| Kitaca | |
| Location: | Usable nationwide Distributed in Hokkaido |
| Launched: | October 25, 2008 |
| Technology1: | FeliCa technology by Sony |
| Service 1: | JR Hokkaido |
| Service 3: | Sapporo Streetcar |
| Service 4: | Hokkaido Chuo Bus |
| Service 5: | Valid areas of Suica, PASMO, manaca, TOICA, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, Hayakaken, nimoca |
| Operator: | Hokkaido Railway Company |
| Manager: | Hokkaido Railway Company |
| Currency: | Japanese yen |
| Stored Value: | Pay as you go |
| Automatic Recharge: | None |
| Unlimited Use: | None (Other non-related unlimited use passes available) |
| Sales Location1: | Card vending machines at stations |
| Sales Location2: | Train information counters |
| Sales Location3: | Ticket counters |
is a rechargeable contactless smart card ticketing system for public transport in Sapporo, Japan. Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) introduced the system from October 25, 2008. Its name means "the card of ", while 北 is also the first character of . Like other electronic fare collection systems in Japan, the card uses RFID technology developed by Sony corporation known as FeliCa. The card has an official mascot of Ezo momonga (Pteromys volans orii), a kind of flying squirrel found in Hokkaidō. The mascot is designed by Sora, an illustrator who lives in Sapporo.[1]
As of March 2024, 69 stations in the Sapporo-Asahikawa area, as well as 6 stations in the Hakodate area including unmanned stations, accept Kitaca.[2]
From Hakodate to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and from Otaru to Asahikawa
From Shiroishi to Numanohata, and branch from Minami-Chitose to New Chitose Airport (the whole line)
From Numanohata to Tomakomai
Credit card function is also considered. North Pacific Bank, the largest local bank of Hokkaido, considers to include Kitaca's functions to its credit card Clover. A plan to introduce an Osaifu-Keitai compliant mobile payment system was cancelled due to the cost. [3]
In 2009, Kitaca became interchangeable with JR East's Suica, including its use of electronic money functionality.[4] Since late 2012, the card can also be used in lieu of a SAPICA, a smart card system introduced in 2009 by the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau.[5]
In 2013, interoperation was extended country-wide, and Kitaca became usable in all major cities across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.[6] [7]