There are JR lines and lots of private railway lines, such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu and Keihan in Kansai area. There are so many kinds of ticket or passes as well. It makes you confused to choose it.
In this post, I would like to share the information about the discount tickets and passes that cover Kansai area.
- Kansai Thru Pass
- JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass
- Hankyu Tourist Pass one day and two days
- Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass one day and two days
- Kintetsu Rail Pass one day and two days
- Hanshin Tourist Pass
- Kansai Wide Area Pass
- ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
- For traveler who use national or regional pass
- For the traveler who stay in Kyoto or Osaka and visit inside city only
Kansai Thru Pass
- Online purchasing price (2-day) – Adult : 4,300 yen / Child : 2,150 yen
- Online purchasing price (3-day) – Adult : 5,300 yen / Child : 2,650 yen
- Coverage – All Non JR lines, subway lines and city bus in whole part of Kansai area
- Valid period – 2 or 3 days (not required using in consecutive days)
This is the most recommend one. This pass includes all major private lines and subway lines, such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, Nankai, Osaka Metro and Kyoto Subway. You can access Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya, Kansai airport, Wakayama and many more place. This pass is sold at 5,300 yen for 3-days and 4,300 yen for 2 days. It gives you the greatest value in any railway pass of Kansai area. But if you think about only round trip between Kyoto and Osaka, the regular fare may be cheaper. Please see the details at the post in the link below:
JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 2,200 yen / Child : 1,100 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 4,300 yen / Child : 2,150 yen
- Price (3-day) – Adult : 5,300 yen / Child : 2,650 yen
- Price (4-day) – Adult : 6,300 yen / Child : 3,150 yen
- Coverage – All JR railway lines in whole part of Kansai area
- Valid period – 1 to 4 days (midnight to midnight)
This pass includes most of JR lines in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and Kansai airport. But the Shinkansen and all express trains are not covered except Kansai airport express “Haruka”. Please see the details about this pass in the link below:
Hankyu Tourist Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 700 yen / Child:Not available
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 1,200 yen / Child:not available
- Coverage – All Hankyu railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
Hankyu Railway operates trains among Umeda (Osaka), Takarazuka, Kawaramachi (Kyoto near Gion), Arashiyama (Kyoto) and Kobe (Sannomiya). The price of this deal is very attractive to cover three cities, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. If you access to Kobe-Sannomiya from Umeda, single fare is 320 yen. If you access to Kyoto-Kawaramachi from Umeda, single fare is 400 yen. You can get the worth of one day pass by one round trip to Kyoto-Kawaramachi from Umeda. If you look for deal to access to just Kobe, Arashiyama and Gion area, this is a good choice.
But if you want to visit all part of Kyoto and many places in Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass is better choice. Because you have to take other train or bus than Hankyu Railway. Kansai Thru Pass covers all.
Please see the link below to find more information:
Hankyu Railway official site- Hankyu Tourist Pass
Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 700 yen / Child : 350 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 1,000 yen / Child : 700 yen
- Coverage – All Keihan railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
Keihan Railway connects Yodoyabashi (Osaka) and Demachiyanagi (Kyoto). It covers Kyoto and Osaka only but the price is cheaper than Hankyu Tourist Pass. And many places in Kyoto are located along Keihan Railway. Fushimi Inari shrine, Uji, Kiyomizu-dera temple and many places in Higashiyama area can be accessed from Keihan Railway stations.
This pass has same issue as Hankyu Tourist Pass. You may have to take subway to get Keihan Railway station in Osaka, such as Yodoyabashi, Nakanoshima, Kitahama, Temmabashi and Kyobashi. And when you visit western part of Kyoto, such as Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji temple, you have to pay extra to access this place. Kansai Thru Pass may be better choice if you have another trip(s).
Please see the link below to find more information about Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass:
Keihan Railway official site – Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Kintetsu Rail Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 1,500 yen / Child : 750 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 2,500 yen / Child : 1,250 yen
- Coverage – All Keihan railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
This deals covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
In Nara, many of places can be accessed by walk from the station. But this deal can take you to Kyoto station only You cannot use this deal to access to most of places in Kyoto.
Please see the link below to find more information about Kintetsu Rail Pass:
Kintetsu Railway official site – Kintetsu Rail Pass
Hanshin Tourist Pass
- Price – Adult:700 yen / Child:Not available
- Coverage – All Hanshin railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight)
Hanshin Railway operate trains among Umeda (Osaka), Osaka-Namba, Kousoku-Kobe and Kobe (Sannomiya). The price of this deal is very attractive. If you access to Kobe-Sannomiya from Osaka-Nmaba, single fare is 410 yen. It is paid off by just one round trip. If you look for deal to access to just Kobe, this is the one for your trip.
However if you access to Arima-Onsen and/or Himeji, Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass may be better choice.
Please see the link below to find more information about Hanshin Tourist Pass:
Hanshin Railway official site – Hanshin Tourist Pass
Kansai Wide Area Pass
If you may travel both inside and outside of Kansai area, Kansai Wide Area Pass is the best choice. You can get same coverage as Kansai area pass in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Wakayama. And also this pass covers Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, Kii-Katsuura, Shingu, Okayama, Kurashiki and even Takamatsu in Shikoku. You can take non reserved seat on limited express trains and Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Please find more information in the post below:
ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
You may use these cards to take any trains and buses in all Kansai area. You can use even other area’s card, such as Suica, Pasmo too. These cards give you convenience. You can avoid to purchase a ticket whenever you make a train trip. You can take any kinds of trains, such as JR, subway and Non JR trains. However these cards do not give you any discount and unlimited ride.
If you meet these following things, IC card is your choice.
1. You intend to visit a few places in a day.
2. You need to take several kinds of trains and buses, like subway, Hankyu, Keihan, JR.
3. You cannot fix your plan and want to have some flexibility.
However if you have day trip to other cities, such as day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass is better choice in most of cases.
Kansai One Pass
This is same type of card as ICOCA. You can use this pass by same way as ICOCA. But this card is designed for overseas tourist. Preload amount is 2,500 yen (plus 500 yen deposit and sold at 3,000 yen) and you can get discount at many attractions. ICOCA is sold at any JR stations throughout Kansai area. But Kansai One Pass is sold in the designated stations only. Please see the link below to find the detailed information at official site.
For traveler who use national or regional pass
If you use JR pass (national pass) or other regional deal, such as Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, JR train network in Kansai area is covered. You may have same or better coverage than Kansai Wide Area Pass. If you use these passes, please try to use this pass as much as you can. I think you may add only city deal, such as bus pass in Kyoto.
For the traveler who stay in Kyoto or Osaka and visit inside city only
These above deals are too much for the city sightseeing only. You may find the deals in the links below:
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Kyoto
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka
I hope you get the best deal in this post and enjoy your trip in Kansai area.
Comments
Dear Takeshi-san,
Appreciate your help in choosing a pass. Me, wife and our 18 month old daughter are travelling to Osaka, Kyoto for 10 days and need your advise on the pass. Our Itinerary :
18-Dec: Arrive at KIX at 9:30 PM and travel to Hotel in Universal Studio.
19-Dec: Spend day in Universal Studio (No travel)
20- Dec: Sight seeing in Osaka (Castle, Namba etc)
21-Dec: Sight Seeing in Osaka and TRAVEL TO Kyoto
21-25 Dec: Sight Seeing in Kyoto
25-Dec evening: Travel Back to Osaka
26-Dec: Day trip to Nara
27-Dec: Sight Seeing in Mino Park, Osaka
28-Dec: Back to Singapore
Grateful if you can advise which is best pass to purchase? Many Thanks
Hi Shobhit san,
First of all, please find the link below. You will find the Osaka-Kyoto itinerary. You will use this for your trip from arrival day to 25th Dec.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
On arrival day, there is no direct bus available. Your choice is rapid train to Nishikujo and transfer to local train to Universal City.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.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
You may use ICOCA and Haruka if you have a time to purchase it. The window is open until 23:00. As long as your flight arrive on time, I believe you can purchase it. If you purchase it, you can use purchase round trip deal for both arrival and departure days.
If you intend to make many trips by subway after trip to Minoo, you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for trip to Nara and trip to Minoo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Otherwise single ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! I am going to Osaka on Dec 8, and am trying to figure out which passes to buy.
8/12 Arrival in KIX at 7:05 pm, will take the Nankai train to Namba, since our hotel is close to Nippombashi
9/12 Go around Osaka
10/12 Go to Kobe (mostly for the Kobe Luminarie)
11/12 Go to Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari and Arashiyama, other places if possible)
12/12 Explore Osaka again
13/12 Fly home, will take the Nankai train again (flight is 9:30 am)
Now my questions are
1. If I get the Yokoso! Osaka pass for the first day of arrival, can I use the Nankai train to Namba, then use the subway and bus pass the next day? I arrive quite late already so I don’t see myself using the bus pass on my first day, only the Nankai train. I can’t find any information on this anywhere. Or is it better to just get the Kanku-Webtoku ticket then get an Eco Pass for the next day?
2. For the Kobe and Kyoto, I was planning on getting the Hankyu 2-day pass, since the train goes to both Kobe and Kyoto from Umeda. I also plan to get a bus pass for both places.
3. For the 4th and 5th day, use the 1-day Eco pass within Osaka, and get the Kanku-Webtoku ticket for the final day
Is this at all feasible? I am interested in the Kansai Thru Pass, but I feel it is not particularly viable because it is only valid for 3 days. Japan West Rail Pass is also a possibility but it also seems not very viable for our stay.
Hi Kat,
1. I’m not 100% sure though. In my understanding, you cannot Yokoso Osaka ticket for 2 days. You have to use Nankai ticket and Subway ticket in same day.
You may ask when you are in Kansai airport. I may be wrong.
2. Probably Hankyu pass + subway/bus pass in each cities may be cheaper. However I recommend Kansai thru pass. Because you need to take subway in Osaka to get Umeda from Nipponbashi. And also, you have to purchase a pass whenever you arrive at next place. For example, you have to purchase Hankyu pass at Umeda, and then purchase subway pass in Kobe. You will spend many minutes. If you have Kansai thru pass, it covers Osaka subway, Hankyu, Kobe subway, Kyoto subway and bus, and many more. When you go to Kobe, you can take Kintetsu and Hanshin from Nipponbashi. Both railway connect each other and run through. You can get Kobe directly from Nipponbashi. When you go to Kyoto, you can take Hankyu to get Arashiyama. You may use Keifuku railway (Randen) and Hankyu to get Gion. And then take Keihan railway to get Fushimi-Inari. You can continue to travel to Osaka by Keihan too. It’s much more convenient.
These are reason why I recommend Kansai thru pass. It’s available from 2 days at 4000 yen.
3. I agree.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your reply, Takeshi-san!
About the Yokoso! Osaka pass, I keep found this http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/plan/practical_information/travel_passes/yokoso_osaka_ticket.html
and
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
It can be used after the day of issuance, depending on when you first use the ticket to board the train, but on the pdf
http://www.howto-osaka.com/global/pdf/ticket/2014yokoso_en.pdf
it seems that the Nankai-Namba train ticket is separate from the Yokoso! Osaka pass, which is why I was wondering if they could be used separately.
I have emailed the Osaka Tourism website for clarifications, but I still have not received any reply. If I buy it in Japan it is called the Osaka Shuccho Kippu, yes?
Hi kat san,
Actually I have read both already but I still don’t know the exact conditions. I hope you will receive the reply.
If you purchase it at Kansai airport, it’s sold as Yokoso Osaka Ticket. You can use this name too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! I finally asked someone on japan guide and found this website:
http://www.nankai.co.jp/traffic/otoku/trip
乗車日当日に限り有効。ただし大阪市営地下鉄・ニュートラム・バスについては、当日または翌日のいずれか1日有効。
subway, tram and bus can be used on the same day OR the next day after riding the Nankai airport train. I wish I had found it earlier, the translations in English are a bit lacking.
Hi Kat,
Thanks for your info!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, would really appreciate it if you could advise me which rail pass we should buy for our 6 day trip to the Kansai area in March 2016. We are from Melbourne and our itinerary is as follows-
Day 1- arrive at KIX airport. From there we need to get to our hotel in Kyoto downtown.
Day 2- spend all day in Kyoto
Day 3 – short trip to Kanazawa and Nagahama. Back to Kyoto.
Day 4 – Leave Kyoto for Namba, Osaka
Day 5 – spend all day in Osaka
Day 6 – travel from Osaka to Kobe. Stay in hotel near Sannomiya Station Kobe.
Day 7 – travel from Kobe to KIX airport for our flight back to Melbourne.
Based on the above, please advise which rail pass would be the most cost effective for us. Also do they offer discounted senior fares for rail passes as there are 4 of us, 2 are over 60 years old and another two are over 50. Please help us – I look forward to your email. Thanks.
Hi Susan,
You may use Kansai Wide Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass for the first 5 days.
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
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/hokuriku/
But JR train is not perfect to see Kyoto and Osaka. You may add subway/bus pass or single fare for subway/bus as you need. Those above passes do not cover both subway and bus.
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
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
Single fare is okay for day 6 and 7. Limousine bus or high speed ferry is the way to get KIX from Kobe.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Bay_Shuttle_high_speed_ferry
Senior discount is not available for the travellers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi -san for all your advice. Given our itinerary below please confirm the most cost effective rail pass for us.
Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto Station. Stay in Kyoto for 3 nights
Day 2 – Day trip to Kinosaki
Day 3 – Day trip to Kurashiki
Day 4 – Travel from Kyoto Station to Cross Hotel, Namba. Address 2-5-15 Sinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0085. Stay in Namba, Osaka for 2 nights
Day 5, 04 March – Remain in Osaka – can you suggest a suitable day trip? We have been to Nara, Himeji & Koyasan during past visit.
Day 6, 05 March – Depart Osaka for Sannomiya Station, Kobe. Which is the most convenient way to get from Namba Osaka to Sannomiya Station?
Day 7, 06 March – Depart Kobe for KIX
Would appreciate any other suggestions/advice you may have to offer. Thanks.
Hi Susan,
Kansai wide area pass is the best deal for the first 5 days.
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
There is no places remaining for day trip in Kansai area. If you are okay for a long trip outside Kansai area, Hiroshima can be visited as day trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
If you do this trip, you need Kansai Hiroshima area pass instead of Kanasi Wide Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Hanshin is the best way to get Kobe. Please find more info at the link below:
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/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Bay_Shuttle_high_speed_ferry
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I amcurrently staying near Tenibashi station. Would be visting kyoto , kobe, and exploring osaka like shinsabashi etc. i wil be here for 5 days. And catching flight from kansai. So which pass is more ecomical for me to get around please!
Hi Chua,
It depends on how you travel to these places. Please see the link below. You may find which pass suits your trip.
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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am having headache in getting the best passes to travel the following places in coming Dec 2015:
Kansai Airport- Osaka-Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama-Toyama- Nagoya-Osaka-Kobe-Nara–Kansai Airport
Can you please advise us as to what needs to be done for the passes?
Here is my itinerary:
Day 1: Reach Kansai Airport in the morning and then travel to Shin Imamiya Station to search for accommodation. After check in, we will explore around Osaka.
Day 2~3: Take the earliest train to Kyoto. Look for hotel after getting down in Kawaramachi station. Will stay here for two days to explore the beauty of Kyoto.
Day 4: Take the earliest train to Kanazawa and then take Nohi bus to Shirakawago to stay for one night there.
Day 5: Take the earliest Nohi Bus to Takayama. Explore around Takayama before heading up to Toyama. In the afternoon, we will travel down to Nagoya from Toyama to catch a night bus to travel from Nagoya back to Osaka.
***From Day 1 to Day 5 above (Excluding the night bus), we are planning to use only 1 pass which is 5 Days Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass. Do you think this pass will cover all the transportation mentioned above? Or we need to get some of the local train or bus passes as well?
Day 6 ~7: Check in hotel in Osaka. Travel around Osaka using 2 Days Osaka Amazing Pass.
Day 8: Travel to Kobe and Nara.
Day 9: Travel around Osaka again before back to Kansai Airport to catch the night flight.
***From Day 6 to Day 9, I am not sure which option is the best:
A) 2 Days Osaka Amazing pass +2 Days use IC card or
B) 4 Days Kansai Area Pass
I would be grateful if you can provide some information for me to get the best passes for my first experience to travel Japan.
Thank you.
Regards,
CK
Hi Chin san,
Your choices are right. You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass (day 1-5), Amazing Pass (day 6 and 7), and Kansai thru pass. The last one is different from that you think. Kansai thru pass covers Hanshin railway (to Kobe), Kintetsu railway (to Nara), subway in Osaka, and Nankai railway (to KIX). You can use this pass to take subway in Osaka after trip to Kobe and Nara, and before going back to KIX. Please find more info at the links below:
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
And also you need to add Kyoto city deal for staying Kyoto. You can get off at Kyoto but Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover any local transportation there.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for the useful guide and information.
Highly appreciate it.
best regards,
Chin Kuan
No problem, Chin Kuan san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Total 5-days tour.
I will be travelling to Osaka via KIX.
Planning to get Osaka Amazing Pass for first 2-days to visit around Osaka.
For 3rd day, we are still at Osaka only on 4th day will be visiting Kyoto for day trip.
If i buy another 2-day JR Kansai Area pass ?
Do i still need Kyoto Sightseeing One day pass?
Thank you and looking forward for your information.
Hi Jammy san,
You have to add Kyoto city deal, like bus pass if you use Kansai area pass. Because it does not cover much in Kyoto. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you use the pass just to get Kyoto, it’s not a good idea. Single ticket may be cheaper. If you visit outside Osaka on 3rd day, you may think about Kansai Thru Pass. It covers Kyoto subway and bus but it’s valid for 2 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Its me again. I have had some revisions to our itinerary and would like to check with you if it is worth it to avail of these passes:
c/o Haruka + ICOCA
Day 1 KIX to Kyoto
Day 2 & 3 Around Kyoto (ICOCA or bus pass)
c/o Kansai Thru Pass
Day 4 Kyoto (Fushi Inari & Tofukuji) then move to hotel in Tennoji then around Namba
Day 5 Kobe (HOHO bus & shin-kobe ropeway) then back to Tennoji
Day 6 Nara (Park & Todai-ji) then Osaka Castle then Tennoji
Day 7 Not yet decided if Himeji or Mt. Koyasan
Day 8 Around Osaka c/o Eco Card
Day 9 Tennoji to KIX c/o Haruka + ICOCA
Note that when I first plotted the trip using Hyperdia, I chose mostly JR trains for the least transfers.
Many thanks!
Vivi
Hi Vivi,
It looks good. You may pick JR Kansai Rail Pass for Himeji or Koyasan World Heritage Ticket for Koyasan.
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
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi^^
I’m planning to travel around Osaka only for 5 days. I’m not going to visit Kyoto or anywhere else. I will be going to USJ and Osaka Castle anytime within the 5-day period.
So should I buy Kansai Thru Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass or One-day unlimited Pass, Enjoy Eco Card?
I’m confused..
Hi Yus,
First of all, please fine the deal between airport and downtown Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
If you intend to visit many attractions, Amazing Pass is the best choice. Otherwise Eco card is okay. But if you intend to spend one whole day for USJ, single ticket is okay for this day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much!
No problem, Yus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeishi san
I will be travelling to Japan with my family in Dec 2015. Appreciate if you can advise which will be the most affordable pass which we should get for our trip.
Day 1 Kansai Airport to Hotel Consort then to Universal Studio
Day 2 Hotel Consort to Kyoto (Mystays Kyoto Shijo)
Day 3 Mystays Kyoto Shijo to Mt Fuji (Massimo Mishima Hotel)
Day 4 Massimo Mishima to Tokyo (MyStays Hamamatsucho) to Disneyland
Day5-6 Sightseeing Tokyo
Day 7 Mystays Hamamatsucho to Narita airport
Much thanks in advance for your help.
Kind regards
CS
Hi CS san,
Actually there is no deal from Oskaa to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo via Mishima. Only single fare is your choice for this segment.
Probably limousine bus to USJ is the best because it’s direct.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NU
You may add subway deal as you need in Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
You can use one base fare ticket from Osaka to Tokyo with stopover Kyoto and Mishima.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You may find some info about access to Narita at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Much thanks Takeishi san
No problem, Chooi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
For the base fare from Osaka to Tokyo with stopover at Kyoto and Mt Fuji, can I purchase the ticket online in advance or I can only purchase at the train station?
Much thanks.
Kind regards
CS
Hi CS san,
You cannot purchase it online. You can purchase it at the station after you arrive in Japan.
If you purchase base fare ticket and limited express supplement ticket (such as Shinkansen reserved seat ticket) at same time, you can purchase it in advance at most of JR stations.
If you purchase only base fare ticket, you can purchase it at departure station on the day of using only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Much thanks for your advice. With regards to the base fare ticket alone, can I purchase the ticket on 18 Dec from Osaka to Tokyo with stopover at Kyoto and Mt Fuji ie I will leave Osaka to Kyoto on 18 Dec then to Mt Fuji on 19 Dec and subsequently to Tokyo on 20 Dec?
Kind regards
CS
Hi CS san,
You can purchase and use it. But where are you going to stop by for Fuji? If you think about Mishima or Odawara, it’s okay. But if you think about Lake Kawaguchi, it’s located at the other side of Fuji. It’s not realistic to access there between Kyoto and Tokyo. Please find the location at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Big thanks Takeshi san
No problem, CS san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi CS san,
No, you can’t. Osaka – Narita is about 630km. It’s valid for 5 days only. Please see the rule at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Osaka to Tokyo is about 560km and it’s valid for 4 days. So you can use one base fare ticket for Osaka to Tokyo with stopover at Kyoto and Mishima. I think you will take Shinkansen. You must have separate Shinkansen surcharge ticket for each segment.
You cna use your credit card for payment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Thank you very much for your advice. After Mishima, I will be in Tokyo for 4 days (20-23 Dec) , which pass should I purchase to travel within Tokyo and to Narita airport on last day ie on 23 Dec?
Can I enquire if the standard base fare from Osaka (17 Dec) to Tokyo (20 Dec) with multiple stop at Kyoto (18 Dec) and Mishima (19 Dec), will be cheaper as compared to JR pass 7 days?
Kind regards
CS
Hi CS san,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Single ticket is much cheaper than JR Pass for Osaka to Tokyo via Kyoto and Mishima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Konnichiwa Takeshi-san,
Could you advise me what type of pass i should get for the following?
Day 1 — Need to get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Tsuruhashi station in early morning.
My B&B is near Tsuruhashi station.
After checking in, i will go out and explore Osaka city for the whole day.
Day 2 — Need to go from Osaka to Kyoto.
Explore Kyoto the whole day. And return to Osaka in evening or night.
Day 3 — The end of my trip. Need to go to Kansai airport in early morning.
My friend & her child (7 years old) will stay 1 extra day in Japan, so, they might need different travel pass than me:
Day 1 (osaka) — same itinerary as me
Day 2 (kyoto) — same itinerary as me
Day 3 (osaka) — from the B&B which is near Tsuruhashi station, they need to go to Universal Studios Japan.
Their flight leaving Osaka is at 6:50PM. So, they must arrive at airport at around 4:50PM. Which means they should leave Universal Studios at 3:00PM, right?
Is there any luggage storage facility at Universal Studios?
Regards,
Yuet Ling
Hi Yuet,
You and your friend may use Kansai thru pass for the first 2 days and Kanku Chikatoku Ticket for the last day to KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Chikatoku_Ticket
Your friend needs to add single fare from Tsurubashi to Universal city and Universal city to Osaka. After arrival Osaka, take subway Midousuji line to Namba and take Nankai to KIX. Location map can be found at the link below:
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
Locker is available at USJ.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the advice….. I have the following questions which need your further advice…..
Kanku Chikatoku ticket — You’ve advised that we should use this ticket on the last day to get from Osaka to Kansai airport. Can we buy this ticket from Kansai airport on the day we arrive at Osaka? Do they sell ticket for “Osaka to Kansai airport” direction?
Tsuruhashi station to Universal City station — How to get from Tsuruhashi station to Universal City station?
is it by JR Loop Line Tsuruhashi station >>> Tennoji station >>> Bentencho station >>> Nishikujo station (9 stations in total)? and change to JR Yumesaki Line to go from Nishikujo to Universal City??
Universal City to Osaka station — Need to change line at Nishikujo station, right?
Thanks & regards,
Yuet Ling
Hi Yuet,
You can purchase it at the vending machine just before you get KIX.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
That’s right to get USJ from Tsuruhashi. Mostly train goes to Nishikujo from Tsuruhashi directly and transfer to Yumesaki line at Nishikujo.
Some trains go directly to Osaka via Nishikujo. But mostly need to transfer there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much, Takeshi-san!
No problem, Yuet san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
Tsuruhashi station — is it the same station (physical location) for Sennichimae Line and JR Loop Line?
Is there any connected pathway within Tsuruhashi station that i can walk from Sennichimae line to JR Loop line?
Regards,
Yuet Ling
Hi Yuet san,
Yes. It’s same location but subway is located underground and JR is located on ground. It takes less than 5 minutes to transfer. There are lots of signage that says “JR line” and you can’t miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
Very sorry to bother you again…..
My 1-day Osaka trip + 1-day Kyoto trip, you’ve recommended me to get Kansai Thru Pass + Kanku Chikatoku ticket.
I will be visiting the following places during my 1 day in Osaka and I need to use JR Loop Line for 2 occasion, do you think i should buy another pass or stick with Kansai Thru Pass?
My accommodation is near Tsuruhashi station.
1) Osaka Castle — JR Loop Line is the fastest & most convenient
2) Tennoji Park — JR Loop Line is the fastest & most convenient
3) Sumiyoshi-Taisha Shrine — can ride Hankai line trolley car from Tennoji trolley car station
4) Umeda — can take subway
5) Namba — can take subway
Regards,
Yuet Ling
Hi Yuet san,
Your choice is still same and you can simply add single fare for JR Osaka loop line.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com