ICOCAイコカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
You can buy ICOCA for travel in Osaka and Kyoto. If you already have Suica or Hayakaken, use that on participating services instead of buying another card.
ICOCA deducts a fare from your balance each time you ride. It is not an unlimited day pass. Buy any required limited express ticket or seat reservation separately.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: JR West and other ICOCA issuers ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- JR West and other ICOCA issuers
- Deposit
- 500 yen
- Initial purchase price
- Normally JPY 2,000 = JPY 1,500 usable balance + JPY 500 deposit
Buy at JR West station machines or counters displaying the ICOCA mark. The standard price is JPY 2,000; some machines offer other amounts. Other railway companies also issue ICOCA, so check the issuer on the back before returning it.
The JPY 500 deposit is paid when you first buy the card. You cannot spend it on travel or shopping, and you do not pay it again when topping up.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you top up?
Add cash at a station top-up machine or a convenience store offering IC card top-ups. Accepted amounts and banknotes vary by machine. The maximum balance is JPY 20,000.
- Select チャージ (Charge), then insert the card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the final balance, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The order of steps and available amounts vary by machine.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it nationwide?
Use it on trains and buses displaying the nationwide IC card interoperability mark. Buy a separate ticket for journeys crossing separate IC card areas or continuing to a station that does not accept IC cards.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card at entry and exit gates. With a mobile card, leave using the device you tapped in with. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on exit, or both; follow the door and onboard instructions.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before boarding if you are crossing separate IC card areas or going to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
Use it at convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines and shops displaying the IC card payment mark. Only participating hotels accept it; ask each hotel about room-charge payments and limits.
Name the card at checkout and tap when the amount appears on the reader. If the balance is short, ask whether you can split payment with cash or another card.
Official coverage and exceptions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you get a refund, and what is the fee?
Return a JR West ICOCA to a JR West counter handling ICOCA. If another railway issued it, use that company's refund counter. Mobile ICOCA refunds are requested through the app rather than at a station.
Remaining balance − refund fee + deposit
If your balance is below the fee, only the remaining balance is deducted. Points and commuter passes are handled separately. Rounding rules and identification requirements depend on the card.
Keep the card if you plan to use it on another trip. To return it now, find the refund counter's opening hours and bring the card and any required identification.
ICOCA Official refund counters and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
Add a new ICOCA in Apple Wallet or transfer an eligible physical ICOCA. You can then tap your iPhone or Apple Watch for accepted transport and shop payments. Apply separately through the app for a balance refund.
Transferring a physical card into Wallet disables the original card and moves refunds to the mobile procedure. Read the mobile refund conditions before transferring if you planned to return the card at a station counter.
How to add and fund a card in Apple Wallet →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17