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 san,
Can you pls help to advise which pass is suitable for us?
We will travel to Osaka on 4th – 8th April with my family.
Day 1 : Arrive Kansai around 2225. (Not sure enough time to take the last train to our Homestay near Bentencho Station or not. If cannot will stay in airport one night )
Day 2: Travel around OSAKA (Haiyukan area)
Day 3: Bentencho Station – Osaka Musuem of Housing and Living – Kobe Ropeway – Rokko cable car – Bentencho Station
Day 4: Bentencho station – Kyoto (Sagano Scenic Railway / Arashiyama)- Osaka (Tombori River) – Bentencho Station
Day 5: Osaka – Kansai Airport
Appreciate if you can advise me
Thanks
hwa
Hi Hwa,
Single ticket is the best choice for Bentencho and Kansai airport. You may take Kansai airport rapid.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
I hope you can get the last train on arrival day.
Osaka Kaiyu ticket is recommended for day 2.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 3 and 4. You may find the info about this ticket in the post above.
This pass covers subway and private lines. But it does not cover JR. So you can take subway at Bentencho but cannot take JR train at Bentencho. Please see the link below to make sure the coverage.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Kansai thru pass does not cover ropeway and cablecar in Rokko. Please fine more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you very much for the reply. 🙂
For the day 2 (Kaiyu area) , If we want to visit Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel and Cruise Ship Santa Maria together, will Osaka Amazing pass suitable for us?
Thanks
hwa
Hi Hwa san,
Kaiyu ticket is slightly cheaper in my calculation because you can get the discount for cruise and wheel.
http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/basicinformation.pdf
If you intend to visit more, amazing pass is better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
Me and my husband will be traveling to osaka this April 6-11.is it ok if I purchase haruka and icoca as well as the kansai thru pass for our trip? Or should I just purchase the 2 day pass for Osaka and a pass for Kyoto instead of kansai thru pass. Our itinerary will be
Day1- traveling from kix to osaka(night time)
Day2-whole day trip to Kyoto
Day3-half day koto and half day Nara
Day4&5- Osaka
Day6- Osaka -kix
I hope you can help me decide.
Thank you
Hi PinayRT,
I agree with you to use Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3. But I’m not sure ICOCA and Haruka si the best choice or not. Please see the link below to fine more info:
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, thank you for your prompt reply. I got your point, it will be a little bit costly if I purchase haruka and icoca. Instead I should get a city pass for Osaka. And i should buy a single ticket from kix to osaka and vice versa. Am I right?
Thank you.
Hi PinayRT,
It depends on which part of Osaka you stay.
There are many kinds of deals available for KIX-downtown Osaka. Please see the link below to find more info.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My friends and i will be in japan on apr 10-17. i read many posts about passes but cannot decide yet. hope you could help us. here is our itinerary, not sure if we could cover it all though 🙂 :
April 10 – Nagoya night arrival, Go to Osaka (Stay night in Osaka)
April 11 (Nara & Osaka)
Go to Nara:
Todaiji Temple
Nara Deer Park area
Kasuga Taisha
Go back to Osaka:
Osaka Castle
Namba-Dotonburi at night (Stay night in Osaka)
April 12 (Osaka USJ)
Universal Studios Osaka (almost whole day)
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Shinsekai at night (Stay night in Osaka)
April 13 (Hiroshima & Himeji, Hyogo)
Go to Hiroshima:
Hiroshima-Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Himeji Castle, Hyogo
Go back to Osaka
Dotonburi at night (Shinsaibashi-suji, Shopping)
(Stay night in Osaka)
April 14 (Kyoto )
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest)
Kinkakuji Temple
Higashiyama District
Kiyomizudera Temple
Yasaka Shrine-Maruyama Park
Gion/Hanami-Koji Street
Shirakawa Area at night
(Stay night in Osaka)
April 15 (Tokyo)
Go to Tokyo (Arrival hopefully before Lunch time or earlier):
Imperial Palace
Chidorigafuchi
Shinjuku Garden / Skyscraper District Area
Meiji Shrine
Harajuku
Shibuya (Hachiko) at night
(Stay night in Tokyo)
April 16 (Mt. Fuji & Tokyo)
Go to Mt. Fuji/Fuji Five Lakes Area
Chureito Pagoda
Lake Kawaguchiko
Go back to Tokyo:
Tokyo Tower
Odaiba Area: DiverCity/Gundam
(Stay night in Tokyo)
April 17 (Tokyo to Nagoya)
Morning in Asakusa Area (Souvenir Shopping)
Tokyo Skytree / Sumida River area
Go to Nagoya in the afternoon
Nagoya departure
Thanks,
anne
Hi Anne,
You may use single ticket and JR pass 7 days. 7 day is one day short of your trip. So add single gate for Nagoya to Osaka on the first day. This is cheaper than Tokyo-Nagoya on the last day. If you take Shinkansen, it costs around 6,500 yen. The total is cheaper than 14 days pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You may use 7 days JR pass from day 2 to the end of your trip. You may need to add some fares or pass in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo because JR Pass does not cover subway and local bus. Please see the link below:
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We’re arriving in Osaka on Mar 6 at 8pm. We’re planning to get Kansai Thru Pass. I believe it covers train going to Osaka-Namba?
My question is, if we use the Kansai Thru Pass from Kansai airport to osaka-namba, will my 3 day pass already start?
Thank you.
Hi Eileen,
It covers the trip from KIX to Osaka-Namba. But as you guess, you will spend one of 3 days for just getting Namba. The pass is valid from midnight to midnight. Even if you start using at 20:00, you will spend one day for just 4 hours.
If you have any other plan to use this pass, you may use it for other day. Otherwise just using 2 day pass and use single fare (920 yen by Nankai railway) or Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket if you want to take limited express train.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the prompt reply. In that case we will just get the one way 920 JPY to Namba.
What pass do you suggest with this itinerary:
**Days 1-4, my husband and I will be with a friend
DAY 1 : USJ
DAY 2: one day KYOTO
DAY 3 : Kobe
DAY 4: Osaka
**Days 5-7 just me and my husband
DAY 5: Himeji and Osaka
DAY 6: Wakayama
DAY 7: KIX
I was planning to get :
-3 days KANSAI THRU PASS that we will use days 2-4. We will just get local train on day 1 when we go to USJ.
-One day Osaka pass for day 5
-2 days KANSAI THRU PASS for our days 6 and 7 including our trip to KIX.
Is this an ideal way to do it? I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks again Takeshi!
Hi Eileen,
You may use another 3 days Kansai thru pass or day 5 to 7.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the reply. I was thinking of just doing Osaka Tour for our last two days instead of going to Wakayama. What do u think of this?
1. We will use 3 days KANSAI THRU PASS to use for:
– (Sun) KIX to Osaka Namba
– (Tues) to go to Kyoto
– (Wed) to go to Kobe
– Since will do USJ on Monday, we will just pay per trip
2. Thursday just go around our hotel in Namba
3. Buy 2 days Amazing Osaka Pass for Friday and Saturday. I understand, the amazing osaka pass includes free entrance to a lot of spots in Osaka.
4. Get the 920JPY train to KIX.
Is this a wise decision? Thanks again.
Hi Eileen,
Your plan is very organized. I don’t have anything to tell you. 🙂
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi,im hafiz from malaysia going to osaka next week fro 7days,confused about what the train i should use,i need some advise from u takeshi,thanks alot
Day 1: touchdown at KIX at evening and going to juso station
at the night going to dontobori for sighseeing.
Day 2: Osaka Castle – Kema Sakuranomiya Park – S
hinsaibashi district – Hozenji Temple– Umeda Sky Building – Tempozan Ferris Wheel – Shitennoji Temple – Isshin-ji Temple –Kuromon Market- Tennoji Park – Shinsekai-back to juso station.
Day 3: depart to okoyama-kurashiki-nearby attraction-back to juso station.
Day 4: Depart to kobe– kobe mosque-shin kobe ropeway –mount roko-depart to himeji-himeji castle-mount shosha-going to kyoto
Day 5: Depart to Kyoto – Kinkakuji Temple – Ninna-ji Temple – Tenryu-ji Temple – Arashiyama Bamboo Groove – Stay overnight nearby Katsuragawa Station
Day 6: Fushimi Inari – Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka-Gion district
Day 7: Depart to Nara –isuien garden- Nara Park – nearby attractions – – KIX for departure
Hi Hafiz,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
ICOCA and Haruka for day 1 and 2
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
You don’t need to take limited express Haruka because you have to take Hankyu Railway at Umeda (same location as JR Osaka) to get Juso. Airport rapid train takes you to JR Osaka from KIX directly. And then use ICOCA card to get Hankyu to get Juso. You may use ICOCA to get Hankyu to go back to Umeda and transfer to subway to get Namba (Dotonbori).
ICOCA e-money 1500 yen is included in the deal. 1500 yen is not enough to cover whole part of the trip on day 2. Just use this card to take Hankyu for Juso-Umeda, and purchase subway pass to take Osaka subway.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
For the last 5 days of your trip, you may use Kansai Wide Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
You can purchase this deal when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka at KIX. This deal covers most part of your trip in this 5 days. But it does not cover local transportation, such as subway, local bus, ropeway. You need to add single fare or pass to get these transportation. But you can take Shinkansen to get Okayama, Kurashiki. It covers all movement among cities.
Please see the different JR and other trains system at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
After reading your post, I guess I can understand but only part of it. As I’ll be traveling to Japan end of February, so here’s the itinerary for my 7 days trip:
Day 1: Will touch down at KIX late night, probably will try to catch the last train to Tennoji station as that is where I’ll stay in Osaka. Otherwise I’ll wait until early morning and go to Tennoji.
Day 2: Osaka Castle – Kema Sakuranomiya Park – Shinsaibashi district – Hozenji Temple – Dotonbori – Umeda Sky Building – back to Tennoji station.
Day 3: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Tempozan Ferris Wheel – Shitennoji Temple – Isshin-ji Temple – Tennoji Park – Shinsekai – back to Tennoji station.
Day 4: Depart to Kyoto – Kinkakuji Temple – Ninna-ji Temple – Tenryu-ji Temple – Arashiyama Bamboo Groove – Stay overnight nearby Katsuragawa Station.
Day 5: Fushimi Inari – Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka – Gion district – Head back to Katsuragawa station.
Day 6: Depart to Nara – Nara Park – nearby attractions – Evening head back to Osaka – Abeno Harukas – Overnight nearby Tennoji station.
Day 7: Kuromon Market – KIX for departure
Above is the itinerary, and I’m not sure if I should purchase the Kansai Thru Pass with other passes or any other available options. Sorry for the long post and hope that you can give me some advice on this, thank you 🙂
Sincerely,
Janelle
Hi Janelle,
You may use Kansai thru pass but only 2 days for day 4 and 6.
You may use other deal at the links below:
Eco card for day 2
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/obj_con02.pdf
Kaiyu ticket for day 3
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Single ticket for day 5 and 7
You may find the route at the link belwo:
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
Katsuragawa is located between Kyoto and Osaka on JR Kyoto line.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your advice, really help me a lot, have a nice day ahead!
No problem, Janelle.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi,
i think i’d asked you before..but still..*slow learner*
do you think i should buy 2 days pass or 3 days pass for my kind of itinerary.
day 1: arrive late night at kansai airport
day 2: check in at namba > a day trip to kyoto & nara
day 3: Kaiyukan aquarium and visit around osaka
day 4: USJ
so i’v been wondering if i should buy 2 days pass as i’m using for day 2 dan day 3 only or should i buy the 3 day pass?.. since i will go to usj so i will buy/use single fare ticket..am i right?
so what do you think?
Hi Sue,
Maybe Kansai area pass one day is better than Kansai thru pass for day 2.
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
Because Osaka Kaiyu ticket is the best option for day 3.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
But Kansai area pass does not cover subway and local bus in Osaka and Kyoto. You may need to add bus pass or single ticket to take a bus in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
I think Kansai area pass and Kaiyu ticket are better than Kansai thru pass 2 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First thank you for giving such detail information ‘comparing’ JR Pass with Kansai Thru Pass.
Need to ask. I am going this Feb and my trip for 6 days covering Sakai, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara (visiting many places)
You mention : “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.”
Does this mean I should have 2 passes (JR and Kansai Thru) during my trip (17-22 Feb)?
How about 3 days Kansai Thru and having another 3 days Kansai Thru (again)?
Appreciated your advise. Thank you.
Hi Diah,
You can purchase 2 x 3 days passes if you like. But do you really need it? If you stay in Osaka only and make day trip to outside Osaka everyday, it’s a good choice. But if you stay in Osaka and sightseeing in Osaka only, subway pass is okay. And also when you go to Kobe, other pass may be more attractive.
Please see the following links to find more info.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your quick response.
Duringbthose days I will be staying in every city, 1 night of each cuty. Like 1 night at Sakai, 1 night at Osaka, and so on. So I am wandering around with my backpack along with me.
So.. what do you think?
Shall I combine 2 passes. Or 2×3 days Kansai Thru Pass?
Kansai Thru Pass have discount also..
A bit confuse (>_<)
Hi Diah,
We cannot find that Kansai thru pass is a right choice or not at this point. If you use Kansai thru pass 3 days, you need to make 1800 yen value trips per day. For example, if you take Nankai railway from Sakai to Namba, the fare is only 260 yen. Even if you take subway from Namba to other place in Osaka, it’s not enough to make 1800 yen value. If you go to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe from Osaka, base fare is around 500 yen.
At this point, I don’t think Kansai thru pass is your choice. First of all, you need to make the detailed itinerary and set the place to stay. And you can find the route and how many times you will take a train. And then you can compare single fare and Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Okie dokie! ^_^
Thank you for the advise.
Means start to make calculation (base on google map, I guess) and compare..
No problem, Diah.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will stay 3nights nearby Osaka namba station travel along Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe area. Will my 7days JR pass cover instead of purchase Kansai through pass or Kansai wide area pass?
Then after going to Nagoya and Tokyo continue my journey.
May I seek your best advice.
Thanks and Rdgs
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
JR pass covers this area but it does not cover subway and local bus. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you have one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo, JR pass does not work. Please find the link below to get more details.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I read this post many times and also many other posts of yours and now I am totally confused @.@ the train and bus systems in Kansai is so complicated! Could you please advise me with my plan?
We are taking flight to Kansai Airport. We than go to Osaka (Tanimachi-4-chome station), stay 3 days in Osaka and then move to Kyoto, stay another 3 days.
1) should I buy the Kansai pass? I think we will visit places in Osaka, Kobe and Nara when we stay in Osaka, and visit places in Kyoto when we stay there. As when we go to Kyoto, we will be in within the city, so is there any other kind of norihoudai tickets like Kyoto pass or something that we can benefit more than the Kansai pass?
2) What will be the best way for us to go from the airport to Tanimachi-4chome station? As you said, we can buy Kansai pass and take Nankai train to Namba station, right? But then, we will have to change train two times to get to Tanimachi station? Is there an alternative that minimizes the number of transfers?
Hi Triet,
Please read the following post. The itinerary in this post is almost same as your trip. You will find which deal you need to purchase for your trip in this link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
I think Nankai railway and subway with transfer twice is the best route.
KIX-Namba-Honmachi-Tanimachi 4chome
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ahhhh, silly me! I read your post about 5 days Kansai already but it was about staying in Kyoto first then Osaka later. I didn’t know you have another post that is definitely like my plan! Thank you very much!
As we will stay in two places and not transfer much from one place to another, I think buying a “local” pass (like osaka amazing pass and kyoto pass) is better, right?
Also, one more thing I want to ask is that is there any differences between Osaka 1-day amazing pass and 2-days? As looking at the brochure (guide map) of Osaka Amazing Pass website, I found that 2-days pass has some little limitations of the routes, would it affect much? When will we be able to ignore that kind of limitation (e.g. If we are not going to ***, the limitations are to be ignored.)
Hi Triet,
2 days amazing pass covers only subway. But you can access almost anywhere in Osaka. I think it’s not an issue to travel within city of Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com