If you visit Osaka and make some day trips to outside Osaka, such as Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass is a good deal. But as I explained about this pass on the post, How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare, you have to make many train and/or bus trips. And I compared a regular fare and the price of pass in the link above. But it may be complicated for you. You may be overwhelmed.
I will show you some sample itineraries by using Kansai Thru Pass in this post. I hope this post let you understand this pass easier.
Ride a train/bus for 2,000 yen worth or more in one day
The price of pass is 4,000 yen for 2-day and 5,200 yen for 3-day. You have to make the worth at least 2,000 yen value per day (1,740 yen per day for 3-day pass) by making train trips, bus trips and/or getting discount at attraction. Otherwise you cannot make the worth of the pass.
All following itineraries require 1,800 yen total fare or more. You will get a discount at many attractions. If you can pick two or three itineraries to combine and you will get the worth of Kansai Thru Pass.
In all sample itineraries, departure time is around 9:00 am. Of course you can start earlier if you want. But some attractions open around 10:00 am. Please check the hours of the attractions that you want to visit when you make your trip plan.
Himeji, Kobe and Tarumi
If you go to Himeji and Kobe in one day, this pass gives you a great deal.
Visit Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe
Depart from Namaba : Namba 09:10 (Hanshin train) 09:30 Amagasaki 09:36 (Hanshin train) 10:27 Sanyo Tarumi (840 yen)
Depart from Umeda : Umeda 09:27 (Hanshin train) 10:27 Sanyo Tarumi (750 yen)
You can skip this place if you are not a shopping spree. The reason why I put it in this itinerary is that the trip is too long if we go to Himeji directly by Hanshin and Sanyo railways.
But you can see the world longest suspension bridge, Akashi Ohashi bridge here. And you can shop and eat here. I think it is nice place to take a break. It is only 9 minutes away from the station by foot. If you skip this spot, you can spend more time at Kobe or Himeji. You can stop by there on the way to Kobe from Himeji as the lunch break.
Himeji Castle and the lunch break.
Sanyo Tarumi 12:00 (Sanyo train) 12:39 Sanyo Himeji (740 yen)
You can get 20% off for Himeji Castle admission by Kansai Thru Pass. Himeji Castle is about 20 minutes away from the station. You can walk but it is too long, you can take a bus. But the bus fare is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass.
Please see the post below to find more information about Himeji.
Visit Kobe
Sanyo Himeji 15:04 (Sanyo train) 16:08 Sannomiya (Walk) Sannoiya Hanadokeimae 16:20 (Kobe subway) 16:24 (940 yen + 200 yen = 1140 yen)
You can enjoy Kobe port cruise if you want. You can get a discount for cruise and Kobe Port tower. You can have a dinner at Kobe before heading back to Osaka.
To Namba : Sannomiya 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:34 Amagasaki 20:39 (Hanshin) 20:59 Namba (400 yen)
To Umeda : 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:42 Umeda (310 yen)
Total fare is 3120 yen from/to Namba and 2940 yen from/to Umeda.
Kobe and Arima hot springs
Arima hot springs is one of most three famous hot springs and one of the three oldest hot springs. Actually it is most accessible hot springs from Osaka. You can stay there but I put this hot springs as day use in this trip.
Visit Arima hot springs, Kinnoyu (Gold springs), Ginnoyu (Silver springs) or Taiko no Yu.
From Umeda : Umeda 09:03 (Hanshin train) 09:36 Sannomiya 09:49 (Kobe subway and Hokushin Kyuko) 10:00 Tanigami 10:06 (Kobe railway train) 10:17 Arimaguchi 10:19 (Kobe railway train) 10:23 Arima Onsen (310 yen + 900 yen = 1210 yen)
From Namba : Namba 08:45 (Hanshin train) 09:02 Amagasaki 09:07 (Hanshin train) 09:32 Sannomiya 09:49 (Kobe subway and Hokushin Kyuko) 10:00 Tanigami 10:06 (Kobe railway train) 10:17 Arimaguchi 10:19 (Kobe railway train) 10:23 Arima Onsen (400 yen + 900 yen = 1300 yen)
You can get discount to go these hot springs. These hot springs open from 9:00 am. By the way, Taiko is a name of title of Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
If you want to have more relaxation, you can use daily plan of high end hotels. Arima Grand Hotel has daily hot springs use plan around 4,000 yen.
Visit Kobe
Arima Onsen 14:09 (Kobe railway train) 14:13 Arimaguchi 14:29 (Kobe railway train) 14:39 14:41 Tanigami (Hokushin Kyuko and Kobe subway) 14:51 Sannomiya (900 yen)
You can visit anywhere in Kobe you want, such as Kitano, Kobe port.
To Namba : Sannomiya 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:34 Amagasaki 20:39 (Hanshin) 20:59 Namba (400 yen)
To Umeda : 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:42 Umeda (310 yen)
Total fare is 2600 yen from/to Namba and 2420 yen from/to Umeda.
Kyoto Highlight
You can complete most of Kyoto Must-See spots in one day!
From Namba : Namba 08:59 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 09:05 Yodoyabashi 09:10 (Keihan Ltd Exp train) 09:58 Shichijo (200 yen + 600 yen = 800 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 9:01 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 09:05 Yodoyabashi 09:10 (Keihan Ltd Exp train) 09:58 Shichijo (200 yen + 600 yen = 800 yen)
Shichijo, Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo and Sanjo are the gateway station to Higashiyama area. There are tons of spots there. It is impossible to visit most of spots in half day. If you really want to see this area, don’t try this itinerary. Actually even one full day is not enough to cover most of spot.
In this itinerary, I assume to visit Sanjusankendo (三十三間堂), Kiyomizudera temple (清水寺) and Yasaka Jinja shrine (八坂神社).
Kawaramachi 13:05 (Hankyu train) 13:06 Karasuma 13:09 (Kyoto subway Karasuma line) 13:19 Kitaoji (Kyoto bus 12-20 minutes) Kinkakujido (金閣寺道) bus stop (150 yen + 250 yen + 220 yen = 620 yen)
Actually Kyoto city bus #12 goes straight to Kinkakujido bus stop from Kawaramachi or Sanjo-Keihan. This is the easiest. But it is affected by traffic congestion. When you explore Kyoto, try to use trains as much as possible. That is a key to save your time. From Kitaoji to Kinkakujido, you can take #101, #102 or M1. Bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. Kikakuji temple is 5 minutes walk from bus stop.
Kikakujido (Kyoto city bus 5 minutes) Kitano-Hakubaicho 15:06 (Keifuku railway a.k.a. “Randen”) 15:17 Katabiranotsuji 15:25 (Keifuku railway a.k.a. “Randen”) 15:32 Arashiyama (220 yen + 200 yen = 420 yen)
Kitano-Hakubaisho station is only 3 bus stops away from Kikakujido. You can walk if you want. It takes about 20 minutes. Keifuku railway is a small local railway. It is like a street car.
In Arashiyama, you don’t have much time to visit temples and shrines. You can walk along Katsura river. And you may be able to ride Sagano sightseeing tram night train. But Sagano sightseeing train is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass.
Arashiyama 20:03 (Hankyu train) 20:11 Katsura 20:21 (Hankyu train) 20:55 Umeda 21:00 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 21:08 Namba (390 yen. If you go to Namba, add 230 yen for subway)
If you have just round trip to Kyoto, it is not enough to use Kansai Thru Pass. But if you visit several places, this pass gives you a great deal.
Total fare is 2230 yen from/to Umeda and 2460 yen from/to Namba.
Nara and south Kyoto one day
If you visit only Nara, it is not enough to get 1800 yen worth. So I combine south Kyoto and Nara because it is the closet place from Nara.
From Namba : Osaka-Namba 09:01 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 09:39 Kintetsu-Nara (540 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 8:45 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 08:54 Namba (walk) Osaka-Namba 09:01 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 09:39 Kintetsu-Nara (230 yen + 540 yen = 770 yen)
Subway Namba station is very close to Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station. If you miss 9:01 train, next train comes in 10 minutes.
Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk from the station. Please see 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 more details.
Nara 13:43 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 14:24 Kintetsu-Tanbabashi (walk) Tanbabashi 14:33 (Keihan railway local train) 14:40 Fushimi-Inari (540 yen + 200 yen = 740 yen)
Kintetsu-Tanbabashi station is located at same place as Keihan’s Tanbabashi station. 9 minutes is way enough to transfer. Both stations are not big terminal stations. You cannot miss it.
Fushimi Inari shrine is 10 minutes away from the station.
Fushimi-Inari 15:39 (Keihan railway local train) 15:54 Chushojima 16:04 (Keihan train Uji line local train) 16:18 Uji (300 yen)
Uji 18:02 (Keihan railway Uji line local train) 18:16 Chushojima 18:21 (Keihan railwa Limited Express) 19:04 Yodoyabashi (Osaka subway Midousuji line 10 minutes ride) Namba or Umeda (400 yen + 200 yen = 600 yen)
Total fare is 2180 yen to/from Namba and 2410 yen to/from Umeda.
If you have more, you can go to Gion in Kyoto. After you finish Uji sightseeing, you can take the train to Gion-Shijo at Chushojima.
Uji 18:02 (Keihan railway Uji line local train) 18:16 Chushojima 18:21 (Keihan railwa Limited Express) 18:33 Gion-Shijo
You can enjoy dinner and walk in Kyoto if you want. The last train departs at 23:06 from Gion-Shijo. You can transfer subway at Yodoyabashi from this last train. You still have lots of time for Gion, Kyoto.
Yoshino. Recommended for cherry blossom season
Yoshino is located at south part of Nara. It is very famous as cherry blossom viewing spots. But the pass does not cover all part of the trip to Yoshino. You have to pay some extra to get there.
From Namba : Namba 08:56 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:03 Tennoji (walk) Abenobashi 09:20 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:53 Yoshino (230 yen + 690 yen = 920 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 08:47 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:03 Tennoji (walk) Abenobashi 09:20 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:53 Yoshino (270 yen + 690 yen = 960 yen)
The pass cover the trip to Tsubosakayama station. It is still 50 minutes away from Yoshino. The extra fare is 420 yen for one way.
Once you arrive in Yoshino, you can enjoy as much as you want until the last train depart at 22:12.
Total fare is 1840 yen to/from Namba and 1920 yen to/from Umeda.
*Above fare is the worth that is covered by the pass. You need to pay another 840 yen on top.
Mt. Koya one day trip
If you want to visit Mt. Koya as day trip, Kansai Thru Pass is one of the choice. But if you want to stay in Mt. Koya, Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is much better choice.
From Namba : Namba 09:01 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:49 Hashimoto 09:54 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:31 Gokurakubashi 10:36 (Cabel car) 10:41 Koyasan (850 yen + 380 yen = 1230 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 08:47 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 08:56 Namba 09:01 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:49 Hashimoto 09:54 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:31 Gokurakubashi 10:36 (Cabel car) 10:41 Koyasan (230 yen + 850 yen + 380 yen = 1460 yen)
You can get the worth easily to have just return trip to Mt. Koya. And also you can take a bus and get some discount at several temples there.
Total fare is 2460 yen to/from Namba and 2920 yen to/from Umeda.
Comments
hi
i amtravel to osaka for 1/12-7/12 ,so we plan to go as below
2/12-osaka to kyota than back to osaka
3/12-osaka to nara than back to osaka
4/12-osaka to kobe than back to osaka
may i know the kyoto,nara and kobe the arriaval station is same
as jl west pass compare to kansai thru pass
Hi Willie,
Basically no. Please see the links below to fine more info. If you use JR West Kansai area pass, JR trains network is covered. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, private railways network is covered.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would love to hear your expert advise . Me and my friends will be travelling to Japan this Nov 19-27 . I just want to ask if JR Pass will be a good choice or Kansai Thru Pass.
Our entry and exit point is NAGOYA and we plan to visit below places:
Day 1 : Nagoya Tour
Day 2: Nagoya – Kyoto Tour
Day 3: Kyoto- OSaka Tour
Day 4 : USJ
Day 5 : Osaka to Nara
Day 6 : Osaka- Tokyo
Day 7: Tokyo Tour
Day 8 : Tokyo to Nagoya
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Kathy D.,
Yes. JR pass 7 days will suit to your plan. You may use the pass from day 2 to the end.
JR pass covers all places where you want to go. But it does not cover local transportation. You may need to add single fare or other deals. Please see the link below:
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/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I will be going to Kyoto-Nara-Osaka-Kobe/Himeji for 6 days. I’ll be flying back home on the 7th day. I am not sure what is the best pass to buy for my days there.
I will be staying in Kyoto for 3 days. I will be exploring Kyoto for 2 days, then going to Nara as a side trip and going back to my Kyoto Hotel. Then I’ll be staying in Osaka for 3 days. First day will be spent exploring Osaka, 2nd day I’ll be going to USJ and last day will be to Kobe or Himeji as a side trip and going back to Osaka for the night.
I am quite confused as to what passes to get. Initially, I was thinking of getting a 2-day Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass for my days in Kyoto. However, I came across the Kansai Thru Pass and I thought that is better as I can use that for my days in Kyoto and Nara (3 days Kansai Thru Pass) or for when I am in Osaka and Kobe/Himeji (2 days Kansai Thru Pass). I am still confused by the limitations of the two different passes.
What do you suggest? Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Azian,
Please see the link below. It shows you a sample itinerary. It’s almost same as your trip. You will find the solution.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i will be in Japan for 8 days, and I will be getting the JR pass to cover my shinkansen as well as JR lines (hnd airport-osaka, osaka-kyoto, osaka-tokyo).
As most Osaka/Kyoto attractions are not on the JR lines, based on my itinerary, do you think I should get a 2 or 3 days Kansai Thru Pass? Would I utilise the full amount? Or should i just get the Icoca?
Can Icoca be use in Tokyo?
Day 1: Haneda Airport – Osaka – Nippombashi Station (my hotel) – Tour around Osaka
Day 2: Nippombashi – Nara – Kyoto – Osaka Nippombashi
Day 3: Nippombashi – Kyoto – Osaka Nippombashi
Day 4 & 5: USJ / Tour around Osaka
Day 6/7: Osaka – Tokyo
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Stefani,
You can use Kansai thru pass if you are overwhelmed and make your trip be easier. But if you want to maximize to use JR pass and save your cost, just pay single fare from Nipponbashi to Tsuruhashi or Nipponbashi to Namba. Once you get Namba or Tsuruhashi, you can take JR train. You can get Nara and Kyoto by JR train and of course JR pass covers these trips fully. Especially most of places can be accessed by walk in Nara. In Kyoto, you need to take a bus to get many places. But you can access by JR train to Arashiiyama, Nijo castle and Fushimi Inari shrine. Kyoto one day bus pass is only 500 yen. I think if you add this pass on top of JR pass, it’s enough.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Pls advise which pass is suitable for my below itinerary.
Day 1 Kansai Airport to Namba
Day 2 Osaka to Kyoto
Day 3 Osaka to Kyoto
Day 4 Osaka to Nara
Day 5 Osaka to Kobe and Himeji
During my whole trip i will be staying in osaka.
Hi Elvina san,
Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice. Please find more info at the links:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello. My husband will be attending a conference in Kobe from 1-5th November..where we will be based at a hotel, yet to be decided. Plan is to fly into Osaka on 1 November and make our way to hotel near the conference in Kobe. If we fly in a day or so earlier, we might just stay in Osaka. Would you recommend this?
After the conference, we would like to visit Arima Hot springs, Nara, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and then fly r/t to Hokkaido to stay at very highly recommended hotel Kuramure, Otaru. If it is too $$$$, we may cancel the Hokkaido trip, and stay around the Kyoto area. Or maybe fly to Okinawa.?? What train pass, if any, would you recommend? Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Hi Susan,
Basically Kansai Hiroshima pass is most common choice.
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
But actually you cannot choose the deal at this point. You have several options now. You have to decide where you go first.
You can stay in Osaka if you want. It takes less than 30 minutes to get Kobe by train from most places in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Will be in Osaka for 10 days. This is rough itinerary.
Day 1.(Sat)……. Nankai railway from KIX to Namba hotel
2.(Sun)…..Osaka Castle / Dotonbori
3 (Mon).. Himeji Castle
4. (Tue)….Kyoto/Nara
5. (Wed)…Kobe
6. (Thurs)… Nagoya
7. (Fri)
8. (Sat)
9. (Sun)
10.(Mon)
11. (Tue) ……Namba to KIX
I still don’t have itinerary for day7-10
Should I get (2) Kansai Thru Pass tickets? One for day 1-4 and the other from day 5-8?
Where else can we go with these passes to fill up day 7-10?
JR 7 or 14 day pass to expensive bec there are 4 of us.
Just FYI, we have been to Tokyo already .
Hi Sanse,
Kansai thru pass is not a bad choice. You may get some idea about day trip from Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Kintetsu rail pass is the best choice to get 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
This pass covers Nara too. You may get Kyoto by this pass but this pass does not cover any transportation in Kyoto, such as subway and city bus. If you use Kintetsu rail pass, you have to consider how you use Kansai thru pass and Kintetsu rail pass.
You may use 4 days from day 7 to 10 for the trip to Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Takayama or Hiroshima/Miyajima. Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass or Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass cover these trips.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I understand theres a new ic card – Kansai one pass.
Im reaching kix-namba-Kyoto-namba-kix in september
Can I use kansai one pass to take:-
-nankai express airport to namba (reaching late)
– all subway in Osaka and Kyoto, including all buses and subways , privates and all jr?
Hi Hazel,
Yes. You can take all by Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
With so many information I got makes me overwhelmed and confused.. Can u please help me to find the best pass/ticket in kansai area? Here’s the itinerary..
Day 1. Arrive from tokyo by peach at 11am, go to kyoto (by train?). Check in hotel. Kyoto city tour
Day 2. Check out. Kyoto city tour (bus pass?). go to osaka at night (by train/shinkansen?). Check in hotel.
Day 3. Trip to nara (by?)
Day 4. Trip to himeji (by ?)
Day 5. Osaka tour using OAP
Day 6. Osaka tour using OAP
Day 7. Check out at 11am. Go to KIX (by train?)
What do you think about the route? Any suggestion so I can also fit a trip to kobe?
Waiting somuch for the reply.
Thank you
Hi Owidya,
Please see the link below. I think you will find the solution.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi!
I just wanna ask if I purchase kansai thru pass would it be worth it with this itinerary?
Osaka is the starting point
Day 1- Kyoto tour which includes arashiyama, kinkakuji, higashiyama area then back to osaka
Day 2- half day Nara (Nara park and today I temple) and half day kyoto (ginkakuji going thru Gion area)
And how can I use the KTP when traveling to arashiyama?
Thank you in advance.
Hi PinayRT,
Kansai thru pass will work for this plan. Please find the info about access to Arashiyama at the link below:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San,
I need you advises.
my planning :
1st day : 9.00 arrive at Kansai airport,go to osaka castle and go to nara and go around nara and then back to osaka,go around dotonbori
2nd day : go to kyoto with shinkansen and go around there and go to tokyo with willerbus at night
I still confuse about which pass I will use
Please help me Takeshi San.Thank you very much
Hi Taslim,
There is no deals to cover both day.
For the first day, you can use Kansai area pass one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
And only single fare is available to get Kyoto. And you may add Kyoto city deals after arrival in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com