Kansai Thru Pass sample itineraries

1 to 3 days
There are lots of NON JR trains in Kansai. Most of them can be taken by Kansai Thru Pass.
There are lots of NON JR trains in Kansai. Most of them can be taken by Kansai Thru Pass.
There are lots of NON JR trains in Kansai. Most of them can be taken by Kansai Thru Pass.

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

Of course, spring is a good season to visit Himeji castle. ©JNTO
Of course, spring is a good season to visit Himeji castle. ©JNTO

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

Taiko-hashi bridge in Arima hot springs. If you want to stay, it is a nice place too. © Kobe Convention & Visitors Association/© JNTO
Taiko-hashi bridge in Arima hot springs. If you want to stay, it is a nice place too. © Kobe Convention & Visitors Association/© JNTO

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

Autumn in Arashiyama is breathtaking. ©Akira Okada/©JNTO
Autumn in Arashiyama is breathtaking. ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

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

There are a big number of Torii at Fushimi Inari shrine. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO
There are a big number of Torii at Fushimi Inari shrine. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO

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 must be the best Sakura spot in Japan! ©NARA TOURISM FEDERATION/©JNTO
Yoshino must be the best Sakura spot in Japan! ©NARA TOURISM FEDERATION/©JNTO

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

There are lots of places to see in Mt. Koya. ©JNTO
There are lots of places to see in Mt. Koya. ©JNTO

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

  1. Phyllis says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    I will be visiting Osaka on 26th May (arriving at 10:30pm) and will leave for Tokyo on 30th May (12pm flight). I’ll be staying at Nipponbashi area.

    1. As the last train from Kansai airport using Nankai Electric Railway is at 11:29pm (correct me if I’m wrong), just in case I can’t catch the last train.
    a. May I know what is the alternative way for me to get to my hotel at Nipponbashi?
    b. I saw that the information counter is already closed at 10pm (correct me if I’m wrong). Where should I get the train ticket if I were to be in time to catch the train?

    2. I’m rather confused on how to use the hyperdia, I want to know the timetable as I plan to buy the Kansai Thru Pass for 28 to 30 May and one day Osaka Amazing Pass for 27 May as I plan to visit attraction around Osaka.
    a. Is it worth for me to get these passes?
    b. Will Kansai Thru Pass able to get to Kansai airport? I’m departing at Kansai International Airport Domestic South Wing.

    Hope to hear from you to get a firm direction, as I am rather confused after lots of reading and this is my first time to Japan.

    Thank you very much.

    Regards,
    Phyllis

  2. ying ying says:

    Hi,
    I will be going to Osaka and Kyoto from 30 April to 4 May. Below is my roughly planned itinerary. I am not sure if I should buy the Kansai thru pass (3-day one) or just use the ICOCA.

    Osaka (reach morning)
    Day 1
    Reach Osaka and some travel around Shinsaibashi
    Day 2
    Osaka Castle
    Dontobori area
    Day 3
    Universal Studio
    Day 4
    Full day in Kyoto
    Day 5
    Rinku Premium Outlet and home sweet home

  3. rachel says:

    Hi,
    I will be going to Osaka and Kyoto from 3 to 110 May. Below is my roughly planned itinerary. I am not sure if I should buy the Kansai thru pass (3-day one) or just use the ICOCA.

    Osaka (reach morning)
    Day 1
    Instant Ramen Museum
    Namba area
    Osaka Station
    Day 2
    Osaka Castle
    Osaka Aquarium
    Umeda Sky building
    Day 3
    Universal Studio
    Day 4
    Reach Kyoto in afternoon – Nishiki Market
    Nijo Castle
    Pontocho
    Day 5
    Kiyomize-dera
    Higashiyama
    Philosopher’s Path
    Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
    Fushimi Inari Shrine
    Gion
    Day 6
    Arashiyama (Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo groves, Sagono Scenic railway, Tenryuji)
    Day 7
    Kinkaju-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    Kurama-dera & Onsen
    Day 8 – Sweet home sweet

  4. Rafa says:

    Hello Takeshisan.

    I will buy Kansai Thru Pass 3 day, to go to from Kyoto Karasuma St to Koyasan, stay one night, then go to Ôsaka, stayone night, then go to Kansai Airport.

    From Kyoto Karasuma St, is this ticket valid to get to Koyasan this way?:
    Hankyu Kyoto Line Ltd. Exp. to UMEDA, Osaka City Subway to NAMBA, then LTD EXP KOYA and Nankai Koyasan Cable car.

    also, is this ticket valid to unlimited use of Ôsaka Subway?

    Many many thanks!

    • Hi Rafa,

      Kansai Thru Pass covers only base fare. So you have to pay limited express surcharge for Koya of Nankai. Other parts are covered and you can take subway as much as you want.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Rafa says:

        Thank you Takeshisan. Then, for Koya Nankai train, i must get also reserved ticket. Can i buy it at Karasuma Station?

        You are so helpful. thank you again.

        • Hi Rafa,

          No, you can’t.
          But if you arrive in Kansai Airport, you can book it at Nankai Kansai Airport station.
          Otherwise you have to do it on the spot.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Rafa says:

            分かりました! Last question: Can i buy reserved tiket (using Kansai Pass and paying reserved ticket fare) at Kyoto or Namba Station?

            Or can I travel to Koya with unreserved ticket?

            本当にありがとうございました

            • Hi Rafa,

              You can book it at Namba. But not Kyoto.
              If you take express or local train, you don’t need to book any reserved ticket. But Limited Express Koya is much more comfortable. Other trains are commute trains.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. Charlene says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Thanks for the details. May I know if there’s a timetable available for the train/bus covered under Kansai Thru Pass? I would like to check on the frequency of the train/bus under this pass.
    Thanks in advance.

  6. Maricel says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Hope you may find time to check if based on our planned itinerary, it would be better if we buy tickets as we go. I’m considering Kansai thru pass however some of the areas we would like to go to requires JR rail or is not covered by the Kansai thru pass. This is our first trip to Japan and would like to maximize our time and see as many as we can 😉

    DAY 1 APR 4: ARRIVAL OSAKA
    >Arrive KIX 20:00HR
    -Board Nankai Limited Rapit
    -890YEN (39MINS)
    -Depart 21:35-22:12HR
    -Overnight Osaka

    DAY 2, APR 5: EASTERN KYOTO
    >Kinkakuji
    -Dep Osaka Namba + Trns to Yamosaidaiji + Tns Takeda + Arrive Kitaoji + Bus 101/102/204/205
    -ETD 08:04HR-09:37HR
    -1140YEN
    >Ginkakuji
    -Dep Kitaoji + Arrive Kyoto + Bus 5/17/100
    >Philosopher’s Path (walk)
    >Nanzeji Temple (walk)
    >Yasaka Shrine (walk)
    >Gion
    >Kodaiji Temple (walk)
    >Kiyomizudera Temple (walk)
    >Sansungendo (walk)
    -Dep Shichijo +Trns Yodoyobashi + Namba Subway
    ETD 1902-2005HR
    -600 YEN

    DAY 3 Apr 6: 8AM FUSHIMA INARI AND ARASHIYAMA
    >Fushima Inari Shrine
    -Dep Namba Subway + Trns Yodoyabashi + Tambabashi + Arrive Fushimiinari
    – ETD 08:00HR-09:00HR
    -590 YEN
    -Arashiyama Full Day
    -Dep Fushimiinari + Trans Tufukuji + Kyoto + Saga Arashiyama
    – ETD 10:10HR-10:53HR
    -380 YEN
    >Togetsukyo Bridge
    >Bamboo Groves
    >Monkey Park Iwatayama
    >Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
    >Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
    >Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
    -Depart Arashiyama Hankyu +Trns Katsura +Trns Umeda Hankyu + Umeda Subway + Arrive Namba Subway
    -ETD 19:14HR-20:17HR
    -620 YEN

    DAY 4 Apr 7: NARA AND YOSHINO
    >Todaiji Temple
    -Depart Namba Subway + Trns Osaka-Namba + Kintetsu Nara
    -ETD 08:0HR-08:43HR
    -540 YEN
    >Nara Park (walk)
    >Isuien Garden
    >Mount Wakakusayama
    >Yoshino
    -Depart Kintetsu Nara + Trns Yamatosaidaiji + Trns KashiharaJingumae + Yoshino
    -ETD 14:16HR-15:52HR
    -830 YEN
    -Namba Subway +Trns Osakaabenobashi + Trns Tennoji + Namba Subway
    -ETD 19:04HR 20:40HR
    -1680 YEN

    DAY 5 Apr 8: OSAKA
    > OSAKA CASTLE
    -Depart Namba Subway + Trns Tsuruhashi + Arrive Osakajokoen
    -ETD 09:02HR 09:18HR
    -320 YEN
    >UMEDA SKY
    -Depart Osakajokoen +Trns Osaka + Arrive Umeda Subway
    -ETD 12:03HR 12:16HR
    >KEMA SAKURANOMIYA PARK (walk)
    -Depart Temmabashi + Trns Tanimachikyuchome + Arrive Namba Subway
    -ETD 16:00HR 16:12HR
    -230 YEN
    >DOTONBORI (walk)
    >SHINSAIBASHI (walk)
    -Return to Namba by walking

    DAY 6 Apr 9: DEPART OSAKA
    -Depart Namba Nankai 1630-1707HR
    -Board Nankai Rapit55
    -1,390 YEN

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Maricel,

      Your itinerary is so detailed. I was very surprised. You did a good job! 🙂

      You may use Kansai thru pass for day 2, 3 and 4 as you guess. Even though you will take JR train (Tofukuji-Saga Arashiyama), this pass still gives you better deal. You may add just single fare.

      On arrival day, you have to pay 1390 yen to get Rapi:t. 890 yen is only base fare. 1390 yen is total fare. You use this fare on departure day. This is a right one. But Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket is available at 1100 yen. This is better deal.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html

      When you make a trip to Yoshino, Kansai Thru Pass does not cover all part of this trip. You have to pay some additional to get there on Kansai Thru Pass.

      You can use Osaka Eco Card for day 5.
      http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Maricel says:

        Hi again Takeshi,

        Thank you very much for the compliment! Flattering you appreciate it. Our itinerary is the fruit of reading your blog! Your posts are very helpful! 🙂 😉

        I checked the Konku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket and it says release date from Apr 1, 2013 to Mar 31, 2014. Our arrival in Kansai would be on the 4th of Apr 2014. I guess there’s no choice but to buy regular tickets at 1390 yen/way 🙁

        Many many thanks for your reply! 🙂

        • JPRail says:

          Hi Maricel,

          Your welcome. 🙂
          In Japan, consumer tax will be increased from 5% to 8%. The fare will be increased too.
          Kanku Tokuwari ticket may be available after price will be increased. It can be purchased upon arrival. Please check the link that I gave you before you leave.

          Enjoy your trip.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Maricel says:

            Dear Takeshi,

            I’m back! Please see if the following itinerary is doable. We have decided to go see Tokyo and was happy that our mileage was more than enough to avail of one way ticket from Haneda-Manila. Could you please recommend which pass is best to use in Tokyo?

            OSAKA-NARA-TOKYO
            DAY 1 APR 4: ARRIVAL OSAKA
            >Arrive KIX 8PM 5J 828.
            -Board Nankai Limited Rapit
            -1390YEN (39MINS)
            -Depart 21:35-22:12HR
            -Overnight Osaka

            DAY 2, APR 5: EASTERN KYOTO
            USE KANSAI THRU PASS DAY 1 (2DAY PASS 3800 YEN)
            >Kinkakuji
            -Dep Osaka Namba + Trns to Yamosaidaiji + Tns Takeda + Arrive Kitaoji + Bus 101/102/204/205
            -ETD 08:04HR-09:37HR
            -1670 YEN
            >Ginkakuji
            -Dep Kitaoji + Arrive Kyoto + Bus 5/17/100
            >Philosopher’s Path (walk)
            >Nanzeji Temple (walk)
            >Yasaka Shrine (walk)
            >Gion
            >Kodaiji Temple (walk)
            >Kiyomizudera Temple (walk)
            >Sansungendo (walk)
            >Fushima Inari Shrine (walk)
            -Dep Shichijo +Trns Yodoyobashi + Namba Subway
            ETD 1902-2005HR
            -600 YEN
            -Overnight Osaka

            DAY 3 Apr 6: ARASHIYAMA, NARA & YOSHINO
            USE KANSAI THRU PASS DAY 2
            -Arashiyama
            -Dep Namba Subway + Trns Umeda Subway + Trns Umeda Hankyu + Trns Katsura + Arrive Arashiyama Hankyu
            – ETD 08:00HR-09:07HR
            -620 YEN
            >Togetsukyo Bridge
            >Bamboo Groves
            >Monkey Park Iwatayama
            >Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
            >Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
            >Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
            -Depart Saga Arashiyama +Trns Kyoto +Trns Takeda + Arrive Kintetsu Nara
            -ETD 1306-1433HR
            -950 YEN
            >Nara Park (walk)
            >Isuien Garden
            >Mount Wakakusayama
            -Depart Kintetsu Nara + Trns Yamatosaidaiji + Trns KashiharaJingumae + Yoshino
            – ETD 1606-1706HR
            -1700YEN
            >Yoshino
            -Namba Subway +Trns Osakaabenobashi + Trns Tennoji + Namba Subway
            -ETD 19:04HR 20:40HR
            -1680 YEN
            -Overnight Osaka

            DAY 4 Apr 7: KANSAI-TOKYO AND SHIBUYA
            -Depart Namba Nankai + Arrive Kansai Airport
            -ETD 08:00HR-08:39HR
            -1390 YEN
            -Take flight GK 202 KIXHND 1205-1330
            -Narita Terminal 2 Domestic +Trans Keisei Ueno + Trns Ueno + Kayabacho
            -ETD 14:42HR 15:43HR
            -2560 YEN
            >Check in Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nihombashi Kayabacho
            >Shibuya
            -Depart Kayabacho Trans Nihombashi + Arrive Shibuya
            -ETD 16:30HR-16:53HR
            -Overnight Tokyo

            DAY 5 Apr 8: SHINJUKU
            > MEIJI SHRINE
            -Depart Kayabacho + Trns Otemachi + Arrive Meiji Jingumae
            -ETD 09:30HR 09:54HR
            -190 YEN
            >HARAJUKU (walk)
            >SHINJUKU
            -Depart Meiji Jingumae + Shinjuku Sanchome
            -ETD 11:30HR 11:36HR
            -160 YEN
            >SHINJUKU GYOEN GARDEN
            -Depart Shinjuku Sanchome + Shinjuku Gyoemmae
            -Depart Shinjuku Gyoemmae + TransOtemachi + Arrive Kayabacho
            -ETD 20:30HR 20:58HR
            -Overnight Tokyo
            DAY 6 Apr 9: HANEDA-MANILA & TOKYO TOWER AND GINZA
            -Depart Kayabacho + Trns Otemachi + Arrive Onarimon
            – ETD 09:30HR 09:47HR
            -260 YEN
            >Tokyo Tower
            -Depart Onarimon + Trans Hibiya + Arrive Ginza
            – ETD 12:30HR 13:33HR
            -170 YEN
            >Ginza
            -Depart Ginza + Arrive Kayabacho
            – ETD 19:06HR 19:13HR
            >Haneda International Airport
            -Depart Kayabacho +Higashi Ginza + Trns Sengakuji + Arrive Haneda
            -ETD 20:31HR 21:11HR
            -660 YEN
            -Depart HND 10 Apr 0130HR

            Thank you thank you in advance! :):):):):)

            • JPRail says:

              Hi Maricel,

              Your itinerary will be very tight. But I think you understand it. It’s feasible anyway.
              I don’t have many things to tell you. I just put some suggestions below:

              1. Check Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket at KIX. Website doesn’t say anything after April. But it may be available.
              http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
              Consumer tax will be increased from 5% to 8% on Apr 1, in Japan. So price may be adjusted. And also all of your base fare will be increased because Hyperdia does not calculate by new tax percentage, I think.

              2. When you get Yoshino, it will be sunset time. It may be evening view.

              3. Are you arriving Narita on day 4? If so, you can use this deal. (Haneda is available too.)
              http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/index.html
              You can use 2 days pass for day 5 and 6.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. Rafa says:

    Hi Takeshi-san

    I will stay in Kyoto for 7 days. My plan is to visit Koyasan and stay a night there, and also 1 day trip to Nara-Fushimi Inari,1 day trip to Kobe, and 1 day trip to Kurama. And the 3 days left, to visit Kyoto temples and so. May I use the 3 days Kansai Thru Pass for Koyasan and Nara or Kobe and use ICOCA for the rest of itinerary? What do you recommend? Many thanks from Spain!

  8. Brian says:

    Hello Takashi-san,

    My name is Brian and my girlfriend and I will be in Japan from Jan. 24 – Feb. 2nd. We will be flying into Kansai Intl Airport on the 1/24/14 and flying out of Narita Intl Airport in Tokyo on 2/2/14. I have read through many of your guides and it seems like the Kansai Thru Pass would be a great choice for our points of interest.

    Most of our trip is in Kansai, can we buy two 3 day Kansai Passes? We are looking for 6 days of the Kansai Thru pass since we will be in Kansai for 7 out of the 10 days in Japan.From Kansai to Tokyo we will be buying a single-fare ticket. I saw on Hyperdia that it costs around 130 USD. Then we were going to buy Tokyu Tokyo Metro Passes for our remaining days to see Tokyo.

    If you could look over our itinerary and see if this is the best option and value for transportation, we would really appreciate it.

    Thank you!
    -Brian

    Travel Itinerary

    1/24 (Friday): Osaka Nishikujo Station (Arrive at KIA at 8AM)
    1/25: Osaka, day trip to Mount Koyasan
    1/26: Osaka
    1/27: Leave Osaka. Train to Neyagawa. Possible day trip to Nara
    1/28: Neyagawa. Day trip to Kobe, Arima Springs
    1/29: Neyagawa. Day trip to Kyoto
    1/30: Leave Neyagawa. Train to Tokyo (Naka-Meguro)
    1/31: Tokyo
    2/1: Tokyo
    2/2: Tokyo. Leave Tokyo via (NIA at 4PM)

    **EDIT: I included the nearest station to our hotel in Osaka.

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Brian san,

      I don’t think you need to purchase 2 Kansai Thru Pass. One pass will be okay. My recommendation is the following:

      1/24 (Friday): Osaka Nishikujo Station (Arrive at KIA at 8AM)
      ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket @ 3000 yen
      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
      Even if you don’t take Haruka express train, this deal is still attractive. If you take direct rapid service from KIX to Nishikujo, the fare is 1160 yen. ICOCA and Haruka is 3000 yen that is included 1500 yen e-money. However if you make ICOCA empty, you can get 500 yen refund. So it costs actually not 3000 yen but 2500 yen. That’s why this deal is cheaper than taking just rapid train. If you take Haruka to Tennoji and transfer local train to Nishikujo, it will be much cheaper than regular fare.

      1/25: Osaka, day trip to Mount Koyasan
      You can use Kansai Thru Pass one of 3 days.

      1/26: Osaka
      You can use ICOCA or save ICOCA and purchase Osaka ECO Card or even single fare is fine if you don’t visit many places.

      1/27: Leave Osaka. Train to Neyagawa. Possible day trip to Nara
      You can use ICOCA if you go to Nara.

      1/28: Neyagawa. Day trip to Kobe, Arima Springs
      You can use Kansai Thru Pass.

      1/29: Neyagawa. Day trip to Kyoto
      Kansai Thru Pass can be used for this day. But if you visit only Higashiyama area (Keihan Sanjo and Gion-Shijo stations area), single fares will be enough. Keihan Neyagawashi station to Gion-Shijo is only 360 yen. Many places can be accessed by walk. Kansai Thru Pass 2 days may be okay if you use single ticket for this day.

      After this, your choice is okay.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. Ivy says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I and my bf planning to go Japan next year for about one week trip, preferably fly in to tokyo and out from osaka. Which season is best to visit? Also, which pass is the best choice to save cost?

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Ivy,

      The popular season is April to May for cherry blossom or November for fall foliage. Regarding pass, you have to build the detailed itinerary. Otherwise you can’t compare single fare and pass. I recommend you to read Japan-Guide.com.
      http://www.japan-guide.com/

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  10. Anna says:

    Dear Takeshi
    We’ve plan our trip to Osaka from Jan 6th-10th.We’ll stay at Swissotel Nankai Osaka Hotel.Our plan is to make a day trip to Kyoto, Kobe and Koyasan if possible.
    My question is should we get Kansai Thru Pass or JR West Rail Pass to benefit most for our plans for example… In Kyoto,we’ve plan to visit Arashiyama or Kinkakuji in the morning and Kiyomizudera Temple after lunch. Then Gion for dinner before heading back to Osaka.
    The second question is how long does it take to travel from Osaka to Kyoto should we decide to get Kansai Thru Pass (it’s 30 min by JR Kyoto Line).
    Thank you for your life saver info above. Hope to get a reply from you as it will help a lot on our planning.
    Best Regard
    Anna from Thailand

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