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
Hi Takeshi san,
All the information you have given is very helpful, although I am very much overwhelmed with all the types of Transportation available in Osaka and Kyoto.
My husband and I are travelling out of the country together for the first time. He gave me the task to create our itinerary and choose the best value for money transportation in Osaka & Kyoto.
I’ve read many articles and websites, but I am still confused on which I should get (ICOCA – HARUKA, Kansai Thru, JR Pass, Amazing Osaka and etc.)
Your suggestion would be highly appreciated and definitely helpful. Here’s our Itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka
Arrive (KIX) 5:30 AM
Bnb Check in is 2:00PM (1-Chome, 4-13 Laforet Valley, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Tokiwa-cho.)
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building
Nipponbashi Den den town
Minami Area
America-mura
Dotombori
Tokyu Hands Shinsaibashi
Day 2: Osaka
Universal Studios
Orange Street
Shinsaibashi
Day 3: Osaka – Kyoto
Osaka Central fish market
Dogusuji-ya Arcade
Tenjimbashi-suji Shopping street
Kyoto
Arashiyama
Nishijin Textile Center
Bnb Check in 2:00PM (Kirinokicho, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu)
Day 4: Kyoto – Yamazaki – Kyoto
Heian-Jingu Shrine
Zest Underground Shopping Arcade
Kamiji Kakimoto Store
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kinkaku-ji Castle
The Temple of the Dragon at Peace
Myoshin-Ji Temple
YAMAZAKI Distillery
Day 5: Kyoto
Toji Temple
Yasaka Shrine
Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kodai-ji Temple
Maruyama Park
Gion Corner
Maica
Pontocho District
Nishiki Market
Day 6: Kyoto – Osaka – KIX
We are undecided if we will go straight to KIX from Kyoto or Osaka since our bnb check out is at 10:00am and our flight leaves 8:00PM in KIX airport. Possibly visit Nara if there is time.
Thank you very much for taking time out to suggest the best passes for us. I look forward to receiving your reply Takeshi-san.
Regards,
Trina
Hi Trina,
First of all, you can find the info that you need at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
For the last day, if you squeeze Nara, Kansai area pass is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Thank you for your info on the trains, they have been very informative but I’m still slightly overwhelmed hope you could help.
I’ll be heading to Japan on early April with 10 friends and my itinerary are almost the same like your post : “Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary”. But we’ll staying at Kyoto for the first 3 days and follow by 4 days in Osaka.
I’d like to get your advise on which train tickets to get for my following itinerary:
Day 1: Arriving Kansai Airport at 8.25pm and straightly go to Kyoto (ICOCA & Haruka + Kyoto Sightseeing Card 2 days pass?)
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kyoto (Kyoto Sightseeing Card again?)
Day 3: Nara & Nagoya day trip (please suggest)
Day 4: From Kyoto to Osaka and staying in Osaka for 4 days. (ICOCA & Haruka + Eco Card?)
Day 5: Kobe and Hilmeji day trip (Kansai Area Pass 1 day?)
Day 6: Wakayama day trip (please suggest)
Day 7: Osaka sightseeing (One Day Unlimited Pass – Eco Card}
Day 8: Back to Osaka and Kansai Airport (please suggest)
Are we planning in a right way or would you advise to change the Nagoya day trip to others place?
Appreciate all the help I can get!
Thanks & Regards,
Hi Shian san,
I don’t think you need 2 days pass for Kyoto because you will arrive late night and you don’t have a time to visit any places in Kyoto.
You may use ICOCA to get Nara but you need to purchase single fare. Most ordinary choice is Shinkansen but it’s not cheap. There is no deals and single fare is from around 5000 yen. It depends on the type of seat. Please check it at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Or you can use Kintesu rail pass to get both Nagoya and Nara. It’s way cheaper but way slower. And you need to change the trains several times.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
I think you can stay in Kyoto another half day instead of Nagoya. Nara and Nagoya in one day is very busy trip. There are many places to see in Kyoto.
If you want to save your cost, Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 5 and 6.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai area pass is better choice to get Himeji but Kansai thru pass is more convenient because it covers subway in Osaka. You can visit some places in Osaka after trip to Kobe/Himeji and Wakayama if you want.
You may find some deals at the link below to the airport:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Thank you so much for your information. My mistake for wrong information on arriving time, it should be 8.25 in the morning instead of evening. Therefore we shall have 2 full days in Kyoto on Day 1 and 2.
We would like to make a slightly change for our itinerary in Day 3 by replacing Nagoya to Wakayama, so is it possible to visit Nara and Wakayama in one day?
And shall we use Kansai Thru Pass 2 days for Day 3 Nara/Wakayama and Day 5 Kobe/Himeji trip?
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Shian san,
Nara and Wakayama combo is not impossible but it’s still very tight. Wakayama is closer to Nara than Nagoya. However if you take Shinkansen to get Nagoya, trip time to Nagoya is shorter than trip time to Wakayama because Shinkansen is much much faster than ordinary train. So it’s same thing. If you want to do, you can go for it. But it’s not highly recommended.
If you do it, I recommend you to use Kansai area pass. Because JR train is much faster to get Wakayama from/to Kyoto by non JR trains that are covered by Kansai thru pass.
You can use Kansai thru pass for day 3 and 5. But you cannot use Kansai area pass for day 3 and 5. You have to use it in consecutive days. If you use Kansai area pass, you should squeeze Kobe and Himeji between Kyoto and Osaka on day 4.
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/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
There is no doubt that your blog is really helpful but I too am in awe and overwhelmed with all the information. Could you please advise the transportation passes that suit my itinerary below?
My itinerary as follows:
Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka airport, and then travel to Beppu. Around Beppu. (Stay 1 night in Beppu, near Beppu station)
Day 2: Travel back to Fukuoka. Around Fukuoka. (Stay 1 night in Fukuoka, near Tenjin station)
Day 3: Travel to Osaka. Around Osaka – Umeda area (Stay 2 nights in Osaka, probably near Namba station)
Day 4: Travel to Nara, and then back to Osaka – Namba area
Day 5-7: Travel to Kyoto. Around Kyoto – Visiting the Unesco places (Stay 3 nights in Kyoto)
Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa. Around Kanazawa. (Stay 2 nights in Kanazawa)
Day 9: Travel to Shirakawa-go/Takayama, and then back to Kanazawa.
Day 10: Travel to Matsumoto via Alpine route. (Stay 1 night in Matsumoto)
Day 11: Travel to Tokyo. Around Tokyo – Odaiba (Stay 3 nights in Tokyo, probably near Shinjuku station)
Day 12: Travel to Mount Fuji, and then back to Tokyo – Ikebukuro/Shinjuku
Day 13: Around Tokyo – Tsukiji/Disney Sea/Roppongi/Shibuya
Day 14: Around Tokyo – Harajuku/Asakusa/Ueno/Akihabara
Day 15: Depart from Narita airport.
Thank you so much.
Hi Doeen,
You can use 14 days JR pass from day 1 to day 14..
You may add Alpine route discount ticked.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Subway and some other local transportation are not covered by JR pass. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Unfortunately there is no deal to get Narita. Single ticket is only your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Please may I ask whether the Alpine route discount ticket can be booked/purchased online?
Secondly, please could you advise any budget deals available to get to Narita airport after Saturday midnight?
Thank you.
Hi Doreen san,
You cannot purchase it online. Please see the link below to find the location to sell Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
If you look for just trip to Narita from Nagano or Shinano-Omachi after alpine route, there is no deals available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I and my family plan to visit Japan in May. We’ll stay 3 nights in Osaka (near Kishinosato station), dan 3 nights in Tokyo (near Asakusa station).
And here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kansai at 9 am, and proceed to USJ.
Day 2: Go to Kyoto, daytrip, then back to Osaka.
Day 3: Around Osaka.
Day 4: Go to Tokyo, by shinkansen.
Day 5: Go to Fuji area by rent car.
Day 6-7: Around Tokyo.
Day 7: leaving Tokyo in the afternoon.
We’d like to have your suggestion about the transportation pass we should choose.
Thank you.
Regards,
Alya.
Hi Alya,
Your plan seems to be similar with my sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You may use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day. You can use ICOCA e-money to get Kyoto on next day and add Kyoto city deal there.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Please follow my sample itinerary for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much.
Cheers!
Alya.
No problem, Alya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-San,
Like most people I am in awe and overwhelmed with all the information, even though it is very informative.
Can you advise if my understanding is correct if I choose the Kyoto Sightseeing Two-day Pass Card and a Suica card for my itinerary? Can I use either to go to Kansai Int’l Airport as well?
17th April – Haneda Airport to Ueno Park, Akiharbara and
Kamakura.
18th April – Not sure at this stage. Waiting on friend’s decision.
19th April – Already purchased Hotel + Train package from
Kamakura to Kyoto. 2 nights in Kyoto, hotel in
Shijokarasuma
– 1st day: Explore around Kyoto city + surroundings.
20th April – 2nd day: Day trip to Nara
21st April – Kyoto to Osaka. Plan to go to Kobe for half day.
– Return to Osaka. Explore Osaka half day to late
afternoon.
– Train to Shinsaibashi Station to Chisun Inn,
Hommachi.
22nd April – Shinsaibashi to Kansai International Airport.
Thanking you in advance.
Hi Lonnie san,
You can use Kyoto city sightseeing card for staying in Kyoto. But Kansai thru pass is recommended for trip to Nara and Kyoto-Kobe-Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
The following deal is recommended for Shinsaibashi to Kansai airport:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Your blog is really helpful but l’m still a bit overwhelmed hope you could help . We be travelling to Osaka in march our itinerary is Day 1 arriving Kansai Airport in the morning straight to Nara North (we be staying 2 nights in Nara North) Plan to visit Nara west and south.
Day 3 to 7 – Osaka (we plan to visit the osaka castle aquarium universal studio, dontonbori and etc) is it advisable to get the 2 days kintetsu pass and the 2 days Osaka Amazing pass?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Michelle san,
Kintetsu rail pass is a good choice but it depends on how many trips you make on day 2. I think Kansai thru pass 2 days may be better.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Price is much higher but it covers Nankai railway from KIX to Namba, Kintetsu railway, and subway in Osaka. You don’t need to use this for consecutive days. So if you don’t take train so many on day 2, you can use this pass for day 1 (KIX-Namba-Nara) and day 3 (Nara-Namba and sightseeing by subway in Osaka). And add single fare for day 2 will be okay.
Osaka Amazing Pass is a good choice if you intend to visit 3 or more attractions on the list of this pass. But you may spend one full day in USJ. It’s such a huge theme park. You don’t need any pass if you spend one full day in USJ. Single ticket is okay.
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is better deal for vising Kaiyukan aquarium.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
At this point, I’m not sure Amazing pass is the best or not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi -san for your advise it’s sure helps a lot.
Cheers !!
No problem, Michelle san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Your blog is very helpful for our upcoming trip to Japan (this Saturday)!
I’m just wondering, if me and my husband should get a Kintetsu 2-day pass or Kansai thru pass for 5 days? Here’s our Osaka itinerary:
Feb 13 – Arrive Kansai airport at 3:55PM. Go to Namba for check-in
Feb 14 – Go to Awaza for check-in. Visit Osaka Castle, Shi-Tennoji Temple, Dotombori/Shinsaibashi shopping area, Others.
Feb 15 – Go to Nara sa day trip, then proceed to Kyoto. Visit Nijo castle, Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama
Feb 16 – Stay in Kyoto,visit temples and shrines in Gion and Higashiyama area, such as Yasaka shrine, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Gion-Shijo area, Ginkaku-ji temple
Feb 17 – Early check-out, go to Mt. Fuji (not sure if we go to Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone, still researching the most convenient route). Check-in in Shinjuku
Feb 23 – Flight back to Singapore through Narita.
We are also planning to buy a Suica or Pasmo card as recommended by our friends.
Your awesome response is appreciated!
Thank you!
Regards,
Joyce
Hi Joyce san,
You don’t need both Kansai thru pass and Kintetsu pass. Actually Feb 15 is enough to use Kansai thru pass but Feb 16 is not. This pass is minimum 2 days. But if you have a plan to explore in Osaka after arrival in Namba on day 1, you may use one of two days of Kansai thru pass. It covers Nankai railway from KIX to Namba and subway trips in Osaka. In this case, you can use this pass on Feb 13 and 15. If you just stay around Namba, single ticket is your choice.
For staying in Kyoto, Kyoto city deal is okay.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Hakone is easier to drop by. You have to take an express bus from Mishima to get Lake Kawaguchi. Please see 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
Hi,
im going to travel around osaka for 3days.. is eco card 1day pass x 3 is enough to travel around it? for jr pass, i think im going to pay per use only, since most attraction can be travel via other railways and subways. am i correct?
Hi Afiq,
If you travel in Osaka only, Eco card is okay. But Kaiyu ticket and Amazing pass maybe considered.
Please see the link below to find more info.
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/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San, your blog is really helpful with regards to the different cards and passes available. But I’m still a little overwhelmed by which passes I should get.
My trip will be arriving Osaka (KIX) un the evening of 6th Jan. Thereafter, we’ll be travelling to Kyoto from KIX. From what I understand, the best pass to get is the ICOCA-Haruka card?
Then on the 9th, we’ll be travelling to osaka from kyoto. Within osaka, we would be visiting places like osaka castle, osaka museum of history, osaka takoyaki museum , museum of oriental ceramics and osaka korean town. Is there any subway pass I should get?
We’re also planning to squeeze in a day trip to kobe from osaka. For that, would it be better to just get a Jr single trip?
Thank you so much.
Hi Vanessa san,
ICOCA and Haruka is the right choice. Actually I have a sample itinerary that is almost same as your plan. Please see the following link. I think that help you to build your plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Thank you for your info on the trains; they have been very informative. Still, there really are many choices and I’m still slightly overwhelmed.
I’ll be heading to Japan next year with 2 friends and I’d like to get your advise on which train tickets to get for my following itinerary:
Day 1: Arriving Kansai Airport at 11pm and Staying in Osaka,
Day 2-4: Staying over in Osaka
(Visiting Kobe on Day 3)
Day 4-9: Staying over in Kyoto,
(Visiting Nara on Day 7)
Day 9: Back to Osaka and Kansai Airport
Or would you advise to change the Nara and Kobe day trip visits to another day to get the best out of the passes?
Appreciate all the help I can get!
Thanks & Regards,
Cas
Hi Casandra san,
First of all, please check the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
I believe this plan is almost same as your itinerary.
And also, the following link will help you to plan the trip to Kobe. Because I don’t mention about day trip to Kobe from Osaka in the link above.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com