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
Hi
I will be gog Japan next mth.
My plan is
DAY 1 stay a night at osaka
DAY 2 TO 4 at kyoto
DAY 5 back to osaka
DAY 6 nara
DAY 7: osaka aquarium
DAY 8: universal studio
DAY 9 osaka then to airport
Thus which is the best pass to get?
Hi Takeshi-san
If i did not go Kyoto straight so that meas i should not get the ICOCA and Haruka ticket?
My plan was:
Day 1: arrived around 10pm at KIX, take limousine bus to Nishi umeda and check in Hotel to stay a night
Day 2: Head to Citadines Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, Fushimi Inari Shrine , Nishiki Market, Aeon Mall, Kyoto Tower
Day 3: Arashiyama, Tenryuji , Kinkaku-ji Temple
Day 4: Kiyomizudera, Kyoto Jishu Shrine, Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine , Gion
Day 5: Back to Osaka: Kuromon Ichiba Market, Shitennoji Temple, Dotonbori , Shinsaibashi
Day 6: Osaka to Nara 1 day
Day 7: Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) , Shinsekai , Umeda Sky Building
Day 8: Universal Building
Day 9: Osaka Castle , Rinku Premium Outlet Mall, Airport
For Kyoto should I just get the 500yen/day bus pass or Kyoto 2day sightseeing pass 2000yen
For Nara should I get the Nara Ikaruga 1day pass?
For Osaka 1 day ECO Card, 2day amazing pass?
Is it more worth?
The various pass had made me very confused which to chose..
Thanks
Jane
Hi Jane,
If you visit center of Nara only, like Todai-ji temple (Big Buddha), single ticket is okay for day 6. But if you intend to visit some more places in other part of Nara, like Houryu-ji temple, this pass suit your plan.
I don’t think you need Amazing pass. If you will visit 3 or 4 more attraction in one day, this pass will work. Otherwise Eco card is okay. And Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is a good choice for your trip in day 7.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I have decided to use ICOCA & Haruka ticket. (Non reserved seat)
1. I will arrive in KIX and go direct to Kyoto by Haruka. Stay for 4 days.
2. Then return to Namba by JR Trains and stay for 5 days.
3. And then go back to KIX. Which train to take?
Please advise should I buy a One Way Trip or Return Trip? Which is cheaper?
Thanks
Gary Kong
Hi Gary san,
You have two choices.
If you use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket, you can take local train from JR-Namba station to Tennoji and transfer to Haruka there.
If you use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket, you can use Nankai Railway’s deal, Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Tokuwari_Rapit_Ticket_Kanku-Webtoku_Ticket
ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket is cheaper but Nankai Railway gives you direct access to KIX from Namba. And also JR-Namba station is not located in the heart of Namba, but Nankai railway’s Namaba is.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
First of all, allow me to apologize if this comment/questions is long. It’s my first time planning a Japan itinerary for 4 people and I am bit intimidated with transportation part of it.
I am a bit confused as to which transportation card to buy for our 3-day stay in Osaka. I am torn amongst the three:
1. Kansai Thru Pass (3-Day Pass) – 5,200Yen
2. JR West Kansai Area Pass (3-Day Pass) – 5,300Yen
3. ICOCA and Haruka One-Way Ticket Deal – 3,030Yen.
I think the ICOCA and Haruka One-Way Ticket Deal is more appropriate; however, I would like to get your opinion. This is our itinerary in Osaka (before going to Tokyo):
Day 1 (November 25, 2015): Arrival at KIX via Cathay Pacific at around 12:40PM. Buy the ICOCA and Haruka One-Way Ticket Deal. Use Haruka ticket to travel to Shin-Osaka Station (where we hope to book an AirBnb apartment). Use ICOCA card to travel to Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.
Day 2 (November 26, 2015): Use ICOCA to travel to Universal Studios (Depart Shin-Osaka Station via Tokaido-Sanyo Line. Arrival at Osaka Station and transfer to Osaka Loop Line. Depart Osaka Station and travel to Nishi-Kujo Station and transfer to Sakurajima Line. Depart Nishi-Kujo Station and travel to Universal City Station. Walk to Universal Studios). One-way cost is around 220Yen to 300Yen.
Day 3 (November 27, 2015): Use ICOCA to travel via JR Special Rapid Train to Kyoto Station. Use ICOCA to travel from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (Nara Line). Use ICOCA to go back to Kyoto Station and to travel to Saga-Arashiyama Station (San-In Line aka JR Sagano Line). Use ICOCA to travel back to Shin-Osaka Station.
Day 4 (November 28, 2015): We’re torn if we are going to Tokyo on this day or extend for one more day and explore Osaka; however, if we do decide to stay in Osaka for one more day, we can use ICOCA to travel around the area, right? Since this card does not have an expiration, unlike the Kansai Thru Pass that has a limit/maximum of 3-Day pass?
Do you think the ICOCA-Haruka Deal is the best option for our trip? Considering that we are still undecided if we’re extending the Osaka leg or not. Besides, the only side-trip we’re taking for sure is the Kyoto trip.
I would also like to verify the following:
1. Can we can reload/recharge the ICOCA card in any station in Osaka and Kyoto?
2. If I read correctly in one of your answers on this post, ICOCA can now be used in Tokyo? Since we are going to Tokyo after the Osaka leg of our trip, we’d rather just keep the ICOCA card and use that to travel around Tokyo. What I’m thinking is that we can use ICOCA anywhere in Tokyo where Suica Card can be used. Is this correct? Or should we just refund the ICOCA and but a Suica Card when we get to Tokyo?
3. If we decide to add another side trip to the Osaka leg, can we use the ICOCA to travel to and within Nara?
Hi Rage san,
ICOCA and Haruka is the good choice. Haruka is only direct train to Shin-Osaka. But if you want to save your cost, Yokoso Osaka ticket is considerable. You have to change the train at Namba to get Shin-Osaka. But this pass gives you unlimited ride of subway in Osaka and price is very affordable.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
ICOCA is very convenient. But remember that it does not give you any discount. It gives you exactly same value as cash. You can use this card instead of single ticket, like trip to USJ, and trip to Inari and Arashiyama. You don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one. But if you make lots of train trips, think about unlimited ride deal. If you stay in Osaka on day 4, subway pass is better idea than ICOCA.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Even if you use Yokoso Osaka ticket for arrival day, you still can purchase ICOCA itself. You can load more fund into ICOCA at almost any stations in Kansai area. Actually you can load at major stations in Tokyo too. Of course you can use ICOCA to take any trains in Tokyo too.
You can use it for trip to Nara. But if you intend to visit Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Nara in one day, Kansai area pass is better than using ICOCA.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san!
Thank you very much for your very prompt response and for the information you have provided. I have revised our itinerary for the Kansai leg of our trip. We have decided to just use the ICOCA card to go around Osaka on Day 1 and Day 2. This is because I can’t seem to find a card that would be cheap enough to purchase and would also give us discounts for every ride that we take. Considering that we are only going to a few tourists spots in Osaka anyway (Day 1 and Day 2).
We have also decided NOT to take trip to Nara. Day 3 would be a whole day spent in Kyoto, going from one tourist site to the another.
I found out that there is a special transport card that can be used to go sightseeing in Kyoto. It’s called the Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day (or Two-Day) Pass that costs 1,200Yen (or 2,000Yen). From the description, I think we can use it on “all Kyoto City Buses”, “all Kyoto Subway trains”, and “most buses run by Kyoto Bus company”.
I tried to create a Day 3 (Kyoto) itinerary with this transportation card in mind. It seems that going from one Kyoto tourist site to the other would really cost a lot and using the ICOCA card here (no discount, as you have mentioned before) would surely break our budget.
I am not sure if the Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass card will help us go to those sites (first to Arashiyama’s Tenryuji Temple and Bamboo Grove, then to Nijo Castle, and then to Fushimi Inari Taisha) and/or if there are other tourist sites we can add/include aside from those 4 that I have mentioned. I think I misunderstood what modes of transportation this card covers. For example, the first time I researched, I found out that we can go to Fushimi Inari via the JR Nara Line; however,I think that the JR Nara Line is not covered by the Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass.
I would like to get your opinion regarding my choice of transportation card for the itinerary I have revised.
DAY 1 – November 25 (Half Day; using ICOCA&Haruka One-Way Type Ticket)
* Arrival at Shin-Osaka Station from KIX using discounted JR Haruka ticket.
* Check-in at accommodation at around 3PM.
* Go to Osaka Castle using ICOCA (from Shin-Osaka Staiton).
* Then go to Shinsaibashi-suji using ICOCA (from Tanimachi 4-chome Station).
* Walk through shopping arcade all the way down to Dotonbori.
* Go back to accommodation using ICOCA (from Namba Station).
DAY 2 – November 26 (Full Day; using ICOCA)
* Reload ICOCA Card at Shin-Osaka Station (additional 2,000Yen).
* Travel to Universal Studios using ICOCA (from Shin-Osaka Station).
* Spend whole day at Universal Studios.
* Travel to Namba in the early evening using ICOCA (from Universal City Station).
* Explore Namba at night.
* Go back to accommodation using ICOCA (from Namba Station).
DAY 3 – November 27 (Full Day; using ICOCA and Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass)
* Travel to Kyoto Station via JR Special Rapid Service using ICOCA (from Shin-Osaka Station).
* Buy Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass at Kyoto Station.
* Travel to Arashiyama using Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass (Bus or Subway). Visit Tenryu-ji Temple. Then head on to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
* Travel to Nijo Castle using Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass (Bus or Subway). Explore Nijo Castle.
* Travel to Fushimi Inari Taisha using Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass (Bus or Subway). Explore.
* See if there are other tourists spots we can go to using the Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass.
* Go back to Kyoto Station using Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass.
* Travel back to Shin-Osaka Station using ICOCA (from Kyoto Station).
I know that we cannot replace the ICOCA&Haruka One-Way Type and the Kyoto Sightseeing One-Day Pass with the JR West Kansai Area Pass. The JR West Kansai Area pass does not cover private railways and subways.
Your assistance would be much appreciated, Takeshi-san. I highly value your advise and expertise regarding this matter. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. The itinerary is pretty much set and ready to go, it really is just a matter of which transportation card we’ll use in Kyoto.
Again, thank you very much and I’m hoping for your kindest assistance and consideration.
Hi Rage,
Your plan is very organized. I don’t have anything to comment.
You have picked a right choice. Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have similar route like Jeffrey below, but I have different question.
My itinerary for 9 days: KIX – Osaka – Tokyo – Kyoto – KIX
I buy JR pass to go to Tokyo and will use it for last 7 days.
My questions:
Since my JR pass still valid on last day, does JR pass cover the train from Kyoto to Kansai Airport ?
Should I buy 1 way or round trip Haruka ticket?
I going with 5 people, so if I buy 1-way only, can save 6000 yen.
Appreciate your answer, thanks
Hi Arie,
If you use JR Pass for the last 7 days, it covers trip to KIX by Haruka fully. You don’t need to purchase any tickets.
You can buy one way ICOCA and Haruka for arrival day. But there are lots of deals from KIX to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi,
Thanks for your fast response, yes, so many options until I am headache.
I am staying at Tenmabashi, so I will stop at Tennoji from KIX, then take subway.
Which train is better if I bring large luggage, Haruka or Kansai Airport Rapid Service, and less people?
Thanks
Arie
Hi Arie,
Haruka is recommended. If you take rapid, you may not be able to sit down. It’s a sort of commute train. Haruka is faster and more comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
1st visit to Japan. Here is my itinerary for my Kansai trip
Day 1 – Arr.KIX, ETA 9pm & direct to Kyoto
Day 4 – From Kyoto to Osaka city
Day 6 – Day trip from Osaka city-Kobe-Osaka City
Day 7 – Day trip Osaka City-Wakayama-Osaka City
Day 8 – Day trip Osaka City-Himeji-Osaka City
Day 9 – Depart Osaka City to KIX
Greatly appreciate your help to suggest which train lines/bus/taxi to reach above destinations with shortest possible travelling time.
Thank you.
Hi Jeffrey san,
I have very similar sample itinerary to your plan. Please refer the link below. 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
The following link may help you to build your plan too.
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-san,
Can ICOCA can be used wherever SUICA or PASMO card is acceptable? I will be travelling to Osaka then Tokyo. Can I reload my ICOCA in Tokyo and use it for subway rides?
Thank you.
Hi Xiaomin san,
Yes. You can do it at many of JR stations in Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
I would like to ask for your assistance. I’m going to Japan this Saturday for 1 week. Here’s my itinerary. We are a family of 5. Please kindly advise me what card/package to buy to make my trip convenient and economical. I want to make sure I get value for money.
Day 1 – Arrive in Osaka -> Going directly to Kyoto upon arrival.
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto->Nara
Day 4 – Kyoto->Himeji->Hiroshima
Day 5 – Hiroshima->Miyajima->Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka (Leaving in the afternoon, flight back home)
**Hotels are book as follows:
3 nights in Kyoto
1 night in Hiroshima
2 nights in Osaka
**I already bought JR Pass (Kansai-Hiroshima) Area pass worth 13,000 yen for 5 days.
**I’ve been hearing about ICOCA and SUICA card? what are these?
Hope you could assist me on this. Thanks!
Hi John,
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass will cover the first 5 days of your trip. But many places in Kyoto cannot be accessed by JR trains. You may need to add Kyoto city deals:
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
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
After you come back to Osaka, you can use subway deal for exploring Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
If you intend to visit many attractions, Osaka Amazing pass is recommended.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
At last, there are some deals to get KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
I don’t think you need to have ICOCA. It’s IC card and make it your trip be easier. But it does not give you any discount.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the detailed explanation. : )
Can we get the ICOCA and Haruka Express (round trip) and not use it immediately? I have another pass and will only need to use it from Kansai Airport about a week later. Or must I use it from the moment of purchase?
Thanks so much.
Hi Celt,
I believe you can do. But actually I have never tried that way before. In my experience, we can do that way to use other pass. That’s why you can do same way for ICOCA and Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I will be staying in Osaka for 5 nights, near Nishinakajima-Minamigata station.
I will be arriving at Kansai International Airport quite late at night (10.30pm). Will I still be able to take the Haruka train at this time?
Also, I will be making a day trip to Kyoto. Is this when ICOCA tickets comes into use?
As mentioned in the last part of this article, it is better not to use the ICOCA ticket for public railways. Would a day pass (for Osaka & Kyoto) be suggested in my situation?
Thank you .
Hi Angeline,
You cannot take Haruka because it’s too late. Actually you may not be able to take even last train. I think your way to get Osaka is midnight bus.
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
You can get Umeda by the bus but there is no public transportation available to get Nishinakajima-Minamikata. It’s not far from Umeda but you have some baggage. I recommend you to take taxi to get your hotel. I don’t have an exact taxi rate. But I guess it’s 1000 to 1500 yen.
You can purchase ICOCA itself if you want. But it gives you same value as cash. It’s not required.
I explain about building the itinerary at the link below. You will find some more info.
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
Hi Takeshi san,
I will be arriving in KIX and going direct to Kyoto. After that I will go to Osaka where I will stay near Namba and Nippombashi. How do I go from Kyoto to here? And then from Namba/Nippombashi I will go to KIX again. Could you please advise me if I should buy a return Haruka? And if I should buy return ticket, from where in Osaka do I take the train? Otherwise, can you advice me please how to go to KIX from Namba/Nippombashi?
Thanks so much.
Hi Mei san,
You can use round trip ICOCA and Haruka. In this case, you will take a train at JR-Namba station. The train goes to Tennoji and transfer to Limited Express Haruka at Tennoji. These trains are covered by this deal.
Or you may use one way ICOCA and Haruka. You can use Nankai Railway deals, like Kanku Chikatoku Ticket or Kanku Rapi:t Tokuwari Ticket.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Chikatoku_Ticket
Because Nankai Railway’s Namba station is located at the heart of Namba. But JR-Namba is located at the edge of Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
You can pick up whichever you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com