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 am visiting Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara this month. After reading your excellent post, I think this is the pass I need.
I still have 2 questions:
1. since this pass covers subway and bus as well as trains, do I still need to buy other bus passes in this area?
2. Are the trains covered by this pass slower than those covered by JR West Pass? Should I expect noticeable delays?
Thanks very much!
Hi Zhaohui san,
1. No. this pass covers all.
2. It’s not much different. JR West Kansai area pass is similar to Kansai thru pass. But Kansai area pass covers ordinary trains only. Trip time is not much different.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you for your answer. On July 21 I will travel from Nara to Osaka. According to Google Map, the best way is to take JR Yamatoji Line then Osaka Loop Line, and then take Metro Sakaisuji Line to my hotel. Does Kansai thru pass cover this whole trip? Or do I need to find another train line for Kansai thru pass or buy separate railway ticket? What’s the best pass to use here?
Thanks again
Hi Zhaohui san,
Kansai thru pass does not cover any JR trains. You should take Kintetsu railway from Kintetsu Nara station to Kintetsu Nihombashi station, and then take Sakisuji line at Nihombashi. Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Kansai thru pass.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I plan to buy ICOCA & Haruka from KIX to Kyoto, which is a great deal. Nowever I am traveling with my family of 5 including 2 young children. Do I need to get 5 ICOCA & Haruka, one for each member of my family? Or I can just buy 1 ICOCA and use it to buy 5 discounted Haruka tickets?
Thanks
Hi Zhaohui san
Each passengers have to use one card. You cannot use one card for multiple passengers. ICOCA and Haruka is available for adult passengers only. If your child is 6 to 11 years old, you can get Child ICOCA. Child fare is 50% of adult fare. This child fare is deducted when you get in/out ticket gate. However in this case, you have to purchase regular fare of Haruka ticket for child. There is no package of ICOCA and Haruka for child.
If your child is 5 years old or younger, it is free of charge as long as they travel with adult or child passengers. One Adult or Child fare passengers can take maximum two small children (5 years old or younger).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
We arrive at Kansai 10 pm at night and staying at in Namba area.
Next morning we want to make our way to Toyota City by rail,maybe we need to do this via Nagoya can you recomend the best way for us to do this
Hi Trevor,
Namba (subway) Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen) Nagoya (JR Chuo line) Tsurumai (Subway – Meitetsu line) Toyotashi
This is the easiest way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I am going to travel to Japan in this July for 10 days. Could you please advise below transportation is ok?
I intend to use JR railpass for the first 7 days and Kansai thru pass for the left 3 days.
Day 1: New Chitose to Sapporo (JR Rail pass)
Day 2 & 3: Furano – Higashikawa (JR)
Day 4: Sapporo – Tokyo (JR)
Day 5: Tokyo – Okayama (JR)
Day 6: Okayama – Osaka (JR)
Day 7: Osaka (JR)
Day 8: Nara ( KTP)
Day 9: Kyoto (KTP)
Day 10: Kobe – Osaka – KIX (KTP)
Can I use KTP for train to KIX? If I dont’ use Rapid or reserved seat, do I have to pay more ?
Thanks
Hi Thao san,
Your plan is okay. You can use Kansai thru pass for access to KIX. You can take Nankai railway from Namba to Kansai. Nankai Railway’s rapid train is a sort of a commute/local train. It does not have any reserved seat. This train is covered fully by Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html#Nankai_Railway_local_train
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your quick reply!
No worries, Thao san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning my June trip to Osaka and can suggest the correct pass for 12 people (8adults,2senior,1kid,1baby).
D1 Arrive KIX, go to airbnb (near Hommachi sta on Yotsubashi sub) owner suggest limousine bus to OCAT Namba then subway, tenjimbashi,castle, dotonbori (ICOCA)
D2 USJ (ICOCA)
D3 Kyoto(KTP) 3days pass
D4 Nara, maybe Osaka-Kuromon, America Mura (KTP) 3days pass
D5 Kobe (KTP) 3 days pass
D6 Itami to Tokyo (ICOCA)
Thank you for your help.
Hi Nia,
Your planning is feasible. I don’t see any issues and you have chosen the right deals. You may have Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
It’s basically same as ICOCA but it offers discount at many attractions.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi
No worries, Nia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First, thank you so much for this guide! However, I need a bit more help with my planning on which pass to get in Kansai. Can you kindly look at my itinerary and help me with it?
Day 1: KIX to Wakayama (should be purchasing a regular ticket, since I only arrive in the evening)
Day 2 & 3: Full day in Wakayama (I won’t be going to Mt Koya etc that are far away. Thinking of only staying in the city, Marina City, as well as going to Kishi to visit Nitama )
Day 4: Travel from Wakayama to Kyoto station, then take a bus to Amanohashidate
Day 5: Take bus from Amanohashidate back to Kyoto, then head to Kobe
Day 6: Kobe to Osaka
Day 7: Osaka full day
Day 8: Osaka half day, then to KIX
I hope you can help me with it, as I’m having problems understanding the many subway lines and companies. I’ve only experienced JR pass in the past, and it seems like JR passes are not the way to go in Kansai mostly. Appreciate your time! 🙂
Hi Kristy,
If you take train from Kyoto to Amanohashidate, you can use Kansai wide area pass for day 3 to the end of your trip. This is the easiest choice.
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
This pass covers only JR trains, like JR pass. And also this pass covers only non reserved seat. You cannot take a seat in reserved car, like JR pass. However this pass covers most part of your trip from day 3. You may need to add some fare or pass to take subway, non JR trains, city bus. But this is the easiest way.
If you use this pass, you can add single fare for day 1. You can use Wakayama Dentetsu ticket for take Tama train.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2017-fall-mt-koya-and-wakayama/two-days-trip-to-koyasan-mt-koya-and-wakayama-from-osaka-part-4-small-trip-by-lovely-trains-of-wakayama-dentetsu.html
And use regular fare to visit other places in Wakayama.
If you want to take a bus to get Amanohashidate from/to Kyoto, only regular fare ticket is available for most part of your trip. You may add city deal in Osaka.
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,
I’ll be in Kansai Region for 6 days starting 6/13/2018. I plan on visiting Osaka, Kyoto and Nara (and Himeji if possible). Is it more economical if I opt for Kintetsu Railway pass rather than Kansai Thru pass? The plan is 2 days in Osaka, 3 days in Kyoto, and a day tour in Nara and Himeji. Thanks!
Hi Mayshel,
Kintetsu rail pass is wrong choice. It does not cover Himeji. And also Kintetsu rail pass does not cover local transport, such as subway and city bus in Osaka and Kyoto. Kansai thru pass covers all. You should use Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
My mother and I are travelling to the Kansai region this June (we will be based very near Osaka-Uehonmachi Station). We are thinking of getting this pass especially due to the covered networks.
Here is a proposed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in KIX (morning), explore Osaka
Day 2: Kyoto day trip
Day 3: Mt. Koya day trip (is this possible?)
Day 4: Nara/Kobe day trip
Day 5: Revisit Kyoto and/or stay in Osaka
Day 6: Depart from KIX (morning)
This itinerary is not set and we can always switch around places. Would you suggest this is feasible for the pass? 2-day vs. 3-day? Any other suggestions would be very appreciated.
Thank you very much!
Hi Josh san,
Basically Kansai thru pass is recommended for the trip to outside Osaka. If you visit Kyoto, use Kansai thru pass for day 2, 4 and 5, and use Koyasan world heritage ticket for day 3.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
If you don’t visit Kyoto on day 5, you can use Kansai thru pass for Koyasan too.
All other info can be found in the link below.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, my name is Muti from Jakarta – Indonesia. I’m planning traveling to osaka and around Kansai area on July. My trip as follow:
Osaka 2 days
Tateyama Kurobe Apls 1 day
Takayama 1 day
back to Osaka at night
1 day trip to Kobe
Osaka 1 day
Do you think Kansai Thru Pass will cover all my travel? Since I didn’t see Tateyama Kurobe and Takayama route on it. Should I chose another pass?
Will the Kansai Thru pass cover the train around Kobe as well?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Muti,
Actually Takayama Kurobe Alpine Route and Takayama are very far from Kansai area. You should have JR pass 7 days.
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
But you still have to add other deals/fares and must follow the route below:
Day 1 Kansai-Osaka (covered)
Day 2 Osaka (It coverJR train only. Please see the coverage of the pass in Osaka in the link below.)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Day 3 Osaka-Takayama
*You have to go to Takayama first otherwise you cannot make it.
Day 4 Takayama-Toyama-Alpine route-Nagano-Kanazawa-Osaka
*You have to leave Takayama very early morning. And Tateyama Kurobe option ticket is required because JR pass does not cover Alpine route.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Day 5 Kobe
You can get Kobe by JR trains. It’s covered.
Day 6 Osaka
Same as day 2
The trip is much bigger than your thought probably. Please see the links below. It may gives you some idea to build your trip plan.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-one-of-most-spectacular-sightseeing-route-in-northern-japan-alps.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/trip-report-of-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-from-toyama-to-nagano.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi,
I am planning for my Jun 2018 Kansai Trip for 10 Days for the first time visiting Japan^^. Hopefully you can suggest whether the pass I am using is it ok?
Day 1: ICOCA – KIX to Shin imamiya station by Nankai Line
Day 2: ICOCA – USJ
Day 3 – 4: ICOCA / Osaka Amazing Pass(2 day) – Going to Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium (plus surrounding area, the ferris wheel etc)
Day 5 – 7: JR West Rail Pass (3 day) – Kyoto(2 days), Kobe(1 day) without staying overnight
Day 8: ICOCA – Nara
Day 9 & 10 : ICOCA – Osaka
Hope to hear from you. Thank you.
Regards,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass for trip to Kyoto and Nara. Especially Kansai thru pass is more efficient in Kyoto than Kansai area pass (JR West Rail Pass) because Kansai thru pass covers city bus but Kansai area pass does not. ICOCA is okay for Kobe.
Other part of your trip are okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your help Takeshi =)
No worries, Hannah.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi
Am planning kansai in may 2018 and below my itinerary, hope u can suggest / correct usage of pass, if any …. thank you!
D1 icoca+haruka : kix-tennoji
D2 osaka amazing pass 1d : around osaka
D3 kansai thru pass 1/3 : kurama/kibune + kyoto
D4 kansai thru pass 2/3: hiei day trip + uji/kyoto (keihan package seems ok at ¥3900 which includes ropeway)
D5 kansai thru pass 3/3: katsuragi kogen day trip for azalea (cross my fingers, this year bloom seems to come early)
Will then head to kobe
D6 rokko arima 1 day pass
D7 kobe port ferry – kix
Hi Randy,
Do you really need ICOCA and Haruka? I don’t think you have many chances to use it. Kansai thru pass is okay for day 3 to 5. You will use Osaka amazing pass. You will use ICOCA to get Kobe only. Of course you can use it and you can refund at KIX if you cannot finish 1500 yen funds in ICOCA.
Overall your choice is right.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi
Thanks much for helping to verify …
ICOCA + Haruka set because it allow me to buy discounted haruka tickets at 1100yen which otherwise will be 1710 yen by unreserved seat
actually i already got SUICA, so don’t need ICOCA.
may i know if there are others transport alternative from KIX to tennoji? i will arrived at 6pm so catching the airport bus is out of question. besides the bus cost 1200yen! so i might as well get the ICOCA+Haruka set 🙂
just came across yet another pass ~ Yokoso! osaka 1500yen! so now i gotta decide between unique design ICOCA card vs retro-ride on Limited Exp.Rapi:t reserved-seat hmm … what to do think of Yokoso! Osaka?
thanks!
Hi Randy,
If you want the direct access to Tennoji, ICOCA and Haruka is the best choice. There is no better deals available.
Yokoso Osaka is not a bad choice. You can use subway pass on day 2. But you have to take subway from Namba to Tennoji. And also if you intend to visit many attractions, Osaka Amazing Pass is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi
Thanks & you’re right!
Cheers!
No worries, Randy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com