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-san,
We will be arriving at KIX on 16 Jan 2016, around 10:30pm. I don’t think we can make it for Haruka’s last train. We will be staying at Westin Osaka for 7 nights and would like to make day trips to Kyoto (2 days) and Nara (1 day) and if time permits, Kobe or Himeji. Which pass/passes would you recommend? Would it be too expensive to be using Icoca for all the transportation?There will be 4 adults and 2 children (age 2 and 4). Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Sherene san,
First of all, please find the link below. It shows you how to build the itinerary and choose the deals:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
However you don’t have many choices to get Osaka on arrival day. The last train to Osaka (need transfer at Tennoji) depart from KIX at 23:32. You may not be able to take this train. If you miss it, your choice is limousine bus. Please see the more info at the link 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI,
I have 3 question.
1.If i would to buy a ICOCA return ticket, can i travel from kyoto station to anywhere in the allocated map or my final destination must be Kansai Airport?
I am asking this as I have to travel from Kyoto stattion to Osaka (Higobashi), and I am still figuring how can i travel within these 2 stations.
2. Can I use ICOCA on any subway inside kyoto and Osaka?
3. Is it advisable to use ICOCA to travel from kyoto to Arashiyama?
Thank you 🙂
Hi JAne,
1. Technically you can. You can get off at Osaka station in this case. The return portion of this deal is expired once you exit Osaka station. Actually it’s not a good idea. You can use ICOCA to get Osaka from Kyoto.
2. Yes. But if you make many trips by subway, like more than 4-5 trips a day, unlimited pass is better idea.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
3. Yes. But if you intend to visit other places in Kyoto in same day, you may use subway/bus deal as I mentioned above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi,
We are family of 4 adults arriving KIX Dec. 21 ,2015 21:00 -; Kyoto Dec 21-23; Osaka grasmere monterey hotel Dec 23-28,2915.
Should I get round trip Icoca haruka considering my arrival time in KIX taking haruka to Kyoto or take Limousine bus to kyoto.
How about from Kyoto to osaka – train or bus? Sometimes I prefer bus because it might be difficult to travel by train with your check-in luggage?
Thank you, I appreciate how much time you spent in helping us.
Edison
Hi Edison,
Please see the link below. It shows you the sample itinerary that is 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
The last Haruka to Kyoto depart at 22:16. It’s very tight to complete immigration, custom, move to station and purchase ICOCA and Haruka in 1 hour 15 minutes. But you can try. ICOCA and Haruka is still good deal even if you take rapid train to Osaka and another rapid train to Kyoto. But it’s not direct and make you be tired.
You may take Limousine. It runs until 23:40.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
Haruka has luggage space.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am thinking if i should buy the ICOCA and Haruka pass or buy the round trip ticket for airport express (Namba & Kansai Airport) for my trip on 9th Jan 2016 to 13th Jan 2016. I will be staying at Nipponbashi area. Below are my queries and itinerary.
1) I will reach Kansai Airport at 22:30 on 9th Jan 2016 (no check in lugguage), Ticket office closes at 23:00. therefore I am not sure if i am able to make it to redeem the passes at the ticket office.
2) Base on my research, last Haruka to Tennoji is at 22:16, am i able to use the Haruka pass for Kanku Express (to Tennoji) or Airport Express (to Namba)
3) If i am unable to use Haruka pass and because of my late arrival and early departure timing from Kansai Airport, only Airport Express can fit my timings. Is there any discount passes for Airport Express for visitors?
Thanks,
Joanne
Hi Joanne san,
Unfortunately I don’t think you cannot get the pass when you arrive in KIX. If the flight is late or busy at immigration, you might not take even the last train.
If you can purchase ICOCA and Haruka, you can use Kanku Rapid Service to Tennoji. But train to Namba is Nankai railway train. You cannot take it by ICOCA and Haruka. If you use this deal and want to get Namba, you have to transfer to local train to JR Namba at Tennoji.
If you take limousine service, there is no deals available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I need your advise on what pass to purchase for our family trip on Dec 2015. Arrive and Departure @ Kansai International Airport. 2 adults plus 10 yr old child.
22/12/2015 – 1/1/2016 (Kansai –> Kyoto-> Osaka -> Kansai)
22/12/2015
630am -Arrive at KIX Airport
*Staying Nearby Kyoto train station
1/1/2016
430pm – Depart KIX Airport
*Staying Nearby Osaka
I was thinking of following your sample itinerary to travel between Kyoto and Osaka.
I have reserved 3x”ICOCA & HARUKA” from JRwest online. Is it wrong?
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Krystel
Hi Krystel,
ICOCA and Haruka is perfect deal for your trip. But it’s wrong choice for your 10 years old child. Because child rate (half of adult rate) is applied to child who is under 12 years old. There is no ICOCA and Haruka deal for child. If you still can cancel, cancel it for your child.
You may purchase Child ICOCA upon arrival. If your child use child ICOCA, child rate is applied whenever he/she travel.
You can purchase Kansai area pass one day for trip to Kyoto from KIX. Haruka is covered by this pass and rate is only 1000 yen for one day 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
But JR official site says, “A Visitor may purchase Kansai Area Pass ONLY ONCE per visit.” So you cannot purchase another pass for back to KIX. You have to pay single fare for your child.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San,
I will go Osaka & Kyoto on 29 Jan to 3 Feb 2016..
29 Jan – 1 Feb stay in Osaka (Hyatt Regency Osaka)
1 – 3 Feb stay in Kyoto (Kyoto Century Hotel)
I want to take Nankai rapid train from Kansai Airport to Namba, then train to Umeda
On last day, I want to take Haruka from Kyoto to Kansai Airport
Just wonder, can I buy single route ticket for Haruka at Kyoto station?
(last few times, I bought Haruka + ICOCA package, but I found it takes a bit longer time to Shin-Osaka, then JR to Osaka station)
Thousands thanks for answering my question!
Hi Charling san,
You can use Kansai area pass one day. It’s cheaper than single fare. You can purchase this pass in advance.
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 only non reserved seat but it’s so easy to get a seat at Kyoto station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I need your advise on what pass to purchase for our family trip on next year March 2016. Arrive and Departure @ Kansai International Airport
25/03/2016 – 27/03/2016 (Kansai – Osaka)
830am -Arrive at KIX Airport
*Staying at Nearby Shin-osaka
27/03/2016 – 29/03/2016 (Osaka – Tokyo)
*I’m thinking to take day bus to tokyo
*Purpose for visit disneyland & also walk around at tokyo
29/03/2016 – 02/04/2016 (Tokyo – Kyoto)
*I’m thinking to take day bus heading back to kyoto
*
Hi Elizabeth san,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for KIX to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto to KIX. You may use ICOCA in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. But it’s 1500 yen value in the card. If you make many train trips, you may use subway deal in these cities.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
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
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
I think you can use ICOCA to get Maihama where the gateway station of Disneyland is.
I’m not familiar with bus. I cannot comment about the deal for the bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
May i ask if i could use icoca From okayama to tottori station? Thanks.
Hi Yumi,
No, you cannot. Because Okayama is in coverage area but Tottori is not. You cannot use it for trip to outside coverage area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am thinking of booking the Haruka and ICOCA offer. But I do not understand the use of the Haruka.
Can I use Haruka card from KIX to Nakazakicho station? From what I read, it is possible to use one fare on the Haruka card as long as I do not pass the electronic gate in between. Or do I have to get out at Tennoji and use ICOCA card for second part of journey?
Second question, what about the return journey from Nakazakicho Stn to KIX?
Thanks!
SH
Hi SH,
ICOCA and Haruka includes two portion, Haruka ticket and ICOCA card. Haruka ticket can be used for Haruka and other JR local/rapid trains in coverage area. As long as you don’t exit the station and travel in coverage area, you can take a train as many as you want.
ICOCA card is IC card that has 1500 yen e-money preloaded in the card. This e-money can be used for any trains in major cities. You can use it not only in Osaka but also in Tokyo and many other major cities in Japan.
So in your trip, you have to take JR train and subway. Subway is not covered by Haruka ticket so you need to spend ICOCA money. If you want to save your e-money in ICOCA, the following route is recommended.
Kansai airport (airport rapid) Osaka station (walk) Higashi-Umeda station (subway Tanimachi line) Nakazakicho
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
You can take Haruka to Tennoji and transfer to subway there. Subway fare is 280 yen. But if you take subway from Higashi-Umeda, Nakazakicho is only one station away.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
Suwbay fare is 180 yen so you can save 100 yen.
If you want to save your cost, the following deal is the cheapest choice. You can take subway and Nankai railway. It costs only 1000 yen for KIX-Nakazakicho.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Hi Takeshi,
I need your advice on my itinerary for my family trip
( Me, my husband, 3 children: age: 16,15,10 ) in Feb 2016
I plan to use kansai wide area pass on the first day of my arrival , then on the sixth day travel around Osaka using subway and the last day to use ICOCA & HARUKA to KIX (.one way ticket. )
Arrival: 06/02/2016 sat 06:50 KIX
Plan: KIX to Kinosakionsen for 2 nights (6-7 feb)
(will travel around nearby attractions on the second day, such as Fukuchiyama , Maizura,Tanikawa….actually not very sure whether these are nice places to visit…)
08/02/2016 mon from Kinosakionsen to Tennoji. Stay in Tennoji for 4 nights.
To maximize the kansai wide area pass, I will travel places around like okayama, Himeji,kobe,kyoto,lake biwa,nara and wakayama. Hope I m not too ambitious. I will look into details of the 3 days ( 8-10 feb) itineraries .
11/02/2016 Thurs. Use subway to travel around Osaka, mainly shopping.
12/02/2016 11:00am flight back home.
Please help to change my plans if you find its not the best for the family.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Kelly,
Overall, your plan is very organized. I have only a few thing to mention to you.
1. Amanohashidate.
This place is most recommended around Kinosaki. You can reach there from either Toyooka or Fukuchiyama. You have to take Non JR railway, Kyoto Tango Railway. You have to pay extra.
http://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/
You may add Kyoto Sea Area Pass.
http://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/kyoto-sea-area-pass/
2. You may combine Okayama, Himeji and Kobe in one day. But I think you will spend one full day for Kyoto. I think you have to give up one of the places, Wakayama, Nara or Lake Biwa.
3. ICOCA and Haruka
This one way deal is available for Kansai airport to Osaka only. You cannot use it for other direction, to airport. Your choice is single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com