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. Kelvin says:

    Good day Takeshi!

    I would like to re-check with you as I had adjusted some of my itinerary and extended one day due to flight rescheduled. After reading some of your articles again, my amended plan as below. Hope you can double check for me whether did I plan wrong and need some suggestion from you.

    My amended plan as below:

    Day 1 – Arrive KIX transfer to Kyoto
    *use ICOCA+Haruka

    Day 2- Kyoto sightseeing
    (Arashiyama-Kinkakuji-kiyomizudera-yasaka shrine)
    *buy Kyoto Sightseeing one day pass – this pass can buy in Kyoto station?

    Day 3- check out and visit to Nara
    *use ICOCA
    then from Nara transfer to Osaka (Stay near Namba Station)
    *use ICOCA

    Day 4- Half day trip from Namba to Himeiji Castle then back to Namba
    *need your advice on this

    Day 5&6 – Osak city tour such as Osaka city tours such as Osaka castle park, Umeda sky building, floating garden observatory, Dōtonbori, Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai (depends on time)
    *plan to take Osaka Amazing 2 days pass

    Day 7- check out early morning and transfer to KIX flight at 11am
    *by Nankai Railway (ICOCA) or Tokuwari Rapi:t

    Hope you can help to review and give some comment if need to change anything

    Thank you very much

    Cheers

    Regards
    Kelvin

    • Hi Kelvin,

      Your itinerary is okay and picked up right deal. You can purchase Kyoto sightseeing card at Kyoto station.
      For day 4, if you visit other places in Osaka or may be Kobe on the way back after Himeji, Kansai thru pass is the best choice. But this pass is sold from 2 days.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html

      You mentioned you will go to Himeji as half day trip. You should have the pass to cover other place so Kansai thru pass is recommended. If you use this pass, you can buy Haruka ticket only (1600 yen) and ICOCA is not required. You can use Kansai thru pass for day 2, Kyoto-Nara-Namba too. You can take Kintesu railway from Kyoto to Nara, and Nara to Namba by Kansai thru pass. It also covers subway in Osaka. You can explore Osaka in evening after Nara if you want.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Kelvin says:

        Great! Thank you for your advice.

      • Kelvin says:

        Hi Takeshi

        Back to your recommendation for Kansai Thru pass. So you means I can just buy Haruka for KIX to Kyoto and buy Kansai Thru 2 days pass to use for Day 2 sightseeing in Kyoto and Day 3 Kyoto-Nara-Namba right? or buy 3 days pass to use also on Day 4 for Himeiji and add some other places in Osaka after Himeiji? Actually I planned to back to Osaka and go around in the city after Himeiji. Or perhaps I try to look for some other places to go nearby Himeiji after visiting it.

        And for departure to KIX, I just buy single ticket will do right?

        Sorry as I have little confuse after I amend. Hope to hear you soon

        Thank you

        • Hi Kelvin,

          You can go for either 2 days or 3 days. It depends on your deals in Kyoto.
          If you intend to use Kyoto all day bus pass (500 yen for unlimited bus ride), you can use bus pass in Kyoto and 2 days pass for Nara and Himeji.
          If you intend to use Kyoto sightseeing card (1200 yen for unlimited bus and subway ride), you can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for Kyoto, Nara and Himeji, and no need Kyoto sightseeing card. Because the difference between 2 days and 3 days is 1200 yen. It’s same amount as Kyoto sightseeing card. Kansai thru pass covers subway, bus and other Non JR railways in Kyoto. It covers more than Kyoto sightseeing card.

          All day bus pass covers all part of Kyoto but bus is slower than train.

          You can choose single ticket (920 yen) or Tokuwari Rapi:t if you want to take limited express rapi:t.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Fion See says:

    Dear Takeshi

    Your comments in this website are so informative, truly amazing work, thank you so much. I am planning a family with 02 kids & (7 &11) & husband, been reading lots of ideas of choosing the right pass, has narrowed it to 02: ICOCA + HARUKA round trip, top with Kansai Thru Pass 03 days. Really appreciate your help to fit them in the best by looking at my following draft itinerary, do suggest alternative shall you feel what I planned is inappropriate.

    D 1: KIX – KYOTO (trying to stay either near Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi) HARUKA

    D 2: Kawaramachi – Arashiyama – Kiyomizu Dera – Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Street / Nenenokomichi Street – Nishiki Market – KANSAI THRU PASS

    D 3: Kawaramachi – Fushimi Inori + another 01 -2 spots before heading to Osaka (trying to stay near Namba Station- Dotonburi + shopping – KANSAI THRU PASS

    D 4: Osaka Namba Station – Todai-ji Temple – Nara Park – Deer – Kasuga Grand Shrine – Pontocho street – Osaka (ICOCA)
    D 5: Osaka-Namba Station >Kobe: Meriken Park + Kobe Harborland > Taiko no Yu Onsen (MAIN REASON I GO KOBE)> Osaka-Namba Station > Dotonbori + Shinsaibashi (KANSAI THRU PASS)

    D 5: Osaka Namba – Universal Studio (ICOCA)

    D 6: Osaka Namba – Instant Noodle Museum – Osaka Castle – Shopping (ICOCA)

    D 7: Full day Osaka shopping (ICOCA)

    D 8: Osaka – KIX (HARUKA RETURN)

    Eagerly looking forward for your for opinion

    Regards
    Fion

  3. Chris W says:

    Thank you for the helpful information!

    I’m still wondering what pass to buy and hope you can shed some light.

    I’ll be spending 9 days in Kansai area, most likely living in Namba. Arriving from KIX, I’ll definitely buy the ICOCA/Haruka ticket. Within those 9 days, I’ll be doing daytrips to Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Kobe and possibly Hiroshima .

    If I consider only Kyoto, Himeji and Kobe; looks like the 3-day Kansai Thru pass is the best pass as I can easily put Himeji and Kobe in one day and other 2 days in Kyoto. Nara and within Osaka I can use the Icoca and refill as necessary.

    However, if I decide to do a trip to Hiroshima; looks like getting the 5-day Kansai-Hiroshima area pass is more worth it. I can use it to get to the different cities within 5 days; and within the cities use the ICOCA.

    Does this sound right to you?

    Thanks!
    Chris

  4. Karen Chen says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for your very detailed explanation on the different options. I’m still hesitant on whether or not to purchase
    JR 7 Day Pass or Kansai 3 day thru pass
    Also – best option in Tokyo? ( Taking into account of Tokyo to Narita on final day best transportation method… ie: 72 hr Keisei one way Skyliner + Tokyo Subway pass?)

    Day 1 – Arrive at Kansai Int’l Airport, was directed by our AirBnB host to take the Nakai train – get off at Tengachaya then transfer train to Sakaisuji-Hommachi. Planning on spending the rest of the day/night checking out some Must Sees in Osaka.

    Day 2 – Would like to take the fastest train to Kyoto from Osaka. (Sounds like the JR Special Rapid is our best choice)
    Once we get to Kyoto, we will just be touring all the famous spots in Kyoto

    Day 3 – Sight Seeing in Kyoto

    Day 4 – Planning on taking the JR Shikansen (Would prefer to take the Nozomi, but it’s not part of the JR Pass) from Kyoto to Tokyo

    Day 5 – Touring around Tokyo

    Day 6 – Tokyo to Narita Airport

    • Hi Karen,

      First of all, JR Pass does not suit to your plan.

      You may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for the first 3 days. However Kansai thru pass does not cover JR. You cannot take Special rapid. You may use Kintetsu railway (Namba-Yamato Saidaiji-Kyoto) or Keihan railway (Yodoyabashi-Gion Shijo, Sanjo, Kiyomizu-Gojo). Even though Kansai thru pass does not cover JR, this is still the best option for you because this covers subway trains and city bus in Osaka and Kyoto. You have to rely on these local transportation in these cities. Kansai thru pass helps you lots.

      Single fare is your choice to take Nozomi. You can purchase and book a seat at any major JR stations.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html

      You can use subway pass but you cannot use Skyliner + Subway ticket combo. This combo deal is available for incoming passengers only. It’s sold at Narita airport only. So you need to pay single fare to get Narita.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  5. nick says:

    Hello and thank you for your very useful website. I wonder if you could give me some advice regarding passes. My itinerary is as follows.

    day 1-arrive at Kansai airport and travel to umeda
    day 2 – day trip to koyasan form umeda
    day 3 – from umeda to kumano Kodo area and staying overnight
    day 4 – travel from kumano Kodo area to Kyoto
    days 5, 6, 7- Kyoto with one day trip to Nora
    day 8 – travel Kyoto to Osaka (near siniyamiya)
    day 9 – day trip siniyamiya Osaka to himeji and kobe
    day 10 – from Osaka siniyamiya to kanai airport

    Do you think it’s worth buying a pass at any point?

    I’d appreciate your help!

    Many thanks,

    Nick

  6. Syahied says:

    Hi Takesi,

    I just wanna clarification about Icoca card.. example: I buy Icoca card for 2000 yen include 500 yen deposit..can i use all 2000 yen for ride any train or I need to make sure 500 yen balance is still have before I fly go my country. example: use icoca from Otsukyo Station to Shiga Station (return) 410 yen x 2 = 820 yen..balance my Icoca card 1180 yen..and I use icoca card from sakuragawa station to Namba Station(180 yen) and then from Namba Station to Kansai Airport (920yen)..so balance in my Icoca card is 100 yen only..is it possible?

     

    appreciate on your respon.

     

  7. Maritza L. says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    Thank you so much for the information. If you don’t mind, could you please provide me some advice? I am planning to visit Japan in April and the initial plan was to buy the 7-day JR pass, but I am not sure if there is a cheaper alternative because there are parts of our trip that the JR pass does not cover. Below is our itinerary:

    Tokyo (with day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko) – 6 days
    Osaka – 2 days
    Koyasan – 2 days (stay overnight at temple and leave early next morning)
    Kyoto – 3 days (with day trips to Kobe and Nara)
    Toyama – full day Alpine route
    Tokyo – 3 days

    We were tempted to get the Kansai thru pass since it covers Osaka, Koyasan, Nara, Kobe and Kyoto but it seems the maximum is for 3 days. I think the 7-day JR pass might still be best? Any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated!!

    Thank you, Maritza

  8. Irwan says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Thanks for the valuable info!

    Appreciate if you can advise/comments, should i buy ICOCA or Kansai Thru pass for 4 days visit as per below details.

    Day 1: Kansai Airport to Osaka/Namba
    Day 2: Kyoto
    Day 3: Kobe/ Rokko-san
    Day 4: Osaka/Namba to Kansai Airport & Rinku Premium Outlet

  9. Evelyn Chong says:

    Day 1 : Kansai Airport to Nagahoribashi station (nearest station to my hotel) then to Shinsaibashi then back to Nagahoribashi .

    Day 2 : Hotel to Kobe then to Kuromon Ichiba market then Umeda then hotel.

    Day 3: Hotel to Nisihi Market (Kyoto), Kiyomizu-dera temple, Gion back to hotel in Osaka.

    Day 4 : Hotel (Osaka) to Arashiyama then Kinkakuji Temple , Kyoto station then hotel in Osaka.

    DAy 5 : Universal Studio.

    Day 6 : Hotel to Osaka Castle Museum back to hotel then Kansai Airport.

    Is it worth to buy Kansai Thru pass for 3 days for my Day 2 to 4? (we are foreigners will be arriving Osaka on 6 Jan 2017)
    Can use credit card to buy the pass in Kansai Airport?
    Must use the pass for 3 consecutive days?

    For ICOCA card, can buy from vending machine in Kansai Airport and where to get refund from the airport ?
    Around how much I need to top up value for ICOCA card?

    TQ in advance for your advice

    • Hi Evelyn,

      Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 2 to 4. You can purchase it at KIX by credit card. You don’t need to use in consecutive days so you can switch your trip plan if you like.

      You cannot purchase ICOCA card at the vending machine. You have to purchase it at the ticket window. When you get the refund, you have to do it at the window too.

      You can add minimum 1000 yen and you also can add by 1000 yen, like 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 4000 yen. I don’t know how much you need to add at this point. It depends on how much you will use this card when you stay there.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Rainier says:

    Hi Takeshi!

    Thank you very much for your hard work! I have been learning so much just from reading your website. If it’s not too much of a bother could you please look over our itinerary and suggest the best pass to purchase?

    Did I understand you correctly that it is best to use Kansai THRU pass if I want access to buses and trains for my day trips?

    Day 1 – arrive from kansai international airport; no place to stay yet because I would want to book near the appropriate train station

    Day 2 – Osaka day trip (includes site seeing around Umeda, Namba and Dontonburi)

    Day 3 – Kyoto (Higashiyama district and Gion district)

    Day 4 – Arishayama and Kinakuji; Kansai International airport

    As you may have noticed for the last day, would it be advisable for me to buy two 2-day passes (therefore availing for 4 days worth of trains passes)?

    Thank you in advance and looking forward to hearing from you!

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