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, I want to visit Kibune Village on 22Nov but I’m not sure Eisan Line is covered by Kansai Thru Pass or not.
Hi Sucheera,
It’s covered by Kansai thru pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can the kansai Thru pass be used from Osaka to Nara before going to Kyoto? I cannot seem to find the Kintetsu rail on the Kansai Thru pass list.
Thank you.
Hi Christine,
Kintetsu is covered by Kansai thru pass. Please see the coverage map. It’s shown by light blue line.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Its me again, Ellina. Ive asked questions before. But I need to change my itinerary as we are scrapping off Okayama from the trip-plan.
One question :
Kansai Thru Pass, I read somewhere that although it is un-consecutive, it must be use one day apart only OR any three-days?
Here is the copy :
Un-consecutive usage: One day apart only (e.g. Jan 1, 3, 5) <–
Because I'm planning to use :
Day 1 pass on the 18th october (airport to Asagiri, Himeji, Kobe are)
Day 2 pass on the 20th Oct (from Asagiri to Osaka, Nara, Wakayama)
Day 3 pass on the 23rd Oct (from Osaka to Kyoto)
So if its only one day apart everytime, my trip isnt valid? Can you please clarify?
Hi Ellina,
It’s no problem at all to use Kansai thru pass in unconsecutive days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I need your help.
I’ll be travelling from
Nagoya – Takayama – Shirakawago
Nagoya- Toyama
Nagoya – Kanazawa
Kanazawa – Osaka
Osaka – Kyoto
Kyoto-Nara
Kyoto-Nagoya
I’ll be buying the Takayama-Hokuriku 5 day pass from JR but I don’t know what to buy for the trip.
I really need your help
Thank you!
Hi Mango,
If you want to save your cost, you can use Kintetsu rail pass for Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Nagoya.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Kintetsu rail pass covers Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Nagoya. But when you move from Osaka to Kyoto, Kyoto to Nagoya, you must change trains at least once. And also this does not cover local transports in Osaka and Kyoto, such as subway. You may need to add other deal.
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 I would just like to know which pass should I purchase? Or should I just use prepaid card. I will arrive in osaka on oct 26 and plan to stay in a accomodation near shinimamiya station. well be coming from hakone the following places are our target destinations.
day 1 from hakone go to nara park
todaji temple
isuien pak
go back to osaka
day 2 usj
day 3 kyoto bamboo grove
fushiri inari shrine
go back to osaka
explore osaka
day 4 kyoto
golden pavillion
nishiki market
gion area
go back to osaka
day 5
osaka castle
umeda sky
dotonbori
day 6
explore osaka
go to Kansai airport
are our itenararies geographically efficient? should we purchase any pass or the ic card will do? is there any activities you think we can squeeze in if time permits? any suggestions will be helpful thank you.
Hi Jocelyn,
Your itinerary is okay. Please see the links below to find the deal.
Kansai thru pass for day 1, 3 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
*Hakone-Osaka is not included. You need a regular ticket for Hakone-Osaka.
Osaka amazing pass for day 5
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
Single ticket is okay for day 2 and 6.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am travelling to Kyoto from Osaka in October 2017. Currently compare between Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Area Pass 3 days and noted that to visit Himeji Castle, the most suitable route is from Kyoto Station to Himeji around 1 hour 37 minutes, 2,270 yen with JR West Pass.
Therefore, the JR West Pass I think is worth the value.
The places of interest to visit are as follow :
1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
3. Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
4. Kinkaku-ji, the famed “Golden Pavilion”
5 Byodoin Temple
6. Sanjusangendo
7. Kyoto Imperial Palace
8. Nishiki Market
9. Kyoto Tower
10. Todaiji Temple (NARA)
Most of the places allow me to use the JR West Pass, I would appreciate your further advice.
Thank you.
Hi Ng,
You need to take a bus to get Kinkakuji, Sanjusangendoand and Nishiki market.
You may add Kyoto city bus pass at 500 yen for one day to cover these spots.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Other places can be accessed by JR train which is covered by JR Kansai area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thank you for our reply. I will buy the JR Kansai Pass from Malaysia.
Where can I buy the Kyoto City Bus pass?
Thank you.
Hi Ng,
Please see the link below:
https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/ticket/regular_1day_card_bus.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Should I travel from Osaka to Himeji or Osaka to Kyoto then Kyoto to Himeji?
I noted that Osaka to Himeji is a faster way.
What is the best option?
Thank you
Hi Ng,
You should go from Osaka. Just wasting time if you go to Kyoto before going to Himeji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I will travel to Japan on November (5days) reach kansai airport on evening. I will stay at Comfort Hotel, WAkayama. Plan to visit kyoto, osaka, nobe, nara. Is it recommended to use Kansai Thru Pass?
Can i use the kansai thru pass by train from kansai airport to wakayama? The wakayama train station is near by to the Comfort Hotel? Thank you.
Best regards, KK
Hi KK san,
Kansai thru pass covers whole part of your trip. But when you go to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, you need to change trains.
First of all, you can take Nankai railway to Namba in Osaka. When you go to Kobe, you can take Hanshin railway from Osaka-Namba. Osaka-Namba and Namba stations are same location:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
When you go to Kyoto, you will take subway to Yodoyabashi or Umeda to take Hankyu or Keihan. When you go to Nara, you can take Kintetsu from Osaka-Namba. Please see the link below to find the route.
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
I have no idea about your hotel in Wakayama. Please ask your hotel to make sure the location.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san!
Thank you so much for all this information. I’ve been intensely researching for my 14-day trip to Japan next week, the first half which I’ll be spending in the Kansai region. I would like to get some advice from you on which passes I must buy to get my money’s worth. Here’s my detailed itinerary.
(Please take note that I was thinking of buying the Kansai Thru 5-Day Pass to travel between Osaka – Nara – Kyoto, but now I would like to know what other cheaper options I can use.)
Day 1 (Aug 10)
KIX to Osaka-Namba
Explore Osaka
Day 2 (Aug 11)
Day trip to Kobe
Arima Onsen
Go back to Osaka
Day 3 (Aug 12)
Day trip to Koya-san
Go back to Osaka
Leave for Nara
Day 4 (Aug 13)
Nara day trip
Leave for Kyoto
Kyoto night stroll
Higashiyama District (Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Kodai-ji Temple), Gion District
Day 5 (Aug 14)
Exploring Kyoto with Keihan 1-Day sightseeing pass (Is the pass worth it?)
Ginkakuji, Philosopher’s Path, Fushimi-Inari, Kyoto Manga Museum, Uji*
Day 6 (Aug 15)
Western Kyoto (with Randen All-Day pass)
Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji Temple, Myoshin-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path
Toei Movie Studio Park*
Day 7 (Aug 16)
Rakuhoku (with Eiden Ee Kippu All-Day Pass & Kurama/Kibune All-Day Package)
Kurama Temple, Kurama Onsen, Monzeki Temple, Ichijo-ji, Shisen-do Temple
Day 8 (Aug 17)
Day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima (What is the Shinkansen price for a roundtrip? If it’s expensive, I’ll have this day as FREE day. Recommend please!)
Day 9 (Aug 18)
Leave Kyoto early
Go to Ise (with Kintetsu Rail Pass plus)
Okage Yokocho, Ise Jingu
*Iga- Kambe (Sudoku School, Ueno Castle, Ninja Museum)
Spend night in Ise.
Day 10 (Aug 19)
To Nagoya (with Kintetsu Rail Pass plus)
Day-trip / meet a friend
Leave for Tokyo at night
Day 11-14 (Aug 20-23)
TOKYO
Last day to Narita Airport
Thank you so much in advance!
Cheers,
Maria
Hi Maria,
Before I suggest the pass, I would like to make sure a few things.
1. To Hiroshima
Kansai Hiroshima area pass is cheaper than regular fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
2. Nagoya to Tokyo
How do you travel this segment? Are you going to take Shinkansen? If so, think about using JR pass for trip to Hiroshima, trip to Ise and Nagoya to Tokyo.
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
So, you may think about using these options first. If you use these options, these deals cover some part of your trip in Kansai area too. You may remove some passes in your mind now.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san!
Thank you for your prompt response. I actually moved my flight date and am now travelling or 10 days instead. I’m taking out Tokyo from my itinerary.
So it will be just Osaka – Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Nagoya – Osaka or Kyoto (with day trips to Nara, Kobe and Koya). Please suggest which passes I can use. Trying my hardest to travel very cheaply! I don’t mind long rides and waiting times.
Thanks,
Maria
Hi Maria san,
In your original plan, you will be Nagoya on day 10. You cannot go back to Osaka in 10 days. Which one do you remove? Do you remove Ise? Please tell me whole part of your new trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Sorry, it’s 11 days. My new plan is as follows:
Day 1 (Aug 13)
Arrival in Osaka
Day 2 (Aug 14)
Move to Kyoto
Use Keihan 1-Day Osaka-Kyoto sightseeing pass
Ginkakuji, Philosopher’s Path, Fushimi-Inari, Kyoto Manga Museum, Uji*, Higashiyama District (close to Gion where I’ll be staying)
Day 3 (Aug 15)
Western Kyoto (with Randen All-Day pass)
Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji Temple, Myoshin-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path
Toei Movie Studio Park*
Day 4 (Aug 16)
Rakuhoku (with Eiden Ee Kippu All-Day Pass & Kurama/Kibune All-Day Package)
Kurama Temple, Kurama Onsen, Monzeki Temple, Ichijo-ji, Shisen-do Temple
Day 5 (Aug 17)
To Hiroshima (by bus)
Overnight in Miyajima
Day 6 (Aug 18)
Back to Kyoto (Can I do a side daytrip to anywhere from Hiroshima to Kyoto?)
Day 7 (Aug 19)
To Nagoya
Day 8 (Aug 20)
Back to Osaka (or Kyoto?)
Day trip to Kobe
Day 9 (Aug 21)
Day trip to Nara
Day 10 (Aug 22)
Day trip to Mt. Koya
Day 11
Departure from Kansai Airport
Hope it’s clearer now. I’d like to use the one-day passes to make my travelling more organized instead of buying just the Kansai Thru Pass. What do you think?
Thanks,
Maria
Hi Maria san,
You should use Kansai thru pass for day 8, 9 and 10.
Kintetsu rail pass is your choice for trip Kyoto-Nagoya-Osaka.
If you use the bus to Hiroshima, you need to take a bus to go back to Osaka/Kyoto. You cannot drop by on the way to Kyoto. You can drop by Himeji and/or Kurashiki, Okayama. But in this case, you should use Kansai Hiroshima area pass as I mentioned previously.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3500.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5700.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
You can find the deal for KIX-Osaka 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-San,
Thank you for all the great information you provide on this site. It’s very much appreciated.
My questions are about the Kansai Thru Pass (3 Day), and if it is worth the money.
In October, after arrival at Kansai airport and a few days in Kyoto, I plan to travel from my accommodation in Kyoto to Koyasan, stay two nights in Koyasan and then travel on to Kii-Tanabe.
(1) Should I connect at Osaka Namba or Shin-Imamiya Station?
(2) If I take a Koya Ltd Express, do we reserve seats on the day I purchase the pass? I understand there is a reserved seat fee to pay.
(3) I think Kansai Thru pass covers me from Gokurakubashi to Wakayama but there will the extra fare from Wakayama to Kii-Tanabe.
(4) How and when do I reserve a seat on this last leg?
It all seems very complicated, but will do it if you think it is good value.
At this stage I don’t intend to purchase a JR Pass – I have a number of multiple night stays in Japan and this pass does not seem to give me value.
Or maybe there are other options I have not thought of?
Many thanks …… Sel
Hi Sel san,
1) If you use Kansai thru pass from Kyoto, you may change trains at Namba or Tengachaya. I don’t know which part of Kyoto you will stay. But you will take Keihan railway or Hankyu railway to Osaka.
e.g.
Gion-Shijo (Keihan) Yodoyabashi (Subway) Namba (Nankai railway) Gokurakubashi
Shijo-Kawaramachi (Hankyu) Awaji (Hankyu/subway) Tengachaya (Nankai railway) Gokurakubashi
2) You cannot book a seat for limited express Koya when you purchase a pass. You need to do it at Nankai railway station. So basically you need to do it at Namba or Tengachaya on the day of travel.
3) Kansai thru pass covers to Wakayama but you need to go back to Tengachaya from Gokurakubashi and then take another Nankai railway train to Wakayama. And also Nankai railway’s station in Wakayama is Wakayamashi station. It’s different from JR Wakayama station. It’s a few stations away from JR Wakayama station by JR local train. You will take a local train from Wakayamashi to Wakayama and then take another train to Kii-Tanabe.
4) If you have a chance to drop by JR station in Kyoto, such as Kyoto station, you can purchase a ticket from Wakayamashi to Kii-Tanabe in advance. You cannot book a seat at Wakayamashi station. If you don’t purchase and book a ticket in Kyoto, you need to get off at JR Wakayama station to purchase and book a seat.
If you go back to Kyoto or Osaka from Kii-Tanabe in a couple of days, Kansai wide area pass may be considerable:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day! we are planning to go to Japan for 11 days.
Day 1 to 5 Tokyo
Day 6 to 7 hakone
Day 8 to 11 osaka nara kyoto
Is it recommended to use the kansai thru pass?can we use the pass from osaka going to kansai airport? We’ll be staying in osaka coming from Hakone.Thank you
Hi Jochu,
You can use Kansai thru pass for Nara and Kyoto. You may use other passes in Osaka and to KIX. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
The link below shows you sample itinerary which is similar to your trip plan. It may give you some more idea:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com