Discover the Kansai region the way that suits your plans best
Photos: Klook
Aside from Tokyo, the Kansai region is easily one of the most-visited places in Japan! Home to ultra-popular cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe with plenty of excitement, yummy food, and beautiful sights to see, it’s no wonder Kansai is a huge must-visit spot.
A popular travel route in Kansai typically involves the usual suspects – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe – but many visitors also like to include certain further destinations into their itinerary. The big question is, which Kansai transport pass should you get? Read the breakdown of each transport pass below to find the perfect one for you!
Pro-tip: Make sure to also read up on the differences between ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass & Osaka Amazing Pass.
4. ICOCA IC Card
ICOCA is a prepaid IC card, pre-charged with JPY1,500 that can be used on transportation as well as for shopping in the Kansai region and beyond. Much like the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, Easy Card in Taiwan, and EZ-Link in Singapore, simply reload your ICOCA Card when it’s running low on funds.
You can also use your ICOCA to get discounted ticket for the Kansai-Airport Express ‘Haruka’. Here’s a fun fact – ICOCA is a play on the phrase ‘Iko ka’ (行こか) g ‘Shall we go?’ in the local dialect!
Valid for:
Discounted Haruka rail ticket for the Kansai Airport Express (incl. Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto) on presenting your ICOCA card (temporary visitors with foreign passports only)
How to use: Purchase your ICOCA IC Card on Klook. Flash your Klook e-voucher and redeem for the prepaid card when in Japan. You can start using immediately since it’s already pre-loaded. Before leaving Japan, you can return the card to get a refund of your balance and deposit.
Cities covered: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and more. Simply look out for the ICOCA logo. Refer to the ICOCA user guide for more details.
Who is it for?
The ICOCA card is great for all visitors to Kansai. Even if you’re getting other rail passes, the ICOCA is a great supplement card to use on transportation not covered by certain travel passes or on days where your passes haven’t been activated or have expired.
You can also use it to make purchases in convenience stores, taxi rides, and more. If you have remaining funds in your card, you can also get it refunded together with the deposit!
ADVERTISEMENTS