Kansai Thru Pass is one of the best pass if you travel in Kansai area. This pass offers the unlimited travel of most non JR trains, the subway lines and most local bus services. It covers most part of this region, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Koyasan and Himeji.
In this post, I would like to explain this pass and you will find how to use this pass.
- Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Kansai airport to Kobe
- Kansai airport to Nara
- Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
- Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
- Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
- Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Who is eligible
The overseas tourist with short stay status and Japanese who lives abroad as a permanent resident can purchase it. And also a person with overseas tourist as a guide can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
2-day pass and 3-day pass are available. If you purchase it online, the price is slightly cheaper.
Purchasing online
| TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day | 4,380 yen | 2,190 yen |
| 3-Day | 5,400 yen | 2,700 yen |
Purchasing in Japan
| TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day | 4,480 yen | 2,240 yen |
| 3-Day | 5,600 yen | 2,800 yen |
You can use this pass on unconsecutive days on the sales period.
e.g.
Day 1 – Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the first day of 3-day)
Day 2 – Visit USJ (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 3 – Day trip to Koyasan from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the second day of 3-day)
Day 4 – Stay in Osaka (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 – Day trip to Kobe and Himeji (Kansai Thru Pass the third day of 3-day)
The sales period is usually year by year, April to March in next year. Actually you can pick any three days (two days for two days pass) in this sales period. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
Under 6 years is free of charge. You are not required to buy the pass for the child who is 0 to 5 years old.
How to purchase
If you want to buy it in advance online, you can refer the official site of Kansai Thru Pass:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Internet Purchase
You also can purchase it at Klook. Klook is one of the biggest ticket seller. You can buy it at your country’s currency. The price may be cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass online purchasing by Klook
You also can purchase this pass at Kansai Airport Tourist Information Center and other many visitor centers in Kansai area. Please see the list of sales location in the Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Where to buy in Japan
I would like to show you price comparison between pass and single fare later in this post.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in Kansai Thru Pass official site.
The pass covers most of Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Osaka airport, Kobe airport, Himeji, Mt. Koya and Otsu (beside Biwako lake)
You can go almost every popular spots by this pass without any extra fares. As long as I know, there are a few major spots where cannot be accessed by this pass.
USJ (Universal Studio Japan)
You have to take JR Yumesaki line to get Universal City station. This pass does not cover JR train. The nearest station where you can get by Kansai Thru Pass is Nishikujo. Please find the information about the train network in the link below:
Yoshino
Yoshino is popular to see the cherry blossom in the spring season. Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka-Abenobashi (same location as Tennoji) and Yoshino. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway but it does not cover whole lines of Kintetsu Railway. Yoshino is outside the coverage area of this pass. You have to add the fare for Tsubosakayama to Yoshino which is the segment outside the coverage area.
The extra fare is 430 yen for one way. You can pay this extra fare when you exit Yoshino station. You can show your Kansai Thru Pass at the gate with the station staff. The staff collects the fare. You can buy the ticket to Tsubosakayama when you leave Yoshino. You can show both the ticket and Kansai Thru Pass when you arrive in Osaka-Abenobashi or other stations where you want to get off.
Nagoya
Nagoya is not in Kansai region and it is completely outside the coverage area as you probably understand. But Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway and Kintetsu Railway runs between Osaka-Namba and Nagoya. Sometimes it makes you get confusing. Kintetsu Railway is the biggest private railway companies in Japan. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover whole part of Kintetsu Railway network. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara only.
Valid trains and bus lines
The pass covers most of non JR railway lines, all subway lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, and most local/city bus services. You can find the full list of the coverage transportation in the official site. I show you the major services here.
- Nankai railway (Osaka, Koyasan, Kansai airport and Wakayama)
- Hankyu railway (Osaka, Mino, Kobe, Kyoto and Takarazuka)
- Hanshin railway (Osaka, Kobe)
- Keihan railway (Osaka, Kyoto, Otsu, Uji)
- Kintetsu railway (Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
- Sanyo railway (Kobe, Himeji)
- Kobe railway (Kobe, Arima onsen, Sanda)
- Keifuku railway, a.k.a. Randen (Arashiyama)
- Eizan railway (Kifune, Hieizan)
- Osaka Metro subway and city bus
- Kyoto city subway and city bus
- Kobe city subway and city bus
- Osaka Monorail (Itami airport)
- Kobe Portliner (Kobe airport)
Any JR lines are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find the information of the train network in Kansai area:
Highway bus and Airport limousine bus are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And the limited express seat fee requires on top of Kansai Thru Pass to take the following trains:
- Kintetsu Railway limited express trains among Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Kyoto and Nara
- Nankai Railway limited express “Rapi:t” between Kansai airport, Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba
- Nankai Railway limited express “Koya” and “Rinkan” between Namba and Hashimoto/Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway sightseeing train “Tenku” between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway limited express “Southern” between Namba and Wakayama
This train has non reserved seat too. If you ride on non reserved seat car, no extra charge is required. But accommodation is completely different. Reserved seat is an express train seat but non reserved seat is a commute trains’ interior. You may have to stand up. - Keihan Railway limited express Premium car
This train has non reserved seat too. Non reserved seat is not bad but reserved seat is much bigger.
Other railway company, such as, Hankyu, Hanshin, Sanyo, operate the limited express trains. But these trains are just the fastest train. Some of trains have better interior than a local train. But any extra charge is not required.
Compare cost between pass and single fare
I show you some trip plans and compare the cost. Actually it is not easy to spend same cost as 2-day pass at 4,300 yen.
Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
If you go to Namba area, Nankai railway is the best choice. The fare is 920 yen. But as I mentioned above, you have to pay another 520 yen at least to take the Limited Express “Rapi:t”. Of course there are many express trains without any extra charge between Kansai airport and Namba. If you want to save the money, don’t take Rapi:t.
You can transfer to most of subway lines at Namba. You can access to most of places in downtown Osaka by subway. Subway fare is from 200 yen. If you go to Umeda from Namba, fare is 230 yen. But if you will stay in Shin-Osaka area, consider to take limited express Haruka. It gives you direct access there. Even if you stay in Umeda area, JR Kansai Airport Rapid takes you JR Osaka station (Umeda) directly. Please refer the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
If you use one of two days in Kansai Thru Pass, you need to spend another 3,000 yen on next day. Otherwise it is hard to get your money worth. I think it is not a good idea to use the pass for Kansai airport access. I recommend you to use Rapi:t Tokudane Return-trip ticket (round trip by Rapi:t between Namab/Shin-Imamiya/Tengachaya and Kansai airport) or
Kanku Chikatoku ticket (Nankai railway base fare from Kansai airport to Namba and subway one way ticket) at 980 yen.
Kansai airport to Kyoto
Actually it is not a good idea. Total fare is 1,550 yen. You can spend more than access to Osaka. But there is no direct train. The best way to Kyoto from Kansai airport is the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Tengachaya -> (Osaka subway Sakisuji line/Hankyu) -> Awaji -> (Hankyu) -> Kawaramachi
Subway Sakaisuji line and Hankyu go through the trains each other. But usually you need to transfer the train at Awaji. You have to transfer at least twice at Tengachaya and Awaji. And there are only commute trains between Tengachaya and Kawaramachi. And also if you stay around JR Kyoto station area, you need to transfer to Kyoto subway at Karasuma. I think it is too much right after you arrive by international flight. If you really want to take this route (Nankai-Subway-Hankyu), you can use Kyoto Access Ticket at 1,200 yen. This gives you better deal. You may be stay in Kyoto on next day for sightseeing. You can purchase Kyoto city pass (subway and city bus) at 1,200 yen for one day. Total cost will be much cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass.
But I recommend to use JR lines instead of above route, especially limited express Haruka. That train take you to Kyoto directly. It is much more comfortable and there are a few good deal, JR West Kansai area pass and ICOCA and Haruka. Please refer the post, Direct access to Shin Osaka, Kyoto from Kansai airport, Kansai Airport Limited Express “Haruka”.
Kansai airport to Kobe
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,290 yen. Kobe Access Ticket at 1,100 yen is also available. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Hanshin) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Hanshin’s Osaka-Namba station is not far from Nankai Namba station. But you need to exit from Nankai station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is almost same.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Shin-Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 105 minutes)
If you worry about transfer at Namba, I recommend you to take JR. You still need to transfer the train even if you take JR trains. But you can transfer the trains in the station. There are many more signs and it is obviously easier.
Kansai airport to Nara
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,430 yen. Nara Access Ticket at 1,200 yen is available as well. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Kintetsu) -> Nara (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Kintetsu’s Osaka-Namba station is same station as Hanshin Osaka-Namba station. These two railway companies’s trains go through each other. You need to exit from Nankai station to get Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is a bit shorter than Nankai-Kintetsu combination. If you take Haruka, you can save another 10 to 15 minutes.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatohji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 75 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatoji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
Transfer at Tennoji by JR trains are much easier than transfer at Namba between Nankai station and Kintetsu station.
Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway take you to Kyoto from Umeda by Hankyu, from Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi and Kyobashi by Keihan. One way fare to Kyoto is about 400 yen. Most of you take subway or city bus for sightseeing in Kyoto. If you purchase one day city pass for subway and city bus, it is 1,200 yen for one day and 2,000 yen for 2 days. But Kansai Thru Pass includes Kyoto subway and city bus.
So if you use Kansai Thru Pass for this trip, you can spend 2,000 yen worth at least. But if you have same trip in two days in row, total cost is 2,000 yen (Kyoto 2 days pass) + 1,600 yen (Keihan or Hankyu two round trips) = 3,600 yen. Actually Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is not cheaper. There are still some more cases that you can spend more.
*If you stay in Namba or other areas and need to take Osaka subway to get Hankyu or Keihan station, you will spend another 200 yen worth. At result, Kansai Thru Pass may be cheaper.
*If you go to Arashiyama and other areas (Kyomizudera temple, Kinkakuji temple, etc) in one day, you may be take Keifuku Railway, subway and bus in one day. Keifuku Railway runs among Arashiyama, Kitano-Hakubaicho (near Kintakuji) and Shijo-Omiya. Basic fare is only 200 yen. But this 200 yen makes your cost of Kansai Thru Pass cheaper than regular fare.
*If you go to Kurama by Eizan Railway, one way fare is 410 yen. If you go to Kurama, Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice.
Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
The only difference from day trip to Kyoto from Osaka is round trip fare to Kyoto. One way is 600 yen by Hankyu. But Hankyu do not have any direct train from Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) to Kyoto. You need to transfer the train at Juso (junction of Kyoto line and Kobe line) or Umeda. One day total cost (Hankyu fare+Kyoto 1 day Pass) is 2,400 yen. It is smart way to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
Actually Nara is very accessible by Kintetsu Railway from both Kyoto and Osaka. You can catch Kintetsu train at Osaka-Namba, Kintetsu-Nihonbashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Osaka-Namba station is located within walking distance from Nankai Namba and Subway Namba. And also Kintetsu-Nihonbashi is same location as Subway Nihobashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi is same location as Subway Tanimachi Kyuchome and Tsuruhashi is same location as JR Osaka Kanjo line Tsuruhashi.
On way fare from Namba/Kintetsu-Nihonbashi/Osaka-Uehonmachi to Nara is 540 yen and travel time is 40 minutes. Travel time and fare from Tsuruhashi to Nara are 480 yen and 35 minutes.
If you access to Nara from Kyoto, you can use Kintetsu line too. Kintetsu Kyoto station is exactly same location as JR Kyoto station. One way fare is 610 yen and travel time is 50 minutes.
But actually most of popular spots are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station. Please refer the post, How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient. to get the details about Nara. If you access to the spots where is located at other than city center of Nara, like Houryuju temple, Heiankyo, you need to get some more trips. But as long as you see the spots around Nara stations, Kansai Thru Pass is not the best choice. Total fare is too low to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) can be accessed by Hankyu or Hanshin. From Umeda, both Hanshin and Hankyu have stations. Travel time and fare are completely same. Those are 310 yen and 30 minutes.
If you depart from Namba, you can catch Hanshin train at Osaka-Namba. Travel time is 40 minutes and fare is 400 yen.
If you depart from Kyoto, it is reverse way from Kobe to Kyoto. You can take Hankyu but you need to transfer at Juso or Umeda. Travel time is 70 minutes and one way fare is 600 yen.
As you see, return fare to Kobe is not so expensive. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kobe, you need to take extra transportation in Kobe. There are Kobe subway and Port Liner. You can take subway to Harborland (Kobe port waterfront area) and Port Liner to Port Island. Basic fare starts at 200 yen. If you have several trip, you can make around 500 yen value.
Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
Sanyo Railway runs train service between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Sanyo-Himeji (same place as JR Himeji station). Both Sanyo and Hanshin go through the train each other. “Direct Limited Express” connects Hanshin Umeda with Sanyo-Himeji directly. Some of Sanyo trains operate to Hankyu Sannomiya station too. You can transfer from/to Sanyo and Hankyu at Sannomiya station.
If you access from Sannomiya (Kobe) or Umeda, you can take Direct Limited Service to Sanyo-Himeji. If you access from Kyoto, the easiest way is using Hankyu to Sannomiya and transfer to Sanyo trains. Travel time and one way fare are the following:
From Sannomiya to Sanyo-Himeji – 60-65 minutes / 940 yen
From Umeda to Sanyo-Himeji – 90-100 minutes / 1,450 yen
From Kawaramachi (Kyoto) to Sanyo-Himeji via Hankyu Sannomiya – 130 minutes / 1,540 yen
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Himeji, you can easily get more value than price of pass. However, if you use JR trains Special Rapid Service, it is so much faster.
Kyoto -(28 minutes)- Osaka -(22 minutes)- Sannomiya -(40 minutes)- Himeji
Special Rapid Service is operated between Himeji and Kyoto directly. It is 30 minutes shorter between Osaka and Himeji, and 40 minutes faster between Kyoto and Himeji. It is much faster and more convenient. So JR West Kansai Area Pass may be considerable. JR’s return fare between Osaka and Himeji is 2,900 yen. It is much cheaper than 1 day Kansai Area Pass at 2,000 yen.
Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Nankai Railway connects Namba with Mt. Koya. This train is the easiest and the fastest to get Mt. Koya. Please refer the post, How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?.
One way fare from Namba to Mt. Koya is 1,230 yen by Nankai Railway and Nankai Koyasan Cable Car. If you want to take Limited Express “Koya”, you need to pay express surcharge, 760 yen. This surcharge is not included in Kansai Thru Pass. And also Kansai Thru Pass cover most of local bus lines on Mt. Koya. So you can get maximum value to use the pass for the trip to Mt. Koya.
However if you stay in Mt. Koya, you spend 2 days. It is very hard to get same value as Kansai Thru Pass 2 days at 3,800 yen. It is very hard to get the value of 3 days either. If you have overnight trip to Mt. Koya, please think about Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket. It includes return fare, local bus and limited express surcharge too. Of course you can use this ticket for day trip too.
Assesment
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kyoto, Himeji and Mt. Koya, you must get more value than price. On the other hand, it is hard to get the value for trip to Kobe and Nara basically. And you have to compare Kansai Thru Pass and other pass/ticket, such as JR West Kansai Area Pass, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket for trip to Mt. Koya or Himeji.
However this pass is still useful. Because you might use the pass after you finish your day trip. Especially if you stay in Osaka, you might have a lots of chance to take Osaka subway after you finish day trip for shopping or dining. Minimum fare of Osaka subway is 200 yen. For example, if you have return trip to Shinsaibashi from Namba, it costs 400 yen. You can make 1,000 yen value easily for just using Osaka subway.
And also you can get discount at more than 350 attractions by Kansai Thru Pass. This is a big benefit, like 100 yen discount at Kaiyukan aquarium, Osaka castle, and many more.
Full list of facilities where you can get benefit (PDF file)
If you stay in Kansai area for 4 or more days, think about using multiple passes, such as Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass. I hope this post will help you to find the best and most economical way.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san
I am planning to visit Japan on 10th March – 21st March. Below is my planned itinerary, though it is not fixed. Need your advice on getting the better of my trip. Do advise accordingly.
10th – Arrive in Kansai Airport 4pm. Stay nearby Imagawa
Station. (Osaka)
11th – Sightseeing Osaka (Osaka)
12th – One day in USJ (Osaka)
13th – Morning depart to Kyoto (Kyoto)
14th – Sightseeing Kyoto (Willer Bus night to Yudanaka?)
15th – Arrive Yudanaka – Snow Monkey (night bus to Tokyo)
16th-21st – Tokyo / Gala Yuzawa / Kawaguchi / Hakone
Based on the table above, the USJ trip would be on Sunday which I expect will be too crowded. I plan to shift the USJ trip to Monday but will disturb my Kyoto trip. Do you have better suggestion so i can avoid weekend in USJ?
I plan to buy Kansai Thru Pass. How and on which day should I use the pass ?
And is it worth to visit the Snow Monkeys during the time? It will be a hassle to go to Yudanaka, so I would like to know if it is worth it.
Hope to hear from you soon. Regards.
Hi Amer san,
The only way to avoid visiting USJ on weekend is changing order of Kyoto and Osaka
10th KIX-Kyoto
11th sightseeing in Kyoto
12th sightseeing in Kyoto and then move to Osaka
13th USJ
14th sightseeing in Osaka and then take overnight bus
You don’t need to have Kansai thru pass either changing your itinerary or keep original plan. If you use this pass, you need to have two round trips to outside Osaka, like Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. This pass is too much for sightseeing in Osaka. Please see the links below to find the infor about deals:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
If you take my suggested plan, you can 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
ICOCA covers move among cities.
If you want to see monkeys in hot springs, you should go there. Usually in mid March, there are still lots of snow left.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your reply & suggestions 🙂 I truly appreciate them so much. I have made some changes to my itinerary as follow:
10th – Arrive in Kansai Airport 4pm. Stay nearby Imagawa
Station. (Osaka)
11th – Day trip to Nara
12th – Sightseeing Osaka
13th – USJ
14th – Travel to & Sightseeing in Kyoto
15th – Sightseeing Kyoto and take sleeper bus to Yudanaka
(Nagaden Express)
16th- Yudanaka – Snow monkey; take train Nagano to Tokyo at night
17th – Gala Yuzawa (via JR Tokyo Wide Pass)
18th- Sightseeing Tokyo
19th- Sightseeing Tokyo
20th – Kawaguchi / Hakone
21st – Sightseeing Tokyo & night flight back
Need your help for some parts of the plan,
1) What is the best way to get from KIX to Osaka?
2) Is the Kansai Thru Pass worth for this itinerary? Plan to use it on 12th,14th (& 15th?)
3) Should we visit Kawaguchi/Hakone direct from Nagano or just from Tokyo ? Dont plan to stay there since it will be expensive.
4) Any pass we should take in Tokyo based on our itinerary?
Sorry if im asking too much ! Really want to get the best out of Japan since I dont know when I can come and visit again :/
Hi Amer san,
1) What is the best way to get from KIX to Osaka?
Take JR train to Tennoji and transfer to Kintetsu railway to Imagawa. Kintetsu railway station in Tennoji is called “Osaka-Abenobashi”. But it is exactly same location as JR Tennoji station. There are lots of signage and you cannot miss it. The recommended deal is ICOCA and Haruka to Tennoji.
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 can take express train Haruka to get Tennoji. You can use ICOCA card to take Kintetsu railway.
2) Is the Kansai Thru Pass worth for this itinerary? Plan to use it on 12th,14th (& 15th?)
It’s recommended but you should use 3 days pass for 11th (Nara), 14th (Osaka-Kyoto and Kyoto sightseeing) and 15th (Kyoto).
You may use ICOCA for 13th. And you can pick one of the deals for 12th in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
I don’t think ICOCA 1500 yen is not enough to cover 12th.
3) Should we visit Kawaguchi/Hakone direct from Nagano or just from Tokyo ? Dont plan to stay there since it will be expensive.
You should go there from Tokyo. By the way, if you visit both Kawaguchiko and Hakone in one day. it’s super busy trip. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/fuji-hakone-one-day-trip-sample-itinerary-you-can-visit-both-lake-kawaguchi-and-hakone-by-day-trip-from-tokyo.html
4) Any pass we should take in Tokyo based on our itinerary?
Tokyo subway ticket is recommended.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
By the way, you should use JR East Pass Nagano and Niigata.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
Because if you take train from Nagano to Tokyo, it costs about 8000 yen. And you will use Tokyo Wide Pass at 10,000 yen. Total cost is 18,000 yen but if you buy JR East Pass online, it’s 1000 yen cheaper. It covers Nagano to Tokyo too. And also you can take train to the airport on the last day because JR East pass is valid for any 5 days in 14 days period. It covers JR trains in Tokyo too. And also it covers train trip to Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone partially.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ! Sorry to bother you again, but I had to make last minute changes on my itinerary. My wife is expecting so I plan to avoid the long bus ride & hike up Jikogudani (is it too much of a hike?).
10th – Arrive in Kansai Airport 4pm. Stay nearby Imagawa
Station. (Osaka)
11th – Day trip to Nara
12th – Sightseeing Osaka
13th – USJ
14th – Travel to & Sightseeing in Kyoto
15th – Sightseeing Kyoto.
16th- Cont. Sightseeing Kyoto & Shinkansen to Tokyo.
17th – Gala Yuzawa (via JR Tokyo Wide Pass)
18th- Sightseeing Tokyo
19th- Sightseeing Tokyo
20th – Kawaguchi / Hakone
21st – Sightseeing Tokyo & night flight back
1. Do we still need Kansai Thru Pass or better to take other pass in Kyoto ? Since we plan to spend another day there.
2. Since I cancelled Nagano, is it still worth it to take JR East Pass Nagano Niigata? I calculated JR East Pass +Sleeper bus to Nagano (17000+6800)¥. If I take Shinkansen Kyoto-Tokyo (14000¥), adding Gala Yuzawa pass (10000¥), and extra subway pass in Tokyo, Kawaguchi and back to Haneda Airport, it seems a lot more expensive. Are there any other pass or option?
I hope I can get to Kyoto – Tokyo directly and cheap by shinkansen. Hope to hear from you!
Amer
Hi Amer,
1. You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for 11th, 14th and 15th.
2. Shinkansen is the easiest way to get Tokyo by single ticket. But if you are okay to spend a little more time and get some saving, platt kodama is considerable.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Especially your wife does not seem to like a long ride bus. Shinkansen is only choice for you.
By the way, hike to Jikokudani is not such a long hike. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-9-visit-snow-monkey-park-in-nagano.html
It’s 1.6km trail and almost flat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San:
Great posts! You are our primary rederence in learning about how to get around Japan.
We are going to Japan in February for 7 days. This is our planned itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival at KIX (7am)
Then Osaka exploration
Day 2 – USJ
Day 2 – Kyoto day trip
Day 3 – Kyoto day trip
Day 4 – Nara
Day 5 – Kobe and Himeji
Day 6 – Mt. Koya
Day 7 – Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
KIX (7pm flight out)
We will be staying in Osaka for the whole trip.
We plan to get Kansai Thru-Pass for the whole of our stay.
How do we do it, though?
Do we get two 3-day passes (for each person), activate the first pass for the first 3 days, then activate the second pass for the next 3 days? Can that be done?
Or we can only buy one 3-day pass at a time for each person? Then buy a second pass for the next 3 days?
Or maybe you have a better suggestion on what other passes to use?
Thank you very much, Takeshi and more power to you.
Zac
Hi Zac san,
The following deals are recommended.
For day 1
Yokoso Osaka Ticket
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
For day 2, 4 and 6
Kansai thru pass 3 days
For day 3
Kyoto Osaka sightseeing pass one day
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
For day 5
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
For day 2
Single ticket
For day 7
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
And you can use single fare ticket for taking Nankai railway ordinary train from Namba to KIX, or use one of the deals in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
I recommend Kyoto Osaka sightseeing pass for day 3. Because you can cover most places in eastern part of Kyoto, such as Gion, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Fushimi Inari by this pass. You can use Kansai thru pass on day 2 and visit western part of Kyoto, such as Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji temple, Nijo.
Kansai area pass one day is better choice than Kansai thru pass to get Himeji. JR train is much faster than Hanshin-Sanyo railway that is covered by Kansai thru pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much, Takeshi-San…will do as you suggested…
No worries, Zac san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
By the way, sorry for the confusion. LOL. We posted two Day 2’s
We meant:
Day 2 – USJ
Day 3 – Kyoto Day Trip
Day 4 – Kyoto most of the day
Then Nara (if possible)
Day 5 – Kobe and Himeji
Sorry bout that.
Would the passes change if it is the corrected one?
Thank you very much, Takeshi-San
Zac
Hi Zac,
You still can use Kansai thru pass for day 3, 4 and 6. And Kanasi area pass for day 5.
Single ticket is for USJ.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Much appreciated, Takeshi-San…
No worries, Zac san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like your help for select the best pass.
We will arrive KIK in the morning 08:40 and go to NARA.
Stay there all day and go to Osaka in the end of the afternoon.
We will have 2 full days in Osaka. Then we go to Hiroshima with the 5 days Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass .
Our guesthouse is near the Tanimachikyuchome subway station.
We also book another place near Harinakano station (Kintetsu Minami Osaka line).
What is the best 1 day pass for:
KIK-Nara
visit Nara
Nara- Osaka
What is the best accommodations to visit Osaka?
Near Tanimachikyuchome subway station?
or Harinakano station?
thank you very much
Jose
Hi Jose,
Kansai area pass one day is your choice.
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
Kansai thru pass has better coverage deal but it does not have one day pass. That is whey Kansai area pass. If you visit somewhere outside Osaka in other day, you may use Kansai thru pass. Otherwise Kansai area pass is your choice.
Tanimachi Kyuchome is much better. When you get there after trip to Nara, you need to get subway but subway is not covered by Kanasi area pass. Only JR trains are covered. The nearest JR station to Tanimachi Kyuchome is Tsuruhashi.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you.
But I didn t understood.
From Nara I should go out in Namba. Then take the train to Tsuruhashi (pink line S19) ?
From this station take the subway to Tanimachi Kyuchome?
best regards
Jose
Hi Jose,
No. That is a wrong route.
Your route is the following:
Nara – Tennoji – Tsuruhashi – Tanimachi Kyuchome
I think you saw Kintetsu railway route. You will use JR trains. JR takes you from Nara to Tennoji. You can take rapid or local train. And then take Osaka loop line local train from Tennoji to Tsuruhashi. The pass covers until you get Tsuruhashi. And then you can take subway or Kintetsu railway or subway.
Actually you can take Kintetsu too because Osaka-Uehonmachi station is same location as Tanimachi Kyuchome.
Kintetsu railway Tsuruhashi station is connected with JR Tsuruhashi station. Kintetsu is easier to get from JR than subway. Either Kintetsu or subway is not covered by JR Kansai area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much, once again.
I stil have one doubht.
We will buy the 1 day Kansai area pass, outside Japan.
We will pick up the pass (Exchange Order) in Kansai Airport Station, Ticket Office.
Do we need to buy a card (ICOCA) to charge with these 1 day Kansai area pass?
Or this is a card only for the JR trains and validy for one day? In the end is trash?
On the same day we go from KIK to Nara and then to Osaka (Tsuruhashi).
We will stay 2 full days in Osaka and on the third day we go to Hirosmima with Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass 5 days.
Should we present the exchange order for the 5 days pass when we arrive in KIK? Or should we do it only during our stay in Osaka?
We will receive 2 diferent pass or just one pass with booth (1 day and 5 days)?
best regards
Jose
n response to jose bernardo:
Hi Takeshi, I would like your help for select the best pass. We will arrive KIK in the morning 08:40 and go to NARA. Stay there all day and go to Osaka in the end of the afternoon. We will have 2 full days in Osaka. Then we go to Hiroshima with the 5 days […]
Hi Jose,
Kansai area pass one day is your choice.
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
Kansai thru pass has better coverage deal but it does not have one day pass. That is whey Kansai area pass. If you visit somewhere outside Osaka in other day, you may use Kansai thru pass. Otherwise Kansai area pass is your choice.
Tanimachi Kyuchome is much better. When you get there after trip to Nara, you need to get subway but subway is not covered by Kanasi area pass. Only JR trains are covered. The nearest JR station to Tanimachi Kyuchome is Tsuruhashi.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Jose,
You can exchange both passes at KIX station. You don’t need to purchase ICOCA. You can use other passes for staying in Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi,
can u advise me which pass is better for me..my itinerary as below:
Jan 13: arrive airport at 9.20am
: go to kobe/nara for sightseeing
: back to osaka for check in hotel at namba
Jan 14 : use amazing pass round osaka only
jan 15 : go to kyoto
jan 16 : morning checkout hotel and direct to airpot..
thank you for your respon
syieda
Hi Syieda,
You may use Kansai thru pass 2 days for 13th and 15th. But I think Kobe and Nara in one way is too much. You will arrive at KIX at 9:20. But you will spend one hour to clear custom and immigration. And then you will spend 30 minutes to get a pass and get the station. When you get Osaka, time will be around noon. And the you can start trip after lunch time. Actually you will have only half day. Unfortunately I don’t think you can make both in half day.
At last, you may find the deal to get back to KIX at 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
dear Takeshi..thank you for your fast respond..
what do u think if i use kansai thru pass 3 days
1st day arrive and around kobe (kansai thru pass – day 1)
2nd day at osaka (use amazing pass for 1 day)
3rd day go to kyoto (kansai thru pass – day 2)
day 4 at the morning direct to kansai airport (kansai thru pass – day3) because kansai thru pass use by day right? not 24hour?
and 1 more question..can i see snow in osaka that time (middle of january)
thank you Takeshi
Hi Syieda,
I think 2 days Kansai thru pass + other deal is cheaper than 3 days Kansai thru pass. The difference between 2 days and 3 days is 1200 yen.
If you stay in Namba, single fare is 920 yen. If you stay in other than Namba, you can use subway + Nankai railway deal is 1000 yen.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
And also you can use Rapi:t deal at 1130 yen.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
This train is much more comfortable than ordinary train. If you take this train by Kansai thru pass, you have to pay seat fee 510 yen beside the pass.
Unfortunately you cannot see the snow. It’s very very rare to see the snow in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you Takeshi for your advice..1 more thing..can i use Kansai Thru Pass with ride limousine bus from Kansai Airport to Kobe?
thank you Takeshi
Hi Syieda,
Unfortunately the pass does not cover limousine bus. You have to take Nankai railway from KIX to Namba, and then take Hanshin railway from Osaka-Namba to Kobe-Sannomiya. There is no direct ways to get Kobe from KIX by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I stay in Shin -Osaka for 5 days 4 nights, my itinerary as below,
Day 1 – from Shin Osaka to Nara , afternoon to Kyoto
Day 2 – from Shin -Osaka to Kyoto and nite to Umeda
Day 3 – Universal Studio
Day 4 – Osaka
Can you suggest me the best pass to purchase ?
Hi Peggy,
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 1 and 2.
Single ticket is okay for day 3, And for day 4, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hope you can help us? See our itinerary below, can we use 3 days Kansai thru Pass for all subway/bus trips in Osaka and Kyoto?
Day 0
Airport to Hotel
Day 1
USS
Shinsaibashi
Back to Hotel
Day 2
Bishamondo Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Eikando Temple
Nanzenji
Ginkakuji Temple
Return to Osaka Hotel
Tempozan Ferris Wheel at night
Day 3
Fushimi Inari
Arashiyama
Kurama dera Temple
Return to Osaka
Umeda Sky Building
Day 4
Osaka Castle
Osaka Museum Housing and Living
Osaka to Kansai Airport
Hi Marge,
You may use Kansai thru pass for day 2 to 4. It covers all train trips including subway and city bus.
Single fare is okay for day 1. You may use one of the deals for day 0 if you want. 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,
Thank you for your useful information in the web. I’m traveling to Osaka/Kyoto in next year April. The following is my itinerary. Would like to ask your opinion is it best for me to take Kansas Thru Pass with ICOCA and Haruka package?
Day1 – Arrive at KIX in the morning and direct to Kyoto for sightseeing and one night stay
Day 2- Kyoto sightseeing and one night stay
Day 3- Transfer to Osaka and will stay the rest in Namba area.
Day 4 – Nara
Day 5- Osaka
Day 6- To KIX and go home
Appreciate you can advise how I can use the passes and will it too rush if I go Himeji?
Thank you very much !
Hi Kelvin san,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka for arrival day. For departure day, Nankai railway is better option because it takes you to KIX from Namba directly. If you are okay ordinary train, single fare or using ICOCA is fine. It costs 920 yen. If you want to take express train “Rapi:t”, you may use Rapi:t deal.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
I don’t think you need to have Kansai thru pass. You can use local deals in Kyoto and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
You can use ICOCA for transfer from Kyoto to Osaka and trip to Nara.
If you go to Himeji, you have to spend half day on day 4 and 5. It’s not impossible to do half day for Nara. But if you go to Nara and Himeji one day, Kanasi area pass one day is recommended.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My family of 4 will be travelling to Japan soon end of Nov 2016. Planning to cover Kyoto, Otsu, Hikone at Lake Biwa, Osaka, Nara and Kobe.
This is my itinerary:
Day 1 Arriving in KIX, going to Kyoto from KIX.
Day 2 Kyoto
Day 3 Kyoto-Otsu-Hikone-Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto
Day 5 Heading Osaka from Kyoto
Day 6 Osaka
Day 7 Osaka
Day 8 Nara
Day 9 Kobe
Day 10 Flying off via KIX
I have 3 questions, hoping you can help me on this:
1. For Day one transfer from KIX to Kyoto, Is buying Haruka Express one way the best option?
2. From Kyoto to Otsu and Hikone at Lake Biwa, is there any passes or just buying single ticket with JR rail? Is it possible to cover Otsu and Hikone in a day?
3. Do I need to buy Kansai Thru Pass for 3 days to cover Nara, Kobe and Osaka (including transfer from Osaka to KIX)?
Looking forward for your reply. Thank in advance.
Regards,
Julie
Hi Julie san,
1. Yes. Haruka is the easiest and fastest way to get Kyoto.
2. Single ticket is your choice. You may purchase Kansai one pass instead of single ticket. It does not give you unlimited ride but you don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
3. I think 2 days pass is okay. Because if you want to take subway and Nankai railway to get KIX, the following deal is cheaper.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hye Takeshi,
Can u please advise me what pass to take since I’ll be staying in osaka and would like to have a one day visit to Nara and Kyoto.
Which is convenient for me since I’ll bring my baby who just turned 1 yo on next January.
My trip would be 8days 7nights on 15-22nd February 2017
Hi Nadiah,
I usually recommend to use Kansai thru pass for trip to outside Osaka, like Nara, Kyoto and Kobe. But if you intend to spend one day only for Kyoto and Nara, single fare or IC card, such as Kansai one pass is your choice because Kansai thru pass is minimum 2 days.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
But one day for Kyoto and Nara is very busy trip. Especially you will travel with your baby. It’s not impossible but not recommended. Try to make your trip be slower. I recommend you to spend one day each for Kyoto and Nara. And then you can use Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hye Takeshi,
my plan has changed.
i will be staying in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto for 8days 7nights.
Since i would like to explore Kyoto more. .
I would like to go to Himeji Castle, Kobe, Osaka, Nara aswell.
what kind of pass is a good deal to me since its gonna be back and forth from Kyoto.
is it possible if u can recommend me an itinerary.
Hi Nariah,
Kansai area pass is better choice than Kansai thru 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
JR trains are not covered by Kansai thru pass. Kansai area pass does not cover other than JR trains, such as subway and city bus. But it’s much faster to get Himeji and Kobe by Non JR lines. If you get Himeji and Kobe by Kansai thru pass, you have to change the trains a few times but JR is direct.
I don’t have an itinerary but you can get the route at the link below.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
You advised me to use my Kansai Thru Pass on my visit to Kyoto for 2 days. Does that mean I will be using the pass on boarding trains going to Kyoto and using Raku Buses? Could that be possible? And that is unlimited use for two days right? I am confused if I will be using ICOCA going to Kyoto and use Kansai Thru Pass for buses in Kyoto.
Thanks.
Hi Pau,
You can take Hankyu railway or Keihan railway to get Kyoto from Osaka. Please see the coverage map in the link below:
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Raku bus and other common city bus are covered by this pass. You may use this pass as much as you want in these two days. It gives you unlimited ride.You don’t need to use ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com