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
Hello Takeshi,
We have the JR Pass for Day 1 to 7. Can you please let me know which pass/ticket is the best deal for tor travelling and sightseeing in Osaka and Kyoto?
Day 1 – Check into Kyoto hotel at night located close to Kawaramachi Station. Sightseeing in Kyoto at nighttime.
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Kyoto.
Day 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto.
Day 4 – Sightseeing in Kyoto then leave to Osaka airbnb located near Tanimachi 9-chome Station. Sightseeing in Osaka at night.
Day 5 – Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Day 6 – Day trip to Himeji Castle and Nara.
Day 7 – Sightseeing Osaka. Train to Tokyo at night time.
Kyoto Attractions (not in order):
• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
• Kinkakuji Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Ryozen Kannon
• Nanzen-ji Temple
• Ginkaku-ji Temple & Philosopher’s Path
• Kyoto Station Building
• Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Nishiki Market
• Kifune Shrine
• Daigo-ji Temple
• Nijo-jo Castle
Osaka Attractions (not in order):
• Osaka Castle
• Dotonburi
• Shinsaibashi (shopping)
• Umeda Sky Building
• Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Thank you in advance!
Hi Twee,
You just need to add Kyoto city bus pass for day 2 and 3.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Try to ride JR trains in Kyoto as much as you can. You can get Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi by JR pass.
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
I recommend you to add Osaka amazing pass for day 7. You can take subway and admission for many attractions.
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would kindly ask for your advice on what passes I could use for my trip.
I will be traveling to Japan during the last week of November/first week of December, and this is my itinerary:
——————————
day 1: land in Tokyo(Haneda)- early morning –> travel to Kyoto – Central Kyoto (Toji Temple, Nishiki Market) ; stay in Kyoto
day 2 : Kyoto city attractions (Around Higashiyama) ; stay in Kyoto
day 3 : Kyoto city attractions (Northern Kyoto) ; stay in Kyoto
day 4 : day trip to Nara ; stay in Kyoto
day 5 : Kyoto city attractions (Arashiyama, Western Kyoto) –> move to Osaka for overnight stay
day 6 : Osaka city attractions ; stay in Osaka
day 7 : daytrip to miyajima/hiroshima ; stay in Osaka
day 8 : Osaka to Hakone –> daytrip to Hakone ; stay in Hakone
day 9 : Hakone to Tokyo –> Tokyo City attractions (Day1); stay in Tokyo
day 10: Day trip to Nikko ; comeback to Tokyo
day 11: Tokyo City attractions (day2: Disneyland) ; stay in Tokyo
day 12: Tokyo City attractions (day3) ; stay in Tokyo
day 13: fly back home from Haneda (Morning)
——————————————————–
with 6/7 days in Kyoto/Osaka area – what are my best options ?
>> should I consider 7 days JR pass + other Kansai region passes ? such as Kansai Thru Pass ?
–> this means I would have to buy additional 1 way Tokyo — Kyoto shinkansen on day1 to avoid activating my JR pass
>> will JR pass for 14 days worth ?
Hakone /Mt Fuji – should I consider Fuji Hakone Pass ? will JR pass cover any part of this travel ?
Please advise.
Also your thoughts on my itinerary(considering the autumn foliage) – is
Kyoto/Osaka/Nara/Hakone/Nikko/Tokyo a better route than
Tokyo/Hakone/Kyoto/Osaka ?
Thanks in advance
Hi Mahesh,
14 days JR pass is better choice. The price difference between 7 days and 14 days is about 17,000 yen. One way Shinkansen is around 14,000 yen. But you need to add the fare for Haneda to Tokyo which is around 500 yen. JR pass is not perfect choice in Osaka and Kyoto. But you can take JR local trains in Osaka and Kyoto, and trip to Nara. You can get 3000 yen worth very easily. You just need to add the fare to take city bus or subway by single fare ticket or using IC card, such as Suica as you need.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html?src=gnavi
JR pass does not cover any transportation in Fuji and Hakone area. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Even though you need to add some extra fares and local deals, JR pass 14 days is the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takashi for your quick response. you are amazing.
So i’ll go with JR Pass 14 days and will utilize it as per your suggestion.
what do you think works best for me during my Kyoto & Osaka leg of my trip ( 6 days between the 2 cities) ?
>> (along with my JR 14 day pass) Is Kansai thru pass for day 1 to 3 still my best option or any other pass suits me ?
Hi Mahesh,
Just try to use JR pass as much as you can. Please see the coverage of JR pass in Osaka and Kyoto.
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-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
Kansai thru pass is too much. Just add local deal, such as Kyoto city bus pass as you need.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your guides, they are very valuable.
I will be traveling to Japan at the end of October/beginning of November, and this is my itinerary:
– Fly into NRT
– 3 days in Tokyo
– train to Kyoto
– 3 days in Kyoto
– train to Kii-Tanabe, then bus to Takijiri-oji
– I will be hiking to Hongu Taisha for 3 days, then take the bus back to Kii-Tanabe
– train back to Kyoto
– 6 more days in Kyoto, for sightseeing, as well as day trip to Nara and day trip to Arashiyama
– return to Tokyo, and then NRT for flight back
I would kindly ask for your advice on what passes I could use for my trip.
Thank you
Val
Hi Val,
Actually there is no deals cover whole part of your trip plan. JR pass is only choice to cover whole part of the trip but 14 days pass is too short and 21 days pass is too expensive. Actually you cannot get the worth of even 14 days pass by your trip plan.
Single ticket is only choice for Narita to Kyoto return.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
For trip to Kii Tanabe, you may use Kansai wide area pass but the bus is not covered by this 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
When you are in Kyoto, Kansai thru pass is considerable if you go outside Kyoto twice. You have mentioned Nara only now. You need to get other place, such as Osaka if you want to use this pass. Otherwise single ticket is your choice for trip to Nara.
You can use city deal for sightseeing in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
I told JR pass is too expensive. But you have lots of time in Kyoto. If you have some long day trip, such as trip to Hiroshima, JR pass may work.
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I am so glad to see your site!;) We will be in Osaka in November 10-14. Please have a look of our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at KIX 6:30am
staying at KYOTO (kitaiseyacho, kamigyo-ku, kyoto-shi)
KYOTO DAY TRIP (Arashiyama bamboo groves, fushimi inari shine, kinkakaju-ki temple, gion)
Day 2: OSAKA: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Tenmangu Shrine, Umeda Sky Building
Day 3: OSAKA BARGAIN HUNT
Day 4: Universal Studios
Day 5: Departure at KIX
Thank you!:)
Hi Kris,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan with my family in Nov 2017.
Below is my itinerary, could you please suggest which are the best passes to purchase for the trip?
Day 1: Arrive KIX at 9.30am , staying near to Imamiya Ebisu Station. Sightseeing in Osaka – Shinsekai, Sinshaibashi .
Day 2: Sightseeing in Osaka – Kuromon Ichiba Market, Osaka castle, Dotonburi, Namba
Day 3: Transfer to Kyoto, staying at Gion area. Sightseeing in Kyoto – Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine
Day 4: Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine , Tofukuji, Nijō Castle , Ginkaku-ji
Day 5: Arashiyama bamboo forest , The Sagano Scenic Railway , Kinkakuji
Day 6: Day trip to Nara, sightseeing around Nara
Day 7: Transfer to Kanazawa, staying in downtown and sightseeing in Kanazawa
Day 8: Transfer to Shirakawa-go, Staying for a night at Shirakawa-go and sightseeing at Gokayama
Day 9: Transfer to Takayama, staying in between Takayama and Shinhotaka Ropeway, sightseeing in Takayama downtown and Shinhotaka Ropeway
Day 10: Back to Osaka and fly back from KIX the next day (day 11)
I’m thinking whether Osaka Amazing pass or Eco card is ok for the first 2 days in Osaka whereas Kyoto sightseeing pass for the first 2 days, Kansai thru pass for the next 3 days, Takayama-Hokuriku area tourist pass for the last 5 days.
What do you think?
Thank you so much!
With regards,
Li Hong
Hi Li Hong,
I have already replied to your inquiry in 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/comment-page-13#comment-278919
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Here is my itinerary:
Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Station to Fushimi Inari and back
Day 2 – Higashiyama
Day 3 – Arashiyama and Kinkakuji
Day 4 – Nara day trip
Day 5 – Kyoto -> Umeda -> Himeji -> Umeda
Day 6 – Osaka sightseeing
Day 7 – Umeda -> KIX
Which pass do you think will suit my itinerary the best if our budget is limited? Thanks I’m advance!
Hi Sera,
You may use Haruka discount ticket and Kansai one pass for day 1 to 4.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
If you take a bus more than 3 rides a day on day 2 and 3, you may use all day bus pass instead using Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai area pass one day is your choice for day 5.
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
For staying in Osaka, please see the links below
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
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 !
Will be making a trip to Osaka in Nov 2017.
This is my proposed itinerary :
Day 1
KIX-Wakayamashi-ShinOsaka
Day 2
ShinOsaka-Himeji-Kobe-ShinOsaka
Day 3
ShinOsaka-Kyoto-ShinOsaka
Day 4
ShinOsaka-Kyoto-Nara-ShinOsaka
Day 5
ShinOsaka-Osaka-ShinOsaka
Day 6
ShinOsaka-Osaka-ShinOsaka
Day 7
ShinOsaka-KIX
My plan is to purchase JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 Days), Osaka Amazing Pass & ICOCA.
Seek your kind opinion on my plan.
Thank you !!
Hi Mailisa,
You have picked up the right deals. But when you go to Kyoto, you may need to add the fare or pass to take city bus. Kansai wide area pass covers Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi and Uji only. 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
You may use Haruka discount ticket to take Limited Express Haruka from Shin-Osaka to Kansai airport directly.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I am so happy to stumble on your site! Will be in Osaka in November and I’m a bit confused if taking the Kansai Thru Pass is best for me. Please have a look at my itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at KIX, staying near Namba Station
Day 2: OSAKA: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Tenmangu Shrine, Umeda Sky Building
Day 3: Universal Studios
Day 4: KYOTO: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera
Day 5: Departure at KIX
1. Do you think I should get the Kansai Thru Pass?
2. If yes, should I get the 2 or 3 days? And on which days would be best to use it?
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Hi Jill,
Kansai thru pass does not suit your trip plan. If you go to other place outside Osaka, such as Nara, Kobe, you may use 2 days pass. But this pass is too much for sightseeing in Osaka.
You may use single ticket for KIX to/from Namba. If you want to take Limited Express train “Rapi:t”, you may use the deal. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Osaka amazing pass is recommended for day 2. Single ticket is okay for day 3. You can use Kansai one pass instead of using single ticket:
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use Kyoto-Osaka sightseeing pass for day 4.
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
However you have to add bus pass in Kyoto, extra fare to get Yodoyabashi from Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, for the following (itinerary), can you confirm or advise about my pass choices?
Day 1:
KIX -> Namba station (basic fare – Nankai train)
Explore near station + Dotonbori + Shinsaibashi
Day 2:
Osaka Castle
Osaka Kaiyukan
Day 3:
Expo City + Gundam Square
Umeda Station + Kuromon Ichiba Market + Umeda Sky Building
Day 4:
Nara day trip
Day 5:
Kobe + Himeji day trip
Day 6:
One-way trip to Kyoto (then from here I will go to Tokyo)
My questions are…
1. For days 1 – 3, should I buy just ICOCA card? Or buy ICOCA + 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass?
2. For days 4 – 6, I should use the Kansai Thru Pass?
Hi David,
You can use Osaka amazing pass 2 days for day 2 and 3 and Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 4 to 6.
You may get Kansai one pass. It’s same type of card as ICOCA but Kansai one pass offers discount. Kansai thru pass has same offers but you may have both. The only difference between ICOCA and Kansai one pass is discount offer. Why don’t you use Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA?
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use Kansai one pass on day 1 and also you need to take Hankyu railway and Monorail to get Expo and Gundam. Those are outside coverage area of Osaka amazing pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you for your advice. I have a follow-up question…
If I use Kansai Thru Pass on day 6, but I need to go to Kyoto Station, it seems like Kansai Thru Pass is not a good choice. Both Hankyu and Keihan Railways will take much longer time than JR Special Rapid to reach Kyoto Station, right?
Do you think it’s better for me to buy single fare for JR Special Rapid and use Kansai Thru Pass for Hankyu and Monorail to go Expo and Gundam Square instead?
Hi David,
Can you go to Umeda Sky Bldg on day 2? I think you can squeeze it.
If you do so, you may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 3 to 5, and use single ticket to take Special rapid on day 6. You can use Kansai one pass to take Special rapid. Kansai thru pass covers Hankyu and Monorail. It covers whole part of the trip on day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day!
My sister and I are planning to go to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara (4days. 3nights). Day 1 – Osaka, Day 2 – Kyoto, Day 3 – Nara, Day 4 – USJ Osaka. We will be staying at Osaka though. Is it feasible? We’re planning to visit just the basic tourist spots and we’re budget travelers.
> Is it recommended to purchase the Kansai Thru Pass? I don’t quite understand with regards the pass that can be used on unconsecutive days.
Please advise. Thanks!
Hi Cris,
You may use Kansai thru pass 2 days for Nara and Kyoto. If you intend to visit some places in Osaka on day 1, you may use 3 days Kansai thru pass for day 1 to 3. Single ticket is okay to get USJ. If you go to KIX after visiting USJ, you may find other deal in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com