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,
Here’s my itinerary of where we have booked our hotels but haven’t quite settled on any daily activities yet.
Day 1 – arrive at Kansai Airport – stay in Kyoto (Gion area)
Day 2 – stay in Kyoto (Gion area)
Day 3 – stay in Osaka
Day 4 – stay in Kyoto (Shimogyo Ward area)
Day 5 – stay in Kyoto (Shimogyo Ward area)
Day 6 – train from Kyoto to Tokyo – stay in Shinjuku
Day 7 – stay in Shinjuku
Day 8 – train from Tokyo to Takaragawa Onsen in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture (stay overnight)
Day 9 to 11 – stay in Shinjuku
Day 12 – fly back home from Narita airport
I read your article and definitely that the One-Way ICOCA & Haruka deal from KIX – Kyoto is a great option for us on Day 1.
In terms of the first five days, we read that it’s easy to go back and forth between Kyoto and Osaka so we decided to spend just one night in Osaka in between and possibly do a half day trip to Nara within these five days (either from Osaka or from Kyoto). I see that there’s Day Passes for both Osaka and Kyoto but there are just so many different types of passes. And on top of that, there’s also the Kansai Thru Pass vs. Kansai Area Pass. To my understanding, one allows you to take JR trains and the other one does not? Then I also read about the Keihan Railway, the Kankyu Tourist Pass and the Kintetsu Rail Pass. They all seem to provide transportation between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara area but I just don’t know which one to get.
We’re on a tight budget so we’re trying to determine if we should buy the JR Pass. Read a lot of articles that JR Pass is not really useful in Osaka due to lack of JR trains running in the city. But given the fact that we’ll be taking a trip to Gunma, is it worth it to get the JR Pass then? Or should we get the JR East Pass to use in Tokyo and Gunma?
All these choices make it difficult for me to decide which pass(es) to purchase so we can fully utilize the transportation systems and get around easily between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo.
Your advise is much appreciated.
Hi Kate,
My recommended deals are the following:
ICOCA and Haruka, but add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Kansai one pass is same type of card as ICOCA but it gives you discount at many attractions. And it includes more fund (2500 yen). I think it’s enough to cover Kyoto-Osaka round trip and trip to Nara. Of course you can show this card when you are in Kyoto and Nara too.
In Kyoto and Osaka, you can add day pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
JR pass 7 days is recommended for the last 7 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Actually JR pass does not give you a big saving for this last 7 days. In my rough calculation, all total fares is almost equal to 7 days pass price. But it’s much easier to handle to use single fare and other deals combination. You can take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo and train trip to Minakami. You also can take Narita Express from Shinjuku. I think this is the best deal.
You can take local train in Tokyo. You need to take subway in Tokyo to access a few places. But JR train covers many places too.
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
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your quick response! Really appreciate it.
One thing I would like to clarify.
You recommended me to get the following:
“ICOCA and Haruka, but add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA”
Does that mean when I arrive at Kansai Airport, and I just get the One-Way Haruka Only from KIX to Kyoto without any ICOCA for 1,600 yen/person?
Or do I purchase ICOCA & Haruka One-Way from KIX to Kyoto for 3,600 yen/person PLUS getting the Kansai Pass for an additional 3,000 yen/person?
Or does the Kansai One Pass include the train ride from KIX to Kyoto?
Also, I don’t see an option to purchase this Kansai One Pass on the website. Does it not have an option to purchase in advance online?
Sorry for all the questions! This is our first time to Japan!
Thanks,
Kate
Hi Kate,
I meant Haruka one way ticket + Kanssai One Pass. Please see the official site of ICOCA and Haruka to get some details for online purchasing:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
After doing more research, I came across this pass called “Seishun 18 Kippu.” Seems to be a much better deal than the JR 7- Day pass. Trying to save money by buying this pass instead of 7-day pass. But I have a few concerns:
1) it says the ticket is valid only on local trains (futsudensha/kakuekiteisha) and rapid trains (kaisoku). Train lines like Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line in Tokyo, are they considered a “local” train? I can’t really tell which type of trains are considered local and rapid.
2) Will this pass work to go from Tokyo to Minakami?
3) I don’t see an option to purchase in advance. It says pass can be purchased at JR stations. Do these passes sell out fast? I’m in the U.S. and won’t be in Japan for another 10 days. I’m afraid they get sold out by the time I arrive in Japan and by then I won’t be able to buy the 7-day pass once I arrive. Please advise.
Hi Kate,
1. You can take like Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line. You cannot take Shinkansen (bullet train) and Limited Express train (Tokkyu) by this pass. You can take other than these trains by this ticket.
2. Yes. You can take Ueno-Tokyo line to Takasaki and then change the local train to Minakami.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-greater-tokyo.html
3. It never be sold out. In this spring, it will be on sale from Feb 20 to Mar 31. As long as you purchase it in this period, you can buy it.
By the way, I think you will travel from Kyoto to Tokyo. Are you going to use this ticket for Kyoto to Tokyo? You can do but it will be 8 hours trip with 4 or 5 times changing trains. All trains are commute trains and some trains are very busy. You may need to stand in the photo below:
http://getnavi.jp/wps/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/20170115_y-koba_18_03_R.jpg
It’s cheap but it will be very hard trip for overseas tourist. Please keep it in your mind.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi, I will arrive at osaka airport and use the icoca card to travel to kyoto from aiport. Then when depart time I will travel to airport from osaka. So will it be a problem as both the depart locatiin is not the same. Because I nitice there are different price for it.
Hi Kityan,
You can use one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto. And then you can use Haruka discount ticket from Osaka. You don’t need to buy round trip ICOCA and Haruka. And if you purchase one way to Kyoto and one way from Osaka, it’s cheaper than round trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be staying in Nippombashi area.
Day 1 arrive Osaka KIX at 920pm. proceed to travel to hotel, staying near nippombashi area
Day 2 Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, Dontonburi
Day 3 Travel to Kyoto, using subway, Staying near Gion. Take a bus from shijo kawaramachi to Kiyomizu-machi
Day 4 Tenryu-ji Temple and Fushimi-Inari
Day 5 check out, back to Osaka Nippombashi. Walk around Shinsaibashi
Day 6 Himeji Day trip
Day 7 Nara trip
Day 8 back to Osaka and go to Airport
I’m quite confuse by the Icoca card / Haruku. So , Please Kindly suggest which pass I should use? Thank for your help !
Hi Tan,
Please see the link below. You can find the info which you need.
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
2 adults + 2 children (12 years old and 8 years old)
1. Is ICOCA + Haruka still the cheapest for us to travel from KIX to Kyoto? is it 3600 yen x4 for 4 of us?
2. Which is the cheapest way to travel from Kyoto to Nara (return) for 4 of us?
3. is special rapid service the cheapest way to travel from Kyoto to Osaka for 4 of us?
Hi Lee,
1. Yes. But it’s for 2 adults and 1 child (12 yrs). You can purchase regular fare for 8 yrs child. The fare for Haruka to Kyoto is around 1500 yen. And you may purchase Child ICOCA. Child rate (half of adult fare) is applied to child ICOCA. 12 yrs old is adult passenger.
2. Use ICOCA. No deals available.
3. Maybe. It depends on which station you depart from and arrive. There are three routes, JR, Hankyu and Keihan. You can use ICOCA for all trains anayway.
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!
I am planning on going to Kansai area this coming November. Here is my itinerary:
Day 1 – arrival at KIX 8pm. Travel to Kyoto (Gion Shijo Station – hostel in Gion)
Day 2 – Kyoto tour (Fushimi inari, kiyomizu temple, back to Gion)
Day 3 – Gion to Kinkakuji temple, then to tenryuji temple (arashiyama station), then back to Gion
Day 4 – Trip to Nara (back to Kyoto in the late afternoon)
Day 5 – Kyoto to Osaka (Daikokucho Station or Namba Station, hostel in Naniwa-Ku Nipponbashinishi) – explore Namba
Day 6 – Universal Studios
Day 7 – explore osaka (Osaka castle and Shitenno-ji Temple)
Day 8 – Osaka (Daikucho station or Namba station to KIX)
Any suggestions on what to purchase for a good deal?
And also, can I have a good deal if I am to travel mostly by train around Osaka so I can access all major lines and tourist spots?
Thank you in advance!
Hi danphil,
Please see the link below. It shows you one of my sample itineraries. It’s almost same as your trip plan:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello there,
I am flying in to Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), visiting Osaka/Kyoto and then flying out of the country via Kansai International Airport from Kyoto.
Is it worthwhile to use the Icoca and Haruka (one-way) discount ticket? I was thinking of using the Icoca card for the few days when I’m in Osaka/Kyoto and then use the Haruka one-way ticket when I travel from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport.
However, I’m not sure what you meant by “One way type ticket must be used on the day of purchase.” Does this mean I can only purchase this discount package on the day I leave the country?
Would appreciate any advice you have. Thanks very much.
Hi Momo,
ICOCA and Haruka package is available in Kansai airport only. You may need to purchase Haruka discount ticket when you go to KIX. You cannot purchase it in advance.
You can purchase ICOCA only but Kansai one pass is better choice. It’s same type card as ICOCA but you can get discount at many attractions.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday!!!
And as I start to close my itinerary, I’m having more questions and this time it is with the available passes for transportation. Below is my Itineray and will be very help ful if you can suggest what pass to use and will be economical or a budget travel option:
Day 1 (Feb 4) – Arrive at Osaka by 12 noon and activate my JR pass starting on Feb 7th. Proceed to hotel booked at Shin-Osaka. Visit Osaka Rest of the day.
Day 2 (Feb 5) – Visit Kyoto (Group tour by japanican – Booked)
Day 3 (Feb 6) – Visit Himeji in the morning & retun to Osaka for the rest of the day sight seeing in Osaka.
Day 4th (Feb 7) – Proceed to Hiroshima by Sakura 547 and follow your sample itinerary.
Day 5th (Feb 8) – Travel to Sapporo and rest (Shin Osaka to Tokyo by Hakura 504 and Tokyo to Sapporo – HB 11)
Day 6th (Feb 9) – Sapporo. Visit the winter Snow festival
Day 7th (Feb 10) – Travel to Tokyo (H8 from Sapporo, HB24 from Shin Hakodate to Tokyo) Check in Hotel and rest
Day 8th (Feb 11) – Full day Tokyo tour
Day 9th (Feb 12) – Travel to Mt. Fuji use JR pass and your sample itinerary.
Day 10th (Feb 13) – Osaka – Travel from Tokyo to Shin Osaka by Hakura 507 and then Shin-Osaka to Airport for Flight at 4:20 pm
Given that my JR pass (7 days) get activated on Feb 7th so that I cover the Tokyo-Shin Osaka return on Feb 13, I feel that I do need other passes to make my trip economical.
What will be my best options to get? For me to travel from KIX to Shin Osaka, Osaka sightseeing and also Himeji? Specially Day 1, 3 & also the travel from Shin Osaka to Kix on Feb 13.
I’m hoping that after my JR pass gets activated on Feb 7th, that will cover for my Sapporo and Tokyo sight seeing. If not, Please help me and guide which one should I get then? Icoca Kansai One pass/Kansai Area pass/Kansai Thru pass or combination?
I will wait for your guidance. THANK YOU AS USUAL for bearing with me and my questions.
Happy Holidays, Andy.
You may use ICOCA and Haruka to Shin-Osaka for day 1 and Kansai area pass for day 3.
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
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
You can use ICOCA card to travel in Osaka on arrival day. ICOCA covers all trains in the cities. When you use Kanasi area pass on day 3, it covers only JR trains but when you need to take subway, you can use ICOCA again.
On the last day, you can take Haruka from Shin-Osaka to KIX by JR pass. You don’t need any other deals.
You mentioned “Haruka” between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, but it’s not Haruka but Hikari. I just want you to let you know.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I’m going to Japan this 30th December and staying at Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Chūō-ku, Honmachibashi. Do I need the ICOCA/Haruka card altogether or just ICOCA to travel around Osaka, Kyoto, and Shirakawa-go plus going back to Kansai International Airport?
Thank you
Hi Gressia,
You should use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass if you are sure to visit Shirakawago.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
You cannot get Shirakawago by ICOCA. Because it’s away from Kansai region.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Mr. Takeshi,
I will be spending 5 days in Osaka area and a few days beyond starting next week.
Here is my rough itinerary:
First day: Arrive Kansai airport. Go to my hotel in Osaka. My hotel is very close to the Osaka Namba station (near Dontobori).
Day 2: Go to Kyoto and Nara and spend most day there, then back to Osaka and walk around at night.
Day 3: Universal Studios and Aquarium
Day 4: Spend time around Osaka. Visit Osaka castle, ramen museum, and shopping
Day 5: Spend time around Osaka.
Day 6: Go back to Kansai airport from my hotel.
I think ICOCA and Haruka is my best option. But my problem is that I have one big luggage. I read that it is rude to carry big luggage on train, and there is no space on train from Kansai airport to my hotel and back.
Maybe I should take the bus from Kansai International airport. There is a bus stop outside Terminal 1 and the bus I need to take goes to Namba OCAT. I can walk from there to my hotel not too far. And the bus have space for my luggage.
What do you think?
Thank you
Hi Kobzster,
It’s not rude to take a train with luggage. As long as you share the space with other passengers, it’s okay. There are many passengers in the train with luggage. But you may be stressed.
You can take a bus to OCAT but as you think, OCAT is a bit away from the center of Namba. In my opinion, Nankai railway’s express train “Rapi:t” is the best way. There is a deal that is a bit higher than bus fare.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
This train is much comfortable and it has luggage space.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html#Nankai_Railway_Limited_Express_rapit
Nankai railway Namba station is located in the center of Namba. It’s much more accessible to Dotonbori.
Kyoto and Nara for one day is very busy. You can visit Nara in half day but I recommend you to spend one full day in Kyoto. Actually some says even one full day is not enough to visit Kyoto.
If you agree with me, you can spend one full day for Kyoto on day 2. And you can spend half day to visit Nara on day 5. I think it works. And you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 2 and 5. You can find the deal in Osaka at the link below. But all deals in Osaka do not cover ramen museum. You need to pay single fare for Umeda to Ikeda return.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Mr. Takeshi!
This helps a lot.
Like you suggest, I am changing so that I spend one full day in Kyoto and move Nara to another day.
Thank you again.
My only worry now is that I have very bad knee on one leg and if I walk too long, it gets painful. I will have to take it easy and take rest when I need to.
Looking forward to my trip, thank you again!
Take care of yourself, Kobzster.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My headache on travel planning has just gone since I found your website. Thanks God!
I plan to travel to Osaka during January 7-14, 2017 as below
Day 1 arrive Osaka (Monterey grasmere hotel) go to Osaka castle
Day 2 USj
Day 3 aquarium and around
Day 4 Kyoto (kinkakuji – kiyomizu dera – Gion) back to Osaka
Day 5 Himeji castle back to Osaka
Day 6 leave Osaka to Nanten en
Day 7 back to Osaka and go to Airport
Please Kindly suggest which pass I should use. Also other travel plan suggestions are welcome
Many many thanks in advise:)
Hi Tip san,
Yokoso Osaka ticket for day 1
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Single ticket for day 2 and 6
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket for day 3
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Kansai thru pass for day 4,5 and 7
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
You have another choice for day 4, 5 and 7 because Kansai thru pass is most affordable choice but it’s not the best choice for day 5 to Himeji. JR train is faster than Hanshin-Sanyo railway that is covered by Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
If you use JR to Himeji, you can use Kasnai area pass 1 day for day 5.
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
In this case, you will use single fare (Namba to/from Yodoyabashi by subway) + Kyoto Osaka sightseeing pass one day + single fare for taking bus to Kinkakuji for day 4.
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
And single fare is your chocie for day 7. If you feel complicated, use Kansai thru pass. It’s easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com