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
Hi Quang,
You have to pay additional for Hamasaka to Tottori. But you don’t need to get off at Hamasaka. You can pay to conductor on board. You may pay when you exit at Tottori station as well. Just show your pass and they let you know how much is the additional. If you want to know the fare in advance, use Hyperdia and find it.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We intend to visit this coming October with ff itinerary:
Day 1 Osaka city
Day 2 Osaka city
Day 3 Hiroshima / Miyajima ( Kansai Hiroshima pass)
Day 4 Kobe / Himeji
Day 5 Arahiyama / Kyoto
Day 6 Kyoto / Osaka
Day 7 Osaka Manila
We would like to visit a fruitpicking farm, can you suggest any taht would fit this Itinerary? Many thanks
Hi Sally,
Your itinerary is okay. I don’t have anything to comment.
Regarding fruits picking, I have no idea. I have never done it in Japan before.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This is a brilliant website! Thanks so much for all the information!
We have just booked a last minute trip to Japan and now have a lot of organsing and research to do in a short space of time.
We have 10 days and are flying into and out of Osaka. During this time we want to visit; Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara (I hear you can do this as a day trip from Kyoto), and possibly Kobe. Can you recommend anywhere else that we shouldn’t miss?
Our main confusion at the moment is what kind of rail pass to buy. We have read that we can get one that covers the region we are traveling specifically, which seems much cheaper than the JR pass. Can you please give any advice on this?
Also, can you recommend any good websites/ options for accommodation? We usually stay in hostels but these seem to be quite expensive.
Your help and advice is massively appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Tom
Hi Tom,
This pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area pass is most recommended. It’s valid for 5 days. So you can spend one of 5 days for Hiroshima and Miyahjima. And you can also get Kyoto, Nara and Kobe by this pass.
I recommended Himeji and Mt. Koya. Himeji can be visited by this pass easily. But Mt. Koya is not covered by this pass. Koyasan World Heritage pass is recommended.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
I have no idea about accommodation that is cheaper than hostels. I usually use Rakuten. This is the biggest online Japanese hotel site.
http://travel.rakuten.com/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I am planning to go to Kansai on this coming November and planned to use JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass. May I ask the route from Okayama to Wakayama on 17th November, is SHINKANSEN KODAMA train cover in this pass too?
Thank you for your kind answering.
Hi Sarocha,
Yes. This pass covers Kodama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Cane check for me if I should get the Kandsai Hiroshima Area pass for my itinerary?
Day 1: Kyoto (Icoca pass)
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto Arashimaya
Day 4: Day trip to Osaka
Day 5: Day trip to Nara
Day 6: Day trip to Kobe/Himeiji
Day 7: Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 8: Kyoto onwards to Toyko
Since the pass is valid for 5 days, I assumed I should use it from Day 3-7.
Really appreciate your advice. 🙂
Hi Sheryl,
If you take Shinkansen to get Tokyo from Kyoto on day 8, JR Pass is better than Kansai Hiroshima Pass. 7 days pass is cheaper than round trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto and trip to Tokyo from Kyoto by Shinkansen.
If you have different idea, like taking bus to Tokyo, Kansai Hiroshima pass is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I was wondering if you could look at my itinerary to see if it is worth getting the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass.
Also my place is right next to Shin-Osaka 🙂
Day 1:
Shin-Osaka to Kyoto then back
Day 2:
Shin-Osaka to Nara then back
Day 3:
Shin-Osaka to Kobe then back
Day 4:
Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima then back
Day 5:
A day in Shin-Osaka
Will this be worth buying the pass? Is Shin-Osaka the station that I have to be at to get to those places with the pass?
Regards, Kim
Hi Kim,
It covers all places.
Shin-Osaka is the best place and all places except Nara can be accessed directly.
But you don’t need to be there. You can stay in Umeda or near other JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Hope you’re doing well. We’ll be going to Japan this Oct for a 7D/6N stay and intend to visit, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima. Is it recommended to avail the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass + ICOCA/Haruka Package to cover our entire trip?
Day 1: Arrive at Kansai AP (@12noon). Go direct to Kyoto (overnight stay in Kyoto)
Day 2: Full Day tour in Kyoto (overnight stay in Kyoto)
Day 4 : Tour at Nara, Kobe & Himeji (if time permits) (Fr. Kyoto to Nara to Kobe to Himeji then overnight stay at Shin Osaka)
Day 5: Day tour at Miyajima & Hiroshima (Fr. Shin Osaka to Miyajima to Hiroshima then back to Shin Osaka)
Day 6: Osaka Full day tour (overnight stay in Shin-Osaka)
Day 7: Spend morning in Osaka then depart at Kansai AP (@12:55pm).
Is our timeline too tight? Any suggestions?
Thank you.
Regards,
Lan
Hi Lan,
You can use the combination of the deals that you think. You can use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket for day 1 and 2. And you can use Kansai Hiroshima Pass for the last 5 days of your trip. (Day 3 is missing but I believe you will still be in Kyoto)
I think day 4 is tight. if you will stay in Kyoto on day 3, I recommend you to visit Nara on this day. You can use half day for Nara and enjoy Kyoto for the rest of this day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi!
No problem, Lan.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Could you advise whether the 5 days Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass covers our entire trip itinerary below? Or is there any other pass options which you would recommend?
Day 1: Kyoto Station – Miyajima – Hiroshima
(Do we need to transfer to Shin-Osaka or is there a direct Shinkansen from Kyoto Station?)
Day 3: Hiroshima – Okayama – Yonago – Tottori
(Which train would you recommend from Okayama?)
Day 5: Tottori – Okayama – Himeji – Shin-Kobe
Thank you.
Meng
Hi Meng,
This pass does not cover Okayama-Yonago-Tottori. Sanyo Sanin Area Pass is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/sanyo-sanin-area-pass-it-is-much-better-deal-than-sanyo-area-pass.html
This pass does not cover Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. You have to transfer from local train to Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka.
Regarding train to Yonago and Tottori, please see the link below. You will find all trains in this area.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/sanin-area-train-access-guide-how-to-access-to-kinosaki-izumo-matsue-tottori-and-other-major-cities-in-sanin-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Does the Sanyo Sanin Area Pass covers the Limited Express Super Hakuto from Kyoto to Tottori?
Thank you
Meng
Hi Meng,
Yes. This is one of the benefit of this pass.
This train runs on non JR line partially though. It’s covered fully by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Could you advise me on the following questions pertaining to the 7Day Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass?
1) Does the Pass fully cover all the train types of my itinerary?
a) Ltd Exp Super Hakuto
b) Ltd Exp Super Matsukaze
c) Ltd Exp Yakumo
d)JR San-in Line & Rapid Liner (JR West website indicates – “Separate Liner Tickets or numbered tickets are required.” Does it mean these trains are NOT covered by the Pass?
e) All Shinkansen except Tokaido right?
2) How do we make the free seat reservation for the above mentioned types of train?
Thank you
Regards
Meng
Hi Meng,
All trains and your trip are covered by this pass.
You can book the tickets at the reservation window that is called Midori no Madoguchi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Hi! Will the 5 days Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass cover our entire trip itinerary below? Or is there another pass we can use?
Day 1: kansai airport (arrive 1955) – shin osaka station
Day 2: Shin Osaka – Kyoto – Shin Osaka
Day 3: Shin Osaka – Miyajima – Hiroshima – Shin Osaka
Day 4: Shin Osaka – Himeji – Osaka – Shin Osaka
Day 5: Shin Osaka – Osaka – Shin Osaka – Kansai Airport (depart 2040)
Thank you,
Tates
Hi Tates,
It’s covered by the pass fully. The only thing you have to add is the fare for subway/bus in Kyoto and Osaka as you need. Especially in Kyoto, most of places cannot be accessed by JR trains. You may add single fare, all day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will be travelling to Japan on 24th Oct, will like to seek your advice on our itinerary and the transportation options available:
Day 1 – Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka
Day 2 – Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (Use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
Day 3 – Hiroshima (Use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
Day 4 – Hiroshima to Himeiji to Shin-Osaka (Use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
Day 5 – Shin-Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen (Use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
Day 6 – Kinosaki Onsen to Amanohashidate to Shin-Osaka (Use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
Day 7 – Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (Kyoto hotel near Gojo subway station)
Day 8 – Kyoto
Day 9 – Kyoto to Kobe (Kobe hotel near Sannomiya Station)
Day 10 – Kobe
Day 11 – Kobe to Osaka (Hotel near Kitahama subway)
Day 12 – Universal Studio (Nankai Universal-city Ticket)
Day 13 – Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori
Day 14 – Rinku Outlet Osaka
Day 15 – Osaka to Kansai Airport (Use Nankai Railway Kanku Chikatoku Ticket)
1. We will reach Kansai airport at 930pm, will we be in time to take Haruka Limited Express? If no, is there any option to travel to Shin-Osaka as our hotel is situated there?
2. Based on our itinerary, do you recommend any other pass that we should purchase? Eg, Kyoto sight seeing card, Osaka Eco Card?
Thanks!
Hi Kris,
1. The last Haruka departs at 22:16. I don’t think you can make it. The other option is rapid train to Osaka and transfer to local train to Shin-Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Unfortunately there is no direct train service to get Shin-Osaka.
2. I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket. Even though you cannot take Haruka, this deal is still better value than single ticket to Shin-Osaka. You can use ICOCA e-money for day 7 to Kyoto and day 9 to Sannomiya from Kyoto. You can use this e-money to take even subway and other than JR.
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
On day 12, you intend to use Nankai Universal-city ticket. But this deal includes return fare between KIX and Universal city station.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/univer-roundtrip.html
It doesn’t work for your trip. Single fare is okay for getting Universal city station from Kitahama.
At last, I’m wondering why you don’t go straight to Kyoto on day 7. You may get Kyoto from Amanohashidate directly.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-hashidate.html
You will stay in Osaka after Kobe. I don’t think you need to come back to Shin-Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com