You may travel in Kansai area only and not travel throughout Japan. You may have one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo. For these travelers, Kansai One Pass/ICOCA and Haruka gives you a good deal for the transfer from Kansai airport to Osaka or Kyoto, and the local sightseeing in Kansai region.
This deal gives you access to Osaka or Kyoto by the limited express Haruka and some preloaded e-money in ICOCA or Kansai One Pass.
I will tell you what this deal is and how to use it in this post.
What is Haruka?
Haruka is the limited express train which offers you a direct transfer from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. This train does not stop at Osaka station (Umeda). But it is only one station away from Shin-Osaka. This is only direct train service to Kyoto from KIX. If you go to Kyoto, I highly recommend to take this train because this is the fastest, most convenient and most reliable choice. Please see the post, Limited Express Haruka to get more details.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
These are e-money IC card. This deals included 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA or 2,500 yen e-money if you choose Kansai One Pass.
You can use this e-money not only JR trains but also Osaka subway, Kyoto subway, most of private train companies (Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu and many more) and even city bus in major cities, like Kyoto. You can use it to shop in the kiosk in the station, the nationwide convenience store (Lawson, Family Mart, Seven Eleven) and even some of major electronics retail store.
If you go to other major cities, like Tokyo, Nagoya, Sapporo, Hakata, Hiroshima after staying in Kansai area, you still can use ICOCA. So you can take most of trains in the other areas by ICOCA, such as subway in Tokyo, JR train in Sapporo and many more.
What is the difference between ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Kansai One Pass is basically same type card as ICOCA. But Kansai One Pass is available for an overseas tourist only. And the preload amount is 1,000 yen more than ICOCA.
You can take any trains and most of bus services in Kansai area by this card. The way of using Kansai One Pass is exactly same as ICOCA. The biggest feature of this card is offering a discount at many attractions in Kansai area. ICOCA does not offer any discount at the attraction. If you intend to purchase ICOCA, you should purchase Kansai One Pass instead.
You might think that 2,500 yen e-money is too much for your trip. But as I mentioned, you can use this e-money to buy something eat and/or drink in the major convenience store. It is not hard to spend 2,500 yen. You can include Kansai One Pass in ICOCA and Haruka package instead of ICOCA.
Please see the link below to find the detailed information of Kansai One Pass:
Price
Actually you can get only Haruka discount ticket which is Haruka riding ticket portion of ICOCA and Haruka if you have already got ICOCA card or Kansai One Pass.
ICOCA and Haruka price table
| Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,200 | 4,400 |
| Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 3,600 | 5,200 |
| Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 3,800 | 5,600 |
| Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 3,700 | 5,400 |
| Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,600 | 5,200 |
Haruka ticket only price table
| Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,200 | 2,400 |
| Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 1,600 | 2,200 |
| Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 1,800 | 3,600 |
| Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 1,700 | 2,400 |
| Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,600 | 3,200 |
- One way type ticket is only available both direction, such as KIX to Osaka and Osaka to KIX. But only the deal from KIX is available online. You cannot purchase the ticket to KIX online. You have to purchase it at the station after arrival.
- One way type ticket must be used on the day of purchase. Round trip ticket is valid for 14 days.
- ICOCA and Kansai One Pass can be used whenever you want. ICOCA and Kansai One Pass will be expires in case that you will not use these cards in 10 years at all. If you intend to come back to Japan in next 10 years, you still will be able to use same ICOCA or Kansai One Pass in next trip
- Haruka riding portion of this deal can allow you to use non reserved seat of Haruka or the other local and rapid train. You cannot take a reserved seat or the Green seat of Haruka and other limited express trains, such as the Shinkansen.
If your child is 5 years or younger, it is free of charge.
If you want to get only Haruka ticket without purchasing ICOCA or Kansai One Pass, you can buy a ticket at Klook:
Klook.comI will explain a price comparison later.
How about child deal
ICOCA and Haruka is not available for child. But if you travel between Kansai airport and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, Kansai Area Pass child rate is cheaper than a single fare.
If you want to compare the exact fare and the price of this pass, the single fare table can be found below. The child rate is applied to 6 years to 11 years old. 5 years old or younger child is free if you share your seat with your child. But when you take a train and there are lots of empty seat, you can give a seat to your child.
ICOCA can be purchased itself beside Kansai area pass. You cannot share your ICOCA Card with your child. Child ICOCA is available. But Please see the next chapter.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Most of you use ICOCA or Kansai One Pass to take a train. The biggest advantage of this card is that you do not have to purchase a ticket when you enter the station and take a train. All you have to do is touch your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at a ticket gate when you enter/exit station. It is automatically calculated and subtract a fare from your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can save your time when you take a train.
Even if you do not have enough fund in your ICOCA, you can still enter the station and take the trains. (But you must have minimum fares plus 500 yen deposit in this card.) You can add more fund before you enter/exit the station. You can add more fund in your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at other major cities where other IC cards are available, such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Hakata.
Actually 2,000 yen e-money in ICOCA (2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass) that is included in this deal also includes 500 yen deposit. Therefore your fund in your ICOCA is 1,500 yen and 2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass. If you empty this card and do not use it any more, you can get this 500 yen deposit refund at the station. But if you want to keep ICOCA card itself for your souvenir, you cannot get refund. Especially ICOCA card for this deal is designed for the overseas tourist. It looks different from common ICOCA card. There are two versions available, Wind or Thunder God on the screen (National treasure) or No.1 world famous Japanese character ‘Hello Kitty!’.
If you go to other than Kansai area and want to get refund, complete to use this ICOCA when you stay in Kansai area and get refund. You cannot get any refund in the other cities, like Tokyo.
Child ICOCA is sold at 2,000 yen that is 1,500 yen e-money and 500 yen deposit. It has same value as adult ICOCA card. But if your child use Child ICOCA, child fare is deducted to take a train. Child fare is half amount of adult fare. So it takes longer to spend 1,500 yen e-money than using adult ICOCA.
Please see the following link to get some more information about other IC cards:
How to use this deal
This deal includes 1,500 yen ICOCA e-money or 2,500 yen e-money in the card if you choose Kansai One Pass, and one way/round trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe. You cannot use this deal to Himeji, Wakayama and other than Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
If you go to Sannomiya, Kobe and other stations between Kobe and Shin-Osaka, you have to take Haruka to Shin-Osaka and transfer local, rapid or Special Rapid Service at Shin-Osaka. Of course this ticket covers all part of this trip. However the airport limousine bus runs between Kansai airport and Kobe directly. If you go to Kobe, the airport limousine bus is better way. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Kobe
If you go to Nara, Haruka takes you Tennoji. And then you have to change to Yamatoji Rapid Service to get Nara. There is no direct train services to Nara either. This is same as access to Kobe. The airport limousine bus takes you to Nara directly. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Nara
Price comparison to basic fare
Upper rate is basic fare and lower rate is non reserved seat limited express surcharge.
| Adult (12 yrs and up) | Child (6-11 yrs) | |
|---|---|---|
| KIX – Tennoji | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
| KIX – JR Namba | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
| KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1360 yen 970 yen | 680 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Osaka (Umeda) | 1190 yen 970 yen | 590 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Kyoto | 1880 yen 970 yen | 940 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Sannomiya | 1710 yen 970 yen | 860 yen 480 yen |
This deal is cheaper for all destinations than the regular fares.
Compare to other deals, Nankai Railway deals, JR West Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass
If you travel to Shin-Imamiya or Namba, you can take Nankai Railway. The basic fare is only 930 yen if you take the airport express train. Nankai Namba station is located at central of Namba and it is much better location than JR Namba. Even if you want ICOCA, you can purchase only ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can buy one of these cards and start using to take the train from KIX right away.
If you go to somewhere in Osaka, like Shinsaibashi, Nihonbashi, Uehonmachi, by subway, Nankai Namba is much easier location to transfer to subway Namba station. If you have very tight budget, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket is sold at 1,020 yen. This includes Nankai Railway one way basic fare between Kansai airport and Namba and one way trip to/from any Osaka Metro stations. As I mentioned, basic fare from KIX to Namba by Nankai Railway is 930 yen. Osaka Metro fare is starting at 180 yen. If you have the shortest trip, like from Namba to Shinsaibashi, the total fare (Nankai plus Subway) is 1,110 yen. You can use this deal, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket for the trip to Umeda where is same location as JR Osaka station. Osaka Metro Midosuji line can take you from Namba to Umeda. This is cheaper than JR basic fare 1,210 yen. If you want to get more information about Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket, please see Nankai Railways website.
If you go to Nara by the train after you arrive in KIX, you may consider to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass. Kintetsu Railway is better to access to Nara because Kintetsu Nara station is better location than JR Nara station. So I recommend you to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass to get Nara. Please see the post, How to access to Nara.
If you go to Himeji, JR West Kansai Area Pass is the best and the fastest. Kansai Thru Pass can be used to get Himeji. But it is too many transfers and spend many hours. JR trains, Haruka and Special Rapid Service, are much faster.
I explained all deals for airport access at the link below. Please refer this post too.
Comments
Dear Takeshi-san,
I will be arriving at KIX on the 26th Sep at 10.30pm. I was wondering whether the JR Ticket Office at Kansai Airport is still open at that time as I would like to get the ICOCA & Haruka ticket.
Hi Suzanne san,
Unfortunately I don’t think you can purchase it on arrival day. It’s open until 23:00. You will spend usually one hour to clear custom and immigration. I don’t think you can get the window by 23:00. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi again Takeshi-san,
Since I will not be able to purchase the ICOCA & Haruka ticket/card. Will I be able to purchase it online before I arrive in Japan?
If online purchase is not possible also, how much is the Haruka train ticket to Kyoto one-way?
Also can I purchase the ICOCA & Haruka ticket at any other JR ticketing office outside of KIX for my return trip from Kyoto to KIX on the 4 Oct.
Thank you.
Hi Suzanne san,
Even if you purchase it online, you still need to exchange it at KIX station. And you may not be able to take even the last local train. Have you read the link about late arrival in KIX? I think your only choice is limousine bus. Because the train depart at 23:09.
ICOCA and Haruka one way cannot be used for only trip to KIX. One way deal is applicable to the trip from KIX only. If you want to take Haruka from Kyoto station, JR West Kansai Area Pass is your choice.
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
But this is only one day unlimited ride pass. It does not include ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
From your post/feedback, I had learnt so much about it regarding ICOCA card.
But I am still very troubled by the passes although I had seek for many advice.
From the advice, I made below Itinerary,
1st day – ICOCA+Haruka (Osaka)
2nd day – Kaiyukan Pass (Aquarium)
3rd day – Hanshin Tourist Pass (Kobe)
4th day – ICOCA (Nara)
5th day – ICOCA (Osaka) – Universal Studio
Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 days)
6th day – Kinosaki Onsen
7th day – Himeji
8th day – Kyoto (Bicycle)
9th day – Kyoto (Bicycle)
10th day – Kyoto – KIX Airport (Kansai Wide Area Pass?)
I understand Kansai Wide Area Pass doesn’t help with Kyoto travel, do you reckon I just use ICOCA card during my stay in Kyoto in case I can’t reach some attraction with bicycle?
Do you think this itinerary is okay? I am free to change anything (Date,Stay,etcs), just looking to eliminate any unnecessary cost..
Hi Lee san,
Your itinerary is great. It’s ready to go!
In Kyoto, you may use all day bus pass. It’s only 500 yen. If you ride a bus more than 4 times (maybe two places), it will be paid off.
Of course you can use ICOCA but your ICOCA will be almost empty because you will use it for Nara and USJ.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
A group of us will be travelling to osaka, nagoya, shirakawa-go & kyoto during Nov 15.
Day 1 – arrive at kansai airport, we want to direct travel to nagoya, so can we use Haruka pass from kansai airport up to Kyoto, then from kyoto to nagoya, can we use the ICOCA or we need to buy other train ticket ? Do we need to transfer train station ?
How much fare for Haruka+ICOCA pass we need to pay for adult & children ? Because some need only one way & some need round trip.
If we can use haruka pass up to kyoto, then how much money left inside the ICOCA pass ?
Can we still using the ICOCA pass for the other city transfer as below or we need to buy other pass
1) Nagoya-Takayama-Nagoya
2) Takayama-Shirakawago-Takayama
3) Nagoya-Kyoto
4) Kyoto-Arashiyama
5) Kyoto-Osaka
6) Osaka-Kansai Int Airport
Hope to hear from you
thanks
Hi LC san,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka to get Kyoto. At this point, you don’t need to touch ICOCA money. So 1500 yen is still in the card.
When you go to Nagoya, you cannot use ICOCA. You have to pay regular fare to get Nagoya from Kyoto. You may find the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Children under 6 years is free basically. But when you take Shinkansen or other limited express train and you want to reserve a seat for children under 6 years old, you have to pay regular child fare (6-12 years old) that is half amount of adult fare. If you (or someone in your group) are okay to share your seat with child, it’s still free of charge.
Takayama Hokruiku Area Pass is recommended for Takayama and Shirakawago.
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
If you are okay to take Kanazawa route to get back to Kyoto, you don’t need to pay the fare to Kyoto. But if you want to go back to Nagoya and then go to Kyoto, you have to pay the fare from Nagoya to Kyoto. Because this pass covers Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shirakawago (or Toyama)-Takayama. But it does not cover for Nagoya-Kyoto.
If you complete to get KIX from Nagoya in 5 days, it covers until you arrive in KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
If I only need Haruka & ICOCA for one way, that mean I need to pay 3030 for adult & half price 1510 for children which is age 7 ?
from Kansai airport direct to Kyoto will be using 1030 Yen, am i correct ?
Can this ICOCA pass balance of 1500 be use for Kyoto to Osaka or Kyoto to Arashiyama ?
If they opt for haruka return pass, it mean they only need to tap the pass when they reach Kansai airport, instead of reach kyoto on the day 1 arrive ?
thanks
Hi LC san,
Unfortunately ICOCA and Haruka is not available for child. You have to pay regular fare for child and if you want to have ICOCA for child, you have to purchase ICOCA card only. You can purchase these when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka at KIX. ICOCA card must be used for one passenger only. Even if you have lots of fund in ICOCA, you cannot share it with anybody.
You can use ICOCA for Arashiyama, Osaka, Kyoto. You also can use ICOCA for other railways, like subway and local bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
If i have balance unused inside the ICOCA card, can it be refund together with the 500 Yen deposit at the end of the day ?
Refund only can make at Kansai Airport ?
Is ICOCA card can use for SHINKANSEN ?
thanks
Hi LC,
Please see the following link to get the detail of refund rule.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
Refund can be made at most of JR stations in Kansai area.
ICOCA can be used in same area only, like travel from Kyoto to Osaka. You cannot use it for the trip cross the border, like JR West area (Osaka, Kyoto) to JR Central area (like Nagoya). Basically you cannot use ICOCA for Shinkansen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
If we have a kid with age 7-8, when all adult using Haruka+ICOCA pass to go Kyoto from Kansai airport, are we have to buy one single haruka train ticket for this child to travel from Kansai airport to Kyoto OR we can just buy ICOCA for her where she can use the money inside the ICOCA to travel from Kansai airport to kyoto with us.
If using single ticket, how much need to pay for a child from Kansai to Kyoto ?
If using ICOCA, is that mean the child also need to use 2000 Yen to buy just the ICOCA (1500 to use and 500 as deposit) or there is children fare for ICOCA
Regards
Hi LC,
Child rate is half of adult fare.
Child ICOCA is available. If your kid will use this, child base fare (half amount of adult fare) is automatically deducted when your kid exit a station. ICOCA can be used for Kansai to Kyoto base fare. But limited express supplement cannot be covered by ICOCA. You have to buy child rate express supplement ticket before on board.
The price of Child ICOCA is also 2000 yen (1500 yen e-money + 500 yen deposit)
You can find fare table in the post above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi takeshi-san!
Your post is very helpful! Im planning to visit my friend in konan-shi shiga ken, how can o get there from kansai airport? And about the ICOCA & Haruka, where can i buy that ICOCA? after purchasing the haruka from the machine, do I need to insert it in the ticket gate? It is my first to travel alone so I hope you can help me. Thankyou!
Hi Mariel san,
There are some stations in Konan city. But you may take limited express Haruka from Kansai airport anyway.
Most of Haruka go to Kyoto station only. So you have to transfer to local train at Kyoto. And you need to travel to Kusatsu station. And then I believe you have to transfer one more time at Kusatsu and take Kusatsu line train. Please ask your friend which station you need to go. I think it’s a few stations away from Kusatsu. But as I mentioned, there are a few stations in Konan city. I don’t know which one is your friend’s place.
You have two choices to choose the deal.
First one is ICOCA and Haruka. If you use this, you don’t need to use ICOCA when you take Haruka at Kansai airport. This deal includes Haruka ticket and ICOCA. Haruka ticket covers the trip to Kyoto by Haruka. You can use ICOCA from Kyoto station to somewhere in Konan city. In this case, you have to exit Kyoto station and then tap ICOCA at the ticket gate. If you don’t want to exit Kyoto station, you can continue the travel from Kyoto to Konan city. But you have to pay extra for Kyoto to Konan city when you exit the station in Konan city. I believe extra fare is around 500 yen.
The other choice is Kansai Area Pass.
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
It covers all part of your trip from Kansai airport to Konan city.
So if you want to use ICOCA to visit some places after you meet your friend, ICOCA and Haruka is better. If you want to have easy way to get Konan city, Kansai area pass is better. You can purchase only ICOCA card later at other JR stations too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thankyou for your reaponse takeshi-san! I guess I’ll go with haruka icoca, I can save more than jr west pass right? After I purchase that package do I need to tap the icoca card at the gate?
Hi Marie,
You don’t need to tap at Kansai airport. You need to tap when you use it.
As I told you, if you want to use ICOCA from Kyoto, you need to exit the station and tap ICOCA to enter the station. If you tap it at KIX, you will lose your money in ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
My friends and I will be embarking on a 8 day trip to Japan and are really clueless on which pass to get as there are just so many available.
We will be landing in Kansai International Airport first before heading straight to Kyoto. We’ll be staying in Kyoto for 3 days before heading back to Osaka. While in Osaka, we’ll travel around in Osaka as well as make a day trip to Nara and maybe Kobe. Thereafter we’ll be heading back to Kansai International Airport from Osaka.
May I ask you to advise on which pass we can get which is the most affordable option? Thank you so much for your help!
Warm Regards,
Marissa
Hi Marissa,
I have very similar sample itinerary to your plan. Please see the following post to 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
Hello Takeshi-san,
I will be travelling to Osaka next year on Feb, I will have my base in Osaka (around Uehonmachi area) and I has planned my trip as below.
Day 1: Osaka
Day 2: Day trip to Nara
Day 3: Day trip to Kyoto
Day 4: Day trip to Kinosaki
Day 5: Osaka
I will most likely purchase the JR Wide Kansai Area Pass for the Kinosaki trip and in case I have to use JR around Osaka and other areas too. I’m just wondering if I should get an extra 3-day Kansai Thru Pass for Osaka/Nara/Kyoto, or get the Haruka/ICOCA deal because it can last for all my stay period and can be use to shop too. Can you advise me which of them is the best?
Hi Jean san,
You don’t need to have both Kansai thru pass and ICOCA & Haruka. Kansai Wide Area pass is valid for 5 days. You can take Haruka for both way by this pass.
You cannot get somewhere in Osaka and Kyoto by JR trains. Please see the following post:
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
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
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
You have no problem to get Nara by JR trains and mostly okay in Osaka too. You may add single fare for subway as you need. You may purchase subway pass in you want.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
In Kyoto, most of places cannot be accessed by JR train. You may add subway/bus deal. You can get Kyoto by JR train anyway.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san for the reply.
So would it be better to just have the JR Wide Area Pass and then buy different city passes for Kyoto and Nara because the single fare doesn’t seem to be very expensive?
And will the combination of JR pass+Thru pass pay off for my planned trip?
Hi Jean san,
You don’t need to have Kansai thru pass and forget about it. As long as you have Kansai wide area pass, you can use this pass to get other cities, like Nara and Kyoto. Purchasing Kansai thru pass is just wasting your budget. You may need to have city pass in Kyoto. Kansai wide area pass should be okay for other cities.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Your travel advise is most helpful to many visitors to Japan. Appreciate to get some suggestions from you for our visit to Japan. Will be flying into Nagoya Chubu Airport this September 15, 20.00hrs and departing from Tokyo Narita on September 26, 11.45hrs..
My innitial plan is to stay in Nagoya for 3 nights, Kyoto for 2 nights, Osaka for 2 nights and then to Tokyo by Sept 22..
My wish is also to visit Hakone/ Mt.Fuji and perhaps Yokohama which i learned is quite near to Tokyo.. We like to do sightseeing of both old and modern sites.
I am open to change my plans for any routes that is not too expensive. This is our first visit to Japan. Please help to suggest a simple Itinerary that would be most suitable to cover the period of our 10days/11nights stay.
Thank you very much.
Peter Yew from The Philippines..
Hi Peter,
I recommend you to visit some more places when you are in Nagoya. Takayama and Kiso valley can be made as day trip from Nagoya and highly recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5900.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html
If you are okay to visit these places, you can use JR pass 7 days. You can start to use JR pass on day 2 and it will cover until you arrive in Tokyo. JR Pass 7 days is too expensive if you use the pass for Nagoya-Kyoto/Osaka-Toiyo. But if you visit one of these places, JR Pass will work. JR Pass is much more useful and easy to handle.
The following links show you how to use JR Pass in Osaka and Kyoto.
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
Either Hakone or Fuji can be made as day trip from Tokyo if you want. There are several deals to cover these place.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
At last, the following link shows you about trip in Tokyo. Yokohama is okay by single fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Your post is so helpful. We are planning to fly in and out Osaka. Planning to go Osaka,Kyoto,Nara and Kobe or Himeiji. The duration will be 7 days. Should we base in one hotel or should we change our hotels? If we base in one hotel and travel to each place as a day trip, should we get a kansai tru pass or IC &ICOCA card? Because Kansai tru card is only for 3 days means i need to get 2 3 days Kansai tru card.
Hi Janice,
If you don’t want to move with luggage, you can stay in one place and make day trips. The following link shows you how to build itinerary in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
At this point, we cannot pick the deals. You need to fix the itinerary first. Single fare and city pass may be cheaper if you change the hotels.
I recommend you to see the link below. It show you another itinerary that include staying in Kyoto and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I have roughly draw out my itinerary:-
Day 1: KIX-KYOTO ETA 7.15am (staying near Nijojo-Mae station)
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto-Osaka (staying near Shinsaibashi Station)
Day 5: Osaka-Himeiji-Osaka
Day 6: Sight seeing Osaka
Day 7: Osaka-KIX
I am thinking to get the HARUKO/ICOCA pass for day 1, 2, 6 and 7 and Kansai Pass for day 3,4,5. Am I right?
Thank you very much.
Janice
Hi Janice,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for both arrival and departure days. And ICOCA e-money is towards to day trip to Nara. You will have some more fund in ICOCA after trip to Nara. But it’s not enough to cover trip in Kyoto. You can use ICOCA for trip to Osaka on day 4.
For day 2, you can use all day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
For day 5, Kansai area pass 1 day is your choice.
For day 6 and may be day 4 (if you explore in Osaka after moving from Kyoto), subway pass or Amazing pass is recommended.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I plan to visit Kurobe Alpine & Takayama after my visit to Tokyo in Sept. Would like to get your opinion on the following itinerary.
Tokyo –> overnight at Shinano Omachi or Matsumoto –> Tateyama Alpine –> overnight at Toyama –> Takayama
Is it advisable to take such route? Or u hv other better recommendations? Thks
Hi YL Yeong san,
I don’t have anything to say about route. But you may get Takayama after finish Alpine route. Especially if you stay in Shinano-Omachi, you can start early morning. The last limited express “Wide View Hida” depart from Toyama at 17:10. After this train depart, there are some more local train to get Takayama. But it takes long and need to transfer at least once. It’s not recommended. So if you are okay to skip Toyama and intend to arrive at Toyama by 17:00, you may get Takayama around 18:40. I think it’s not impossible to get Toyama by 17:00.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Tqvm Takeshi-san!
Dear Takeshi San
Thanks for the valuable feedback much appreciated.
I will take your advice to use Kansai Thru pass for Mt Koya and Kyoto. For the E-card, I will purchase ICOCA.
1) Just wish to seek your final confirmation that whether my comparison on single fare to Kobe for Arima and Mt Rokko 5450 yen and using Arima and Mt Rokko pass 2460 yen is correct :
Namba return – sannomiya hansin line 1120
Sannomiya- arimaonsen station 1860
Mt Rokko cable car return 1820
Kinsen Onsen bath admission fees 650
2) I noticed following week the weather in Kansai areas maybe quite wet with thunderstorm to be expected, just wondering the pattern of the raining season in summer will the thunderstorm last whole day or just a short duration and mostly happen in the afternoon ?
Thanks again.
Hi Yin san,
1) I think you are right. But I did not calculate one by one. Sorry but if I do this, I have to calculate the fare for all readers. I cannot do this. So please understand it.
2) It’s usually happens late afternoon. However in these days, the weather sometime change very drastically and extremely because of may be global warming. So it’s very hard to guess long term forecast. Please check the weather forecast very often and update the information.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi ,
Thanks again, no worry I understand.
BTW, can I get the Arima Onsen and Mt Rokko pass at Kansai Airport Tourist information center or I need to go to Umeda station to locate Hanshin Railway or Hankyu Railway to purchase?
Thanks.
Yin
Hi Yin,
It’s not sold at Kansai airport. You have to go to Umeda station of Hanshin railway. You can’t purchase Hanshin Railway’s Airma Rokko Pass at Hankyu Umeda station. You can get back to Namba by only Hanshin Railway’s Arima Rokko Pass because only Hanshin has line to Namba. As probably you know, it’s closed to your base, Shin-Imamiya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thanks for prompt reply. Sorry to bother you again on following :
I have finalise my next week trip 12 August to Osaka as following itinerary:
Day1- KIX Kansai Airport –> Osaka, Hotel Shin-Imamiya , Kaiyukan Aquarium
Day2 – Osaka – Kobe – Arima Onsen, Mt Rokko, Kobe Chinatown
Day3 -Osaka – Mt Koya
Day4 -Osaka – Kyoto – stay 2day 2nights
Day6 – Osaka – Nara – stay 1 night – The deer park Inn
Day7 – Nara – Osaka – Kuromon Ichiba ,Osaka Castle etc
Day 8 – Osaka – KX Airport
1) Day 1 to KX and tour around Osaka – Nankai Amazing pass
2) Day 2 and 3 day trip to Kobe and Mt Koya – Kansai Thru pass to buy upon arrival at KX airport on day 1.
3) Day 4 to Kyoto – Walk to Dobutsuenmae Station-Subway Sakaisuji Line- ¥610*2 using Hankyu Kyoto line – Kyoto Station. I am staying near Nijo Castle.
In Kyoto, may opt to take bus or subway to get to the major attractions – such as Ariyama etc
4) Day 6 to Nara – Shinimamiya Station -Train Osaka Loop Line-Train-Kintetsu Nara Line – ¥650 *2 return trip
5) Day 8 – Shinimamiya Station – TrainNankai Limited Express Nankai Main Line- Kansai Airport ¥920
My questions are:
1) Other than the Amazing pass and 2 days Kansai thru pass that I am going to use on 1) and 2) as agreed by you in my previous post, is there any other good pass that can help me for Kyoto and Nara and also return trip back to KX airport on my final day ?
2) I understand that taking bus and subway may need to use small cash and coin, so I am planning to get a E card for this purpose, is the ICOCA applicable to me ? or Pasmo card is more suitable to me since I am using mostly subway and non JR line ?
3) Day 2 – day trip to Kobe my itinerary to cover onsen, mt rokko and kobe town and harbor visit is this schedule too tight?
Thanks a lot, your feedback really valuable to me as I am solo female traveler and this is the first backpack trip for me and I only know a few words of Japanese.
Arigatou gozaimasu.
regards,
yin
Dear Takeshi San:
Follow-up above post, I went thru your other post on Kobe, I found that you mentioned on the Arima and Mt Rokko day pass. I just wish to ask if I opt for Hankyu line Arima Mt Rokko pass will it be better option than I use the Kansai thru pass ?
If I buy this pass, can I keep the Kansai thru pass to use on my Kyoto trip?
Hi Yin san,
I have just replied to your previous inquiry. If you take this pass, you can use Kansai thru pass for Kyoto as I mentioned.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail.com
Hi Yin san,
1) You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for Kobe, Mt. Koya and Kyoto. Kansai thru pass is worth using in Kyoto most. It covers subway in both Kyoto and Osaka, Hankyu, and city bus in Kyoto. Everything is covered by this pass.
On the other hand, regarding Nara, I still recommend you to use single fare. Because it’s one night two days trip. Single fare is cheaper. But if you will visit the spots outside Nara city, like Houryu-ji temple, Kintetsu Rail Pass 2 days is considerable.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-1day2day.html
If you need just return trip to Nara from Osaka, single fare is better.
2) Both cards are find. The only difference is the way to add fund into card. If you have ICOCA, you have to add fund at JR station and need to go to subway or other private trains station. like Hankyu, for Pasmo. Both cards can be used for any trains.
3) It’s tight but no problem if you spend whole day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com