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,
Your comments were really informative. Would you be able to advise:
Arrive KIX (2130) – Staying at Namba
19-24 Oct Osaka trip comprises:
USJ, Kaiyukan, Umeda, Nippombashi, Instant ramen museum, etc(other areas within osaka)
24 Oct travel from Osaka to Kyoto
24-26 Oct Kyoto – Staying near Kyoto station comprise:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, Nijo-jo Castle and Kyoto International Manga Museum.
I have bought a 3-day Kansai Thru Pass. Will be buying single trip from KIX to Namba and Airport Limo ticket from Kyoto to KIX.
Would you be able to advise further if any other pass is necessary? Also, do you think it is feasible to side track to Iga?
Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Josephine,
Actually Kansai thru pass is too much if you travel within Kyoto and Osaka. If you want to maximize using this pass, you should visit outside Osaka and Kyoto, like Kobe, Nara or Mt. Koya.
Subway or/and local bus deal is okay for Kyoto and Osaka.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Osaka Amazing Pass gives you unlimited ride of subway in Osaka and free admission for many attractions.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is the best choice when you go to Kaiyukan aquarium.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
If you spend one full day in USJ, single ticket is enough. Don’t use other deals.
I think you can visit Iga when you are in Osaka. Most part of trip to Iga is covered by Kansai thru pass. In this trip, this pass gives you a great saving.
I believe you have lots of time when you are in Osaka. You can visit some places outside Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i would just like to ask if what pass do we need to buy? Here is our itinerary
Oct 15 Day 1 arrival kansai airport
Day 2 USJ
Day 3 kuromon ichiba market, denden town
Day 4 dotonbori, minami, shinsaibashi area
Day 5 osaka aquarium, shitenoji temple
Day 6 osaka castle, kemasakiranomoya park. Thanks.
Hi Grace,
You can use one of the deals from KIX to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Osaka subway pass or amazing pass suits your stay in Osaka other than day 2 and 5.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Single ticket is okay for USJ and Kaiyu ticket is the best for day 5.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to go to Japan from 23 Dec-3 Jan. My plan for Japan tour will be :
day 1 : arrive in Haneda,sleep in airport
day 2 : Tokyo
day 3 : Tokyo
day 4 : Tokyo
day 5 : Tokyo; Moonlight Nagara train to Nagoya
day 6 : Nagoya-Takayama
day 7 : Shirakawa Go-Kanazawa
day 8 : Kanazawa- Kyoto
day 9 : Kyoto (side trip to Kobe)
day 10 : Kyoto-Osaka (side trip to Himeji)
day 11 : Osaka-KIX airport
My ticket/pass plan will be :
day 2-4 : using 3 days Tokyo Subway Ticket (1900 yen)
day 5 : buy Seishun 18 Kippu (11,850 yen) use in Moonlight Nagara for 2 pax or buy willer night bus to Nagoya
day 6-10 : buy Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (13,500 yen)
day 10-11 : buy JR West Kansai Area pass 2 days (4,300 yen)
What do you think of my plan ? is there any more efficient and cheaper pass for my plan ?
Do you think its better for me to buy Kansai Thru Pass 3 day for day 9-11 rather than JR West Kansai Pass since it doesnt cover bus/subway in Kyoto/Osaka ?
Arigatou
Hi Rio,
Willer bus is much safer than Moonlight. I mean it’s much easier to book. You cannot book Moonlight but you can do it for Willer. If you try to book Moonlight after you arrive in Japan, it’s almost no chance.
You have picked up the right deals. I agree with your plan completely other than Seishun 18 and Moonlight Nagara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san
We’re a group of 3, travelling to Japan in early December and aren’t sure about the best options concerning the train passes.
We will be visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Arima(Kobe).
Day 1: Arrive KIX, explore downtown Osaka
Day 2: Universal Studios
Day 3: Osaka to Kyoto, Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 4: Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 5: Day trip to Nara + Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 6: Half day at Kyoto – Kyoto to Arima Onsen, Kobe
Day 7: Arima Onsen, Kobe to Osaka
Day 8: Half-day in Osaka-KIX
Thank you so much,
Fioni
Hi Fioni san,
You can pick up the deals between KIX and Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Single ticket is okay for day 2.
Kansai thru pass 2 days X 2 for day 3, 5, 6 and 7.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass for day 4
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Osaka subway pass as you need for the last day.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
can i used kansai pass to shinkansen from shin osaka to kyoto station..
manythanks,
lusi
Hi Lusi,
You cannot take Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by any deals in Kansai area. Only nation wide pass, JR pass covers this Shinkansen segment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
My husband and I are going to Kansai Oct 25 to Nov 3. We arrive at KIX early morning Oct 26 and will go to Kyoto from airport. We are staying 5 nights in Kyoto; our main interest there is to see autumn foliage. We may go to Nara for a day trip from Kyoto. From Kyoto, we leave for Osaka on Oct 31 and will spend 3 nights in Osaka. We leave for KIX on Nov 3 morning. Can you advise me whether we should get a Kansai thru pass and/or Icoca & Haruka package. Thank you
Hi Kiki,
ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket is recommended. Please see the link below to get more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
I plan to visit Osaka, Kinosaki Onsen, Yumura Onsen and Nara in mid November. Following is my itinerary :
a) Day 1 – arrive to Osaka Kansai airport at about 10am. Hotel is at Shin-Imamiya Station
b) Day 2 – depart from Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen
c) Day 3, 4 – stay in Kinosaki Onsen
d) Day 5 – depart from Kinosaki Onsen to Yumura Onsen
e) Day 6 – stay in Yumura Onsen
f) Day 7 – depart from Yumura Onsen to Osaka
e) Day 8 – tour Osaka
f) Day 9 – visit Nara
g) Day 10- leave Osaka back home
Can you advise me what is the best pass to buy? Thank you
Hi Teng Teng,
There is no deals that suit your plan.
Kansai Wide Area Pass covers all part if your trip. But it’s valid for only 5 days. Single ticket is cheaper than this deal.
But you may use some deals between KIX and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
And also you may add subway pass in Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Single ticket is better choice for Nara too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I seek further clarification on your response dated 30/9.
a) Seeing that ICOCA an Haruka are pre-paid cards, I don’t see any benefits other than time saving (no need to line up to purchase tickets at the machine). Am I correct?
b) Thus what local discount travel cards would you suggest for Days 1, 2, 5 and 6?
c) Would you suggest getting the Kyoto Sightseeing Card for days 3 and 4? I would be visiting Arashiyama and its surrounding. Also Nishiki market and cycle tours from Kyoto Station CT and Nishiki-Kita CT.
Many thanks for your help
KS
Hi KS,
I recommended you to use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket for arrival and departure days. It includes Haruka ticket beside ICOCA. I also recommended Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3. On day 5, you just go to Osaka from Kyoto. ICOCA can cover this trip. Even if you don’t use ICOCA, single fare is the cheapest choice.
ICOCA gives you exactly same value as cash as you said. That’s why I recommended you to use it instead of single fare. Arashiyama can be accessed from Kyoto station by JR. Kyoto sightseeing card is too much for your trio on day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Many thanks for your patience and time to answer my numerous queries.
Noted on the ICOCA and Haruka round trip for Days 1 and 6.
a) Can I use theICOCA and Haruka from RInku Town station on Day 1?
b) My hotel in Osaka on Day 6 is Best Western Fino Osaka. Nearest station (subway) is Nagahoribashi. Can I use the ICOCA and Haruka to KIX?
TQ for your recommendation on Kansai Thru Pass for Days 2 & 3.
Should I get the 3 days pass to cover Day 4 as well?
Basically I will travel to Nara and spend time around Namba and Shinsabashi area on Day 2. Then travel to Kyoto Day 3 and be at Kyoto Days 3 & 4. I will be staying at Sakura Terrace Kyoto with the nearest subway being Kujo Station.
Cheers,
KS
Hi KS,
I think I have told you about shuttle bus to Rinku Town on arrival at the first reply. Bus is cheaper than train by ICOCA and you cannot use Haruka ticket because one you get off, it’s expired. Please refer your first inquiry again.
The Haruka ticket portion of ICOCA and Haruka covers only JR trains. You have to get the nearest JR station by single fare or ICOCA. JR-Namba is the nearest station. Otherwise use one way ICOCA and Haruka, and use Kanku Chitotoku ticket.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Chikatoku_Ticket
You may use 3 days Kansai thru pass if you take subway or/and bus in Kyoto and Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Many thanks for your advice.
cheers,
KS
Enjoy your trip, KS.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we (4 person) will reach osaka airport 10.30pm. We stay near to shinsaibashi station (nishiohashi station). We plan to visit nara, osaka castle, Kobe & himeji castle in day 2,3,4. Day 4 we will go to kyoto(no time restriction when to depart). Can u advise which pass is better cheaper?
Hi Nicole,
Please see the link below for staying in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
On arrival day, you may not be able to take the last train. You may need to take midnight bus. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m still confused with your suggested itineraries . Sorry to bother you again.
Day 1-reach osaka airport after 10.30pm (ok we will take bus to town)
Day 2-nara
Day 3-Kobe and himeji castle
Days 4-check out go to mitsui outlet park osaka and check in to kyoto in evening
Day 5&6- sagano scenic railway, kinkakuji, kyomizudera, big Buddha ,fushimi inari and nishiki market
Day 7-check out and go to Tokyo
Day 8 – hakone open air museum & Tokyo motor show
Day 9-shopping
Day 10- back home fm haneda airport
Which pass I should use for my osaka and kyoto ?
Hi Nicole,
Day 2, from Osaka to Kyoto on day 4, from Kyoto to Tokyo on day 7 and day 10 to Haneda – single ticket
Day 3 – Kansai area pass
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
Day 4 in Osaka – subway pass
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Day 5 and 6 – Kyoto sightseeing card
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Day 8 Hakone Free Pass
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Day 7 and 9 – subway pass as you need
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
But Kansai thru pass may be considerable for day 3 and 4. If you intend to take subway after trip to Nara and after arrive in Kyoto, it will suit your plan. In case of this, you don’t need subway pass and single ticket on day 4
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Tks takeshi San for your reply. On early of November, if we plan to visit Mount Fuji by engaging local tour, are we able to have clear view on the mountain? Will it be too much fog ?
Hi Nicole san,
Sorry but I cannot say anything about weather.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Can you advise me what is the best pass to buy?
We land on Saturday at KIX and will go to Kyoto.
We hope to do a day trip to Nara from Kyoto
We will stay in Kyoto till Thursday and leave for Osaka Shin on Thursday
We will stay in Osaka and leave for KIX on Saturday
Thanks
Hi Angie,
Please see the link below. You will find the solution.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com