Kansai Thru Pass is one of the best pass if you travel in Kansai area. This pass offers the unlimited travel of most non JR trains, the subway lines and most local bus services. It covers most part of this region, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Koyasan and Himeji.
In this post, I would like to explain this pass and you will find how to use this pass.
- Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Kansai airport to Kobe
- Kansai airport to Nara
- Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
- Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
- Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
- Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Who is eligible
The overseas tourist with short stay status and Japanese who lives abroad as a permanent resident can purchase it. And also a person with overseas tourist as a guide can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
2-day pass and 3-day pass are available. If you purchase it online, the price is slightly cheaper.
Purchasing online
TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
---|---|---|
2-Day | 4,380 yen | 2,190 yen |
3-Day | 5,400 yen | 2,700 yen |
Purchasing in Japan
TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
---|---|---|
2-Day | 4,480 yen | 2,240 yen |
3-Day | 5,600 yen | 2,800 yen |
You can use this pass on unconsecutive days on the sales period.
e.g.
Day 1 – Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the first day of 3-day)
Day 2 – Visit USJ (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 3 – Day trip to Koyasan from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the second day of 3-day)
Day 4 – Stay in Osaka (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 – Day trip to Kobe and Himeji (Kansai Thru Pass the third day of 3-day)
The sales period is usually year by year, April to March in next year. Actually you can pick any three days (two days for two days pass) in this sales period. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
Under 6 years is free of charge. You are not required to buy the pass for the child who is 0 to 5 years old.
How to purchase
If you want to buy it in advance online, you can refer the official site of Kansai Thru Pass:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Internet Purchase
You also can purchase it at Klook. Klook is one of the biggest ticket seller. You can buy it at your country’s currency. The price may be cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass online purchasing by Klook
You also can purchase this pass at Kansai Airport Tourist Information Center and other many visitor centers in Kansai area. Please see the list of sales location in the Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Where to buy in Japan
I would like to show you price comparison between pass and single fare later in this post.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in Kansai Thru Pass official site.
The pass covers most of Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Osaka airport, Kobe airport, Himeji, Mt. Koya and Otsu (beside Biwako lake)
You can go almost every popular spots by this pass without any extra fares. As long as I know, there are a few major spots where cannot be accessed by this pass.
USJ (Universal Studio Japan)
You have to take JR Yumesaki line to get Universal City station. This pass does not cover JR train. The nearest station where you can get by Kansai Thru Pass is Nishikujo. Please find the information about the train network in the link below:
Yoshino
Yoshino is popular to see the cherry blossom in the spring season. Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka-Abenobashi (same location as Tennoji) and Yoshino. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway but it does not cover whole lines of Kintetsu Railway. Yoshino is outside the coverage area of this pass. You have to add the fare for Tsubosakayama to Yoshino which is the segment outside the coverage area.
The extra fare is 430 yen for one way. You can pay this extra fare when you exit Yoshino station. You can show your Kansai Thru Pass at the gate with the station staff. The staff collects the fare. You can buy the ticket to Tsubosakayama when you leave Yoshino. You can show both the ticket and Kansai Thru Pass when you arrive in Osaka-Abenobashi or other stations where you want to get off.
Nagoya
Nagoya is not in Kansai region and it is completely outside the coverage area as you probably understand. But Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway and Kintetsu Railway runs between Osaka-Namba and Nagoya. Sometimes it makes you get confusing. Kintetsu Railway is the biggest private railway companies in Japan. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover whole part of Kintetsu Railway network. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara only.
Valid trains and bus lines
The pass covers most of non JR railway lines, all subway lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, and most local/city bus services. You can find the full list of the coverage transportation in the official site. I show you the major services here.
- Nankai railway (Osaka, Koyasan, Kansai airport and Wakayama)
- Hankyu railway (Osaka, Mino, Kobe, Kyoto and Takarazuka)
- Hanshin railway (Osaka, Kobe)
- Keihan railway (Osaka, Kyoto, Otsu, Uji)
- Kintetsu railway (Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
- Sanyo railway (Kobe, Himeji)
- Kobe railway (Kobe, Arima onsen, Sanda)
- Keifuku railway, a.k.a. Randen (Arashiyama)
- Eizan railway (Kifune, Hieizan)
- Osaka Metro subway and city bus
- Kyoto city subway and city bus
- Kobe city subway and city bus
- Osaka Monorail (Itami airport)
- Kobe Portliner (Kobe airport)
Any JR lines are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find the information of the train network in Kansai area:
Highway bus and Airport limousine bus are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And the limited express seat fee requires on top of Kansai Thru Pass to take the following trains:
- Kintetsu Railway limited express trains among Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Kyoto and Nara
- Nankai Railway limited express “Rapi:t” between Kansai airport, Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba
- Nankai Railway limited express “Koya” and “Rinkan” between Namba and Hashimoto/Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway sightseeing train “Tenku” between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway limited express “Southern” between Namba and Wakayama
This train has non reserved seat too. If you ride on non reserved seat car, no extra charge is required. But accommodation is completely different. Reserved seat is an express train seat but non reserved seat is a commute trains’ interior. You may have to stand up. - Keihan Railway limited express Premium car
This train has non reserved seat too. Non reserved seat is not bad but reserved seat is much bigger.
Other railway company, such as, Hankyu, Hanshin, Sanyo, operate the limited express trains. But these trains are just the fastest train. Some of trains have better interior than a local train. But any extra charge is not required.
Compare cost between pass and single fare
I show you some trip plans and compare the cost. Actually it is not easy to spend same cost as 2-day pass at 4,300 yen.
Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
If you go to Namba area, Nankai railway is the best choice. The fare is 920 yen. But as I mentioned above, you have to pay another 520 yen at least to take the Limited Express “Rapi:t”. Of course there are many express trains without any extra charge between Kansai airport and Namba. If you want to save the money, don’t take Rapi:t.
You can transfer to most of subway lines at Namba. You can access to most of places in downtown Osaka by subway. Subway fare is from 200 yen. If you go to Umeda from Namba, fare is 230 yen. But if you will stay in Shin-Osaka area, consider to take limited express Haruka. It gives you direct access there. Even if you stay in Umeda area, JR Kansai Airport Rapid takes you JR Osaka station (Umeda) directly. Please refer the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
If you use one of two days in Kansai Thru Pass, you need to spend another 3,000 yen on next day. Otherwise it is hard to get your money worth. I think it is not a good idea to use the pass for Kansai airport access. I recommend you to use Rapi:t Tokudane Return-trip ticket (round trip by Rapi:t between Namab/Shin-Imamiya/Tengachaya and Kansai airport) or
Kanku Chikatoku ticket (Nankai railway base fare from Kansai airport to Namba and subway one way ticket) at 980 yen.
Kansai airport to Kyoto
Actually it is not a good idea. Total fare is 1,550 yen. You can spend more than access to Osaka. But there is no direct train. The best way to Kyoto from Kansai airport is the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Tengachaya -> (Osaka subway Sakisuji line/Hankyu) -> Awaji -> (Hankyu) -> Kawaramachi
Subway Sakaisuji line and Hankyu go through the trains each other. But usually you need to transfer the train at Awaji. You have to transfer at least twice at Tengachaya and Awaji. And there are only commute trains between Tengachaya and Kawaramachi. And also if you stay around JR Kyoto station area, you need to transfer to Kyoto subway at Karasuma. I think it is too much right after you arrive by international flight. If you really want to take this route (Nankai-Subway-Hankyu), you can use Kyoto Access Ticket at 1,200 yen. This gives you better deal. You may be stay in Kyoto on next day for sightseeing. You can purchase Kyoto city pass (subway and city bus) at 1,200 yen for one day. Total cost will be much cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass.
But I recommend to use JR lines instead of above route, especially limited express Haruka. That train take you to Kyoto directly. It is much more comfortable and there are a few good deal, JR West Kansai area pass and ICOCA and Haruka. Please refer the post, Direct access to Shin Osaka, Kyoto from Kansai airport, Kansai Airport Limited Express “Haruka”.
Kansai airport to Kobe
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,290 yen. Kobe Access Ticket at 1,100 yen is also available. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Hanshin) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Hanshin’s Osaka-Namba station is not far from Nankai Namba station. But you need to exit from Nankai station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is almost same.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Shin-Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 105 minutes)
If you worry about transfer at Namba, I recommend you to take JR. You still need to transfer the train even if you take JR trains. But you can transfer the trains in the station. There are many more signs and it is obviously easier.
Kansai airport to Nara
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,430 yen. Nara Access Ticket at 1,200 yen is available as well. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Kintetsu) -> Nara (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Kintetsu’s Osaka-Namba station is same station as Hanshin Osaka-Namba station. These two railway companies’s trains go through each other. You need to exit from Nankai station to get Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is a bit shorter than Nankai-Kintetsu combination. If you take Haruka, you can save another 10 to 15 minutes.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatohji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 75 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatoji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
Transfer at Tennoji by JR trains are much easier than transfer at Namba between Nankai station and Kintetsu station.
Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway take you to Kyoto from Umeda by Hankyu, from Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi and Kyobashi by Keihan. One way fare to Kyoto is about 400 yen. Most of you take subway or city bus for sightseeing in Kyoto. If you purchase one day city pass for subway and city bus, it is 1,200 yen for one day and 2,000 yen for 2 days. But Kansai Thru Pass includes Kyoto subway and city bus.
So if you use Kansai Thru Pass for this trip, you can spend 2,000 yen worth at least. But if you have same trip in two days in row, total cost is 2,000 yen (Kyoto 2 days pass) + 1,600 yen (Keihan or Hankyu two round trips) = 3,600 yen. Actually Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is not cheaper. There are still some more cases that you can spend more.
*If you stay in Namba or other areas and need to take Osaka subway to get Hankyu or Keihan station, you will spend another 200 yen worth. At result, Kansai Thru Pass may be cheaper.
*If you go to Arashiyama and other areas (Kyomizudera temple, Kinkakuji temple, etc) in one day, you may be take Keifuku Railway, subway and bus in one day. Keifuku Railway runs among Arashiyama, Kitano-Hakubaicho (near Kintakuji) and Shijo-Omiya. Basic fare is only 200 yen. But this 200 yen makes your cost of Kansai Thru Pass cheaper than regular fare.
*If you go to Kurama by Eizan Railway, one way fare is 410 yen. If you go to Kurama, Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice.
Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
The only difference from day trip to Kyoto from Osaka is round trip fare to Kyoto. One way is 600 yen by Hankyu. But Hankyu do not have any direct train from Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) to Kyoto. You need to transfer the train at Juso (junction of Kyoto line and Kobe line) or Umeda. One day total cost (Hankyu fare+Kyoto 1 day Pass) is 2,400 yen. It is smart way to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
Actually Nara is very accessible by Kintetsu Railway from both Kyoto and Osaka. You can catch Kintetsu train at Osaka-Namba, Kintetsu-Nihonbashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Osaka-Namba station is located within walking distance from Nankai Namba and Subway Namba. And also Kintetsu-Nihonbashi is same location as Subway Nihobashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi is same location as Subway Tanimachi Kyuchome and Tsuruhashi is same location as JR Osaka Kanjo line Tsuruhashi.
On way fare from Namba/Kintetsu-Nihonbashi/Osaka-Uehonmachi to Nara is 540 yen and travel time is 40 minutes. Travel time and fare from Tsuruhashi to Nara are 480 yen and 35 minutes.
If you access to Nara from Kyoto, you can use Kintetsu line too. Kintetsu Kyoto station is exactly same location as JR Kyoto station. One way fare is 610 yen and travel time is 50 minutes.
But actually most of popular spots are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station. Please refer the post, How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient. to get the details about Nara. If you access to the spots where is located at other than city center of Nara, like Houryuju temple, Heiankyo, you need to get some more trips. But as long as you see the spots around Nara stations, Kansai Thru Pass is not the best choice. Total fare is too low to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) can be accessed by Hankyu or Hanshin. From Umeda, both Hanshin and Hankyu have stations. Travel time and fare are completely same. Those are 310 yen and 30 minutes.
If you depart from Namba, you can catch Hanshin train at Osaka-Namba. Travel time is 40 minutes and fare is 400 yen.
If you depart from Kyoto, it is reverse way from Kobe to Kyoto. You can take Hankyu but you need to transfer at Juso or Umeda. Travel time is 70 minutes and one way fare is 600 yen.
As you see, return fare to Kobe is not so expensive. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kobe, you need to take extra transportation in Kobe. There are Kobe subway and Port Liner. You can take subway to Harborland (Kobe port waterfront area) and Port Liner to Port Island. Basic fare starts at 200 yen. If you have several trip, you can make around 500 yen value.
Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
Sanyo Railway runs train service between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Sanyo-Himeji (same place as JR Himeji station). Both Sanyo and Hanshin go through the train each other. “Direct Limited Express” connects Hanshin Umeda with Sanyo-Himeji directly. Some of Sanyo trains operate to Hankyu Sannomiya station too. You can transfer from/to Sanyo and Hankyu at Sannomiya station.
If you access from Sannomiya (Kobe) or Umeda, you can take Direct Limited Service to Sanyo-Himeji. If you access from Kyoto, the easiest way is using Hankyu to Sannomiya and transfer to Sanyo trains. Travel time and one way fare are the following:
From Sannomiya to Sanyo-Himeji – 60-65 minutes / 940 yen
From Umeda to Sanyo-Himeji – 90-100 minutes / 1,450 yen
From Kawaramachi (Kyoto) to Sanyo-Himeji via Hankyu Sannomiya – 130 minutes / 1,540 yen
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Himeji, you can easily get more value than price of pass. However, if you use JR trains Special Rapid Service, it is so much faster.
Kyoto -(28 minutes)- Osaka -(22 minutes)- Sannomiya -(40 minutes)- Himeji
Special Rapid Service is operated between Himeji and Kyoto directly. It is 30 minutes shorter between Osaka and Himeji, and 40 minutes faster between Kyoto and Himeji. It is much faster and more convenient. So JR West Kansai Area Pass may be considerable. JR’s return fare between Osaka and Himeji is 2,900 yen. It is much cheaper than 1 day Kansai Area Pass at 2,000 yen.
Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Nankai Railway connects Namba with Mt. Koya. This train is the easiest and the fastest to get Mt. Koya. Please refer the post, How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?.
One way fare from Namba to Mt. Koya is 1,230 yen by Nankai Railway and Nankai Koyasan Cable Car. If you want to take Limited Express “Koya”, you need to pay express surcharge, 760 yen. This surcharge is not included in Kansai Thru Pass. And also Kansai Thru Pass cover most of local bus lines on Mt. Koya. So you can get maximum value to use the pass for the trip to Mt. Koya.
However if you stay in Mt. Koya, you spend 2 days. It is very hard to get same value as Kansai Thru Pass 2 days at 3,800 yen. It is very hard to get the value of 3 days either. If you have overnight trip to Mt. Koya, please think about Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket. It includes return fare, local bus and limited express surcharge too. Of course you can use this ticket for day trip too.
Assesment
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kyoto, Himeji and Mt. Koya, you must get more value than price. On the other hand, it is hard to get the value for trip to Kobe and Nara basically. And you have to compare Kansai Thru Pass and other pass/ticket, such as JR West Kansai Area Pass, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket for trip to Mt. Koya or Himeji.
However this pass is still useful. Because you might use the pass after you finish your day trip. Especially if you stay in Osaka, you might have a lots of chance to take Osaka subway after you finish day trip for shopping or dining. Minimum fare of Osaka subway is 200 yen. For example, if you have return trip to Shinsaibashi from Namba, it costs 400 yen. You can make 1,000 yen value easily for just using Osaka subway.
And also you can get discount at more than 350 attractions by Kansai Thru Pass. This is a big benefit, like 100 yen discount at Kaiyukan aquarium, Osaka castle, and many more.
Full list of facilities where you can get benefit (PDF file)
If you stay in Kansai area for 4 or more days, think about using multiple passes, such as Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass. I hope this post will help you to find the best and most economical way.
Comments
Hi Takeshi San
Tokyo to Kyoto by Highway day bus.
Stay in Kyoto for 3 days and do a day trip to Nagoya.
Then from Kyoto to Osaka for 4 days and do day trips to
Nara and Kobe.
Flight out from KIX
Appreciate your valuable advice on the best Pass for the
above Kansai area trips.
Thanks
Hi Michael san,
You may use Kyoto city deal for Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
For Nagoya, single ticket or Kintetsu Rail Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
If you choose Kintetsu Rail Pass, you can use this for Nara. You may use it for Kyoto-Osaka (Namba) even if you are okay with a detour and need transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji.
For Kobe and trip to KIX, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I would like to share with you my itinery and hope that you can advise me whether I should purchase the Kansai Thru Pass.
14/10 – Arrive Kansai airport; visit Rinku Premium outlets and then to hotel at Shinn Osaka
15/10 – Visit Nara and then back to Osaka
16/10 – Leave Osaka to Kyoto. Explore Kyoto
17/10 – Take bicycle tour in Kyoto and visit Arashiyama
18/10 – Leave Kyoto to Osaka. Hotel Best Western Fino, Osaka
19/10 – Explore Osaka and leave to Kansai Airport at 19:00pm
Hope you can help me decide.
Cheers,
KS
Hi KS,
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket for arrival and departure days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Don’t use this pass to get Rinku Town. You can take shuttle bus to get there and back to KIX. And then start using ICOCA and Haruka.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/rinku/access/pdf/bus_timetable.pdf
You may use Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3. ICOCA can be used for day 4 and 5.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi,
Many thanks for your advice.
cheers,
KS
No problem, KS.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Could you please advise if kansai thru pass 2 days is worth the money for:
Day 1 travelling from Tennoji to Umeda (return)
Day 2 Travelling from Tennoji to Kyoto
Kyoto itinerary as below:
Kiyomizudera
Gion
Nishiki Market
Maybe Nijo Castle or Fushiimari Shrine
And of course return from Kyoto to Osaka.
Which railway do you recommend please?
Thanks.
Hi Loo,
Kansai thru pass is too much for you. Day 1 is too small for using Kansai thru pass. Single fare between Kyoto and Osaka and subway pass are better choice.
You may take Keihan railway from Yodoyabashi to Fushimi, Kyomizu-Gojo or Gion-Shijo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your article, We are flying to Osaka from Australia in Nov. Staying in the Shinsaibashi area for 1 night before 4 nights in Kyoto. Then back to Osaka airport.
I was going to get the KANSAI JR KANSAI AREA PASS but you are not allowed on the Nankai railway with it. Soooooo do I go with the Kansai Thru Pass. but thats only valid for 3 days and can we use it to get around Kyoto OR do I forget them both and just pay as I go, Once I am there.
Any help from this very confused traveller is very much appreciated
Many thanks
Tom
Hi Thomas,
Actually you don’t need both passes if you stay in Osaka and Kyoto only. If you make a trip outside Kyoto and Osaka, it may help you. But as long as you stay in Osaka and Kyoto, subway pass or bus pass is okay.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
The following deal may suit your trip if you intend to visit many attractions.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
The following link may give you some more info.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For the transfer between airport and Osaka, you can find some deals at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You may use JR Kansai area pass one day to get KIX. You can take direct express train Haruka by this pass. It’s cheaper than single fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
We’re travelling to japan next november and aren’t sure about the best options concerning the train pass.
This is the route with the type of pass we think are the best for our trip
D1 Narita to Tokyo
D2 Tokyo
D3 Kamakura with Enoshima Kamakura free pass
D4 Hakone with Hakone free pass
D5 Tokyo
D6 Nikko JR Pass 7 days ( first day)
D7 Tokyo to Kyoto JR2
D8 Kyoto to Kanasawa JR3
D9 Kyoto to Takayama JR4
D10 Himeji JR5
D11 Hiroshima and Mijajyma JR6
D12 Nara JR7
D13 Kyoto
D14 Kyoto with Kansai Thru pass 2 days
D15 Osaka + Mt Koya
D16 Kyoto to Kansai AirPort
Still some doubts
Best option from narita to Tokyo
From Kyoto to Kansai
Best to buy the 7 days Jr pass or the 14 days JR.
Thank you so much,
Cristina
Hi Cristina,
7 days pass is okay.
There are some deals available from Narita to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You may use JR Kansai area pass one day to get KIX. You can take direct express train Haruka by this pass. It’s cheaper than single fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
May I ask a few questions? Its my first time traveling to Japan. I am going for an 11 days trip and will be staying at Nara and Osaka. During these days, I will be traveling around Nara, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. I need a pass that will cover the railway train,subway trains as well as buses in the city. Could you kindly advise on how kind of rail way pass should I buy? Thank you.
Best Regards
Fiona
Hi Fiona,
Kansai thru pass is the best choice. But single fare may be cheaper than this pass. If you are very sensitive with your budget, you have to make the detailed itinerary and find how many trips you will make. Otherwise we cannot compare single fare and pass.
In most of case, this pass suit day trip to Kyoto from Osaka. But it’s too much for day trip to Kobe from Osaka. But if you start it from Kobe, the pass pass may be cheaper than single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Appreciated if u can help on out 10days trip covering osaka kobe kyoto himeji okayama and omihachiman omitakashima in lake biwa. I hope to use JR 5day kansai wide pass plus JR 4 day kansai area pass to do it. Is it ok to use 2 JR passes consecutively in a single visit to japan.
Thanks.
Ben
Hi Ben san,
You can use two different kinds of pass at same time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi San,
Would you think that it’s worth to KTP 3 daYS pass for my itinerary below:
D1 KIX to Koyasan (KTP day 1)
D2 Koyasan-Nara Park-Kyoto(Gojo)-Kodaiji-Gojo (KTP day 2)
D3 Kyoto(Gojo)-Takao(Jingoji)-Arashiyama(Tenryuji-Bamboo Grove)-Pontocho-Gojo (KTP day 3)
D4 Kyoto(Gojo-Fushimi Inari-Tofukuji-Nishiki Market-Higashiyama area-Gion-Gojo)
D5 Kyoto to Takayama (Buy single fare from Kyoto to Nagoya for Shinkansen Nozomi, then use Takayama Hokuriku Pass from Nagoya to Takayama)
D6 Takayama to shirakawa-go to Kanazawa (THP)
D7 Kanazawa to Shin-Osaka-Namba-Shin-Osaka (THP)
D8 Shin-Osaka-Namba-shinsaibashi-Shin-Osaka (Can use THP?)
D9 Shin-Osaka-TennojI-Osaka Castle-Tennji-KIX (THP)
What pass can I use for day 4 in Kyoto? And for day 8, what pass should I consider if THP cannot be used?
Sorry for the long questions and thank you very much for your help.
Hi Jefferene,
I think you can use KTP on day 4. And you may use Kyoto city sightseeing card on day 3.
Because all sites except Takao on day 3 can be accessed by subway and city bus.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG150321(map)0309.pdf
On day 4, you need to Keihan railway to get Fushimi and Tofukuji. You don’t need to use KTP on consecutive days.
Takao can be accessed by city bus but it’s outside coverage area of Kyoto city sightseeing card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the help Takeshi san.
Can I buy the KTP from this site?: http://www1.nanka-e-tabi.com/neren/ItemList.aspx?pno=2
Hi Jefferene san,
Yes, you can. But I think you still need to exchange to actual pass. This site may give you exchange order.
But I have never purchased it through this site. I’m not sure 100%.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Can you recommend me a cheap option on which railway pass to get if I would like to cover the following for 5 days?
Kyoto(1 day – Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera , Ginkakuji, Higashiyama District, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji)
Osaka(4 days – Osaka Castle, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kobe, osaka aquarium, shopping – namba, shinsekai) and last day from tennoji to KIX.
May I know tateyama kurobe alphine route ticket can only be bought in Japan? Thanks
Thanks.
Hi Jon san,
Subway/bus passes are okay for both cities.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
And single fare is okay for Kyoto-Osaka and trip to Nara. The following link may give you other idea.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Tateyama Kurobe ticket can be purchased in JR station, Tokyo area only.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tateyama_kurobe/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Does the Passes cover all ? Thanks
Takayama-Hokuriku Tourist Pass (for Day 1 to 5)
Day 1 KIX – Kanazawa
Day 2 Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 3 Takayama – Toyama
Day 4 Toyama – Alpine route – Toyama
Day 5: Toyama – Kyoto
Day 6 & 7:
Kyoto Sightseeing Two-day Pass Card (Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera , Ginkakuji, Higashiyama District, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji)
ICOCA (Kyoto to Tennoji)
Day 8:
ICOCA (shopping – namba, shinsekai,Osaka Castle, aquarium)
Day 9:
Kansai Thru Pass 1 day (Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kobe)
Day 10:
HARUKA(Tennoji -> KIX)
Hi Jon san,
I have only a few things to mention to you.
Kansai thru pass is available from 2 days. So you have to use one more day for this pass. I think you can use it for day 7. It covers Kyoto bus and subway too. You don’t need to use two days pass and ICOCA for get Tennoji. You may take Keihan Railway to Yodoyabashi and transfer to Osaka subway Midousuji line to get Tennoji. Kyoto bus is not convenient to get Fushimi. You may use Keihan railway to get there by Kansai thru pass on day 7.
On day 10, there is no deal available for Haruka. You may consider single fare to get KIX by JR train or Nankai railway deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
If you think about ICOCA and Haruka, it’s not available for one way to airport.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be staying at Namba this November. I am planning to cover tourist spots in Kyoto (N-E-W-S) in 2 days and one day move around Osaka. Is Kansai Thru Pass worth it for this? If yes, what will be my pass to go from Kansai Airport-Namba-Kansai Aiport?
Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Rom,
You can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for trip to Kyoto. Subway pass is okay for Osaka. Amazing pass may be considered if you visit many places in Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Nankai Railway has many deals for KIX-Namba. Please see the following link to get more detail.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com