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 there – Can you kindly advise whether I would need to purchase any kind of passes during my 10 days trip to Osaka in Nov. I have a PASMO card as I travel to Tokyo once a year. However, this will be our maiden trip to Osaka.
Day 1 – arrive at KIX > Hotel @ Umeda
Day 2 to 4 – Local tour
Day 4 – reached hotel @ Shin-Osaka just to sleep!
Day 5 to 6 – Local tour
Day 6 to 8 – reached hotel @ Namba to sleep
Day 7 – shopping around Umeda / Namba / Shimbashi
Day 8 – might take a FULL day trip to Arashimaya
Day 9 – hotel @ KIX > shop at Rinku premium outlet
Day 10 – Departs KIX
Your advises will be much appreciated!
Hi Josie,
I think single ticket or Pasmo card is your choice for most part of your trip.
For KIX to Umeda, JR Kansai Airport Rapid is the best and only direct service. Single ticket is the cheapest if you take this train. It’s same on the way back to KIX
You may be able to use subway pass in Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
There are several deals in Kansai area, like Kansai thru pass or JR Kansai area pass. But single ticket is better than these deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello, I’ve been reading your articles and find them very useful. Thank you for posting all these tips for travelers like us.
I’m still not sure whether I should get the Kansai thru pass, and would like to ask for your opinion. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1- Arrive at Kyoto from Tokyo
Day 2- sightseeing on my own, Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari
Day 3- Kyoto day tour c/o Viator, covering all major tourist spots except Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari
Day 4- depart Kyoto for Osaka, sightseeing on my own
Day 5- Universal Studios
Day 6-Osaka day tour c/o All-Star Osaka
Day 7- depart Osaka
As you can see, two of those days will be devoted to day tours (with transpo costs included), and one day will be devoted to Universal. So I have maybe 2 1/2-3 days to go around on my own. Do you think the pass would be worth it?
Thanks so much!
Hi Mel,
I think Kansai Thru Pass is too much for your trip.
You can use local deals in both Kyoto and Osaka. Please see the following links:
Kyoto All day bus pass / Kyoto Sightseeing card
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Osaka subway pass (Eco Card)
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Osaka Amazing Pass (if you visit lots of attractions by yourself)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
You need to add single fare from Kyoto to Osaka. But it’s still cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass.
If you need some deals to get Kansai Airport, please refer the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much for your quick reply! 🙂 I’ll look into the day passes and skip the Kansai Thru Pass.
Enjoy your trip, Mel!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi,
I have been reading up on Train Passes for our travel to Osaka 4 days which includes a day in Kyoto, Universal Studios 1/2day Nara and Osaka City ( late arrival on Oct 25 ) full days on 26,27 and 28. On the 29th we leave for Ginza Tokyo. I was thinking of getting a Kansai Thru Pass but looking at my itinerary it looks like I will not be able to make the most of it like I read on your suggested Itinerary.
In Tokyo we plan to do Odaiba, Toyosu maybe Mt. fuji or Hakone, Ghibli and just around the city also 4 days leaving early on Nov 2.
I would appreciate assistance with JR Pass, JR west wide or Kansai Pass with Eco pass or ICOCCA. In Tokyo I still have no idea. looking forward to you feedback. Thank you
Kind Regards,
Esperanza
Hi Esperanza,
For arrival day, please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
For 3 days in Osaka, you may be able to use Kansai thru pass 2 days. You don’t need any pass for USJ. Just use single fare.
Kansai thru pass covers Kyoto, Nara and Osaka as you know. Full day trip to Kyoto is good for this pass. Single fare to Nara from Namba is 560 yen. Kansai thru pass is sold at 3800 yen for 2 days. So single fare is quite cheaper than the pass to Nara. But are you going to stay in Namba? If you stay in other place of Osaka, you will take subway to catch the train to Nara. That means you will spend another a few hundred yen for taking subway.
If you are very sensitive for cost, you have to make the detailed itinerary and have to make sure how many times you will take subway, train or bus. If you are overwhelmed or not sure now, just purchase Kansai thru pass. It may not be cheaper. But it will give you stress free travel.
Next, single fare is your choice for Tokyo from Osaka. JR Pass is not your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Hakone is located between Tokyo and Osaka. If you get off Shinkansen at Odawara, you can drop by. But if you don’t want to get off there with luggage, you can make a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, but it will be very tight trip if you want to visit most of places in Hakone. Hakone Free Pass is the best choice for trip to Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Mt. Fuji can be seen from Hakone. In Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi area is most popular. But this is located at other side of Hakone. If you visit both, I recommend you to stay there at least one night.
In Tokyo, you can use single fare or subway pass as you need. Please see the following posts:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
1) If I bought Kansai Thru Pass 3 days & I ride subway & buses in Kyoto &(train to/from) Nara in these 3 days more than the value in Kansai Thru Pass (5200yen) do I need to pay the extra fares?
2) Did I still need to buy the Kintetsu Line ticket when I go to Nara with take limited express train (using Kansai Thru Pass)?
)
3) Can I use the Kansai Thru Pass in unconseccutive day like – Saturday, Monday & Tuesday (3 days pass) ?
Rgds,
Alex
Hi Alex,
1) I thin you will stay in Kyoto, don’t you? If so, Kansai Thru Pass may be too much. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, you have to spend 1900 yen worth at least. Single bus fare is 230 yen. Do you think you will take a bus more than 9 times a day? Subway fare is 210 to 350 yen. It depends on the distance. So please check your itinerary and make sure how many places you will visit.
I think Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass is better.
Even trip to Nara is less than 1900 yen. Single fare is 610 yen. In Nara, most of places can be accessed by walk. You will not have many chances to use the pass.
2) Limited Express charge is not included. You have to pay beside the pass.
3) You don’t need to use in consecutive days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your detailed information regarding the transportation in Osaka. However, I still find it confusing. Could you help me what mode of transportation should I take when I go to Osaka?
I’ll be staying in Japan for 10 days. 3 days in Osaka, 3 days in Sapporo and 3 days in Tokyo. I will use 7-day JR pass in Sapporo and Tokyo. That means I don’t have any pass during my stay in Osaka and I have no idea what to ride.
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Feb 1, 2015 – Arrive in KIX airport, head to our hotel located in Namba. Half day tour around Namba.
Feb. 2, 2015 – Go to Kyoto for sightseeing (full day)
Feb. 3, 2015 – Choice of Nara, Kobe
Feb. 4, 2015 – Checkout from hotel and head to Sapporo (will start using my JR pass here)
Please help me. Thank you very much.
Best Regards,
Nadine
Hi Narine,
The easiest choice for you is Kansai Thru Pass 3 days. It covers all first 3 days from KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can take Nankai Railway to get Namba from KIX by this pass.
You can use this pass to get Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and of course in Osaka too. Please see the following post to get the details about Kyoto and Osaka by using this pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you again for the fast reply Takeshi.
Do you think I’d save more if I use Kansai Thru Pass than the Osaka Amazing Pass (for 2 days only)? Why is it that Kansai Thru Pass is more expensive considering that Osaka Amazing Pass offers free admission on selected facilities?
Regards,
Nadine
Hi Nadine,
If you intend to visit many attractions in Osaka, Osaka amazing pass is considerable. But you have only half day in Osaka and it will be day 1. You need to spend full day for Kyoto on day 2. And Osaka amazing pass does not cover KIX-Namba transfer either. That’s why I don’t recommend you to use this pass.
If you spend full day for Osaka when you stay in Osaka, Amazing pass is a good choice. Otherwise it is not a good choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Again, thank you very much for your advice, Takeshi.
I have decided that I will use the Kansai Thru Pass instead. Have a nice day ahead!
Regards,
Nadine
Hello,
Very good website with useful information! I will visit Osaka in September and currently thinking of purchase Kansai thru pass.Below is our itinerary, can u suggest any better pass that we can use other than kansai thru pass?
1st day: Arrive KIX 5.00 pm ,heading to Shinfukae station, where our hotel located.and Dotombori for dinner and sightseeing
2nd day: Osaka Castle, America-Mura, Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Aquarium and Osaka Bay
3th day: Nara and kinosaki onsen town.
HI Angie,
I think Kansai thru pass is not suitable for your trip.
For day 1, you can use Kanku Chikatoku ticket to get your hotel and single fare to/from Namba.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
For day 2, you can use Osaka Amazing Pass.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
For day 3, are you going to stay in Kinosaki onsen?
Kinosaki is 2.5 hours away from Osaka by limited express train. Kansai thru pass does not cover because it’s outside of Kansai area. If you will stay there, it’s okay. But if you intend to visit Kinosaki and Nara in one day, it’s not feasible.
Kansai Wide Area Pass is only pass that cover Kinosaki osnen.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank for your advise takeshi!
I’ve cancel the Kinosaki osnen visit, the third day itinerary will be Nara and Kobe, after Kobe we will heading to kyoto and spend another 3 nights discover Kyoto before we move to fuji-san for the mount climbing.
In this case,can we still apply the kansai thru pass. Or remain the way that you suggest above?
Hi Angie,
Kansai Thru Pass is a good choice if you travel from Osaka to both Nara and Kobe then to Kyoto. It will be tight but it’s possible.
However Kansai Thru Pass is available from 2 days. I don’t think you have any chances to use Kansai thru pass for other days. So single ticket is the best choice for you on day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will visit Osaka in September and currently searcing for pass to use. I found your post very helpful however I just a little confuse whether Kansai Thru Pass can be use for Kintetsu Train as the info in their website is not clear regarding this.
In your post you state that to go to Kyoto we have to use Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway and not mention Kintetsu but from my browsing in Hyperdia I found that there are kintetsu train from Osaka Namba to Kyoto and Nara.
So can you advise whether we can use Kintetsu train OsakaNamba-Kyoto, Osakanamba-KintetsuNara and KintetsuNara-Kyoto using Kansai Thru Pass.
My whole current itinerary are based that kansai thru pass can be used for the above kintetsu train.
Thank you in advance
Hari
Hi Hari,
You can use Kintetsu railway. Please see the map of coverage area.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
You can visit Nara by Kintetsu from Osaka-Namba. You can use Kintetsu visit Kyoto. But you have to transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji station. Kintetsu does not have any direct train from Osaka to Kyoto. And also it is a big detour.
If you need to visit Kyoto station, Kintetsu may be faster than Hankyu or Keihan. But most of places in Kyoto are not located around Kyoto station. Gion and Higashiyama area is more accessible by Keihan and Hankyu. Hankyu can take you to Arashiyama.
I also wrote the posts about Kyoto and Nara. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your quick reply.
I will check your post regarding Kyoto and Osaka rail system (it is a little confusing with many type of railway in Kansai) and make changes in my itinerary if necessary.
Currently my itinerary involve:
Day 1 -> kaiyukan pass from Kansai airport to visit Aquarium and osaka area
day 2 and 3 -> kansai thru pass to visit nara and kyoto area (as I already booked hotel in osaka so it will be back to osaka every day)
day 4 -> osaka eco card to visit around osaka
day 5 -> kansai thru pass to visit around osaka and back to airport in the evening
As I will travel with little kid so convenience is also greatly considered.
Thanks for your help and I welcome if you have other sugestions
Regards,
Hari
Hi, I’ve been trying to ‘read’ thru the information online on passes to be used in kansai but I’m still very confused, can you help to check which are the most suitable passes for us?
Here’s our itinerary:
Day1 – arrive KIX around 9.30pm and we plan to take limousine bus to Osaka station (our hotel is in Umeda area) since we have luggages and thought taking bus will be better choice.
Day2 – Spending whole day in USJ
Day3 – Travelling to Kyoto for a day trip and go back to Osaka
Day4 – Travelling to Kyoto for half day trip then to Nara for another half day, and go back to Osaka
Day5 – Sight seeing in Osaka
Day6 – Leaving Osaka to Hakone for one night stay then to Tokyo…
Pls advise, thanks in advance!
Hi takoyaki,
You can use Kansai Thru Pass on day 3 and 4. You don’t need any pass on day 2.
For day 5, it depends on your plan. If you intend to visit many attractions, the following deal will be suitable.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Otherwise single ticket or subway pass is okay.
There is no deals available for Osaka-Hakone-Tokyo. But you can use Hakone Free Pass for sightseeing in Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You can purchase it at Odawara station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/odawara-station-guide-how-to-transfer-to-the-train-to-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello!
I love your website it was very informative! I’m planning to go to Osaka next month and I was hoping you could help me clarify a few things:
1) So if I hire a local guide (a Japanese person living in Osaka), that means he IS eligible for the Kansai Thru Pass ticket. Is that right?
2) Also, since I’m planning to buy the Kansai Thru Pass ticket for myself at KIX, am I allowed to buy another ticket for the guide? Or does the guide have to be with me when we buy it?
3) Finally, is it possible to buy the Kansai Thru Pass ticket multiple times in one visit?
(I heard that you can only buy the Kansai Wide Area Pass ticket once per visit)
Thank you!
Hi Kira,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
1) Yes.
2) Actually I don’t know how we purchase it for the guide. Please ask when you purchase it at KIX.
3) Yes. You can purchase as many as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much Takeshi! ^^
No problem, Kira.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Greetings!
Thank you for your detailed website!
I would like to check in with you if my family (3 persons) will need to buy any additional passes (Haruka, Kansai Thru Pass etc) if we already have JR-passes?
Here’s our schedule:
13th – Arrive at KIX in the afternoon –
– take Kate airport limousine bus to hotel
– visit / dinner at Namba area (from Tsuruhashi (hotel near this station) station to JR-Namba) – pay single tickets
(I could use Osaka City Loop Line (JR) to travel to Osaka city but cannot use my JR pass yet)
14th – Activate first day of JR pass
– travel to Shin-Osaka station in the morning
– take bullet train to Tokyo (from JR-Tsuruhashi – JR Hamamatsucho (hotel near this station))
– we would like to visit Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Harajuku, Tokyo Tower We can use JR- Yamanote line for all these travels.
15th – Tokyo Sky Tree / Asakusa (Sensoji) – late afternoon head to Kawaguchi-ko for the night – Shinjuku – JR Otsuki station. From here take the non-JR Fujikyu express to Kawaguchiko which will cost ¥1110 each way.
16th – Walk around Kawaguchi-ko in the morning Mt. Fuji view, back to Shinjuku – Tokyo – Shinkansen back to Kyoto – take a cab to hotel (Sunroute Kyoto) – Visit Fushimi Inari in the evening if there is time.
17th – Explore Kyoto by bus
– visit Kiyozumi-dera
– visit Nishiki Market
– visit Gion Matsuri
18th – Head to Hiroshima – Peace Museum
19th – Miyajima in the morning – head to Osaka in the afternoon
20th – Last Day of JR pass
– Head to Nara
21st – Osaka sightseeing
– Visit Osaka-jo (Buy single tickets)
– Visit Kyoto for market that happens monthly on every 21st (buy single tickets)
22nd – buy single ticket for Osaka/Namba back to KIX
Do you think we need any other passes?
Do you think this schedule is do-able ? Anything seems out of line?
Any suggestions appreciated!
Thank you,
ginnie
Hi Ginnie,
Amazing!!! Your itinerary and planning are so detailed and very organized. 🙂
I think you understand that you have to take subway to get Asakusa and Skytree. It will costs several hundreds Japanese yen. But you can’t use JR Pass.
And you don’t need to, but I have some recommendations for you.
1) Rail and rope
If you intend to take Kachikachiyama ropeway in Kawaguchiko, you can purchase this deal at Fuji Kyuko Otsuki station.
It includes return fare from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko and return trip of ropeway at 2440 yen for 2 days. It’s in Japanese but I put the link of this deal just in case.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=4076
2) Kanku tokuwari rapi:t ticket
If you take limited express Rapi:t of Nankai Railway to KIX, this deal is the best.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your reply~ I am glad to receive your suggestions to save money and time~
Some of the rides require multiple transfers (2-3) to get to our hotel. For example, Tsuruhashi (hotel near this station) station to JR-Namba –- do you think we will have no issues doing this when we don’t understand any Japanese or too complicated? I am not sure if it is better we try other non-JR lines eventhough we have JR passes. ….Please advise.
Hi Ginnie,
Don’t worry. In the station, all signage are written in English. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail