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
I am just blown away by all the down-to-earth information you are able to share with everyone. It’s so helpful. For me, I think I’m starting to overload on info and am gettting a bit confused. I am told that the JR Pass is good throughout Japan, but don’t understand why there’s a JPR East pass. Why do I have to buy that if the JP Rail takes me ALMOST anywhere?
I have a rough itinerary as well, if I could share if that would help? I am staying for 3 weeks so these are some destined places to go (and perhaps a few more if I can squeeze them in). I will be purchasing a JP Rail pass and I’m hoping it will work to get to: Nagoya, Nara, Nikko, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Koyosan, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji. I think Mt. Fuji will be most challening because it appears JP Rail does not go straight there??
I look forward to anything you may be able to help with. Thank you for making this trip a little easier to navigate!
Kirsten
Hi Kirsten,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
I think Japan Rail Pass is the best and only choice for you. There is no pass other than Japan Rail Pass that cover Nagoya, Nikko, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo. And also you will travel for 3 weeks. There is no deals for 3 weeks other than Japan Rail Pass either.
However 3 weeks pass may be more expensive than single ticket. If you purchase round ticket to Hiroshima from Tokyo, it costs around 40000 yen. JR fare rule is so complicated. But you can stopover as many as you like on the way to Hiroshima from Tokyo and on the way back as well. This round trip ticket will be valid for 10 days, roughly. I did not calculate, but I think it will be more, like 12 days. So if you can stopover Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka (to go to Koysaan), this single ticket will work.
It depends on your itinerary. But single ticket will be your choice too. If you are tired to think about fare, simply choose JR Pass. If you squeeze places other than Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Nikko in 14 days. you can use 14 days pass. Use other deals below for Nikko and Mt. Fuji.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/w_heritage_pass.html
If you still ave questions, please let me know.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
It’s me again. Currently I’m using Hyperdia website to obtain the best routes to travel between different cities, but I’m a little confused. So hopefully you can help me out.
I definitely don’t want to take Shinkansen for short trips because it’s very expensive. Between limited express trains and express trains, which do you propose? Is the difference between these two just the reserved seats only? I compare some routes and it seems like there is not a lot of price difference if you don’t reserve the seats. Under what situation would you recommend to reserve seats? Other than it is a very long/peak hour journey? I suppose sometimes there will be available non-reserved seats on limited express trains too?
Please kindly advice the best routes (shortest & cost efficient) for the below departure and destination stations:
1) Kansai Airport to Namba (Subway) & return
2) Namba (Subway) to Gose & return
3) Namba (Subway) to Kintetsu Nara Station & return
4) Namba (Subway) to Asuka & return
5) Namba (Subway) to Marutamachi OR Imadegawa
6) Namba (Subway) to Karasuma-Oike Subway
7) Namba (Subway) to Kyoto
8) Namba (Subway) to Saga-Arashiyama
9) Namba (Subway) to Motomachi
10) Namba (Subway) to JR Kobe OR Harborland Subway
11) Namba (Subway) to Wakayama
12) Namba (Subway) to Kainan
13) Namba (Subway) to USJ
14) Namba (Subway) to Osakajokoen
15) Namba (Subway) to Ebisucho or Dobutsuenmae
16) Namba (Subway) to Osakako
Thank you.
Hi Miyako,
I think one of the reason why you are confused is station names. Some stations have different names at same location.
ex) Gose, Kintetsu-gose
Namba (Nankai), Namba (subway), Osaka-Namba
Tennoji, Osaka-Abenobashi
There stations are located at almost same place. You can transfer the trains on foot. So I recommend you to see the map below:
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
This map shows you only private lines and subways that are covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Mostly private lines are cheaper than JR lines. Subways are most expensive. But in some case, you have no choice to use other than subways.
I put some route for your questions. But there are so many choices. This is just sample.
1) Kansai Airport to Namba (Subway) & return
Nankai
2) Namba (Subway) to Gose & return
Osaka Subway and Kintetsu or JR (from JR Namba)
3) Namba (Subway) to Kintetsu Nara Station & return
Kintetsu
4) Namba (Subway) to Asuka & return
Osaka SUbway, Kintetsu
5) Namba (Subway) to Marutamachi OR Imadegawa
Osaka Subway, Hankyu, Kyoto subway
6) Namba (Subway) to Karasuma-Oike Subway
Osaka Subway, Hankyu, Kyoto subway
7) Namba (Subway) to Kyoto
Osaka subway, JR
8) Namba (Subway) to Saga-Arashiyama
Osaka subway, Hankyu
9) Namba (Subway) to Motomachi
Hanshin (from Osaka-Namaba)
10) Namba (Subway) to JR Kobe OR Harborland Subway
Hanshin (from Osaka-Namba)
11) Namba (Subway) to Wakayama
Nankai
12) Namba (Subway) to Kainan
JR (from JR Namba)
13) Namba (Subway) to USJ
Osaka Subway, JR
14) Namba (Subway) to Osakajokoen
Osaka subway
15) Namba (Subway) to Ebisucho or Dobutsuenmae
Osaka subway
16) Namba (Subway) to Osakako
Osaka Subway
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your reply.
Are “Ltd Exp Super Haruko 2” and other Ltd Exp trains under JR company?
I’m trying to ascertain if it will be worthwhile to buy the Kansai Pass or use ICOCA.
Thank you.
Hi Miyako san,
I think it’s Super Hakuto. It’s technically not JR train. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/the-fastest-train-access-to-tottori-from-osaka-and-kyoto-limited-express-super-hakuto.html
As long as you travel by JR trains among Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Nara and Wakayama, you don’t need to take Limited Experss. Rapid train is okay. Travel time is not much different.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your reply.
May I know what is the difference between rail trains and subways?
As for planning of train routes, is Hyperdia website the only way to go about doing it? I just have to select the cheapest and shortest time journey from the results, am I right to say that?
Thank you.
Hi Miyako,
Both are trains. Basically subway go underground. But some trains go underground too. It’s not much different.
You can try google map. It can tell you the route too. It’s like below.
http://goo.gl/maps/seuz3
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi! i am travelling to Osaka on April 28 to May 4. We arrive evening on April 28, and leave early morning of May 4 – so we really only have April 29 to May 3 to go around (5 days).
What pass would you recommend? We plan to do 1 day trip to Kyoto, 1 day trip to Nara, and 1 day trip to Universal.
I was thinking of the Kansai Pass but that’s only good for 3 days?
Also – take note I may have a pick up service from Airport to Hotel (as I am travelling with Children). We are staying in Namba area.
Thanks for your help!
Candy
Hi Candy,
Kansai Thru Pass may be the best option. But if you use this pass for only round trip to Nara, Kyoto and USJ from Namba, it is not enough. Single fare will be cheaper. USJ can be accessed by JR train that is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. So 2 days pass may be okay. But it depends on how much trips you will make in Kyoto and Nara. Please see the comparison between fare and pass at the following link:
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 Takeshi! thanks so much for your inputs.
change in plans – we will also use train from Kansai to Namba district. will that make kintetsu more worth it?
thanks
Hi Candy,
Nankai train is the best option from KIX to Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello!
I have read your posts on the various passes available for travelling in Kansai Region. This is my first trip to Kansai. I did some calculations and comparisons but I am still confused on whether which pass is more applicable for my travel plans. I appreciate if I can get some advice from you.
Day 1: Reach Osaka from KIX( intending to take Limousine Bus since hotel is near the dropoff place)
Day 2: Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen
Day 3: Kinosaki Onsen to Kyoto
Day 3-5: Kyoto Travel : Intend to get Kyoto sightseeing 2day pass card for easy travelling on subway and buses. The remaining day most likely will use ICOCA IC card for trips to Arashimaya.
Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka
Day 6-10: Osaka as base. Staying near Umeda(Hankyu).Travelling to Universal studios, Nara, Kobe.
Looking at the flow of my travel plans, I was initially tempted to get the JR Wide Area Pass since it covers trip to Kinosaki Onsen. But, correct me if I’m wrong, this pass only applies to 4 consecutive days right? Calculating the single fares to Kinosaki from Osaka, and then from Kinosaki to Kyoto doesnt add up to 7000yen(cost of the pass)..so I was hesistant.
Then, the Kansai thru pass..in your opinion, do you think this pass will apply more to my travel plans, especially to later parts of my travel..from Osaka to Nara and Kobe? I was thinking whether it is worthwhile to buy one-day pass individually at Nara/Kobe but am uncertain if the Kansai thru pass covers all subways and buses at both of these areas?
Appreciate if I can get some advice from you!
Thank you in advance!
Hi Regina,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is a good choice. Actually only one way fare from Osaka to Kinosaki-Onsen is 3260 yen. And you need to pay another 2390 yen for limited express surcharge. For Kinosaki to Kyoto trip is almost same fare. Even if you take limited express, it will take 2.5 hrs+. So local train is not a choice. So total fare is more than 7000 yen. As long as you have a trip to Kinosaki, you will get worth for the pass very easily.
Regarding Kansai Thru Pass, it covers all area where you will travel and cover subway and bus too. But it will be very hard to get worth. Because single fare to Kobe or Nara from Osaka is not expensive. Single fare may be cheaper than pass. Please see the following link to get more info about compare fare and pass.
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 Takeshi,
Me and my frends are travelling to Japan from 9 June – 22 June 2013. We will start from Tokyo upto Hokkaido and need to know what is the best way to go to this state via JP Rail. Please advise as am very confused.
Thanks
Rosilah
Hi Rosilah,
Please refer the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
This is my detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Nara (Gose Station) to Kyoto (Station) and return to Nara (Gose Station).
Day 2: Nara (Gose Station) to Kobe (Hyogo Station) and return to Nara (Gose Station). However, Hyperdia shows that I have to transfer from Osaka to Kobe via “JR Special Rapid Service”. Does that mean I have to buy an extra single JR Pass to board this train if I only hold a 3 Days Kansai Thru Pass? Is yes, is there any alternative route that I can use by my Kansai Thru Pass?
Day 3: Nara (Gose Station) to Wakayama (Station) and return to Nara (Gose Station). Hyperdia shows that I have to take “JR Wakayama Line”. I suppose this means I won’t be able to fully utilise my Kansai Thru Pass and would have to buy a separate single JR Pass ticket? Any alternative train routes to this?
Presuming that I’m just taking the above 3 return trips, is it justifiable to buy the 3 Days Kansai Thru Pass? If it is justifiable, then I suppose if I take a train to travel within the different areas (i.e. Kobe, Kyoto and Wakayama), it will be more worthwhile then.
Or should I ask my Japanese friend to get a local commutable train ticket? I’m not sure if those would be able to board all the different companies’ trains though.
I would be staying at Gose, hence the return trips. I appreciate your kind advice.
Thank you.
Hi Miyako,
First of all, Kansai Thru Pass does not meet your itinerary. Especially on day 3, JR line is the best way to get Wakayama from Gose. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, you have to go back to Osaka Namba and transfer. It will be a big time consuming.
On the other hand, JR West Kansai Area Pass does not cover Gose station. If you use this pass, you have to pay extra whenever you take a train.
As a result, just single ticket is the best way and the cheapest option. You can purchase ICOCA IC Card. If you have this, you don’t need to pay fare when you take a train. You can touch it at the ticket gate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your reply.
Is JR West Kansai Area Pass the same as JP West Rail Pass?
I looked at the train fares on Hyperdia and it seems like the 2 return trips on the first 2 days would already exceed 5000 yen.
1. Gose –> Kyoto
[Via Routes 3 or 4 on Hyperdia]
1910 en (+ reserved seats) x 2 = 3820 en
2. Gose –> Kobe (Hyogo Station)
[Via Route 1 on Hyperdia & excludes last leg of transfer from Osaka to Kobe on JR Special Rapid Service]
1380 en (+ reserved seats) x 2 = 2760 en
Total fare = 6580 en
May I know how much will it cost using a ICOCA IC Card?
Can the ICOCA IC Card be used to board all trains, irregardless of the train companies that own them? Is it for reserved or non-reserved seats?
Thank you.
Hi Miyako,
I mean the following pass:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai/
As you see the link, Gose station is not in the area of the pass. Whenever you use the pass, you need to pay for Gose-Takada, one way fare 200 yen.
And Takada-Kyoto one way fare is 1110 yen. Hyperdia sometimes show using express train with surcharge. But we usually don’t use express train with surcharge. Rapid train is enough fast.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
And also JR West Kansai Area Pass does not cover any express train with surcharge except Haruka from/to Kansai airport.
On next day, one way fare for Takada-Sannomiya (Kobe) is 1280 yen. So you are right. Even though you have to pay extra for Gose-Takada, 2 days pass @ 4,000 yen is cheaper than single fare. You can use ICOCA if you want. You can charge your money into ICOCA as much as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your reply.
Presuming that I’m using ICOCA Card and when I’m at the train platform, how do I know the train that I’m going to board belongs to “Rapid Train” or “Express Train”? Or are there different platforms for different “speed” of train?
For Rapid Train Service, is there an option to go for seats reservation? Presuming that I want to reserve a seat for my train route, how do I go about doing it? (regardless of whether I use a Kansai Area Pass or ICOCA Card) Or is it on a “First-Come-First-Served” basis?
Just confirm that Kansai Area Pass is actually Kansai Thru Pass? They seem to have different names on the brochures that I got from a Japanese agency.
Hi Miyako,
If you take JR train, Express and Limited Express is faster train with surcharge. Rapid train is a sort of commute train. It is same as subway service in other countries. If you take Rapid train in Japan during peak hours, there are lots of standing passengers. Sometimes it is packed! Of course you cannot make a reservation.
Kansai Thru Pass is completely different from JR West Kansai Area Pass. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover JR trains and cover only private companies, like Kintetsu, Hankyu, Nankai and meany more companies. JR West Kansai Area Pass cover JR trains only. IF you use ICOCA, you can use both JR and private companies.
If you take a train, there are lots of sign and information board. You can find easily, especially like Gose or Takada station. Those station are so small. You cannot miss it. But when you transfer the trains at big terminal station, like Osaka station, there are lots of information board. But you may be overwhelmed. Please refer the following link to get more details:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your reply.
Presuming that I’m using a ICOCA Card and at the train platform, how do I know the train that I’m gonna board belongs to a Rapid Train or Express Train? Or do they have different platforms for different trains?
From my understanding of what you shared, only Express Trains have reserved seatings and not Rapid Trains. Is it correct? For Rapid Trains, is it based on a “First-Come-First-Served” basis?
In a nutshell, only ICOCA Card can allow me to travel on ALL trains- JR West Line Trains, Kintetsu, Hankyu etc? Hence you recommend me to buy that at the airport? Cos it offers flexibility although it’s more expensive than the 3 days Kansai Area Pass?
Also is Kansai Area Pass the same as Kansai Thru Pass? I saw this name on a brochure that I got from a Japanese agent office.
Sorry if I have many questions but it’s my first time to Japan and I’m travelling alone.
Thank you.
Hello Takeshi San
I will be travelling among these places Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Kyoto and Wakayama in 3 days, or at most 4 days.
May I know which pass suits my travel?
I’m having a headache figuring it out and surfing online for info. for a few weeks already.
Thank you.
I am going Japan for 12 days, I would like to visit Tokyo and Tohoku.
What type of train pass should i get?
Either KEISEI SKYLINER & METRO PASS or JR East pass?
Hi Fion,
That’s a good choice. Suica and N’ex may be considerable.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning a trip to Japan from 2-9 April . The itinerary is roughly like this (arrive and fly off from Osaka):
Osaka –>Kyoto –>Hiroshima/Takayama –>Hakone –> Tokyo –>Osaka
Should I buy a JR pass or should I just base in Osaka and Tokyo and take day trips to other places? The return air ticket Osaka-Tokyo is around 6000 yen, together with other single train tickets, would it be better and cheaper?
Should I change my itinerary to fit better with the transport?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Van,
I recommend you to purchase JR Pass 7 days and start to use the pass on Apr 3.
I think you will stay in Osaka or Kyoto on Apr 2. You can use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket at 3000 yen for transfer from KIX to Kyoto/Osaka.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
JR Pass do not cover subway in Osaka or Kyoto. But if you have ICOCA and Haruka, you can use ICOCA e-money 1500 yen worth for these subway lines. ICOCA is a big advantage for sightseeing in Kyoto and Osaka. This combination will cover all part of your trip except access to Hakone. You don’t need to buy air ticket from Tokyo to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
Of course you can use flight from Tokyo to Osaka. But in this case, JR Pass may not work. As long as you have round trip to Tokyo from Osaka, JR Pass 7 days will work. But if you have only one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo and Takayama, it may not work. If you have one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo and Hiroshima, JR Pass is okay.
So the choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for the useful information.
I could say that upon discover this site. I found it very confusing to plan a trip with many many pass, they are offering in the market.
After go thru the information, I think I can get some pictures on what and when to use each pass.
Here is my plan.
Day 1: arrive KIX in the afternoon go straitgh from KIX to Kyoto using ICOCA and Haruka.
Day 2-3: stay in Kyoto with Kyoto Sightseeing Two-day Pass Card
in the evening leaving Kyoto for Osaka by just taking single ticket
(The hotel I booked in Osaka is in Namba Area)
The rest of the trip, I’ll be staying in Osaka (total 7 nights)
Day 4: Universal Studio, just buying single ticket
Day 5: Spending a little more than half day in Nara and the rest in Osaka (I still can’t figure what to choose)
Day 6-8: I’m planing to have 1 day trip to
– Wakayama
– Mt. Koya
– Himeji, Kobe and Tarumi
by using 3 days Kansai Thru Pass
Day 9: Sightseeing in Osaka using Osaka One-day unlimited Pass
Day 10: Leaving for KIX using Kanku Chikatoku Ticket
Any suggestion or recommendation?
Thank you very much,
Nym
Hi Nym,
You’ve done a great job! I have only several things to add on your plan.
1. You can use ICOCA e-money to get Namba from Kyoto by JR and Osaka subway. ICOCA can be used for both railways.
2. I think you still have some more money in your ICOCA on day 4. You may not need to purchase a ticket.
3. Kanku Chikatoku ticket is not a bad choice. But you can purchase ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket. It is only 1000 yen difference between one way and round trip. It is almost same cost as Kanku Chikatoku ticket. If you use Haruka, you have to transfer at Tennoji. But you can catch JR train in JR Namba station. If you use Kanku Chikatoku ticket, you can take commute train from Namba to KIX. Haruka gives you more comfortable trip with 20 yen difference.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for recommendation!
Nym
No problem, Nym.
Takeshi / JP Rail