All Reviews of ICOCA

ICOCA is a very convenient transportation card when traveling in the Kansai region. You can simply tap it when taking trains or buses, and it can also be used at many convenience stores and vending machines. The card's main design features a refreshing blue-green color, and the most eye-catching part is its cute mascot, Iko-chan. Designed as a platypus with a round appearance and simple lines, the character is very recognizable~

On this trip to the Kansai region, I added ICOCA directly to my phone, and it was so much more convenient! I used to have to take out the physical card every time I rode the train, but now I can enter and exit stations just by tapping my phone. It’s one less card to carry, and getting around is easier too.

The most convenient part is that when taking JR trains, subways, or other transportation that accepts ICOCA, you can simply tap your phone. There’s no need to open the app and look for the card every time. You can also use the transit IC card to pay when shopping, buying drinks, or making purchases at convenience stores and some other stores.

Especially when you’re taking trains and making transfers all day while traveling, you can quickly tap your phone since it’s already close at hand. There’s no need to rummage through your bag for change or tickets. It really saves a lot of time for independent travelers, and you don’t have to keep worrying about where you put the physical card.

Super convenient—even works at hair salons!
The current limit is still 20,000, but I personally prefer loading up the green Suica card first. I call this one the penguin card!
I usually add money when the exchange rate is good. Some stores don’t accept it, but most do. As long as you tell the staff “cardo,” they’ll understand!
Ahhh, I really want to go to Japan!
Just keep in mind that it does expire. I have four cards, and every time I go, I have to make sure to use each one so I don’t forget!
But it only expires once every 10 years. My aunt’s family let theirs sit for 9 years, and the station staff actually laughed about it... haha
Seriously, who can stand not going to Japan for that long?
Also, these are virtual cards now—you can use them on your phone, and you can add them to your watch too!
If you link it to Apple Pay, you can reload it directly with a credit card, which is super convenient. I hope EasyCard can be added to Apple Pay too.