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
Hello Takeshi,
I would like some advice on any passes we should get if we need any on out trip. My friends and i are deciding to go to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe and this is our itinerary:
29th November: we arrive in Kyoto
30th November: Kiyomizudera temple and Fushimi Inari
1st December: Kinkakuji and Nishiki markets
2nd December: Arashiyama , bamboo grove, monkey park etc
3rd December: exploring central kyoto
4th December: We’re going to go to Okishima Cat Island in Lake Biwa
5th December: Leave Kyoto and arrive in Osaka in the afternoon, going to dotonburi
6th December: Nara
7th December: Kobe
8th December: Kansai Airport
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou
Hi Danny,
The following deals are recommended:
Haruka discount ticket at 1,600 yen for 29th
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
Kansai one pass for Nov 30th to Dec 4th
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may add all day bus pass in Kyoto if you take a bus more than 3 times a day. In this case, you can use Kansai one pass for only taking train.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai thru pass for Dec 5th to 7th
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Please see the link below for Dec 8th:
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
I would like to seek your advice what pass should I get for my tentative below itenary in mid June, also welcome to suggestion to change the itenary:
1. Day 1 – Reach Osaka at 21.30
2. Day 2 – Kobe
3. Day 3 – Exploring Osaka
4. Day 4 AM – Exploring Osaka
5. Day 4 PM & 5 – Kyoto
6. Day 6 – Kanazawa
7. Day 7&8 – Alpine Route and Nagano
8. Day 9&10 – Takayama, Shirakawa-go
9. Day 11&12 – Nagoya
10. Day 13 – flying out from Nagoya airport
We are not sure if the literary is too pack. Thank you for your advice.
Regards
Donna
Hi Donna,
You need JR pass 7 days day 5 to 11. You can start using it when you are in Kyoto and it will cover until you get Nagoya. But you need to add other tickets and deals. Please see the link below and find the chapter, “How to use JR pass in major cities and tourist spots”.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html”
You can add local deals in Osaka and Kobe.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
And add single ticket for Osaka to Kyoto.
In Nagoya, you may use subway deal:
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
Single ticket is your choice to get Nagoya airport:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi.. Takeshi,
i want to ask abaout what pass should i use:
day 1: -arrived kansai airport at 8 am stay at namba,
– go to osaka castle, shinsaibashi, etc
day 2: universal studio, umeda sky building
day 3: early morning to kyoto 1 day then to tokyo @sunroute plaza hotel shinjuku
day 4: to mt fuji 1 night
day 5: from mt fuji to asakhusa, ginza, shibuya
day 6 : tsukiji market, harajuku then go to haneda airport for midnight flight.
thanks
cindi
Hi Cindi,
For day 1, Yokoso Osaka ticket
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
For day 2, single ticket
For day 3, Kyoto-Osaka sightseeing pass one day + subway fare in Osaka (Namba to Yodoyabashi) + All day bus pass in Kyoto (500 yen)
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Single ticket or Platt Kodama for Kyoto to Tokyo
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
Single fare for Express bus to Fuji if you intend to visit Lake Kawaguchi area.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Subway pass in Tokyo
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
Single ticket to Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JRPail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m traveling on the 3rd of May from Kyoto to Koyasan. I stay in Koyasan for 2 nights. On the 5th of May I travel from Koyasan to Osaka.
Do you recommend the Kansai thru 3 day pass of the Koyasan world heritage ticket?
greetings,
Susan
Hi Susan,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass because you start from Kyoto. It covers Kyoto to Osaka too.
If you intend to walk mostly on May 4th, you can use 2 days Kansai thru pass for 3rd and 5th.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi
Thank you for all the information. i’m still pretty confused as to whether I should buy the JR West Kansai Area Pass or the Kansai Thru Pass or just get single passes.
I’ll be traveling with 2 elderly so I would need to get reserved seats especially for the longer trips. If we buy the pass, can we change to reserve seating?
We will be staying at Namba area.
Day 1 – Arrive at Osaka around early evening
Day 2 & 3 – Explore around Osaka – Shinsaibashi, Dontobori, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle
Day 4 – Day trip from Namba to Himeji Castle in the afternoon and then to Kobe in the evening
Day 5 – Travel from Namba to Kyoto, we’ll be spending 2 nights in Kyoto
Day 6 – Explore around Kyoto
Day 7 – Travel from Kyoto to Nara and then back to Namba in the evening
Day 8 – Free & Easy around Osaka
Day 9 – Travel back to Osaka Airport (Kansai)
Thank you!
Hi Denise,
You may use Yokoso Osaka ticket for day 1 and Kanku Webtoku ticket for day 9. These cover limited express Rapi:t reserved seat. Yokoso Osaka ticket includes subway one day pass in Osaka too.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days is recommended for day 4, day 5 and day 7. Only commute trains run in these segments. You cannot reserve your seat even if you pay extra. All seats are first come first serve basis.
If you really want to reserve your seat, you can get Shin-Osaka by subway from Namba. And the take Shinkansen to get Himeji and Kyoto.
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
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
In this case, you need to pay all regular fares for day 4, 5 and 7.
Please use Hyperdia to find the fare.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
For day 6 and 8, please find the deal in the links 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Konichiwa Takeshi san, i would like to know what is the most affordable and convenient mode of transportation available for us if our itinerary is as follows
Day 1 from Laguna Ten Bosch (Gamagori) going to Kyoto
Day 2 Eastern Kyoto full day tour
Day 3 Arashiyama full day
Day 4 Northern kyoto half day, proceed to Nara in afternoon
Day 5 Nara day tour, proceed to Osaka afternoon
Day 6 Universal Studios Japan
Day 7 Explore Osaka
Day 8 Explore Osaka, proceed to Kansai International Airport afternoon
Hope you can help us, i was kinda confused what transportation to take. Thank you in advance. 🙂
Hi Jemi san,
There is no deals to get Kyoto from Gamagori. Only single fare is your choice.
When you get Kyoto, I recommend you to get Kansai one pass.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can take any trains, any subway lines and any city bus in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara by this card. But this card does not give you unlimited travel. You may use all day bus pass and Kansai one pass in Kyoto. When you take a bus, you can use all day bus pass and use Kansai one pass for train ride only.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
In Osaka, you may use Kansai one pass but there are lots of deals too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
At last, you may find the deal for trip to KIX in 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!
I would like to get your advice regarding what ticket or pass to get for my itinerary this April.
My family and I are going to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe for 1 day each. We will based in Osaka.
Kyoto – we will visit nijo castle, fushimi inari, kinkakuji, ryoanji, yasaka, and maruyama park.
Nara – kasiga, todajii, sarusawa and naramachi
Kobe – sanda outlet, sennamaya
What would be the best pass or ticket that would be most convenient and budget friendly? Initially, i was looking at Kansai Thru Pass but it seems it will only be most useful in Kyoto. So, i was thinking to get the ICOCA IC Card but without much savings. Do you have other suggestions where we can get more savings?
Thank you and looking forward to your reply.
Hi Loida,
I still recommend you to use Kansai thru pass. As you know, it’s very useful in Kyoto. You need to take train to get Nara anyway. It costs 1120 yen for round trip between Namba and Nara by Kintetsu railway. Actually most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk. So I understand it’s not effective for the trip to Nara. But if you stay in other than Namba, you need to take subway and it costs 200 to 300 yen one way to get Namba. If you finish the trip to Nara early, you can use Kansai thru pass to take subway in Osaka to see somewhere in the evening. For the trip to Kobe, it’s same situation as Nara. You may not need Kansai thru pass. Especially for the trip to outlet in Sanda, you should take a bus from Umeda. It’s not covered by Kansai thru pass.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/kobesanda/access/access_bus.html
However you can take train to get Osaka and Kobe. And also it’s only 1200 yen difference between 3 days pass and 2 days pass. 3 days pass gives you more value.
If you really want to use ICOCA, it’s okay. It makes your trip be easier. In this case, Kansai one pass is better choice than ICOCA. It’s same type of card but Kansai one pass gives you discount at many attractions.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
Thank you for your reply.
We got an Osaka Amazing Pass to tour Osaka for 2 days.
Our first 3 days will be for visiting Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
If the Kansai Thru Pass can mostly be used for Kyoto only and going to Kobe, we can take the bus and going to Nara the KTP has limited access, then do you think it is more advisable to use the 2 day KT pass (kyoto and nara) and just compensate with ICOCA? Then, take the bus to Kobe plus ICOCA?
Thanks in advance.
Loida
Hi Loida,
You may use 2 days Kansai thru pass. As I told you, it works for Kyoto and Nara.
By the way, you mentioned “sennamaya” in Kobe. I thought this supposed to be Sannomiya. If so, it’s totally different place from Sanda outlet. You need to go to Sannomiya by train from Osaka and then come back to Osaka after trip to Kobe (Sannomiya). And then you will take bus to Sanda outlet. You need to but ticket or need to use the pass. If you will go to Sannomiya too, 3 days Kansai thru pass is recommended.
Using ICOCA may be cheaper but at this point, we cannot compare. If you really want to know which one is cheaper, you need to make the detailed itinerary and need to know how many trips you will make. And then you can compare which one is cheaper.
Both ICOCA and Kansai thru pass gives you flexibility. But ICOCA gives you same value as cash payment. Kansai thru pass gives you unlimited travel. Please think about which one is better for you. The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
Had to polish my tinerary so I can ask better questions on how to move around Kansai using the Kansai Thru Pass 2 or 3 days.
KYOTO
Nippombashi to Demachiyanagi St (what route/trains/subway/bus to take)
Bus going to Kinkakuji Temple (bus/subway?)
Bus going to Ryoanji Temple (bus/subway?)
Ryoanji going to Yasaka Shrine (subway/bus?)
Yasaka to Fushimi Inari (subway/bus?)
Fushimi Inari to Nippombashi (what route)
NARA – We take the Kintetsu Line (This is okay)
KOBE
Nippombashi going to Ikuta Shrine
Ikuta Shrine to Sanda
Sanda to Dotonbori or Shinshaibashi
Please advise what routes/subways/buses to take to maximize the usage of Kansai thru Pass.
Any other place to visit near Ikuta Shrine before we proceed to Namba?
Thank you and looking forward tour valuable advice, tips and information.
Hi Loida,
Nippombashi (subway) Kitahama (keihan railway) Demachiyanagi
Demachiyanagi (bus) Kinkakuji
Kinkakuji (bus) Ryoanji
Ryoanji (bus) Uzumasa-Tenjingawa (subway) Sanjo-Keihan (Keihan railway) Gion-Shijo (walk) Yasaka shrine
Gion-Shijo (keihan) Fushimi-Inari
Fushimi-Inari (Keihan) Kitahama (subway) Nippombashi
Actually there are many many bus routes. But I cannot say which route is the fastest. It’s varied by departure time. You may need to check it on the spot. I recommend you to use Google map on your smart phone when you are in Kyoto. I put the bus route map just in case.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
Nippombashi (Kintetsu-Hashin railway) Kobe-Sannomiya (walk) Ikuta shrine
Kobe-Sannomiya (subway) Tanigami (Shintetsu railway) Sanda (bus) Outlet
Bus from Sandai to outlet is not covered. You have to take same route if you want to use Kansai thru pass. Otherwise you can take a bus to Umeda as I told you before. This bus is not covered but it’s much faster. Please check previous reply.
In Kobe, there are many places to see. But it depends on how much you want to stay in outlet. It takes one hour to get outlet from Kobe.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Takeshi for your help!
With your suggested routes and transportation to take, do we get the value of Kansai Thru Pass 3 days?
Hi Loida,
Yes, you can get the worth.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi! I am looking forward to our trip next week.
No worries, Loida.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’ve been reading through some of your advises on traveling in Japan. I’m glad to find so much valuable information.
I’m planning an 8 days trip and would appreciate if you could advise on which pass to use when traveling around. Here’s how it looks like:
Day 1: Kansai airport to Temmabashi station
Day 2: based in Osaka, Dotonbori
Day 3: Departing from Temmabashi station to Nara Park; in the evening travel from Nara to Kobe (Kencho-Mae Hyogo station)
*use Kansai Thru Pass
Day 4: Kobe to Himeji Castle
*use Kansai Thru Pass
Day 5: Kobe city & Mt.Rokko; leave for Kyoto (Uzumasa Tenjingawa station)
Day 6: based in Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Gion
Day 7: Arashiyama; Kyoto to Nankai Izumisano station
*use Kansai Thru Pass
Day 8: Kansai airport
What would you suggest when traveling from Kyoto to Izumisano? The subway might beconfusing but the cost is lower; while the Airport Express may be more expensive but it is a direct journey to the Airport before transiting to the subway (Izumisano).
Please advise. Thank you.
Regards,
Charis
Hi Charis,
I recommend you to use Himeji Tourist Pass.
http://www.sanyo-railway.co.jp/global/en/touristpass.html
You can use KIX-Namba portion on day 1. You may add subway fare to get Temmabashi. And one day unlimited ride portion can be used on 4, Kobe-Himeji-Kobe.
You can use one of three days of Kansai thru pass for day 5.
Regarding the trip on day 7, even if you use direct express to KIX, you still need to change trains twice at Kyoto station and Kansai airport. If you use Kansai thru pass, you need to take subway but you can try to make the trip as easy as possible. The recommended route is the following:
Arashiyama (Hankyu railway) Katsura (Hankyu railway) Awaji (Hankyu-Osaka suwbay Sakaisuji line) Tengachaya (Nankai railway) Izumisano
You will take Hankyu railway mostly but in most of cases, you need to change trains at Katsura and Awaji. Please see the link below to find Hankyu railway route map:
http://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/
From Awaji, Hankyu railway and subway Sakaisuji line trains go through each other. So you can get subway Tengachaya station by Hankyu railway train directly. Tengchaya is not a big station and very easy to change Nankai railway train.
For Osaka and Kyoto, you can find other deals in the links 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply. That is a very good advise to use the Himeiji Tourist Pass – it fits perfectly with the routes that I’ve planned.
I’ll take your advise on transiting at Awaji – it really does seem less confusing that way. Oh yes, will check out the city passes for Osaka and Kyoto too.
I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness for travelers to Japan. It helps a lot to smoothen the planning. Thank you again!
Best,
Charis
No worries, Charis.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I plan to visit Kyoto ,osaka & nara during next year end may with my husband and daughter age 15. My draft itinerary will be as follow:-
26/5/2018 (sat)- Arrive kansai airport around 8.45am morning.
Purchase icoca & haruka one way ticket to
kyoto.
(Place to visit between 3 days from 26/5 to 28/5 as follow:-
1) Kiyomuzudera 2) higashiyama street 3) Gion street & yasaka Shrine 4) Arashiyama bamboo groove & bridge 5) Kinkakuji temple 6) Nijo castle 7)Fushimi Inari 8) Nishiki market)
Need your advise which attraction more conveniently fit in the same day for the 3 days in kyoto & any recommended hotel area for easy access above attraction. Any recommended day pass?
29/5/2018(Tuesday) – check out hotel & proceed to nara for day trip via kitentsu railway. (Todaiji temple, kofukuji temple, nara dear park) . After check in hotel at namba area, osaka. Is namba area a right choice in term of location for easy explore osaka?
Plan to stay stay 4 night at namba area to cover the attraction
as follow:-
1) Shinsaibashi street 2) Dotonbori street (Plan to explore by walk) 3) Osaka castle 4) Tenjimbashi shopping street 5) namba park 6) Umeda sky garden 7)Tempozan ferris wheel 8) Kuromon market
Need your advise which attraction more conveniently fit in the same day for the 3 days in kyoto & any recommended hotel area for easy access above attraction. Any recommended pass?
2/6/2018 – check out from namba to Kansai air port for flight at 11.00am. May i know which transport is most convenience way & reasonable price from namba area to kansai air port?
Thanks
Hi Joyce,
You may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can use this to take train to Nara and the to Osaka. And also you may use all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
But if you want to take trains other than subway, you need to add the fare. You may use Kansai one pass to take any trains.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can divide east/central, west/northern and south part in Kyoto. Please see the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
But you have three days and it’s quite easy to visit all places. Kyoto station is more accessible to visit all places.
In Osaka, you can visit as you want. All places are not very far from each other. You can visit all places very easily. Please see the link below to find more info about deals and sightseeing:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.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
Namba is more recommended place to stay. You can get KIX from Namba by Nankai railway directly.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/traffic/train/fromkix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to ask what pass do you recommend for my itinerary:
1) March 31
-Arrive at 17:40 at Kansai Airport
-Travel to accommodation at Nipponbashi
2)April 1
-Day trip to kyoto and return back to Osaka in the afternoon
-possibly go around Osaka at night
3)April 2
– Whole day at Universal Studios Japan
4)April 3
-Day trip to kyoto and return back to Osaka in the afternoon
-possibly go around Osaka at night
5)April 4
-Travel back to Osaka Airport (Kansai)
I’ve seen all the different passes but I’m still a bit confused which one to choose to save money. would appreciate your advice and recommendation.
thank you so much.
Regards,
Florence
Hi Florence,
Nankai subway deals for day 1 and 5.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 4
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket for day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi for the quick response!
No worries, Florence.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com