PiTaPaピタパ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
PiTaPa is a postpaid card requiring an application and screening. If you need a card you can buy at an Osaka station during your trip, ICOCA is an option.
ICOCA can be bought and topped up at a station. PiTaPa requires an application and screening before postpaid use. Consider the issuance method and time needed when preparing a card during your trip.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: Surutto KANSAI and partner issuers ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- Surutto KANSAI and partner issuers
- Deposit
- Depends on membership terms
- Initial purchase price
- Issued after an application and screening
Apply online or through another supported channel and receive the card after approval. You cannot buy it immediately with cash from a station machine, making a new application impractical for a short visit.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you top up?
In PiTaPa postpaid areas, ride first and pay later. You need prepaid funds for nationwide interoperable prepaid areas. Automatic top-ups are available only in specified areas.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you use it?
PiTaPa has postpaid areas and nationwide interoperable areas requiring prepaid balance. Find your route in PiTaPa's official coverage guide to see which applies.
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 participating PiTaPa shopping merchants. PiTaPa is outside nationwide shopping-payment interoperability, so a Suica or ICOCA sign does not mean PiTaPa payment is accepted.
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?
Follow PiTaPa and your card issuer's instructions to cancel the card and recover any prepaid balance. This differs from returning ICOCA at a station for its JPY 500 deposit and balance.
PiTaPa Official refund counters and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
PiTaPa is not issued in Apple Wallet like Suica, PASMO or ICOCA. To use your iPhone for transit, choose a card available through Wallet.
How to add and fund a card in Apple Wallet →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17