JR West Kansai Area Pass is one of the choices for the traveler who stays in Osaka and make some day trips to the surrounding places, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and Wakayama.
In this post, I would like to share the information about JR West Kansai Area Pass with you. And I will compare the price of the pass and the regular fare. You can find that you can get the worth by your trip or not.
Coverage area
Please refer the map in JR West Kansai Area Pass official site as well to get the detailed map.
The pass covers most of points of interest, such as Osaka (Umeda), Namba, Universal Studio Japan, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kansai airport, Himeji.
Expansion of the coverage area in Kyoto
And also Kansai Area Pass includes the following exchange vouchers:
- Keihan Railways Kyoto Sightseeing Pass 1-day
- Kyoto City Subway 1-day pass
These passes expand the coverage in Kyoto so much:
Kansai Area Pass did not cover Keihan and subway in Kyoto. These lines cover eastern part of Kyoto, such as Gion, Kiyomizudera.
You may exchange the vouchers in the designated stations. Please find the detailed information in the official press release:
JR West official press release
You can use these passes separately.
e.g.
You have Kansai Area Pass 2-day
Day 1 trip to Kyoto and exchange Kyoto city subway pass only
Day 2 trio to Kyoto and exchange Keihan Railway Kyoto sightseeing pass
But in my opinion, you should use these two passes in same day. If you use only JR line and Kyoto city subway line, the coverage are limited.
The places where you cannot go by Kansai Area Pass
Major spots that are not covered by this pass is Mt. Koya. But if you want to go to Mt. Koya, Nankai Railway is the best way. Nankai Railway is not covered by JR West Kansai Area Pass anyway. Nankai Railway’s Koyasan World Heritage Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass is a right choice for trip to Mt. Koya.
Nankai Railway Koyasan World Heritage Ticket
How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass.
Types and prices
| Purchasing from the travel agent overseas (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West online (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West station (After arrival) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day | 2,400 yen | 2,4000 yen | 2,400 yen |
| 2-day | 4,600 yen | 4,600 yen | 4,600 yen |
| 3-day | 5,600 yen | 5,600 yen | 5,600 yen |
| 4-day | 6,800 yen | 6,800 yen | 6,800 yen |
*Child rate is half of the adult prices above.
*5 year old or younger child is free. Maximum 2 children per one adult.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night (midnight to midnight).
e.g.
If you start to use 3 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 3. The time when you start using does not matter.
If you want to purchase this at the lower price, you can purchase it at authorized travel agents. You can find the dealers list and exchange location at the link below:
JR West Rail Pass Dealer’s list
You also can purchase this pass online through JR West official site. But the price is not much cheaper than the price which is sold at the station.
Valid trains and bus lines
This pass covers all JR local trains and non reserved seat of Limited Express Haruka. You CANNOT ride any other express trains, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen the Sanyo Shinkansen, the limited express Thunderbird. But as long as you travel in Kansai area, Rapid Services Network is enough to cover your trip. It is actually crowded because these trains are the commuters one. But these are fast and frequent. The following list shows you trains that you can ride by JR West Kansai Area Pass.
- The limited express Haruka (Kansai airport-Tennoji-Shin Osaka-Kyoto, non reserved seat only)
- Special Rapid Service (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe-Himeji)
- Kansai Airport Rapid Service (Kansai airport-Tennoji-Osaka)
- Yamatoji Rapid Service (Osaka-Tennoji-Nara)
- Miyakoji Rapid Service (Kyoto-Nara)
Of course, you can ride any local trains that are not shown on above list.
Hotels and Ryokans in Nara
Hotels in Himeji
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Himeji
Hotels in Kansai Airport
On the other hand, JR West Kansai Area Pass does not cover any private railway lines, subway lines and the bus lines. Most of major private railway companies and subway lines are shown on the following list:
- Osaka Metro (Subway)
- Kyoto Municipal Transportation (Subway and city bus)
- Nankai Railway (Namba-Kansai airport, Namba-Mt.Koya)
- Kintetsu Railway (Namba-Nara, Kyoto-Nara)
- Hankyu Railway (Sannomiya-Umeda-Kawaramachi)
- Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi-Kyobashi-Shijo-Sanjo)
- Hanshin Railway (Namba-Sannomiya, Umeda-Sannomiya-Himeji)
- Sanyo Railway (Umeda-Sannomiya-Akashi-Himeji)
These above railways and bus lines are NOT covered. When you are in Osaka or Kyoto, subway trains and city bus services are very convenient. So you may have to pay a single fare or purchase other pass. This is the biggest disadvantage of JR West Kansai Area Pass. You can find the coverage of this pass in these posts:
Compare cost between pass and single fare. Best way to use.
First of all, please see the fare table for major sections below:
| Stations | Osaka | Shin Osaka | Kyoto | Kansai airport | Sannomiya (Kobe) | Nara | Himehji | JR Namba |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka | – | 160 | 540 | 1160 1150 | 390 | 780 | 1450 | 190 |
| Shin Osaka | 160 | – | 540 | 1330 1150 | 540 | 890 | 1450 | 210 |
| Kyoto | 540 | 540 | – | 1830 1150 | 1050 | 690 | 2210 | 890 |
| Kansai airport | 1160 1150 | 1330 1150 | 1830 1150 | – | 1660 1150 | 1660 730 | 2730 1150 | 1030 730 |
| Sannomiya (Kobe) | 390 | 540 | 1050 | 1660 1150 | – | 1210 | 950 | 690 |
| Nara | 780 | 890 | 690 | 1660 730 | 1210 | – | 2210 | 540 |
| Himeji | 1450 | 1450 | 2210 | 2730 1150 | 950 | 2210 | – | 1620 |
| JR Namba | 190 | 210 | 890 | 1030 730 | 690 | 540 | 1620 | – |
*If there are two fares, basic fare is shown at the top and limited express surcharge at the bottom. For example, if you travel from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka, basic fare is 1330 yen and surcharge is 1150 yen.
As you saw the fare table above, most of trips from Kansai airport is very efficient because of limited express Haruka. If you travel to Osaka, Kansai airport rapid may be better than Haruka because Haruka do not stop at Osaka. But if you think about getting on Haruka, Kansai Area Pass is considerable. Even one day pass is cheaper than basic fare + surcharge. If you go to Namba, you can access there by JR trains. But Nankai Railway gives you much better access to Namba. Especially if you think about transfer to subway at Namba, Nankai Railway Namba station is much easier to transfer to most of subway lines. Please see the details at the post, How to access from Kansai airport to downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.
Next, I recommend you to use this pass for the trip to Himeji. Special Rapid Service connects Osaka with Himeji in 62 minutes. This train is the fastest and most frequent service. If you think about Kansai Thru Pass, this pass do not cover JR trains. If you go to Himeji by Kansai Thru Pass, the pass cover all part of your trip to Himeji. But you will spend more than 90 minutes. Kansai Thru Pass is very efficient for the trip to Kyoto or Mt. Koya. But if you go to Himeji, I recommend you to use JR West Kansai Area Pass.
If you go to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe from Osaka, it may not be very efficient. The fare range is between 500 and 1,000 yen. The difference between 1 day pass and 2 days pass is 2,000 yen. If you will purchase 3 days or 4 days, the price difference is 1,000 yen. If you have two trips, from Kansai airport by Haruka and trip to Himeji, you will already make more than 4,000 yen worth. You can use the pass to Kyoto, Kobe or Nara. But if you use 2 days pass for trip from Kansai airport and trip to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe, you may not be able to make more than 4,000 yen worth.
JR West also sell ICOCA and Haruka. This discount ticket include trip from Kansai airport by Haruka and 1,500 yen value e-money in ICOCA prepaid card. If JR West Kansai Area Pass is too expensive for your trip, ICOCA and Haruka may be suitable for your trip. ICOCA can be used for not only JR trains but also Kyoto subway, Osaka subway and other major private railway companies. ICOCA is more flexible than JR West Kansai Area Pass. Please see the details about ICOCA at the post, ICOCA and Haruka ticket. Very flexible and good deal for tourist who stay in Kansai..
At last, if you want to explore some more places, I strongly recommend you JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass. This pass is available in 4 days pass only. But the area where is covered is much bigger. And limited express train and Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama are covered by this pass. And the price is only 1,000 yen higher than Kansai Area Pass 4 days. I am very happy if you are interested in other places outside of Kansai area.
Comments
Takeshi-san,
I am going to kansai for 10 days in October 2013, plan as follow
Day 1 kansai airport to Kyoto
Day 2 to 4 kyoto
Day 5 Kyoto to nara
Day 6 nara to Osaka
Day 7 Osaka – himeji – Kobe – Osaka
Day 8 to 9 Osaka
Day 10 Osaka to kansai airport
I plan to buy 4 days JR west rail to use on day 5 to day 8. Other than that, I don’t have any idea on best travel options. Hope you could enlighten. Arigato gozaimasu
Hi shy kl san,
How about ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket?
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
This deal is the best for Day 1 and 10. And also ICOCA can cover your trip by non JR trains, like subway in Kyoto and Osaka.
If you use Kyoto city pass or single ticket in Kyoto, you can use ICOCA for Day 5 and 6. And you can purchase only 1 days Kansai Area Pass for day 7.
I think ICOCA and Haruka can make your trip much easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m a little confused with so many kinds of passes. 🙂 I hope you can help me.
My itinerary is as follows:
OCT 5: Arrive OSAKA, depart to Kyoto
Oct 6: Stay in Kyoto
Oct 7: Depart for Kinosaki Town
Oct 8: Depart for Osaka
Oct 9: Day trip Nara
Oct 10: Stay in Osaka
Oct 11: Depart for home country
I was thinking of using the Haruka ICOCA for Oct 5 and Oct 11 (for transfer from Airport to Kyoto, then Osaka to Kansai Airport).
Then I’m thinking to use the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass on Oct 7 when we go to Kinosaki, then Oct 8, (Kinosaki to Osaka), Oct 9 for day trip to Nara.
What do you think?
Thanks so much for your help. Really means a lot.
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
Your plan is perfect! These two deals will cover all part of your trip.
I have nothing to say. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
We are 2 going on a trip to Osaka and Kyoto from late August 2 to evening August 5.
It is a pretty short time so, I am not sure how to do to travel by train the fastest and the cheapest way during those 3 days and 3 nights.
I was thinking the night of friday August 2nd sleeping in Umeda area that we can take the JR train in the evening directly to Kyoto in order to spend the night there on Saturday.
Only one day in Kyoto (sunday) and at night, taking the JR train back to Osaka to sleep there.
Finally, spending our last day in Osaka before to fly bck to seoul.
What in your opinion, is the best way to travel in Osaka-Kyoto for just 3 days and 3 nights ?
I hope it’s clear enough, if not, feel free to let me know.
Thank you
Hi Julie,
You have two options.
1. ICOCA and Haruka
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
If you don’t have crazy trip in Kyoto, this pass is enough. It includes round trip Haruka. It doesn’t stop at Osaka (Umeda), but Shin-Osaka is just one station away from Osaka. I just worry about Haruka does not run when you arrive because of late arrival.
Even if you cannot take Haruka when you arrive, you can take rapid train to Osaka. Even if you use just rapid train, this ticket is still cheaper than total single fares.
2. Kansai Thru 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
If you will visit several areas in Kyoto in one day, this pass will work.
You can find several itineraries at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
You can use this pass for KIX to Umeda. But JR direct trains are not covered by this pass. So you have to take Nankai train to Namba and transfer to subway to Umeda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m already buying the JR West Kansai Area Pass for travel from Namba to Himeji and Kobe. However, I plan to go back to Kobe the next day to take the Akashikaikyo Tour in the AM before my flight leaves in the evening.
Is it practical to buy the 2 day pass instead?
Many thanks!
Hi Diane,
Yes, it works. As long as you go to KIX on 2nd day, you can use two day pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Is there a direct JR train covered by the pass from Namba to KIX?
Thanks as always.
Hi Diane san,
JR has station in Namba. But you have to change the train at Tennoji. If you use Kansai Area Pass, you can take Haruka from Tennoji to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
I hope this will be my last clarification.
If I am coming from JR-Namba to KIX via Tennoji, I have to take the Haruka. Is this the same as the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service?
If they are not the same, am I correct in saying that both can be used with the JR West Kansai Area Pass?
Thank you for your help.
Hi Diane,
It’s different.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
But you can take both anyway by the pass. Haruka is much better. Try to get Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
My nephew is planning a trip to Japan during Apr 29 -May 4.
Day 1: Arrive Tokyo late afternoon, stay shinjuku
Day 2: Day trip to Mutsumoto castle
Day 3: To Kawaguchiko & Fuji yoshida, stay Kawaguchiko
Day 4: Back to Tokyo, stop by Gotemba
Day 5: Day trip to Kamakura(Odakyu pass)
Day 6: Half day in Tokyo, back to Bangkok
I suggested him to go to both Mutsumoto and Kawaguchiko by highway bus since he will stay in Shinjuku area where the bus terminal is. But he would like to travel by train. Therefore I need your recommendations on the followings:
1. If he goes to Matsumoto by bus early in the morning. Explore Matsumoto castle for half day. Take a train from Mutsumoto to Kawaguchiko in the afternoon. From Hyperdia, it takes about 3 hours to reach Kawaguchiko via Kofu and Otsuki. Is there any faster way i.e. combination of bus and train?
2. Is there any pass would you recommend for the whole trip?
3. What if he buys Fuji Hakone pass
Day 2: Explore Hokone, Fuji Yoshida, stay either Hakone or Kawaguchiko
Day 3: Explore Kawaguchiko, Fuji 5th station, stay Kawaguchiko
Day 4: Leaving Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto, explore Matsumoto castle and back to Tokyo by either train or bus in the evening.
Thank you for your help
Nuj
Hi Nuj,
1. Matsumoto-Otsuki-Kawaguchiko route is only and the fastest route by train. There is no other choice.
2. How about Kanto Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
Even though it doesn’t cover whole part of the trip, it is cheaper than single ticket if he take train for both ways.
3. It is questionable. He will not use round trip ticket between Fuji/Hakone and Shinjuku. Single ticket might be cheaper. It depends on his detailed itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Thanks for your reply.
It seems that JR Kanto pass suits his plan.
1. Can he use it on NEX between Narita airport and Shinjuku?
2. Will the pass valid on train from Matsumoto to Kawaguchiko?
Bye for now.
Nuj
Hi Nuj,
1. Yes.
2. It doesn’t cover from Matsumoto to Kobuchizawa. From Kobuchizawza to Kawaguchiko is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi san
Arigatoo.
Wll re-arrange the itenerary and come back to you for more info.
Bye for now.
Nuj
Hello Takeshi, our plan is as follows:
Arriving in Osaka by 5th of April (because we will return to Jakarta via Osaka by the end so we decide to stay in Osaka for one night before continuing our trip to Tokyo)
6th-7th of April: Staying in Tokyo
8th-10th of April: Staying in Kyoto
Here’s what we’d like to ask you:
1. We are yet to reach a solid decision for our schedule and timeline in Kyoto. That’s why we’d like an advice from you.
2. We’d like to see Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko. We’d like to see your recommendation to fulfill our plan, even if we have reroute our trip plan although I have to note the hotels in Kyoto are fully booked from 6th to 9th April. We will also purchase JR Pass for 7 days.
For your time and attention, thank you.
Hi aimee,
I’m sorry, but as I mentioned above the comment column, I don’t make a plan personally. If you make a itinerary and show me, I can give you some suggestions.
Please try to make your itinerary by yourself.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
A big thanks for your reply.
If I buy Koyasan World Heritage Pass, is it correct that
a) I have to buy a single ticket for KIX – Tengachaya.
b) I can get off at Namba st. on my way back from Koyasan the next day.
I think I’ve come to a conclusion
Day 1 – a single ticket for KIX – Tengachaya + Koyasan World Heritage Pass
Day 2 – Koyasan World Heritage Pass
Day 3 – 2day KTP to-from Kyoto
Day 4 – 2day KTP to Mt.Yoshino (plus extra fare JPY 840)
Day 5 – a single ticket for Namba -KIX
Thank you very much for your kindness throughout.
Bye
Oranuj
Hi Oranuj,
If you purchase it at Tengachaya, you have to pay extra for KIX-Tengachaya and TEngachaya-Namba.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshisan
If my plan is
Day 1: KIX – Kyoto (Ginkakuji, philosopher’s path and biwa lake)
Day 2: Kinkakuji, Saga Arashiyama, Osaka (Tennoji)
Day 3: Yoshino
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: Osaka (half day), Namba – KIX
Should I buy a 2day JR West Pass for Day 1&2 and buy single ticket for subway and bus in Kyoto? Or 3day Kansai Thru Pass is better for Day 1,2 and 5?
On Day 3, I’ll buy a separate Kintetsu Yoshino ticket.
Oranuj
Hi Oranuj,
How about this?
Day 1 ICOCA and Haruka
Day 2 Kansai Thru Pass
Day 3 Kansai Thru Pass (need some extra)
Day 4 ICOCA e-money
Day 5 Kansai Thru Pass
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi san
Thank you for your advice.
For this type, total cost should be JPY 8,840
ICOCA+Haruka 3,000
KTP 5,000
Extra fare to Yoshino 840
What about this
ICOCA+Haruka 3,000
Kintetsu ticket to Yoshino (980×2) 1,900
Namba – KIX 890
Namba-Kinkakuji-Arashiyama 2,000*
* I take JR Sagano and JR Rapid service (Kyoto-Osaka)
Is the second type more flexible and cheaper? Pls comment.
1. ICOCA is valid on all subways and buses in Osaka and Kyoto, isn’t it?
2. Is it also valid on non JR rails i.e. Hankyu, Keifuku, etc?
Thanks again,
Oranuj
Hi Oranuj,
As you mentioned, second choice is cheaper. But you don’t take any bus/subway when you stay in Osaka? Subway fare is starting at 200 yen. If so, Kansai Thru Pass will be cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san
Thanks for your reply. Here come another questions.
Day 1: KIX – Koyasan (stay Koyasan)
Day 2: Koyasan – Namba
Day 3: Namba – Arashiyama – Kinkakuji
Day 4: Namba – Yoshino – Ginkakuji (if time allows)
Day 5: Namba – KIX
Should I buy Koya World Heritage + 3day KTP, or 2day +3day KTP?
For Koya world heritage ticket, is it correct that I must board on Namba (nanaki) station only?
Sorry to bother you so many times.
Thanks again
Oranuj
Hi Oranuj,
You can use Koyasan World Heritage Pass from Tengachaya. You will be Namba on next day. So you can choose both from Namba and Tengachaya.
Regarding Kansai Thru Pass, 2 days is fine. I think it is too much to go to Yoshino and Ginkakuji in one day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
After reading your reply and doing some research, I understand that the easiest way to go to Yoshino from Osaka is to take the Kintetsu Minami Osaka / Yoshino Line Express (93 mins) from the Osaka Abenobashi station.
My question is how to access Osaka Abenobashi station from Tennoji station? On my subways map, it looks like they are adjacent to each other, does that mean I cross over to another track or I need to go up or down some stairs to another level to access the Osaka Abenobashi station?
Does this Express train take me right up to the terminal station, Yoshino or I need to make a change at Yoshino-guchi station?
Is this Kintetsu Express train mentioned above similar to the Kintetsu Limited Express train whereby I need to reserve my seats in advance?
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.
Regards,
Lai
Hi Lai,
Abenobashi station is very close to subway Tennoji station. Please see the following movie:
This movei shows you how to get JR Tennoji station from Kintetsu Abenobashi station. Subway Tennoji station is passed by around 2:30 in this movie. So it takes only a ew minutes away between these stations.
If you get a ticket for Kintetsu limited express train, you can get Yoshino station directly. If you cannot get it, you may have to transfer the train at Kashiwara-Jingu station or other stations. All Kintetsu limited express trains ticket can be purchased at Kintetsu station.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/limited_express/3-3-1.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Does this pass allow me to use the JR Sagano Line? coz the website doesnt specifically list it out.
Thank you!
Hi Shez,
You can use the section between Kyoto and Hozukyo on Sagano line.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail