As the name tells you, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass covers Kansai area (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama), Hiroshima and many places between these, such as Okayama, Kurashiki. But the coverage is much bigger. This pass covers even Takamatsu in Shikoku, Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, Kii-Katsuura, Shingu.
I would like to share the information about Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass in this post.
Coverage Area
This pass covers whole part of Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kansai Airport, Himeji and Wakayama. And it includes Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. And also this pass includes the conventional lines to Takamatsu in Shikoku, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama and Shingu in Kii peninsula, Hikone and Tsuruga too. Of course you can access Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Onomichi, Miyajima and Iwakuni too. In addition, this pass covers Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate. It is a big benefit to visit northern Hyogo region.
If you want to access to Hakata, Yamaguchi or Sanin area, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass is recommended. But it does not include Kinosaki and Kii area.
JR West will also release Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass too. If you need an access to Hiroshima from Hakata side, this pass will be suitable for you.
Other part of Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, most part of Shikoku and Kyushu are not covered by this Pass. So if you intend to travel throughout Japan or travel to Tokyo, Hokkaido or Kyushu, Japan Rail Pass is maybe more suitable for you.
*Osaka – Tokyo one way trip is not enough to use JR Pass. Please see the the post, Japan Rail Pass user guide. How to use JR Pass to its maximum.
Valid trains, bus services, routes and class
All daytime trains in coverage area are covered. But reserved seat fee is NOT included as well. You have to take non reserved ordinary seat. Most of limited express and Shinkansen trains have non reserved seat. And Green seat is not covered fully either. If you want to take Green seat, this pass covers base fare only. You have to full of surcharge and Green seat fare.
Overnight option is not available in the coverage area. There are two overnight trains, Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are depart/arrive in the coverage area. But these trains run to Tokyo. You cannot stay overnight in the coverage ares by this pass.
Miyajima ferry is also covered. You have no problem to access to very popular World Heritage Miyajima.
As of mid April 2017, this pass started to cover JR bus in Kyoto, Fukui and Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, there are some bus routes which are covered by this pass. Especially Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” is very very useful. You can get most of popular spots in Hiroshima by this bus. Please see the link below:
Hiroshima sightseeing bus Meipuru-pu
In Kyoto, you can get Ryoan-ji temple, Kitano-Tenmangu shrine, Takao area via Nijo. This pass also covers Obamba to/from Omi-Imazu bus service and Sonobe to/from Fukuchiyama bus service.
This pass also started to cover Kyoto Tango railway as of mid April, 2017. You can get Amanohashidate, Miyazu without any extra charge.
When you use this deal, there are a few exceptions. You have to know that before you choose this deal. Please see the below to get the detailed information.
The Tokaido Shinkansen among Maibara, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka
Even though it is in the coverage area, you cannot take Shinkansen train in this segment. Because Tokaido Shinkansen belongs to other JR company, JR Central. It is same JR Group company and many trains go through both areas each other. But technically it is different company. Therefore this deal cannot include this Shinkansen segment. When you depart from Kyoto or Maibara and take Shinkansen, you have to take Special Rapid Service to Shin-Osaka and then transfer to Shinkansen train there.
Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Okayama
Price, eligibility and how to purchase
This pass is available for temporary visitor only. If you are resident, you can’t purchase it.
JR West is the first company that has different price tag for same product. Please see the below:
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass 5-day
| Purchasing from the travel agent overseas (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West online (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West station (After arrival) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 13,700 yen | 14,500 yen | 14,700 yen |
| Child (6-11 years old) | 6,850 yen | 7,250 yen | 7,350 yen |
As you have seen, you can purchase this pass after you arrive in Japan. But you have to pay 1000 yen more.
If you want to purchase this pass at the lowest rate, you have to purchase it at authorized travel agents before you come to Japan. You can find the dealers list and exchange location at the link below:
JR West Rail Pass Dealer’s list
You also can purchase this pass online through JR West official site. But the price is not much cheaper than the price which is sold at the station.
Valid period
It is valid for 5 days. One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.
You can purchase this pass only once per visit if you purchase online or inside Japan. If you purchase it at authorized agents outside Japan, you can purchase as many as you want. If you need more coverage, please think about combining with other deals in Kansai area, like Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass or pick up other deals, like Japan Rail Pass.
Compare to single fares
Base fare and surcharge for the major segments are the following. Please compare the price of Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and these fares. If you use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, these following fare, both base fare and surcharge, are covered.
*All surcharges in the following table are non reserved seat rate.
| Segment | Base fare | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka – Kyoto | 560 yen | – |
| Osaka – Sannomiya (Kobe) | 410 yen | – |
| Osaka – Nara | 800 yen | – |
| Kyoto – Nara | 710 yen | – |
| Osaka – Himeji | 1490 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Kansai Airport | 1190 yen | 970 yen |
| Osaka – Okayama | 3020 yen | 2480 yen |
| Osaka – Hiroshima | 5620 yen | 4090 yen |
| Osaka – Miyajimaguchi | 5940 yen | 4090 yen |
| Hiroshima – Miyajimaguchi | 410 yen | – |
| Miyajimaguchi – Miyajima (Ferry) | 180 yen | – |
| Osaka – Kinosaki Onsen | 3350 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Shirahama | 3350 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Shingu | 4750 yen | 1940 yen |
*The rate is varied by the season.
As you see, Osaka-Hiroshima one way fare and surcharge total amount is 9,710 yen. So if you have round trip on this segment, it is pay off easily.
Assessment
I believe this deal will be fit to many traveller’s itinerary who stay in Kansai area. If you have a plan to go to Hiroshima when you stay in Kansai area, this pass is the best choice. Hiroshima can be visited as day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka/Kyoto
I strongly recommend you to stay in Kinosaki Onsen and Shirahama. But these destinations can be accessed as day trip too.
There are so many ways to use this deal. I hope you enjoy in Kansai and Hiroshima area by this deal.
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
My husband and I will be arriving at Haneda Airport on 25/10/15 at 945pm’. Would like to check what transport or ticket is best for me to travel to Hotel in Tokyo where I will join land tour there. The tour ends in Osaka on 30/5/2015 am
I plan to extend 5 more days and has booked Hotel Corona Osaka which is near Shin Osaka station from 30/10 to 3/11/15. Have booked Hotel near Kansai Airport which is 10 min away on my last day before leaving Japan on 4/11/2015 , Flight depart at 11am . Is 5 days Kansai Hiroshima Area pass cover me for the extended stay or is this the right pass to us.
My itinerary as below:
30/10/15 spent in Osaka
31/10/15 Shin Osaka to Hiroshima day trip
1/11 /15 Shin Osaka to Kyoto day trip
2/11/15 Shin Osaka to Kobe and Hemeji day trip
3/11/15 Will travel to my Hotel near Kansai Airport after check out in the morning. Can you suggest where I can go with half day left? Shall I leave Hiroshima trip last?
Thank you for your assistance. Have a good day.
Kim
Hi Kim,
Heneda is closed to Tokyo and single fare ticket is fine. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Regarding Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, your choice is right. It gives you a great saving. But this pass does not cover any subway trains. When you travel in Kyoto and Osaka, you may add subway fare or bus fare. I show you the coverage in Osaka and Kyoto at the links below. Those links don’t mention but the coverage is same as JR West Kansai area pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.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/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Day trip to Hiroshima is the longest trip in your plan. You should not put this on the last day. Nara is easy to access from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
Kyoto has lots of places to see. You may spend one more day in Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for your speedy response. I think I will separate Hiroshima/Miyajima in a day and Himeji/Kinosaki in another day. Would like to get your opinion what’s the best pass to get for my 10 days trip in Japan. Here’s my itenerary:
Day 1 – Arrived late at night KIX
Day 2 to 4 – Depart to Kyoto
Day 5 – Nara (Osaka)
Day 6 – Universal Studio (Osaka)
Day 7 Himeji/Kinosaki (spend a night in Kinosaki)
Day 8 – Hiroshima/Miyajima ( Osaka )
Day 9 to 10 – Osaka/KIX
I should start using the Kansai Hiroshima pass on Day 6? What about trips to Kyoto and Nara? What pass should I use? Should I get a reserve seat from Himeji to Kinosaki and from Kinosaki back to Shin-osaka? Thanks in advance.
Hi CLY san,
You can start Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass on day 6. And if you can switch Nara on day 5 and USJ on day 6, just switch it. USJ is in Osaka and single fare is quite reasonable. Trip to Nara is worth using the pass more than USJ.
If you can catch the train, ICOCA and Haruka is the best option for day 1. You can use ICOCA to get Kyoto on day2. But if you arrive so late, limousine bus is better option. Please see the links below to find more info.
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
If you cannot use ICOCA and Haruka on day 1, use single ticket to get Kyoto and use Kyoto city deals.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Would like to know whether it is possible to do Hiroshima-Miyajima-Kinosaki in a day with spending a night in Kinosaki? If not possible, then what about Himeji – Kinosaki in a day? Is the Limited Express Hamakaze covered in this Kansai Hiroshima Pass?
Hi Cly san,
It’s not impossible. But you have to leave Hiroshima early. I have a sample itinerary of day trip to Hiroshima.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
As you think, you have to catch Hamakaze at Himeji. The last Hamakaze leave Himeji at 19:21. As I see the timetable, Nozomi 52 depart Hiroshima at 17:52 and arrive Himeji at 18:49. This is the last connection.
Even if you go back to Osaka, you cannot take any later connection. This is the latest one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
It’s maybe a silly question but i want to ensure my trip with this Kansai-Hiroshima Pass.
I will spend 2 days in Hiroshima but i stay in Osaka so, i have to do twice the same route. it’s ok for me to use it in the same route during these 5 days ?
Thanks alots
Hi Paul,
Of course, you can. It gives you unlimited ride. You can take a train as many as you want in coverage area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san
Any idea if the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass also covers the Hiroshima Meipurupu since the Japan Rail Pass does? Thanks!
Hi CL san,
I don’t think Kansai Hiroshima pass covers this bus as far as I know. Official website mentions JR pass only. But I’m not 100% sure.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
For traveling from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (and back) on non-reserved seats on Sanyo Shinkansen, is the limited express fee (surcharge) included with this “JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass”? Or does this “JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass” cover only the base fare and the limited express fee (surcharge) needs to paid irrespective of reserved or non-reserved seats?
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_kansai_hiroshima.html
Basically I want to know if I use Nozomi & Mizuho with this pass, will I need to pay anything more even for using non-reserved seats (assuming “limited express” somehow doesn’t exclude Nozomi & Mizuho).
Does the limited express fee (surchage) only come into play only if the seats are reserved, and are not applicable for non-reserved seats?
Thanks!
Hi TP,
As long as you get on non reserved seat, you don’t need to pay any extra charge even if you take Nozomi and Mizuho.
I recommend you to take Nozomi that depart from HIroshima on the way back. MIzuho comes from Kyushu. Sometimes it’s very hard to find the empty seat. Especially if you travel with someone, it’s hard to find the seats side by side. But Nozomi that departs from Hiroshima, it’s empty when you get on. It’s much easier to get a seat on non reserved car. I put the links below and can find timetables. You will find which one depart from Hiroshima. From Shin-Osaka, there are lots of trains depart there.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi San,
I’m going to Osaka next week for 10 days and is considering getting this Kansai Hiroshima pass for my trip.
I have a few questions, and will greatly appreciate your guidance:
1) Does this ticket cover all the stations within the Osaka city? I understand Kansai Thru Pass can be used for all the stations within Osaka city itself among others.
2) Is it necessary to get a reserved seat ticket for long distance routes, for example from Osaka to Hiroshima? If yes, do you know where I can find the info on the surcharges or additional fee to get reserved seats?
3) Do you have the 1-day itinerary to other areas within this pass, for example to Kinosaki, Okayama, Shingu, etc?
Many thanks!
Hi Raphael,
1) It does not cover all stations in Osaka. Please see the link below. This pass covers same as other JR deals, like Knasai area pass.
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
2) You can find it at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
When you check at Hyperdia, you will find “Seat Fee”. That is the fare that you need to add on the pass. But it does not make any senses to use this pass. It’s too expensive to use this pass if you add seat fee. The key is which train you will take. You can find Shinkansen timetable at the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
When you travel from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, try to take the train that depart from Shin-Osaka. Don’t try to take a train from Tokyo. Because if you take Shin-Osaka departure train, it’s empty when you are on board. It’s much easier to get a seat. If you take a train from Tokyo, many passengers get off but nobody knows how many seats will be empty. This is a key to get a seat on non reserved car.
3) I don’t have it. But you can find a timetable and trip time at Hyperdia. Kinosaki, Okayama and Shirahama are recommended. Shinjuku can be done as day trip but it’s very far.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
Would like to check with u I’ll b coming over in June. Will arrive @ Kansai airport
What pass should I get from airport.?
And I planned to go from Osaka to Nara -Kyoto- Hirosima can I buy this Kansai Hirosima pass? Able to cover all Itinery? And buying online will be cheaper?
Looking forward to hear from you again.
Thanks! Lee
Hi Diane,
Yes. This pass covers all spots where you intend to visit. Online price is cheaper than purchasing in Japan as you see above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Just back from our 2 weeks. We used the Kansai-Hiroshima and All Shikoku passes without difficulty. Except that it took a 30-60 mins at Osaka to get the Kansai Hiroshima voucher converted into a pass – I fancy the poor clerk hadn’t encountered this one before and was forever running into the back-office. He got quite flustered and was apologising all the time. It didn’t matter to us, we had plenty of time.
We enjoyed Japan, it’s cleanliness, politeness and extreme helpfulness. You just have to stand looking lost and someone will come to help. Oh, enjoyed the sites too!
Thanks for your help
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
I’m happy to hear that. I hope you will go back to Japan and enjoy other areas where you haven’t done yet.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi
for Kansai Hiroshima new ticket the 5 days have to be considered “consecutive”?
Thank you.
paolo gaffuri
ew
Hi Paolo,
Yes. You have to use it in consecutive 5 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail