[For beginners] The differences between ICOCA, Suica, and PiTaPa - A complete guide including the smartphone versions

• Table of Contents
• ▶︎What is ICOCA? (Kansai area)
• ▶︎Mobile ICOCA (mainly in Kansai) can be used on smartphones
• ▶︎What is SUICA? (Kanto area)
• ▶︎Mobile SUICA (Kanto area) can be used on smartphones
• What is Welcome Suica? How is it different from the regular Suica?
• ▶︎What is PITAPA?
• summary
• Book the best Japan trip on TripToJapan.com!

When traveling in the Kansai area, including Osaka, IC cards are very convenient for using public transportation. However, there are many cards with similar names, such as "ICOCA," "PiTaPa," and "Suica," so it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

In this article, we will explain, as clearly as possible, the differences between the three types of cards that travelers often see.

▶︎What is ICOCA? (Kansai area)

ICOCA is an IC card issued by JR West, and is the most recommended card for people traveling to Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc.). It can also be used for shopping on trains, buses, and at convenience stores.

Eligibility: Anyone can purchase (no passport required)

Deposit: Initial fee: 2,000 yen (500 yen is the deposit, 1,500 yen is available for use)

Where to buy: Available at Kansai Airport, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, etc.

Where to use: Not only on JR lines, but also on subways, private railways, and buses

How to recharge: The physical version is recharged with cash (can be easily recharged at ticket vending machines, etc.)

For tourists: There is also a "Kansai One Pass" for tourists (with discount benefits)

▶ Tip: If you're planning on sightseeing in the Kansai region, this is the first choice!

Half-Day Private Guided Tour: Join the Modern City Tour of Kita Osaka

Take a night tour of the Namba district of Osaka

Take a private tour of Kyoto

If you have an IC card such as ICOCA, it will be very convenient to travel around Japan! Get an ICOCA and join a gourmet tour in Osaka or a private tour in Kyoto!

▶︎Mobile ICOCA (mainly in Kansai) can be used on smartphones

★Can be registered on iPhone and Apple Watch for mobile use

-No deposit required

-Registration possible from smartphone

Download Mobile ICOCA

▶︎What is SUICA? (Kanto area)

Suica is an IC card issued by JR East and is mainly used in Tokyo. However, it can be used in IC card areas all over the country, so you can use it in Osaka without any problems. You can also use it for shopping on trains, buses, and at convenience stores.

Eligibility: Anyone can purchase (no passport required)

Recharge: The physical version is recharged with cash (it can be easily refilled at ticket vending machines, etc.)

Where to buy: Available at all JR stations in the Kanto area

For tourists: In the Kanto region, there is also a "Welcome Suica" for tourists.

▶ Tip: Suica is convenient for people traveling a wide area from Tokyo to Kansai. However, if you are buying in Kansai, ICOCA is smoother.

▶︎Mobile SUICA (Kanto area) can be used on smartphones

★Can be registered on iPhone and Apple Watch for mobile use

How to get it: You can register from your smartphone

Download the Mobile SUICA app (iOS version)

Take a Tokyo Cultural Tour

Once you get the SUICA transportation card, you can comfortably tour Tokyo Cultural Tour, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Ueno Park, and Tokyo National Museum! Be sure to consult Trip To Japan and plan the best Tokyo trip!

What is Welcome Suica? How is it different from the regular Suica?

Can be used without a smartphone or credit card

Welcome Suica does not require a smartphone or credit card, nor does it require downloading or setting up an app. You can easily purchase a Suica card at the airport or station with just cash by presenting your passport.

👉 Don't worry, even if your smartphone is old or you find it difficult to set up!

Very easy to issue and can be used on the same day

Mobile Suica requires linking to Apple Pay or Google Pay, but Welcome Suica can be issued at the counter in just 3 minutes and can be used immediately. You can use it on trains and buses the day you arrive in Japan.

👉 No setup required, so it's OK even if you're not familiar with foreign languages.

It's ok even if you're not familiar with digital

Some travelers may not be familiar with smartphones or may feel uneasy about using Japanese apps. Welcome Suica is an option designed to accommodate such people, emphasizing the security of a physical card.

Welcome SUICA is for

WHERE TO BUY WELCOME SUICA

▶︎JR EAST Travel Service Center

Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station, Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) Station, Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, Ueno Station, Yokohama Station, Sendai Station

▶︎Welcome Suica Ticket Vending Machines

Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station, Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) Station

▶︎JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ TOKYO

▶︎TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center

Learn more about Welcome SUICA

▶︎What is PITAPA?

PiTaPa is an IC card issued by private railways in the Kansai region (Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, etc.). Although the name is often seen, it is not suitable for tourists.

Payment method: Postpay: You will be billed for the amount you use at a later date

How to purchase: Purchase requires screening (credit card registration required)

Eligibility: For people with an address in Japan (excluding short-term travelers)

▶ Tip: Although it may seem convenient at first glance, it is not available to foreign tourists. Be careful not to choose it!

summary

If you're traveling mainly in the Kansai area, we strongly recommend that you get an ICOCA card first. Not only will it make traveling by train and bus smoother, but it can also be used to pay at convenience stores and vending machines, greatly reducing the hassle of having to hand out cash. Suica is also convenient for wide-area travel that includes the Kanto area, but if you're purchasing an ICOCA card in Kansai, it's easier to use, and the "Kansai One Pass" with its special benefits for travelers is also attractive.

And having an IC card makes travel smoother, allowing you to have more time for sightseeing and other activities. For example, you can use your ICOCA to access Osaka Station, then join a gourmet tour or a night bar tour, or get off in Kyoto and enjoy a private tour of historic temples. This allows you to combine travel and sightseeing into one trip.

With TripToJapan, you can book not only transportation but also tours and experience plans in various locations all in one place. In addition to smooth travel with IC cards, you can also make the most of your limited time by preparing your sightseeing experiences in advance.

✅ Use ICOCA or Suica for smart transportation ✅ Book tours and experiences in advance with TripToJapan ✅ Efficiently combine "travel" and "sightseeing" to have a fulfilling trip to Japan!

Book the best Japan trip on TripToJapan.com!

Find an experience plan

Trip To Japan is the ultimate travel guide, with a huge selection of bookable tickets and experiences across Japan. We cover it all, from the vibrant city life of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. Our platform offers comprehensive resources on top attractions, local cuisine, shopping, accommodation and practical travel tips.

What sets us apart is our customizable multi-day tours, including hotels, JR passes and guided tours, all in one checkout. Whether you're exploring the historic temples of Kyoto, tasting the cuisine of Osaka or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Okinawa, Trip To Japan ensures a seamless and unforgettable journey. Discover the beauty and diversity of Japan easily and conveniently with Trip To Japan.