If you visit Osaka and make some day trips to outside Osaka, such as Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass is a good deal. But as I explained about this pass on the post, How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare, you have to make many train and/or bus trips. And I compared a regular fare and the price of pass in the link above. But it may be complicated for you. You may be overwhelmed.
I will show you some sample itineraries by using Kansai Thru Pass in this post. I hope this post let you understand this pass easier.
Ride a train/bus for 2,000 yen worth or more in one day
The price of pass is 4,000 yen for 2-day and 5,200 yen for 3-day. You have to make the worth at least 2,000 yen value per day (1,740 yen per day for 3-day pass) by making train trips, bus trips and/or getting discount at attraction. Otherwise you cannot make the worth of the pass.
All following itineraries require 1,800 yen total fare or more. You will get a discount at many attractions. If you can pick two or three itineraries to combine and you will get the worth of Kansai Thru Pass.
In all sample itineraries, departure time is around 9:00 am. Of course you can start earlier if you want. But some attractions open around 10:00 am. Please check the hours of the attractions that you want to visit when you make your trip plan.
Himeji, Kobe and Tarumi
If you go to Himeji and Kobe in one day, this pass gives you a great deal.
Visit Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe
Depart from Namaba : Namba 09:10 (Hanshin train) 09:30 Amagasaki 09:36 (Hanshin train) 10:27 Sanyo Tarumi (840 yen)
Depart from Umeda : Umeda 09:27 (Hanshin train) 10:27 Sanyo Tarumi (750 yen)
You can skip this place if you are not a shopping spree. The reason why I put it in this itinerary is that the trip is too long if we go to Himeji directly by Hanshin and Sanyo railways.
But you can see the world longest suspension bridge, Akashi Ohashi bridge here. And you can shop and eat here. I think it is nice place to take a break. It is only 9 minutes away from the station by foot. If you skip this spot, you can spend more time at Kobe or Himeji. You can stop by there on the way to Kobe from Himeji as the lunch break.
Himeji Castle and the lunch break.
Sanyo Tarumi 12:00 (Sanyo train) 12:39 Sanyo Himeji (740 yen)
You can get 20% off for Himeji Castle admission by Kansai Thru Pass. Himeji Castle is about 20 minutes away from the station. You can walk but it is too long, you can take a bus. But the bus fare is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass.
Please see the post below to find more information about Himeji.
Visit Kobe
Sanyo Himeji 15:04 (Sanyo train) 16:08 Sannomiya (Walk) Sannoiya Hanadokeimae 16:20 (Kobe subway) 16:24 (940 yen + 200 yen = 1140 yen)
You can enjoy Kobe port cruise if you want. You can get a discount for cruise and Kobe Port tower. You can have a dinner at Kobe before heading back to Osaka.
To Namba : Sannomiya 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:34 Amagasaki 20:39 (Hanshin) 20:59 Namba (400 yen)
To Umeda : 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:42 Umeda (310 yen)
Total fare is 3120 yen from/to Namba and 2940 yen from/to Umeda.
Kobe and Arima hot springs
Arima hot springs is one of most three famous hot springs and one of the three oldest hot springs. Actually it is most accessible hot springs from Osaka. You can stay there but I put this hot springs as day use in this trip.
Visit Arima hot springs, Kinnoyu (Gold springs), Ginnoyu (Silver springs) or Taiko no Yu.
From Umeda : Umeda 09:03 (Hanshin train) 09:36 Sannomiya 09:49 (Kobe subway and Hokushin Kyuko) 10:00 Tanigami 10:06 (Kobe railway train) 10:17 Arimaguchi 10:19 (Kobe railway train) 10:23 Arima Onsen (310 yen + 900 yen = 1210 yen)
From Namba : Namba 08:45 (Hanshin train) 09:02 Amagasaki 09:07 (Hanshin train) 09:32 Sannomiya 09:49 (Kobe subway and Hokushin Kyuko) 10:00 Tanigami 10:06 (Kobe railway train) 10:17 Arimaguchi 10:19 (Kobe railway train) 10:23 Arima Onsen (400 yen + 900 yen = 1300 yen)
You can get discount to go these hot springs. These hot springs open from 9:00 am. By the way, Taiko is a name of title of Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
If you want to have more relaxation, you can use daily plan of high end hotels. Arima Grand Hotel has daily hot springs use plan around 4,000 yen.
Visit Kobe
Arima Onsen 14:09 (Kobe railway train) 14:13 Arimaguchi 14:29 (Kobe railway train) 14:39 14:41 Tanigami (Hokushin Kyuko and Kobe subway) 14:51 Sannomiya (900 yen)
You can visit anywhere in Kobe you want, such as Kitano, Kobe port.
To Namba : Sannomiya 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:34 Amagasaki 20:39 (Hanshin) 20:59 Namba (400 yen)
To Umeda : 20:11 (Hanshin train) 20:42 Umeda (310 yen)
Total fare is 2600 yen from/to Namba and 2420 yen from/to Umeda.
Kyoto Highlight
You can complete most of Kyoto Must-See spots in one day!
From Namba : Namba 08:59 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 09:05 Yodoyabashi 09:10 (Keihan Ltd Exp train) 09:58 Shichijo (200 yen + 600 yen = 800 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 9:01 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 09:05 Yodoyabashi 09:10 (Keihan Ltd Exp train) 09:58 Shichijo (200 yen + 600 yen = 800 yen)
Shichijo, Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo and Sanjo are the gateway station to Higashiyama area. There are tons of spots there. It is impossible to visit most of spots in half day. If you really want to see this area, don’t try this itinerary. Actually even one full day is not enough to cover most of spot.
In this itinerary, I assume to visit Sanjusankendo (三十三間堂), Kiyomizudera temple (清水寺) and Yasaka Jinja shrine (八坂神社).
Kawaramachi 13:05 (Hankyu train) 13:06 Karasuma 13:09 (Kyoto subway Karasuma line) 13:19 Kitaoji (Kyoto bus 12-20 minutes) Kinkakujido (金閣寺道) bus stop (150 yen + 250 yen + 220 yen = 620 yen)
Actually Kyoto city bus #12 goes straight to Kinkakujido bus stop from Kawaramachi or Sanjo-Keihan. This is the easiest. But it is affected by traffic congestion. When you explore Kyoto, try to use trains as much as possible. That is a key to save your time. From Kitaoji to Kinkakujido, you can take #101, #102 or M1. Bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. Kikakuji temple is 5 minutes walk from bus stop.
Kikakujido (Kyoto city bus 5 minutes) Kitano-Hakubaicho 15:06 (Keifuku railway a.k.a. “Randen”) 15:17 Katabiranotsuji 15:25 (Keifuku railway a.k.a. “Randen”) 15:32 Arashiyama (220 yen + 200 yen = 420 yen)
Kitano-Hakubaisho station is only 3 bus stops away from Kikakujido. You can walk if you want. It takes about 20 minutes. Keifuku railway is a small local railway. It is like a street car.
In Arashiyama, you don’t have much time to visit temples and shrines. You can walk along Katsura river. And you may be able to ride Sagano sightseeing tram night train. But Sagano sightseeing train is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass.
Arashiyama 20:03 (Hankyu train) 20:11 Katsura 20:21 (Hankyu train) 20:55 Umeda 21:00 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 21:08 Namba (390 yen. If you go to Namba, add 230 yen for subway)
If you have just round trip to Kyoto, it is not enough to use Kansai Thru Pass. But if you visit several places, this pass gives you a great deal.
Total fare is 2230 yen from/to Umeda and 2460 yen from/to Namba.
Nara and south Kyoto one day
If you visit only Nara, it is not enough to get 1800 yen worth. So I combine south Kyoto and Nara because it is the closet place from Nara.
From Namba : Osaka-Namba 09:01 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 09:39 Kintetsu-Nara (540 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 8:45 (Osaka subway Midosuji line) 08:54 Namba (walk) Osaka-Namba 09:01 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 09:39 Kintetsu-Nara (230 yen + 540 yen = 770 yen)
Subway Namba station is very close to Kintetsu Osaka-Namba station. If you miss 9:01 train, next train comes in 10 minutes.
Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk from the station. Please see 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 more details.
Nara 13:43 (Kintetsu railway Rapid Express) 14:24 Kintetsu-Tanbabashi (walk) Tanbabashi 14:33 (Keihan railway local train) 14:40 Fushimi-Inari (540 yen + 200 yen = 740 yen)
Kintetsu-Tanbabashi station is located at same place as Keihan’s Tanbabashi station. 9 minutes is way enough to transfer. Both stations are not big terminal stations. You cannot miss it.
Fushimi Inari shrine is 10 minutes away from the station.
Fushimi-Inari 15:39 (Keihan railway local train) 15:54 Chushojima 16:04 (Keihan train Uji line local train) 16:18 Uji (300 yen)
Uji 18:02 (Keihan railway Uji line local train) 18:16 Chushojima 18:21 (Keihan railwa Limited Express) 19:04 Yodoyabashi (Osaka subway Midousuji line 10 minutes ride) Namba or Umeda (400 yen + 200 yen = 600 yen)
Total fare is 2180 yen to/from Namba and 2410 yen to/from Umeda.
If you have more, you can go to Gion in Kyoto. After you finish Uji sightseeing, you can take the train to Gion-Shijo at Chushojima.
Uji 18:02 (Keihan railway Uji line local train) 18:16 Chushojima 18:21 (Keihan railwa Limited Express) 18:33 Gion-Shijo
You can enjoy dinner and walk in Kyoto if you want. The last train departs at 23:06 from Gion-Shijo. You can transfer subway at Yodoyabashi from this last train. You still have lots of time for Gion, Kyoto.
Yoshino. Recommended for cherry blossom season
Yoshino is located at south part of Nara. It is very famous as cherry blossom viewing spots. But the pass does not cover all part of the trip to Yoshino. You have to pay some extra to get there.
From Namba : Namba 08:56 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:03 Tennoji (walk) Abenobashi 09:20 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:53 Yoshino (230 yen + 690 yen = 920 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 08:47 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:03 Tennoji (walk) Abenobashi 09:20 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:53 Yoshino (270 yen + 690 yen = 960 yen)
The pass cover the trip to Tsubosakayama station. It is still 50 minutes away from Yoshino. The extra fare is 420 yen for one way.
Once you arrive in Yoshino, you can enjoy as much as you want until the last train depart at 22:12.
Total fare is 1840 yen to/from Namba and 1920 yen to/from Umeda.
*Above fare is the worth that is covered by the pass. You need to pay another 840 yen on top.
Mt. Koya one day trip
If you want to visit Mt. Koya as day trip, Kansai Thru Pass is one of the choice. But if you want to stay in Mt. Koya, Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is much better choice.
From Namba : Namba 09:01 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:49 Hashimoto 09:54 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:31 Gokurakubashi 10:36 (Cabel car) 10:41 Koyasan (850 yen + 380 yen = 1230 yen)
From Umeda : Umeda 08:47 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 08:56 Namba 09:01 (Osaka subway Midousuji line) 09:49 Hashimoto 09:54 (Kintetsu railway Express train) 10:31 Gokurakubashi 10:36 (Cabel car) 10:41 Koyasan (230 yen + 850 yen + 380 yen = 1460 yen)
You can get the worth easily to have just return trip to Mt. Koya. And also you can take a bus and get some discount at several temples there.
Total fare is 2460 yen to/from Namba and 2920 yen to/from Umeda.
Comments
Hi,
i’m going to Osaka, stay in Namba, travel with kids age 3, 5 & 7 yo.
basically, my itinerary for 6 days are;
day 1: arrival KIX in the morning, then go to Nara, Uji & Fushimi Inari
day 2: Kobe + Himeji
day 3: full day Kyoto
day 4 & day 5 : Osaka
day 6 : flight back in the morning @ KIX
can you please advise, which pass will suits us, since there are kids with me.
thank you so much.
Hi Nour,
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for the first 3 days.
Please see the link below to find the deal in Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You don;t need to have any deals for 3 year and 5 years. It’s free of charge to take trains. But you may need to pay to enter for some attractions. Child rate for 6 to 11 years old is available for some deals. If not, single fare is the choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for super fast response.
But, for kobe+himeji, mostly advise to use JR line, since its much faster than other line.
Can u please validate this? Thank you.
Hi Nour,
That is yes and no. If you use JR train to get Himeji, your choice is Kansai area pass.
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 will use Kansai thru pass 2 days and Kansai area pass 1 days. Total cost is higher than 3 days Kansai thru pass. And also, you have to take JR train from JR Namba and get Osaka station to take a train to Himeji. That is a big detour. If you take subway to get Umeda and then take JR, it’s faster but you need to pay extra to take subway.
If you use Kansai thru pass, you can take Hanshin railway from Namba. That is more convenient.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ohhh thank you, it really help me in finding at least value for money pass.
Thank you so much.
No worries, Nour.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Im travelling to Kansai soon:
Night: KIX international airport –> Namba Area
Day 1: Himeji, Kobe
Day 2: Nara
Day 3: in Osaka city
Day 4: KYOTO for 3nights
is it advisable for me to get a 2 day or 1 day KANSAI THRU pass for these travels? Really confused to the worthiness of the pass. Also, it is said that it can be used on non-consecutive days? hope you can reply soon!!!
Hi Shan,
You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 1, 2 and 4. You can find other deal for KIX-Osaka, Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I have been searching and searching but I’m still super confused regarding the countless japanese passes..
So the thing is, I will arrive in nagoya airport Chubu (Btw I will be arriving around 20pm) and I intend to take a train to kyoto on the same day (is that possible?).
Then I will have three full days to explore kyoto (will be staying there) and possibly Uji. After this long kyoto stop I will spend My fifth day in Nara and stay there for the night.
The 6th day I will be staying with a friend in Osaka. And the 7th day I would like to go himeji during the morning and koyasan in the afternoon and night. Next day I will return to nagoya and enjoy my last day there (my plane departed from Chubu Airport).
Ive been reading a lot of stuff and it seems I don’t need a Jr pass at all, should I combine a kintetsu rail pass with Kansai thru pass? Is that my best option? Don’t forget I won’t be riding any train at least for three days while exploring kyoto…
Thank you for your attention!
Hi Dennis Jr,
You may get Kyoto on arrival day. But you cannot use Kintetsu rail pass because you will take Shinkaksen (bullet train) and it is only way to get Kyoto on arrival day. The last train depart from Nagoya on 22:58. Please see the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
The fare is around 6,000 yen and you can purchase/book at Nagoya station. Please remember you will spend around 2 hours for custom, immigration, baggage pick up and transfer from Chubu to Nagoya. The following links may help you.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
You may use local deals in Kyoto 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-kyoto.html
Single ticket is okay for Kyoto to Nara, Nara to Osaka. You may get Kansai one pass instead.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
I really don’t recommend to visit Himeji and Koyasan in same day. It’s way too much. If you really want to do, you can do. But Himeji castle opens at 9:00. If you leave Osaka around 7:00, you will get there by 9:00. You may be able to come back to Osaka by noon. It takes at least 1.5 hour to get Koyasan from Namba.
So it’s up to you do this or not. If you do this, you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for this trip and one of Kyoto-Nara or Nara-Osaka.
Platt Kodama is most affordable deal for Osaka to Nagoya.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
You cannot use this deal for arrival day because of late arrival.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the quick reply,
2hours for custom etc?? And then it’s about one hour from Chubu to nagoya station, right? Hope I can do it..
I thought I could go directly from himeji to koyasan, that would be perfect since I will be staying there overnight (mountain temple) leaving on the following day to nagoya. (can I ride a train from koya to nagoya or do I need to go Osaka first?).
Hi Dennis,
I mentioned 2 hours includes custom, etc and Chubu to Nagoya.
There is no direct trains from Koyasan to Nagoya. Koyasan is a sort of isolated area. You have to go back to Osaka. Please see the link below to find more info about train system in Kansai area:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’m planning on visiting Osaka for 4 days and was thinking of the following places:
Day 1: exploring Osaka with the Osaka Amazing Pass
Day 2: Mount Koya
Day 3: Arashiyama
I plan to get the Kansai Thru Pass for days 2&3. Is there a better pass for me with my schedule? I will be staying near Shin Osaka station. I planned on buying the Haruka ticket to get from Shin-Osaka station to Kansai airport – is this a good plan?
Do you have any recommendations for somewhere else to go for my 4th day (should I get the 3 day Kansai Thru Pass and visit another location)?
Thank you very much for your help!
Hi Josie,
Your choices are right. Haruka discount ticket and Kansai thru pass is the right choices. If you use 3 days Kansai thru pass, you can visit Kobe, Himeji, Nara or may be one more day in Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your prompt reply!
No worries, Josie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
Which one is good to go around osaka, kansai thru pass or kansai area pass from jr
Hi Andre,
Kansai thru pass is better because it covers subway. Subway is more convenient than JR trains.
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 / JPRail.com
Thank you very much for your replay
No worries, Andre.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
What is the best route using Kansai Thru Pass going to Sanda coming from Namba? Is this worth using KTP?
Also, if we include Himeji, what is the route to take with KTP?
Thank you!
Hi Loida,
Please see the link below about the route to Himeji by Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html#HanshiSanyo_Railway8217s_Limited_Express
If you want to use Kansai thru pass to get Sanda outlet, you have to start your trip from Kobe. Please see the link below and find “FROM KOBE” route. You will find Sannomiya-Tanigami-Sanda route. It’s covered but you have to pay for the bus at 260 yen.
You cannot get shorter route by Kansai thru pass from Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I forgot to indicate that we will be coming from Namba.
Thanks again.
Hi Takeshi!
What is the best route using Kansai Thru Pass going to Sanda? How much is the cost of the route?
Thanks!
Hi
Which is best pass to buy for following itinerary?
Day one
From Kansai Airport to Osaka
Osaka to Kobe
Day two
To visit ninja museum in ige
From ige to wakayama
Thanks
Doris
Hi Doris,
I recommend you to use JR Kansai area pass 2 days.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I will go to Osaka for 6 days on 18 July to 23 July. And I stay at Osaka, which near at Aikawa station.
Day 1:
KIX – Osaka (Osaka Castle and other sightseeing place)
Day 2:
Kyoto (Toei Studio Park / Kinkakuji / Kiyomizudera / Arashiyama)
Day 3:
Kyoto & Nara (Gion / Nishiki / Fushimi Inari / Nijo Castle / Nara Park)
Day 4:
USJ
Day 5:
Osaka – shopping area dotonbori, shinsaibashi ?
Day 6:
Aikawa – KIX
I’m not sure which pass I should get. It is Kansai thru pass, JR Kansai Area or Icoca.
Please advise. Thank Youuu 😉
Hi atieqa san,
You may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for the first 3 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
This pass covers subway, city bus and non JR railways, like Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu railways. You can use these trains to get Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. Especially Aikawa is Hankyu railway’s station. Kansai thru pass is only choice for you.
For the rest of 3 days, I think Kansai one pass is the best choice.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Sorry for the late reply.
Thank you for your helps in explaining and suggesting the best pass for me. You really help me.
Thanksss 🙂
No worries, Atieqa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com