How to use the Icoca card in Osaka, Japan: Guide for Malaysians

If you’re planning a vacation to Kyoto and Osaka, you might be wondering how to get around and pay for the subway and buses. That’s where the ICOCA Card comes in.

We’ll tell you what it is, where to get one, how to use it and more. We’ll also talk about how the Wise card will be able to help you save money when converting your MYR to JPY - so you can enjoy your vacation even more.

What is the ICOCA Card in Osaka?

The ICOCA Card¹ is the Kansai region’s IC card, so if you’re landing in Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and travelling around the region to cities like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and more, the ICOCA Card will be the transport card that’s sold. It can be used for paying for public transport fares, taxi fares, purchases in convenience stores, meals at restaurants and more. As long as you see the IC card symbol at the cashier, you should be able to use your ICOCA Card to pay.

Similar to the Suica Card and PASMO Card that’s issued in the Greater Tokyo Area, the ICOCA Card has a 10 year expiry date from the last time the card was used or topped up.

Where to buy an ICOCA Card in Japan?

The ICOCA Card can be purchased at JR West ticket vending machines and JR West ticket offices. As long as there’s a ICOCA logo on the machine, it should be able to be used to purchase an ICOCA Card.

Alternatively, you can choose to add a virtual ICOCA Card to your iPhone to avoid the hassle and queues. Simply go to the Apple Wallet app, tap on the + symbol on the top right then choose “Transit card” or “Transport card”. Scroll down to find the “ICOCA” option and you’ll be able to choose how much money you want to top up into the digital ICOCA Card.

Where to buy an ICOCA Card in Kansai Airport?

If you want a special ICOCA Card and you’re flying into Kansai International Airport, you’re in luck. The JR ticket office at Kansai Airport Station sells a limited edition ICOCA Card that features the traditional Japanese wind and thunder gods². In order to purchase this special edition, you must have a passport that’s not issued by the Japanese government, and you must be visiting Japan with a Temporary Visitor status.

Each person can only purchase one card, and the cost of the card is 2,000 JPY, with a 500 JPY deposit and 1,500 JPY of preloaded value. However, you will require a separate limited express ticket to take the Airport Express Haruka into Osaka. You can get around that by taking the slightly slower rapid train into Osaka, which can be paid using the ICOCA Card.

ICOCA Card price

A physical ICOCA Card will cost 2,000 JPY, with a 500 JPY refundable deposit and 1,500 JPY preloaded value. If you opt for the digital ICOCA Card, you won’t have to pay the 500 JPY deposit, and you can choose to top up any amount that you like.

How to use the ICOCA Card in Osaka?

The ICOCA Card comes with 1,500 JPY of preloaded value, so you can use it immediately if you want. If not, you can top up the card at any ticket vending machine, fare adjustment machine or recharge machine at subway stations. The ICOCA Card can also be recharged at convenience stores like Lawson, Family Mart, 7-Eleven and more³.

To use the card, simply tap it on the reader when entering or exiting the train station or bus. If you’re paying for a purchase or meal, simply inform the cashier you’re paying via ICOCA Card, and tap the card on the reader when prompted.

Can I use the ICOCA Card in Tokyo?

The ICOCA Card can be used in Tokyo, Hokkaido and other major cities in Japan, so you won’t have to worry about getting a new card if you’re travelling out of the Kansai region.

However, you won’t be able to use the ICOCA Card to travel between two different areas, for example, Tokyo and Osaka. You’ll either have to tap out and tap back in, or purchase special tickets.

Is there an ICOCA Card expiry date?

You might be wondering what the ICOCA Card validity or ICOCA Card expiry is, but rest assured, it will only ever expire 10 years after the last used date or last top up date. So as long as you use your ICOCA Card at least once every 10 years, your ICOCA Card will always be valid and ready for you to use.

ICOCA card vs Suica vs PASMO

There are other transportation cards available in Japan, such as the ICOCA Card and the PASMO Card. However, these IC cards are essentially similar in function. They can be used nationwide as long as the place supports payment via IC.

The main difference is where you purchase the cards and what kind of designs there are. If you’re landing in the Kansai region, you’ll most likely be purchasing an ICOCA Card and there are limited edition designs such as The Wind and Thunder Gods ICOCA Card that’s only available for purchase at the Kansai International Airport’s JR Ticket Office³.

PASMO and Suica cards are used in the same Greater Tokyo Area, and there’s very little difference between the two, such as a lower initial minimum charge amount of 500 JPY and no refund charge of 220 JPY for PASMO cards.

Pay for shopping, food and more in Japan with the Wise card

Before you head off to Osaka and Kyoto for some shopping and good food, make sure you get your ducks in a row by opening a Wise account. With the ability to hold over 40+ currencies and exchange money at the mid-market rate with low fees⁵, the Wise account will let you focus on enjoying your vacation without worrying about foreign currency conversion fees and other hidden card fees. Simply top-up your Wise account with MYR and let Wise’s auto conversion do the trick, or convert it in advance at your desired rate which reflects the current exchange rate you see on Google.

If you get a linked Wise card, you’ll be able to top up your digital ICOCA Card directly in Apple Wallet with JPY to skip any foreign exchange card fees. And if you’re worried about running out of cash, your Wise card will let you withdraw cash from local ATMs, with up to two free withdrawals each month of up to 1,000 MYR.

Whether you’re travelling Japan with your trusty physical Wise card or the virtual card ppm Apple Pay or Google Pay, you’ll be getting a whole lot of savings and convenience.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Source:

1. JR West Icoca
2. JR West How to use
3. JR West Store
4. JR West
5. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.