PiTaPaピタパ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A post-pay transit card issued after application and screening. If you want a card you can buy immediately at a station during an Osaka trip, ICOCA is available.
ICOCA can be bought and topped up at a station; PiTaPa requires application and screening before post-pay use. Consider the issuing process and time required if preparing a card during your trip.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: Surutto KANSAI and partner issuers ↗
Where can you buy it, and how much does it cost?
- Issuer
- Surutto KANSAI and partner issuers
- Deposit
- Depends on membership conditions
- Initial purchase amount
- Application and screening required
Apply online or through another accepted channel and receive the card after approval. You cannot buy it immediately with cash at a station machine, making a new application impractical for a short trip.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you add money?
In PiTaPa’s post-pay area, travel first and pay later. You need a prepaid balance for nationwide interoperable prepaid areas. Automatic top-ups are available only in designated areas.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Which areas accept it?
PiTaPa has post-pay areas and nationwide interoperable areas requiring a prepaid balance. Consult its service area guide to see which applies to your route.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card when entering and leaving train gates. With a mobile card, use the same device to exit. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on getting off, or both; follow the signs at the door and on board.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before travelling across separate IC service areas or to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
Pay at PiTaPa shopping merchants. PiTaPa is outside nationwide IC shopping interoperability, so a Suica or ICOCA sign does not mean PiTaPa is accepted.
Say the card name at checkout, then tap when the amount appears on the reader. If your balance is too low, ask whether the shop allows 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 issuer’s instructions to cancel the card and recover any prepaid balance. This differs from returning ICOCA at a station for its ¥500 deposit and remaining balance.
PiTaPa Official refund locations and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
PiTaPa is not issued in Apple Wallet in the same way as Suica, PASMO or ICOCA. For an iPhone transit card, choose a card available in Apple Wallet.
Apple Wallet setup and top-up steps →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17