Dear Sir

Hi Jenne Lee,

The ICOCA card is a basic IC card that you can use to pay for transport and other things as well.

You'll find most information here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICOCA

The ICOCA card does not provide a discount by itself, its pure convenience of not having to purchasing a ticket each time you travel. So you can't really compare it to discount passes or area tickets.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Dear Daniel-san
Thanks for your useful info.

Would you be able to advise what discount passes / area tickets are available in Osaka , Kyoto and Nara.

thank you
kind regards
Jenny

Hello there,

Local travel within Kansai is already low cost, you look at the Osaka amazing pass for sightseeing within Osaka and use a 500yen day ticket for bus travel within Kyoto.

Hope this helps :)
Daniel

Dear Daniel
many thanks for your reply. Would you be able to advise on the following:-

1.The difference between the ICOCA card and the Kansai Thru Pass.

2.Can the Kansai Thru Pass be used on JR Railway

3.Can the Kansai Thru Pass be used on the JR Kansai Airport Rapid [from Osaka Airport to JR Osaka Station]

4.Can I use the ICOCA for the JR Kansai Airport Rapid too

5.What is the best way to travel from Kyoto Station [we are staying at the Ibis Styles Kyoto] to Nara? we would like to visit the temple and the deer park. Also what is the best way to travel from Nara back to JR Osaka Station [we are staying at the Granvia Hotel Osaka.

Look forward to hearing from you.

thanks
Regards Jenny

Hi again!

1.) The ICOCA card is only a means of payment and you use it for normal fares. While the Kansai Thru Pass is a discount pass for a limited area.

2/2.) Its not valid on the JR, including the Airport rapid.

4.) The ICOCA can be used on any type of transport.

5.) The best way would simply be to take a local train on the JR Nara line from Kyoto station. A one way is 560yen.

Hope this helps,
Daniel