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! I will be traveling to Osaka for 7 days in March and would appreciate your help in figuring out which specific passes would be worth getting for our itinerary.
1. KIX to Shinsaibashi
2. Shinsaibashi to Universal Studios
3. Osaka to Kyoto to Osaka (specifically Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera Temple, Higashiyama, Gion and back to Osaka)
4. Osaka to Kyoto to Osaka (Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Temple and back to Osaka)
5. Osaka to Nara Park to UJI to Osaka
6. Within Osaka
7. Shinsaibashi to KIX
Given this itinerary, would it be better to use single journey tickets/ICOCA card or would we be able to utilize the 2/3 day passes?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mara,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Basically you may use Kansai thru pass for Kyoto and Nara. Please follow “day 5” of the sample in the link above for staying in Osaka.
You also can find the deals for trip between KIX and Shisaibashi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! Thank you for your very detailed post on navigating Kansai’s complex transport situation. I will be traveling to Osaka for 6 days and need the most efficient pass for the following:
1. KIX to Shinsaibashi
2. Around Osaka Places of Interest
3. Osaka to Kyoto to Osaka (including getting around Kyoto)
4. Shinsaibashi to USJ
5. Osaka to Biwako Valley to Osaka
6. Osaka to Nara to Osaka (including getting around Nara)
7. Shinsaibashi to KIX
I was thinking of getting a pass that covers all these areas for my entire stay, which would you recommend the most? The Kansai Thru Pass or the JR West Kansai Area Pass?
Also, will I need any other passes for navigating within Osaka (like USJ), Kyoto, and Nara? It’s pretty confusing so I could really use the advice. Thank you!
Hi Ida,
You need to combine several deals:
Day 1 and 7 Nankai railway deals:
If you take limited express, you need to have the link below + shingle ticket for Namba to Shinsaibashi.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
If you want to take regular train, you should use the following deal:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Day 2 See the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
Day 3 and 6 Kansai thru pass 2 days
Day 5 Kansai area pass one day
Day 4 Single ticket
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your detailed and prompt response, Takeshi san! One more follow up question, can I obtain the Nankai Railway limited express passes or the alternative at the airport? And where can I obtain the other passes? Thank you again, you’re a treasure!
Hi Ida,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for the informative article. I will be flying into Osaka on the 1st of September. I have booked my accommodation but still unsure as to whether I should buy a Kansai Thru Pass or just pay normal fare. Here is my basic itinerary:
01/09 morning – 04/09 morning: Staying at Naniwa ward in Osaka
04/09 – 05/09 evening: Kyoto
05/09 evening – 06/09 afternoon: Back to Osaka again before flying off
I plan to only have a day trip to Nara either on 2nd or 3rd of September.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi John san,
You may be able to use Kansai thru pass 2 days. You can use one of two day for the trip to Nara. Another one day may be used for Osaka to Kyoto or Kyoto to Osaka. Because you will have sightseeing in either Kyoto or Osaka before moving. Kansai thru pass covers subway and non JR trains. So it will cover both sightseeing and city transfer. And also you can take subway or bus in Kyoto after trip to Nara. Total cost may be higher than 2 days pass cost at 4000 yen. But it’s very rough calculation. Regular fare may be cheaper.
For other days, you can use regular fare and city deals.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area
And also Yosoko Osaka ticket may be suitable for your arrival day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
You also can use Kansai one pass instead of regular fare.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
I will be travelling to Osaka 2 weeks later for 7 days. Thank you for being so detailed. However, I still could not decide if I should use single pass or Kansai Thru Pass.
I will be at Osaka for the first 2 days, which subsequently I would like to visit Kobe, Nara and Kyoto for the next 3 days.
I will be staying near Osaka-Namba station.
In this case, would Kansai Thru Pass be better for the 3 days of travelling to Kobe/Nara/Kyoto, to and fro?
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Lim,
Please see the link below. It gives you some tips.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for Nara, Kobe and Osaka. As I mentioned in the link above, you can use Kansai thru pass after these trips if you want. It covers Osaka subway too. You can get other area in Osaka, such as Umeda after trip.
In Osaka, there are several deals available:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
Nankai railway is the best way between KIX and Namba. If you are okay with regular train, single fare is okay. It’s 920 yen one way. If you want faster and more comfortable trip, there are several deals available:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
DearTakeshi san,
Thank you for the informative article!
I would greatly appreciate it if you could advise me regarding what pass should i get for my trip to Japan.
Day1: Flying into Kansai Airport. Travel to Kyoto
Day 2, 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Travel to Osaka
Day 5: Osaka
Day 6: Nara
Day 7: Himeji
Initially I was thinking of using the Kansai Thru Pass for Day 1 (to travel from KIX to Kyoto ) and Day 7 (to travel from Osaka to Himeji). However I am unsure if the 2 days Kansai Thru Pass’s “nonconsecutive days rule” would allow me to do this.
I look forward to your reply. Thanks a lot!
Hi Kang san,
You can use Kansai thru pass in unconsecutive days. But I don’t recommend to use it for day 1 because you have to change the trains at least twice to get Kyoto. I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 2 days for Nara and Himeji or 3 days for trip to Osaka from Kyoto (on day 4), Nara and Himeji if you have sightseeing in Osaka or Kyoto on day 4. You will spend 500 to 600 yen to get Osaka from Kyoto. And you may use another 500 to 600 yen for sightseeing in Osaka or Kyoto. The difference between 2 days and 3 days is 1200 yen. I think 3 days pass will work.
On arrival day, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka.
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
You may get Kyoto directly from KIX. You may get 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA card. You can use this card to take any trains, not only JR but also subway and other non JR railways, and even city bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We’re going back to Japan in September. Can you please give any suggestions for my planned itinerary?
Sept 29 – arrive in Nagoya
Sept 30- stay in Nagoya
Oct 1 – buy KINETSU RAIL PASS
(to be used oct 2-6)
Oct 2 – go to KYOTO using Kintetsu rail pass; go back to Nagoya
Oct 3-4 Go to OSAKA using KINTETSU Rail pass,
-buy 2 day Osaka Amazing Pass;
-stay in Osaka overnight
Oct 5 – tour MIE using Kintetsu rail pass; go home to Nagoya.
Oct 6 – Fly back to Manila
Hi Eileen,
Your itinerary is okay. But there is no direct limited express trains between Nagoya and Kyoto. You can take limited express train to Osaka-Namba but you need to get off at Yamato-Yagi. And also Kintetsu rail pass allows you to use limited express train up to 3 times. You have to give up to take limited express trains for one of these trips, Nagoya-Yamato Yagi, Yamato Yagi-Nagoya, Nagoya-Osaka, Osaka-Ise (Mie) and Ise-Nagoya. Nagoya -Osaka and Osaka-Ise are such a long trip. You should take limited express trains for these trips. And also you may need to change more if you take regular trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi
What if we give up Mie and get Kansai Thru Pass instead?
What’s the cheapest way to be able to do that from Nagoya? Thanks
Hi Eileen,
Kansai Thru Pass does not cover Mie. Kintetsu rail pass is only deal to cover Mie at the reasonable price. Even if Kansai thru pass covers Mie, it does not include limited express fee. It’s same idea as Kintetsu rail pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would appreciate greatly if you can suggest which pass to use for my 9 days stay in Kansai.
KIX – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka – Kyoto – Nara – KIX
Day1: KIX -Himeji
At Hemeji:
– visit Himeji Castle
(stay overnight at Himeji)
Day2: Himeji – Kobe
At Kobe:
-Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
– Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Muesum
– Kobe Municipal Aboretum
(stay overnight at Kobe)
Day3: Kobe – Osaka
At Northern Osaka
– Meiji-no-moriMino Quasi-national Park
(stay overnight at Osaka)
Day4 – 6: Osaka – Kyoto
At Kyoto:
– Higashiyama area
– Northwestern Kyoto
– Downtown Kyoto
(stay 3 nights at Kyoto)
Day7: Kyoto – Nara
At Nara:
– 8 Unesco World Heritage sites
(stay 1 night at Nara)
Day8 morning: Nara
– see other parts of Nara.
Day8 night: Where to stay?
At Nara or near KIX?
Day9: KIX
As we are leaving on Day 9 for the 10:00 morning flight, we are afraid that we may miss the flight if we travel from Nara to KIX.
Nara is quite a distance from KIX.
We need your advice from Day8 ?
Thanks
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Fang
Hi Fang,
The following deals are recommended.
For day 1 Kansai area pass one day.
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
Kyoto all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card for stay in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Kansai One Pass for the rest of your trip. This covers all transportation but it does not give you unlimited ride. You have to add the fund into card. This card is same type of card as ICOCA. You can add the fund into card at any JR stations.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
I recommend you to stay near airport of Osaka. The first bus leaves Nara for KIX at 6:00. You will arrive there at 7:30. It’s a bit tight and bus may be late by traffic.
Even if you stay in Osaka, it will be okay because bus runs more frequently. You have to leave early but you can enjoy the last night of your trip in downtown Osaka.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/UM
So you may choose to stay near airport or downtown Osaka (Namba or Umeda)
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/UM
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/railway/kix/tokix/timetable.html#kix
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi.
There is a change in the Kansai Area itinerary.
Day 1: KIX – Apartment near Shin Kobe Station.
Day trip to Himeji & Okayama.
(stay 3 nights in Kobe)
Day 2: Day trip to Osaka to visit Minoo national park.
Day 3: spend full day in Kobe
Day 4: Kobe – Hiroshima
Day trip to Miyajima
(stay 2 nights in Hiroshima)
Day 5: spend full day in Hiroshima.
Day 6: Hiroshima to Kyoto
Spend the day in Kyoto.
(stay 3 nights in Kyoto)
Day 7: Day trip to Nara.
Day 8: spend full day in Kyoto.
Day 9: Kyoto – KIX
(flight leaving at 10:00 in the morning)
Please advise us on the type of pass to use during our 9 days’ stay in Kansai.
Thank you.
Regards,
Fang
Hi Fang,
You can use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for day 2 to 6.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
But you have to switch day 1 (Okayama and Himeji) and day 3 (Kobe). Okayama and Himeji should be in the coverage period of this pass. You don’t need to use it for Kobe. You can get Osaka (Umeda) by this pass but you have to pay single fare from Umeda to Minoo by Hankyu railway.
In Kyoto, day pass is okay.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Single fare is okay for Nara.
There is no direct trains to KIX in early morning. Limousine bus is better.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the helpful information.
For Day 1:
How do we get to the apartment near Shin Kobe station from KIX?
For Day 6:
How long will the train take to travel from Hiroshima to Kyoto? What is the earliest time we can arrive at Kyoto? We may want to switch Day 6 (seeing Kyoto) and Day 7 (Day trip to Nara) in order to maximise the use of Kansai Hiroshima Area pass.
Please advise.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Fang
Hi Fang,
Day 1
You can take limousine bus to get Sannomiya and then take subway.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KB
Day 6
Please see the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
You can take Shinkansen to get Shin-Osaka. But this pass does not cover Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. You have to transfer to conventional line trains. You will spend another 40 minutes to get Kyoto from Shin-Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Very informative post. Thank you so much.
I need your advice, i plan to go Osaka on November, 10 pax.
We plan to stay near subway “Tanimachi Kyūchōme” station.
Itinerary :
1) Day one : Arrived, Check-in house/apartment.
2) Day 2 : Full Day Osaka (Osaka Castle, Tempozan, Umeda Sky Building)
3) Day 3 : Osaka (Namba, Dotonbori dan Shinsaibashi Free and Easy Shopping)
4) Day 4 : Nara (Nara Park & Todaiji)
5) Day 5 : Kyoto (Arashiyama-Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Garden, Gion, Naritaya Halal Ramen)
6) Day 6 : Kobe (Kobe Port, Kobe Mosque and Kobe Ropeway and Herb Garden di Mt. Rokko)
7) Day 7 : Go back Malaysia
Hi Khairi san,
So do you want to know which deal you use, don’t you? Please refer the link below. You will find the solution:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Sir,
Can you give me your recommendation for the suitable passes if we are traveling between osaka and kyoto.
1) Pass from Kansai airport to Namba station
2) Day trip in Osaka, included city and north of Osaka (Minoh area)
3) 2 day trip in Kyoto, included city and Arashiyama, Otsu (Ogotoonsen).
4) Back to Kansai airport from Kyoto.
Is the Kansai thru pass or ICOCA card better.
Thanks and regards,
Lee Ling
Hi Lee Ling,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will just need to know which pass is suitable for travelling for kansai airport transfer to Kyoto in day 1 and return from Osaka to Kansai Airport on last day plus 2 days trip in Osaka.
Thank you.
Regards, SL
Hi SL,
For day 1 Haruka discount ticket
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
For Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
For trip to KIX from Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Very informative article, thank you! Would greatly appreciate it if you could help us out with which pass would be better. Our trip will be about two weeks, travelling between Osaka –> Kyoto –> Himeji –> Mt. Koya. This is our itinerary:
Days 1 – 3: OSAKA
Arriving from KIX. Generally just sightseeing and shopping, so planning to purchase osaka one-day passes, or using ICOCA
Days 4 – 12: KYOTO
– Kyoto imperial palace
– Kiyomizudera temple
– Yasaka pagoda
– Fushimi Inari shrine
– Kinkakuji
– Arayashima
Day 13: HIMEJI/Mt. KOYA
Planning to go from Kyoto to Himeji, and then from Himeji to Koyasan, staying overnight at Koyasan (where we will buy the koyosan ticket). Then from Koyasan to KIX.
We are stuck between whether to purchase Kansai Area pass, Kansai Thru pass, or just using the ICOCA.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi CH san.
ICOCA is okay but it gives you only convenience but not discount. So try to use the deal as much as you can. I recommend you to read the following links:
KIX-Osaka
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For sightseeing in Osaka and in Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
ICOCA or single ticket is okay for Osaka to Kyoto.
For trip to Himeji
Kasnai area pass one day
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
And you may add Koyasan world heritage ticket.
Kansai thru pass covers all of trip to Himeji and Koyasan. But it takes about 3 hours from Kyoto to Himeji with transfer at Umeda. If you use Kansai area pass, it’s direct and takes only 90 minutes by JR special rapid. If you really want to save your cost and do not care about trip time, you can use Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com