Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka may be your first train if you arrive in Kansai airport. It is operated between Kansai (Osaka) airport, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kusatsu and Maibara. But please be careful that Haruka does not stop at Osaka station. It stop at Tennoji and Shin-Osaka. If you want to go to Osaka station, you have to transfer to the local train at Shin-Osaka. This express train has 30 round trips a day and are operated mostly every 30 minutes.
After you arrive Kansai airport, you can exchange your JR Pass and take this train to Osaka. JR Pass cover fully this train. Haruka takes you to Shin-Osaka station for about 1 hour. It is fast and convenient. But this train does not take you to Osaka station and does not drop you off at the door of Hotel either. We have an Airport limousine bus to many place in Greater Osaka and Hi-speed ferry service to Kobe. So if you go to Greater Osaka area, I recommend you to take other transportation.
And also if you stay several days in downtown Osaka, please think about saving your rail pass days. Please refer this tips.
Route and stations
Haruka runs between Kansai airport and Kyoto, Kusatsu, Maibara. But most of trips run between Kansai airport and Kyoto. Train to/from Kusatsu and Maibara run in early morning and late evening only as a commute express train.
Please see the operation route in the map below:
If you are looking for the timetable of Haruka, you can find it in my PDF timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Special tickets and passes to cover Haruka
There are some deals available to cover this train.
JR West Kansai Area Pass
This pass is designed for unlimited JR train ride in Kansai area. But you can use one day pass to get on Haruka. This pass covers non reserved seat on Haruka. The online price of one day pass is 2,200 yen. You can purchase this online or Kansai airport station on the spot. The online price is slightly cheaper than a regular ticket (basic fare + non reserved seat fee = 2,330 yen) from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka. If you go to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto and make some trips on JR lines, this pass gives you a great deal. Please see the link below to find the details:
how to use JR Kansai Area Pass. Compare this pass and regular fare
ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka, Haruka discount ticket
If you take some local trains after arrival by Haruka, this special combination deal offers you a good deal and convenience. This is a discount price ticket to take non reserved seat on Haruka and IC card which covers most transportation. Please see the post below to find more information:
Other rail passes to cover Haruka
The following deals cover this train, Haruka:
- Japan Rail Pass, a,k,a, JR Pass
- Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Kansai Kanazawa Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Kansai Wide Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
- Sanyo-Sanin Northern Kyushu Pass
- Setouchi Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Hokuriku Arch Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass (Non reserved seat only)
Accommodation
Hotels in Kansai International Airport
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Nara
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Osaka
JR West 281 series and 271 series are used for Haruka. 281 series was introduced at the same time of Kansai airport opened in 1994. 271 series was introduced in July, 2019 because of increasing demand. But both series look almost same.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Green seat
The seat configuration is 2+1. It is a big seat, but the headrest is quite small.
Ordinary seat
The seat configuration is 2+2. The table is so small and the size is not enough for eat and using a laptop.
Washroom and other facilities
Baggage storage area
This storage does not have any lock and security.
Haruka train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Some trains are operated by 9 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR | R | R | R |
*G=Green seat R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Comments
Dear Takeshi San,
Thanks for your prompt reply, i have question
1) Ltd Express Haruka stop at Kusatsu sation and what is time in early morning?
2) How to reserve the ticket for same?
Hi Amul san,
1) That is 6:07.
2) You can purchase at any JR stations in advance. If you want, you can purchase it just before on board at Kusatsu station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We have flight from kansai airport at 11 am, and our hotel in kusastu , how to reach kansai airport as soon as possible. which train goes to kanasai intrnational airport
Hi Amul,
If you take ltd exp Haruka that departs at 6:01 am, you will reach Kansai at 7:41.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi san ,
Three question I have
1.Which train is suitable for Mishima stations from Narita international Airport ,my arrival time at Narita will be at 13:00
share the latest time table
2. if I catch Narita express should I catch another train (Hikari ) in Tokyo
3.Can we take rail pass at Narita for both train.I think JR wicket accepts all international debit cards
Sharma Rajendra
Hi Rajendra,
1. Narita Express and Shinkansen are your choice. You can find the timetable for Narita Express and Shinkansen at the links below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_nex_u/index.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
2. Yes. You may have to take Kodama. Check the timetable above.
3. There is no deal for both trains. You may be able to use Narita Express deal.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_oneway.html
JR takes credit card. I’m not 100% sure, but I don’t think they take debit card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi san
I changed the schedule , my arrival time at Narita Terminal 1 is 07:45 , I want enjoy about 2-3 hour in Tokyo
What facility is there for visitors baggage ,if not want use Taxi
1. suggest about the Train No ,Name from Narita to Tokyo
2. Tokyo to Mishima Station
Hi Rajendra,,
I think you may take Narita Express 8 at 9:15. It usually take one hour to clear custom and immigration. But it depends on your flight arrival. You may need to adjust it upon arrival. I gave you the link for timetable at previous reply. Please check the timetable and keep which train you can take in your mind.
It’s same thing as Shinkansen to Mishima. There are Kodama leaving Tokyo station every 30 minutes, 12:26, 12:56, 13:26. Your schedule is not fixed yet. So you cannot choose the train at this point. I gave you the link to timetable at the previous reply too.
You can find info about luggage at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi ,
I want to take Narita express from Mitsukoshimae station to Narita International terminal 2 .
Please advise how should I go about it .
Also how much will be the cost per person .
Thank you very much !
Regards
Deepa
HI Deepa,
Just walk to Tokyo station. It’s within walking distance.
You can find the cost at hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
My travel plan is to fly to Osaka on 6th July and stay until 11th.I will be visiting surrounding Osaka. Then I will travel to Tokyo by shinkansen on 11th/7 and stay until 14th/7.From Tokyo I will fly to sapporo for 5days.
I plan to buy 7days JR PASS for the duration of the trip but I am not sure whether I should start using the pass on the 1st day or when i travel to tokyo by shinkansen.
Is it possible to travel to Sapporo by shinkansen or should I fly in?2
Hi Ai Ling,
Are you going to use JR pass for Osaka-Tokyo and in Osaka or in Tokyo? What is your plan in Sapporo? If you intend to use Osaka-Tokyo and in Osaka or in Tokyo, JR Pass may be more expensive than single ticket. JR Pass 7 days pass is almost same as return fare and Shinkansen surcharge for Osaka – Tokyo. As long as you have one way trip to Tokyo from Osaka, JR Pass is too much even if you use JR Pass for sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto or other spots in Kansai area.
If you have any chances to use JR pass after arriving in Sapporo, that may be considerable. At this point, we have to make sure whole picture of your plan. Otherwise we cannot make a decision.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to know the best travel pass for my visit to Japan (first time)
14-Feb – 17-Feb Arriving in Sapporo (will take subway for sight seeing)
17-Feb – Arrive in Kansai at 9pm (by flight). Will take Haruka Express to Kyoto
18-Feb -19-Feb – Will take subway for sight seeing
19 Feb – Shinakansen train to Tokyo
20-Feb – will take subway for sight seeing
Please let me know which pass is best suited for me .
For the kyoto sight seeing I have thought to purchase Full day bus pass (500Yen) .
Seeing the explicit details in your post , i want to buy ICOCA & HARUKA” but would it be worth , please advise .
Lots of Good wishes and Regards
Deepa
Hi Deepa,
As you think, ICOCA and Haruka is your choice. You can use ICOCA in not only Kyoto but also Tokyo. If you take subway in Tokyo, you can use ICOCA too if you don’t use subway pass.
Unfortunately ICOCA cannot be used for long distance transfer. And there is not deal available for Shinkansen to Tokyo. Only single ticket is your choice. You can purchase and book Shinkansen ticket in advance at Kansai airport when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka if you want. It’s not difficult to book Shinkansen. If you don’t want to spend time at Kansai airport, you can book and purchase at Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much Takashi , really grateful to you .
Hi Deepa,
No problem. Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
HI dear Takeshi ,
Sorry I have got one more question please .
As mentioned earlier, on 19 Feb (weekday) I will be taking a Shinakansen train from Kyoto to Tokyo. I will be visiting a few tourist destination in Kyoto in the morning before taking the train to Tokyo.
My problem is I do not know exactly what time I want to take the Shinakansen to Tokyo (may be around 1400 or 1600 hrs)
So is there a open ticket I could buy in advance OR do you think I can just go to the Kyoto train station and directly buy the tickets to Tokyo . Are there chances that I might not get the ticket for Shinakansen to Tokyo if I directly go there .
Sorry for asking so many questions !!
May God bless you for helping others selflessly !
Regards
Deepa
Hi Deepa,
Don’t worry. You can purchase and book it just before taking train to Tokyo. It’s easy to do it in last minutes. There are lots of Shinkansen trains to Tokyo from Kyoto.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to know the best way to reach shinosaka(staying@New osaka hotel) after 2300hr. I would also like to exchange JR pass when I arrive at the airport, is the information counter open?
Hi Ai Ling,
I don’t think you can exchange it on arrival day because it’s closed at 23:00. Please see the link below:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en009.html
Regarding access to Shin-Osaka, please refer the link below and see the chapter, “Access to Umeda/JR Osaka”:
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
If your flight arrive in KIX at 23:00, I don’t think you can take a train. Because as you see the link above, the last connection to Osaka departs at 23:32. Even if you can catch this train connection, you can’t reach Shin-Osaka. Only taxi is your option to get Shin-Osaka from Osaka. I don’t have exact fare of taxi. But I guess it will be more than 3000 yen.
If you complete and exit airport at 23:00, you can take 23:09 connection to Kyoto. (See the chapter, “Access to Kyoto”)
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Love your site, so much info. Just one question, if you get a Shinkansen Ticket at Kansai International Airport, can you catch the JR Haruka, with not purchasing a Haruka ticket. Like in Tokyo, you can get off a Tokyo Station and travel anywhere in the Tokyo JR network without purchasing a ticket. Thanks in advance.
Hi Steve,
No, you can’t. For example, if you want to take Haruka and Shikansen between Kansai airport and Tokyo, you have to purchase one base fare ticket from Kansai airport to Tokyo, surcharge ticket for Haruka and surcharge ticket for Shinkansen. In Tokyo, if you take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo and do not exit the station at Tokyo, you can choose the station to exit. So you can transfer local train and go to Shinjuku and exit.
Please read the following post about single fare ticket.
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 / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks so much for this information, I may now buy a JR pass. Keep up your brilliant work.
Steve
No problem, Steve.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
[…] immediately looked for a JR station and bought an ICOCA + Haruka ticket at Y3,030 [US$25; P1,100]. Haruka is a limited express train that runs from the Kansai Airport through Kyoto to Maibara. We decided […]
Hi, need help on what is the best way to get from Kansai Airport to Yamashirotaga station or Tamamizu Station. We are family of 5 and arriving from Singapore and will stay a nite at Washington hotel and the rest of the stay at Kyoto Garden Residence at Idechou Taga Hattanda, Kyoto prefecture which is nearer to Yamashirotaga Station than Tamamizu station.
I would also like to know which pass is better for us. (Icoca+Haruka) or Kyoto city pass? My itinerary is as such-
19 Nov – arrive at 10pm and check in Washington hotel at rinku town (free airport shuttle)
20 Nov – go back to Kansai Airport to get pass? And then go to Idechou Taga Hattanda ( which is nearer to Yamashirotaga station than Tamamizu Station. After check in go to Kyoto (kiyomizudera and gion district)
21 Nov – from Yamashirotaga station to Kyoto (Higashiyama area) then back to Yamashirotaga
22 Nov – from Yamashirotaga station to Kyoto (Arashiyama area) then back to Yamashirotaga
23 Nov – from Yamashirotaga station to Kyoto (Southern Kyoto area -fushimiku/tofukuji) then back to Yamashirotaga
24Nov – from Yamashirotaga station to Nara then back to Yamashirotaga
25 Nov – from Yamashirotaga station to Kyoto or Osaka then back to Yamashirotaga
26 Nov – from Yamashirotaga station or Tamamizu station to Kansai Airport departure 11am (setting off early at 6.30am?)). Is it the same way as the arrival?
Thank you for your help
Shirley
Hi Shirley,
The fastest route to get Yamashirotaga is the following:
Ksanai airport -(express Haruka)- Tennoji -(YamatojiRapid train)- Nara -(local)- Yamashirotaga
You can use Kansai Area Pass for this route and it covers fully.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
However there is one problem. Kansai Area Pass can be purchased only once per visit. You can’t get this pass for departure day. So I recommend you to use the following route and use ICOCA and Haruka.
Kansai airport -(express Haruka)- Kyoto – (Nara line local)- Yamashirotaga.
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
This deal covers to Kyoto only. You have to pay for Kyoto-Yamashirotaga. But ICOCA e-money is included in this deal. It covers the fare for this section. And also if you purchase round trip of this deal, you can take Haruka from Kyoto.
This route is a bit longer than the first option but less transfer. I think it’s more convenient.
When you stay in Yamashirotaga, you have to pay single fare to get city of Kyoto. You can purchase subway pass or bus pass in Kyoto. But there is no deal to cover everything that is cheaper than single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will arrive at Kansai International Airport at 8am. But from what I read jr pass exchange office open at 10.30am. Is that true?? So i must wait until 10.30am or I can exchange jr pass at other office? Thanks before.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en009.html
Hi Chrisvian,
Unfortunately you have to wait. The station is open from 5:30 to 23:00. I have never exchanged JR pass at KIX. But I think foreign travellers information counter take care of JR Pass. You will arrive at 8:00 but you will spend 1 hour to go through custom and immigration. So you have to wait for 1.5 hours.
The nearest station is Osaka station. But you have to pay extra 1190 yen to get there. So your choice is wait for airport or pay 1190 yen to save 1.5 hours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail