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!
Thank you so much for this very helpful blog! I just would like to ask you what passes would be more economical for my itinerary, or if I should just use an IC card (like Kansai One Pass). My itinerary is like this:
Day 1: Arrive at KIX at 19:30pm – Osaka: Namba for dinner – Stay in Osaka near Nishitanabe Station
Day 2: Osaka (from Nishitanabe Station): Osaka Castle – Umeda – Dotonbori – Stay in Osaka near Nishitanabe Station
Day 3: Universal Studios Japan – Stay in Osaka near Nishitanabe Station
Day 4: Kyoto: Fushimi Inari – Kiyomizudera – Ginkakuji – Yasaka Shrine- Higashiyama Jisho-ji – Back to Osaka
Day 5: Kyoto: Arashiyama – Kinkakuji – Nishiki Market – Back to Osaka
Day 6: Morning at Nara: Todaiji – Nara Park – Hōryūji – Afternoon and Dinner at Kobe – Back to Osaka
Day 7: Free day at Osaka or possibly Himeji (do you have any suggestions?)
Day 8: Free day at Osaka – KIX flight out 20:40
Thank you so much for all your help!
Yuni
Hi Yuni san,
Please see the links below:
For day 1 and 8
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
For day 4 to 6
Kansai thru pass 3 days
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For day 2 and maybe 7 (if you stay in Osaka)
Subway pass is most common deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For day 3
single ticket
If you go to Himeji, Kanasi area pass is your choice.
http://jprail.
Thank you so much, Takeshi-san!
Will the Kansai Thru Pass help us in going around Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe on the buses and the trains (excluding JR)?
We plan to ride the trains/buses from one stop to another in Kyoto. Like from Fushimi-Inari to Kiyomizudera, Kiyomizudera to Ginkakuji, etc.?
Thank you!
Hi Yuni,
Yes, you can. Please see the link below the coverage of trains in Kyoto. It covers city bus too.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi san,
Below are my itineraries. I would be glad if u can assist in deciding transportation for my 6days 5 nights trip to kyoto, nara, kobe and osaka. If u can provide fees n duration from one place to another, it would be better.
Day1: from KIX to haradani-en, kyoto. day1to to day 4 will be staying in here. Should reach around 6pm. Going to gion and nishiki market at night
Day2: kinkakuji temple, ryoanji temple, arashiyama bamboo grove, shimogamo shrine, nijo castle, kiyomizu dera temple, ninenzeka and fushimi inari shrine
Day3: nara koen park, todaiji temple, kasuga taisha and hase-dera
Day4: kobe chinatown, harborland, nunobiki herb garden, kobe fruit & flower park and kitano ijikan street.
Day 5: from haradani en to nishinari ward, osaka. Going to sumiyoshi tasha, universal studio, tempozan ferris wheel, dotonbori and kuromon market.
Day6: osaka castle and hep five. Back to nishinari ward and going to KIX.
Hi Lee san,
For day 1
Haruka discount ticket at 1,600 yen, Kansai one pass 2,000 yen and city bus pass at 500 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use Kansai one pass when you need to take train in Kyoto.
Day 2
You can get another all day bus pass at 500 yen and use Kansai one pass to take train.
For day 3 to 5
Kansai thru pass 3 days
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For day 6
Subway pass for sightseeing in Osaka and use Kansai one pass to KIX
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi san,
Very sorry but I find it very confusing to decide which mode of transport should I use. This is my first time in japan and I would be glad if you can make it easier to understand for me.
Q1: haruka frm kix to kyoto. One way ¥1600. Ticket available at kix? Is it stop at kyoto station?
Q2: city bus ¥500 is it perday? Can travel to any tourist spot in kyoto? In other words, is it unlimited ride?
Q3: kansai one pass. Can get at kix? Is it minimum reload is ¥2000? How to know if from one station to another, how much is the fare? Can get refund when I reached kix on day6?
Q4: day6 I will only visiting 3 places in osaka? Which ticket should I buy?
Hi Lee san,
>Q1: haruka frm kix to kyoto. One way ¥1600. Ticket available at kix? Is it stop at kyoto station?
You can purchase it at KIX. Haruka stops at Kyoto. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
>Q2: city bus ¥500 is it perday? Can travel to any tourist spot in kyoto? In other words, is it unlimited ride?
It’s per day and you can get unlimited ride from midnight to midnight.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
>Q3: kansai one pass. Can get at kix? Is it minimum reload is ¥2000? How to know if from one station to another, how much is the fare? Can get refund when I reached kix on day6?
All info can be found in the link below:
https://kansaionepass.com/en/
>Q4: day6 I will only visiting 3 places in osaka? Which ticket should I buy?
Eco card or Osaka visitors ticket or single ticket. It depends on how you travel. If you are not sure, just get Eco card or Visitors ticket.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
How do I get from haradani en to arashiyama then to nara?
Thank you
Hi Lee san,
I gave you Kyoto bus route map in the previous reply. Please refer it.
I don’t know which bus stop is the nearest to your accommodation. Please ask your accommodation to find it. They may tell you how to get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san, can kansai one pass be use on kitano and keihan line?
To travel by train in kyoto I should use kansai one pass, travel to nara, kobe and osaka I should use kansai thru pass am I right?
Thanks..
Hi Lee san,
You can take any trains by Kansai one pass. You will use Kansai thru pass as you think.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Pls kindly review our Itn (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara),
we’ll be travelling this June (Me, Hubby, 2 children : 7 & 9 y.o).
D1 – Arrival Kix 9.30 am – single ride – Overnight Osaka
– Leave luggage at Namba Sta.
– Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho, Shinsaibasi
D2 – Osaka Amazing Pass 1 Day for Adult only, kids using Enjoy Eco Pass
– Osaka Castle, USJ City Walk, Umeda Sky Building, HEP Ferris
D3 – From Osaka go to Kobe then overnight in Kyoto, using Kansai 2 days pass (1 of 2)
– Kitano Ijinkan, Kobe Port Area, Nankinmachi, Motomatchi all using Kobe City Loop
– Go to Kyoto
D4 – Kyoto City 2 days Pass (1 of 2)
– Kiyomizu-dera, Gion Area, Fushimi Inari
D5- Kyoto City 2 days Pass (2 of 2)
– Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Train, Raillway Museum
D6 – From Kyoto go to Nara then overnight in Osaka, using Kansai 2 days pass (2 of 2)
– Go to Nara, Leave luggage at Sta.
– Nara Park Area
– Back to Osaka
D7 – Depart from Kix
Please kindy advise:
– should I need any other pass, considering we’ll be travelling w/ kids?
– would it be to tiring for children to follow our itn?
– can we leave luggage at nara sta?
– would it be better to travel by train or bus while in Osaka & Kyoto?
Many thanks for your help !
Hi Ariana san,
– should I need any other pass, considering we’ll be travelling w/ kids?
You have picked up the right deals.
If you intend to visit some more places, please consider using Yokoso Osaka ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
You can take limited express Rapi:t to get Namba from KIX. And you get unlimited ride of subway. Child deal is not available. You need Rapi:t Webtoku and subway pass for children if you use Yokoso Osaka ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
– would it be to tiring for children to follow our itn?
It’s hard to say. My daughter is 8 years old. If I do this with my daughter, I’m sure she makes lots of complains. LOL
– can we leave luggage at nara sta?
Yes. you can.
– would it be better to travel by train or bus while in Osaka & Kyoto?
I recommend you to switch railway museum and Fushimi Inari.
D4 – Kyoto City 2 days Pass (1 of 2)
– Kiyomizu-dera, Gion Area,
Fushimi InariRailway MuseumD5- Kyoto City 2 days Pass (2 of 2)
– Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Train,
Raillway MuseumFushimi InariAnd then you can use all day bus pass at 500 yen for day 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You can use 3 days Kansai thru pass and use one of three days for day 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
It’s cheaper and more smooth. Subway does not cover Fushimi and Arashiyama. Places on day 4 can be covered by bus only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Many many thanks for your review, really appreciate it !
Noted to change Railway Museum with Fushimi so my kids won’t complain LOL. So it would be like this:
D1 – ICOCA
D2 – Osaka Amazing 1 Day Pass (Adult) + Enjoy Eco Pass (Kids)
D3, D5, D6 – Kansai Thru 3 Days Pass
D4 – Kyoto City Bus 1 day pass (adult & kids)
* For D3 – Do I still need to purchase Kobe City Loop (1 day)?
* We’ll be staying nearby: Awaza Sta (Osaka), Kujo Sta (Kyoto) and Rinkutown Sta (Osaka, before departing), all of them are covered using Kansai Thru Pass?
* Is it possible to add Kawaramachi Catholic Church on D4
or Osaka Cathedral on D6?
Best Regards,
Ariana
Hi Ariana,
Your itinerary looks good.
Actually many places in Kobe can be accessed by walk from the station.
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
You may have city bus pass but may not be required.
All places to stay are covered by Kansai thru pass.
I’m not sure you can squeeze both places in Osaka. Anything is possible but it depends on how fast you visit other places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
ありがとう Takeshi San … have a nice day ….
Regards,
Ariana
Douitashimashite Ariana san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hey Mr. Takeshi- San,
We are coming in on May 22nd evening and leaving on June 1st–KIX airport. *Total of 4 people Still deciding if we should use kate limousine bus to OCAT as it’s a 20 min walk to the place we at. (based in Namba parks for the 9 full days. We currently have passmo cards from our trip last year from Tokyo. We would like to try the shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto. What would be the best pass or combination passes for our itinerary? Don’t mind changing the days to the places but we do have reservation on Day 2 and Day 5. Our Itinerary Is :
Day 1: Destination: Nara
Nara Deer park
Toda Ji
Check out the Naktanidou Mochi
Explore Nara for a bit then head back to Osaka
Tennoji Station Area (possibly Abeno Harukas)
Day 2: Destination: Ikeda/Osaka
Namba Parls/Namba City in the morning
13:00pm reservation at Ando Instant Ramen Museum *arrive 15 mins early a. My Cup Ramen and Chicken Ramen
Osaka Station – Grand Front Osaka /Herbis and area
Possibly Umeda Sky building at night
Day 3:Destination: Osaka
Osaka Castle
Osaka Museum of History
Maybe Japan Mint tour ( tour available 25/26 possible date switch with day 4)
Dotonbori
Day 4: Destination: Osaka
Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street
Free time not sure what to do this day yet
Day 5: Destination: Suita 1. Asahi Brewery Tour @ 10am 2. Gundam Square 3. Pokemon Gym 4. Optional National Museum of Ethnology 5. Shin Osaka Station
Day 6: Destination: Kobe *still Deciding if we should go to Kobe or Kyoto for Toei Studio Park
Takenaka Museum
Explore
Kobe Harborland
Chinatown
possibly Nunobiki Waterfall
Day 7: Destination: Kyoto –West
Arashiyama
Bamboo Forest
Kimono Forest
Togetsukyō Bridge
Imperial Palace
Ginkaku-ji
Ryoan Ji
Day 8: Destination Kyoto- East
Rengeoin Sanjusangendo
Kyoto Station
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kiyomizu-dera
Gion Area
Day 9: Destination: Osaka
Sakai Crafts Museum *not sure if there’s a tour here to check out the forging of the knifes
Rinku outlet
Thank you for checking and for your suggestions
Regards,
Bryan
Hi Bryan san,
I recommend you to use the following deals and tickets.
Single ticket for KIX to Namba by Nankai railway
Namba Parks is just located at Nankai railway Namba station:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 1, 7 and 8
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Hanshin tourist pass for day 6
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/
Osaka amazing pass 2 days for 3 and 4
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
You should visit Umeda Sky Bldg on day 3 or 4 by Osaka amazing pass
Single ticket or using Pasmo instead
I recommend Kansai thru pass for the trip to Kyoto. But it does not cover Shinkansen. There is no deals to cover Shinkansen. If you want to take it, you need to purchase a regular ticket. Please check the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
In this case, don’t use Kansai thru pass for this trip to Kyoto. Single ticket and using city deal in Kyoto, such as bus/subway pass is your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You may use one day of 3 days coverage by Kansai thru pass for day 9.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
Good day to you!
What is the best train pass for this Itinerary:
May 18 (Day 1)
Arrival at KIX Airport to Nankai, Namba – Which is a better transpo? Train or bus? Since i am with an elderly person.
May 19 (Day 2)
Namba to Kyoto – this is a wholeday activity. Planning to visit, Arashiyama, Inari, Gion, and some temple along the way.
May 20 (Day 3)
Namba to Nara – halfday
Osaka/ Dotonbori
May 21 (Day 4)
Osaka tour (whole day) planning to go to the fmous tourist spots in Osaka
May 22 (Day 5)
Universal Studios – since this is Monday, I am not sure if USJ is open. If it is closed then planning to tour the rest of Osaka.
May 23 (Day 6)
Osaka tour
May 24 (Day 7)
Nankai, Namba to KIX Airport
I hope you can help me with what train pass to take or buy. Out trip will be commencing very soon and I am still confused what train pass to buy. Thank you very much and hope you would reply to me. Read most of your entries already. It is very helpful! 🙂
Hi Gee Cee,
Please see the link below. You will find the solution.
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 Mr. Takeshi,
Good day to you!
What is the best pass to get if this is my Itinerary?
Day 1 (May 18, 2017)
Arrival at KIX to Nankai, Namba – is it better to take the bus or the Nankai rapit? (Since I am with elder people)
Day 2 (May 19, 2017)
Namba to Kyoto (whole day) – planning to go to Arashiyama, Fushimi Inara, Gion town, and Kinkaku-ji Temple – what is the best rain pass to take?
Day 3 (May 20, 2017)
Namba to Nara (half day) – what is the best train pass to take?
Osaka
Day 4 (May 21, 2017)
Osaka/Dotonbori/Shinshaibashi Area – this day is Sunday – so I am just wondering is Osaka Amazing Pass will be a good choice?
Day 5 (May 22, 2017)
Universal Studios – What is the best train pass to take? and do you happen to know if it is open on Mondays?
Day 6 (May 23, 2017)
Osaka
Day 7 (May 24, 2017)
Nankai, Namba to KIX
Thank you very much in advance. Your reply would be greatly appreciated! I hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Gladys,
You can find all 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Mr. Takeshi 🙂 This helps a lot! More power to you!
No worries, Gladys.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
What is the best card to use for this itinerary?
Day-1 May 3, 2017
1. Arrival at Osaka Airport 08:00PM (Luggage Collection and Miscellaneous time 1 hour)
2. Going to Kyoto place near takeda station
Day-2 May 4, 2017
List of places to go on this day
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Free
2. Kyoto Imperial Palace Free
3. Kimono Forest (4PM to 9PM) Free
Shopping centers:
4. Nishiki Market
5. Shin Kyogoku Shopping Arcade
6. Shijo-Dori
Day-3 May 5, 2017
Places to visit
1.Nijo castle (600yen per person) (8:45AM to 5PM)
2.Kinkaku-ji Temple (400 per person) Timining 9AM-5PM
3. Ryoanji Temple (¥500) (8am-5pm)
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
5. Kyoto International Manga Museum (optional)
6. Teramachi (shooping area)
7. Gion district
Day-4 May 6, 2017
Nara
1. Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine1.
2. Todaiji Temple (Largest temple with a big Buddha Statue)
2. Nigatsu do
3. Omizutori (Buddhist Ceremonies including fire and water)
4. Nara Deer Park (Play with the wild dear, most famous in Nara)
5. Isuien Garden
6. Kasuga Grand Shrine
7. Nara Nagomikan
8. Go to osaka place near Umeda station
Day-5 May 7, 2017
OSAKA
1. Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
2. Kobe
3. Shinsekai
Day-6 May 8,2017
Osaka
Places to visit
1. Osaka Castle and park (9AM to 5PM)
2. Osaka Museum of History (9:30-5:00PM) 600yen per person.
3. HEP FIVE FERRIS WHEEL (optional)
4. UMEDA SKY BUILDING, FLOATING GARDEN OBSERVATORY
5. Shitennoji Temple
6. Osaka Aquarium (optional)
7. The Instant Ramen Museum (optional)
8. Sumiyoshi Taisha
Day-7 May 9,2017
1. Universal Studio
Shopping Centers:
2. Dotonbori and namba
3. Shinsaibashi
4. Nipponbashi Denden Town
Day- 8 May 10, 2017
• Osaka city tour and shopping centers
• Going to Kansai airport
Hi Mary,
Haruka discount ticket (1,600 yen) and Kansai one pass for day 1 and 2
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
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 3 to 5
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Osaka amazing pass for day 6
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
Single ticket for day 7 and 8. Add subway pass as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
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,
First, I would like to thank you kindly for writing such helpful articles and taking the time to reply comments! Much appreciated!
I was hoping you can make some suggestions as to which Kansai pass (JR area vs. Kansai Thru) would be best suited for our itinerary?
Day 1: Arrive at KIX airport in the morning – travel to airbnb near Shin-Osaka station – explore Osaka.
Day 2: Explore Himeji and Kobe (including Himeji Castle, Kobe ropeway, Nunobiki falls and Kobe animal kingdom). Return to Osaka.
Day 3: Depart Osaka and check in Kyoto airbnb (Shimogyo-ku). Explore Kyoto.
Day 4: Explore Nara. Return to Kyoto. Explore Kyoto.
Day 5: Depart Kyoto for Nagoya (accommodation in Habashita).
Thank you once again, I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
You can choose either one actually.
If you take Kansai area pass, you can get Shin-Osaka directly from Kansai airport. And also you can get Himeji, Kobe and Kyoto directly from Shin-Osaka. You can make round trip to Nara from Kyoto by JR trains. But the coverage is limited. You may need to add some fare to take subway or city bus in Osaka, Kobe and Nara. Please see the links below to find the coverage in these cities.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you take Kansai thru pass, you can use Haruka discount ticket to get Shin-Osaka from KIX.
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
And you may add city deal in Osaka as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Single ticket may be okay if you visit one or two places on day 1.
And on day 2, you will start using Kansai thru pass 3 days. It covers all part of your trip. You don’t need to add other deals and very easy to handle your ticket. But you need to change trains at Umeda when you go to Himeji. And trip time is longer than taking JR trains. You need to change trains when yo go to Kyoto from Shin-Osaka.
Roughly the cost is almost same. So you can choose easier access or easier ticket handling.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Good afternoon I plan to travel to kyoto / Osaka in May. This is my itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in KIX and transfer to Minami ward Kyoto
Day 2 – Travel to Osaka USJ from Minami and back
Day 3 – local sight seeing Kyoto
Day 4 – Minami to Osaka for Day in Osaka and back
Can you suggest what pass should I buy?
Thank you for your assistance
Hi Andy,
I think JR West Kansai area pass 4 days is the best choice for your trip. But it covers only JR line. You may need to add bus pass in Kyoto and subway pass in Osaka. Please check the coverage in the links 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
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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Here’s our Itinerary,
KIX to Namba (airbnb room) April 22
what to buy ticket to get from KIX to Namba (nankai line)?
April 23 Day 1 – Osaka
We plan to visit Osaka Castle, Umeda building, kaiyukan, dotonbori, shinsekai – may i know what card/ pass should we buy to have discount?
April 24 day 2 – USJ
may i know what card should we use on this day? we will be near Nippombashi station or Namba station.
April 25 day 3 – Kyoto
We will be travelling from near namba or nippombashi station to Arashiyama –> Kiyumiza-dera –> Fushimi-Inari. may i know what card/pass should we use to have discount, and also if you give us guide what train to use to travel to this location please 🙂
April 26 day 4 – going from Namba-Nankai to KIX Airport
What ticket should we buy
Hope you help me on this on what access card should we buy to have more discount on traveling these are, Many Thanks
btw, our house is near denden town, near also in namba-nankai line and nippombashi.
Hi gau ban,
Single ticket (920 yen) is most affordable way to take Nankai railway between KIX and Namba. You may use Kansai one pass instead of single ticket.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can use either Osaka Kaiyu ticket or Osaka amazing pass on day 2.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Single ticket is the best choice for USJ and Kyoto. Kansai one pass can be used instead of single ticket. Please see the links below to find the route in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the information.
forgot to mention that we will arrive in KIX Airport at around 9PM.
and we change the itinerary in Osaka.
from apartment (near Namba and denden town) to Osaka Museum –> Osaka Castle –> Umeda Sky building –>Dotonbori May i know what pass to use? is it advisable to use single ticket by using ICOCA? or do you recomment other ticket?
so is it safe to say that we should buy the ICOCA card to travel from KIX to Namba(nankai) to USJ and Kyoto according to my itinerary?
Thanks again,
Gau
Hi Gau,
You can use Osaka Amazing Pass for day 2. Please check the link in previous reply.
You may use Kanasi one pass. It;s same type card as ICOCA but you can get the discount at many attractions.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Alright then,
Thanks Takeshi, Your a big help!
Regards,
gau ban
No worries, Gau.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com