How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Dotonbori(道頓堀) is most popular spot in downtown Osaka.
Dotonbori(道頓堀) is most popular spot in downtown Osaka.

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.

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

TYPESAdultChild (6-12yrs)
2-Day4,380 yen2,190 yen
3-Day5,400 yen2,700 yen

Purchasing in Japan

TYPESAdultChild (6-12yrs)
2-Day4,480 yen2,240 yen
3-Day5,600 yen2,800 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

Kansai Thru Pass does not include the limited express surcharge. You have to pay additional to take Nankai Airport Express Rapi:t (in the photo above), Kintetsu railway limited express trains.

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

Kaiyukan aquarium is one of the most popular venues in Osaka. You can access there by Osaka Metro Chuo line. Kansai Thru Pass covers all lines of Osaka Metro. ©JNTO

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

Kiyomizudera is one of most popular temple in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©Sue Ann Simon/©JNTO

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

You can get discount when you go in Port tower at Harborland by Kansai Thru Pass. ©JNTO

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

Himeji Castle is most beautiful castle in Japan. It is well know as UNESCO World Heritage Site. ©JNTO

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

  1. Debra says:

    Hi,

    My family of 3 adults & 2 children will arrive in Osaka on 2 Dec. As we need to get off at Tengacha-ya station and take the subway to Nagahori, I unsure which is a better rail pass to buy from the airport to my Osaka Airbnb?

    1.Kanku Chikatoku Ticket
    – website shows (http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html) that the tickets are valid until 31st March 2015.
    – Is it still for sale?

    2. YOKOSO! OSAKA TICKET
    – can we use it on the subway on Day 1?
    – Since this is a Rapi:t train, can we get off at Tengcha-ya station or only at Namba?
    – what tickets do you recommend I buy for my children, both aged below 10 yrs.

    3. Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket
    – can I get off Tengcha-ya station or only at Namba?
    – if only at Namba, how do I get to Nagahori station from there?

    Besides that, what would be the best ticket to buy for our return trip to Kansai airport 9 days later?

    I am also currently planning to get the 3 day Kansai Thru pass (as per yr sample itinerary recommendation) for travel to :
    1. Mt Koya
    2. Himeji & Kobe
    3. South Kyoto & Uji

    Really appreciate yr feedback & thanks for yr informative website. It really helps with my planning!

    • Hi Debra,

      1. It’s still available. However you have to change the train at Namba. This does not suit your trip plan.

      2. You can use subway portion on day 1. I’m not 100% sure actually but I have heard that you can get off Rapi:t at Tengachaya. In my understanding, just give up Tengachaya to Namba portion and start using subway pass at Tengachaya. This deals consist of two portions, Rapi:t ticket and subway day pass.

      3. You can get off at Tengachaya. Actually this deal is substitute choice for children. This deal offers child rate.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
      And you may add Eco card (Osaka subway pass) for child. You can purchase it at Tengachaya subway station.
      http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/obj_conv02.pdf

      If you take same route to KIX via Tengachaya, regular ticket for subway to Tengachaya and Rapi:t Tokuwari is your choice. Kansai thru pass is a good choice for 3 days trip.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Razuwa says:

    Hi,
    I’m going to Japan on mid January 2017. Initially I’m planning to buy Kansai Thru Pass during my visit to Osaka for 4 days. I think very useful because I’m going to Kyoto and Nara for a day trip as well. But according to you, this pass not sold during winter season right? So what is the best transportation pass to use if I have day trip to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka (it’s a 2 days separate day trip).

    I’m staying at Takaishishi area and planning to buy Osaka Amazing Pass for sightseeing around Osaka. Is it the worth deal or should I just use ICOCA ?

    Thanks.

    • Hi Rasuwa,

      Kansai thru pass is available all season for overseas tourist.

      Amazing pass is a good choice if you visit many attractions in Osaka. But Takaishi is not in the coverage area. You need to purchase a regular ticket to get Namba or Tengachaya by Nankai railway. If you arrive in Kansai airport, you can purchase it at Kansai airport information desk in advance.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JRPail.com

  3. Jessy says:

    Hi Takashi,

    I have make some changes to my Japan trip. My new itinerary as follows:

    Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
    Day 2 – 4: Osaka including a visit to USJ
    Day 5: Nara (Day Trip)
    Day 6: Kyoto (Day Trip)
    Day 7: Kyoto (Day Trip)
    Day 8 – 9: Uji (Overnight stay)
    Day 9: Uji to Tokyo
    Day 10 – 14: Tokyo

    Pls kindly advise if Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass is recommended for my trips to Nara, Kyoto & Uji.

    For stays in Osaka / Tokyo, any recommended passes?

  4. lilian says:

    Hi Mr Takeshi San,

    am travelling wif 2 kids.

    day 1 kansai airport to kyoto. Was thinking to use 1 day area pass as it is more economical for my boys.

    Day 2 kyoto sight seeing 1 day kyoto bus n train pass
    day 3 n 4 osaka
    day 5 ohara onsen
    day 6 to 10. Osaka. Exploring universal studio himeiji etc

    Have gotten e 5days wide area pass. Shld i use in day 6 onwards?

  5. Kevin says:

    Hi Takeshi-San,

    My friend is flying to Osaka via Itami Airport instead of Kansai Airport. Is there any pass recommended for her?

  6. Cherlyn says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Please let me know if you think a pass will be useful for my trip.

    Day 1: Kyoto- Sannomiya- Harborland- Namba
    Day 2: Stay in Namba
    Day 3: Namba- Kiyomizudera- Arashiyama- Namba
    Day 4: Namba- USJ- Namba- Sakuragawa
    Day 5: Sakuragawa- Nara – Sakuragawa- KIX

    Thank you so much.

  7. Kevin Chew says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Loved your website. It is full of information that I need. I need your help please as I am confused on which pass I should use.

    Below is my itinerary.

    Day 1
    KIX – Namba Station
    I will be staying near Namba Station

    Day 2
    Namba Station – Universal Studio

    Day 3
    Namba Station – Kaiyukan

    Day 4
    I will be exploring around Osaka center

    Day 5
    Namba Station – Arima Onsen Station
    I will be staying in Arima Onsen for one night

    Day 6
    Arima Onsen – Kyoto Station using Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen
    I will be staying in Fushimi Ku Daigo Kita Hayama 25 -23, Kyoto

    Day 7
    I will be exploring Kyoto Temples and sight seeing with night exploring Shoren-in temple

    Day 8
    I will be exploring Kyoto Temples and sight seeing

    Day 9
    I will be going to Nara Day Trip

    Day 10
    I will be back to Osaka via using Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen then KIX at night for my flight back

    With the arrangement above, what passes should I use?
    I think Kansai Thru Pass is unable to accomodate all of this

  8. Nathania says:

    Hello, I’m still a little bit confuse to choose between KTP, Osaka amazing pass, and kyoto bus pass.

    Here is my rough itinerary:
    Day 1 – arrive in KIX, go to airbnb in Noe-Uchindai Station – Osaka Castle – (maybe go to ferris wheel if osaka amazing day pass is used) – close the day in dotonbori before go back to Noe-Uchindai

    Day 2 – from Noe-Uchindai to Ikeda, Momofuku Ando cup noodle museum – go to Kobe – Go back to Osaka

    Day 3 – from Osaka to Arashiyama, Kyoto – Kinkakuji – Ginkakuji – Gion (stay in hostel in Gion)

    Day 4 – Gion – Kiyomizudera – Fushimi Inari Taisha – back to Gion

    From that case, I was thinking about using KTP for 3 days and kyoto bus pass for the last day. But I see Osaka Amazing pass can give us free ticket osaka castle (and many discounted price in some touristic area that we can use on our second day in osaka) meanwhile KTP not, and the price is also cheaper.
    BUT if we use Osaka amazing pass, we are confuse what to use to go to Kyoto on the third day.

    What do you think is the best one?

    I hope you can help us with this! Thank you so much!

    • Hi Nathania,

      You may use Kansai thru pass but I recommend you to use only two days for day 2 and 3.

      On the first day, as you consider, Amazing pass is a good choice. If you intend to visit three or more attractions that are covered by amazing pass, it’s recommended. Even though it gives you some discount at many places, you should visit attractions that are covered by this pass fully. If you think about using this to visit Osaka castle, I recommend you to use Yokoso Osaka ticket.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html

      This includes Nankai railway from KIX to Namba and unlimited subway ride. It is a great deal. You also can get a discount at many attractions.

      On 4th day, single ticket is okay. Because you can use Keihan railway to visit Fushimi and Kiyomizudeara temple. You may take a bus but train is much faster. Keihan is covered by KTP but total single fare for Gion-Shijo to Fuhimiinari, Fushimiinari to Kiyomizu-Gojo and Kiyomizu-Gojo to Gion-Shijo is about 600 yen. The difference between 2 days KTP and 3 day KTP is 1200 yen. This is reason why I recommend you to use 2 days.

      But if you intend to take a bus more than 3 times after the trip to Fushimi and Kiyomizudera, you can go for 3 days KTP. And also KTP gives you more flexibility.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. S.Ling says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I have a question regarding Kansai Thru Pass. Is there any limitation on how many pass one person can buy? For eg. a single traveller getting 2 passes – one 2D KTP and one 3D KTP. Or this is not allowed, and actually need to use multiple passes such as Haruka+ICOCA, JR Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass.

    My itinerary had the following trips, which I guess KTP is useful for most of it.

    a) Enryakuji (Hieizan) + Sanzenin (Ohara) – from Kyoto (near Sanjo)
    b) Kurama + Kibune – from Kyoto
    c) Tofukuji + Fushimi Inari + Uji – day trip from Kyoto
    d) Kozanji + Jingoji in Takao – day trip from Kyoto
    e) Himeji + Kobe – day trip from Namba
    f) Koyasan – day trip from Namba
    g) Arima Onsen + Kobe – day trip from Namba

    I think for day trips (e)-(g), using KTP will be worthwhile, but was wondering should/can I get another KTP to cover my other trips in Kyoto.

    Really appreciate your advise.

    Thanks much!

    • Hi S.Ling,

      You can purchase Kansai thru pass as many as you want. In your plan, I recommend you to use 1 X 2 days and 1 X 3 days for a, c, e-g. You don’t need to use this pass in consecutive days. So you can use 2 days for a and c. And also you may switch Ohara and Kurama/Kibune. Both Kurama and Kibune can be accessed by Eizan railway that is covered Kansai thru pass.

      For b (Ohara) and d, Kyoto bus pass is okay.
      http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • S.Ling says:

        Hi Takeshi-san,

        Thanks a lot for your reply. Indeed I was deciding whether to combined Mt. Hiei with Ohara or Mt Hiei with Kurama/Kibune. But if taking the later option, meaning I’ll need to cover 3 places, and I’m not sure if it will too rush or not. I came to know there’s bus going up to Ohara pass by Yase-Hieizan cable car station, so maybe I could take that.

        Of course in terms of Kansai Thru Pass, it may not covers all. KTP covers Mt Hiei if taking the route from Shiga side taking Sakamoto cable car but not from Kyoto side (Eizan cable car/ropeway). I guess… I need to access both options and see if KTP is worthwhile for the trip.

        Many thanks & cheers,
        S.Ling

        • Hi S Ling san,

          I agree with you. If you visit three places in one day, it will be busy. But the reason why I recommend this is maximizing to use Kansai thru pass. As long as you are okay to spend extra to use single fare ticket, you can keep your original itinerary.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. MC says:

    Hi Takeshi-san!
    You have a very informative guide. I would like to ask for some suggestions on whether or not to buy the Kansai Thru pass or Hankyu Pass? I’ll be staying in Dotonbori area. Here is our plan
    Day 1: Rinku outlet from Tennoji Station then go around shinsaibashi area
    Day 2: Visit Kyoto and Nara for sightseeing
    Day 3: Osaka castle or some places around osaka then off to the airport
    Will it be ideal for my short stay in Osaka to purchase kansai thru pass? Thank you very much!

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