Which IC Cards Should You Use in Osaka: ICOCA or Suica Card?

Osaka is one of the biggest metropolitan cities in Japan. This just means that there are many things to discover here! From cultural sites such as temples and shrines to bustling shopping districts and bright city lights, there is so much to see and do.

Getting around Osaka is pretty much a piece of cake. This walkable city is complemented by an efficient transportation system. All the must-visit places are within reach! Aside from this, you need not worry about getting lost when your navigation applications fail you - asking for directions is no problem as most locals can speak English. ‼️

When going from one place to another, taking the metro is the ideal way to explore Osaka. The subway system is well-connected with stations near popular destinations such as Dotonburi, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Osaka Castle, and more! You can purchase your tickets every time you transfer to a different station, but this could be time-consuming and would stall your travel. If you would like a more convenient way to go around without the fuss, then having an IC Card is the best way to go! ✨

Japanese IC cards are mainly used to pay fares on public transportation, especially on trains and buses. However, you may also use them on vending machines, shops, restaurants, and rental lockers in stations. Think of how much easier your journey could be if you no longer had to fumble for coins or risk losing your ticket every time you ride. It’s as simple as tapping on the card reader just like any bank card! 😊

There are many popular IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA. Even though each card is issued by a different company and may be popular in some regions than others, they all work the same way. You can use them on most trains, buses, and subways all across the country! In Osaka, it’s best to choose between Suica card and ICOCA.

The Suica card is more commonly used in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata, and Sendai regions. If you’re planning to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, having a Suica card will be just fine and would work just as well in Osaka.

On the other hand, ICOCA is more commonly used in the Kansai region. ICOCA is a play on the Japanese phrase 'Iko ka'  (行こか) which means 'Shall we go?’ Although it is practically the same as a Suica card, more Japanese locals prefer using ICOCA in Osaka.

These IC Cards are especially useful for foreign travelers visiting various regions across Japan, meaning they don’t need to buy a separate card for every area!

In the metro station, as you pass an automatic ticket gate, simply tap the card onto the card reader. Remember, you don’t need to insert the card into the ticket slot! As you exit your destination station, tap again, then the applicable fare will automatically be deducted. In buses, card readers are mostly placed at the exit. Tap the same way you would when entering and exiting the metro station.

Using an IC Card while shopping isn’t only convenient for cashless payments, but it also allows you to worry less about exchange rates that your credit or debit cards might have. Upon paying for a purchase, present your IC card to the cashier. They’ll set up the card reader and all you have to do is tap. An IC Card for shopping is also ideal if you want to keep track of your spending! 🛍️

For foreign travelers, it’s inevitable to bring large bags and luggage in transit. Luckily, subway stations in Japan offer locker services where you can keep your bag safely for the day as you go around the area! 

As you find a locker rental area in a station, choose a storage unit that would fit the size of your bags or luggage, place them inside, and close the door. On the screen, follow the instructions to secure your locker. Then, it will prompt you to tap your IC card on the reader. When you’re ready to collect your things at the end of the day, just tap your IC card on the card reader to open the locker. 😄

There are dedicated charging machines in every metro station where you can top up or check your IC card’s balance. These machines can also show you your usage history to keep track of your expenditures. Take note that both cards can hold a maximum of ¥20,000! 

IC Cards are available in almost every ticket machine in Osaka. However, we recommended that foreign tourists pre-purchase their IC cards. Securing your IC cards even before arriving at the airport means you can already travel to your accommodation without even having cash or coins! This would save time and avoid the hassle and confusion.

You can get your preferred IC card on Klook and collect it at the designated pick-up points. For ICOCA, you can pick it up at Kansai International Airport. Just show your Klook voucher at the EASYGO Counter on the first floor of the International/Domestic Arrival Hall which is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.  The Suica card, on the other hand, can only be picked up at Haneda Airport when purchased on Klook. This is perfect when your entry point to Japan is from Tokyo before heading to Osaka!

Each card typically costs YEN 2,000 (~14USD) as it comes preloaded with YEN 1,500 (~10 USD) plus a ¥500 (~4 USD) deposit. As soon as you have your IC Card, you are ready to go pretty much anywhere you want in Osaka - no activation required!

Whether you’re temple-hopping in the morning, shopping in Shinsaibashi by noon, or enjoying street food in Dotonbori at night, Osaka is yours to explore with just a tap! Grab your IC Card and make the most out of your trip! 🥳

Yes, they can. It’s also more convenient for foreign travelers to travel around Japan and other major cities aside from Osaka with an IC card!

An IC card typically costs 2,000 YEN (~14USD) as it comes preloaded with 1,500 YEN (~10 USD), plus a 500 YEN (3.40 USD) deposit.

Absolutely! IC cards can be used all over Japan, and each one functions the same way. You don’t need to get every type- one card will do for your whole trip.