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 Takeshi,
Me and my 3 companions will be in Japan next week. We plan to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nagoya. We will be arriving at and departing from the Chubu Centrair International Airport. We plan to get the Kintetsu Rail Pass but since the ticketing booth at the airport will br closed by the time we arrive and we have no other means of getting the Kintetsu Rail Pass, is the Kansai Thru Pass a good alternative, savings wise, for us for the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe leg of our trip? Thank you.
Hi Sliela,
You can purchase Kintetsu Rail Pass at BIC Camera Nagoya West Store.
Kintetsu website site says,
“BIC CAMERA Namba Store, JR Kyōto Station Store and Nagoya Station West Store
Business hours: 10:00-21:00 (Japan time) for all stores
* At BIC CAMERA stores, only KINTETSU RAIL PASS and KINTETSU RAIL PASS 1day and 2day are on sale. However, at BIC CAMERA Nagoya Station West Store, KINTETSU RAIL PASS 1day and 2day are not on sale.
* Only foreign nationality passport holders can purchase KINTETSU RAIL PASS at BIC CAMERA stores.”
BIC Camera http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-033.html
Of course you can use Kansai thru pass. But it may be too much for trip to Kobe. It depends on the location to stay. If you stay in Osaka and travel to other area as day trip, you may get some idea the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san, as I will be staying in Amagasaki area from 3-5 Apr 2015, do you recommend buying the Kansai Thru Pass for travel? I understand that week will be cherry blossom week and will be visiting the bamboo grove and shrines near Arashiyama, Imperial Palace Park, Gion/Sanjo areas and Umeda shopping district on first 2 days and third day in Nanba area before going to KIX in the afternoon to catch a domestic flight back to HND.
Can the KTP card be used to travel between KIX and Amagasaki? Also what is the minimum number of hours to check-in KIX for domestic flights?
Thanks very much!
HI Lee san,
You will stay in my hometown, Amagasaki! My family live near JR Amagasaki station.
Anyway if you stay near Hanshin Rwailway (Amagasaki station, Daimotsu or other) or Hankyu Railway (Tsukaguchi, Sonoda, Mukonosou), Kansai thru pass is very conveninet. However if you stay near JR Amagasaki station, you have to take bus to get Hanshin or Hankyu Railawy station. It’s not walking distance among JR, Hanshin and Hankyu stations. Or you will take JR train to get Osaka and transfer to Hankyu railway to get Arashiyama.
When you go to KIX, it’s same thing. If you stay near Hanshin Amagasaki station, you can get Namba directly. And then transfer to Nankai Railway to get KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We fly into Kansai airport and will stay in hotel near Kyoto Station. Will be in Kyoto for 2 Days and will use subway and buses. Will then go to Kobe on day three to get on cruise ship. Will Thru Pass work for trip from Kansai Airpot to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Kobe and will it save money?
Hi Edward,
I don’t recommend it. If you use Kansai thru pass, you have to transfer the trains at least twice. And most of trains are commute trains.
I recommend ICOCA and Haruka. Haruka is direct express service from KIX to Kyoto. You can use ICOCA e-money to get Kobe. Please see the links below:
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi , like to check with you , Am gonna stay about 5 days in Osaka ( to cover 2 days in kyoto , 1/2 day in Nara ) and 3 days in tokyo .
Should I choose :
1) Get open jaw ticket and fly into Kansai airport , then fly out from tokyo airport. purchase the 3 Days Kansai thru pass ( use on first day from airport to Osaka and then days for kyoto , Nara , cos i read is like can use on alternate days instead of continuous ) Plus 1 way JR tickets to tokyo ?
2 ) Another option is to fly in and out of tokyo and then buy 7 days JR pass from Nartia airport to Shin Osaka , then use JR pass to visit Kyoto and Nara then back to Tokyo.
Reason : open jaw tickets is more expensive but no need to buy JR pass as it’s only 1 way from osaka to tokyo ?
2) can get budget flights , but have to travel to and fro from Tokyo – Osaka , then Osaka-tokyo , price will still be slightly cheaper then option 1 .
Any thots on which would you recommend ? TQ
Hi Ced,
Roughly the difference between 7 days JR pass and single ticket (Shinkansen) + Kansai thru pass 3 days is 10,000 yen. But single ticket and Kansai thru pass combination does not include anything to access to Narita and exploring in Tokyo. You may spend another several thousand yen. On the other hand JR Pass is more flexible and include JR lines in Tokyo, Osaka, Nara. Even though you may need to buy Kyoto city deal. But all day bus pass is only 500 yen per day. Actual difference is roughly 8000 yen.
In my opinion, if you can purchase open jaw at less than 8000 yen higher than round trip ticket, you can go for it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi,
I know I have asked a lot of questions. But still quite confused by to many options of tickets and train lines in Japan. haha..
1. So If I stay at Ark Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi (closest station is Nagahoribashi), do I need to go to Shin-Osaka Station to get to Kyoto Station? Or should I go to Osaka station then to Kyoto station?
2. In hyperdia, the only route to Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is by JR Special Rapid Service, which cost 560 yen (24minutes trip). If I buy Kansai Thru Pass, I won’t be able to use this rite? As Kansai Thru Pass is not valid for JR trains. But on Kansai Thru Pass information, it says it’s for Osaka and Kyoto trip. Which trains then do I take for me to be able to use the Kansai Thru Pass?
Thanks so much…your website has been very informative and useful for foreigners 🙂
Novita
Hi Novita,
1. Osaka station is more accessible. If you take subway at Nagahoribashi, you can get Higashi-Umdeda with transfer at Minamimorimachi or get Umeda with transfer at Shinsaibashi. Both Umeda and Higashi-Umeda arelocated within walking distance from Osaka station. Please see the post below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
2. No. Kansai thru pass does not cover any JR trains. If you want to use Kansai thru pass, you have to take Keihan railway or Hankyu railway to get Kyoto.
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/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Tanaka,
Thank you so much for your comprehensive info on the train system in Japan. This will be my first time to Kansai region and despite having read through your advice yet I’m still a bit confused whether I should buy the train passes or single ticket. My party will be 4 adults and 2 children and would appreciate very much if I could have your views on my itinerary below. Tq so much.
Day 1 – KIX – Osaka
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Nara & Kyoto
Day 4 – USJ
Day 5 – Himeji & Kobe
Day 6 – Biwako Valley
Day 7 – Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka – KIX
Hi MsJupiter,
First of all, my name is Takeshi. (Not Tanaka) 🙂
For your trip, please see the link below. You will find all info there:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
For day 6 (Biwako valley), if you depart from Osaka station or any Osaka subway station, single ticket for JR is most convenient. If you use Kansai thru pass, it may be cheaper. But it’s way slower and several transfers are required. If you take special rapid train of JR from Osaka, you may be able to get Shiga station directly. Some of special rapid go there directly. Single ticket is cheaper than Kansai Area Pass as well.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Opps sorry. Thanks & Arigato Gozaimas Takeshi 🙂
No problem, MsJupiter.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Tanaka,
I have read through your website extensively and yet I still have some doubts whether I should by the train passes or single ticket. Please see my trip below and would love to hear your comments. Transport has already been provided for from Kansai Airport to my lodging.
Day 1: Hotel in Kyoto
Day 2 : Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 3 : Arashimaiya
Day 4 Nara
Day 5: Amanohashidate / any other place you recommend otherwise.
Day 6 : Hotel in Kyoto
Day 7 : Hotel in Osaka : Kobe & Himeiji -> Buy 1 day JR Kansai Area Pass ?
Day 8: Hotel in Osaka
Day 9 : Hotel in Osaka
Day 10: Osaka – > Midnight Flight Home
1) Does my trip make sense from a logistic standpoint?
2) Do you think I need to purchase another other passes other than to Kobe & Himeiji based on my plans above?
3) If no train passes are needed only single ticket, do I need to reserve them before arriving to Japan, or can I buy them when I reach Kansai Airport?
I would really appreciate your reply.
Hi ting ting,
I recommend you to 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
And if you want to minimize your cost, try to squeeze Hiroshima/Miyajima, Amanohashidate and Himeji in 4 days. Hiroshima is not in the coverage area. But you can add fare for Okayama-Hiroshima. And also I recommend you to go these places from Osaka. It is closer than from Kyoto. Especially if you go to Hiroshima from Kyoto, you will spend one hour extra than Osaka.
For sightseeing in Kyoto and Osaka, you can use subway or bus pass. You will find some more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Tanaka-San for your response. I just want to confirm with you on the Kansai WIDE Area pass the following train rides are covered.
1. Kyoto – Amanohashidate – Kyoto
Ltd Exp. Hashidate, additional fees apply due to running on JR line.
2. Kyoto – Kobe – Kyoto
JR Special Rapid Service
3. Osaka – Nagahama – Hikone – Osaka
JR Special Rapid Service, JR Hokuriku, JR Biwako Line.
4. Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka
Shinkasen Sakura, Additional train fees payable from Okayama to Hiroshima.
I hope the above is correct, if not please guide me. Thank you.
Hi Ting Ting,
All trains are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi (not Tanaka) / JP Rail
Many apologies Takeshi-San. I just come to realized the Kansai Wide Area Pass do not allow advance seat reservations? Does this mean I cannot purchase seat reservations on the day I collect my pass at the airport as well as on the day of travel at the train station?
I am not sure how this works as I am concerned that I am traveling during peak holidays, does this mean I will be denied entry to the train once its been filled up? So it would be safer to travel early to the station and start queuing to make I get on the train?
Thank you.
Hi Ting Ting,
This pass does not include reserved seat. Most of trains have non reserved seat. So you have to find the seat on this cars.
If the seats are full, you still can take a train. But you have to be standing passengers. If you travel on Dec 27, 28 and 29 to outside of Kansai area and travel on Jan 2, 3 and 4 to Kansai area, trains will be very busy. You should go to the station early.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi-San for the information. I intend to activate the pass on 30th dec to 2nd Jan, sure hope shops and all are open on 31st and 1st, intend to go Kobe and Nagahama respectively. Fingers Crossed… :/
Good luck and have a nice trip, Ting Ting.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
For your sample itinerary in kyoto and Nara, all the trains that you show in sample can use KTH?
I try to set my itinerary with KTP with my confuse about KTP train.
Thank for your answer
Sakuntala
Hi Sakuntala,
What is KTH? Do you mean Kansai Thru Pass?
In this sample itinerary, I use only the trains that are covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the map below to make sure the coverage.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I am planning my family trip of three, Kansai this July 2014, what type(s) of passes do you suggest I should get for my itinerary?
Day 1: Arriving Kansai Airport 15:00, stay in hotel either Shin-Osaka or Wakayama City
Day 2: Day trip to Wakayama Marine City & Shirahama, return to Osaka hotel
(Alternative for Day 2 : Rent a car for Osaka – Wakayama – Shirahama – Osaka)
Day 3: Return trip to Kyoto
Day 4: Return trip to Kobe
Day 5: Osaka
Day 6: Osaka
Day 7: Leaving Kansai Airport at 18:00
Hi Rainbow,
1. If you stay in Osaka on arrival day and use rent-a-car, ICOCA and Haruka is the best option.
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
2. If you stay in Wakayama and use rent-a-car, single ticket is your choice.
3. If you stay in Wakayama and do not use rent-a-car, Kansai Wide Area Pass is the best choice.
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
The cheapest option is #3 and cover most part of your trip. If you take 1, ICOCA can be used for trip to Kyoto or Kobe.
Mostly single ticket will be your choice.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi san
will be travelling to osaka this month end. intend to buy kansai thru pass to travel around osaka, kyoto, nara and mount koya. can i buy multiple kansai thru passes during my trip. currenlty available is only 2 or 3 days pass i might need 4 to 5 days passes, hence need to buy multiple passes
Hi Shimy,
You can purchase it as many as you want. However, when you travel within Osaka and trip to Nara from Osaka, single ticket may be cheaper. As you know, three days pass is 5200 yen. So you have to spend 1740 yen worth or more. If you take Kintetsu train from Osaka-Namba to Nara, round trip fare is 1120 yen. When you go to Kyoto, you have lots of chance to use this pass after you arrive Kyoto, like subway and bus. But in Nara, most of places can be accessed by walk from Nara station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much Takeshi san. The information is very helpful. I will then just get the pass when i reach Osaka.
As for Kobe it is advisable to use the pass? i intend to visit Awaji island too.
Thanking you in advance.
Hi Shimy,
Single ticket is cheaper than any pass for visiting Kobe. There is no train access to Awaji island. You have to take bus to visit there anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Roger that Takeshi san. Arigato !