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 Takeshi,
I and a friend will be visting Japan for 6 nights landing at Kansai airport on a Sunday afternoon . The intention is to spend the first 3 nights in Kyoto, and second 3 nights in Osaka with a day trip to Hiroshima whilst staying in Osaka.
From my understanding the best deal appears to be the 5 day JR Kansai Hiroshima rail pass which let us use the Haruka express to get from the airport to Kyoto,back to Osaka on JR train and to Hiroshima and back.
We’d then have to but a one way ticket for the Saturday morning Haruka back to Kansai airport.
Have I worked this out correctly, and would we also need an Icoca card for local transport in Kyoto/Osaka?
Thank you for any advice,
best wishes
Andy Bolton
Hi Andy,
You are on the right track. Kansai Hiroshima Pass is most suitable choice for your trip.
Haruka one way ticket is okay but if you stay near Namba, Nankai railway deal may be better. I show several deals to get KIX from Osaka. Please find some more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
In October, we will be with 2 landing in Osaka and staying in Kyoto for about two weeks.
We won’t need a pass to go to our hotel in Osaka Umeda station area, we will use the limousine bus as we also land in the evening.
Day 1 (Sunday) to 4: We travel from Osaka Umeda to Kyoto Station with the Special Rapid Service JR Kyoto Line.
If I’m not mistaken this takes about 28 minutes and will cost 560 yen/pp.
Our accomodation suggests we take a taxi from Kyoto station because of its location. So no pass/ticket is needed.
We will be exploring Kyoto via rental bikes the first 7 days, so also no tickets needed.
Day 5: We plan to do a daytrip from Kyoto to Nara. For this we take the 1 day Kintetsu rail pass, costing 1500 yen/pp.
Day 5 to 8: Kyoto with bikes.
Day 9 : A trip with one night stay in Hiroshima. Do we take the Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass for this?
We will also use this pass (valid for 5 days) for daytrips in the Kansai area after our return from Hiroshima and to return to Osaka on day of departure.
So if we travel to Hiroshima and use the pass for the first time on Wednesday, it will still be valid to go from Kyoto to Osaka on Sunday morning?
I hope the itinerary is understandable, a good planning of transportation will surely help us enjoy our stay.
Many thanks for your advice!
Hi Iris,
Your planning is feasible. You have picked the right deals. You can start using Kansai Hiroshima Pass in Wednesday and it covers Kyoto to Osaka in Sunday morning.
Kintetsu rail pass is okay. But if you make a trip to Nara between Hiroshima and Osaka, such as Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you can use Kansai Hiroshima Pass to get Nara and save 1500 yen. In Nara, most of places can be accessed by walk. As long as you get JR Nara station, it will be okay. Kansai Hiroshima Pass covers this trip. And also Fushimi and Uji are located on JR line to Nara from Kyoto. You can drop by these places if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello takeshi,
I did ask you for a help in a post and I may need further help for this itinerary in October:
Day 14th : flight arrival 15:40 at Kansai airport>>> catch the train to Hiroshima & check in at the hotel (this is fixed because of my friend’s schedule).
Day 15th , 16th : Around Hiroshima, miyajima
Day 17th: check out hotel and catch the train to Osaka. (I will base at Osaka and have trip visiting Nara, kobe, Kyoto.)
Day 18th : Kyoto
Day 19th: Kobe
Day 20th : Nara
Day 21st: may do shopping around Osaka and ready to go to airport around 12h20 for flight back at 16:40.
You did suggest me to use “Hiroshima -kansai area pass”, but this covers 5 days only (means from 14 –18th ), I need to activate the pass on 14th to go to Hiroshima. Should I use “Kansai area pass 3 day” for day from 19th —21st to save money because I still need to go to Kobe, Nara and also go to the airport Kansai?
Or could you please suggest me the best economic way for this itinerary?
Thank you for your help,
Thanh Pham
Hi Thanh,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 3 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai area pass covers only JR trains. Kansai thru pass does not cover JR but you can take Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu, and Nankai railways to get Nara, Kobe, Osaka and KIX. It covers also city bus and subways. This is much more convenient than Kansai area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
2 of us are planning to fly into osaka in June. We intend to take it easy and plan a relax 13-days trip. Any recommended route to suggest? You gave me very good advice for last winter trip to Osaka-Kyoto-Takayama. Thank you very much!
Hi Jas,
I have a few sample itineraries on my website. But most of them are very busy schedule.
https://jprail.com/category/sample-itineraries/14days
https://jprail.com/category/sample-itineraries/7days
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi again, Takeshi-san!
As I was reading your many posts, I came across this Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass post! I am so lucky I did. What a great economical deal!!!
We still have 1 free day for our 10 day trip of the Kansai region. Some of my friends suggested why not have a day trip to Hiroshima- Miyajima? So I tried to research on this.
I noticed in the map that Himeji is on the way to Hiroshima. So I was thinking if it is feasible to go Himeji- Hiroshima-Miyajma?
I really need ypur advice again, Takeshi-san.
I willl try to recap on our trip. June1-11
Day 1 – arrival KIX 8pm.
– You suggested the KANSAI CHIKATOKU ticket goimg to Awaza.
– Awaza is our base for the entire trip.
Day 2 – USJ
Day 3 – Osaka sightseeing
Day 4 – Himeji
– Shinkansen 1way fare to Himeji.
Day 5 – ** No definite itineray yet
– **Maybe Hiroshima if feasible
Day 6 – Nara – Kyoto (Southern) OR Kyoto first then Nara?
– Use 2 Days Kansai Thru Pass (day 1)
Day 7 – Kyoto (Northern & Eastern) ( day 2 Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 8 – Osaka shopping!
Day 9 – Osaka sightseeing
Day 10 – Osaka Bay Area
– Use Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
Day 11 – Check out
Do some late minute shopping
5PM – Departure KIX
My questions are?
1) Can we use the Kansai Hiroshima Pass for this type of itinerary?
2) On what day can we begin using this pass if ever.
3) If I plan to go to Hiroshima, is it feasible if we do it right after Himeji? We skip Kobe ☺
4) Is a day trip enough if we plan to visit Miyajima too?
5) Pls advice if we need to stay overnight in Hiroshima. We might as well sacrifice the 1 night Accommodation we already paid for in Osaka (Strict cancellation policy )
6) I read that this Kansai-Hiroshima pass covers all JR & Sanyo Shinkansen in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima!
a] Does that mean I do not need to purchase the 2 Day Kansai Thru Pass anymore?
b] What will we use for the buses & subways not covered by the Kansai Hiroshima Pass?
7) If we will plan to purchase the pass outside Japan, how will we add the payment for Reserved Seating?
8) Pls help me reaarrange the itinerary according to smoother flow & accessibility.
Thank you so much, Takeshi-san! You are our saviour!
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann san,
I have day trip sample itinerary to Hiroshima and Miyajima. It’s feasible.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
But I don’t recommend to visit Himeji on the way to Hiroshima. It’s too much. You can keep Kobe and Himeji because Kansai Hiroshima Pass covers both Shinkansen and JR lines. But this pass does not cover reserved seat. Shinkansen has reserved seat and non reserved seat. You CANNOT use reserved seat by this pass. In non reserved seat, it’s first come and first serve. In worst case, you have to stand up. But it’s very rare in most of season. If you take the train that depart from Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima, it’s easier to get the seat because when train comes to platform, it’s empty. For example, if you take some Shinkansen train that comes from Tokyo, many of seats are occupied. The following links shows you Shinkansen timetable. When you go to Hiroshima, Sakura and Mizuho depart from Shin-Osaka. It’s easier to get the seat than most of Nozomi and Hikari.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
You can use this pass for day 4 to 7. You can pick either day 3 or 8 to use this pass. You can get Nara, Kyoto, Himeji and Kobe by this pass. But as you know, subway and city bus is not covered. You need to add subway fare to get the nearest JR station from Awaza. Bentencho is the nearest station.
You also need to add Kyoto city deals.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
But you can visit Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi by JR. If you visit these places in one of two days, you may save extra cost for Kyoto subway and bus.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi again Takeshi san.
Can we combine the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass & Kansai Thru Pass?
We use the K-H Area Pass for:
*1 day Hiroshima & Miyajima
*1 day Himeji & Kobe
We use the Kansai Thru Pass for: 2 days Kyoto & Nara
Is this a wise choice?
How can we use the K-H Area Pass from KIX to Osaka? Can we use this pass for the Limited Express Rapi:t (with reserved seats)?
Thanks a lot, Takeshi san.
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann san,
You can use both. But Kansai Hiroshima Pass is valid for 5 days. So if you use this for Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kobe/Himeji, KIX-Osaka, you still have two more days. Nara can be accessed by this pass even though you need to add single fare for subway to get JR stations, such as Umeda, Bentencho or Nishikujo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Once you get JR station, you can take Yamatoji rapid to get Nara by this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
For trip to Kyoto, you can take JR train, such as Special rapid to get Kyoto. And add Kyoto city deal as you need.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
I think you don’t need Kansai thru pass if you use Kansai Hiroshima pass.
You cannot take Rapi:t by this pass. This is JR deals and it covers only JR. It does not cover Nankai, Osaka subway, Hanshin and any other NON JR lines.
Make sure which one is JR and NON JR at the link below. Kansai Hirsohima Pass covers only JR. And also you cannot take reserved seat on any trains by this pass. You can take any trains, like Shinkansen, Limited Express Haruka for KIX to Osaka. But you can take only non reserved seat.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
So when you get Osaka, you can take either Haruka or rapid train. But you have to add single fare to take subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
A pleasant Sunday, Takeshi san.
It‘s like this. I already reserved Kansai Thru Pass with our local travel agent in my country. The worst scenario is we can not cancel this reservation.
We planned to add Hiroshima to our trip only recently. I already booked the Kansai thru pass weeks ago
Can you pls. suggest how we can maximize both passes if ever we purchase both?
But on the brighter side, the 14,000 yen K-H Area Pass will already be covered even if we only use the pass for 1day round trip Hiroshima-Miyajima. 1day round trip Himeji-Kobe
One drawback of the K-H Area Pass is it must be used consecutively for 5days. We can not predict the weather in June, so there is a little pressure with this.
Pls. give me some insights/suggestions.
Thank you so much for the many important links you gave me. I copy-pasted these links & store it in my “jprail Takeshi” folder.
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann san,
As you have already thought, you can use Kansai thru pass for Kyoto and Nara. This is the best way to use it. And you are right. Even if you use Kansai Hiroshima area pass to use for only round trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, it’s paid off.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My travel agent agreed to change the Kansai Thru Pass to Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (KH Pass)
I planned to use this pass during the ff. days:
Day 1 – HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA
Day 2 – KYOTO
** Arashiyama District (KH Pass)
– Tenryu-ji Temple
– Arashiyama
– Bamboo Groves
** Northern Kyoto
– Kinkaku-ji Temple
– Nijo Castle (KH Pass)
– Nishiki Market
– Shinkygoku-dori Teramachi-dori Street
– dinner maybe at Pontocho Alley
DAY 3 – NARA & KYOTO
*NARA* (KH Pass)
– Kofuku-ji Temple
– Nara Deer Park
– Todai-ji
– Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine
*KYOTO*
– Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine (KH Pass)
-Tofuku-ji Temple
– Kiyomizudera Temple
– Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
– Kodai-ji Temple
– Gion Corner
Day 4 – HIMEJI – KOBE
DAY 5 – maybe OSAKA
Q1: Do you suggest we buy the KYOTO SIGHTSEEING PASS for the 2 Kyoto days?
One day or Two day pass?
Q2: Do you recommend we take Shinkansen going to Kyoto? or ordinary JR train?
Q3: How about from Himeji to Kobe? Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe or JR train to Sannomiya JR?
Thank you again Takeshi san.
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann san,
1. I think all day bus pass at 500 yen for one day is enough. You will not have many chances to take subway.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html#cvcrd
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG150321(omote)0309.pdf
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG150321(map)0309.pdf
2, 3. It’s up to you. I think you have read this post already but please read this link below:
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
Hell Takeshi san.
I will just purchase the All day bus pass at 500 yen. Thanks for your suggestion.
Thanks for the many links you provided. I will read them very carefully.
Cheers,
Ann
No worries, Ann san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
So sorry for the typo error. It should be:
Hello Takeshi san!
Anyways, I tried using the bus & train route planner. I noticed that using the bus consume much longer travel time than using subway. What do you think?
Can we use the 500 bus pass for all bus companies operating in Kyoto?
Thank you!
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann,
It’s up to you. You can choose whichever you like. In my opinion, you cannot get 1000 yen worth per day. Because you can take JR trains to get Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi.
Bus pass covers only Kyoto city bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRaill.com
Hi again Takeshi san.
Sorry but I forgot to ask you:
Q1: Is Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Municipal Bus one & the same?
Q2: What is this “clockwise running loop bus no. 2” from JR Nara Station to Kasuga Taisha?
Q2a: Is this bus covered by the 500yen One Day Bus Pass?
Q3: Can we use ICOCA in Hiroshima? or
Q3a: Is it advisable to buy One Day Bus Pass in Hiroshima?
THANKS A LOT TAKESHI SAN!
Cheers,
Ann
Hi Ann san,
1. Yes
2. Please see this.
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-transport/nara-buses
2a. It runs in Nara. Kyoto city bus pass covers only city bus in Kyoto. It’s totally different place.
3. No
3a. It depends on how many times you take a bus.
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
A pleasant Sunday Takeshi san!
About the One day pass for Hiroshima,
Q1: If we will only visit these places, wat pass is the most economical?
Hiroshima Peace Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Atomic Bomb Dome
Okonomi Village
Q2: Is using the Sightseeing Bus worth it?
Thank you Takeshi san.
Hi Ann san,
You can find it by yourself. You know the price of the pass. You can find how many time you will take the bus. You will find which one is better choice, single ticket or one day pass.
Try to find it. It’s very very easy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san.
I will try to compute.
Cheers,
Ann
You can do it, Ann san. You’ve already learned many things.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I am going to visit Japan for the second time this year and I am wondering whether it is valuable to buy a JR pass or a regional pass.
This year my visit will be in Tokyo and around, plus Hiroshima and around. My schedule is as follows:
(2 years ago I visited Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hakone/Fuji and Tokyo)
• Arrival on 30th april 10PM in Haneda/Tokyo
• From 30th April to 8th May, my hotel is in Shinjuku/Tokyo with one day-visit to Nikko and one-day visit to Kamakura
• Then on 8th May I am moving to Hiroshima with Shinkansen
• I will visit Hiroshima, Miyajima, Iwakuni for a few days
• Then I will move to Kurashiki and will visit the city and also Matsuyama-jô, and Fukiya for a few days
• Then I will move to Kobe and visit Himeji-jô and Kobe for a few days
• I will leave on 15th May from Kansai/Osaka.
So my question: it is worth buying a JR SANYO SAN’IN AREA PASS for the week between 8th to 15th May or any other pass? Can this pass can be used from Tokyo to Hiroshima with Shinkansen Nozomi on 8th May because I can read “The lines included in the pass: JR West lines, Sanyo shinkansen (Nozomi, Mizuho, Hikari, Sakura, Kodama), Limited express trains incl. Kansai airport express Haruka, the JR-WEST Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima”.
Thank you in advance for your advice and support.
Kind regards,
Jean Marc
Hi Jean Marc,
Sanyo Sanin Area Pass does not cover the segment between Tokyo and Osaka. This pass does not suit your plan. I recommend you to use JR pass 7 days for May 8th to 14th. It’s 7 days pass so the last day of your trip is not covered.
For Nikko and Kamakura, I recommend you to use Tokyo Wide Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
Subway pass or single ticket is okay in Tokyo.
For the last day from Kobe to KIX, you can take either limousine bus or high speed ferry.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Bay_Shuttle_high_speed_ferry
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you for your advice. All is clear to me as you have explained.
Kind regards,
No porblem, Jean-Marc san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I plan to visit Hiroshima with my parents in July. I will be flying in from Okinawa, arriving Hiroshima in the evening. Thinking of purchasing Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. I would like to ask for your advice as the rail system is quite complicated for me to understand 🙂
Day 1 Arriving Hiroshima (1800 hrs ETA)
Day 2 Sightseeing Hiroshima city
Day 3 Miyajima day trip
Day 4 Iwakuni day trip
Day 5 Not sure yet (if you have any suggestion?)
Day 6 Hiroshima to Osaka; sightseeing in Osaka
Day 7 Fly back from Osaka (0005 hrs ETD)
I wonder if Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass the best choice for me?
Does it cover for local sightseeing train rides in Hiroshima and Osaka cities as well?
From your experience, if i stayed for the Ukai in Iwakuni, will i still be able to make it back to Hiroshima at night using JR train?
Thanks!
Sharon
Hi Sharon san,
Kansai Hiroshima pass is the best choice. You can use it from day 2 to 6. However this deal does not cover any local transportation in city of Hiroshima, such as city bus and street car. Trip to Miyajima and Iwakuni are covered by this pass fully.
Kurashiki and Onomichi are recommended to visit.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3475.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
Some places in Osaka cannot be accessed by this pass. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can catch the train to Hiroshima even 23:00 at Iwakuni. So it will be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks so much for your response. I may need your advice again 🙂
There’s slight change in my itinerary, as the flight back home is too expensive on Day 7, we have decided to extend our stay in Kyoto instead 🙂
Day 6 Hiroshima to Kyoto; sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 7 Nara
Day 8 Not sure yet
Day 9 Kyoto – KIX – home (1625 hrs ETD)
I’m torn between Sanyo Sanin AP and Kansai Hiroshima AP. I’m planning to stay in Momoyama Station area, which i believe is covered by both passes.
Sanyo Sanin AP lasts for 7 days which matches Day 3 to Day 9 of my trip but it costs 19000 yen. Do you think 19000 yen is a good deal in this case? I’ve tried to calculate the fares i might incur throughout the trip, but got a bit confused.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
No, it’s not a right choice. Keep Kansai Hiroshima pass. You may add single fare to get Nara. It costs less than 1500 yen from Kyoto for round trip. And you can use Haruka discount ticket from Kyoto to KIX. And if you need the deal for Kyoto, bus pass is okay.
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
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I bought my Kansai Hiroshima pass. I plan to activate on Day 3 Miyajima trip. Hence the 5th day will fall on Day 7 Nara trip.
I will get the Haruka discount ticket as per your advice.
Plan A:
Can i get the ICOCA+Haruka when i arrive in Hiroshima on Day 1? That way i might be able to use the ICOCA for my Day 2 Hiroshima City sightseeing.
Plan B (if A is not possible):
From my understanding, one needs to have ICOCA to be able to purchase Haruka ticket Kyoto – KIX.
But in Kyoto i plan to use sightseeing bus pass as it seems to Higashiyama better (Day 8). In this case what would be cheapest option to get to KIX?
And i made a mistake purchasing flights leaving KIX at 1100 hrs. Hence i am figuring out how to get to KIX earliest (headache headache).
Thanks Takeshi san.
Sharon
Hi Sharon san,
You don’t need to purchase ICOCA and Haruka in either Hiroshima or Osaka. For day 2, you can use street car or bus.
http://www.hiroden.co.jp/en/e-1day.html
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/
You can purchase just Haruka discount ticket.
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
So you don’t need to purchase ICOCA.
You can find the timetable 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!
We’re traveling to Osaka this June and I was thinking of using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass for our trip.
Day 1 – Arrive at KIX (late evening)
Day 2 – Miyajima and Hiroshima
Day 3 – Nara, Kobe and Himeji
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 – Universal Studios
Day 6 – Osaka, flight back home in the evening
We’ll be staying at a place near Shin-Osaka station. These are my questions:
Should we activate our pass on the first day or the second day?
Will the pass cover the train from Kyoto to Saga Arashiyama, and Kyoto to Inari?
Do you think the itinerary is too fast-paced?
Thank you!
Cari
Hi Cari,
I recommend you to activate the pass on day 2 because you can use ICOCA and Haruka one way deal for arrival day.
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
ICOCA can be used for taking non JR trains, like subway. Kansai Hiroshima area pass does not cover subway so this card will be great addition for your trip.
This pass covers Kyoto-Saga Arashiyama and Kyoto to Inari.
I think day 3 is tight. It’s not impossible but it’s hard to see these three places in one day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
How do I calculate the fare top up (Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima) if I’m getting reserved seats using the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass?
Hi Jia,
You have to pay all seat fee. It’s not the difference between non reserved seat and reserved seat. You have to pay whole amount of reserved seat fee.
Please see the link below about how to get a seat on non reserved car.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2016-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html#How_to_get_a_seat_on_non_reserved_seat_car
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
Thank you for all the very helpful information you’ve provided. It’s been very helpful in planning our itinerary and estimating our budget.
I plan to get the Kansai Hiroshima pass since our 5-day itinerary will cover Airport-Osaka-Nara-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Himeji-Osaka-Airport.
Question – May I know if the Kansai Hiroshima pass can also be used for the areas that normally accepts an Icoca card? I read that only the Icoca card can be used for non-JR transportation in Hiroshima, Miyajima and Himeji buses. Do you recommend I also get an Icoca card in case we use any non-JR transport or will the Kansai Hiroshima pass be sufficient to cover our transportation during our trip?
Thank you Takeshi!
Hi Dals,
I don’t think you need to have ICOCA for Miyajima and Himeji. You can walk in these places.
In Hiroshima, you may take bus or streetcar to get tourist spots. You can use ICOCA to get these transportation. I think that’s all you can use ICOCA. In my opinion, ICOCA is not required.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com