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,
I plan to visit Japan on Feb 2017.
I need to know which pass that is most suitable for my trip.
I’ve been thinking of HARUKA + ICOCA pass or Kansai Thru pass but if you have other suggestion that is most suitable that is better.
Day 1 – Landed KIX airport -> Kyoto (stay kyoto)
Day 2- Explore Kyoto- Fushimi Inari etc. (stay kyoto)
Day 3 – Biwako Valley (Stay osaka)
Day 4 – Kobe (stay osaka)
Day 5 – Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka – KIX airport
Thank you.
Hi florancesy,
ICOCA and Haruka is your choice. Kansai thru pass does not cover Biwako Valley. There is no other trips than trip to Kobe by Kansai thru pass but 2 days pass is minimum. It’s too expensive for your trip.
For the trip to Kobe, Hanshin Tourist Pass may be suitable. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For Osaka and trip back to KIX, you may find some deals at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot for the reply Takeshi. It helps me a lot. Cant wait travel to Japan.
No problem, florancesy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can you advise which passes are needed for my itinerary below:
Day 1 : KIX (Arriving at ard 3.30pm) – Kyoto
Day 2 : Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 3: Kyoto Sightseeing + Nara
Day 4: Osaka Sightseeing
Day 5 : Osaka Sightseeing
Day 6 : Itami Airport
I have a Suica card from my previous trip to Tokyo. Can I still use this and if yes, where does the Suica card applies?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Seika,
Yes. You can use Suica in this trip. You can use Suica for any trains and most of local buses.
You can purchase just Haruka discount ticket (without ICOCA) for trip to Kyoto from Kansai. And then start using Suica. And also you may use city deals, such as all day bus pass in Osaka and Kyoto. If you visit 3 of more places in one day, day pass gives you better deal. Please see the link below to find it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your prompt response, it is very helpful. 🙂
I have decided to fly in and out of KIX. Extended my trip from 6 to 7 days as well. 🙂
I would need your kind advice on the below:-
Haruka Ticket needed for:
KIX – Kyoto
Osaka – KIX
Kyoto Sightseeing:
I should buy the 1 Day Kyoto Sightseeing Pass as I will be covering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Fushimi Inari Shrine. Please advise if I should get the 2 Day pass instead if I am visiting Nara the next day before heading back to Namba.
Osaka Sightseeing:
I should buy the 2 Day Amazing Pass, since it covers a wide area of subways. Can you advise if I lost my SUICA, should I just get the ICOCA to cover my sightseeing fares or I should buy both (ICOCA + 2 Day Amazing Pass)? I would have about 5 full days in Osaka before flying home.
Many thanks 🙂
Rgds,
Seika
Hi Seika san,
When you go to Fushimi and Arashiyama, JR train is more convenient and these are not covered by Kyoto sightseeing pass. You can use Suica to access to these places. It’s faster and easier.
I don’t think you need both ICOCA and Amazing pass. Most of places are covered by subway in Osaka. As far as I know, only USJ cannot be accessed by subway. You can just add single fare by cash payment. I don’t think you have many chances to take JR trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you again for your prompt and helpful response.
So for my sightseeing in Kyoto you would recommend Suica/ICOCA.
And for Osaka you would recommend Amazing Pass. And then I can use my SUICA for the rest of the days. Did I understand correctly?
Many thanks!
Rgds,
Seika
Hi Seika san,
Yes, you understand correctly. Amazing pass is a good choice if you visit 3 or more attractions on the list of Amazing pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Thank you very much for your quick response.
This is our itinerary :
Day 1 Arrive at Kansai airport. Connect to Osaka, Namba station
Day 2 Daytrip to Nara
Day 3 Universal Studio Osaka
Day 4 Connect to Kyoto Station
Day 5 Daytrip to Arashiyama
Day 6 Daytrip to Fushimi Inari
Day 7 Train to Miyazu( Tango-cho )
Day 8 Miyazu
Day 9 Depart to Kansai International Airport
Hi Samantha san,
You have showed me 2 plans, 8 days and 9 days. Anyway your primary choice is Kansai Wide Area Pass. When you go to Miyazu, you need this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
You may use this pass for the last 5 days in your trip.
You can use one of the deals to get Namba on arrival day in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Single ticket is okay for day 2, 3 and from Namba to Kyoto on day 4. You may add Kyoto city deal after arrive in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
If you do 8 days plan, you can start using the pass when you get Kyoto on day 4. Otherwise day 5 is your starting date to use this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshiさん
It is very interesting that you recommend us to get the Kansas Wide pass. In Miyazu, we don’t intend to travel out as we just want to slow down, relax and enjoy the coastal sea. We are more concerned about airport connections and the connections to the few daytrips for Arayashiyama, Nara and Fushimi Inari.
We value your input very much and we are very grateful that you have provided much details to help us.
We are very lucky to come across this website. Once again, どもありがとうござい いたします。
Hi Samantha san,
No worries, どういたしまして。
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San
Thank you for all the excellent recommendations. May I seek your opinion please. We are going to Osaka city and Kyoto city before ending our journey with a visit to Miyazu(Tango). Our agent suggest the Kansai pass but after reading your website, we think maybe it’s better to buy Icoca and Haruka ticket. But Icoca and Haruka pass is not available for our young child. Does that mean we just buy Icoca Child card for my kid? We will leave For Kansai airport from Kyoto. Really appreciate your input. We are staying for a total of 9 days. どもありがとうございます。
Hi Samantha san,
Before choosing the deals, I need to see your trip plan day by day. Please show me your detailed itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply.
Pls find out itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Osaka Kansai airport
Make way to Namba station
Day 2 Day trip to Nara
Day 3 Universal Studios
Day 4 Depart for Kyoto
Day 5 Day trip to Arashiyama
Day 6 Day trip to Fushimi Inari
Day 7 Depart by train to Miyazu(Tango Cho)
Day 8 Depart to KIX
What pass shall we choose? We are Travelling with a 6 year old child. 本当にありがとうございます。
Dear Takeshi,
From Kansai Airport to Kyoto, leaving Osaka to Kansai Airport.
Can I purchase ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket ? Or I only can purchase one way ?
Please advice.
Thanks !
Hi Lilian,
Technically you can use round trip to Kyoto. But if you purchase separately, one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto and Haruka discount ticket from Shin-Osaka (or Tennoji) to KIX, it’s cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’d like to ask that after going by Haruka train from Kansai Airport to Tennoji, does the train ticket in ICOCA & HARUKA cover the Osaka Loop Line train from Tennoji to JR Fukushima station? The JR West website says that “Within the limits mentioned above, it is possible to board other trains besides the Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”, such as Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services and Local trains.”
Thanks,
Marty
Hi Marty san,
Yes, you can. ICOCA and Haruka to Tennoji allows you take limited express Haruka to Tennoji, but after that, you can take ordinary trains to get other stations in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, can I ask for some advice. I’m going to Osaka this November and thinking to buy Kansai Wide Area Pass since I’m planning to visit Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Kyoto. Do you think will it worth or I should just take ICOCA/Haruka? I’ll arrive around 9:00, staying near Imamiya. First day planning to go around Osaka Castle, Namba, Dotonbori such. Next day to Arashiyama, Kyoto and following day as follow to Nara, and Kobe.
Hi Ron,
Yokoso Osaka ticket is recommended for arrival day and Kansai thru pass is recommended for Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. Himeji is also covered by Kansai thru pass but Kasnai area pass (not Kansai Wide area pass) is better choice. Please see the link below to find 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
I will need transportation from kyoto to klx in early morning. Flight leaves for Hong Kong at 10AM When can i purchase the icoca deal for one way to KIX and where. Trip starting in Tokyo. Have purchased a SUICA card already. Thinking of using the HARUKA train. Are the trains full in the early am, will we need reserved seats?
Hi Ernest,
Please see the link below:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
You can get a seat at Kyoto. I don’t think you need to reserve your seat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. What are the tickets I should get for this itinerary:
1. KIX to Namba
2. Stay within Osaka
3. Namba to Kobe and back
4. Namba to Nara and back
5. Namba to kinosakionsen
6. Stay in kinosakionsen
7. Kinosakionsen to kyoto and stay 3 nights
8. Kyoto to KIX
Thank you.
Hi Peggy,
You may use the following deals:
Yokoso Osaka ticet for KIX to Namba and sightseeing in Osaka
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Subway unlimited pass portion can be used for next day.
Kansai thru pass for Nara and Kobe
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai wide area pass for Kinosaki and Kyoto to KIX
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Kyoto city deals for sightseeing in Kyoto
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You also may use Kansai wide area pass to take JR trains in Kyoto. JR trains cover Arashiyama, Fushimi, Nijo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
This is very helpful.
As I’m doing Namba-Kinosakionsen-Kyoto-KIX from a Mon to Sat (6 days) and the Kansai Wide Area Pass is only valid for 5 days, when do you suggest I start utilising the pass?
Hi Peggy,
You have to start using it when you leave from Namba. The pass must cover trip to Kinosaki because this is the reason why I recommended this pass.
You have to use Haruka discount ticket for trip to KIX from Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will going to Japan on late october 2016, I need some suggestion about what pass is better for my trip.
29 October 2016
– KIX to namba
– around osaka (osaka castle, dotonburi)
30 october
– Go to kyoto
– arashiyama, kinkakuji, kiyomizudera, pontocho
31 october
– USJ
1 November
– Nara
2 – 5 November
– Tokyo
I will not buy JRpass. actually I have planned to use SUICCA but I still hesitate if it’s better. can I use SUICCA in osaka kyoto and tokyo? do you have any suggestion about what pass that I should get for my trip?
Thank You.
Hi Bianca,
You may use Kansai thru pass for 29, 30 and 1.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket or ICOCA is okay for access to USJ. In Kansai area, you cannot buy Suica. ICOCA is sold and it’s same type of card.
There is no deals to Tokyo from Osaka. Single ticket is your choice. There is subway pass or other deals in Tokyo. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com