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,
I will be travelling in Japan in Spring 2013 with the following itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka (Kansai) with a stay in Osaka or Kyoto
Day 2 – Osaka or Kyoto
Day 3 – Departure to Fukuoka from Osaka or Kyoto
Day 4 until 15 – Language class in Fukuoka with some free time in the evenings and on the weekend to travel around (Kyushu or anything else that could be reached within reasonable time – maybe Hiroshima, etc)
Day 16 – 21 – free week with no definite route yet
Day 22 – departure from Tokyo back home
Do you have some recommendations for train tickets or passes From Kansai (the first 2 days) and also for Kyushu area maybe? Also, I would definitely appreciat any good ideas for the third week, as I would still like to see some places before I go back home (it will be the cherry blossom season)
Thank you very much
Julia
Hi Julia,
Before I answer you questions, I would like to make sure two things.
1. Are you coming to Japan as short time visitor status or student?
If you will be Japan as student, you choice of pass will be limited.
2. Please let me know exact arrival/departure date.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
I will arrive in Osaka on 22 March and leave from Tokyo on 12 April.
I will come as a visitor – the 2 wekks language class in Fukuoka is just something I booked to improve my Japanese. I believe it is always easier to learn, when you are in the country itself 🙂
Hope this helps…
Julia
Hi Julia,
Now I understand your situation. My answers are the following:
Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka (Kansai) with a stay in Osaka or Kyoto
Day 2 – Osaka or Kyoto
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka one way discount ticket.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/icoca-haruka/
You can go either Kyoto or Osaka by ltd exp Haruka. And this ticket includes ICOCA e-money. You can use it for your excursion in Kyoto and Osaka.
Day 3 – Departure to Fukuoka from Osaka or Kyoto
There is no discounted ticket for this one way trip. If you want to save your budget, you can use overnight highway bus. There are several bus companies. But only this company has English site.
http://willerexpress.com/bus/pc/3/top/
Day 4 until 15 – Language class in Fukuoka with some free time in the evenings and on the weekend to travel around (Kyushu or anything else that could be reached within reasonable time – maybe Hiroshima, etc)
I think you can stay in Kyushu. There are lots of place where you can see, such as Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin, Beppu, Kagoshima. You can use Kyushu Rail Pass for just weekend trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kyushu-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-kyushu-for-oversea-visitors.html
You can get your money worth easily for using 2 days of 3 days pass. You don’t need to go outside of Kyushu. After 2 weeks stay in Kyushu, you can drop by Hiroshima or Miyajima.
Day 16 – 21 – free week with no definite route yet
Day 22 – departure from Tokyo back home
You can use 7 days pass for this 7 days. You can go anywhere in Japan for 7 days. As long as you need to go to Tokyo, only Japan Rail Pass cover all part of your trip.
If you want to see cherry blossom, you don’t need to go to norther part of Japan, like, Tohoku and Hokkaido. The season is usually late April to early May. I think it will be a little bit early to see it in these areas. You can see this year’s report in major Sakura spots throughout Japan at the following site:
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura12/
Apart from cherry blossom, I recommend you to go to Kanazawa, Takayama, Mt, Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi area), and Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Thank you so very much for your kind assistance.
Just a small additional question:
Would it possibly make more sense financially to get a Sanyo 8 days pass for days 3 to 11 instead of buying a single fare ticket from Osaka to Hakata and then from Hakata to Hiroshima? This way I could use it to go from Osaka on day 3, and the following weekend (days 9 and 10) use it to go to maybe Okayama, and return to Fukuoka through Hiroshima? And then maybe use a 5 days Nothern Kyushu pass for the evening tours around Fukuoka the days 11 until 15?
Not sure, if it makes sense, but just thought I ask 🙂
P.S. This question was probably more the Kyushu section, but I did not want to start a new thread
Thank you
Julia
Hi Julia,
That is a good idea to use Sanyo area pass 8 days. If you have one way trip from Shin-Osaka to Hakata and round trip between Hakata and Okayama, the pass is cheaper than single fare. But if you trip to just Hiroshima, total single fares will be almost same as 8 days pass price.
Regarding Northern Kyushu pass, it is a good idea too. As long as you have one long trip, like Kumamoto, Beppu or Nagasaki, round trip fare is almost 10,000 yen. it is already more than 5 days pass price. So it will be so easy to make your money worth in 5 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you again for all your help Takeshi
Julia
Hi Takeshi,
How are you ? I found your information very helpful for tourist like myself, especially 1st timer to visit Japan on a holiday. I have just booked my flight next year end March and hoping to catch the Sakura season (Cherry Blossom) in Osaka.
Looking at all the available passes, I am planning to visit the major tourist spot of Kansai area in 9 full days. My itinerary has yet to be confirmed, but I plan to stay in Shinosaka for whole 9 nights and do day trip travels within Kansai areas.
My plan would be :
– 2 days Kyoto (northen and southern)
– 1 day Nara
– 1 day Kobe & Himeji
– 2 days Osaka
– 2 days extra to visit outside of Kansai area (hope you can suggest some very nice place to visit especially during cherry blossom season)
– 1 day reserved for Osaka Universal Studio
Looking forward to your suggestion.
Thank you !
Hi Alvin,
Are you going to arrive in KIX? If so, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/icoca-haruka/
You can use ICOCA e-money for whatever you want, like JR trains, subways.
When you visit Kyoto and Osaka, there are only two choices, day pass or single ticket. But you cannot decide it at this moment. You need to make sure where you want to go. For example, when you go to Kyoto, where do you want to visit? Kinkakuji temple? Kiyomizu temple? Heian Jingu shrine? And then you can find how many times you will take subway or bus. After that you can find which one is cheaper, pass or single ticket.
But you might have ICOCA. Don’t forget to use it.
If you will take a train many many times, Kansai Thru Pass may be your choice. You can use it when you go to Kobe and Himeji.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
But when you go to Himeji, JR train is better choice than private lines.
In cherry blossom season, Yoshino is very popular.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4150.html
If you want to explorer in outside of Kansai, I recommend you Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
I really love Kinosaki and Kurashiki. If you will use this pass, you can use this pass for Kobe, Himeji and Nara too. The pass is valid for 4 consecutive days. So maybe you can use this pass, one day Nara trip, 1 days Kobe and Himeji trip, 1 day Kinosaki trip and 1 day Kurashiki trip. But this pass does not cover Yoshino.
Anyway, you have to make more detailed itinerary before you decide ticket/pass. Most of pass can be purchased in Japan. So you can decide it in last minutes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Finally my itinerary has completed ! Could you please advise me if I can buy Kansai WIDE Area Pass and Kansai Area Pass ? As I will be in Osaka for 9 days, and it would be perfect if I can buy both pass each.
Thank you so much for your information 🙂 I took all of your advise and looking forward my trip.
Can’t wait for my trip in 2 weeks time… Cherry Blossom season 🙂
Regards,
Alvin
By the way… here is how my itinerary looks like…
Day 1 – Okayama (岡山), Kurashiki (倉敷)
Day 2 – Himeji (姫路), Shin-Kobe, Arima Hot Springs
Day 3 – Nara (1/2 day), Kyoto (京都) (1/2 Day)
Day 4 – Kyoto (京都)
Day 5 – Kyoto (京都)
Day 6 – Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) – Overnight Ryokan style
Day 7 – Osaka
Day 8 – Rinku Premium Outlet
Day 9 – Universal Studio Osaka
Day 10 – Depart
I have booked all 9 nights at Shin-Osaka. I will only spend 1 night at Kinosaki Onsen. The rest will all be day trip. Based on the itinerary above… I am hoping to buy Kansai WIDE Area and Kansai Area Pass but not sure if I am eligible to buy both passes. If not, kindly advise…
Thank you so much…
Hi Alvin,
In my understanding, you can purchase both pass because I cannot find any restriction like that.
By the way, you have to use Kansai WIDE Area pass in 4 consecutive days. Why don’t you switch day 3 and day 6/7? Wide area pass cover both Kurashiki/Okayama and Kinosaki Onsen. Otherwise you have to pay extra for either Kurashiki/Okayama or Kinosaki.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Can you recommend the best passes for this itinerary?
Day 1: Kansai Airport to Kamitonda (visiting a friend)
Day 2: I won’t be using trains/buses at all.
Day 3: Kamitonda to Tottori
Day 4: Tottori to Okayama
Day 5: Naoshima
Day 6: Takamatsu
Day 7: Takamatsu to Osaka
Day 8: Osaka
Day 9: Osaka to Kansai Airport.
I wanted to buy a JR West Sanyo 8-day pass at first, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it..
Hi YZ,
Are going to Kamitonda in Wakayama (near Shirahama)? If so, use Kansai WIDE Area Pass for Day 1 to Day 3.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Actually you have only this choice.
When you go to Tottori, take Osaka-Kinosaki-Tottori route. The fastest route is Osaka-Kamigori-Tottori by ltd exp Super Hakuto. But this train is not covered by the pass. As long as take Kinosaki route, the pass cover your trip to Kinosaki. But you have to pay from Kinosaki to Tottori.
In other part of trip, single ticket is only your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your great information.
I would like to share my itinerary with you and appreciate your kind suggestions.
Day 1
-Arrived Kansai International Airport.
-Option A – Plan to use the airport bus to OCAT and once arrived OCAT, use taxi to go to hotel (Nikko Hotel).
Questions: –
a) Are there any direct buses to Nikko Hotel?
b) Which one is better, using Nankai Airport line to Namba and transfer from Namba to Shinsaibaishi station or Option A above? How much taxi fare from OCAT to Nikko Hotel?
c) Planning to buy Kansai Thru Pass (for Kyoto, Kobe, Nara) & Universal Studio ticket at the airport.
-After dropping luggage at hotel, will go around Osaka. Planning to buy Osaka 2 Days pass.
Questions: – a) Plan to go around Shinsaisaibashi, Namba Parks, Ame-Mura, Osaka Station, Den Den Town, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka Station City, Universal Studio, Dotonbori, and etc. Can I use Osaka 2 days pass for all these places? Is it worthwhile to buy this pass?
Day 2
-OSAKA (going to all the places as stated above using Osaka 2 days pass)
Day 3
– Universal Studio.
– Universal city walk.
Day 4
– Going to Kyoto using Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days pass – 5000 yen)
Questions: –
a) Can I use the Kansai thru Pass for the Raku Bus?
b) Does it mean we can only use the pass up to 5000 yen and cannot exceed the value?
c) Will be visiting all the tourist attractions. Kansai thru Pass covered most of the attractions?
Day 5
– Going to Kyoto using Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days pass – 5000 yen).
-Will dropped by Nara. Can I use Kansai Thru Pass for Nara?
Day 6
– Going to Kobe using Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days pass – 5000 yen).
Day 7
– Flight back.
Appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks.
Regards,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
My answers are the following:
Questions: –
a) Are there any direct buses to Nikko Hotel?
No.
b) Which one is better, using Nankai Airport line to Namba and transfer from Namba to Shinsaibaishi station or Option A above? How much taxi fare from OCAT to Nikko Hotel?
Nankai and subway is better because it is faster and no influence from traffic. I don’t have a taxi fare. So I cannot compare. But rail is faster anyway.
c) Planning to buy Kansai Thru Pass (for Kyoto, Kobe, Nara) & Universal Studio ticket at the airport.
Kansai Thru Pass may be too much for your trip. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
-After dropping luggage at hotel, will go around Osaka. Planning to buy Osaka 2 Days pass.
Questions: – a) Plan to go around Shinsaisaibashi, Namba Parks, Ame-Mura, Osaka Station, Den Den Town, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka Station City, Universal Studio, Dotonbori, and etc. Can I use Osaka 2 days pass for all these places? Is it worthwhile to buy this pass?
May be too much. Most of places can be accessed by walk from your hotel. And also USJ cannot be accessed by the pass.
Day 4
– Going to Kyoto using Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days pass – 5000 yen)
Questions: –
a) Can I use the Kansai thru Pass for the Raku Bus?
No, you cannot.
b) Does it mean we can only use the pass up to 5000 yen and cannot exceed the value?
No. It covers unlimited trip.
c) Will be visiting all the tourist attractions. Kansai thru Pass covered most of the attractions?
Mostly. But it is too many to visit for one day anyway.
Day 5
– Going to Kyoto using Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days pass – 5000 yen).
-Will dropped by Nara. Can I use Kansai Thru Pass for Nara?
Yes.
First of all, please see the above post about Kansai Thru Pass. I think Kansai Thru Pass is too much. But nobody can compare single fare and the pass before you have to make a detail itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there,
I have Japan Rail Pass. Which would be the best option (rail lines) to travel for these places :
1) from Yokohama to Kawaguchiko
2) Kawaguchiko to Nara
Thank you in advance for your information
Hi Michelle,
JR Chuo line from Tokyo to Otusuki and Fuji Kyuko railway fron Otsuki to Kawaguchiko are the best option. But JR Pass do not cover Fuji Kyuko. Even when you go to Nara from Kawaguchiko, the best route is via Tokyo. Go back to Tokyo and take Shinkansen to Kyoto and take local or rapid train to Nara. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your feedback!
I had listed Mino Park because of its waterfall and it is also a place to see the red autumn leaves.
Accommodation in Hiroshima is much more expensive than the one i am going to book in Osaka, hence I was thinking of making it a day trip (which unfortunately means i wont get to see the low tide view of the famous Miyajima gate). However, it would also save me from carrying my backpack everywhere (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1989762)
No problem, John.
Enjoy your trip.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
Thank you for a most informative website! I was very confused by the numerous forms of passes!
I had planned out my itinerary as follows (posted on http://www.jrpass.com/forum/topics/itinerary-check/posts/any-suitable-additions-changes-to-this)
My itinerary has been fleshed out more
27 Tue
Arrival in late evening
28 Wed
AM: Osaka Castle & Park
PM: Miyajima / Mount Misen (2 hr hike) / Itsukushima Shrine
29 Thu Kyoto (Northern)
Higashimaya District
1. Yasaka Shrine
2. Maruyama Park
3. Kodaiji Temple (Illumination 2012: 10/20 to 12/10, sunset to 21:30) and/or
4. Kiyomizudera ( Illumination 2012: 11/10 to 12/2, 18:30 to 21:30)
If time permits
* Eikando (start of Philosopher’s Path) * Ginkakuji (Silver Temple) is at the other end of Philosopher’s Path * Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) at another side of Northern Kyoto.”
30 Fri Kyoto (Southern)
Fushimi Inari Shrine / Thousand Torri Gates / 2 hour hike
Tofukuji Temple Free / Tsutenkyo Bridge, Gardens
Byodoin (* Phoenix Hall under renovation, do not visit)
Hence go to Nara after Tofukuji?
Kofukuji Temple ( Central Golden Hall closed) / Sarusawa Pond / Pagoda / Deer park.
Todaiji
Yoshikien Garden
Isuien Garden ( closed on Tues)
Kasuga Taisha
1 Sat Mino Park & Osaka
Mino Park / Mino Waterfall / Ryuanji Temple
Osaka Castle & Park if not done.
Shinsaibashi
Dotonbori
2 Sun Osaka
Visit Minami (Namba)
– Hozenji Yokocho Temple / Alley – Samba Parks – Amerikamura – Den Den Town (Similar to Akihabara / Otaku)
3 Mon Osaka “Umeda” / Leave for Airport by 3.
Osaka Station City
Umeda Sky Building
HEP (Hankyu Entertainment Park)
Kitashinchi
After feedback on that website, I was debating if I should drop Miyajima from my itinerary and cover that when I next visit Japan (Hiroshima region). This trip was hastily booked, so I figured I would spend more time in Japan another time and utilise a JR 7 day pass to roam Japan. (Suggestion by the helpful person on that side suggested I could consider a Haruka+ICOCA+ topup or even a Surutto Kansai Pass on 30th Nov).
I would really value your opinion on my planned itinerary!
Thank you very much in advance 🙂
Hi John,
I don’t think you give up Miyajima. Do you really want to Mino Park? If you can give up Mino, you can combine Dec 1 and Dec 2. Especially Shinsaibashi, Doutonbori and Namba are very close each other. So you can save one day and I recommend you to stay in Hiroshima on Nov 28.
And if you use Haruka on arrival day, you can use Sanyo area pass for the trip to Hiroshima. This pass is cheaper than single ticket for Kansai-Shin Osaka-Hiroshima-Miyajima and Miyajima-Shin Osaka. This pass does not cover the section between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. But it is still cheaper.
So which one do you want to go, Mino or Miyajima. I recommend you to go to Miyajima. You can go to Mino whenever you come to Osaka.
At the last, Surutto Kansai is too much for your trip. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi. this is my rough itinerary. which ticket would you suggest i buy? i’ll be travelling in a group 8adults, 1 kid2yr+ and 1infant. thanks ya
Day1
Osaka international airport airport to Kyoto
rest
Overnight Kyoto
Day2 Kyoto (Eastern Kyoto)
Nishiki market
Handy Craft Center
Higashiyama Street-Gion
Ginkakuji-Philosopher’s path
Overnight Kyoto
Day3 Kyoto (Northern/Western)
Kinkaku-ji 8.30am-5pm 400yen
Arashiyama Bridge
Fushimi Inari Free
Overnight Kyoto
Day4 Kyoto (Central Kyoto)
Nijo-jo Castle 600 yen
Imperial Palace (pending ticket on 1st day)
Kyoto Station
Higashi/Nishi Temple (close to Kyoto station) Free
Overnight Kyoto
Day5
Nara
Overnight Hiroshima
Day6
Hiroshima
Overnight Osaka
Day7
Overnight Osaka
Day8
Flight back
Hi ana,
1. ICOCA and Haruka one way type for Day 1 and cover some part of your trip in Kyoto.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/icoca-haruka/
ICOCA e-money can be used for subway, city bus and train to Osaka. (You need pay the basic fare to Shin-Osaka on Day 5)
2. Kyoto city pass as you need for Day 2-4.
3. Sanyo area pass 4 days fro Day 5-8.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/sanyo.html
It is slightly cheaper than single ticket from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Osaka and Osaka to Kansai by limited express Haruka. And if you want to go to Miyajima when you stay in Hiroshima, it will be covered by this pass. And local train in Osaka is covered too.
But you need to pay to Shin-Osaka from Nara. This pass does not cover this section.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
i will be staying in Osaka for five days followed by five days in kyoto what pass would you reccomend ?
1)kansai airport to Osaka
2)Osaka to kyoto
3)kyoto to kansai airport
Hi Jiang,
I think JR West Kansai Area Pass or ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket is the best choice for you. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi,
thank you for the recommendation, would the Jr west kansai area pass & icoca and haruka round trip ticket be able to cover the Osaka municipal subways and kyoto municipal subways and also keifuku railway? as i will be visiting arashiyama
regards,
Jiang
Hi Jiang,
Please read the link I gave you carefully.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
This pass cover only JR lines. But if you use ICOCA and Haruka, you can use ICOCA for subways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I will be on Kyoto on nov 13 till nov 15 and go to Osaka after that. Should I buy surutto kansai pass or just buy Tokyo sightseeing card or single ticket ? My itinerary as bellow :
Nov 13 Kyoto area exploring imperial palace, temples (nanjenji, kinkakuji etc)
Nov 14 Nara, Koyasan (is it possible in one day?)
Nov 15 Kyoto area (fushimi inari, Nishiki market). then go to Osaka and Kobe on the same day.
Thanks in advance.
Agus
Hi Agus,
First of all, your itinerary is too tight. It is almost impossible to go to Mt. Koya and Nara in one day. And also it is very tight to go to Osaka and Kobe after you see Fushimi and Nishiki Market.
If you complete your itinerary, Kansai Thru Pass is a good choice. But if you give up Mt. Koya, single ticket/Kyoto city pass may be better choice.
Please consider what you want to see in Nara, Mt. Koya, Osaka and Kobe. And then you can find the best choice for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail