[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?
• Conclusion
• 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 smoothly. 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!

▶︎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)

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!

Conclusion

- Mainly travelling to Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe) → ICOCA is the best option

-Travel around Tokyo or Japan → Suica OK

-Avoid PiTaPa cards as they are not for tourists!

-An IC card is an essential item for a smooth trip. If you're traveling to Kansai, you can't go wrong by purchasing an ICOCA card at the station. Any remaining balance and deposit can be refunded at the station. You can also use the card the next time you visit Japan, so it might be a good idea to bring the card back as a souvenir!

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