The ICOCA card is a rechargeable contactless smart card used on JR Westrail network in Japan. The card was launched on November 1, 2003 for usage on the Urban Network, which encompasses the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. It is now [|usable on many other networks]. ICOCA stands for IC Operating CArd, but it is also a play on the phrase "Iko ka", an informal, Kansai dialect invitation meaning "Shall we go?" in Japanese. The mascots for the ICOCA program consist of a blue platypus called Ico the Platypus and Icota and Icomi the Platypuses.
Functions/services
Usage of the card involves passing it over a card reader. The technology allows for the card to be read at some distance from the reader, so contact is not required, and many people leave the card in their wallet and just pass the wallet over the reader as they enter the ticket gate. The balance on the card is displayed when you enter the ticket gate this way. The balance is also displayed whenever the card is inserted into the ticket or fare adjustment machines as well. A travel record is stored on the card, and can be displayed or printed out as well, at the fare adjustment machines. On occasion, when travelling to a station where ICOCA is not supported, the card must be handed over to the staff at the exiting station, so that they can calculate the remaining fare, and also so that they can return a slip of paper which must be given to the staff at the next station where ICOCA is used. ICOCA functions as a boarding ticket, and also have a commuter pass added to it. However, for express services, such as Haruka service to Kansai airport, on which an additional fee is required, ICOCA can only be used as fare ticket for non-reserved travel, with the express ticket purchased from the conductor on board the train – see train tickets in Japan.
Types of cards
standard ICOCA rechargeable card
ICOCA 定期券 – rechargeable card with added commuter pass
こどもICOCA – children's ICOCA
こどもICOCA 定期券 – children's ICOCA with added commuter pass
Since January 21, 2006, ICOCA cards can also be used at all locations accepting Osaka PiTaPa smart cards.
Since September 1, 2007, ICOCA is also usable in the Hiroshima-Okayama area.
Since March 29, 2008, in a reciprocal agreement with JR Central, ICOCA is also usable in the Nagoya metropolitan area. Similarly, the TOICA card of JR Central can also be used on JR West rail services.
Since March 5, 2011, in a reciprocal agreement with JR Kyushu, ICOCA is also usable in the Fukuoka-Saga area. Similarly, the SUGOCA card of JR Kyushu can also be used on JR West rail services.
Since June 1, 2011, Keihan started selling its ICOCA.
Since March 17, 2012, ICOCA became usable in some stations of JR Shikoku.
Since December 1, 2012, Kintetsu started selling its ICOCA.
Since March 23, 2013, nationwide inter-operation among 10 transportation smart cards started.
Where to buy the card
These cards are available at card vending machines at the train stations. The card costs 2000 yen, which includes a 500 yen deposit that will be returned if the card is turned in. The remaining 1500 yen is immediately available for train rides, and more money can be charged on to the card at similar ticket vending machines or fare adjustment machines inside each station. The card may only be returned in JR West stations, however, so travelers who start their trip in JR west area and finish their trip elsewhere may not be able to return it before departure.
