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~
Would like to ask your advice if I should get the Kansai Area pass or any other pass I could get for my trip?
My draft intinerary as below:
Day 1 – arrive at Itami Airport, will travel using Limo bus & JR Osaka loop line to bentencho (my booked apartment)
Visiting Owl Cafe @ Nippombashi then going to Dotonburi
Day 2 – Ichiban Kuromon Market & Uji
Day 3 – Himeiji & Osaka Shinsaibashi (night)
Day 4 – Southern Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofukuji temple, Daigoji temple)
Day 5 – Eastern Kyoto (Ginkakuji, Nanzenji, Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera)
Day 6 – Western Kyoto (Arashiyama)
Day 7 – Northern Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji)
Day 8 – Nara
Day 9 – Minoo Park, Dotonburi/Umeda
Day 10 – Bentencho to Itami Airport.
Throughout my stay, my booked apartment would be at Bentencho.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Vera san,
Before I suggest the pass, I recommend you to change your trip plan.
Day 2 – Kuromon Market only
Day 3 – Himeji
Day 4 – Southern Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofukuji temple, add Uji)
Day 5 – Western Kyoto (Arashiyama)
Day 6 – Nara
Day 7 – Eastern Kyoto (Ginkakuji, Nanzenji, Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, add Daigoji)
Day 8 – Northern Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji)
You can keep same trip plan on other days.
And then you can use the following passes.
For day 1 and 2, you can use single ticket or Kansai one pass for your convenience.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For day 3 to 6, Kansai area pass 4 days
For day 7 to 9, Kansai thru pass 3 days
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai area pass covers JR only. You can cover all places for day 3 to 6. Daigoji is not covered by JR but Uji is covered.
Kansai thru pass covers non JR, city bus and subway. You can cover all places for day 7 to 9. Daigoji is covered by Kyoto subway and bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San~ thank you very much for your advice!
I would like to ask on day 2 – is there any other place I can visit apart from Himeiji?
I’ve changed my itinerary as follows:
Day 1 – arrive at Itami Airport, will travel using Limo bus & JR Osaka loop line to bentencho (my booked apartment)
Visiting Owl Cafe @ Nippombashi then going to Dotonburi
Day 2 – Himeji
Day 3 – Southern Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine & Uji)
Day 4 – Western Kyoto (Arashiyama)
Day 5 – Nara
Day 6 – Eastern Kyoto (Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera)
Day 7 – Eastern Kyoto (Ginkakuji, nanzenji, daigoji)
Day 8 – Northern Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji)
Day 9 – Kuromon Market, Minoo Park, Dotonburi/Umeda
Looking forward to your advice~
Thank you so much!
Hi Vera san,
You may drop by Kobe if you want to go to Himeji. It’s located on the way.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
If you look for completely different plan, Mt. Koya is very interesting.
http://www.nankaikoya.jp/en/
You cannot get there by JR trains. You need to use Kansai thru pass or Koyasan world heritage ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
You need one full day if you go there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I would like your suggestion to choose the pass, please find below here my ittinerary
Day1:KIX-Kanazawa
DAY2:Kanazawa-Shirakawago
Day3:Kanazawa-Takaoka-Kanazawa
Day4:Kanazawa-Toyama
Day5:Toysma-Japan Alp.-Matsumoto
Day 1-5 (Tateyama Alpinepass) + (Takayama-Hokuriku pass or JRwest which one is better?)
Day6: Matsumoto-Otsuki-Kawaguchiko
Day7: Kawaguchiko
Day8: Kawaguchiko-shin Osaka
Single ticket(shinkansen) i cannot find other ticket are there other option?
Day9: Osaka
DAY10-11: Osaka – Kyoto
Day12: Osaka-Nara-Gobe
Day13: Osaka
Day14:(tsuruhashi)Osaka-KIX (early morning)
Day9-10 (Kansai Thru pass or Kintetsu pass which one is better?)
Looking forward to here from you.
Thank you very much
May
Hi May san,
For day 1 to 5, Takayama Hokuriku area pass and Tateyama Kurobe option ticket is your choice. But you need to add single fare for Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto. This segment is not covered by these deals.
You also need to add single fare for day 6 to 8. There is no deals available. You may take express bus from Lake Kawaguchi to Mishima and then take Shinkansen to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Otherwise take overnight bus from Lake Kawaguchi to Osaka.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/9
For day 9 and 13, you can add the deal in 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
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 10 to 12.
For day 14, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello again,
You said you’d recommend ICOCA and Haruka on day 1 and Kansai Area Pass on days 2 to 5 (last day). Should I purchase one way or round trip Haruka? Is Kansai Area Pass an unlimited pass on JR lines? Then ICOCA for subways, buses and private railways, correct?
Thanks!
Hi Kay,
You need only one way ICOCA and Haruka because you can take Haruka by Kansai area pass.
As you understand, Kansai area pass covers JR only and you may use ICOCA to take other trains and subways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
Sorry if I have a lot of questions. As you can see, it will be my first time. But anyway, is it the cheapest that I can get for my 5 day trip? Will you not suggest Kansai Thru Pass?
Thanks again!
Kay
Hi Kay,
I have recommended you to use ICOCA and Haruka, and Kansai area pass. Actually this is the best and the cheapest way. You will get a big saving from this combination.
You may feel it’s expensive but transportation in Japan is not very affordable. I don’t think there is anyway to save more cost.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
Thanks for sharing so many useful infos regarding the transport in Japan. I am planning to go to Japan this December, from the 10th to the 24th, and I would like to ask you a few questions:
1. If I’m planning to go to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Mount Fuji, is it better to get a 14 days standard pass from here: https://www.jrailpass.com/the-japan-rail-pass or is it better if I just get a return plane ticket from Tokyo to Osaka, and then just get this JR West Kansai Area Pass and the Enjoy Eco Card to get around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe?
2. To get to Mount Fuji, which route and mode of transportation should I take?
Hi Angela,
14 days pass is too expensive for your trip. If you stay in Tokyo at the beginning or at the end of your trip, you don’t need JR pass for this portion. If you can do Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe-Tokyo in 7 days, use 7 days pass for this portion only.
For airport to/from Tokyo, you can use other deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
For the trip to Fuji, you don’t need JR pass either. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the fast reply!
One more thing, if I want to fit in the Alpine route in the Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe 7 days trip, which is the best route to take? I’m still not very familiar with the places yet, so please pardon my mistakes. Thanks again!
Hi Angela,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-from-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kurobe-tateyama-alpine-route-from-tokyo.html
So you can do it as day trip from either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. Or you can squeeze it between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I am visiting Wakayama in January 2018 for 13 days with wife and a friend and would like to seek your opinion regarding the type of transport/passes we should purchase.
Our draft itinerary is as follows:
Day 1– Arrive at Kansai Airport around 9.40pm, stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama- what type of transport should i use to the hotel? or just buy a single trip ticket?
Day 2- Wakayama city tour-Marina City, Wakayama Castle, Kishi, Kimiidera Temple
Day 3-Wakayama city tour-What pass do you advise for day 2 & Day 3?
Day 4–Day 8 Thinking of using the Ise-Kumano 5Days Tourist Pass to visit the below and stay in katsuura or shirahama
Shirahama area
Tanabe area
Nachi-Taisha Grand Shrine & Waterfall
Shingu-Dorokyo Gorge, Kamikura-jinja
Katsuura-Fish market
Kushimoto
Day 9 & Day 10 move to Hongu for 2 nights stay and visit Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and Onsens – is there any passes required for these 2 days or just buy as single trip?
Day 11 depart from Hongu to Osaka
Day 12 & Day 13 Osaka to Koyasan using Koyasan-World-Heritage ticket, can i pre-book from malaysia or buy in japan when i arrive?
Day 13 depart Koyasan return to Osaka
Day 14 depart from Namba to Kansai Airport to return Kuala Lumpur, any suitable pass or just buy as single trip?
Would really appreciate your help on the transport/passes for the above.
Thanks so much Takeshi san!
Hi Julian san,
Actually single ticket is your choice for most part of your trip. I’m sure you can use Koyasan World Heritage ticket and Ise-Kumamo 5 days.
For Namba to KIX, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Single ticket is your choice for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My partner and I are visiting Japan (Osaka, Kyoto then Tokyo) in March/April 2018 for 9 days and would like to seek your opinion regarding the type of transport/passes we should purchase. Initially we wanted to get the JR ordinary pass for 7 days, but after looking at your articles, we think the JR pass might not be our best option.
Our draft itinerary is as follows:
Osaka (30 March – 1 April 2018)
– Arrive at Kansai Airport around 1pm
– Kansai Airport to Namba station (Yokoso! Osaka ticket)
– Namba station to Nippombashi station; our accommodation is at Kozu, Chuo Ward (Yokoso! Osaka ticket)
– Osaka Castle & Osaka Museum of History (Yokoso! Osaka ticket)
– Second day: Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market (Walk)
– Third day morning: Single trip train from Nippombashi station to Namba (subway) to Umeda (subway), then walk to Osaka station and JR special rapid service to Kyoto Station
Kyoto & Nara Park (1 April – 5 April 2018)
– Our accommodation in Kyoto is 3 mins away from Kyoto Station and we plan to only visit Nara after we arrive in Kyoto as we have luggages.
– Gion
– Nishiki Market
– Arashiyama, tenryuji temple, sagano bamboo groves
– Fushimi Inari Shrine
– Kiyomizu dera temple
Tokyo (5 April – 7 April 2018)
– Our accommodation in Tokyo is around 5 mins from Shinjuku station.
– Shinjuku
– Harajuku, Shibuya
– Meiji Shrine
– Ginza
– Ueno
– Disneyland
– Shinjuku station to Haneda Airport in the afternoon on the last day.
Would really appreciate your help on the transport/passes for the above.
Thanks so much Takeshi san! 🙂
Hi Kayla san,
As you noticed, JR Pass is not your choice. You must have one round trip between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo to get the worth. One way trip is not enough.
You can find the deal in each cities at the links 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
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
For trip from Kyoto to Tokyo, you may consider using Platt Kodama if you want to save your cost.
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
Regarding route from Nippombashi to Kyoto, you may use Kintetsu railway. You can take train at Kintetsu-Nippombashi station to Yamato-Saidaiji, and then take another train to Kyoto. Kintetsu-Nippombashi is same location as Nippombashi. Kintetsu railway’s Kyoto station is same as JR Kyoto station. You can get Kyoto with only one train change.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/station/route_map/index.html
Yamato-Saidaiji is just two stations away from Kyoto. I understand you have luggages but it’s very closed on the way to Kyoto. Kintetsu Nara station has many lockers.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/station/coin_locker/pdf/nara.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! 🙂
I think I will go with you suggestions and take the Kintetsu railway between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. Do you think the Kintetsu rail pass 1-day (1,500 yen) is enough?
Also, if I were to take take the train from Kintetsu-Nippombashi to Kintetsu-Nara first to do some sightseeing, do I have to purchase a limited express ticket in addition to the 1-day pass? Then, Kintetsu-Nara to Kyoto on the same day will I also have to buy the limited express ticket again?
Hi Kayla,
Actually single ticket is okay. Total fares is around 1100 yen. Kintetsu pass covers bus in Nara. But most of places can be accessed by walk. Single ticket is okay.
You can take Limited Express train if you like, but not required. Limited Express does not run very often between Osaka and Nara. You may need to take an ordinary train even if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, I would like to ask your recomendation which pass or transport should I take for my trip:
Day 1: morning travel from hamamatsucho to osaka, will stay at kitahama. Visit osaka castle, namba and dontonburi
Day 2 : from kitahama, visit arashimaya, kinkakuji and fushiri inari and gion and back to kitahama osaka.
Day 3 : kitahama to Toei kyoto studio and gion. Back to kitahama
Day r : kitahama to nara, back to osaka visit around osaka. At niight travel to KIX
Please advise. Thank you and ki d regards, Enie
Hi Enie san,
Your choice is single ticket or Platt Kodama for Tokyo to Osaka.
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
After arriving Osaka, you can get subway pass in 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
Kansai thru pass 3 days is your choice for day 2 to 4. It will cover until you get KIX.
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 / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you for the quick response. I will follow your suggestion. I will buy the one day Osaka Visitor pass and 3 days Kansai Thru pass. Can I buy them at Singapore or has to be in Japan ?
One more question, I plan to use IOCCA card in Tokyo, I will do sightseeing around Tokyo for 2 days (Modern part and Traditional part, 2 days Disneyland and Disneysea. Is it the right decision to use IOCCA card instead of any day pass? Should I get the refund before leaving Tokyo, or will I need it when I am at Osaka Kyoto?
Thanks and regards, Enie
Hi Enie san,
You cannot buy Kansai thru pass before you come to Japan.
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english02.html
And you should use Enjoy Eco card at 800 yen. It’s 200 yen higher than Osaka visitor’s ticket but you can buy Eco card at Shin-Osaka or Umeda or any other subway stations. You can get it right after you get Osaka. If you want to buy visitors ticket, you need to get Shinsaibashi and you need to spend more than 200 yen to get there. It doesn’t make sense.
I think you mix up ICOCA and Suica. ICOCA is sold in Osaka and Suica is sold in Tokyo. Both card can be used in both cities. But if you want to get the refund, you have to do it before the city where the card is sold. If you use Suica in Tokyo, you have to refund it before you leave in Tokyo. You cannot get ICOCA in Tokyo but you can get refund it in Osaka.
For traveling in downtown Tokyo, subway pass is better way.
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
But Disney is not covered by subway pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you. Yes, it is Suica card ((:
No worries, Enie san
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Kindly advise on the type of pass that is most suitable for my trip to wakayama in january 2018, my stay is for 14 days, I’m 50, traveling with wife, mother age 80 and a friend;
the key areas that i want to cover are as below;
1. wakayama city – spend 2 nights
2. koyasan – doing the temple stay for 1 night
3. kumano kodo to see the 3 grand shrines, hongu taisha, nachi
taisha and hayatama taisha and daimonzaka?
4. the onsens in Hongu town
5. Nachi waterfall
6. Katsura
7. Shirahama
8. Dorokyo Gorge/Shingu
9. Kushimoto
A few key questions are;
I read about the Ise-kumano-wakayama Tourist 5days pass, is it necessary to buy 2 passes for my 13 days, can it be use from Kansai Airport upon arrival? Will it be able to take care of most of my areas/attractions to visit while in wakayama? What’s your advise?
Where would you recommend as my bases(cities/town) to stay for the respective areas eg. will shingu be a good base for visiting kumano, kushinmoto, nachi, katsuura?
For kumano kodo and hongu town do i need a few days to cover the main attractions?
I know some of the questions doesn’t involve JPRail but i would surely appreciate any pointers or advise that you can provide.
Thank you in advance,
Julian Tham
Malaysia
Hi Julian san,
I think you may have one pass and add single fare. Koyasan is not covered by this pass. You can get there from Wakayama. But it’s much easier to get there from Namba (Osaka). You should visit there before/after using this pass.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
It’s hard to say how many days you need for Kumamo, Kushimoto area. I’m sure you need two or three days at least. But it depends on how much you want to see these places.
Regarding using pass, I think you need one pass only. Wakayama-Shingu one way fare + express seat fee is around 6000 yen. Bus fare is around 1600 yen. I don’t think you can get the worth of two passes. You need only one pass + single fare to go back to Osaka or Wakayama.
Shingu is the best place to visit Kumano area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Many thanks Takeshi-San for your advise, I will follow your advise.
Cheers fr julian Tham
No worries, Julian.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Our trip is getting closer. I have bought tickets for Platt Kodama as you suggested for Tokyo to Osaka. I will by Eco card upon arrival to Shin Osaka, to cover my trip around Osaka for the day.
My questions are :
– We have a bit of change at our trip, we will stay near Dontonbori
– We will travel to Kyoto for 2 days from osaka
– Half day to Nara and then around osaka
– the next morning will fly back from KIX
My question. do we still need to buy 3 days Kansai Thru Pass. How about last day to go to KIX, what transportation/Ticket should we use.
Kindly advise.
Thanks and regards, Enie
Hi Enie,
You need Kansai thru pass for trip to Kyoto and Nara.
I’m not sure you need Eco ard or not. If you travel lots in Osaka on arrival day from Tokyo, you can use it. But you don’t need it for other days because you will have Kansai thru pass which covers Osaka subway.
You can use single ticket or other deal from Namba to KIX. Please see the link below:
jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you the fast reply Takeshi san. Cheers, Enie
No worries, Enie san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san. My boy was born on 22 Dec 2004. So he will still 12 years old when we travel. I notice kansai thru pass children is until 12 years old. Can we buy children tickect for him for platt kodama, eco card and kansai thru pass?
Kindly advise.
Thanks and regards, Enie
Hi Enie san,
Platt Kodama is not available for kids. But Child fare is still cheaper than Platt Kodama adult price. In JR fare rule, child fare is applied for under 11 years old. So you need to get the adult price of Platt Kodama for him. However if you can prove that your son is still in elementary school, you may be able to get child fare. But I don’t know how they check your son is in still elementary school student or not. So just try it.
You can purchase Kansai thru pass at child rate for him because child fare is applied to 6 to 12 years old. Adult fare is applied to 12 years old for
Eco card is same condition as JR ticket. You may try to get Child fare for your son.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you
No worries, Enie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I just realized the JR Kansai Pass needs to be used on consecutive days, so please disregard my question to you earlier again about whether I should buy the 4 Day JR Kansai Pass or not.
I will probably just buy the 1 Day JR Kansai Pass + 2 Day Kansai Thru Pass Option.
Thanks.
Hi Karen,
I have just removed your previous inquiry. You are right to use Kansai area pass and Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
I would like to check on the following:
If I buy a Kansai area pass for 4 days must the usage be on consecutive days? I intend to be in Osaka for 2 nights followed by 3 nights in Kyoto and then back to Osaka. Whilst in Osaka I will be making a day trip to Nara and another to Tennoji Zoo. Can the pass be used on 4 non consecutive days or is there a better option?
Thanks
Hi Gerrie,
You have to use it in consecutive days.
I this this pass does not suit your trip plan. Kansai thru pass 3 days is better 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
You may not use this pass in consecutive days. You can use it for trip to Nara, Osaka to Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka. In Osaka and Kyoto, you can add other deals 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-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, i would like to ask for your recommendation as to whether we should take jr westkansai area pass or kansai thru pass, here is our itinerary:
Day 1: Reached Osaka at night, from kansai to Tsurugaoka Station – one way ticket
Day 2: Osaka tour around city (Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Dontobori ferry, Hep Five Ferry Whee) – Osaka Amazing pass
Day 3: Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shinsekai, Dontobori- Osaka Amazing pass
Day 4: To kyoto (Kinkaju-ji, Shijo Dori) – Kansai thru pass 3 days
Day 5: To Nara and Kobe- Kansai thru pass 3 days
Day 6: To Arashiyama Bamboo- Kansai thru pass 3 days
Day 7: Kiyomizu, Fushimi Inari Taisa
Day 8: To Osaka – one way ticket
Day 9: To kansai airport from Nagahoribashi Station
Hi Yap Ka Mei san,
I think you can use Kansai area pass one day for Nara and Kobe on day 5. You may use one day of 3 days Kansai thru pass on day 8. You may visit somewhere in Osaka or/and Kyoto on day 8 by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com