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
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planning a trip to the kansai region in november and am not sure if I should get the kansai area pass. Can you help me on this?
My itinerary is as follows:
20/11- Kobe
21/11-Kobe – Himeiji – Kobe
22/11-Kobe – Kyoto (Sumiya Ryokan)
23/11- Sumiya – Kyoto
Kyoto Yamasaki Distillery
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Gion (walk)
24/11- Kyoto – Uji – Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Fushimi inari shrine
Uji
25/11- Kyoto- Nara – Osaka
Nishiki market
Nara deer park
Dotonbori
26/11- Osaka castle, Namba area
27/11-Osaka Universal Studios Japan
28/11- Osaka (Umeda)
Thank you in Advance!
Cheers,
Gwen
Hi Gwen san,
If you want to save your cost, Kansai thru pass 3 days is the best choice. You can use it for 21, 22 and 25.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For 23 and 24, single ticket is okay. You may get Kansai one pass instead.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For staying in Kobe and Osaka, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am staying in Namba near JR Namba station. I would like to have a day trip to Kobe, Himeji and Osaka Castle.
I would appreciate your suggestion on the best transport method to use.
Also the next day I will go to Nara for a day trip from Namba and return to Namba, Your suggestion for the best transport is also appreciated.
Thank you
Alex
Hi Alex san,
Kansai thru pass 2 days is the best choice:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
It’s very tight to do Kobe, Himeji and Osaka Castle in one day. You may visit Osaka castle after Nara. It may be better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi san.
This is my final plan:
June 25 Arrive Kansai airport at 6:15 pm. Will take limousin bus to OCAT where our Airbnb is 5 minutes away.
June 26 Go around Namba, Dotonbori, Crab Lunch at Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten, Shinshaibasi-suji, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Umeda
June 27 Nara with private guide for 8 hours
June 28 Check out from Airbnb then Kobe, Kobe Beef Lunch at Steak Aoyama Kobe, Himeji Castle. We will then go to Kyoto
June 29 1 day Kyoto private guided tour
June 30 Gion, Nijo Castle then take Shinkansen to Tokyo Shinjuku in the PM
What pass would be best for the entire trip?
Hi Alex,
The following deals are recommended:
Kansai area pass one day for June 28th
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
Platt Kodama (or single ticket) for June 29th for Kyoto to Tokyo
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Regular ticket is okay for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Me & my family (adult + 1 child) will visiting Kyoto & Shiga and Osaka on December 2017. I’m not sure if it worth it to buy Kansai West JR pass, Kansai Thru pass or Iccoca card .We Will be staying in one place only which is near at Namba Station.
Our itinerary as follow :
Day 1 KIX to Kyoto (Nishiki Market ,Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-
Dera) Kyoto to Namba.
Day 2 Namba to Shiga (Half day Biwako Valley) Osaka Castle,
Umeda Building.
Day 3 Namba to Nara Park
Day 4 Namba to Universal Studio
Day 5 Namba to KIX.
Thank you for your helped and much appreciated.
Hi Ong san,
Kansai area pass 3 days is the best choice. But it covers only JR trains. You may need to add the extra fare to take bus and/or subway in Kyoto and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
JR Namba station is a bit far from center of Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
Single fare is okay for day 4 and 5. You may get Kansai one pass instead of single fare.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You may use this card when you use Kansai area pass, but need to take bus and subway in Osaka and Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you very much for your help n reply.
No worries, Ong san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Morning Takeshi San,
Can i used osaka Unlimited pass for No.2 ,3 & 4?
Thank you in advance!
Ong
Hi Ong san,
I think you mean Osaka amazing pass.
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
It covers Osaka only. You cannot use this to visit Shiga and Nara. It doesn’t make any senses to use this pass unfortunately.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Million thanks for your help Takeshi San.
much appreciated.
Cheers.
No worries, Ong san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, would like to seek your recommendation on the below itinerary planned to be made on the same day.
Day 1: Kyoto -> Osaka -> Himeiji-> Accommodation in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka -> Nara -> Osaka
Thank you in advance!
Hi Chong san,
Kansai area pass 2 days is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
Is it possible to do the following on the 1-day JR West Kansai Area Pass?
We will use it for return trip from Osaka to Himeji. But we thought now to stop over for dinner on the way back to Osaka:
Osaka > Himeji
Himeji > Tarumi
Tarumi > Osaka
Is Tarumi allowed on the way back?
Cheers.
Yes, you can, Michael san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks again Takeshi san. much appreciated.
Cheers.
No worries, Michael san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I would like to ask for your recommendation as to which is the more economical and convenient pass to purchase. Here is our itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Kansai Airport late night. Stay near to Nankai Namba St. in Osaka, which is our base for the entire trip.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Osaka- Abeno Harukas, Shi-Tennoji temple, Osaka Castle and Aqua line river cruise.
Day 3 Shinsaibashi and Dodonburi and afternoon trip to Nara
Day 4 Himeji Castle and Kobe
Day 5 Trip to Inari and Kyoto (Higashiyama dist.)
Day 6 Trip to Kyoto (Arashiyama and Uji)
Day 7 Trip to Kyoto (Central and Downtown)
Day 8 Depart to Kansai Airport
Is it Kansai Wide Area Pass for intercity plus Midosuji line in Osaka? What pass do you recommend for Kyoto itinerary? Itinerary from Day 2 to Day 6 is interchangeable, since we are based in Osaka. Thank you for your advise!
Hi Chunyu san,
Please see the link below. You will find the solution:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’m grateful I stumbled upon this website with all the information about the different types of passes I can purchase for my trip in July. However, it’s so overwhelming that I’m not even sure which pass is the best one for me now. Originally I was planning to just buy the 3 Day Kansai Thru Pass for my group of 16 who’s traveling to Osaka on July 24th and leaving from Haneda on August 9th. Do you think you can let me know which pass I should get? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Day 1, July 25th: Arrive at Kansai Airport – Take train to Shinsaibashi Station. Plan to do some light site-seeing around Dotonori and Kuromon Market. I plan to have my group buy the ICOCA cards at the airport so we can use that when we use the trains in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.
Day 2, July 26th: Visit Himeji Castle in the morning (wanted to get there by 8:30am). Then travel back to Kobe by 12pm or 1pm to have lunch. I wanted to go on the Kobe Ropeway, visit the Herb Garden, Kitano, Chinatown & Harborland.
Day 3, July 27th: Go to Ramen Museum in the morning and Umeda Sky Buidling at dusk.
Day 4, July 28th: Visit Osaka Castle in the morning (hoping to finish by 11am). Then take the train to Nara from Osaka Castle and spend the rest of the day in Nara.
Day 5, July 29th: Leaving Osaka and taking train to Kyoto (want to arrive at Kyoto by 11am). Plan to visit Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market and Fushimi Inari Taisha the same day.
Day 6, July 30th: Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Roan-ji Temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (if time permits), Bamboo Alley, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge & Arashiyama.
Day 7, July 31st: Visit Kurama-dera Temple, Kifune Jinja Shrine & then head back in town to visit local places near our hotel.
Day 8, Aug 1st: Visit Uji’s Byodo-in Temple, have lunch, buy tea and then head back to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hokan-ji Temple Yasaka Pagoda, Shoren-in Temple (if time permits) & Gion.
Day 9, Aug 2nd: Leaving Kyoto…want to take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo’s Ikebukuro area.
Day 11, Aug 4th: Day trip to Hakone
Rest of the days in Japan will be visiting Tourist Spots in Tokyo.
We will leave for Taiwan on Wed, Aug 9th.
Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Thank again.
Hi Karen,
ICOCA is okay for arrival day, day 3 and day 8.
You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2, 4 and 5.
Kyoto sightseeing pass 2 days for 6 and 7.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Single ticket is most common choice to get Tokyo from Kyoto. But you can choose Platt Kodama if you want save the time and okay with spending extra time.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
You may use ICOCA in Tokyo but Tokyo Subway Ticket is a good deal:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Single ticket is okay for Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the quick response and feedback Takeshi!! It’s greatly appreciated.
Do you think we need to buy the Hakone Free Pass when we go visit that on Day 11?
Hi Karen,
Hakone Free Pass is the best choice for day trip to Hakone. It includes most of transportation in Hakone and make your trip be easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thank you so much for your helpful advice on the various webpages on this site.
My friends and I are planning a trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Would it be possible to advise us on whether we should get train passes for our trip, and if so, which passes? Also, we previously went to Tokyo last year and have the Pasmo card. Can it be used in Kyoto and Osaka?
Our itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Kansai airport. Travel to Kyoto. Explore Kyoto (Kawaramachi area and Nishiki market)
Day 2: Visit Arashimaya area (Tenryuji Temple+ Togetsukyo Bridge + Bamboo Grove). Visit other temples in Kyoto and Inari Shrine.
Day 3: Explore Kyoto. Travel to Osaka. Osaka Namba area.
Day 4: Himeiji Temple half day. Nara half day.
Day 5: Kobe.
Day 6: Sightseeing in Osaka (Osaka castle, Shinsekai area).
Day 7: Shopping in Osaka. Depart Osaka.
Thank you so much for your help! 🙂
Hi ET san,
You may use the following deals:
Haruka discount ticket at 1,600 yen for day 1 and add Kansai one pass
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
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Use Kansai one pass to take trains and add bus pass at 500 yen as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai thru pass for day 3 to 5
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
I recommend you to visit Himeji and Kobe on day 4, and Nara on day 5. Kobe is located on the way to Himeji. Nara is completely different direction.
Please see the link below to find the deal for Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi.
Regarding the Purchasing of Day Pass
can i avail only once … what if i just want to buy a day pass for my arrival and then another day pass for when i return…
since the Child Ticket is much cheaper buying a Single Pass than buying a Haruka Ticket.
Looking forward for the Help
Casper
Hi Casper,
You may be able to buy two passes for your child. This restriction may be removed a week ago. But I’m not 100% sure at this point.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, i would like to ask for your recommendation as to whether we should avail of jr westkansai area pass or kansai thru pass, here is our itinerary:
Day 1: kix to shin osaka (hankyu hotel) we plan to get the limousine bus/kate bus round trip ticket valid for 7 days).
Day 2: usj, dotonbori tour around osaka
Day 3: tour around kyoto
Day 4: tour around nara
Day 5: hotel new hankyu to kix
Thank you in advance!
Hi Ren,
Kansai thru pass is more recommended because it covers more than Kansai area pass in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 3 and 4. You can use other deal for day 2. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com