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
Hello Takeshi,
How are you? Hope you’re well. I’m planning for an 8-day trip to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara. This is my rough itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive KIX at night. Check in hotel near Shin-Osaka station.
Day 2: Travel to Kyoto (preferably shinkansen). Visit Fushimi-Inari shrine.
Day 3: Arashiyama bamboo forest, Kiyozumidera temple.
Day 4: Day trip to Nara. Then travel back to Shin-Osaka to check in.
Day 5: Universal Studio
Day 6: Namba, Shinsaibashi.
Day 7: Around Osaka & Rinku Outlet mall
Day 8: Leave Shin-Osaka to KIX in the morning.
I’m not sure if I should get the Kansai Thru Pas as the validity is only 3 days max. Which pass would you suggest I get as I’ll be taking the Tokaido shinkansen to/fro Kansai airport from Shin-Osaka station? I was thinking I would need 2 different passes for this trip.
Thank you very much if you have further tips for me 🙂
Hi Caroline,
Kansai one pass (ICOCA) and Haruka is recommended for KIX to/from Shin-Osaka.
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
There is no deals for Shin-Osaka to Kyoto by Shinkansen. You have to purchase a regular ticket which is about 1500 yen (non reserved seat + base fare). You cannot use Kansai one pass to take Shinkansen.
You may use Kansai one pass to take trains and subway in Kyoto. And you can add bus pass in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 4 and 7. You don’t need any passes for day 5 and 6. Please use Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning Takeshi,
Really appreciate your prompt reply. I’m doing all the planning alone then I got so confused till I found your website. Thank you for being so helpful 🙂
Just want to confirm this if I read it correctly : I would need Kansai One Pass (ICOCA) and Haruka, and I can only buy this Pass after my arrival at KIX?
Is ¥1500 (preloaded in the card) enough to cover places in Kyoto and Osaka?
Hi Caroline,
Kansai one pass includes 2,500 yen fund in the card. 1,500 yen is not enough so 2,500 yen fund is good for your trip anyway. Please see the link below to find more info and booking procedure:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Awesome! Thanks again for all the info & related links. Now I can’t wait to be there
No worries, Caroline.
c
hello Takeshi.
i will stay on Osaka, i have to two questions
1. I plan to visit these places in Kyoto(Toei Studio, gion, sagano bamboo forest , fushimi inari shrine). which is better to use, Kansai Wide Pass or Keihan One day Pass?
2. can i use Kansai Wide pass from Osaka to Hakone?
thank you.
Hi Rommel,
1. If you have other trip from Osaka, such as trip to Kobe and/or Nara, Kansai thru pass is the best choice. Because Keihan tourist pass does not cover Toei Studio and Sagano. You have to add the fare to take Hankyu Railway and Randen (Keifuku Railway). If you use Kansai thru pass, all trains are covered but this pass is available from 2 days. You cannot get the worth of this pass by only day trip to Kyoto. You must have at least one more trip to outside Osaka.
Kansai wide area pass is way too much.
2. Hakone is way far from Kansai wide area pass coverage area. You have to pay a regular fare. If you have round trip between Osaka and Hakone, you may think about using JR Pass. But one way trip is not enough to use it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi, thank you for your reply. i thought of Kansai Wide pass because we stay in Osaka for 6 days.
day 1 – universal studio
day 2 – osaka tour
day 3 – kyoto tour
day 4 – nara / kobe
day 5 – okayama
still ok to use wide pass for kyoto or better to use keihan pass for Kyoto?
Hi Rommel,
As long as you visit Okayama, Kansai Wide Area Pass is your choice. You can use it for visiting Kyoto. But you have to pay a fare for taking bus to get Gion. You cannot get there by JR trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi,
our total stay in Japan will be 8 days. will be staying in Osaka but planning to visit Fuji and Gala Yuzawa. better to get JR Rail Pass right?
hi Takeshi,
1. Kansai Wide Area Pass can be used for Toei Studio Visit?
2. our total stay in Japan will be 8 days. will stay in Osaka apartment but planning to visit Fuji and Gala Yuzawa. better to get JR Rail Pass right?
Hi Rommel,
JR pass is better choice. You don’t need Kansai wide area pass.
You can use JR pass to access to Toei Studio. You can take JR trains by JR pass and JR Uzumasa station is closed to there.
http://www.toei-eigamura.com/en/directions.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu Takeshi-san
Doitashimate, Rommel san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My Trip is from 6th to 14th Oct 2018. I will arrived at Kansai Airport on 6th Oct at 1800hrs. I plan to cover Kyoto, Tokyo, Hakone (Mt Fuji), Nara, Osaka. I plan to get the 7 days All Japan JR Pass for the first 7 days. Then for the balance 2 days, i would like to get a pass for Osaka area. May i know which pass do you recommend?
My brief itinerary is as follows:
6th Oct: Arrived at 1800hrs. Stay 1 night at hotel near Shin-Osaka station.
7th Oct: Travel to Kyoto for 1 day sight seeing (mainly Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple (if have extra time). Then back to Osaka and take a Sunrise Izumo Night Sleeper train to Tokyo.
8th Oct: Arrive Tokyo, check-in Hotel then proceed to Hakone (Mt Fuji) and Gotemba Outlet Mall.
9th Oct: Disney Sea
10th Oct: Roam around Tokyo City (Asakusa temple, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, etc.) Then take a Sunrise Izumo Night Sleeper train to Hijimei Station and change train to Osaka.
11th Oct: Arrived in Osaka. After check in hotel (Namba area), proceed to Nara for half day sightseeing. Then go to Instant Noodle Muesum. In the evening shop around Namba area near hotel.
12th & 13 Oct: Sightseeing in Osaka (no planning yet)
14th Oct: Visit Rinku Outlet mall before going to Airport. 1535hrs flight from Kansai Airport back to Singapore.
Thank you and appreciate your kind advice and recommendation. I have a big headache planning a trip to Osaka and Tokyo area. I did Hokkaido self drive 2 years ago which is much easier.
Dear Takeshi-san,
My friend and I have booked a free and easy trip to Osaka and return to Singapore via Tokyo. The trip is from 21 Nov 2018 (arrived at Kansai Airport 12.40pm) and leaving Tokyo on 3 December at 7.30pm from Haneda Airport.
Below is the draft itinerary. Would appreciate if you could review and advise if we have allocated too many days in Osaka and Kyoto. As shopping is not our priority, we are prepared to reduce the number of days in Osaka to 2 nights and Kyoto as well.
Would we be able to travel to Kawaguchiko after the Tateyama Kurobe Japan Alpine Route and would we be able to reach Kawaguchiko by 30 Nov? Is there a night train where we can take to Kawaguchi on 29 Nov so we could arrive at Kawaguchiko on 30 Nov morning?
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Day Date Details
1 21 Nov Osaka. Arrived at Kansai Airport at 12.40pm
Check-in Nerarel Hostel Namba
2 22 Nov Osaka – start using the 2-day Amazing Osaka Pass
3 23Nov Osaka
4 24 Nov Leave Osaka & Travel to Kyoto.
Check-in Tanaka Gokurakudo Guest House
5 25 Nov Kyoto
6 26 Nov Kyoto
7 27 Nov Leave Kyoto & travel to Takayama. Check-in Takayama Ouan
8 28 Nov Tour Takayama, day trip to Shirakawago, return to Takayama
9 29 Nov Leave Takayama to Toyama. Go for Tateyama Kurobe Japan Alpine Route & travel to Kawaguchiko
10 30 Nov Kawaguchiko – check-in to Rakuyu Onsen hotel
11 1 Dec Checkout Rakuyu Onsen hotel & travel to Tokyo
12 2 Dec Tokyo
13 3 Dec Tokyo
Hi Soo Lee Teng san,
I do not recommend to go to Kawaguchiko after Alpine route. Especially you will start your trip from Takayama. There is no express trains running in the morning from Takayama to Toyama. You have to take a local train from Takayama to Toyama which is more than 2 hours trip. And also, actually this segment is closed now and it might not be fixed when you travel. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
As you saw, there is a substitute bus from Takayama to Inotani. But you have to take a local train from Inotani to Toyama. It takes another one hour.
And then you will start a trip to Alpine route. There is no overnight train options to Kawaguchiko. When you go to Kawaguchiko after alpine route, you have to get Tokyo first. You should stay in Tokyo before going to Kawaguchiko if you keep this itinerary.
At the end, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is open until the end of November. But Alpine route in November is completely winter condition. The scenery is not autumn. There will be lots of snow. When the weather is severe, this route may be closed.
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/about/climate.html
Please think about these conditions before you fix your trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your prompt reply, Takeshi-san. In that case, I will travel from Takayama to Tokyo via Nagoya. Is this the best and fastest route?
We plan to get the JR Pass from Singapore. Does the pass cover cost of seats as I notice that there are charges for seats (reserved as well as unreserved) especially on Shinkansen?
When I sourced for the routes from Osaka-Namba to Kyoto, I noticed that there is no direct route via Shinkansen and all routes require transit. Is that correct?
Would you be able to provide guidance on the bus timing from Takayama station to Shirakawago?
Thanks.
Hi Soo Lee Teng san,
You can take Takayama-Nagoya-Tokyo route. This segment is closed too now. But it will be open in mid August. It will be no problem when you travel.
JR pass covers reserved seat fee. You can book a seat when you exchange the pass after arrival in Japan. You can take non reserved seat if you like.
Please see the link below to find the train network in Osaka and Kyoto.
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
Please see the link below to find the info about Shirakawago.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
I need some information on the HANKYU TOURIST PASS, but couldn’t find it anywhere or on the official site, If I want to purchase the one day pass, do you have to purchase it and use on the same day, or can you purchase it a day before and use on the next day, I will be going to Minoo Park, Nifred, then to Osaka Aquarium on the same day starting from about 0630-0700 in the morning, so purchase on the same day is not possible as the tourist center opens at 0800.
Am I correct to presume the pass should cover the full cost for the destination I will be visiting.
Thanks
Hi kms,
You can choose the day of usage when you purchase a pass.
Actually Hankyu tourist pass does not cover all places where you will visit. You have to take subway to get Osaka Aquarium from Umeda. I believe you meant Nifrel. You also need to take monorail from Minami-Ibaragi. The pass is still cheaper than regular fare. But please remember that you need to add the fare to take subway and monorail. Those are not covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the reply, I understand that additional charge is needed for non Hankyu train, but the one day pass should and surpass the cost of all the hankyu trip if paid individually, if I’m correct.
You’re correct, kms.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks again
No worries, kms.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Our itinerary are as the followings:
1) Arrive at Kansai International Airport around 6pm
2) Stay over Tsuruhashi station area for two nights and intend to visit Namba/Shinsanbashi/Tsutenkaku/Dotonburi night market
3) Then move to Kyoto Nishikyogoku station area for three nights and intend to visit
– Day 3: Arashimaya
– Day 4: Kiyomizudera and Kamogawa river
– Day 5: Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nishiki market
4) Then Kobe (Hyogo) for two nights
– Day 6: Chinatown and earthquake remain
– Day 7: Mount Rokko? Mount Maya?
5) Stay near Kansai airport for 1 night
6) fly off
We do have two toddlers – 1.5 and 3.5yo
Do we need to pay for bus/subway for toddlers?
Can you please kindly advise the best travel pass option?
Thank you for your kind help
Hi Miffy,
First of all, it’s free of charge for your children.
For KIX to Tsuruhashi, you can use Nankai and subway deal, “Kanku Chikatoku”.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You can find the deal for sightseeing in Osaka in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
You may use Kansai one pass instead of using pass in Osaka and trip to Kiyomizudera.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use Kansai thru pass for Tsuruhashi-Arashiyama-Nishikyogoku, trip to Fushimi and Kyoto to Kobe.
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 Mt. Rokko, please see the link below:
https://www.rokkosan.com/en/pass/
Limousine bus is your choice from Kobe to KIX:
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KB
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thank you for your speedy reply! I’ll look into the details! What’s your thought about ICOCA? Any advice on internet connection?
Hi Miffy,
I recommended Kansai one pass. This is same as ICOCA but this is designed for overseas tourist and it offers discount at many attractions. Please see the link which I gave you in previous reply to get the details.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’ll be going to Kansai area end of May for 10 days.
I’ve pre-purchased Kansai WIDE Area Pass from Klook.com and my planned itinerary is as per below to use the 5-Day pass for Kansai WIDE Area pass.
Day 1 – Teradacho Stn / Tennoji Stn -> Okayama (spend 1 night)
Day 2 – Okayama -> Kurashiki -> Okayama -> Himeji (spend 1 night in Himeji)
Day 3 – Himeji -> Teradacho Stn / Tennoji Stn
Day 4 – Day trip to Kyoto / Kobe from Teradacho Stn / Tennoji Stn
Day 5 – Day trip to Nara from Teradacho Stn / Tennoji Stn
I’ll be staying in a Guesthouse near Teradacho Station in Osaka most of the time.
Can I know if I can use the Kansai WIDE Area pass on Osaka Loop subway to the main station such as Tennoji or I need to pay separately?
Is there any part in the trip itinerary above that Kansai WIDE Area pass do not cover?
Hi Jennifer san,
You may take Osaka loop line but subway is not covered. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/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. We will stay near the Osaka Uehonmachi station. We were told to take the Airport bus to and from the airport. Will 2-day Kansai Thru Pass and/or ICOCA benefit us given the following itinerary?
Day 1: Osaka: Kuromon Market, Dotonburi, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Umeda Sky building, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Day 2: Kyoto : Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Maruyama-koen Park, Nishi Market, Fushimi-Inari Taisha , Kembu Samurai Theater.
Day 3: Nara& Kyoto: Nara deer Park, Tenryu-ji temple, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Okochi Sanso Villa, Golden pavilion.
Day 4: Osaka Castle, Tamatsukuri Church, Abeno Haruka or Namba, possibly Kobe.
Thank you.
Hi Gigi,
You should visit Osaka castle on day 1 and use Osaka amazing pass.
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/
You may use Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3. If you are sure to visit Kobe on day 4, you may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2 to 4. Otherwise 2 days pass is okay and use local deal in Osaka. You can find the deal for Osaka in the link below:
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
Thank you for your assistance
No worries, Gigi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi mr takeshi
I would appreciate if you could recommend the best railway pass for my 4 days 3 nights Trip to osaka,kyoto and nara.
Day 1- from Kansai international airport – kyoto (overnight)
Day 2- fushimi inari, nara and osaka
Day 3- universal studio japan
Day 4- osaka city and depart
Hope you can assist as we want to minimize our budget.
Thank you.
Hi Syuhada,
Please follow my sample itinerary in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Just remove trip to Kobe from the sample and it’s same as your trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello takeshi,
We will be in japan late May. We are arriving at the Kansai airport and staying in Namba. Which rail pass do you suggest we use?
We are planning to visit Umeda, universal studios, Namba, naniwa Ward, Kyoto, shisaibashi and Kobe.
Can you please help?
Hi Melanie,
Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Please could you recommend the best travel pass for a 10 day visit to Japan this month?
We fly in to Osaka on Thursday, then travel immediately to Kyoto for 3 days of sightseeing, including areas such as Gion and Arashiyama. Our hotel is located in the north of the city. We then travel on Sunday to Kobe for a conference until Friday, but may have some time for local exploring. Unfortunately I am not sure how much we will be able to see there but it would great if we had some flexibility. On Friday we head back to Osaka for two days until our flight home on Sunday. We in to Kansai airport, and fly out from Itami.
I hope I have given you enough information. Our trip is short so we want to fit in as much as possible. I would really appreciate any advice you could give us!
Many thanks and kind regards,
Katie
Hi Katie,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka for the way to Kyoto. You may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. You may use it for taking train in Kyoto, Kyoto to Kobe, Kobe to Osaka.
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
In Kyoto, you may add bus pass. It’s only 500 yen for one day and you can get the worth by only 3 rides.
jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
If you arrive in Itami on arrival day, you may use bus to Kyoto and purchase Kansai one pass in Kyoto station.
https://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/
When you need to take train in Kyoto, use Kansai one pass.
In Kobe, you can use Kansai one pass as well if you have a time.
In Osaka, you can add other deal in the link below:
jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
You may take a bus to Itami from Osaka as well.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much, this is really helpful!
Best wishes,
Katie
No worries, Katie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com