Kansai Thru Pass is one of the best pass if you travel in Kansai area. This pass offers the unlimited travel of most non JR trains, the subway lines and most local bus services. It covers most part of this region, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Koyasan and Himeji.
In this post, I would like to explain this pass and you will find how to use this pass.
- Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Kansai airport to Kobe
- Kansai airport to Nara
- Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
- Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
- Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
- Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Who is eligible
The overseas tourist with short stay status and Japanese who lives abroad as a permanent resident can purchase it. And also a person with overseas tourist as a guide can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
2-day pass and 3-day pass are available. If you purchase it online, the price is slightly cheaper.
Purchasing online
TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
---|---|---|
2-Day | 4,380 yen | 2,190 yen |
3-Day | 5,400 yen | 2,700 yen |
Purchasing in Japan
TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
---|---|---|
2-Day | 4,480 yen | 2,240 yen |
3-Day | 5,600 yen | 2,800 yen |
You can use this pass on unconsecutive days on the sales period.
e.g.
Day 1 – Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the first day of 3-day)
Day 2 – Visit USJ (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 3 – Day trip to Koyasan from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the second day of 3-day)
Day 4 – Stay in Osaka (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 – Day trip to Kobe and Himeji (Kansai Thru Pass the third day of 3-day)
The sales period is usually year by year, April to March in next year. Actually you can pick any three days (two days for two days pass) in this sales period. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
Under 6 years is free of charge. You are not required to buy the pass for the child who is 0 to 5 years old.
How to purchase
If you want to buy it in advance online, you can refer the official site of Kansai Thru Pass:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Internet Purchase
You also can purchase it at Klook. Klook is one of the biggest ticket seller. You can buy it at your country’s currency. The price may be cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass online purchasing by Klook
You also can purchase this pass at Kansai Airport Tourist Information Center and other many visitor centers in Kansai area. Please see the list of sales location in the Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Where to buy in Japan
I would like to show you price comparison between pass and single fare later in this post.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in Kansai Thru Pass official site.
The pass covers most of Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Osaka airport, Kobe airport, Himeji, Mt. Koya and Otsu (beside Biwako lake)
You can go almost every popular spots by this pass without any extra fares. As long as I know, there are a few major spots where cannot be accessed by this pass.
USJ (Universal Studio Japan)
You have to take JR Yumesaki line to get Universal City station. This pass does not cover JR train. The nearest station where you can get by Kansai Thru Pass is Nishikujo. Please find the information about the train network in the link below:
Yoshino
Yoshino is popular to see the cherry blossom in the spring season. Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka-Abenobashi (same location as Tennoji) and Yoshino. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway but it does not cover whole lines of Kintetsu Railway. Yoshino is outside the coverage area of this pass. You have to add the fare for Tsubosakayama to Yoshino which is the segment outside the coverage area.
The extra fare is 430 yen for one way. You can pay this extra fare when you exit Yoshino station. You can show your Kansai Thru Pass at the gate with the station staff. The staff collects the fare. You can buy the ticket to Tsubosakayama when you leave Yoshino. You can show both the ticket and Kansai Thru Pass when you arrive in Osaka-Abenobashi or other stations where you want to get off.
Nagoya
Nagoya is not in Kansai region and it is completely outside the coverage area as you probably understand. But Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway and Kintetsu Railway runs between Osaka-Namba and Nagoya. Sometimes it makes you get confusing. Kintetsu Railway is the biggest private railway companies in Japan. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover whole part of Kintetsu Railway network. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara only.
Valid trains and bus lines
The pass covers most of non JR railway lines, all subway lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, and most local/city bus services. You can find the full list of the coverage transportation in the official site. I show you the major services here.
- Nankai railway (Osaka, Koyasan, Kansai airport and Wakayama)
- Hankyu railway (Osaka, Mino, Kobe, Kyoto and Takarazuka)
- Hanshin railway (Osaka, Kobe)
- Keihan railway (Osaka, Kyoto, Otsu, Uji)
- Kintetsu railway (Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
- Sanyo railway (Kobe, Himeji)
- Kobe railway (Kobe, Arima onsen, Sanda)
- Keifuku railway, a.k.a. Randen (Arashiyama)
- Eizan railway (Kifune, Hieizan)
- Osaka Metro subway and city bus
- Kyoto city subway and city bus
- Kobe city subway and city bus
- Osaka Monorail (Itami airport)
- Kobe Portliner (Kobe airport)
Any JR lines are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find the information of the train network in Kansai area:
Highway bus and Airport limousine bus are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And the limited express seat fee requires on top of Kansai Thru Pass to take the following trains:
- Kintetsu Railway limited express trains among Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Kyoto and Nara
- Nankai Railway limited express “Rapi:t” between Kansai airport, Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba
- Nankai Railway limited express “Koya” and “Rinkan” between Namba and Hashimoto/Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway sightseeing train “Tenku” between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway limited express “Southern” between Namba and Wakayama
This train has non reserved seat too. If you ride on non reserved seat car, no extra charge is required. But accommodation is completely different. Reserved seat is an express train seat but non reserved seat is a commute trains’ interior. You may have to stand up. - Keihan Railway limited express Premium car
This train has non reserved seat too. Non reserved seat is not bad but reserved seat is much bigger.
Other railway company, such as, Hankyu, Hanshin, Sanyo, operate the limited express trains. But these trains are just the fastest train. Some of trains have better interior than a local train. But any extra charge is not required.
Compare cost between pass and single fare
I show you some trip plans and compare the cost. Actually it is not easy to spend same cost as 2-day pass at 4,300 yen.
Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
If you go to Namba area, Nankai railway is the best choice. The fare is 920 yen. But as I mentioned above, you have to pay another 520 yen at least to take the Limited Express “Rapi:t”. Of course there are many express trains without any extra charge between Kansai airport and Namba. If you want to save the money, don’t take Rapi:t.
You can transfer to most of subway lines at Namba. You can access to most of places in downtown Osaka by subway. Subway fare is from 200 yen. If you go to Umeda from Namba, fare is 230 yen. But if you will stay in Shin-Osaka area, consider to take limited express Haruka. It gives you direct access there. Even if you stay in Umeda area, JR Kansai Airport Rapid takes you JR Osaka station (Umeda) directly. Please refer the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
If you use one of two days in Kansai Thru Pass, you need to spend another 3,000 yen on next day. Otherwise it is hard to get your money worth. I think it is not a good idea to use the pass for Kansai airport access. I recommend you to use Rapi:t Tokudane Return-trip ticket (round trip by Rapi:t between Namab/Shin-Imamiya/Tengachaya and Kansai airport) or
Kanku Chikatoku ticket (Nankai railway base fare from Kansai airport to Namba and subway one way ticket) at 980 yen.
Kansai airport to Kyoto
Actually it is not a good idea. Total fare is 1,550 yen. You can spend more than access to Osaka. But there is no direct train. The best way to Kyoto from Kansai airport is the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Tengachaya -> (Osaka subway Sakisuji line/Hankyu) -> Awaji -> (Hankyu) -> Kawaramachi
Subway Sakaisuji line and Hankyu go through the trains each other. But usually you need to transfer the train at Awaji. You have to transfer at least twice at Tengachaya and Awaji. And there are only commute trains between Tengachaya and Kawaramachi. And also if you stay around JR Kyoto station area, you need to transfer to Kyoto subway at Karasuma. I think it is too much right after you arrive by international flight. If you really want to take this route (Nankai-Subway-Hankyu), you can use Kyoto Access Ticket at 1,200 yen. This gives you better deal. You may be stay in Kyoto on next day for sightseeing. You can purchase Kyoto city pass (subway and city bus) at 1,200 yen for one day. Total cost will be much cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass.
But I recommend to use JR lines instead of above route, especially limited express Haruka. That train take you to Kyoto directly. It is much more comfortable and there are a few good deal, JR West Kansai area pass and ICOCA and Haruka. Please refer the post, Direct access to Shin Osaka, Kyoto from Kansai airport, Kansai Airport Limited Express “Haruka”.
Kansai airport to Kobe
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,290 yen. Kobe Access Ticket at 1,100 yen is also available. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Hanshin) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Hanshin’s Osaka-Namba station is not far from Nankai Namba station. But you need to exit from Nankai station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is almost same.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Shin-Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 105 minutes)
If you worry about transfer at Namba, I recommend you to take JR. You still need to transfer the train even if you take JR trains. But you can transfer the trains in the station. There are many more signs and it is obviously easier.
Kansai airport to Nara
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,430 yen. Nara Access Ticket at 1,200 yen is available as well. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Kintetsu) -> Nara (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Kintetsu’s Osaka-Namba station is same station as Hanshin Osaka-Namba station. These two railway companies’s trains go through each other. You need to exit from Nankai station to get Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is a bit shorter than Nankai-Kintetsu combination. If you take Haruka, you can save another 10 to 15 minutes.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatohji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 75 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatoji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
Transfer at Tennoji by JR trains are much easier than transfer at Namba between Nankai station and Kintetsu station.
Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway take you to Kyoto from Umeda by Hankyu, from Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi and Kyobashi by Keihan. One way fare to Kyoto is about 400 yen. Most of you take subway or city bus for sightseeing in Kyoto. If you purchase one day city pass for subway and city bus, it is 1,200 yen for one day and 2,000 yen for 2 days. But Kansai Thru Pass includes Kyoto subway and city bus.
So if you use Kansai Thru Pass for this trip, you can spend 2,000 yen worth at least. But if you have same trip in two days in row, total cost is 2,000 yen (Kyoto 2 days pass) + 1,600 yen (Keihan or Hankyu two round trips) = 3,600 yen. Actually Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is not cheaper. There are still some more cases that you can spend more.
*If you stay in Namba or other areas and need to take Osaka subway to get Hankyu or Keihan station, you will spend another 200 yen worth. At result, Kansai Thru Pass may be cheaper.
*If you go to Arashiyama and other areas (Kyomizudera temple, Kinkakuji temple, etc) in one day, you may be take Keifuku Railway, subway and bus in one day. Keifuku Railway runs among Arashiyama, Kitano-Hakubaicho (near Kintakuji) and Shijo-Omiya. Basic fare is only 200 yen. But this 200 yen makes your cost of Kansai Thru Pass cheaper than regular fare.
*If you go to Kurama by Eizan Railway, one way fare is 410 yen. If you go to Kurama, Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice.
Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
The only difference from day trip to Kyoto from Osaka is round trip fare to Kyoto. One way is 600 yen by Hankyu. But Hankyu do not have any direct train from Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) to Kyoto. You need to transfer the train at Juso (junction of Kyoto line and Kobe line) or Umeda. One day total cost (Hankyu fare+Kyoto 1 day Pass) is 2,400 yen. It is smart way to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
Actually Nara is very accessible by Kintetsu Railway from both Kyoto and Osaka. You can catch Kintetsu train at Osaka-Namba, Kintetsu-Nihonbashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Osaka-Namba station is located within walking distance from Nankai Namba and Subway Namba. And also Kintetsu-Nihonbashi is same location as Subway Nihobashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi is same location as Subway Tanimachi Kyuchome and Tsuruhashi is same location as JR Osaka Kanjo line Tsuruhashi.
On way fare from Namba/Kintetsu-Nihonbashi/Osaka-Uehonmachi to Nara is 540 yen and travel time is 40 minutes. Travel time and fare from Tsuruhashi to Nara are 480 yen and 35 minutes.
If you access to Nara from Kyoto, you can use Kintetsu line too. Kintetsu Kyoto station is exactly same location as JR Kyoto station. One way fare is 610 yen and travel time is 50 minutes.
But actually most of popular spots are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station. Please refer the post, How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient. to get the details about Nara. If you access to the spots where is located at other than city center of Nara, like Houryuju temple, Heiankyo, you need to get some more trips. But as long as you see the spots around Nara stations, Kansai Thru Pass is not the best choice. Total fare is too low to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) can be accessed by Hankyu or Hanshin. From Umeda, both Hanshin and Hankyu have stations. Travel time and fare are completely same. Those are 310 yen and 30 minutes.
If you depart from Namba, you can catch Hanshin train at Osaka-Namba. Travel time is 40 minutes and fare is 400 yen.
If you depart from Kyoto, it is reverse way from Kobe to Kyoto. You can take Hankyu but you need to transfer at Juso or Umeda. Travel time is 70 minutes and one way fare is 600 yen.
As you see, return fare to Kobe is not so expensive. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kobe, you need to take extra transportation in Kobe. There are Kobe subway and Port Liner. You can take subway to Harborland (Kobe port waterfront area) and Port Liner to Port Island. Basic fare starts at 200 yen. If you have several trip, you can make around 500 yen value.
Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
Sanyo Railway runs train service between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Sanyo-Himeji (same place as JR Himeji station). Both Sanyo and Hanshin go through the train each other. “Direct Limited Express” connects Hanshin Umeda with Sanyo-Himeji directly. Some of Sanyo trains operate to Hankyu Sannomiya station too. You can transfer from/to Sanyo and Hankyu at Sannomiya station.
If you access from Sannomiya (Kobe) or Umeda, you can take Direct Limited Service to Sanyo-Himeji. If you access from Kyoto, the easiest way is using Hankyu to Sannomiya and transfer to Sanyo trains. Travel time and one way fare are the following:
From Sannomiya to Sanyo-Himeji – 60-65 minutes / 940 yen
From Umeda to Sanyo-Himeji – 90-100 minutes / 1,450 yen
From Kawaramachi (Kyoto) to Sanyo-Himeji via Hankyu Sannomiya – 130 minutes / 1,540 yen
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Himeji, you can easily get more value than price of pass. However, if you use JR trains Special Rapid Service, it is so much faster.
Kyoto -(28 minutes)- Osaka -(22 minutes)- Sannomiya -(40 minutes)- Himeji
Special Rapid Service is operated between Himeji and Kyoto directly. It is 30 minutes shorter between Osaka and Himeji, and 40 minutes faster between Kyoto and Himeji. It is much faster and more convenient. So JR West Kansai Area Pass may be considerable. JR’s return fare between Osaka and Himeji is 2,900 yen. It is much cheaper than 1 day Kansai Area Pass at 2,000 yen.
Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Nankai Railway connects Namba with Mt. Koya. This train is the easiest and the fastest to get Mt. Koya. Please refer the post, How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?.
One way fare from Namba to Mt. Koya is 1,230 yen by Nankai Railway and Nankai Koyasan Cable Car. If you want to take Limited Express “Koya”, you need to pay express surcharge, 760 yen. This surcharge is not included in Kansai Thru Pass. And also Kansai Thru Pass cover most of local bus lines on Mt. Koya. So you can get maximum value to use the pass for the trip to Mt. Koya.
However if you stay in Mt. Koya, you spend 2 days. It is very hard to get same value as Kansai Thru Pass 2 days at 3,800 yen. It is very hard to get the value of 3 days either. If you have overnight trip to Mt. Koya, please think about Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket. It includes return fare, local bus and limited express surcharge too. Of course you can use this ticket for day trip too.
Assesment
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kyoto, Himeji and Mt. Koya, you must get more value than price. On the other hand, it is hard to get the value for trip to Kobe and Nara basically. And you have to compare Kansai Thru Pass and other pass/ticket, such as JR West Kansai Area Pass, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket for trip to Mt. Koya or Himeji.
However this pass is still useful. Because you might use the pass after you finish your day trip. Especially if you stay in Osaka, you might have a lots of chance to take Osaka subway after you finish day trip for shopping or dining. Minimum fare of Osaka subway is 200 yen. For example, if you have return trip to Shinsaibashi from Namba, it costs 400 yen. You can make 1,000 yen value easily for just using Osaka subway.
And also you can get discount at more than 350 attractions by Kansai Thru Pass. This is a big benefit, like 100 yen discount at Kaiyukan aquarium, Osaka castle, and many more.
Full list of facilities where you can get benefit (PDF file)
If you stay in Kansai area for 4 or more days, think about using multiple passes, such as Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass. I hope this post will help you to find the best and most economical way.
Comments
hi takeshi
i’m going to japan next year on march
so i wonder if this pass is suitable for my travel if my itineraries are
5/3 – arrived late night so stay at airport
6/3 – straight to kyoto and nara on the same day back to osaka(staying at Chuoku area)
7/3 – Aquarium and osaka area
8/3 – Universal studio and osaka area
so is it okay if i take this pass for 3days? or i shouldn’t do that?
thank you.
oh may be this question out of this area..
i also wonder if i’m staying at yokohama and would travel around tokyo for 5 days.. should i buy a pass or i just travel through single ticket??
thank you again..
Hi Suria,
I want to make sure whole part of your trip. Don’t you come back to Osaka after visiting Yokohama and Tokyo? You don’t have any plan to visit outside Tokyo, like Fuji, Hakone?
Before I choose the deal, I need to see whole part of your trip plan. Otherwise I cannot find the best way for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi,
5 – 8/3 i will be staying at chuoku like i stated before..
i wonder that kansai thru pass is suitable for me
as for the other part
i wonder if i should just using the single ticket or any pass
9 – 13/3 i will be staying at yokohama and planing to goofing around tokyo i guess..but if i want to go to fuji and hokane at this time…since i dont have much particular planing for these date…
thank you again for responding 🙂
Hi Suria,
Kansai thru pass gives you flexibility. But I cannot say it’s most affordable choice or not. You have to make the detailed itinerary first if you want to have the cheapest option.
For staying in Yokohama, there is no choice to get Tokyo. You have to pay single fare to get Tokyo. But once you get Tokyo, you can use subway pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
For Hakone, you can use Hakone Free Pass, but you need to get Tokyo or Odawara by single ticket.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
I have an headache deciding on using the pass. Kindly advise me whether Kansai thru pass 3 days is cost saving for me on Day 4 to Day , or Day 5 to Day 7 ? Many thanks !
Day 1: Travel to Kyoto from Tokyo using Shinkansen (Stay in Kyoto)
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Arashiyama
Day 4: Kyoto half day. Travel to Osaka (Stay in Osaka)
Day 5: Nara
Day 6: Himeji, Kobe
Day 7: Osaka full day
Day 8: Depart to KIX
Hi Alfred,
Kansai thru pass may be okay but not 100% sure at this point.
What is your plan after arriving in Osaka on day 4. If you intend to visit some places in Osaka on day 4, you may use Kansai thru pass for this day. Otherwise bus pass in Kyoto and single ticket to Osaka is cheaper.
Regarding day 5 trip to Nara, where do you start this trip? Because Nara can be accessed by JR train. But Kansai thru pass does not cover JR train.
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
And also you don’t have many chances to use Kansai thru pass in Nara because most places can be accessed by walk from the stations. Single ticket may be cheaper.
At last, about trip to Himeji and Kobe, JR Kansai area pass is better. Because if you use Kansai thru pass, train is much slower than JR trains.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
So at this point, if you really want to have Kansai thru pass, may be day 4 and 6 are the day when you use it. But JR Kansai area pass is more recommended for day 6. In this case, Kansai thru pass is not your choice.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Many thanks for your reply.
Below is my travel for day 4,5,6. I will stay at KYOTOSHIYAKUSHOMAE and OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI
I think Kansai Thru Pass is good for me. Please let me know if I am wrong
I am sorry for the Capital Letters as I copy and paste from HyperDia
Day From To
4 KYOTOSHIYAKUSHOMAE SANJOKEIHAN
SANJOKEIHAN SANJO(KYOTO)
SANJO(KYOTO) FUSHIMIINARI
FUSHIMIINARI TOFUKUJI
TOFUKUJI SANJO(KYOTO)
SANJO(KYOTO) SANJOKEIHAN
SANJOKEIHAN KYOTOSHIYAKUSHOMAE
KYOTOSHIYAKUSHOMAE KARASUMAOIKE
KARASUMAOIKE KYOTO
KYOTO YAMATOSAIDAIJI
YAMATOSAIDAIJI OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI
5 OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI KINTETSUNARA
KINTETSUNARA OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI
6 OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI AMAGASAKI(HANSHIN)
AMAGASAKI(HANSHIN) SANYOHIMEJI
SANYOHIMEJI SHINKAICHI
SHINKAICHI KOBE-SANNOMIYA(HANKYU)
KOBE-SANNOMIYA(HANSHIN) OSAKA-UEHOMMACHI
Hi Alfred,
Kansai thru pass is a right choice.
Hyperdia tells you a right way mostly. But I recommend a different route when you go to Osaka-Uehonmachi from Kyotoshiyakushomae.
You know that you can reach Sanjokeihan by subway. From Sanjokeihan, you can take Keihan railway train to get Tenmabashi in Osaka. From Tenmabashi, take Osaka subway Tanimachi line and get Tanimachikyuchome. This is same location as Osaka-Uehonmachi.
This route is faster and you can take Keihan railway’s limited express. They don’t take any surcharge to take limited express. It has double decker car and much more comfortable than subway and Kintetsu ordinary trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
i will shortly be travelling to Japan to meet up with my daughter in Kyoto, who has a working holiday visa. does this type of visa mean she is not eligible for any rail passes?
many thanks
Hi Julie,
She can use some types of passes, like Kansai thru pass in the post above. But she is not eligible for most of rail pass, like JR Pass. Especially if you want to travel throughout Japan, your daughter’s choice is very very limited. Mostly only single fare is her choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
We will be in Kyoto for 5 days so good to know we can use the Kansai thru pass. I assume she is not eligible for the Kansai Hiroshima pass? We are hoping to stay one night in koyasan when we leave Kyoto as we start to make our way back to Tokyo for our flight home. Is she eligible for the koyasan world heritage pass?
Many thanks
Many thanks
Hi Julie,
She is eligible for Koyasan World Heritage Ticket but not for Kansai Hiroshima pass.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai_hiroshima/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I now in kyoto and leaving for osaka. I will be staying at new osaka hotel shinsaibashi for 4 days. We will be visiting the Universal studio and osaka aquarium and some shopping around osaka. It is worth to buy the 2 day kansai pass?
Hi Mike,
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is the best for trip to Kaiyukan.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Single ticket is okay for USJ. If you need more pass for the other day in Osaka, subway pass or single fare is okay.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hye,
Can i use kansai thru pass+add fare for limited Rapi:T from Namba to kansai airport?
Thanks~
Hi Squariee,
Of course you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks! ^_^
Hello!
Thanks for the great article. I have also a question.
I want to make a 3 day Kansai Trip and I want to buy the 3-day Kansai Thru Pass.
I will stay one day in Osaka, make a trip to Kyoto and I need to be on the 3rd day on Osaka Airport.
Do you recommend of buying this ticket? Or would you recommend buying seperate tickets? I can imagine buying so many tickets will make the trip more complicated?
Thank you.
Viktoria
Hi Viktoria,
Kansai thru pass may be one of your choices but not sure it’s the best or not at this point. Because it depends on the location to stay.
I have a post to tell you about the itinerary in Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
ICOCA and Haruka or other deals may be better.
If you are not sure which one is the best, please let me know the detailed itinerary, like location to stay, arrival/departure time and your plan on arrival/departure days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
First of all, thank you for your help. I checked out the other article and I would like you to look over it, if this is a good alternative.
I arrive at Tennoji Station and my Hotel is close to that station.
On that day I will discover Osaka, on the 2nd day take a one-day-trip to Kyoto and on the 3rd day I need to be early at Osaka international airport.
My idea:
1st day: Enjoy eco card
2nd day: enjoy eco card (to travel to station) + Hankyi Tourist pass 1 day + Kyoto city bus all day pass
3rd day: JR airport rapid train
Is that a possible way of doing it?
I am very thankful for your help.
Best wishes
Viktoria
Hi Viktoria,
How do you get Tennoji from the airport? If you come from KIX, Yokoso Osaka ticket is considerable.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Your pick is cheaper but if you use Kansai thru pass for the first 2 days, it’s much easier.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
It includes Nankai to get Namba, Osaka suwbay, Kyoto subway, Kyoto bus, Hannkyu, everything is included other than JR train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi :
Just wish to clarify on the usage of Kansai thru Pass. I I plan to buy the 2 days Kansai Thru pass, can I use for following case?
I plan to go to Mt Koya on 13th August using the pass and following day 14th August to Kobe, can this work?
This is because I am confused on your statement of ” Visitors and Kansai local can use the pass on unconsecutive days ”
Thank you.
Hi Yen Tye san,
Yes. It will work for your trip to Koyasan and Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I am still confused over JR West Pass and Kansai Thru Pass.
We will arrive Kyoto from Nagoya on 4 December. We will stay in Kyoto till 6 December then we travel to Osaka. We will stay in Osaka till 8 December. On 8 December evening, we need to get to Kansai International Airport. Is the JR West Pass or Kansai Thru Pass is better. Does the JR West Pass or Kansai Thru Pass cover subway and public buses in Kyoto and Osaka.
Thank you
Hi Benjamin,
I think subway pass for each cities is better than both deal. Only Kansai thru pass covers subway in Osaka and Kyoto. But you can purchase subway pass at cheaper price.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You can add single fare ticket for Kyoto to Osaka. There are lots of deals to get KIX from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
These combination is better than both pass in my opinion.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi San for your reply.
We cannot get our choice of hotel in Kyoto and will now be staying in Osaka from 4 to 6 December and travelling to Kyoto daily on 5 & 6 December.
Your reply was
I think subway pass for each cities is better than both deal. Only Kansai thru pass covers subway in Osaka and Kyoto. But you can purchase subway pass at cheaper price.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You can add single fare ticket for Kyoto to Osaka. There are lots of deals to get KIX from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
These combination is better than both pass in my opinion.
Do I still follow your suggestion or you have another suggestion.
Thank you
Ben
Hi Benjamin san,
So now you stay in Osaka and make a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka. The situation is totally different. Kansai thru pass is a perfect choice for your trip to Kyoto. The following post gives you many idea about staying in Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi..
If i stay for 6day in kansai area, which one is the most easy (not much transfer train) & cheap pass i must use? Kansai area pass or kansai thru pass or iocca-haruka or combine pass?
My planing is going to osaka, kobe/himeji, kyoto, nara plus universal studio
My base is in osaka (kobe/himeji start from osaka) & kyoto (nara start from kyoto)
Hi Andy,
I cannot tell you the best one. You have to decide the location to stay. For example, which station is the nearest to your hotel in Osaka?
And also, you have to make the detailed itinerary because you have to find how many times you will take a train. And then we can compare.
The following link may give you some idea to choose the deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi . My friends and I are going to Osaka on July. We are going to stay at Osaka Daiwa Roynet
Below is our itinerary:
Day 1 July 29 Arrival from kansai airport at 7:55pm
Day 2 July 30 shopping atRinku and around Osaka
Day 3 Aug 1 Tour around Kyoto
Day 4 Aug 2 Tour around Nara
Day 5 Aug 3 Universal studios
Day 6 Aug 5 Tour around Osaka
Day 7 Aug 6 departure from Osaka to Kansai Airport
Thank you
Hi Cemr,
You may use one of Kansai airport deal for both arrival and departure days.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days can be used for day 2 to 4.
Single ticket is okay for day 5. Subway pass or Osaka Amazing Pass may be your choice for day 6.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail