How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Dotonbori(道頓堀) is most popular spot in downtown Osaka.
Dotonbori(道頓堀) is most popular spot in downtown Osaka.

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.

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

TYPESAdultChild (6-12yrs)
2-Day4,380 yen2,190 yen
3-Day5,400 yen2,700 yen

Purchasing in Japan

TYPESAdultChild (6-12yrs)
2-Day4,480 yen2,240 yen
3-Day5,600 yen2,800 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

Kansai Thru Pass does not include the limited express surcharge. You have to pay additional to take Nankai Airport Express Rapi:t (in the photo above), Kintetsu railway limited express trains.

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

Kaiyukan aquarium is one of the most popular venues in Osaka. You can access there by Osaka Metro Chuo line. Kansai Thru Pass covers all lines of Osaka Metro. ©JNTO

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

Kiyomizudera is one of most popular temple in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©Sue Ann Simon/©JNTO

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

You can get discount when you go in Port tower at Harborland by Kansai Thru Pass. ©JNTO

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

Himeji Castle is most beautiful castle in Japan. It is well know as UNESCO World Heritage Site. ©JNTO

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

  1. Eik Pin says:

    upon arrival to KIX, I will be going Koyasan for a night
    I will be activating my Osaka-Nagoya-ise-kumano wakayama pass because I will be visiting Kii Katsuura, Kumano Nachi area, Toba , Iga-Ueno.
    however, this JR pass I can use until Hashimoto, then I have to pay cash for the rail up to Koya san.
    This part I can use my KTP .
    am I right ?
    or do you have a better suggestion ?

    • Hi Eik Pin,

      Ise Kumano Wakayama Area Tourist Pass does not cover Wakayama to Hashimoto. You should go to Namba or Shin-Imamiya to catch Nankai Railway to Koyasan. Nankai Railway is not covered by Ise Kumano Wakayama Area Tourist Pass but Kansai thru pass does. However one fare from Namba to Koysan is around 1200 yen. Kansai thru pass is 4000 yen for 2 days and 5200 yen for 3 days. You have to use the pass many more in other days otherwise you cannot get the worth.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. roha says:

    Hi Mr.Takeshi,

    can i use this KTP pass from at sunday,tuesday and wednesday and for wednesday i use from osaka to kansai airport?

    Thank you,

  3. Melissa says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Can you help me? Not sure if I should get any JR pass or Kansai pass or just do individual trip.

    My planned itinerary as follows:

    Day 1 – Sat Narita Airport -> Tokyo – Shinjuku
    Day 2 – Sun Asakusa-Ueno-Odaiba
    Day 3 – Mon Harajuku-Shibuya
    Day 4 – Tues DisneySea
    Day 5 – Wed Tokyo-> Osaka – Dotonbori
    Day 6 – Thurs USJ
    Day 7 – Fri Nara
    Day 8 – Sat Arashiyama – Golden Pavilion – Fushimi Inari Shrine
    Day 9 – Sun Amerikumura – ShinSaibashi Shopping – > KANSAI Airport

    Also, do you think Day 8 is too adventurous? Wanted to put Fushimi Inari together with Nara but seems it is nearer to Golden Pavilion. Will be travelling with 2 kids – 6yo and 12yo

  4. Wai See Hoh says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    I’m Jess and I’ll be heading to Osaka in September.I’m still very confused on Japan’s Rail System, even after reading many websites. I hope you can give me your suggestion on the best pass I should get for my plan :
    Day 1: Arrive in Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka Yodoyasbashi Station
    Day 2 & 3: Within Osaka city
    Day 3: Osaka to Kyoto and return (Day trip)
    Day 4: Osaka to Kobe and return (Day trip)
    Day 5: Osaka to Nara and return (Day trip)
    Day 6 : Osaka to KIX
    Looking forward to your reply!

  5. Nazar says:

    Hi.im nazar.im plan to go jpn on 5-11december.
    my plan:
    5-6 december to wakayama
    6-7december to nara
    7-9 december to kyoto
    9-11december to osaka(namba)
    What the best pass i must use?hope u csn help me..tqvm..

  6. Lydia C says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    I’m Lydia and I’ll be heading to Osaka next week!! I am super excited as it’s my first time to Japan but after reading multiple guides I’m still really, very confused on Japan’s Rail System. I hope you can give me your opinion whether Kansai Thru Pass is worth for my travelling plans.

    I’m looking to get the 3 – Days Kansai Thru Pass for
    Day 1: Osaka to Himeiji (return)
    Day 2: Osaka to Nara (return)
    Day 3: Osaka to Kyoto (one way)

    Looking forward to your reply!

  7. Yan Ping says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,
    Would like to seek your advice on what passes should I get for my trip (5 Adults of which 2 elderly)

    12Nov: Travel from Tokyo to Osaka,reaching ard 12pm. Will be staying in Osaka-Hotel: Hearton Nishi Umeda and travel to kyoto & kobe for day trips.Plan to cover Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Ichiba Mkt, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi

    13Nov: Nara Park,Todai-ji Temple, Gion
    14Nov: Kiyomizudera
    15Nov: Arashiyama-intend to take sagano train & hozugawa river cruise, Fushimi Inari Taisha
    16Nov: Kobe-Arima Onsen & Mount Rokko -> Should I buy highway bus to Arima plus Arima & Rokko One Day Excursion Pass [Hansin version]
    17 Nov: Cup noodles Museum & shop around in Osaka city. Plan to take airport bus shuttle to Kansai airport.

    Thanks & Best Regards,
    Yanping

    • Hi Yan Ping san,

      You may use subway pass (Enjoy Eco Card) for 12 Nov.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html

      Use Kansai thru pass for 13 to 15 Nov.

      As you think, you can use Arima Rokko pass for 16 Nov. If you want to save your cost, you can use this pass to get Arima. But if you want to save your trip time, you can use highway bus. But this is not covered by the pass. You have to pay extra.

      There is no deals to cover for Tokyo to Osaka. Please pay a regular fare to take Shinkansen.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Yan Ping says:

        Thanks Takeshi-san. But is it worth to buy 3 Days kansai-thru pass for 13 to 15 Nov? Better if I use ICOCA?

        • Hi Yan Ping san,

          I think you can make it. If you want to take JR trains more than other railways, such as Kintetsu, Keihan, Hankyu, ICOCA may be better choice. But in your trip, JR is more convenient for only Arashiyama to Fushimi Inari segment. Other segments, you will take Keihan railway, Kintetsu railway, Hankyu railway, Kyoto city bus, Osaka subway. These are covered by Kansai thru pass. And also if you finish your trip earlier than your planning, you can take subway in Osaka to explore other places in Osaka, such as Namba. Kansai thru pass gives you more flexibility.

          In my opinion, Kansai thru pass is more convenient but you can use ICOCA if you like. If you want to use ICOCA, Kansai one pass is more useful. It’s same as ICOCA basically but you can get a discount at many attractions.
          https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Perlita Bautista says:

    Hi, by browsing i came across your feedback regarding transportation in Japan. Can you please help me out with mine. we will be arriving in Osaka(kansai) airport on oct 13 around 2:30 pm going to Kyoto city center staying for 4 days checking out on the 16 going to Hakone for another 4 days, then from Hakone to Tokyo for another 4 days. In Kyoto i would like to see Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, Arashiyama, Ryonji Temple, Nishiki market and Nijo Castle. In Hakone: I would like to take the Hakone ropeway to see Mt Fuji, maybe a sighseeing cruise and try the Tozan cable car and will also spend onsen time in our hotel which is down the hill from Hakone-Yumote train station. In tokyo maybe just stay in the downtown area. On our last day our flight is at 7:00 pm from Narita. What pass can cover all our iterinaries. I appreciates all the helps.

  9. miguel says:

    hi my wife and i are traveling on september for 6 days 5 nights will be staying in osaka for 6 days, i was thinking of getting the kansai thru pass . on our first day i am thinking of just walking around the shinsaibashi area, day 2 going to kyoto for a day trip day 3 going around nara half day and back to osaka for sight seeing day 4 at usj, day 5 my wife wanted to go to rinku outlet store or any outlet store you wold recommend?, day 6 osaka to kansai airport.. do you thin i can maximize the kansai thru pass or if ever what pass do i need? and i want o cover our transfer to airport plus luggages in our train pass/es. thank you for your help

  10. Aaron says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Thank you for the excellent posts. I have been reading up your posts and they are very entertaining and educating, it was very helpful in planning our coming trip.
    Can you please have a look at the itinerary and comment?
    We are 4 adults and one 3 year old.

    11th July : Arrive Kansai (3:25pm) Take Kate Bus to Nara.
    12th July: Walking to Todaiji, Nara Park, National Museum, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, Nara Craft Museum, Naramachi Area.
    Train to: Toshodaiji, Yakushiji, Heijo Palace.

    13th July: Train to Kyoto (baggage store at station).
    Kyoto Station to Arashiyama: bamboo forest, okochinaso, tenryuji, togetsu bridge, monkey park.
    Arashiyama Station to Higashiyama: Kiyomizudera, Sanneizaka, Kodaiji, Yasaka Shrine.
    Higashiyama to Fushimi Inari: Tofukuji Temple (on the way),
    Fushimi Inari.
    (Plan to be in Kyoto from Morning to around 6-7pm).

    Back to Kyoto Station and take Express or Limited Kintetsu line to Osaka.
    Hotel in Osaka just next to Namba Station.

    14th July: Osaka Amazing Pass Day1: Osaka Castle/Tower, Moat/River Cruise, Peace Osaka, Museum of History, Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, Tenjinbashi-suji, Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Nakanoshima Park, Hep5 Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building.
    15th July: Osaka Amazing Pass Day2: Hozenji Yokocho, Namba Yasaka, Kuromon Ichiba, Kaiyukan, Santa Maria Cruise, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Marketplace, Tennoji Zoo, Keitakuen Garden, Shintennoji Zoo, Isshinji Temple, Tsutenkaku Tower, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Abeno Harukas.

    16th July: Universal Studios and free and easy.
    17th July: Back to Kansai Airport.

    What do you think Takeshi? Is it doable? Or is it too packed? Or still able to fit in any other places? Do you think a Kansai Thru Pass for 12th and 13th will be beneficial?

    Thank you very, very much.

    Regards,
    Aaron

    • Hi Aaron,

      I think your trip plan in Kyoto and Osaka are very tight.

      In my experience, you will spend half day in Arashiyama. And spend whole part of afternoon in Higashiyama. I don’t think you have any extra time to visit Fushimi Inari and may be Tofukuji too.

      In Osaka, I recommend you to skip a few places in each days.

      Of course, if you rush and see very quickly, you may be able to make all places. But you may sort the places and make sure which place you really want to see. You have no extra time to put other places. You have way enough now.

      I don’t think you can get the worth of Kansai thru pass. Train trips are too short to make the worth on 12th July.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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