Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass user guide. The deal for the traveler who wants travel in Kansai, Hiroshima and the surrounding area.

miyajimaHiroshima and Miyajima
2014.12.24
The landmarks . Tsutenkaku tower (Osaka/left) and Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima/right) ©JNTO (Osaka/left) / ©Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau (Hiroshima/right)
The landmarks . Tsutenkaku tower (Osaka/left) and Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima/right) ©JNTO (Osaka/left) / ©Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau (Hiroshima/right)

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

The coverage area of Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Click to enlarge)

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.

Sanyo Sanin Area Pass user guide. The train pass that covers Kansai, Sanyo and Sanin regions
Sanyo Sanin Area Pass covers whole part of Chugoku region, such as Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Shimane, Tottori. It also covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. This pass suit the traveler who travel in the west part of mainland. Please check the post to find the detailed information about this pass.
jprail.com
2014.12.24

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.

Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass user guide. The deal for the tourist who travels between Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Hakata.
Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass is the perfect deal if you access Hiroshima and Yamaguchi from Fukuoka. Please find more information about this pass in this post.
jprail.com
2014.12.24

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

Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura and Mizuho give you direct trainsfer to Shin-Osaka from Kyusyu.
Both Mizuho and Nozomi on Sanyo Shinkansen are covered by this deal.

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.

Find your hotels in 500 cities throughout Japan!!!

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)
Adult13,700 yen14,500 yen14,700 yen
Child
(6-11 years old)		6,850 yen7,250 yen7,350 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.

SegmentBase fareSurcharge
Osaka – Kyoto560 yen–
Osaka – Sannomiya (Kobe)410 yen–
Osaka – Nara800 yen–
Kyoto – Nara710 yen–
Osaka – Himeji1490 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Kansai Airport1190 yen970 yen
Osaka – Okayama3020 yen2480 yen
Osaka – Hiroshima5620 yen4090 yen
Osaka – Miyajimaguchi5940 yen4090 yen
Hiroshima – Miyajimaguchi410 yen–
Miyajimaguchi – Miyajima (Ferry)180 yen–
Osaka – Kinosaki Onsen3350 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Shirahama3350 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Shingu4750 yen1940 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

  1. Pang says:
    December 17, 2015 at 5:55 am

    Hi,

    Thank you for your post, I’ve learnt a lot from it. However, I am wondering, if I want to reserve seats while I’m using this pass, how much does it cost ?

    For example, according to Hyperdia, fare for shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima is 5,6xx Yen and there are unreserve seat fare 4,0xx Yen and reserve seat fare 4,8xx Yen, if I would like to reserve seat for this journal, do I have to pay

    5,6xx + 4,8xx Yen or

    5,6xx + (4,8xx – 4,0xx) Yen ??

    I would like to reserve seat since I’m traveling during New Year Holiday, my plan is

    30 Dec: Kinosakionsen (spend a night in Amanohashidate)
    31 Dec: Amanohashidate (spend a night in Kyoto)
    1 Jan: Hiroshima
    2 Jan: Hiroshima
    3 Jan: Okayama – Himeji
    4 Jan: Himeji – Osaka
    5 Jan: Osaka
    6 Jan: Koyasan
    7 Jan: Osaka
    8 – 10 Jan: Kyoto

    I’m planning to use this pass during 30 Dec – 3 Jan, would you suggest any other pass ?? For the remaining day, I think I’ll use one-day pass for specific area 🙂

    Bests,
    P

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      December 17, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Hi Pang,

      If you use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and want to reserve your seat, the pass covers only base fare, 5600 yen. You have to pay full reserved seat fee, 4800 yen.

      In this year, December 30th outgoing and January 3rd incoming are the busiest days. Actually January 1st is not busy. In your itinerary, To Kinosaki onsen on 30th and Okayama to Himeji on Jan 3rd will be super busy. But when you take Shinkansen, if you make a trip by Kodama that is the slowest one, it’s usually not very busy.

      If you want to reserve, you can do it. But in my opinion, reservation is not required for other than trip to Kinosaki on 30th. When you take Shinkansen, there are many trains that depart from Shin-Osaka. Don’t take a train that come from Tokyo. Most of seat are taken. If you take a train that depart from Shin-Osaka, it’s empty when train comes to the platform. You can find the timetable at the link below:
      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

      But even if you want to book a ticket to Kinosaki, it may be booked out. There is no online booking available. You may not be able to book it.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Shaiful says:
    December 17, 2015 at 2:22 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Planning my trip to Japan in Feb 2016. Appended below is my general itinerary. Possible to give comments / propose alternatives. Thank you.
    I did not opt for the 7 day Japan Rail Pass as I think using these available passes and combination will be better. Its just that I would not be able to reserve seats on the Shinkansen using some of these passes. My worry is that, would it be easy to get non-reserved seats on my travel date? Appreciate your help.

    Thank you.

    Shaiful

    1 Feb 2016 – Reach Narita, Free & Easy to explore Tokyo, Shibuya, Roponggi, etc. (3D TMP)
    2 Feb 2016 – Visit & Sightseeing in Tokyo (3D TMP)
    3 Feb 2016 – Free & easy around Tokyo (3D TMP)
    4 Feb 2016 – Mount Fuji & Hakone (3D HFP)
    5 Feb 2016 – Lake Kawaguchi and other areas at Mt. Fuji (3D HFP)
    6 Feb 2016 – En-route to Kyoto / Osaka via Odawara using Shinkansen (3D HFP & One way tix from Odawara to Osaka)
    7 Feb 2016 – Day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima (5D KHAP)
    8 Feb 2016 – Day Trip & sightseeing in Okayama, etc. (5D KHAP)
    9 Feb 2016 – Day Trip & Signtseeing Kobe, Kyoto, Nara (5D KHAP)
    10 Feb 2016 – Day trip Osaka, Namba (5D KHAP)
    11 Feb 2016 – Free & Easy Osaka (5D KHAP)
    12 Feb 2016 – Kansai Airport
    (3D TMP = Tokyo Metro Pass, 3D HFP = Hakone Free Pass, 5D KHAP = Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)

  3. Ping says:
    December 15, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Takeshi

    We will travel to Kansai airport on this Friday night 18/12. We plan to travel in Kansai area and Hiroshima for 2 weeks so Kansai Hiroshima pass is a good deal for us.
    19-21/12 stay in Osaka
    22 Osaka- Okayama
    23 Day trip with friends
    24 Okayama to Hiroshima
    25 Hiroshima to Okayama
    26 Okayama to Kyoto
    26-31/12 stay in Kyoto we plan to travel to Biwa lake,Hikone..

    My question is 22/12 I should open the pass on this day.
    22-26/12 ,27-31/12 travel with out pass
    Or 22/12 pay 3000 Yen for train Osaka to Okayama, so I can use the pass on 24-28/12, 29-31/12 travel in side Kyoto use bus .

    Thank you
    Ping

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      December 15, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Hi Ping,

      I recommend you to use the pass from 22 Dec simply. 3000 yen is only base fare. If you take Shikansen, the fare is 5500 yen. The pass covers Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama. It’s a good deal.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Jenny says:
    December 7, 2015 at 1:07 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    The Japan railway system is so complicated. I am having problem with my plan, hope you can help, my trip to Japan:

    Day 1 Osaka

    Day2. Hiroshima – Miyajima then back to Kyoto

    Day 3. Kyoto

    Day 4. Kyoto

    Day 5. Nara then back to Kyoto

    Day 6 Kyoto

    Day 7 Kobe then back to Kyoto

    Day 8. Kyoto

    Day 9. Osaka Kansai airport.

    We are thinking of buying the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass then in Kyoto we will be using mostly the bus to travel around.

    Hope to hear from you soon as we are traveling this coming Sunday.

    Thanks.

  5. サイコ・パンチ says:
    November 28, 2015 at 8:18 am

    I’m learning a great deal from your posts, Takeshi-san.

    I’m planning for a 10 day trip back to Japan early next year. The trip starts at Osaka, and ends in Fukuoka, passing through spots in between like Hiroshima, Miyajima, etc. I haven’t finished my itinerary yet but I’m doing some research on area passes so I get the cheapest commute possible (which is why I came to this site).

    I’m thinking of going with this pass (Kansai-Hiroshima) and then Northern Kyushu pass (5 days). In total, the 2 passes would cost JPY23,000 which is around JPY7,000 cheaper than the JR Rail Pass. However, the problem is that the combination of the 2 won’t cover my trip between Hiroshima and Hakata.

    As a general overview, I’m thinking of staying in Osaka, then transfer to Okayama or Hiroshima (or Miyajima) then finally in Fukuoka for my trip. Which passes do you think I should get for the cheapest commute? Is the JR Pass the most reasonably priced one for my itinerary?

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      November 28, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Hi サイコ・パンチ,

      Probably JR pass 7 days suits your plan. But I’m not sure because your plan has not been fixed yet. Actually there is no deals available for Osaka to Hakata. All passes are more expensive than single fares. So the key is the plan after you arrive in Hakata. It depends on how much you use the pass in Kyushu. If you use many express trains or Shinkansen in Kyushu, it will be paid off.

      Roughly speaking, if you make trips to Kumamoto, Nagasaki or/and Beppu, it will be paid off.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Celia says:
    November 27, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    This is a great website! I’ve been browsing around, but I’m still a little confused as to which passes work best with the itinerary that I have. I was wondering if there might be something out there that might fit my itinerary better, which I might have overlooked? Or if the itinerary could be rearranged for a better transportation deal? I was looking at the Kansai Thru Pass, but I’m still confused as to how that might be used to my advantage.

    My itinerary:
    Day 1 – KIX to Osaka, overnight (use Haruka/ICOCA round trip ticket)
    Day 2 – half day Himeji trip, back to Osaka, overnight (1 day Japan West Kansai pass)
    Day 3 – Osaka to Koyasan, overnight (World Heritage ticket)
    Day 4 – Koyasan to Hiroshima/Miyajima, overnight (Kansai/Hiroshima pass)
    Day 5 – Miyajima
    Day 6 – Hiroshima to Kinosaki, overnight
    Day 7 – Kinosaki to Kyoto, overnight
    Day 8 – Nara, overnight Kyoto (can I go to Nara on JPRail?)
    Day 9 – Kyoto
    Day 10 – Kyoto
    Day 11 – Kyoto, then train to KIX for evening flight (Haruka ticket)

    Thank you!

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      November 28, 2015 at 12:37 am

      Hi Celia,

      Don’t worry. You are on the right track. You have chosen the right combination of the deals. However I just want you to make a small change on your itinerary.

      Current plan
      Day 2 – half day Himeji trip, back to Osaka, overnight (1 day Japan West Kansai pass)
      Day 3 – Osaka to Koyasan, overnight (World Heritage ticket)
      Day 4 – Koyasan to Hiroshima/Miyajima, overnight (Kansai/Hiroshima pass)

      Suggested plan
      Day 2 – Osaka to Koyasan, overnight (World Heritage ticket)
      Day 3 – Koyasan to Himeji trip, back to Osaka, overnight (World Heritage ticket + Kansai Hiroshima Pass)
      Day 4 – Osaka to Hiroshima/Miyajima, overnight (Kansai/Hiroshima pass)

      The reason why I change is trip to Himeji by Shinkansen. You may use Kansai area pass to get Himeji but you cannot take Shinkansen. But if you start using Kansai Hiroshima pass, you can take Shinkansen to get Himeji. It’s faster and more comfortable.

      Trip to Nara and Kyoto can be covered by Kansai Hiroshima pass. But there is no Shinkansen. and also you have ICOCA e-money 1500 yen value. It can cover this trip. And also if you use ICOCA, you may take either Kintesu or JR.
      https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html

      Kintetsu Nara station is located at closer place to sightseeing spots than JR Nara station.

      You may add city deal in Kyoto.
      http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Lan says:
    November 11, 2015 at 4:38 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    I am planning to purchase this JR pass but I am confused as to which line to use to get to my destinations.
    What line do I use to get to:
    Day 1: Kyoto
    Day 2: Nara
    Day 3: Kobe and Himeji
    Day 4: Hiroshima

    And also where from, Osaka or Shin-Osaka

    Lan

  8. Tracy says:
    November 3, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Hi,

    I would like some advice regarding which train pass to purchase for my travels in the Kansai region this December.

    I’ll be based in Osaka, near Tennoji Station and planning day trips to Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Hiroshima. Would it make better sense to purchase the Kansai-Hiroshima 5 day pass or a return ICOCA & Haruku Pass. Is the only difference the trip to Hiroshima? The return ICOCA & Haruku Pass will cover my return trip to the airport? If I were to purchase the Kansai-Hiroshima pass, then I would need to purchase a separate ticket for return trip to the airport?

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Regards

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      November 3, 2015 at 11:14 pm

      Hi Tracy,

      If you use Kansai Hiroshima pass for the last 5 days, you can use this pass to get back to KIX. So you need only one way ICOCA and Haruka. If you stay in Osaka and want to use Kansai Hiroshima pass in mid point of your trip, you need to have ICOCA and Haruka round trip. But I think you can adjust your itinerary and make a trip to Hiroshima in the last 5 days of your trip.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Tracy says:
        November 3, 2015 at 11:33 pm

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thank you for your reply.

        My plan to to do the day trips during the first part of my trip. In the second half, I’ll be making a trip out to Takayama and Shirakawago.

        Is getting the ICOCA & Haruka the most economical way of getting from the airport to Tennoji station? Does this pass also allow for travel to Kyoto and Kobe? Not sure if I interpreted the information correctly.

        What pass would you recommended for my travel to Takayama and Shirakawago and perhaps Kanazawa?

        Thanks for you help!

        Regards
        Tracy

  9. Peggy says:
    November 3, 2015 at 7:54 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    As mentioned by you, the pass covers Shinakasen between Shin-osaka and Hiroshima, and it is best to take those trains that depart from these places, how do I know / look out if

    I am at Shin-osaka , bound for Hiroshima/ Okayama/ Himeiji, is there anyway to make sure I take the train bound for end destination (Hiroshima) and not Hakata?

    I am so sorry but I don’t know how to read Japanese.

    Thank you. You really is very patient and helpful, based on the comments I have read. I really appreciate your efforts.

  10. Sophia says:
    November 3, 2015 at 6:04 am

    Hello Takeshi,

    I am still a little confused after reading this.
    We are going to japan:
    26-reaching Osaka from kansai airport
    27-28 Hiroshima/Miyajima
    29-Kobe or Okayama
    30-1 Kyoto
    1-2 Osaka
    Is it advisable to get this hiroshima area pass for our travel plans? Also, by getting the hiroshima pass, do we travel on all trains for free or how much more do we need to pay for the train rides and which will we be paying for?
    Thank you!

1…45678…15
Copied title and URL