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
Hi Takeshi-san!
I will be visiting Japan in late September, and will be travelling Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.
Here is how my itinerary looks like now:
Day 1: Nagoya
Day 2: Takayama-Shirakawago
Day 3-5: Kyoto
– will take bus from Takayama to Kyoto at 4000 yen
– Will arrive in noon, and buy 3 day bus card for 1500 yen
Day 6-8: Osaka
– train from Kyoto to Osaka at 540 yen
– will spend 0.5-1 day at Koyasan, using Koyasan Heritage ticket at 2780 yen
– will buy 2 day Osaka pass at 1600 yen
Day 9: Nagoya
– want to book in advance Hikari Kodama Jiusekiyo Hayatoku Kippu, for 4250 yen
Day 10: Fly home
Based on my calculations, For my travels in Kyoto & Osaka, and from Kyoto to Osaka, it will cost a total of 5920 yen. Should I get a 5-day Kansai Thru Pass + 1-day Kyoto bus card, it will cost a total of 9300 yen.
I have a couple of questions and would greatly appreciate your advice:
(1) It seems that it’s cheaper for me now to just buy my tickets separate than to get a pass. I just want to check if my calculations are correct and if I’ve missed any important fares out!
(2) Can you advise if I can get the Hikari Kodama Jiusekiyo Hayatoku Kippu ticket from Nagoya JR station?
Thank you very much and looking forward to your comments/suggestions! 🙂
-caishan
Hi CaiShan,
I think your calculations are correct. But I just want to mention about Osaka Pass. Where are you going to in Osaka. Basic fare for subway is starting at 200 yen.
ex)Namba-Shinsaibashi 200 yen, Namba-Umeda 230 yen
You might need to purchase only 1 day pass or you don’t even need to buy it. Make sure how much you will get on subway.
Regarding Hikari Kodama Jiyuuseki kippu, you have to buy it at Nagoya station by Day 2. One week prior to departure date is the last day when you can purchase.
ex) If you take Hikari on Wednesday, you have to buy it by Wednesday in previous week.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san!
Thanks for confirming my calculations 🙂
In Osaka, there isn’t a lot of places I’m going, mainly Shinsaibashi suji (where I intend to stay), Minami-namba, Shinsekai, and the Osaka Aquarium is a must for me too!
1 day will probably be spent at Koyasan.
That being said, do you think I’d need the eco-pass?
Thank you!
-caishan
Hi CaiShan,
You know that you can even walk between Namba and Shinsaibashi. There is a big shopping arcade. So only when you go to Kaiyukan (aquarium), you really need to take subway. But the fare is only 270 yen one way. It depends on your plan. If you go some more places, you should buy one day pass. Otherwise single ticket is fine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi CaiShan,
To go to Shirakawago from Nagoya, bus is faster and cheaper than JR. If you take the bus, Meitetsu Bus center (which is just next to Nagoya station) 9:00 and arrive Shikawago 11:45 and costs 3500 yen.
http://www.gifubus.co.jp/highway/express/ngo_hati.html
I can only find Japanese webpage.
The bus departs from Meitetsu bus center 3rd floor, Bus stop No. 7
Hi Tak!
Thanks for the information! I am actually thinking of taking the hida wide view train because i’ve heard the view along the journey is amazing. Also i’d like to make a trip to takayama first drop off my backpack at the hostel before heading to shira. Is there a bus instead to taka, and allows for great scenery along the way?
Thanks!!
-caishan
Hi Caishan,
I think Wide View Hida is a good choice if you are looking for good view. I have taken before and I enjoyed it. I think Takeshi san has wrote a blog on it too.
Bus is also available from Nagoya to Takayama. I have driven the part of this highway to Takayama before. I think the view from highway is obstructed by the number of tunnels and sound proof walls. Actually, both buses to Takayama and Shirakawago use the same highway for the most part. When I drove the ordinary road along the JR, the view was excellent.
I’ve given you the information on bus, because many people prefer faster and cheaper way. However, if you are looking for good view and quality travel, I think you’ve made the right choice. In fact I prefer wide view hida than bus if I can afford it.
Dear Takeshiさん、
Hello, my name is Nan. I’ll going to Japan, Osaka on 10/3. And my 1st day when I arrive have plan going to Wakayama to Kishi station visiting Tamachan.
After that I want go to Namba (check in) and then going to Kaiyukan.
My question is;
I’ve plan to buy Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Ticket (NANKAI version) http://www.nankai.co.jp/global/english/traffic/ticket/surutto/index.ht…
Means 2,750円 said unlimited rides on the subways, new trams,buses and all trains operated by the Nankai Electric Railway for a whole day. Can I use from Wakayamashi to Namba?? (that line is Nankai line).
Because I’m afraid even for all Nankai lines but only cover at Osaka, since Wakayamashi at Wakayama prefecture. 🙂
I just want to save my expense :3
Please give me advice, thank you.
Regards,
Nan.
Hi Nan,
It covers all Nankai line. So you can access to Wakayama with no extra charge. All you have to pay is the fare for Wakayama Railway to go to Kishi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am keen to get the 3 day kansai thru pass. I like to know, 3 days means 3 consecutive days or can be used on 3 seperate days?
Thank you very much!
Hi Sandy,
It is 3 consecutive days and is based on calender days (midnight to midnight).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will arrive KIX on Saturday 29 September at 8pm from Australia. I have to arrive in Kanazawa Train Station by 12noon on Sunday 30 September so I can meet my host family in the afternoon.
Kindly advise how I can get to Kanazawa Train Station.
Hi Moses,
Please read the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
You need to stay in Osaka on arrival day. And take the train in next morning.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
i will travel to tokyo and i’m planning to be 1 night in mt fuji, 2 nights in osaka then 2 night in niigata and back to tokyo, please suggest multi travel or round trip ticket for that, thank you
Hi agung,
Why don’t you use Japan Rail Pass 7 days. This is the cheaper and most convenient choice for you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will be in Kyoto and Osaka by the end of September. I will be in Kyoto for 3 nights and Osaka 2 nights. I will visit Nara while I am in Kyoto.
I am thinking to buy JR west rail pass after we arrive in Kansai on the first day but after I read your information ‘How to Choose Discount Railway Pass,’ I will buy the pass on the second day I stay in Kyoto. You said that most places in Kyoto only can be reach by buss. What do you suggest?
Hi Myra,
If you arrive in Kansai airport and transfer to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka by limited express Haruka, JR West Kansai Pass 1 day is cheaper than single fare.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
And also ICOCA and Haruka combination ticket is not a bad choice too.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/icoca-haruka/
When you stay in Kyoto, using JR West Kansai pass is not a good idea. As you’ve read, Kyoto city pass is better choice to explore in city of Kyoto. And if you use a bus and train many times, you may consider to use Kansai Thru Pass 2 days, one day for Kyoto and another day for Nara from Kyoto. One way fare to Nara from Kyoto by JR or Kintetsu is about 700 yen. Kyoto day pass is 1200 yen. Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is 3800 yen. So it depends on how much bus you will take in Nara. I guess single fare is slightly cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass. But it is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
What rail passes and subway passes would be best for my trip?
Day 1: Kansai airport – Osaka
Day 2,3,4: Osaka
Day 5 Osaka to Hiroshima
Day 6.7: Hiroshima
Day 7: Hiroshima to Kyoto
Day 8,9,10: Kyoto and Nara
Day 11: Kyoto to Kansai Airport
THANK YOU
Hi John,
Day 1: Kansai airport – Osaka
If you use JR line express Haruka to get Shin Osaka, JR West Kansai area pass or ICOCA and Haruka.
Day 2,3,4: Osaka
If you visit more than 3 spots a day, use Osaka day pass. Otherwise single ticket is fine.
Day 5 Osaka to Hiroshima
Day 6.7: Hiroshima
Day 7: Hiroshima to Kyoto
There is no deals for the above days.
Day 8,9,10: Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto day pass as you need. If you purchase ICOCA and Haruka, you can use e-money to take JR train to Nara.
Day 11: Kyoto to Kansai Airport
JR West Kansai Pass 1 day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
The following is my itinerary for a 9D8N trip to Kansai Area. Could you help to recommend the passes that I should get.
Day 1: Kansai airport – Nara
Day 2: Nara – Kyoto
Day 3: & 4: travel around Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto – Kinosaki Onsen
Day 6: Kinosaki Onsen – Osaka
Day 7: Day Trip to Kobe
Day 8: Osaka – Rinku Town outlet
Day 9: Kansai Airport
Was considering getting a 2 Day Kansai Area Pass for Day 1 & 2. A 2 Day kyoto sightseeing pass and a 4 Day Kansai Wide Area Pass for Day 5 – Day 8. Can you help to comment on the above plan. Is it possible to purchase 2 different JRail passes on the same trip? Thanks.
Hi Rachel,
I checked your itinerary and your planning for using pass. It is perfect!
It is no problem to purchase JR West Kansai pass and Kansai Wide Area pass at same time. If you take Haruka to KIX on Day 9 from Shin-Osaka, you can purchase one more Kansai Pass 1 day. But if you stay in Nanba area, Nankai railway or limousine bus is better way to get KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshita,
Thanks for the above advice and encouragement. I was reading about the ICOCA and Haruka pass and was wondering would this be a better deal than kansai area 2day pass.
The pass can cover my day 1 trip from kansai to Nara (haruka) and my day 2 trip from Nara to Kyoto (e money on JR line). Also my return trip on day 9 from shinsaibashi to kansai.
While the kansai area 2 day can only cover my day 1 and 2. This is not very profitable as the trip to Kyoto from Nara is only ¥690 and the pass doesn’t allow me to access most of the Kyoto sights. In addition, I need to purchase another one way ticket on the last day.
Lastly could you advise if the kansai thru pass allows us to take the city buses and subways in Kyoto?
Thanks,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Kansai thru pass cover Kyoto subway and city bus.
PS My name is not Takeshita. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Sorry was typing the reply half asleep. By the way, there’ll be some change in plans. I intend to travel to Pacifico yokohama to watch a concert on day 2 provided I get the tickets and make a round trip back.
So, is it more whorthwhile to purchase a JR 7day pass now (day 1 – day 8) and combine with a ICOCA and Haruka pass round trip? Does the JR pass covers all my kinosaki trips and shinkasen trips?
Is it true that only hikari Shinkasen is cover by the JR pass which means by the time I finish my concert, I have no trains back to Kyoto. Therefore, I should just stay one night in Yokohama and head back to kyoto on day 3?
Thanks for answering this lengthy reply.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
JR Pass 7 days cover all your trip, such as Kyoto, Yokohama and Kinosaki-Onsen. So this pass is most suitable for your itinerary.
As you mentioned, JR Pass do not cover Nozomi that is the fastest train on Shinkansen. So you need to take Hikari that is second fastest. And you have to stay if you cannot catch the last Hikari.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I will be goin to Japan on Sept. 2-7. On Sept 3-4 I will be going to Kyoto and on the 6th I will be visiting Mt. Fuji. Do you think its cheaper if I just get a JRpass? Its my first time to go to Japan and I really want to ride the “bullet train”. What train should I take if Im going to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo?? Tour packages are very expensive.. Thank You Mr. Takeshi
Hi Jackie,
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train), Japan Rail Pass may be cheaper than single fare. It depends on how much trains do you take more than round trip. (local train in Tokyo, airport access to Kansai, Haneda, Narita) Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
Regarding trip to Mt. Fuji, you can use your pass for the part of the trip to Mt. Fuji. See the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I would really appreciate if you could help advice and give me suggestion on transportation for my trip on 31st August 2012.
Day 1 – Arrive at Osaka Kansai Airport > go straight to Kyoto
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto > Osaka > Kobe (stay 1 night)
Day 5 – Kobe check out > Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka
Day 9 – Osaka
Day 10 – Osaka
Day 11 – Leaving from Osaka Kansai Airport
Thanks so much
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline,
I recommend you to use JR West Kansai pass or ICOCA & Haruka for transfer from KIX to Kyoto. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
If you use only Haruka, purchase JR West Kansai pass. If you use JR local trains when you stay, you can take ICOCA and Haruka.
You can purchase Kyoto city pass and Osaka one day unlimited pass as you need.
Single ticket is the best option for transfer between Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. You can use ICOCA for this transfer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
How about for Day 4, is it a better option to travel from Kyoto directly to Kobe instead of going to Osaka first then Kobe? Which is more convenient and cheaper to travel? Using JR West Kansai Pass as well?
Hi Jacqcueline,
I recommend you to go to Kobe first. Osaka is easier to access to KIX. So keep Osaka in the last part of your trip.
And don’t use Kansai pass for just one day transfer to Kobe from Kyoto. Single fare is cheaper.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail