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
Dear Takeshi-san,
I will travelling to Japan for the first time this June and have decided to focus on Kansai region. All the transfers and passes needed have gotten me confused as I want to maximize my travel and make sure that I don’t spend too much time getting lost over the transfers.
Please help me decide which passes to purchase and the best way to travel.
Day 0 Arrive KIX by 9PM and head to Kyoto (staying at Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto near Kyoto Station)
Day 1: Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto (maybe go to Hikone if convenient)
Day 3: Checkout Kyoto and travel to Osaka (staying at Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka near JR Namba station)
Day 4: Day trip to Himeji and Kobe
Day 5: Day trip to Nara
Day 6: Osaka
Day 7: Checkout Osaka then fly out to KIX
From what I understand, a different mix of passes must be the best plan. I look forward to your expert advice.
Thank you in advance for this generous help.
Hi Diane,
First of all, try to get the last Haruka to Kyoto at 22:16 departure. This is the last direct train to Kyoto from KIX. If you can make this train, purchase Haruka and ICOCA round trip ticket at JR Kansai Airport station.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
You will be able to use 1500 yen ICOCA e-money to get a train to Hikone, Osaka or Nara.
It will be very tight to purchase ticket and ride this express train in 1 hour and 15 minutes. But if you cannot make this train, you have to take rapid train to Osaka and transfer to another rapid “Special Rapid” at Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
Even if you miss 22:16 Haruka, purchase ICOCA and Haruka as long as you take Haruka on departure day. Single basic fare to Kyoto is 1830 from KIX. ICOCA and Haruka round ticket is 4000 yen. It includes basic fare, 1500 e-money and express surcharge. It will be still much cheaper if you don’t take express train Haruka.
By the way, 23:09 departure is the last connection to Kyoto.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
In this case, you have to transfer twice at Tennoji and Osaka. You will be Kyoto around 1:00 am.
When you stay in Kyoto, Kyoto city pass or single fare will be fine. It depends on your itineray. If you take a bus or subway lots (maybe more than 5 trips a day), day pass will be your choice. Otherwise single fare or walk is fine.
About access to Hikone and Nara from Osaka, you can use ICOCA. Kintetsu Railway will be more convenient to get Nara than JR train. If you still have some fund in your ICOCA, you can use it for Kintetsu train too.
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
Regarding Kobe and Himeji trip, I recommend you to take JR train Special Rapid. This is the fastest and most convenient. You can use one day Kansai Area Pass.
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
At last, you may not need to purchase any pass for Osaka. It depends on your itinerary.
If you miss 22:16 Haruka on your arrival day, your transfer to Kyoto may be stressful. And also I hope you will make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi,
wanna ask which is better take 1day osaka pass + 2day kansai thruu pass or 3 day kansai thruu pass, if my travel plan like this :
day 1 morning arrived osaka airport, travel inside osaka for sightseeing and go to minoo park
day 2 from osaka – himeji castle – kobe – osaka
day 3 osaka- nara – byodoin uji – southern kyoto fushimi inari – osaka
day 4 osaka – north kyoto arashiyama/kurama stay at kyoto
day 5 kyoto
my plan is using osaka day pas for the 1st day then using 2 day kansai thruu pass for the 2nd and 3rd day, other day use kyoto bus pass.
thanks for the info
best regards
lucky
Hi Lucky,
How about this?
Kansai Thru Pass 2 days for Day 1 and 3
JR Kansai Area Pass 1 day for Day 2
Kyoto city pass for Day 4 and 5 as you need.
The reason why using Kansai Thru Pass for day 1 is transfer from KIX and to Minoo Park.
Osaka Unlimited Pass does not cover for these access.
Second JR trains Special Rapid is the fastest and most convenient train to Himeji. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, you have to take Hanshin and Sanyo train. It’s much slower than Special Rapid.
I am just wondering why you go back to Osaka on Day 3. Fushimi Inari is just step away from Kyoto. And you will move to Kyoto on next day. It may be wasting your time and money.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP rail
Hi,Takeshi.
The fare KIX – nanba using Nankai railway is 890 yen. If I am not using Kansai Thru Pass, do I need to pay another 500 yen at least to take Limited Express “Rapi:t”?
Osaka unlimited pass 2 days is valid for two consecutive days?
Thank you.
Regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Yes. You have to pay surcharge.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
We are coming to Osaka from 11th May to 20th May. Here’s the plan:
1. As we arrive really late on the 11th, we decide to stay the night at KIX 24 hours lounge & waitng until the next morning to catch early train to Kobe
2. KIX –> Kobe 12th May
3. Kobe –> Kyoto 14th May
4. Kyoto –> Nara 17th May
5. Nara –> Osaka 19th May
6. Osaka –> KIX 20th May (evening)
Should we get KIX Thru Pass (3 days), so we can use until 14th, then we will get 2 days pass in Kyoto. On the 17th, we just purchase single pass from Kyoto –> Nara (610 Yen). As our stay in Nara is very close to all the attractions (pretty much walking distance), don’t think we need to use public transport in Nara anyway. and Nara –> Osaka, Osaka –> KIX (single pass).
Do you think the above is a best way to save cost?
Thank you so much
Hi Layna,
First of all, you don’t need to use it in consecutive days. As you think, fare for Kyoto-Nara is very cheap. So I agree with your plan. But how about May 19. Are you going to use subway several times after you arrive in Osaka? If so, May 19 is the day for the pass, I guess. Because I don’t think you have many chances to use pass when you stay in Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I am coming to Osaka from 31/1/2014 to 5/2/2014, very interested to grt thr Kansai Thru pass for 3 days. Will be staying at Namba area. The plans are:
1) 31/1 – arrived at Kansai airport at 8am & start tour around Osaka
2) 1/2 – Tour to Naya
3) 2/2 – tour to Kyoto
4) 3/2 – stay a nite at Kobe
5) 4/2 – tour to Himeji
6) 5/2 – leave for Kansai Airport
My plan is to buy 3 days pass to used on Naya, Kyoto & Kobe cost 5000 yen
And then buy Kaiyu ticket for Osaka which includes Kansai airport for 31/1 cost 3000 yen
As for Himeji, just use Shinkaisoku ( special Rapid) from Kobe Sannomiya station cost 950 yen
Do u think the above are best ways to save cost???
Thanks
Jo
Hi Josephine,
If you have only round trip to Kyoto or Nara from Osaka, it is very hard to get the worth for the pass. As I show single fare, it is not very expensive.
I show some sample itineraries at the following post.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
If you want to use Knasai Thru Pass, you have to take the train many times. Otherwise single fare is the best option.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello! I am a student currently in Japan and I was wondering if a student from the U.S. is able to purchase this rail pass. The passport has a student visa and not a tourist visa. Is this still acceptable or should they do it some other way?
Hi BEmmon,
No. Student visa is not qualified by this pass. But the pass is available for resident for the peak season. Anyone can buy it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi!
Your website is very informative, so much to take in.
We will be travelling in Japan end of March. I wanted to know along with getting the JRpass (7day or 14day?), should we get any other pass while staying in the Kansai area (Kansai Thru Pass).
Itinerary:
Day 1: land in Tokyo, take train to Osaka (4nights)
Day 2: day trip Kyoto
Day 3: day trip Kobe
Day 4: visiting Osaka
Day 5: Train to Hiroshima (2nights)
Day 6: ferry day trip Miyajima
Day 7: Train back to Tokyo (5nights)
If you have any other recommendations, please advise 🙂
Thank you so much for your help!
A+
Hi AnnT,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
First of all, 7 days pass is enough. You will complete your trip Tokyo-Osaka-Hiroshima-Tokyo in 7 days. Use 7 days pass for this 7 days trip. If you have another big trip when you stay in Tokyo, 14 days pass will be considerable. But if you stay in downtown Tokyo, you don’t need Japan Rail Pass. Single ticket or subway pass is enough.
And also you can use some JR trains deal, such as Suica and N’ex or Suica and Monorail.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
Especially Suica is very useful when you ride a train. You don’t need to purchase a ticket. As long as you have money in this card, you can touch this card to go through the ticket gate. If you don’t need a N’ex or Monorail, you can purchase only Suica. Suica can be used for both JR train and subway. You can go almost anywhere by both trains in Tokyo.
At last, you don’t need to purchase Kansai Thru Pass. Most of places can be accessed by JR trains. In Kyoto, you may need to purchase subway/bus day pass. Please see the following posts:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I find your post is very helpful and also the information about a Kanku Chikatoku ticket.
I’ll arrive at Kansai airport and transfer to hotel near Temmabashi station. According to Hyperdia website, It shows a route from Kansai airport to Temmabashi station as
Kansai airport > Namba(nankai) > walk > Namba(subway) > Tanimachikyuchome > Temmabashi
Is it possible to use a Kanku Chikatoku ticket?
Thanks,
Nok
PS. i found all stations above are also operated by Osaka municipal subway but still not so sure if I take two times of those subway line ..(~”~)
Hi Nok,
Yes, you can. Both trains to Tanimachikuchome and to Temmabashi are Osaka subway. It covers these trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I intend to stay in downtown Osaka early April 2013, maybe Dotonburi, Shinsaibashi.
I have 4 days in Osaka. Intend to travel to
Day 1: Nara (deer park)
Day 2: Kinosaki Onsen
Day 3: Namba/minami shopping
Day 4: Mino Park
Day 5: Kansai Airport
Would you recommend Kansai thru pass? Does it go to Kinosaki?
Thank you!
Hi Jackie,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is the best choice. This it only pass that cover Kinosaki.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
It’s me again. I hope you can help me with the ICOCA pass.
Question is can we buy just the ICOCA card will do and without the Airport Express Hakaru complimentary?
Apparently, tourists who arrive in Kansai Airport between period July 2012 and 31 March 2013, gets to take 1-way Airport to Hotel/Place Limousine Bus free.
I will be getting a Kansai thru Pass but am now deciding on which other pass to choose to travel for the rest of the days in Osaka. Will be staying in Osaka for 8 days. .
The thought of using the ICOCA card would be perfect for me to use. But with the free airport limousine event, it does not makes sense to use this ICOCA + Haraku pass now. And I have airport transfer back from hotel to Kansai Airport as well on my last day.
So if there is only a ICOCA pass would be ideal. Or maybe I can get the Osaka Unlimited 1 or 2 day pass instead?
Please let me know? Thank you so much for your time and help once again!!
Best Regards
Juliana
Hi Juliana,
Of course you can purchase ICOCA only. Please see the following link:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail