Kansai Thru Pass is one of the best pass if you travel in Kansai area. This pass offers the unlimited travel of most non JR trains, the subway lines and most local bus services. It covers most part of this region, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Koyasan and Himeji.
In this post, I would like to explain this pass and you will find how to use this pass.
- Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Kansai airport to Kobe
- Kansai airport to Nara
- Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
- Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
- Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
- Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
- Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Who is eligible
The overseas tourist with short stay status and Japanese who lives abroad as a permanent resident can purchase it. And also a person with overseas tourist as a guide can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
2-day pass and 3-day pass are available. If you purchase it online, the price is slightly cheaper.
Purchasing online
| TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day | 4,380 yen | 2,190 yen |
| 3-Day | 5,400 yen | 2,700 yen |
Purchasing in Japan
| TYPES | Adult | Child (6-12yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day | 4,480 yen | 2,240 yen |
| 3-Day | 5,600 yen | 2,800 yen |
You can use this pass on unconsecutive days on the sales period.
e.g.
Day 1 – Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the first day of 3-day)
Day 2 – Visit USJ (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 3 – Day trip to Koyasan from Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass the second day of 3-day)
Day 4 – Stay in Osaka (not use Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 – Day trip to Kobe and Himeji (Kansai Thru Pass the third day of 3-day)
The sales period is usually year by year, April to March in next year. Actually you can pick any three days (two days for two days pass) in this sales period. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
Under 6 years is free of charge. You are not required to buy the pass for the child who is 0 to 5 years old.
How to purchase
If you want to buy it in advance online, you can refer the official site of Kansai Thru Pass:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Internet Purchase
You also can purchase it at Klook. Klook is one of the biggest ticket seller. You can buy it at your country’s currency. The price may be cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass online purchasing by Klook
You also can purchase this pass at Kansai Airport Tourist Information Center and other many visitor centers in Kansai area. Please see the list of sales location in the Kansai Thru Pass official site:
Kansai Thru Pass official site – Where to buy in Japan
I would like to show you price comparison between pass and single fare later in this post.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in Kansai Thru Pass official site.
The pass covers most of Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Osaka airport, Kobe airport, Himeji, Mt. Koya and Otsu (beside Biwako lake)
You can go almost every popular spots by this pass without any extra fares. As long as I know, there are a few major spots where cannot be accessed by this pass.
USJ (Universal Studio Japan)
You have to take JR Yumesaki line to get Universal City station. This pass does not cover JR train. The nearest station where you can get by Kansai Thru Pass is Nishikujo. Please find the information about the train network in the link below:
Yoshino
Yoshino is popular to see the cherry blossom in the spring season. Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka-Abenobashi (same location as Tennoji) and Yoshino. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway but it does not cover whole lines of Kintetsu Railway. Yoshino is outside the coverage area of this pass. You have to add the fare for Tsubosakayama to Yoshino which is the segment outside the coverage area.
The extra fare is 430 yen for one way. You can pay this extra fare when you exit Yoshino station. You can show your Kansai Thru Pass at the gate with the station staff. The staff collects the fare. You can buy the ticket to Tsubosakayama when you leave Yoshino. You can show both the ticket and Kansai Thru Pass when you arrive in Osaka-Abenobashi or other stations where you want to get off.
Nagoya
Nagoya is not in Kansai region and it is completely outside the coverage area as you probably understand. But Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway and Kintetsu Railway runs between Osaka-Namba and Nagoya. Sometimes it makes you get confusing. Kintetsu Railway is the biggest private railway companies in Japan. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover whole part of Kintetsu Railway network. Kansai Thru Pass covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara only.
Valid trains and bus lines
The pass covers most of non JR railway lines, all subway lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, and most local/city bus services. You can find the full list of the coverage transportation in the official site. I show you the major services here.
- Nankai railway (Osaka, Koyasan, Kansai airport and Wakayama)
- Hankyu railway (Osaka, Mino, Kobe, Kyoto and Takarazuka)
- Hanshin railway (Osaka, Kobe)
- Keihan railway (Osaka, Kyoto, Otsu, Uji)
- Kintetsu railway (Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
- Sanyo railway (Kobe, Himeji)
- Kobe railway (Kobe, Arima onsen, Sanda)
- Keifuku railway, a.k.a. Randen (Arashiyama)
- Eizan railway (Kifune, Hieizan)
- Osaka Metro subway and city bus
- Kyoto city subway and city bus
- Kobe city subway and city bus
- Osaka Monorail (Itami airport)
- Kobe Portliner (Kobe airport)
Any JR lines are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find the information of the train network in Kansai area:
Highway bus and Airport limousine bus are not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And the limited express seat fee requires on top of Kansai Thru Pass to take the following trains:
- Kintetsu Railway limited express trains among Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Kyoto and Nara
- Nankai Railway limited express “Rapi:t” between Kansai airport, Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba
- Nankai Railway limited express “Koya” and “Rinkan” between Namba and Hashimoto/Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway sightseeing train “Tenku” between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi
- Nankai Railway limited express “Southern” between Namba and Wakayama
This train has non reserved seat too. If you ride on non reserved seat car, no extra charge is required. But accommodation is completely different. Reserved seat is an express train seat but non reserved seat is a commute trains’ interior. You may have to stand up. - Keihan Railway limited express Premium car
This train has non reserved seat too. Non reserved seat is not bad but reserved seat is much bigger.
Other railway company, such as, Hankyu, Hanshin, Sanyo, operate the limited express trains. But these trains are just the fastest train. Some of trains have better interior than a local train. But any extra charge is not required.
Compare cost between pass and single fare
I show you some trip plans and compare the cost. Actually it is not easy to spend same cost as 2-day pass at 4,300 yen.
Kansai airport to Osaka (Namba and other area in downtown)
If you go to Namba area, Nankai railway is the best choice. The fare is 920 yen. But as I mentioned above, you have to pay another 520 yen at least to take the Limited Express “Rapi:t”. Of course there are many express trains without any extra charge between Kansai airport and Namba. If you want to save the money, don’t take Rapi:t.
You can transfer to most of subway lines at Namba. You can access to most of places in downtown Osaka by subway. Subway fare is from 200 yen. If you go to Umeda from Namba, fare is 230 yen. But if you will stay in Shin-Osaka area, consider to take limited express Haruka. It gives you direct access there. Even if you stay in Umeda area, JR Kansai Airport Rapid takes you JR Osaka station (Umeda) directly. Please refer the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
If you use one of two days in Kansai Thru Pass, you need to spend another 3,000 yen on next day. Otherwise it is hard to get your money worth. I think it is not a good idea to use the pass for Kansai airport access. I recommend you to use Rapi:t Tokudane Return-trip ticket (round trip by Rapi:t between Namab/Shin-Imamiya/Tengachaya and Kansai airport) or
Kanku Chikatoku ticket (Nankai railway base fare from Kansai airport to Namba and subway one way ticket) at 980 yen.
Kansai airport to Kyoto
Actually it is not a good idea. Total fare is 1,550 yen. You can spend more than access to Osaka. But there is no direct train. The best way to Kyoto from Kansai airport is the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Tengachaya -> (Osaka subway Sakisuji line/Hankyu) -> Awaji -> (Hankyu) -> Kawaramachi
Subway Sakaisuji line and Hankyu go through the trains each other. But usually you need to transfer the train at Awaji. You have to transfer at least twice at Tengachaya and Awaji. And there are only commute trains between Tengachaya and Kawaramachi. And also if you stay around JR Kyoto station area, you need to transfer to Kyoto subway at Karasuma. I think it is too much right after you arrive by international flight. If you really want to take this route (Nankai-Subway-Hankyu), you can use Kyoto Access Ticket at 1,200 yen. This gives you better deal. You may be stay in Kyoto on next day for sightseeing. You can purchase Kyoto city pass (subway and city bus) at 1,200 yen for one day. Total cost will be much cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass.
But I recommend to use JR lines instead of above route, especially limited express Haruka. That train take you to Kyoto directly. It is much more comfortable and there are a few good deal, JR West Kansai area pass and ICOCA and Haruka. Please refer the post, Direct access to Shin Osaka, Kyoto from Kansai airport, Kansai Airport Limited Express “Haruka”.
Kansai airport to Kobe
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,290 yen. Kobe Access Ticket at 1,100 yen is also available. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Hanshin) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Hanshin’s Osaka-Namba station is not far from Nankai Namba station. But you need to exit from Nankai station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is almost same.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Shin-Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Osaka -> (Special Rapid) -> Sannomiya (Average travel time is 105 minutes)
If you worry about transfer at Namba, I recommend you to take JR. You still need to transfer the train even if you take JR trains. But you can transfer the trains in the station. There are many more signs and it is obviously easier.
Kansai airport to Nara
There is no direct access as well. Total fare is 1,430 yen. Nara Access Ticket at 1,200 yen is available as well. If you want to save your days of Kansai Thru Pass, this ticket gives you better deal. The fastest and easiest way it the following:
Kansai airport -> (Nankai) -> Namba -> (Walk) -> Osaka-Namba -> (Kintetsu) -> Nara (Average travel time is 100 minutes)
If you take Rapi:t, travel time is getting 5 to 10 minutes shorter. Kintetsu’s Osaka-Namba station is same station as Hanshin Osaka-Namba station. These two railway companies’s trains go through each other. You need to exit from Nankai station to get Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station and walk about 5 minutes at least.
If you take JR trains, single fare is 1,660 yen. And travel time is a bit shorter than Nankai-Kintetsu combination. If you take Haruka, you can save another 10 to 15 minutes.
Kansai airport -> (limited express Haruka) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatohji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 75 minutes)
or
Kansai airport -> (Kansai Airport Rapid) -> Tennoji -> (Yamatoji Rapid) -> Nara (Average travel time is 90 minutes)
Transfer at Tennoji by JR trains are much easier than transfer at Namba between Nankai station and Kintetsu station.
Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway take you to Kyoto from Umeda by Hankyu, from Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi and Kyobashi by Keihan. One way fare to Kyoto is about 400 yen. Most of you take subway or city bus for sightseeing in Kyoto. If you purchase one day city pass for subway and city bus, it is 1,200 yen for one day and 2,000 yen for 2 days. But Kansai Thru Pass includes Kyoto subway and city bus.
So if you use Kansai Thru Pass for this trip, you can spend 2,000 yen worth at least. But if you have same trip in two days in row, total cost is 2,000 yen (Kyoto 2 days pass) + 1,600 yen (Keihan or Hankyu two round trips) = 3,600 yen. Actually Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is not cheaper. There are still some more cases that you can spend more.
*If you stay in Namba or other areas and need to take Osaka subway to get Hankyu or Keihan station, you will spend another 200 yen worth. At result, Kansai Thru Pass may be cheaper.
*If you go to Arashiyama and other areas (Kyomizudera temple, Kinkakuji temple, etc) in one day, you may be take Keifuku Railway, subway and bus in one day. Keifuku Railway runs among Arashiyama, Kitano-Hakubaicho (near Kintakuji) and Shijo-Omiya. Basic fare is only 200 yen. But this 200 yen makes your cost of Kansai Thru Pass cheaper than regular fare.
*If you go to Kurama by Eizan Railway, one way fare is 410 yen. If you go to Kurama, Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice.
Day trip to Kyoto from Kobe
The only difference from day trip to Kyoto from Osaka is round trip fare to Kyoto. One way is 600 yen by Hankyu. But Hankyu do not have any direct train from Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) to Kyoto. You need to transfer the train at Juso (junction of Kyoto line and Kobe line) or Umeda. One day total cost (Hankyu fare+Kyoto 1 day Pass) is 2,400 yen. It is smart way to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto
Actually Nara is very accessible by Kintetsu Railway from both Kyoto and Osaka. You can catch Kintetsu train at Osaka-Namba, Kintetsu-Nihonbashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Osaka-Namba station is located within walking distance from Nankai Namba and Subway Namba. And also Kintetsu-Nihonbashi is same location as Subway Nihobashi, Osaka-Uehonmachi is same location as Subway Tanimachi Kyuchome and Tsuruhashi is same location as JR Osaka Kanjo line Tsuruhashi.
On way fare from Namba/Kintetsu-Nihonbashi/Osaka-Uehonmachi to Nara is 540 yen and travel time is 40 minutes. Travel time and fare from Tsuruhashi to Nara are 480 yen and 35 minutes.
If you access to Nara from Kyoto, you can use Kintetsu line too. Kintetsu Kyoto station is exactly same location as JR Kyoto station. One way fare is 610 yen and travel time is 50 minutes.
But actually most of popular spots are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station. Please refer the post, How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient. to get the details about Nara. If you access to the spots where is located at other than city center of Nara, like Houryuju temple, Heiankyo, you need to get some more trips. But as long as you see the spots around Nara stations, Kansai Thru Pass is not the best choice. Total fare is too low to use Kansai Thru Pass.
Day trip to Kobe from Osaka or Kyoto
Sannomiya (downtown Kobe) can be accessed by Hankyu or Hanshin. From Umeda, both Hanshin and Hankyu have stations. Travel time and fare are completely same. Those are 310 yen and 30 minutes.
If you depart from Namba, you can catch Hanshin train at Osaka-Namba. Travel time is 40 minutes and fare is 400 yen.
If you depart from Kyoto, it is reverse way from Kobe to Kyoto. You can take Hankyu but you need to transfer at Juso or Umeda. Travel time is 70 minutes and one way fare is 600 yen.
As you see, return fare to Kobe is not so expensive. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kobe, you need to take extra transportation in Kobe. There are Kobe subway and Port Liner. You can take subway to Harborland (Kobe port waterfront area) and Port Liner to Port Island. Basic fare starts at 200 yen. If you have several trip, you can make around 500 yen value.
Day trip to Himeji from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
Sanyo Railway runs train service between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Sanyo-Himeji (same place as JR Himeji station). Both Sanyo and Hanshin go through the train each other. “Direct Limited Express” connects Hanshin Umeda with Sanyo-Himeji directly. Some of Sanyo trains operate to Hankyu Sannomiya station too. You can transfer from/to Sanyo and Hankyu at Sannomiya station.
If you access from Sannomiya (Kobe) or Umeda, you can take Direct Limited Service to Sanyo-Himeji. If you access from Kyoto, the easiest way is using Hankyu to Sannomiya and transfer to Sanyo trains. Travel time and one way fare are the following:
From Sannomiya to Sanyo-Himeji – 60-65 minutes / 940 yen
From Umeda to Sanyo-Himeji – 90-100 minutes / 1,450 yen
From Kawaramachi (Kyoto) to Sanyo-Himeji via Hankyu Sannomiya – 130 minutes / 1,540 yen
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Himeji, you can easily get more value than price of pass. However, if you use JR trains Special Rapid Service, it is so much faster.
Kyoto -(28 minutes)- Osaka -(22 minutes)- Sannomiya -(40 minutes)- Himeji
Special Rapid Service is operated between Himeji and Kyoto directly. It is 30 minutes shorter between Osaka and Himeji, and 40 minutes faster between Kyoto and Himeji. It is much faster and more convenient. So JR West Kansai Area Pass may be considerable. JR’s return fare between Osaka and Himeji is 2,900 yen. It is much cheaper than 1 day Kansai Area Pass at 2,000 yen.
Day or overnight trip to Mt. Koya
Nankai Railway connects Namba with Mt. Koya. This train is the easiest and the fastest to get Mt. Koya. Please refer the post, How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?.
One way fare from Namba to Mt. Koya is 1,230 yen by Nankai Railway and Nankai Koyasan Cable Car. If you want to take Limited Express “Koya”, you need to pay express surcharge, 760 yen. This surcharge is not included in Kansai Thru Pass. And also Kansai Thru Pass cover most of local bus lines on Mt. Koya. So you can get maximum value to use the pass for the trip to Mt. Koya.
However if you stay in Mt. Koya, you spend 2 days. It is very hard to get same value as Kansai Thru Pass 2 days at 3,800 yen. It is very hard to get the value of 3 days either. If you have overnight trip to Mt. Koya, please think about Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket. It includes return fare, local bus and limited express surcharge too. Of course you can use this ticket for day trip too.
Assesment
If you use Kansai Thru Pass for trip to Kyoto, Himeji and Mt. Koya, you must get more value than price. On the other hand, it is hard to get the value for trip to Kobe and Nara basically. And you have to compare Kansai Thru Pass and other pass/ticket, such as JR West Kansai Area Pass, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket for trip to Mt. Koya or Himeji.
However this pass is still useful. Because you might use the pass after you finish your day trip. Especially if you stay in Osaka, you might have a lots of chance to take Osaka subway after you finish day trip for shopping or dining. Minimum fare of Osaka subway is 200 yen. For example, if you have return trip to Shinsaibashi from Namba, it costs 400 yen. You can make 1,000 yen value easily for just using Osaka subway.
And also you can get discount at more than 350 attractions by Kansai Thru Pass. This is a big benefit, like 100 yen discount at Kaiyukan aquarium, Osaka castle, and many more.
Full list of facilities where you can get benefit (PDF file)
If you stay in Kansai area for 4 or more days, think about using multiple passes, such as Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass. I hope this post will help you to find the best and most economical way.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling to Japan with my family (13 of us) on the 2nd of December to the 10th of December. With so many people travelling, I’m trying my best to find the best mode of transport for everyone. As such I have a few issues I’d hope you can help me with but before I go into that, I’ll show you my itinerary first.
2nd December to 7th December – Kyoto (staying near Tofukuji station)
7th December to 10th December – Osaka (staying near Chidoribashi station)
Day 1 – Arriving KIX at 8:35PM and making our way ot Kyoto.
Issues – I’m planning to get the ICOCA + Haruka but the last train to Kyoto is at 10:16PM. Seeing that I am only landing at 8:35PM, I’m afraid I cannot make the train in time. Is there any other way to Kyoto from KIX? Or do you think I can make it to the platform on time to make it for the Haruka Limited Express to Kyoto? Would like to reiterate that there are 13 people travelling.
Day 2 – Fushimi Inari, Rangeoin Sanjusangendo, Kyoto National Museum, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Ninenzaka/Kiyomizudera, Kyoto Tower, Gion
Day 3 – Kyoto Railway Museum, Nishiki Market, Samurai & Ninja Museum, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Philosopher’s Park, Ginkakuji
Day 4 – Kinkakuji, Arashiyama
Day 5 – Nara
Day 6 – Check out and head to Osaka via Shinkansen, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, Midosuji, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori
Day 7 – Shittennoji, Tsutenkaku/Shinsekai, Namba Parks, Hozenji Temple, Nakanoshima Garden, Nipponbashi
Day 8 – Chayamachi (Loft), Harukoma Sushi, Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, Umeda Sky Building
Day 9 – Osaka Aquarium, Rinku Premium Outlet, head to KIX for departure
My question is, what sort of passes are suitable for me? I see the Kansai Thru Pass covers alot of stations but it gets confusing for me after doing more research (especially not knowing if the pass covers a certain line). Any help is greatly appreciated! 🙂
Hi Fee,
On day 1, it is very tight to take the last Haruka to Kyoto. You may not be able to make it. You have two options.
1. If you gamble and use ICOCA and Haruka deal, you can go for it. But if you miss the last Haruka, you have to take two rapid trains from KIX to Osaka and Osaka to Kyoto. There is no direct trains and you may not be able to take a seat. These rapid trains are busy always and these are commute trains. You may have to stand up.
2. Give up using ICOCA and Haruka. You may take a limousine bus by a regular ticket. It is direct to get Kyoto:
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
You can buy Kansai one pass (same as ICOCA) in Kyoto station or some other locations in Kyoto next day:
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use Kansai one pass to take a train or a subway in Kyoto but do not use it for taking the bus. Kansai one pass covers city bus in Kyoto as well. But you can buy one day city bus pass at 600 yen:
https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/ticket/regular_1day_card_bus.html
You can get the worth by only 3 rides. You may use this pass for day 2 and 3 to take a bus. You don’t need it on day 4 because you will take the train to get Arashiyama by Kansai one pass.
You can use Kansai one pass to get Nara. But the Shinkansen to Osaka is not covered by Kansai one pass. You have to buy a regular ticket. Please use hyperdia to find the rate:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
In Osaka, you may use a subway pass or Osaka amazing pass. Please see the link 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
I don’t think Kansai thru pass suit your trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for responding. Just a couple more questions.
1. For the limousine to Kyoto, is it reserved seating or free seating? I saw from the website that I need to purchase the ticket at Counter 8 at KIX Terminal 1. Just want to confirm that this is correct.
2. Can I purchase the Kansai One Pass at the same JR office that sells the ICOCA? Since I’m not rushing for time, I thought I would go get the pass before boarding the limousine so that I can use it to take the train from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station (where my hotel is).
3. This is a little confusing. So the One Pass do not cover all the buses in Kyoto or does it only covers city buses in Kyoto? What’s the difference between city buses and normal buses? Haha. Also, I tried to see the link you sent but nowhere does it say where to purchase this pass. Any idea where this can be purchased? I would suspect I can buy it at Kyoto Station? Will this Kyoto City Bus cover all the bus travels in Kyoto? 600yen for one day is incredibly affordable, I agree.
4. What’s the difference between ICOCA and One Pass? The last time I went, I just bought the ICOCA and used it on all subways, trams, and buses in Kyoto and Osaka. Can the One Pass do the same? The last time I came over, I didn’t get any pass. Just bought the ICOCA and add money along the way.
Thanks so much for your help Takeshi. You have no idea how much more relieved I am to gain some insight from a local. Hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
Hi Fee,
1. The seat is not reserved. But you have to purchase a ticket at the counter or the vending machine before boarding. You cannot purchase a ticket from the driver.
2. Yes. It’s same location. But this window is always busy. Just check how busy it is.
3. Kansai one pass covers all buses in Kyoto. There are Kyoto city bus and Kyoto bus (private company). Both buses are covered by Kansai one pass and city bus pass.
Please see the link below and find “Where to purchase”.
4. Kansai one pass and ICOCA are basically same. Kansai one pass is available for the foreign tourist only and it offers the discount at many attractions. ICOCA does not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
On point number 3 – so with the Kansai One Pass, I don’t need to buy the Kyoto Bus 1-day Pass right? I’ll just the Kansai One Pass for the entire travel plans in Kyoto.
One last question regarding ICOCA – we might think about risking it and get the ICOCA + Haruka and if we can’t make it we’ll only take the limousine. To do that, and to better prepare ourselves, I’d like to know if we can buy the ICOCA + Haruka pass at the airport without online reservation? I ask this because when I was there in 2016, I remember reserving the ICOCA + Haruka pass online first and I had to print out the reservation ticket and show them at the JR office at Kansai to get the card. If this online reservation is not necessary, it’ll be better because then we can just go to the JR office and buy the ICOCA + Haruka on the spot and if we can’t make it, we’ll just head to the limousine counter. Our indicative plan right now is this:
1. Once we deplane, we will go through all the security checks, then as my other guests are waiting for baggage, I will take all of my other guests’ passports and head to the JR office to purchase the ICOCA + Haruka while my other guests takes my baggage for me.
2. Once they’ve got the baggages, they will meet me at the JR office and hopefully by then I would’ve gotten all 13 ICOCA + Haruka cards and head to the platform. It could be tight, but it could very well be possible.
Appreciate your input. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Fee,
I did not mean that you don’t need a bus pass in Kyoto. You can use Kansai one pass to take a bus as I said. But you will use your fund in Kansai one pass to take a bus. It does not offer unlimited travel. But if you use one day bus pass, it gives you unlimited travel. And as you know, you can get the worth of it by only 3 rides of bus. So you can save your fund in Kansai one pass if you use one day bus pass.
Unfortunately you cannot proceed to the ticket office if you arrive there by the international flight. You have to go through the custom after baggage pick up. You must have your luggage when you go through the custom. If you don’t have any luggage and you don’t travel with your family member, you can do it. Otherwise you have to pick up your luggage before go through the custom.
You can buy ICOCA and Haruka on the spot. You don’t need to place an order online. Please see the link below:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
But you have to fill in the form for all of your travel member there. You will spend the time to do it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for all your insights! I think I’ve a better idea now. Seems like all of us will have to go to the JR office together since my other guests will still need to use their passports after baggage claim. So to go with your advice:
1. We will try to make it for the ICOCA + Haruka 10:16PM train. If we can’t we’ll still stop by JR office to purchase the Kansai One Pass then head to the information counter to purchase the Kyoto Bus 1 or 2-day Pass. After that we’ll head to the limousine and buy a ticket to Kyoto Station. Since we’ll reach Kyoto Station past 12AM, train won’t be in service anymore so we’ll probably have to walk to the hotel right?
2. For Osaka, we’ll get the Osaka Amazing Pass and for routes that’s not covered in the Osaka Amazing Pass, we’ll just use the funds stored in the ICOCA.
Thanks again Takeshi. Do let me know if you have any further tips for me. Have a good day!
Hi Fee,
If you can get the last Haruka, you can take the train to get Tofukuji. But if you miss it and take the bus, your choice is taxi or walk to get Tofukuji. It’s about 2km. If you take the taxi, it costs more than 1,000 yen even though it’s such a short ride.
Hope you can make the last Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi, my friend and I will be going to kansai region this september. We are a little confused as to what pass to get. We were thinking of ICOCA + Kansai thru. It will be of great help to us if you could see over our itinerary. Thank you very much!
Day1- Umeda, Osaka museum of housing, and science museum, Osaka castle
Day 2- Namba area and Nara sightseeing
Day 3&4- Kyoto: arashiyama, fushimi inari, int’l manga museum, kiyomizudera
Day 5- kobe and osaka
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Ann,
I would like to make sure two things.
1. Are you staying in Osaka only? If so, which part of Osaka are staying? Or are you going to stay in KYoto on day 3 and 4?
2. Are you arriving and leaving Kansai airport on day 1 and 5?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, my itinerary as follow.
I will be staying at Namba area.
Day 1: Arrival at KIX airport and travel to Namba station by Nankai Express Airport Train.
Day 2: Osaka sightseeing (Osaka Amazing Pass)
Day 3: Osaka sightseeing (Osaka Amazing Pass)
Day 4: Himeji area (Kansai Thru Pass) and back to Osaka
Day 5: Check out hotel and drop luggages at Kyoto hotel near Omiya station, and travel to Nara (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day6: Kyoto sightseeing, Kiyomizudera area, Fushimi Inari and Downtown
Day 7: Kyoto sightseeing, Arashiyama and Downtown
Day 8: Go to KIX airport from Kyoto
I have purchased a 3-day Kansai Thru Pass, I am not sure which day to use it and how to utilize it?
For the last day, can I utilize the Kansai Thru Pass by going to KIX airport from Kyoto through:
Omiya -> Awaji -> Tengachaya -> KIX airport
Hi Ai Wei,
As you think, you can use 3-day Kansai thru pass for day 4,5 and 8. You can take the route Omiya – Awaji – Tengachaya – KIX by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Highly appreciate your prompt response Takeshi-san! 🙂
My concern is Kansai One Pass can be easily sold out. Our plan is to have all tickets be reserved before going to the trip. Do you have any recommendations? Im really having a confusion on what pass(only 1 pass for the whole 4-day trip). Also forgot to mention that we will be visiting Gion during Kyoto trip. I’m only looking at Klook for pass deals anyway. These are the options that I have in my mind and I hope you can help me choose the BEST one for our trip (Nara-Kyoto-Osaka).
a. Kansai Thru Pass + Osaka Amazing Pass
b. Kintetsu Rail Pass + ICOCA + Osaka Amazing Pass
c. JR West Kansai Pass + Osaka Amazing Pass
d. ICOCA + Osaka Amazing Pass
Sorry for being insistent, you’re such a blessing!
Arigato gozaimasu!
Jes
Hi Jes san,
Option (d) is the choice. You cannot get the worth of other options.
I have never heard that Kansai one pass is sold out. Is this true? I researched it but I could not find any nfo.
By the way, Kansai one pass is same type of the card as ICOCA. I recommend you to take ICOCA + Osaka amazing pass. But you may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My husband and I will be traveling towards the end of September for 11 days. Our itinerary is as followed:
Day 1: Arrive Kansai Airport at night. Stay at airport hotel for the night.
Day 2-5: Go and stay near Namba Station. Explore Osaka. (e.g. Osaka aquarium, Osaka Castle, maybe Nara, etc spread over the 4 days)
Day 6: Go to Himeji, then to Kobe, staying near Sannomiya Station
Day 7: Stay at Arima Onsen
Day 8-11: Go to Kyoto, stay near Kyoto Station. Explore Kyoto (Arashiyama, Toei, Yasaka, and Kinkakuji).
Would the Kansai Thru Pass be a good value for us to use? My husband cannot walk long distances and tires easily so we don’t have a jam packed schedule (maybe 1 activity per half day at most). Is there another Travel pass that would be suited, or would purchasing the Icoca card be best?
Thank you for your assistance and time!
Hi Erika,
I don’t recommend you to use Kansai thru pass. Because you have to use 3-day pass for Nara, Himeji/Kobe and Arima to Kyoto. But Arima to Kyoto by Kansai thru pass is too much for your husband. You have to change trains at least 3 times. I recommend you to use Kansai one pass for Nara and Himeji/Kyoto. It’s the same type of card as ICOCA but Kansai one pass offers a discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may take the express bus to Kyoto from Arima onsen. It’s direct and easy.
https://www.hankyubus.co.jp/en/arima-kyoto.html
In Osaka and Kyoto, there are some deals available. But I don’t think you visit many places a day. Kansai one pass many okay. I just put the links below. Just check it and may add as you need.
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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
At last, there are some deals for Kansai airport to/from Osaka/Kyoto.
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 Sir Takeshi,
Konbanwa! My family will be having a trip this coming October and I’m a little confuse on what pass should we acquire; itinerary are as follow:
October 6 – Kansai Airport Arrival (9PM)
October 7 – from Kansai Airport to Nara (all day trip)
October 8 – from Nara (hotel checkout) then travel to Kyoto (all day trip)
October 9 – from Kyoto (hotel checkout) then travel to Osaka (all day trip)
October 10 – from Osaka (hotel checkout) to Universal Studio (until 5PM) then head back to Kansai Airport
Is it better to have Kansai Thru Pass (2days) for Nara, Kyoto + Osaka Amazing Pass?or Kintetsu + ICOCA card for the whole day travel?
Yoroshikuonegaishimasu 🙂
Jes
Hi Jes,
I don’t think you can get the worth of Kansai thru pass. Because it costs less than 1,500 yen from Kansai to Kintetsu-Nara. The fare is only 620 yen for Nara to Kyoto by Kintetsu railway. It’s very hard to make around 2,000 yen value trips in Nara and Kyoto.
I recommend you to use Nara Access Ticket for Kansai to Nara.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/nara.html
If you want to get Nara directly, take a bus by the regular fare:
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NR
For Nara to Kyoto, use Kintetsu railway or JR by the regular fare. You may get Kansai one pass instead of purchasing a ticket one by one:
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can but all day bus pass in Kyoto to visit the places there:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For Kyoto to Osaka, use a regular fare ticket as well.
Osaka amazing pass is a good choice if you visit many attractions.
The regular ticket or Kansai one pass is your choice for the last day as well:
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello !
Since Kansai thru pass is pretty costly, I have calculated that each day I will have to spend $27.50 & $22.70 to make it worth it for 2 day & 3 day respectively.
My question is that would using icoca card be more economical to travel from osaka to kyoto (2 days) and osaka to kobe (1 day) and the rest of the 4 days in osaka itself? With 1 day exclusion for USJ.
Thank you
Hi Felicia,
I will compare the regular fare and the pass in Japanese Yen. If you use Kansai thru pass 2-day, you have to make 2,000 yen per day.
Regarding the trip to Kyoto, the regular fare to take Hankyu railway from Umeda (JR Osaka) to Kawaramachi (Gion), it costs 400 yen one way. If you stay in other than Umeda, you may have to take the subway in Osaka, it costs 200 to 250 yen one day. So you may have to spend 1,000 yen for just getting Kyoto. The city bus fare is 230 yen per ride. If you take the bus 4 times, it costs almost 1,000 yen.
So it’s not hard to make 2,000 yen worth per day by trip to Kyoto.
Regarding the trip to Kobe, the cost is much cheaper. The one way fare is 320 yen from Umeda by Hankyu railway. But if you take a subway in Osaka, you have to add the fare. And you can take subway and city bus in Kobe as well. Total cost may be more than 1,000 yen. It could be around 1,500 yen if you visit many places in Kobe.
So Kansai thru pass may be cheaper. But I cannot say which one is cheaper, Kansai thru pass or ICOCA. But I can say that Kansai thru pass is not very pricey as you think. Especially if you intend to visit 3 or more places in Kyoto per day, Kansai thru pass is not a bad choice.
In Osaka, you may use ICOCA or other deal:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your prompt reply!
Transport in japan is confusing as they are public and private railway lines.
The Airbnb I am staying will be near 2 stations, one: TENGACHAYA Station: Nankai Line, two: – KISHINOSATO Station: Yotsubashi Line, will it utilize close to 2000 yen if I were to purchase 3-day pass (5200yen) for 2 days trip to kyoto from osaka and 1 day to kobe from osaka? I will be staying in osaka throughout.
Thank you !
Hi Felicia,
You should use Kansai thru pass 3-day. I believe it will be cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning a Kyoto-Nara-Osaka trip. I need your best advise if I should take the Kansai Thru Pass for my itinerary below.
31 Oct: Arrive Osaka in the late evening and head straight to Kyoto for stay nearby Kyoto Station.
1 Nov: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Nishiki Market, Shimbashi in Gion
2 Nov: Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Daitoku-ji Temple
3 Nov: Day trip to Nara
4 Nov: Depart to Osaka. Stay nearby Namba Station.
5 Nov: Universal Studio Japan
6 Nov: Osaka Bay Area, Tempozan Marketplace, Osaka Castle
7 Nov: Dotonburi, Shinsaibashisuji
8 Nov: Return home
Thank you.
Hi Esther,
Kansai thru pass is not required. You may use Kansai one pass + Haruka and the local deals in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
If you it’s too late to catch Haruka (the last one is 22:16 departure), just purchase Kansai One Pass and take the limousine to get Kyoto.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
You may use Kansai one pass for the sightseeing in Kyoto, the day trip to Nara, the trip from Kyoto to Osaka, the trip to USJ. You may add Osaka Amazing Pass for 7 Nov.
And please see the link below to go back to KIX:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi. You are so helpful.
No worries, Eshter.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am plannng a Osaka trip for 10 days with my sister.
My plan:
24 Oct Arrive Osaka in the evening and head straight to Kyoto to stay
25 Oct stay Kyoto – visit Heian Shrine, Golden Pavilion, etc
26 Oct stay Kyoto – Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari
27 Oct stay Kyoto – sightseeing
28 Oct stay Kinosaki Onsen
29 Oct stay Kinosaki Onsen
30 Oct stay Himeji – Tour Kurashiki & Okayama (or should I stay Osaka & then travel to visit these 2 places?)
31 Oct stay Osaka
01 Nov stay Osaka
02 Nov Return home
Please let me know which Travel pass is most appropriate for my travel itinerary? Kansai Tru Pass or Kansai Wide Area Pass?
Hi Bezzybee,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
Kansai one pass and ICOCA for the first few days
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
You have to use Kansai Wide Area Pass because this is the most affordable deal which covers Kinosaki onsen, Kurashiki, Okayama and Himeji. As long as you use the pass for these destinations, you can start using this anytime.
You can stay in either Himeji or Osaka. If you stay in Osaka, you can minimize to move with the luggage. If you want to feel the different atmosphere, you can stay in Himeji. It’s totally up to you.
You can use Kansai one pass if you still have some fund in the card. If you start using Kansai wide area pass when you leave from Kyoto, you still can use this pass to take JR local trains in Osaka. Otherwise you can find the deal in the link below for sightseeing 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
Hello Takeshi,
My husband and I (plus our 1yo son) are travelling to Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo end of September. We do not intend to purchase the JR Pass. Please advise if we should take the Kansai Thru Pass for our itinerary below.
Day 1: Arrive at Osaka from Itami Airport > Osaka Kaiyun Aquarium > Check-In > Dotonbori (I was thinking of buying the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket as I’m in Osaka only for 1 night)
Day 2: Check-Out > Travel to Kyoto > Check-In > Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Day 3: Nara > Kyoto Railway Museum
Day 4: Check-Out > Travel to Tokyo (I will stay in Tokyo for the next 6D5N)
I’m quite concerned as I’m travelling with a toddler, and if possible we want to avoid alot of transfers as the journey to some of the places are quite far. Many thanks for your advice!
Hi Nas,
I cannot say which pass the best one is for you at this point. Because the location to stay is a key. If you haven’t decide it, please decide it before choosing the pass. My recommended place is near Shin-Osaka station and Kyoto station.
If you do so, Kansai area pass is more recommended.
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
You can take the limited express Haruka from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. It is much easier to get Kyoto by taking other local train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com