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
Can I only purchase the Haruka discount card?
I am planning to get the Haruka discount card to travel from KIX to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, I plan to get the Kyoto Tourist 2-day pass instead of getting the Icoca Card.
I have an 8 yr old child, since there is no Haruka discount card with child rate, should I get her the Kansai Area Pass instead?
Thank you!
Hi Nielsen,
You can purchase Haruka discount ticket only at 1600 yen for KIX to Kyoto. Kansai area pass is only choice for child.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takesh san,
i will be visitting osaka, kyoto and nara this june
my itinerary will be like this
june 21 : KIX – osaka
june 23 : Kyoto
june 26 : Nara
june 27 : Osaka
june 28 : Osaka – KIX
my question is :
1. because from KIX i will go to Osaka first and i will return to KIX from Osaka, should i buy HARUKA tound trip ticket ?
2. with my itinerary like that , should i buy ICOCA or kansai one pass instead , or should i buy both ?
3. Can we use ICOCA or Kansai one pass for subway , train or bus in NARA ?
this is my first time, so i hope you can help me
Thank you so much
Hi Oxy san,
1. It depends on which place you stay. Because there are many deals available other than ICOCA and Haruka. Please see the below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
2. If you stay in Osaka and make day trips to Kyoto and Nara, you may use Kansai thru pass 2 days. This pass gives you unlimited ride to take non JR railways, such as Kintetsu (to Nara), Keihan and Hankyu (to Kyoto), and subway and bus in Kyoto and Osaka. It’s way more economical than using ICOCA or Kansai one pass.
3. Yes, you can. Kansai one pass covers any trains services and most of bus lines. But Kansai one pass does not give you unlimited ride. It gives you same value as regular ticket. It’s very convenient and gives you discount at many attraction. But Kansai thru pass gives you discount at many attractions too. If you intend to use regular ticket between KIX and Osaka, and sightseeing in Osaka, you can use Kansai one pass. Otherwise you don’t need it.
And also there are lots of deals available for sightseeing in Osaka. Please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi,
First, thank you for your kindness in helping everybody. I’ve read some of your articles, but still confused. So, we decided that we need your help and expertise in transport planning.
Hereby my itinerary:
6 to 18 April
A. Kyoto
Day 1: Arrived in KIX morning, going to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. Visit attractions nearby.
Day 2: Visit attractions such as Kiyomizu Dera, Philosopher Path, etc. ( East Kyoto )
Day 3: Visit attractions such as Fushimi Inari Gate, etc. ( South Kyoto )
B. Osaka
Day 4: Travel to Osaka. Nippombashi station.
Day 5: USJ
Day 6: Kaiyukan Aquarium
Day 7: Free time
Day 8: Mt. Koya
Day 9: Nara
Day 10: Yoshinoyama
Day 11: Travel to Osaka. JR Tennoji Station
Day 12: Kobe
Day 13: Shop in city
Day 14: Travel to KIX
Note:
– All the other cities are planned to be day trip from Osaka
– We may shuffle city sequence to fit the Pass if necessary.
– We liked the flexibility of Suica for inner city travel in Tokyo on our last travel. But I’d like pass especially if its convenient and cheaper intercity and inside city.
Thank you again for your kind assistance.
Regards,
Kervin
Hi Kervin,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for arrival day. But if you can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. Because you can get the discount at many attractions by Kansai one pass.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
But if you still have Suica, you can use it and you just buy Haruka discount ticket to Kyoto from KIX.
Even if you use Suica or Kansai one pass, you may add all day bus pass in Kyoto. One day pass is 500 yen and you can get the worth by only 3 ride of bus.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Train is much faster than bus in Kyoto so you can use Suica or Kansai one pass to take trains and use bus pass to take bus.
In Osaka, there are many deals. You can pick it as you need. Kansai one pass or Suica may be enough.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For trip to outside Osaka, you can use Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a doubt regarding Suica card and Haruka pass, and I found that this comment thread relates to my question.
It is known that, if I have already owned an ICOCA card, I can easily purchase the Haruka ticket at KIX airport. However, can I purchase the Haruka ticket from other stations to travel from Tennoji to KIX airport?
I will be bringing my family along for the trip, and this will be the first time they are travelling to Japan. Our first stop is in Tokyo, hence it’s convenient to purchase a Suica card first. Can the Suica card be used to purchase the Haruka ticket?
Regards,
Chew
Hi Chew,
As I answered at your other inquiry, you can purchase only Pasmo.
For Haruka ticket, you can purchase only Haruka ticket (without ICOCA). You can take any local trains from JR stations in downtown Osaka and change Haruka at Tennoji. You cannot ICOCA, Suica or Pasmo for payment to buy Haruka ticket. These card covers only base fare to take trains. If you use these card to take Haruka, you have to pay limited express seat fee beside the card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Alright. Which means it is best to purchase ICOCA card when I reach Kyoto, and subsequently use the ICOCA card to purchase a discounted Haruka ticket.
Thank you!!
Regards,
Chew
Hi Chew,
If you purchase Pasmo when you are in Tokyo, you don’t need to purchase ICOCA. You can use Pasmo, Suica or ICOCA in same ways in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Now these cards have basically same coverage.
But if you intend to buy ICOCA when you arrive in Kyoto, Kansai one pass is better than ICOCA. Because this card gives you discount at many attractions in Kansai area.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
This is same type of card as ICOCA, Suica and Pasmo. But this is available in Kansai area only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I can’t seem to reply to the latest reply of yours, so I will be replying here instead.
As I will be reaching Tokyo first for my vacation, I plan to use Tokyo wide pass + Subway pass in Tokyo, without having to purchase Pasmo card.
When I reached Kyoto, since most of the attractions are reachable by taking bus, I will be purchasing the Kyoto bus pass at 500 yen. I will also purchase an ICOCA card just in case sometimes I need to take the subways instead.
Just wondering, am I able to get discounted Haruka ticket from Osaka or Kyoto to KIX by using the ICOCA card?
Thanks for being patience with me!
Regards,
Chew
Hi Chew,
I have already mentioned about using Suica or ICOCA for payment of Haruka discount ticket before.
You cannot use it for payment. These cards cover only base fare. If you want to use Haruka discount ticket. You have to pay by cash or credit card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Would like to check with you:
1. If I am going to Kobe a day after arriving at Osaka (we are staying one night in Osaka) , should I purchase the Kobe,Sannomiya ICOCA & Haruka round trip (5000 Yen)? Does it also cover the train from Osaka to Kobe, or will the train fare be deducted from the pre-loaded 1500 Yen in the card?
2. If the train fare to Kobe is deducted from the pre-loaded amount, what is the difference between the Osaka,Shin-Osaka ICOCA (4600 Yen) and the Kobe,Sannomiya ICCOCA (5000 Yen)?
Thank you so much.
Hi Keith,
You should buy KIX-Osaka and Kobe-KIX separately. Because Haruka portion of this deal is valid for one day only. You cannot use KIX to Kobe with stopover at Osaka by KIX-Kobe ICOCA and Haruka. You have to pay single fare or using your ICOCA which is 550 yen (Shin-Osaka to Sannomiya).
So you should buy ICOCA and Haruka one way from KIX to Shin-Osaka at 3000 yen and Haruka discount ticket from Kobe to KIX at 1500 yen.
By the way, Haruka is not the best way to get KIX from Kobe. Because you have to change trains at Shin-Osaka. If you pay another 450 yen, you can take limousine bus to KIX directly.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KB
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to purchase the ICOCA + HARUKA for my trip to Kansai, but I have some questions I hope you can help me with.
1. With the HARUKA ticket, can I take the Nankai line from Kansai Airport to Namba station? (I’ll be staying at Namba, Osaka first, before going to Kyoto)
2. I understand that HARUKA is the only train between Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport. Is it possible to buy/book online a 1-way ticket for this trip?
Thank you for your advice.
Hi Joe,
1. No, you cannot. JR and Nankai railway are completely different companies. If you want to take Nankai railway, you can pay single fare 920 yen or use other deals in the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/
2. Online is available for only Kansai airport departure. If you look for the ticket from Kyoto to KIX, you have to purchase it at Kyoto station.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi.
Based on your advice, I have two more questions, which I hope you can help me with.
1. I will be buying the Kansai Thru Pass. With it, I can take the Nankai Airport Express train, right? And if I want to take the Rapi:t Nankai train, I just need to pay a little bit more.
2. I think it’s possible to use the Thru Pass to get from Kyoto to KIX, but there are many transfers to make by local trains. In your opinion, would it be better to just buy a one-way Haruka ticket for this? Or maybe buy a Kansai Area Pass which includes Haruka.
Hi Joe,
1. Yes.
2. I don’t recommend you to use Kansai thru pass to get KIX from Kyoto. You have to take Hankyu railway, Osaka subway and Nankai railway. You need to change trains twice. If you take Haruka, it’s direct. You will have luggage. I think direct train service is much more convenient.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My traveling date 23 July – 5 Aug.
I’m in the midst of planning to Osaka -> Tokyo -> Hokkaido in July as per above date. I would like to check for below :
Probably, i will be staying in Osaka, Juso for 2 nights – 23 and 24 July
From Juso to The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum – Is it to buy 1 day pass – Hankyu Tourist Pass?
25 July – from Osaka to Tokyo, Shibuya.
Where to take train? What kind of train pass to buy? What is the fee?
30 Jul to 5 Aug – in Hokkaido, these are the main places i wanted to go (Sapporo/Furano/Biei/Noboibetsu). I would like to know, from Hokkaido airport to Sapporo, 1) what kind of train pass to buy?
2) Any day pass that available for tourist to those places : Sapporo/Furano/Biei/Noboibetsu
Regards,
Samantha
Hi Samantha san,
Single fare is cheaper than Hankyu tourist pass to get Takarazuka. It costs less than 300 yen for one way.
You will take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa.
Juso (Hankyu) Umeda/JR Osaka (JR local train) Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen) Shinagawa (JR local train) Shibuya
Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-shinkansen-haruka-thunderbird-and-local-train-access-to-osaka-umeda-and-namba.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
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
Only Hokkaido Rail Pass is your choice in Hokkaido. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-access-from-new-chitose-airport-to-sapporo-otaru-asahikawa-and-other-cities-in-hokkaido.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
I gave you many links but all info which you need are shown in these links. Please read carefully one by one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi,
I will be visiting Osaka + Kyoto and my itinerary as below
4 April 2017 – Touch down at Kansai Airport.
– Take train to Kyoto.
7 April 2017 – Go to Osaka by train from Kyoto.
9 April 2017 – Go to Kansai Airport by train from Osaka.
Plan to use subways, buses, local public transport when in Kyoto and Osaka for sightseeing.
1) What type of tickets should I buy? Is it ICOCA and Limited Express Haruka?
2) How to buy the ticket? Can I buy online and get it at Kansai Airport?
3) How much is the fare from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka, Osaka to Kansai Airport?
Hi Chia,
1. Haruka discount ticket (without ICOCA) for KIX-Kyoto.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Kyoto city deal in Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Single fare for Kyoto to Osaka
Osaka city deal in Osaka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Pick up one of deals in the link below for Osaka to KIX
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
2. You can find it at the links above.
3. It’s varied by departure station, arrival station and train companies. Please find it at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ,
Thanks a lot for your response.
I have few questions below:
1. Haruka discount ticket (without ICOCA) for KIX-Kyoto.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
What is the difference between “Haruka discount ticket” and “Haruka + ICOCA” and “Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA” ticket? Can I purchase “HARUKA discount ticket” without ICOCA card?
In the website, it say that “Regarding single ticket arriving at or departing from Kansai Airport,every visitor may only purchase up to 1 ticket each. Combine of single and return ticket each is not allowed either.” What does it mean?
Does it mean I only can purchase either “Haruka + ICOCA” or “ICOCA” 1 time only. Can I buy online?
2. How to buy “Single fare for Kyoto to Osaka”? and what type of ticket?
3. What type of tickets I need to purchase for Osaka to Kansai Airport?
Hi Chia,
1. The difference is with ICOCA card (e-money card) or not.
You can buy one time only per visit per person. For example, you cannot purchase 2 x one way KIX to Kyoto ticket.
You can purchase it online at the official website.
2. Just purchase it at the vending machine.
3. It depends on which station in Osaka you leave. There are some deals for Osaka to KIX too.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
But if you use a regular ticket, just buy it at the vending machine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, I’m visiting Japan on March 26 but I will stay in Tokyo from March 26 to 29. Then On March 29 I will take train to Kyoto. I am confuse on what PASS to buy. I want to see Kyoto, Osaka and Nara from March 29 to 31 and I’m flying to San Francisco on April 1 from Osaka Kansai Airport. What pass should I buy. Is it better to buy Kansai Thru Pass than JR Kansai Pass? How about Haruka can I buy it since I will take train from Kyoto to Ozaka kansai Airport? If I need to buy the KTP where can I buy it, can I buy it in Japan? Please help. Thank you!
I suggest you look into a 7-day JR Rail Pass which you’ll be able to use for the duration of your stay in Japan, provided you ride JR. The rail pass will allow you to ride from Narita/Haneda into downtown Tokyo, then on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, and from Osaka to Kansai Airport. You will never have to pay for a train ticket unless you’re taking subways, buses or non-JR trains. Consult your travel agent to purchase rail passes before you leave for Japan.
Hello
I saw your blog and it really awesome to know all the details travelling to japan. Actualy i will go to japan this coming April 26 to 29 only via Kansai Airport and i will just explore the osaka. I just want to know since my hotel is in umeda how can i go there with my JR Pass and what JR pass do i need to purchase if i want to go to tokyo for whole day trip and back to osaka
My itinerary will be like this
April 26 arrival at kix airport and go straight to umeda where my hotel is and the next day
April 27 im planning to go to universal studio what train do i need to ride?if i have the jr pass already
April 28 planning to go kyoto or tokyo
And 29 at night is my flight going to other country
I hope you can help me thanks
Hi Scott,
Do you have JR pass in the link below?
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/index.html
If so, you must go to Tokyo otherwise you cannot get the worth. It’s way way too expensive to visit Osaka and Kyoto. If you visit Osaka and Kyoto, the cost is way more than half price of JR pass 7 days.
But Tokyo is 3 hours away from Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train). You will spend many hours on board.
So I recommend you to make sure you go to Tokyo or not first. If you don’t want to go to Tokyo, you should cancel your JR pass to get the refund. There are other affordable deal to cover Osaka and Kyoto only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi ,
Just happen to saw ur blog , great information , I’m going wt my family this coming Dec , 2 adults & 3 young kids. Base in Osaka, planning to go to Tokyo / Kyoto & back to Osaka. Will read thru & study everything here , just wish to say thanks for putting this up.
Cheers
Hi Joyce,
I’m happy to hear that. Hope you have a great trip to Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Im still building my itin, im planning
OSAKA – TOKYO -OSAKA – KYOTO (day trip) – OSAKA
is JR rail the best deal to travel to tokyo?
Thanks
Hi Joyce,
If you make Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka in 7 days, you can use 7 days JR pass. 14 days pass is too expensive.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com