JR West Kansai Area Pass is one of the choices for the traveler who stays in Osaka and make some day trips to the surrounding places, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and Wakayama.
In this post, I would like to share the information about JR West Kansai Area Pass with you. And I will compare the price of the pass and the regular fare. You can find that you can get the worth by your trip or not.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in JR West Kansai Area Pass official site as well to get the detailed map.
The pass covers most of points of interest, such as Osaka (Umeda), Namba, Universal Studio Japan, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Himeji.
Expansion of the coverage area in Kyoto
And also Kansai Area Pass includes the following exchange vouchers:
- Keihan Railways Kyoto Sightseeing Pass 1-day
- Kyoto City Subway 1-day pass
These passes expand the coverage in Kyoto so much:
Kansai Area Pass did not cover Keihan and subway in Kyoto. These lines cover eastern part of Kyoto, such as Gion, Kiyomizudera.
You may exchange the vouchers in the designated stations. Please find the detailed information in the official press release:
JR West official press release
You can use these passes separately.
e.g.
You have Kansai Area Pass 2-day
Day 1 trip to Kyoto and exchange Kyoto city subway pass only
Day 2 trio to Kyoto and exchange Keihan Railway Kyoto sightseeing pass
But in my opinion, you should use these two passes in same day. If you use only JR line and Kyoto city subway line, the coverage are limited.
The places where you cannot go by Kansai Area Pass
Major spots that are not covered by this pass is Mt. Koya. But if you want to go to Mt. Koya, Nankai Railway is the best way. Nankai Railway is not covered by JR West Kansai Area Pass anyway. Nankai Railway’s Koyasan World Heritage Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass is a right choice for trip to Mt. Koya.
Nankai Railway Koyasan World Heritage Ticket
How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
| Purchasing from the travel agent overseas (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West online (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West station (After arrival) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day | 2,400 yen | 2,4000 yen | 2,400 yen |
| 2-day | 4,600 yen | 4,600 yen | 4,600 yen |
| 3-day | 5,600 yen | 5,600 yen | 5,600 yen |
| 4-day | 6,800 yen | 6,800 yen | 6,800 yen |
*Child rate is half of the adult prices above.
*5 year old or younger child is free. Maximum 2 children per one adult.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night (midnight to midnight).
e.g.
If you start to use 3 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 3. The time when you start using does not matter.
If you want to purchase this at the lower price, you can purchase it at authorized travel agents. You can find the dealers list and exchange location at the link below:
JR West Rail Pass Dealer’s list
You also can purchase this pass online through JR West official site. But the price is not much cheaper than the price which is sold at the station.
Valid trains and bus lines
This pass covers all JR local trains and non reserved seat of Limited Express Haruka. You CANNOT ride any other express trains, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen the Sanyo Shinkansen, the limited express Thunderbird. But as long as you travel in Kansai area, Rapid Services Network is enough to cover your trip. It is actually crowded because these trains are the commuters one. But these are fast and frequent. The following list shows you trains that you can ride by JR West Kansai Area Pass.
- The limited express Haruka (Kansai airport-Tennoji-Shin Osaka-Kyoto, non reserved seat only)
- Special Rapid Service (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe-Himeji)
- Kansai Airport Rapid Service (Kansai airport-Tennoji-Osaka)
- Yamatoji Rapid Service (Osaka-Tennoji-Nara)
- Miyakoji Rapid Service (Kyoto-Nara)
Of course, you can ride any local trains that are not shown on above list.
Hotels and Ryokans in Nara
Hotels in Himeji
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Himeji
Hotels in Kansai Airport
On the other hand, JR West Kansai Area Pass does not cover any private railway lines, subway lines and the bus lines. Most of major private railway companies and subway lines are shown on the following list:
- Osaka Metro (Subway)
- Kyoto Municipal Transportation (Subway and city bus)
- Nankai Railway (Namba-Kansai airport, Namba-Mt.Koya)
- Kintetsu Railway (Namba-Nara, Kyoto-Nara)
- Hankyu Railway (Sannomiya-Umeda-Kawaramachi)
- Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi-Kyobashi-Shijo-Sanjo)
- Hanshin Railway (Namba-Sannomiya, Umeda-Sannomiya-Himeji)
- Sanyo Railway (Umeda-Sannomiya-Akashi-Himeji)
These above railways and bus lines are NOT covered. When you are in Osaka or Kyoto, subway trains and city bus services are very convenient. So you may have to pay a single fare or purchase other pass. This is the biggest disadvantage of JR West Kansai Area Pass. You can find the coverage of this pass in these posts:
Compare cost between pass and single fare. Best way to use.
First of all, please see the fare table for major sections below:
| Stations | Osaka | Shin Osaka | Kyoto | Kansai airport | Sannomiya (Kobe) | Nara | Himehji | JR Namba |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka | – | 160 | 540 | 1160 1150 | 390 | 780 | 1450 | 190 |
| Shin Osaka | 160 | – | 540 | 1330 1150 | 540 | 890 | 1450 | 210 |
| Kyoto | 540 | 540 | – | 1830 1150 | 1050 | 690 | 2210 | 890 |
| Kansai airport | 1160 1150 | 1330 1150 | 1830 1150 | – | 1660 1150 | 1660 730 | 2730 1150 | 1030 730 |
| Sannomiya (Kobe) | 390 | 540 | 1050 | 1660 1150 | – | 1210 | 950 | 690 |
| Nara | 780 | 890 | 690 | 1660 730 | 1210 | – | 2210 | 540 |
| Himeji | 1450 | 1450 | 2210 | 2730 1150 | 950 | 2210 | – | 1620 |
| JR Namba | 190 | 210 | 890 | 1030 730 | 690 | 540 | 1620 | – |
*If there are two fares, basic fare is shown at the top and limited express surcharge at the bottom. For example, if you travel from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka, basic fare is 1330 yen and surcharge is 1150 yen.
As you saw the fare table above, most of trips from Kansai airport is very efficient because of limited express Haruka. If you travel to Osaka, Kansai airport rapid may be better than Haruka because Haruka do not stop at Osaka. But if you think about getting on Haruka, Kansai Area Pass is considerable. Even one day pass is cheaper than basic fare + surcharge. If you go to Namba, you can access there by JR trains. But Nankai Railway gives you much better access to Namba. Especially if you think about transfer to subway at Namba, Nankai Railway Namba station is much easier to transfer to most of subway lines. Please see the details at the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
Next, I recommend you to use this pass for the trip to Himeji. Special Rapid Service connects Osaka with Himeji in 62 minutes. This train is the fastest and most frequent service. If you think about Kansai Thru Pass, this pass do not cover JR trains. If you go to Himeji by Kansai Thru Pass, the pass cover all part of your trip to Himeji. But you will spend more than 90 minutes. Kansai Thru Pass is very efficient for the trip to Kyoto or Mt. Koya. But if you go to Himeji, I recommend you to use JR West Kansai Area Pass.
If you go to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe from Osaka, it may not be very efficient. The fare range is between 500 and 1,000 yen. The difference between 1 day pass and 2 days pass is 2,000 yen. If you will purchase 3 days or 4 days, the price difference is 1,000 yen. If you have two trips, from Kansai airport by Haruka and trip to Himeji, you will already make more than 4,000 yen worth. You can use the pass to Kyoto, Kobe or Nara. But if you use 2 days pass for trip from Kansai airport and trip to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe, you may not be able to make more than 4,000 yen worth.
JR West also sell ICOCA and Haruka. This discount ticket include trip from Kansai airport by Haruka and 1,500 yen value e-money in ICOCA prepaid card. If JR West Kansai Area Pass is too expensive for your trip, ICOCA and Haruka may be suitable for your trip. ICOCA can be used for not only JR trains but also Kyoto subway, Osaka subway and other major private railway companies. ICOCA is more flexible than JR West Kansai Area Pass. Please see the details about ICOCA at the post, ICOCA and Haruka ticket. Very flexible and good deal for tourist who stay in Kansai..
At last, if you want to explore some more places, I strongly recommend you JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass. This pass is available in 4 days pass only. But the area where is covered is much bigger. And limited express train and Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama are covered by this pass. And the price is only 1,000 yen higher than Kansai Area Pass 4 days. I am very happy if you are interested in other places outside of Kansai area.
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
I have planned a 13 days trip and my initial plan is to make my holiday within Kansai area only with the main sights as below;
2 Days – Wakayama Area – Mt Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
2 Days – Lake Biwa area – Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, Hikone Castle
2 Days – Kobe – Mt Maya, Nunobiki Herb Garden, Mt Rokko
1 Day – Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate
1 Day – Himeji Castle
1 Day – Okayama (maybe)
3 Days – Kyoto – to make it my base and depart to Kansai Airport at last day.
I would like to make Kyoto my base and travel by train to all destinations for day-trips, is it advisable or too far? Should I stay in different cities to save on travelling time?
What pass would be most effective to cover all the sites except Kyoto?
For Kyoto, is it better to buy the city bus daily pass for travelling within the city?
Do i need JR to get to Sagano Train ride, Byodoin Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine?
Appreciate your advise.
Thank you,
Julian
Hi Julian,
First of all, you cannot visit Kumano Kodo and Hongu Taisha as day trip. These places are too far. You have to stay at least one night nearby.
If you visit only Koyasan, it’s possible,
Kinosaki Onsen and Amanohashidate in one day is too tight. If you visit only one of these places, you can make it. I recommend you to stay in either Kinosaki or Amanohashidate if you want to visit these.
You have to use several deals. The fist deal is Kansai wide area pass. It covers all places except Koyasan. Please see the link below:
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
It’s valid for 5 days only. You should use it for Kinosaki (Amanohashidate is outside coverage area), Okayama, Himeji, Lake Biwa and Kumano if you want to visit. So try to gather these places in 5 days period.
You may use Kansai thru pass for Kobe and Koyasan.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
In Kyoto, city deal is okay.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You may use ICOCA and Haruka or Haruka discount ticket for traveling between KIX and Kyoto.
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
You can use Kansai wide area pass for traveling between KIX and Kyoto. But your itinerary is not finalized yet. You have to make sure how you use 5 days of Kansai wide area pass first. You can use this pass to get some places in Kyoto too.
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
Dear Takeshi,
I have finalise my 12 nights stay as below and i would appreciate your fine-tuning my sight-seeing itinerary as you see fit. I have decided to skip Osaka and Nara for this Nov trip;
DAY 1 arrival at KIX, take Bay Shuttle to check-in to Kobe airbnb. I will stay in KOBE for 8 nights.
DAY 2 – DAY 8 – I will make KOBE as my base for the next 7 days.
I would like to make use of the consecutive KANSAI AREA WIDE 5-DAYS PASS (not going to Osaka & Nara, Kyoto is excluded as my last 4 nights will be in Kyoto) to travel out for day trips to see as much as possible.
Is the main connecting station Sannomiya?
What would be your advise, as i stated earlier i would like to do day trips with the 5-day pass, any suggestions, my rough plan is as below;
DAY 2 Himeji city – will this city take a whole day?
DAY 3 OKAYAMA including Kurashiki
DAY 4 SHIGA area – LAKE BIWA and surrounding? do i need to change train?
DAY 5 Kumano Day trip – is it too far from Kobe? What is the travel time and do i need to change trains?
DAY 6 – Takamatsu? How long is the journey? Need to change train?
I’m open to your advise as i have no idea on the travel time and distances and whether my planning makes sense.
DAY 7 – DAY 8 sightseeing around KOBE
use city bus day pass
DAY 9 – check-in to KYOTO backpackers hostel, spend the day in Kyoto
DAY 10 Mt Koyasan – day trip
DAY 11 spend in Kyoto
DAY 12 spend in Kyoto
DAY 13 -check-out and use HARUKA to KIX
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Julian
Hi Julian,
Please see the link below to find the info to use Hyperdia. You can get travel time and train schedule.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
In my opinion, Kumamo is not feasible as day trip. It takes 4.5 hours at least to get the nearest station. And also you may need to take a bus. Please see the link below. The choice is yours.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4950.html
You can get Shinkansen and rapid train via Okayama to get Takamatsu. Please see the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5400.html
You may find the timetable and trip time at Hyperdia.
There are many places around Lake Biwa. I cannot say how many times you need to change the trains. It depends on where you go.
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1105.html
Basically you can find most of information what you need in Japan Guide and Hyperdia that I gave you the links above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I find your information most helpful.
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Julian Tham
No worries, Julian.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I planning to visit wakayama for 10-14 days, the list of areas to visit are;
Nachi Waterfall
Kumano Kodo
Koyasan
Wakayama city
Shirahama
Katsuura
Shingu
I will arrive at Kansai Airport from Kuala Lumpur and depart via Kansai Airport.
I’m travelling in a party of 4 persons and the most likely dates are Mid-november 2017 for the autumn colours or 2nd week of January 2018.
Could you advise me on the most appropriate and useful passes if we were to travel by train to all these areas.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Julian,
I don’t think any deals suit to your trip plan. There are some deals to cover Wakayama area. But all deals are valid around 5 days. It’s too short to cover your trip. These deals may cover a part of your trip. But at this point, your trip plan is not fixed yet. I cannot say any more thing at this point.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
We’re travelling to Osaka – Tokyo and would appreciate advise on our itinerary and card passes. Maybe we can add or remove sites?
Day1 7pm arrive at KIA — > Osaka (SUICA)
Day2 Universal Studios & Dotonburi/Denden Town (SUICA)
Day3 Kyoto – Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Arashiyama, (KANSAI THRU PASS)
Day4 Himeji Castle, Kobe (JR WEST KANSAI AREA PASS)
Day5 Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Dotonburi, Umeda (KANSAI THRU PASS)
10pm Overnight bus to Tokyo (WILLER EXPRESS)
Day6 Akihabara (SUICA)
Day7 Tokyo Skytree, Studio Ghibli (SUICA)
Day8 Tsukiji Market, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Harajuku Omotesando Genki Super Yosakoi (SUICA)
Hi Kim,
I agree with your plan mostly.
I understand you picked Kansai area pass for the trip to Himeji and Kobe. But on day 4, Kansai thru pass is too much. The total cost for day 2 and 4 will be less than 2 days Kansai thru pass. If you want to save your cost, use Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3. Subway pass or single ticket or Suica is better choice for day 4. But you will lose one hour or may be 2 hours on day 4. If you want to save your time, keep your plan. The choice is yours.
I don’t see any issues on the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi!
Just to clarify, you suggest to use Kansai Thru Pass for these days:
*Day2 Universal Studios & Dotonburi/Denden Town
*Day3 Kyoto – Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Arashiyama,
And Suica/Single pass for
*Day4 Himeji Castle, Kobe
Can we still use the Kansai Thru Pass on Day5 if we get the 3 day pass?
* Day5 Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Dotonburi, Umeda
Can you also recommend a site where to buy SUICA card and Kansai Thru Pass?
Thank you!
Regards,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I made a mistake. I supposed to recommend you to use Kansai thru pass for day 3 (Kyoto) and day 4 (Kobe/Himeji). This is the best way of cost saving.
If you use Kansai thru pass for day 3 and 4, you may consider using 3 days Kansai thru pass for day 5 because it’s only 1200 yen difference between 2 days and 3 days. If you use Osaka subway pass, 1 days is 800 yen. Only 400 yen difference but Kansai thru pass gives you more coverage.
I thought you have already had Suica because you cannot purchase Suica in Osaka. You can purchase ICOCA in Osaka. ICOCA is same type of IC card as Suica. You can use ICOCA in Tokyo too. Both ICOCA and Kansai thru pass can be purchased at Kansai airport station:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! Certainly very helpful info!
No worries, Kim.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will be travelling to japan 23 february-1 march 2017, this is my first time go to Japan. I arrived at KIX airport (osaka), and back to haneda airport. My iteneray is as follows. Appreciate if you could advise on type of rail/bus passes that I should purchase.
Day 1
-Arrived in kansai airport go to hostel Mikado (osaka)
-Universal studio osaka
-Osaka castle
-Dotombori
—> better I use Kansai Thru Pass 2 days for day 1 & day 2 or Icocaa or Osaka day pass?
Day 2 (osaka)
-Ibaraki
-Shinsaibashi
Day 3
From osaka go to kyoto (my plan 1 day trip)
-Maiko Henshin Shiki Studio
-Strolling around Shirakawa in the night
-Fushimi Inari
-Sagano Romantic Train
-Arashiyama Bamboo Groves
-Gion area
—-> better I use Jr 1 day pass from osaka-kyoto? And combined with kansai thru pass for traveling in kyoto?
Day 4 (Tokyo)
From Kyoto go to Tokyo
– Asakusa
-Ginza
-Harajuku
-Shibuya
-Ueno
My hostel Khaosan world asakusa tokyo
——> better day 4 I use shinkansen from kyoto to tokyo? And combanied with suica for around tokyo?
Day 5
My plan 1 day trip
-Hakone
-Fuji village
-Kawaguchi lake
-mt.fuji
—–> better I use jr pass from tokyo?
Day 6 (Tokyo)
-Tsukiji Market
-Akihabara
-Oshiage Skytree solomachi
-on the way to haneda airport
Take off 23.45
——> better I use suica/pasmo?
Thank you for your advice 😉
Hi Lisda,
For day 1 to 3
You may use Kansai thru pass 3 days.
For day 4
You have to purchase Shinkansen regular ticket. There is no deals. after you arrive, you may use subway 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
For day 5
You may use Fuji Hakone Pass. It’s 3 days pass but it’s cheaper than regular fares even if you have day trip.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
For day 6
You can use Suica or Pasmo or single fare.
In my rough scheduling, day 3 and day 5 may be tight. In day 3, I have no idea how many hours you spend Maiko experience. If you spend a few hours to do this, your day in Kyoto will be very busy.
On day 5, it’s very hard to see both Lake Kawaguchi area and Hakone in one day. Usually most of travelers spend one day at each place, Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. It’s not impossible but keep it in your mind.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear takeshi,
Thanks for your reply. It really help me to understand japan better. I will try to reschedule my trip to japan
Thank you,
Lisda
No problem, Lisda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We will be going to Osaka end of this year . My itineraries are per below. Appreciate if you could advise on the type of rail/bus passes that I should purchase.
Day 1 ; Arrive Kansai Airport at 7.30 AM –> Kyoto
Day 2 : Kyoto
Day 3 : Nara (day trip, stay in Kyoto)
Day 4 : Kobe/Himeji (day trip, stay in Kyoto)
Day 5 : Kyoto –>Kanazawa
Day 6 & 7 : Shirakawago/ Takayama
Day 8 : Takayama –>Osaka
Day 9 : Osaka (universal studio)
Day 10 : Osaka
Day 11 : Depart Kansai airport
Looking forward to your response.
Please let us know if we need to rearrange our itinerary to suit the usage of rail passes.
Thank you.
Hi S.Kheng,
I recommend you several deals but I also ask you to switch day 2 (Kyoto) and day 4 (Kobe and Himeji). If you can change it, you may use Kansai area pass 3 days for the first 3 days. This pass covers Nara, Himeji and Kobe. But this is not useful in Kyoto. That is reason why I ask you to change your plan.
On day 4, Kyoto, you can use all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
On day 5, you may start using Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass. It covers until day 9. You can use this pass for USJ.
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
However when you go back to Osaka from Takayama, you have to go through Kanazawa. You cannot take the route from Takayama to Osaka via Nagoya. This route is not covered by this pass.
For Osaka and trip back to KIX, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for suggestion. We have changed our plan to below :
Day 1 ; Arrive Kansai Airport at 7.30 AM –> Depart to Kobe/Himeji (return & stay in Kyoto)
Day 2 : Day trip to Nara (stay in Kyoto)
Day 3 : Kyoto
Day 4 : Kyoto
Day 5 : Depart from Kyoto to Takayama
Day 6 : Shirakawago==> Kanazawa
Day 7 : Kanazawa ==> Osaka
Day 8 : Osaka
Day 9 : Osaka (Universal studio)
Day 10 : Osaka
Day 11 : Depart to Kansai airport
Kindly advise it suitable to purchase below passes : –
For Day 1 & 2, purchase JR Kansai Area Pass – 2 days pass
Day 3 & 4 : Kyoto –purchase Kyoto Sightseeing 2 days Pass card
Day 5 to 9 : Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass (5 days pass)
Day 10 : Purchase Osaka Amazing Pass
Thank you.
Regards,
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
You have chosen the correct deals. I have nothing to say about it!
You may find the deal to Kansai airport for departure day 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 appreciate you help with the Kansai portion of our trip. We have the JR pass and are arriving in Osaka from Hiroshima next week. We are staying in Osaka for 3 nights at the St Regis. The closest subway station is Hommachi. We would like to explore Kyoto and Nara from here as well.
Since our hotel is not near a JR stop would it benefit us to get another type of day pass for getting to/from hotel and exploring Kyoto/Nara to go along with the JR pass we already have?
Thank you so much for this informative blog. It has been a massive help in preparing me for our trip.
Hi Kelly,
As long as your JR Pass is valid, try to maximize to use JR Pass. You may add extra fare for taking subway in Osaka. When you go to Kyoto, take Midousuji line from Honmachi to Umeda. Umeda is same place as JR Osaka. When you go to Nara, take Yotsubashi line to Namba. You can get Namba by Midousuji line. But Yotsubashi line Namba station is much closer to JR Namba. Please see the links below to fine the route and station info.
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/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/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi!
Thanks for the excellent article.
My itinerary is as follows. Appreciate if you could advise on the type of rail/bus passes that I should purchase.
Kansai (Osaka,Nara, Kyoto)
but I will stay at my friend’s house in Kyoto (kusatsu station)
day 1- arrive at KIX > nara > kyoto (kusatsu)
day 2- from kusatsu > osaka> kusatsu
(it’s good to purchase osaka amazing pass?)
day 3-kyoto then go to tokyo
Hi Zara,
You can use Kansai Area Pass 2 days for the first 2 days.
On day 2, you can get many places in Osaka by Kansai area pass. Please see the link below to find the coverage in Osaka.
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
On day 3, use single ticket to get Kyoto. After arriving Kyoto, you can use Kyoto city deal.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
For trip to Tokyo, single ticket is only choice. There are express bus from Kyoto to Tokyo. I’m not very familiar with express bus. But you can find some info at the link below. That’s all I can tell about the bus.
https://willerexpress.com/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thanks for the excellent article. I will be travelling to Osaka and would appreciate your help on getting a suitable pass/passes on the following routes.
Day 1. Airport to Osaka station.
Day 2. Osaka – Nara – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 3. Osaka – Himeji – Osaka.
Day 4. Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Osaka
Day 5. Osaka by bus or metro
Day 6. Osaka station to airport.
Hi Nadeem,
You may use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for the first 5 days.
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
On day 5, you still can use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. You can access to many places in Osaka. But if you need to take subway or bus, you can add single fare or subway pass. Please find the link below:
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
You also need to add subway or/and bus pass in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Nara and Himeji are okay by this pass.
On the last day, there are some deals available to get KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will be going to Japan next month with a few friends and it will be our first time! 🙂
We are arriving at Tokyo but need to go Kyoto as our apartment is located there.
We will be in Kyoto for a week. We will spend the first 3 days exploring Kyoto and then we want to make day trips to Nara, Osaka, and Kobe on the following days (One day for each location before returning to Kyoto at night to our apartment).
Example:
Kyoto (day 1-3)
Kyoto –> Nara –> Kyoto (day 4)
Kyoto –> Kobe –> Kyoto (day 5)
Kyoto –> Osaka –> Kyoto (day 6)
Which passes would you recommend for us that would cover both local trips within Kyoto and the day trips to the other areas?
I am a little confused with the various options so your help would be most appreciated!
Thank you very much
Kind Regards,
Priscilla
Hi Priscilla,
If you take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto and back to Tokyo on day 7, you need JR pass 7 days.
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
JR pass covers many part of your trip in Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Osaka. Please see the link below:
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
If you take other way between Kyoto and Tokyo, and need the deal for just Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara, you can use Kyoto city deal for the first 3 days and Kansai thru pass for the last 3 days (Nara, Kobe and Osaka).
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi，
We plan to go to Kobe for a 5-day trip next week and below is the itinerary：
Akashi bridge， Himeiji
Miyajima/hiroshima/nunobiki herb garden
Arashiyama or omihachiman/hikone
Kobe
I note there are Kansai-hiroshima area pass， sanyo-san，in area pass and Kansai wide area pass， and JR rail pass，please advise which pass to get. Thank you.
Regards
Mara
Hi Mara,
Kanasi Hiroshima Area Pass is the best choice. Other deals are too expensive or not enough coverage.
Cheers,
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply. Do we need to exchange for JR ticket to go to hiroshima？
Thanks
Mara
Hi Mara,
If you use Kansai Hiroshima Pass, you have to exchange the actual pass even if you ordered online.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks. So just buy one pass, no need to buy Kansai thru pass and we can use the pass to take train to Kobe Sannomiya from Kansai airport instead of taking limousine bus, right？ Is the pass good for travelling to Hieizan？
Thanks
Mara
Hi Mara,
You don’t need to have Kansai thru pass. But you need to add some extra because this pass does not cover city bus, subway and non JR trains. For example, when you go to Nunobiki falls, you need to get Shin-Kobe. It’s one station away from Sannomiya by subway but subway is not covered. But it’s not a big deal. Kansai Hiroshima pass is your choice anyway.
You can take JR trains between KIX and Sannomiya. But there is no direct trains. The best route is taking limited express Haruka from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka. And transfer to Special Rapid to Sannomiya.
You cannot get Hieizan by only this pass. You have to take JR train to Hieizan-Sakamoto station by this pass. But after that, you have to pay extra for taking bus and ropeway.
http://www.hieizan.or.jp/_att/english.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Hello and good day to you. I will be travelling to Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara and back to Osaka. My itinerary is as follows. Appreciate if you could advise on the type of rail/bus passes that I should purchase.
Day 1 – Arrive in Kansai Airport (KIX). To take the Haruka from KIX to Kyoto Station. Arrive in Kyoto midday and check in at hotel near the Kyoto Station. To walk around to familiarise ourselves as well as to visit Gion – Shijo area. To take Bus Number 100 or 206 (Yen 230) from Kyoto Station to Gion. What kind of pass should I buy.
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Kyoto. Places to visit are Arashiyama & Sagano, Kinkaku-ji temple, Ginkaku-ji temple, take Sagano Sightseeing tram.
Day 3 – To visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in the morning and Nara in the afternoon. Both are accessible by the JR line. Can I use the 7 day JR Pass that I intend to buy?
Day 4 – To return to Osaka, Namba in the morning by Haruku. Sightseeing around Osaka, Namba.
Day 5 – Day trip to Kobe to see Himeji Castle and Kobe. To buy the JR West Kansai Area Pass. 1 Day pass for Yen 2,200.
Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka, Namba. To travel either by metro or bus.
Day 7 – Sightseeing in Osaka, Namba. To travel either by metro or bus.
Day 8 – Osaka, Namba to Kansai Airport for flight home. Will take the JR Kansai Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kansai Airport for Yen 1,160. Is there a cheaper alternative.
I have in mind to purchase the 7 day JR Pass at 29,110.
While in Kyoto, can I also use this JR Pass?
What is the Kyoto City Sightseeing Card – I thought it should be useful for Day 2 and 3. Could you please advise.
Sorry for the long email and thanks in advance.
Cheers.
Lily
Hi Lily,
Please see the link below. It is one of my sample itineraries. It’s almost same as your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
JR Pass is not required and it’s way more expensive than even single fare.
You can follow this itinerary but if you want to use Haruka to Namba, you should purchase 2 days Kansai area pass for this trip and to Kobe and Himeji next day.
The last day, if you are okay with transfer train at Namba, the following deal is cheaper.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com