purchase ICOCA.

Where to Buy ICOCA Card at Kansai Airport?

You can purchase an ICOCA card at the JR West Ticket Office located on the first floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1. There are also ICOCA-compatible ticket vending machines near the Nankai Line entrance.

If you arrive at Terminal 2, you may need to take the free shuttle to Terminal 1 to find the main JR ticket counters.

These locations are open during most flight arrival times and accept cash payment for the card.

How to Recharge ICOCA

You can recharge ICOCA at ICOCA charging machines, self-service ticket machines, fare adjustment machines, and some convenience stores and electronics stores.

ICOCA Charging Machines

At JR West Japan stations, look for ICOCA self-service charging machines similar to the image above.

1. Insert ICOCA into the card slot on the upper right of the charging machine.
2. Select the desired recharge amount (options are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 10,000 yen).
3. Insert cash.
4. If you need a receipt, select “Receipt Issuance.”
5. Retrieve ICOCA from the card slot.

Self-Service Ticket Machines

You can also find self-service ticket machines similar to the image above at JR West Japan stations. For the two on the left, simply place ICOCA where it says [IC]. For the two on the right, insert ICOCA into the card slot indicated by the arrow.

1. Press the “Charge” button.
2. Insert or place ICOCA.
3. Select the desired recharge amount; options are 500 yen (some machines may not have this option), 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 10,000 yen.
4. Insert cash.
5. If you need a receipt, select “Receipt Issuance.” If not, select “No Charge Receipt.” For button-type machines, selecting “Receipt” issues a receipt; if not, it doesn’t.
6. Retrieve ICOCA.

Store Recharge

Almost all convenience stores (7-11, Family Mart, Lawson, Daily, MINI SHOP, etc.) can recharge ICOCA. In addition, electronics stores like Bic Camera, Sofmap, Kojima, etc., also support recharge.

1. Go to the cashier and request to recharge ICOCA.
2. Pay the desired recharge amount in cash.
3. Confirm the recharge amount displayed on the screen, and read the card on the card reader.
4. Complete the recharge.

What are the Differences Between ICOCA and Suica?

In summary, there’s not much difference when it comes to using Suica and ICOCA.

Both cards work pretty much the same way—if you can use Suica for transportation, chances are you can use ICOCA there too. The same goes for shopping: most stores and vending machines that accept ICOCA also accept Suica.

Originally, ICOCA was limited to the Kansai region, and other IC cards were also tied to specific areas. But this created headaches for travelers who had to carry multiple cards. To solve this, Japan unified its major IC cards in 2013, making them usable across the country, regardless of which one you own.

That said, there are still a few differences. For example, while you can recharge your ICOCA card at Suica machines and use it just like Suica in most places, you can’t buy an ICOCA card outside of the JR West area. Also, ICOCA can’t be used as a commuter pass outside JR West’s coverage area.

Frequently Asked Questions about ICOCA Card Purchase

Where can I buy an ICOCA card at Kansai Airport?

At the JR West Ticket Office on the first floor of Terminal 1, or at vending machines near the train platforms.

What are the ICOCA card purchase locations in Osaka?

You can buy the card at major JR West stations in Osaka, such as Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, and Tennoji Station.

Is it possible to buy an ICOCA card outside Kansai?

No. ICOCA cards are only available for purchase in JR West areas, including Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara).

What is the ICOCA card purchase location at Kansai Airport?

The primary purchase location is the JR West Ticket Office in Terminal 1, and automated vending machines near the Nankai Line entrances.

All the pictures/information are from：ICOCA：JRおでかけネット

You may also want to read: Can I Use ICOCA Card in Tokyo? Is ICOCA Accepted in the Kanto Region?