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 Takeshi,
May I know what’s the best route to get to Osaka from Nara if I’m using the ICOCA and Haruka card?
Thank you.
Hi Shu,
You may find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
ICOCA can be use for any trains in Kansai area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m going to Osaka on Jan 2016 and will be staying near to Osaka Castle. My flight will reach KIX at about 9,20pm. The last Haruka train for the night is 10.16pm. If I get the ICOCA and Haruka ticket I may not board the train on time. Do I have other option?
Dennis
Hi Dennis san,
You can take other trains, such as Kansai airport rapid or local train. These trains are covered by ICOCA and Haruka. And this deal is still better than single fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.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 Takeshi san,
Thank you for your reply.
You mentioned that I can take other trains, such as Kansai airport rapid or local train. These trains are covered by ICOCA and Haruka. This deal is still better than single fare.
I’m confused.
If I can’t take Haruka train by 10.16pm wouldn’t it be a waste if I buy the ICOCA and Haruka ticket?
This is my first visit to Japan. I’ll be touring Kansai area for 8 days 7 nights. The broad itinerary is 3 days at Kyoto, 1 day each at Nara and Kobe the rest at Osaka. Which rail pass is suitable for me? Is Kansai Thru Pass good?
Regards,
Dennis
Hi Dennis san,
ICOCA and Haruka is a good deal for either trip by Haruka or rapid or local. You may use this pass anyway.
The following link shows you how to pick the deal for staying in Osaka. I believe you can find the solution:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks.
Is Kansai Airport Rapid Service also known as Kansaikuko Line?
If it is does that mean ICOCA and Haruka can also be used?
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
If I touch down at 9.20pm is it possible for me to take this train at Kansaikuko Line by 10.47pm?
I need to change to Tanimachi Line at Tennoji Station and alight at Tanimachiyonchome Station. Will I be able to do it on time?
Regards,
Dennis
Hi Dennis san,
Kansai Airport Rapid is a train name and Kansaikuko line is a line name. Kansai airport rapid, Haruka and Nankai railways trains run on Kansaikuko line. ICOCA and Haruka can be use for both Haruka and Kansai airport rapid. But it does not cover Nankai.
As long as your flight arrive on time and it’s normal at custom and immigration, you can catch 10:47. But you may not have a time to purchase ICOCA and Haruka because it’s tight. There are always line up at the window. You cannot purchase it other than window. However, as you probably know, you have to catch 22:47 because if you miss it, you cannot catch subway.
But at this point, we cannot find how busy custom and immigration will be. Your flight may be arrive earlier. You can try to purchase ICOCA and Haruka. But if you don’t have a time, give up to purchase it and just purchase a single ticket at the vending machine to take 22:47 train.
Please fine more info about Kansai airport at the link below:
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
hi. will be going to kyoto upon arrival at Kansai Airport. will stay for 4 days there, have a daytrip in nara and will go to osaka for another 4 days, go around and maybe visit kobe. And then back to kansai airport. the icoca haruki roundtrip will be most suitable for us? thanks in advance
Hi Hazel,
Yes. It suits your trip. You may find some more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’ll be travelling to Osaka for 3 days this week. I will be visiting following places, is ICOCA still a good choice for me?
1. first day arrival- KIX-ShinOsaka +Namba + Tenonji
2. Second day – Kyoto + Arashimaya
3. Third day – Noda + Nara
regards
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
ICOCA and Haruka is the best choice. But you may add some more fund because 1500 yen is not enough to cover all.
You may add subway pass after arrival at Shin-Osaka and save ICOCA. And you may add subway/bus deal in Kyoto too. If you visit many places in Kyoto, you have to take bus.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
You may add more fund into ICOCA at any JR stations in Kansai area if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
What is the best way to get to JR Namba/OCAT? I understand that I can take either the airport bus or the JR train. Which one is the shorter time? Thank you.
Cheers,
EC
Hi EC,
Limousine is better because it’s direct. As long as traffic is okay, bus is a bit faster than train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Need your advice how to use the ICOCA for my 3 rides as follows:
(Day 1) KIX to Nankai Namba station
(Day 5) Osaka to Kyoto
(Day 14) Kyoto to KIX
Hi Esther san,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka. But you have to transfer at Tennoji to get Namba by JR. You can take Haruka to Tennoji and then transfer to local train to JR-Namba. JR-Namba is a bit away from Nankai 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
ICOCA money can be used for day 5 and you can take Haruka from Kyoto to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am Cheng here. From your blog post, i understand that the haruka express discount ticket return trip can valid for 2 weeks.
How exactly they count the 2 weeks period? For my case, we arrive at KIX on 22nd December and plan head straight to Kobe our first stop. We are leaving on 5th January which i not sure is it still valid.
If it consider the 1st day i purchase as first day, then 5th January will be my 15th day…
Thank you for viewing my queries.
Hi Cheng,
You are right. As you think, it will be expired on 4th January. It’s valid from midnight to midnight.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks. One more question, our flight estimate arrival time at KIX is 920pm. I plan to take the limousine bus to Kobe at 12:05am.
Do you think it is too tight to make it? Should i book the bus in advance?
Thank you
Hi Cheng,
As long as custom and immigration are usual, it’s way easy to catch it. You may take earlier one, 22:50 or 23:15.
I don’t think you can reserve it. It’s okay and just take it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi..
I’m going to Kyoto in the end of December. can i use ICOCA Prepaid Card from Kyoto Station to Kintetsunara Station? and Kintetsunara Station to Namba Station?
Thx for you help, really appreciate..
Hi Cleo,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would it be possible to take the ICOCA and Haruka round trip deal if I will first go to Osaka from KIX, then come from Kyoto on the way back to KIX ? Or must I return to Osaka from Kyoto before using the round trip ticket to go to KIX?
Thank you so much.
Cheers,
Bea
Hi Bea,
You can use round trip deal for KIX-Osaka and Kyoto-KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day. I’m planning to visit Osaka and Kyoto. I’ll be taking Osaka first for 3 days followed by Kyoto for 4 days. From KIX to Osaka, I chose the Nankai Railway. But from Kyoto to the airport, what would be the best option? As far as I know, the ONE way Haruka ticket, is not applicable in this case. Thank you. Hoping for a positive feedback.
Hi Dan,
If you want to take the direct train service to KIX from Kyoto, you can take limited express Haruka by Kansai area pass one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
It’s cheaper than single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com