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
Dear Takeshi,
I really appreciate if you can advice which pass should i opt as per my itinerary below. I will travel from tokyo-kyoto-osaka-hakone-tokyo.
Day 1- tokyo to kyoto
At kyoto : togetsukyo bridge, bamboo groves,saga-toriimoto,tenryuji temple, saga scenic
railway.
Day 2-kyoto : fushimi inari,golden/silver pavilion,nishiki market,kiyomizudera temple, gion,shijo,
kyoto imperial palade,yasaka shrine,shinkyogoyu.
Day 3 & 4 – osaka
Day 5 – mt fuji & hakone :lake kawaguchi,chureito pagoda,kuchi2 ropeway,owakudari,hakone tozan railway
Day 6&7 – tokyo : asakusa,akihabara,roppongi hills etc
My question :
1) if i buy jrpass, is it worth?how much can i actually used?
2)should i buy icoca to used in kyoto & tokyo?
3)kyoto has 1 day pass for bus? Should i buy this instead?actually i found more types of cards in kyoto but i really dont get where can use to suit my kyoto itinerary.
4)2 day osaka unlimited pass also cover the same attraction but we can continue the next day if cannot finish in day 1, is that correct?
5) what is the best route from osaka to mt.fuji and then get back to tokyo. In tokyo, i stay at asakusa.
I really hope you can help. Thanks a lot in advance.
Regards,
amy
Hi Amy,
My answers are the following:
1) All long transfers will be covered. When you visit spots in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, some places cannot be accessed by JR pass. Please see the following posts:
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/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
2) No. You can use JR pass when you take JR trains. ICOCA and Suica cover subway and other trains too. But you should buy subway pass. ICOCA and Suica are very convenient, but it does not give you any discount.
3) First of all, you can access to Arashiyama by JR trains. If you stay near JR stations in Kyoto, you don’t need to purchase any passes. Sagano Scenic train is not covered. But there is no deals to get this train trip anyway.
If you want, you can purchase City Bus All-day Pass at 500 yen for 1 day.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
4) You may purchase Osaka unlimited Pass. But please make sure where you want to go. As I explained the link above, many places in Osaka can be accessed by JR trains. That means you can use JR pass. If you visit many attractions which are included in Osaka Unlimited Pass, you can go ahead one day or two days, whichever you want. If you purchase 2 days pass, you can use it in 2 consecutive days.
5) I think it’s impossible to complete all spots in you wish list in one day. If you want to do this, you should think about 2 days trip to/from Tokyo. I show this in my sample itinerary. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
If you want to drop by on the way to Tokyo from Osaka, the nearest station is Odawara. So you can take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Odawara. And then take Odakyu and Hakone Tozan Railways. Both railways are not covered by JR Pass.
But you cannot visit Chureito and Lake Kawaguchi. These places are not in Hakone. Hakone, Chureito (Fujinomiya) and Lake Kawaguchi are completely different places. Chureito is located in westside of Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is northside and Hakone is eastside.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear takeshi,
Thanks a lot for your advice. Now i can arrange my itinerary properly.
1 more thing, how can i go to fujio f fujiko from tokyo? Is there any other places nearby that i can visit so its worth spend time there.
Thanks,
amy
Hi Amy,
You can find it at the following link:
http://fujiko-museum.com/english/access/
If you need exact schedule and route, try to get it at Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
I wrote how to use Hyperdia at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
I have never been to this museum. But I don’t think any spot to see around there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
as per your last reply, you did mention that i will not have enough time to explore hakone & mt.fuji.
can you please advice which place worth a visit if i only have a few hours in hakone? i’m thinking to stop there on my way to kyoto from tokyo.hopefully we can get there in the morning and get back to kyoto around 7pm.
is it worth money if i just get i day sight seeing pass there?i found that they have “Hakone Sightseeing Cruise & ropeway 1-day ticket” and “Hakone tozan train & cable car 1-day pass”. its a
another is, i’m not sure if its still worth to buy a jpass if i buy osaka unlimited pass to use in osaka. probably i can use the pass on my way back from osaka to tokyo only. i’ll try to use hyperdia but somehow still got me confuse as i’m not sure which station should depart/arrive.
hope you can help on this. thanks a lot in advance.
regards,
Amy
Hi Amy,
I think Owakudani is the best spot to visit in Hakone. Please refer the following links:
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/freepass/
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/transportation/tozantrain/
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/transportation/tozancablecar/
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/transportation/ropeway/
You have to take train, cable car and ropeway to get there. It takes appx 1 hour 20 minutes from Odawara. So you will spend about 3 hours for just transfer. I think you will spend another 1 hour to see Owakudadani. You can find some info about Owakudani at the following link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cwakudani
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html
If you use JR Pass, Tokyo-Osaka or Kyoto round trip is minimum requirement. Otherwise single fare is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi
I will be in Osaka/Kyoto next mth for 6 days. Can i buy the Kansai Thru Pass 3 days – twice? since i am there 6 days.
Means after the 1st pass is up in 3 days, i go buy another pass. possible?
Tqs
Hi DT,
Yes. You can purchase as many as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much
HI, Takashi,
Good Morning,
For new shin-osaka and namba, which area convenience for kansai pass to take a train to the places. because i still have not choose the hotel yet. please advice me.
Hi Jenny,
If you use JR pass, Shin-Osaka is better. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, Namba is better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi, Takeshi
Thank you very much for your advice, i will consider stay at namba area. And very thank you of your train explanation. Now I already a bit clear of the train line.
Best regards,
Jenny
No problem, Jenny.
Hope you have a great trip in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshita.
I planning the trip to japan next year, but still not understand the diffrence of the kansai thru pass and jr west pass. Please advice me my itinery as 1-6 day will stay at Osaka, and will travel to the signest by 1day tour, 7-9day will stay at wakayama.
Best regads
Jenny PL
Hi Jenny,
Please see the followin links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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
As you see the first link, there are several railways among Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto. JR West Kansai Area Pass covers only JR trains, such as Special Rapid Service and other local trains on JR lines. Kansai Thru Pass covers all private railways and subways, such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Osaka subway, Kyoto subway and many more.
The second link shows you coverage by each passes.
But if you will keep staying in Osaka, you may not need to purchase both passes. You have to visit several places a day to get the worth for these passes, as I explained in this post. If you visit one area in Kyoto from Osaka as day trip, single fare may be cheaper.
So before you make a decision, you have to make sure which place you will visit. Otherwise you cannot compare single fare and pass. Regarding trip to Wakayama, if you go to Wakayama from Osaka as a day trip, these passes may be work. But you will stay in Wakayama. That means you will have only one way trip to Wakayama a day. That is not enough to use these passes. Single fare will be cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail (not Takeshita :))
Hi Takeshi
We will be going to Osaka end oct and my itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 – arrival KIX at 7.30am (staying at Dotonbori Hotel)
Day 2 & 3 – visiting around Osaka (thought of buying the 2 days Osaka Unlimited Pass)
Day 3 – Arima / Kobe
Day 4 – depart to Kyoto – whole day sightseeing in Kyoto (staying one night at Apa Hotel)
Day 5 – Arashiyama & Nara, then evening back to Osaka
Day 6 – morning depart for KIX for home
Do you think the Kansai Thru Pass will benefit me? or should I just buy individual tickets. Can the Kansai Pass be used on non consecutive days?
What is the best way to my Hotel ? I understand have to walk about 20 mins from Namba train station. This is different from the Namba station or Jr Namba?
Thanks for your kind assistance.
Rgds
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Kansai Thru Pass is a good choice for your trip on Day 3, 4 and 5. You don’t need to use on consecutive days. But you will use the pass to its maximum if you use it for these 3 days.
For KIX – Numba transfer, there are several deals.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Dotonbori is closer to Nankai/Subway Numba station than JR Namba. But some part of Dotonbori is closer to subway Nihonbashi station than Namba. Please ask your hotel to make sure the location.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi
Thanks for your kind reply.
My hotel is the Namba Dotonbori Hotel
2-3-25 Dotonbori Chuo-ku Osaka Japan. Which is the best way from KIX?
Do you think it will be better to move Arima/Kobe to Day 1 so that I can make use of Kansai Pass for the Nankai train from KIX to Namba. Then continue the pass for Day 4 & 5 for Kyoto & Nara. Is it possible?
For Day 2 & 3, I will use Osaka Unlimited Pass to visit around Osaka as it also includes most of the entrance fees. Can I check for 1 Day & 2 Days Osaka Unlimited Pass, does it cover the same areas or different areas?
Thx & Rgds
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
I think your hotel will be closer to subway Numba station. It’s not much different between Nankai Namba and JR Namba. But there are many routes from the station to hotel, especially underground. On the map, it’s closer to subway Numba station. But sometimes actual route is different. I recommend you to ask your hotel about details.
If you want, you can make a trip to Arima/Kobe on arrival day. As you think, you can save the cost for KIX-Namba transfer.
Osaka Unlimited Pass one day is a bit better than two days. One day pass covers subway and private railways. But two days covers only subway lines. As long as you make a trip in Osaka, subway only is fine. Please check the map at the below:
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/kukan/kukan.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much for your kind reply.
Looking forward to visiting your beautiful country 🙂
Rgds
Wendy
No problem, Wendy.
Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
dear all,
im actually planning to visit kansai with 3 other friends on 01 – 09 Nov.
our itinerary is as follows:
01 nov: wakayama (if possible, shirahama)
02 nov: wakayama
03 nov: osaka
04 nov: osaka
05 nov: kobe
06 nov: kinosakionsen
07 nov: kyoto
08 nov: kyoto
possible to advise which passes should i combine to be the most cost effective?
thank you very much
Hi Elin,
First of all, I recommend you to put Wakayama and Kinosaki in first 4 days. Because you can use Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
This pass is only one that cover both Kinosaki and Shirahama. But the validity is 4 days only.
For Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto, you will use single ticket for transfer among these cities. For city sightseeing, you can use Eco card for Osaka and sightseeing pass for Kyoto as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
On the last day, if you go to Kansai airport from Kyoto, you can use Kansai Area Pass 1 day.
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 / JP Rail
Hello,
I have a question regarding the Koyasan itinery. Is it possible to use the Nankai Ltd Express from Namba to Gokurakubashi to avoid the transfer? If yes, is there any express surcharge when using the Kansai Surutto Pass? Is there any advantages to take the Osaka subway Midousuji line transfer to Kintetsu railway Express train over the Nankai Express?
Thank you.
Hi Meg,
Yes. It costs 760 yen. It is much faster than regular train. It is the best choice to get there.
Even if you take subway and Kintetsu, it doesn’t give you any cost saving. Nankai Limited Express Koya is the still best way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply. I have one more question. When I’m looking through the websites, I cannot find Kintetsu line which goes to Gokurakubashi. In fact, I found Nankai Koya Line 南海高野線 (not the limited express 特急「こうや」). It also costs 850 yen as shown in your itinerary. So is it the Kintetsu or Nankai that I’m supposed to take? Is there surcharge if I take the regular 高野線 that costs 850yen?
Thank you very much.
Hi Meg,
Kintetsu doesn’t go to Mt. Koya. Only Nanaki railway Koya line goes there.
If you take regular train other than Limited Express Koya or Rinkan, Kansai Thru Pass covers all fares.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there,
i will be visiting Japan in a few days and urgently need advise on the best rail pass to get.
Our itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive in KIX at 11pm. Travel to Osaka St.
Day 2 – Sightsee in Osaka
Day 3 – Travel to Kyoto
Day 4 – Sightsee Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto and Nara (day trip)
Day 6 – Kyoto and Kobe (day trip)
Day 7 – Back to Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka to KIX
appreciate your feedback on this. Thank you
Hi Vijay,
I usually recommend ICOCA and Haruka.
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
But I don’t think you can take a train on arrival day.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
As you see the above, link, the last train to Osaka is 23:32. 23:41 doesn’t go to Osaka. So you have no choice to take a train and use any deals on arrival day. And also you cannot purchase ICOCA and Haruka either. Only your choice is bus.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_osaka_sta_tt.html#from
Unfortunately both Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass is too much for you itinerary. When you stay in Kyoto, you may purchase Kyoto city pass for subway and bus. But it depends on your location to stay and your itinerary. If you will take more than 5 times to take subway or bus a day, city pass will work. But some of places can be accessed on foot. So make sure where you want to go.
For trip to both Nara and Kobe from Kyoto, single ticket is cheaper than other deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi JPRail,
thank you for your feedback. In Kyoto we will be staying at Gion and doing the usual tourist sights in Kyoto. So as your recommend, we shall just get our day passes. Is it the same for Osaka?
Hi Vijay,
Yes, it is.
But most of spots in Osaka can be accessed by subway or walk. If you stay in Namba area, many places can be accessed on foot. If you take subway, basic fare starts from 200 yen. So in most of case, single fare is cheaper than pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will be travel to Japan next year for 9 days. Which is from Friday to Saturday on the following week. I will start in Osaka on 1st day. First I thought of taking Osaka Kaiyu All-Day Pass that covers all subways and train line. But it seems like the selling ticket will be not be available in April. I might have to use train on my own expenses.
2nd day, I will go to Toyosato then Tokyo. I will be using JR Pass from Day 1 to the last 7 days available for JR Pass. But on the day 5 onwards(Tues-Saturday) I will be staying in Kyoto. & it seems like to go everywhere the JR pass is invalid because in Kyoto we use buses & Subway Line the most. On the last day itself I will be going back from Osaka so i might need to go around for sightseeing in Osaka before heading back.
I thought of buying the Kansai Thru Pass for 3 days. However the main point that I am worried for the 3-day pass is that it can be used consecutively on Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Does that mean I can’t activate it on Thursday & use it everyday until my last train to Osaka?
Appreciate your advise sir. Thank you.
Hi Tina,
First of all, Kaiyu ticket may be available for next year. The reason why the ticket will be available until next spring is adjusting the price. I cannot guarantee it, but I think it will be available.
Second, if you arrive in Kansai airport, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka.
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
This ticket cover your trip to/from KIX and trip in Kansai area.
At last, Kansai Thru Pass may be too much. You can use it any three days, consecutively or unconsecutively. It is your choice.
But if you use it for sightseeing in Kyoto when you stay in Kyoto and transfer to Osaka, it is not enough. Please see the rate comparison at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If you purchase ICOCA and Haruka, ICOCA e-money can be used for any trains or buses. Of course it includes Kyoto subway, bus and Osaka subway. If you want to save ICOCA, you can use Kyoto city pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
I am planing to travel to Japan in November for 7 Days. In all your blogs, you mentioned that we are only allow to purchase Kansai Area Pass once only during our trip. But when I check with the local JR agent in my country, they said is possible to purchase a multiple passes during my 7 Days stay. The only problem is that we have to activate the Pass on each day we one to travel.
Hope to receive your reply as my itinerary will depend on the outcome.
Regards
Freddie
Hi Freddie,
I think your agent is wrong. Please see the following link:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai/
In “Purchasing a rail pass”, JR West mention “Caution: A Visitor may purchase Kansai Area Pass ONLY ONCE per visit.”
You may use different deals, like Kansai Area Pass and Kansai WIDE Area Pass, ICOCA and Haruka and Kansai Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail