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
My trip to Osaka is in Oct 2017. It is only 4 days and 3 nights trip. I’ll reach KIX early in the morning. My plan is to cover Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka. Some places that I love to go is Dontoburi, Shinsaibashi, USJ, Hard Rock Cafe and Bamboo forest. I haven’t booked any accommodation yet but plan to book via Airbnb. Which area do you suggest to stay if I buy kansai thru pass so that I can have easy access to all the places? My itinerary will be more less like this:
Day 1: Check in and sightseeing
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Kobe
Day 4: Depart (morning flight)
Thanks
Regards
Shada
Hi Shada san,
Umeda is the best place. You can get Kyoto and Kobe directly from Umeda. But it may be hard to find the place to stay in Umeda via Airbnb. But try to find the place as close to Umeda as possible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be going to Osaka in December, and will be going to Kyoto (2 days), Nara (half day) and Himeji (half day) from Osaka. I would like to know which pass I should get:- Kansai Thru Pass (3 days) or Kintetsu Railway Pass? Thank you. Looking forward to your recommendation.
Best regards,
Jessica (Malaysia)
Hi Jessica san,
Kansai thru pass 3 days is most recommended one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much. 🙂
Dear Takeshi-san,
I have another question. I will be staying near Nippombashi Station. Is it recommended to use Nankai Railway from KIX to Nippombashi Station? Thank you. 🙂
Best regards, Jessica
Hi Jessica san,
You can take Nankai railway from KIX to Namba and then take subway or Kintetsu railway to Nippombashi. Nankai railway does not go to Nippombashi directly.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This is my roughly plan as below. Maybe some places can add in.
Day 1 – Arrives at Kansai airport at night. Planning to stay near airport hostel and get early train or bus to Kyoto @
train or bus to osaka first? which one is better deal?
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 – Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka and night flight to home
I would love to add in Nara, Kobe and Himeji in between but is more convenient to go from Kyoto or Osaka to these places?
May i know which pass is more suitable for the whole trip? Kansai thru pass + ICOCA & Haruka + Osaka amazing pass?
How about Kyoto City Sightseeing Card?
Thank you very much!
Fel
Hi Fel,
You may use Kansai thru pass for the trip to Nara, Kobe and Himeji. You can visit Nara from either Osaka or Kyoto. Kobe and Himeji are closer to Osaka than Kyoto. You can squeeze Nara when you move from Kyoto to Osaka. If you do so, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
If you visit Nara as day trip from Kyoto, use Kansai thru pass for Nara, Kobe and Himeji.
When you stay in Kyoto and 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-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
Haruka discount ticket + Kansai one pass is the best choice for KIX to Kyoto.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For trip to KIX from Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for your reply.
May i know kansai thru pass isn’t pass cover subway between Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe with free of charge and some discount on major interested places? Major interest places we still have to pay to?
Kyoto sightseeing card and osaka amazing card will be subway and major interest places with free of charge?
Please correct me if i am wrong.
Thank you.
Regards,
Fel
Hi Fel san,
Kansai thru pass covers subway and even city bus. You can get a discount at many attractions too. Please see the link below to find more info:
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Osaka amazing pass includes subway ride and attraction admission but Kyoto sightseeing card includes subway and city bus ride only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much and have a nice day to you!
Regards,
Fel
No worries, Fel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
from the above reading, I understood that if I wanna ride a train from Namba to Nara by Kintetsu I need to pay another 510y as written below:
“Kintetsu limited express trains among Osaka-Nanma, Osaka-Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Kyoto and Nara
All seats are reserved seat on Kintetsu limited express trains. You have to pay 510 yen.”
Am I correct? Or is there any “normal kintetsu” train that operates between osaka and nara?
How about from Nara station to Kyoto station?
Hi Aiman,
There are lots of trains running other than limited express to Nara, such as rapid, express, local. You can take these trains without any extra by Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I will be heading to Japan in August and here is my itinerary:
Day 1: Taking nankai rapi:t train to Namba from Osaka KIX (~1130 yen)
Day 2: Exploring Namba, dotonburi area on foot (probably staying around Namba area)
Day 3: One day in Kyoto
Probably taking the subway from Namba to Osaka Station, then taking JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto Station (~560 yen)
Day 4: Exploring other areas in Osaka e.g. Osaka castle, Tennoji, Umeda
Day 5: USJ
Day 6: Depart for Tokyo via Shinkansen (have not decided which area to stay at yet)
Day 7: Day trip to Mt Fuji area
Day 8: Mt Takao, explore Tokyo areas
Would like to ask whether it will be worth it to get the Kansai Thru Pass for day 3 and 4 for this current plan? Or would be it more worth it to include a half day Nara trip on day 4? Also, would it be worth it to get the JR Rail Pass for Tokyo? Thanks in advance!
Hi Kelly,
If you go to Nara, Kansai thru pass works. But if you stay in Osaka, you cannot get the worth. You should use single fare to get Yodoyabashi by subway from Namba and use Kyoto-Osaka sightseeing pass and Kyoto all day bus pass.
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
JR Pass does not work for one way trip from Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo. Single ticket or Platt Kodama is your choice:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thanks for your quick reply! Really appreciate it 🙂
No worries, Kelly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My trip is as below:
Day 1 – Arrives at kansai airport in the evening. Stay in Osaka area.
Day 2 – USJ
Day 3 – Kyoto day trip
Day 4 – Nara day trip
Day 5 & 6 – Explore Osaka
Day 7 – Go to airport in the morning
Should i buy Kansai thru pass or ICOCA? What about Osaka amazing pass?
I would also like to arrange Himeji into the itinerary. Would it be more feasible to arrange it on the same day with Nara or Kyoto?
Thanks,
Peggie
Hi Peggie,
Please see the link below to find the deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Kyoto has many things to see. I don’t recommend to combine with Himeji. Nara is smaller town than Kyoto. If you really want to combine with Himeji, it’s not impossible. But it’s totally different direction. When you go to Nara from Himeji, you need to go through Osaka. I think if you want to go to Himeji, spend half day for Nara on day 4 and spend rest of the day in Osaka. On day 5, go to Himeji in the morning and spend rest of the day in Osaka. It’s more efficient.
If you do this, you should use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 3 to 5. If you visit many places in Osaka, amazing pass will be good choice for day 6.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi..
Just confuse which one is better either kansai thru pass or Kyoto sightseeing pass.? Will spend 2 days in Kyoto and will also visit toys studio park. Stays in Osaka. And Kyoto sightseeing pass will used keihan line or including bas also.?
Hi suraya,
Kansai thru pass has better coverage but you cannot get the worth by only sightseeing in Kyoto. But you mentioned that you stay in Osaka. If you use it for Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka and sightseeing in Kyoto, Kansai thru pass is better choice. Kansai thru pass covers all subways, city bus, Keihan railway and other non JR trains. But Kyoto sightseeing pass covers subway and city bus only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I’m back again to asking,
I use Kansai Thru Pass in 2 days
I will use in my 2nd and third day around, my first day use Osaka Amazing Pass
Osaka-Himeji-Kobe-Kyoto
I have a question here, please help me.
1. my 3rd day I want to go to
Kawaramachi St- Arashimaya- Kinkakuji- Ginkakuji-kiyomizudera-Kawaramachi St, is this destination all right in one day trip? I want to start to Arashimaya first and end in kiyomizudera and I dont want to back and forth, in my direct destination.
2. after read Kansai Thru Pass in information map
there is any conclusion
“★…When using all of the lines or some of the lines served by
train/bus operators marked with a ★, write down the date of use on the
back of the PASS with a permanent ink pen and show it to a member of
staff at the time of use. Tickets will not be refunded for suspended
services by a transportation company once the ticket has been used.”
If I use Keihan train line in kyoto, example go to Fushimi Inari and start from Gion Shinjo St – Fushimiinari st ? I can only use 1 trip line? and If I use reverseback from fushimiinari to Gion Shinjo this kansai thru pass can’t be used again ? is it correct? because I’m confuse about that part.
thank you so much.
Hi Sara san,
1. Your route is feasible.
2. Basically it gives you unlimited travel. In your plan, don’t care about this condition. You can go to Fushimi and back to Gion.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
we are staying for 10 Days in Kyoto once we want to make a Day trip to Kanazawa. Is there any JR Pass valid from Kyoto to Kanazawa.
Thank you
Regards
Connie
Hi Connie,
If you need only round trip between Kyoto and Kanazawa, single ticket is most affordable deal.
If you have any other trip plan, most affordable choice is Kansai Wide Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_wide/
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/hokuriku/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
My sister and I will be visiting Japan for a week in late January 2018. We were debating if we should buy the JR pass. So far this is our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive through Haneda airport and take the Keikyu Airport Line Rapid Limited Express to Shinagawa station and from there, either take Nozami or Hikari (depending if we should buy the JR pass) to Kyoto station. The place where we will be staying is close to Kyoto and Nara so we will probably go to Nara Park and then travel around Kyoto for the rest of the day.
Day 2: Kyoto full day trip
Day 3: Kyoto half day/ leave for Tokyo (using the same way as we first came)
Day 4-7: Explore Tokyo
Should we buy the JR pass?
Or is the Kansai Thru Pass better than the JR pass for traveling around Kyoto and Nara?
In Tokyo, we will probably be using the Yamanote Line a lot and I know we are able to use the JR pass but we can probably get away with just buying tickets each time (with a Suica card).
Thank you in advance!
Hi Stephanie,
I recommend you to use JR pass because Tokyo/Shinagawa – Kyoto return fare by Hikari is almost same amount as 7 days JR pass. You may use JR pass to get some places in Kyoto and Nara.
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
And you know, you get many places in Tokyo by JR pass.
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
And also you will have flexibility. If you change your mind and want to get some places outside Tokyo, such as Nikko, Hakone, you can use JR pass and it covers part of these trips.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com