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
![ICOCA is most popular IC card in Kansai area. (C) タンジェント (own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ICOCA_NEW_CARD-600x387.jpg?resize=600%2C387)
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,
I am planning the following trip
day 1: arrive Osaka airport – transfer straight to Kyoto.
Day 2 : Kyoto local sightseeing
Day 3 : Kyoto to Nara then return to Kyoto and transfer to Osaka
Day 4 : Osaka to himeiji then Kobe and return to Osaka
Day 5 ; Osaka local sightseeing
Day 6 : universal studio Osaka
Day 7 : early morning depart from kansai
I plan to use the jr rail west for day 1 to 4 as it covers all my journeys. Days 5-7 I will either buy individual tickets or Eco pass.
Can you advise if this plan is good with the choice of pass?
Thanks
Hi Bernard,
It is okay to use JR West Kansai pass 4 days. But how about local transfer in Kyoto? JR West pass do not cover Kyoto subway and Kyoto city bus. If you buy one day pass, it costs 1200 yen. So total cost will be 7200 yen (6000yen+1200yen)
If you use JR West Kansai pass 1 day for day1 from Kansai airport to Kyoto. It is much cheaper than single ticket. And then you can use Kansai Thru pass 3 days for your trip in Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Kobe. Total cost will be 7000 yen (2000yen+5000yen) I think this option is better.
I would like to add some more info. Regarding day 3, why do you go back to Kyoto? You can go straight to Osaka from Nara. It is much faster.
Are you going to Himeji to visit Himeji castle? It is under renovation now. You cannot see whole part of the castle now. You might be disappointed.
If you take limited express Haruka to Kansai airport on Day 7, you can use another JR West Kansai pass 1 day, It is cheaper than single fare. If you take local train, single ticket is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for such such a useful website! I would appreciate it if you could answer a few of my questions.
Does the Kansai Thru Pass allow me to ride in subways in Kyoto (meaning that I will not need to buy a Kyoto Sightseeing Pass?)
This is my itinerary, maybe you can help me with it.
Day 0 (30/4 Monday) – Arrive Kansai International Airport at ~8pm; planning to take Kansai Airport Limousine to hotel in Namba.
Day 1 and Day 2 – Travel around Osaka area, which will include taking public transport to multiple locations
Day 3 – Planning to take morning train from Namba to Kyoto; will start using public transport to explore Kyoto in the morning/afternoon
Day 4 – Travelling around Kyoto
Day 5 – Travelling around Kyoto; taking afternoon train back to Namba station in Osaka
Day 6 – Travelling around Kyoto in the morning; taking Airport Limousine back to the airport in the afternoon.
I am uncertain whether I need all 3 passes as above and would love it if you could give some advice thanks!
Hi JW Chin,
Yes. Kansai Thru Pass includes Kyoto Municipal Subway and Bus. You don’t need to buy Kyoto city pass.
So you can use 3 days pass for your trip from Day 3 to Day 5. You can buy Osaka pass if you need. It depends on your itinerary. If you go one or two places a day, single ticket may be cheaper than pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi I was looking at travelling to Tojinbo, Koyasan, and either Kobe or Wakayama over Golden Week. I was wondering if you would recommend paying seperate fees, or buying the pass. I know that Koyasan has a one day pass, as does Kobe, but Tojinbo is the city that’s really confusing me. As a registered alien I can not buy the JR Rail pass
Thank you!
Hi Heather,
There is no rail pass to Awara Onsen. Buy return ticket to Awara Onsen. You can use Ltd Exp Thunderbird.
https://jprail.com/trains/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%E9%9B%B7%E9%B3%A5.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will be traveling to Osaka from Kuala Lumpur with my family of 2 adults + a 9 years old child. Can you suggest the best & economical passes that can ease my family traveling around?
Day 1 – Kansai Airport – Shinsaibashi station ( our hotel is near here)
My problems starts here:
Day 2- Shinsaibashi to Kyoto Station( our hotel is near here) follow by sight seeing (Fushimi-Inari & Kiyomizu Temple area. Overnight in Kyoto
Day 3 – From Kyoto station to Arashiyama & Kinkaku-Ji follow by heading back to Shinsaibashi station in Osaka
Day 4 – Shinsaibashi to Nara (Deer Park & Tadoiji Temple ) then back to Osaka Aquarium
How do you suggest my plan of Day 2,3 & 4? Is there any best pass for my plan?
Day 5 – Free & easy in Osaka town shopping
Day 6 – Shinsaibashi to Kansai Airport back home.
I sincerely hope you can help me here a little on the 3 days that are stressing me out. Thanks.
Hi Carol,
Why don’t you use Kansai Thru Pass 3 days. This pass cover all of your trip from Day 2 to 4.
Day 2
Take subway from Shinsaibashi to Namba. Transfer to Kintetsu Railway to Saidaiji. Transfer to train to Kyoto.
Actually Kintetsu is the fastest way to get Kyoto. But other private rail trains do not go to Kyoto. If you take other trains, like Hankyu or Keihan, you need to transfer the train in Kyoto. If you go straight to Kyoto, just pay around 500 yen extra to get JR train from Osaka to Kyoto. Osaka can be accessed by subway from Shinsaibashi. This is the fastest and easiest. Only 500 yen per person (Child under 12 years old half fare) make you be more comfortable. I recommend you to do this way.
Day 3
Takes subway and bus to explore Kyoto.
Day 4
Take Kintetsu to Nara and from Nara to Namba. Take subway to Aquarium.
Don’t worry. It is easy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I wrote you last week about my trip from Osaka to Aomori and back. In the last few days the plan has changed. I was excited to follow your footsteps and try to use the JR rail pass to the MAXIMUM, but now I have made my plan simpler… ( maybe one day if I travel by myself, I can try it )
Anyways, my plan is this ( going next month, in May):
Mon ~ Kyoto
Tues ~ Kanazawa
Wed ~ Hiroshima
Thurs ~ Iwami / Izumo / Matsue
Fri ~ morning in Matsue
~ afternoon train to SHIKOKU
Sat ~ Shikoku
Sun ~ Osaka
It should be easier to book the trains because the schedule is not as busy as before. Anyways, if you have any advice, I would be happy to hear it.
Thanks again!
Hi Jmak,
It is much easier than your previous plan. I don’t see any problem with your plan.
As long as you don’t get on the overnight train, booking is quite easy. Don’t worry about the reservation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi,
This August I’m going through Kansai + a small detour to Tokyo and I was wondering about which passes to use during our stay (12 days). I have for sure the intention of getting the Japan Rail Pass, but only for one week (14 days is too expensive).
I’ll have the Japan Rail pass start its validity on the fourth day of my stay, and for the three following days I have planned two trips to Kyoto and one to Nara. Those “big” transfers will use JR lines to ensure that we’re covered by the Pass, but I was wondering what would be the most cost-effective and efficient pass to use for visiting Kyoto (given the fact that we’re going there two days, both days coming from Osaka and going back), since according to my notes the visit will cover both subways and bus trips.
Also I have to keep in mind the Namba (where we are staying) -> Osaka station trasnfer in the morning and when getting back in the evening.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Luca,
You can use Japan Rail Pass to visit Kyoto and Nara. But as I mentioned in this post, Kansai Thru pass is better. Because this pass cover all private lines and subway lines. So you can use this pass to subway from Namba to Umeda (Osaka station). You also can use this pass to get on Hankyu to access to Kyoto. When you go to Nara, you can get on Kintetsu from Namba directly to Nara.
I don’t see whole part of your schedule. So I cannot say which way is the best. But I think Japan Rail Pass should be used fro long transfer, such as from Osaka to Tokyo, to Hiroshima, to Kyushu. If you have a time or plan to go somewhere where is not in Kansai area, use Japan Rail Pass for these trips.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi/JP rail,
I have read several posts but I am still confused what would be the best choice for me.
I am travelling with a group of scouts (16 people) including 1 person with a wheelchair.
We wish to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima on a Wednesday, return to Osaka airport (Kansai) on Saturday. While in Hiroshima we will go to Miyajima, probably go on the ropeway & use the trams. We can use a 4 day pass to complete all our travel.
JR West Sanyo pass includes everything except Kyoto to Osaka. Does it include Miyajima ropeway? The price seems to be approximately 11,000Yen per person. What is the cost of Kyoto to Osaka?
Miyajima free pass includes trams, ferry, ropeway but not trains. What would be the best add on to this option?
Your advice would be appreciated.
Best regards,
Sue 🙂
Hi Sue,
First of all, purchase JR West Sanyo pass for your trip to Miyajima. It costs 20000 yen. It is cheaper than round trip ticket. This pass does not include any Non JR services. That means the ferry to Miyajima under JR Group is included, but ropeway and trams are not included in the pass.
From Kyoto to Osaka, basic fare is around 500 yen. But you need to pay extra 3000 yen if you take Shinkansen. But even if you take a Shinkansen, you need to change the train at Shin Osaka most of times. If you care about surcharge for Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin Osaka, take a local train.
It is not much different between Shinkansen and local rapid service. See the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
But you have one person with wheelchair. Maybe it is easier take Shinkasen from Kyoto and try to find a train to Hroshima directly from Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi / JP Rail:
I will be staying in the Namba area and would appreciate your comments to my following itinerary on cost basis:
4/15: KIX to Namba — Nankai Railway Airport Express Train (Yen 890).
4/16: Osaka sightseeing — Osaka 1-day Eco Card (Yen 800) or Osaka unlimited 1-day
Pass (Yen 2000).
4/17: Osaka shopping in the Namba/Dotonbori area.
4/18: Day trip to Nara — Kansai 3-day Thru Pass (Yen 5000).
4/19: Day trip to Kobe — Kansai 3-day Thru Pass.
4/20: Osaka to Kyoto — Kansai 3-day Thru Pass.
4/21: Kyoto — Kyoto Sightseeing 2-day Pass (Yen 2000).
4/22: Kyoto — Kyoto Sightseeing 2-day Pass.
4/23: Kyoto to KIX — JR West 1-day Pass (Yen 2000) on Haruka limited express.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance.
Hi YY,
That’s perfect! I don’t see any problem with it.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi San,
We are 4 pax (2 couples), arriving at Kansai on 16 April, around 4PM.
Will stay at Hotel Nikko Osaka.
Will depart to Tokyo on 20 April, by bullet train, staying at Shinjuku.
Will fly back to Bali on 23 April, 11PM.
Need your advice for our 4 nights at Osaka, using Kansai Thru Pass, where to go/visit.
Also 3 nights stay at Tokyo.
Thanks.
Tjie Strong
Hi Tjie,
It is very tough to answer. Because I don’t know what kind of taste you have.
In Kansai area, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Mt.Koya are very popular. In Tokyo, downtown Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Nikko and Mt. Fuji are popular.
Have you visited this site?
http://www.japan-guide.com/
Please get more info and make sure what you want to see.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks, I will check the website you recommend now…
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for the website you referred: japan-guide
After reading it, Iplan this itinerary for my trip 16-23 April 2012
16 Kansai Airport-ShinOsaka (Granvia Hotel)
17 Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka
18 Osaka-Nara-Osaka
19 Osaka around the city
20 Osaka-Tokyo-Mt Fuji
21 Mt Fuji-Tokyo
22 Tokyo around the city
23 Tokyo around the city-Haneda (flight 23:00)
i am still confused in choosing then train tickets for 16-20:
JR West or Kansai Thru Pass.
For 20-23: need your advice which train shold I take.
Waiting for your other good advice.
Thanks.
Tjie Strong
Hi Tjie,
I recommend you to purchase these tickets.
JR west one day pass for day 1.
Kansai Thru 2 days pass for Day 2 and 3.
You may buy 3 days pass for Day 2 to 4 if you visit three or more spots in Osaka. But single tickets may be still cheaper.
We don’t have any discount tickets between Osaka and Tokyo. But there are several option for Mt Fuji and Tokyo downtown. See the posts below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi San…
Will read your links reference…
Dear Takeshi,
I just realized that Granvia Hotel is not in Shin Osaka, but in Osaka Station.
Which train I better take from Kansai Airport going to Osaka Station?
Thanks.
Tjie Strong
Hi Tjie,
I think Kansai Airport Rapid train is the best. As probably you know, Airport Express train Haruka do not stop at Osaka station. So if you take this express, you need to change the train at Shin Osaka station. Kansai Airport Rapid is a kind of commute train. But it connects Kansai airport with Osaka station directly. Please see the details below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi / JP Rail,
We’re really happy that we found this site with such useful information!
It is a little bit difficult to to find the best travel solution for our 9 days long journey in Kansai, see the details below.
Could take a look and help us find the best pass/single ticket combination for this itinerary?
Our accomodation is in Osaka.
04.02. Arriving in Kobe – travelling to Osaka
04.03. stay in Osaka
04.04. From Osaka to Mount Koya
04.05. From Osaka to Himeji
04.06. From Osaka to Nara
04.07. From Osaka to Kyoto
04.08. From Osaka to Kyoto
04.09. From Osaka to Kyoto
04.10. Stay in Osaka
04.11. Stay in Osaka, evening flight from Osaka Kansai Airport to home.
Of course the itinerary can be changed depending on the price of the transportations, feel free to re-order it if needed.
thanks in advance: Zoltan
Hi Zoltan,
I recommend you to purchase these following passes:
Kansai Thru Pass 3 days — for your trip to Himeji, Nara and Kyoto (Apr 5-7)
Koyasan World Heritage ticket — for your trip to Mt Koya. See the details at the link below.
http://www.nankai.co.jp/global/english/traffic/ticket/koyasan/index.html
You can buy another 2 day Kansai Thuru pass for Apr 8 and 9. But it depends on how much you take a bus and subway at Kyoto. If you go one or two places and do not take a bus much, you may buy a single ticket. It depends on your itinerary. And also it depends on which part of Osaka you will stay. Because you may need to take Osaka subway before get on the train to Kyoto. That makes it some difference too. If you want to have a flexibility, just buy another 2 days pass. It is easier.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thank You so much. As I checked the Koyasan World Heritage ticket, the price would be around 3200 yen, including the single subway tickets from/to my accomodation. A return ticket to Kyoto for a single day would cost about 1500 yen, also including the subway single tickets.
What do You think about to spend the Kansai Thru Pass for Mount Koya-Himeji-Nara?
Or is there any limitation for the Kansai Thru Pass using it for Mount Koya?
thanks for Your reply, Zoltan
Hi Zoltan,
You can use Kansai Thru pass for the trip to Mt. Koya. If you use World Heritage ticket, you can get all bus services at Mt. Koya. And also you get some discount for admission at Mt. Koya. Kansai Thru Pass do not include some bus services at Mt. Koya. You may be able to get most of MUST-SEE spot there by bus services that is included in Kansai Thru Pass. But you may feel some stresses because it is a bit complicated.
But the bus fare is mostly less than 150 yen at Mt. Koya. If you don’t care about bus and discount, you can use Kansai Thru Pass too.
Takeshi / JP Rail