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
Hello Takeshi-San,
My trip to Kansai area will be on April 5-13, with the following itinerary in mind. I will be staying with my cousin who is currently based in Kobe, Hyogo.
I have not finalized it yet because I am hesitant with the sequence, because if I use a JR West Pass, then I have to use it on consecutive days.
5-Apr Arrival at KIX
6-Apr USJ
7-Apr Kobe and Himeji
8-Apr Osaka Bay and Kita District
9-Apr Osaka – Minami District and Tennoji
10-Apr Kyoto-Inari
11-Apr Kyoto-Arashiyama
12-Apr Nara
13-Apr Return to Manila
What do you suggest is the most convenient and cost efficient pass with this itinerary? I have purchased a 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass for the days that we will be roaming Osaka.
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Jing san,
I recommend you to use Kansai area pass for just Kobe and Himeji. You may use Kansai thru pass for Kyoto and Nara:
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 can find the deal for KIX-Osaka in 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 Takeshi san,
Thank you very much for your prompt response!
On our entire trip, we will be staying/based at Kobe. Will the Kansai thru pass be more efficient than JR West Pass?
Thanks again! Your articles are really really helpful!
Hi Jing san,
Can you switch the order of your sightseeing. Because Kansai area pass is recommended for Himeji and Kyoto. But you have to use this pass consecutively. So please gather Himeji and Kyoto in three consecutive days. On the other hand, you can use Kansai thru pass for Nara and Osaka except trip to USJ. You can do it on any 3 days.
Limousine bus is most convenient to get Kobe.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KB
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san.
I am glad to have stumbled upon your blog. I have had a hard time trying to figure out which type of rail pass to get for our trip. I was hoping you could help me figure out whether we should get a rail pass, and if so, which one. We are staying near Tsuruhashi station. Here is a summary of our itinerary:
Day 1 – KIX > Tennoji > Tsuruhashi station (Is ICOCA+Haruka a good deal for this?)
Day 2 – Osaka sightseeing (day 1)
Day 3 – Osaka sightseeing (day 2)
Day 4 – Osaka > Himeji > Kobe > Osaka (Is this too ambitious? Should I spend one day in each city?)
Day 5 – Osaka > Kyoto > Osaka (Is one day enough to see all the sites?)
Day 6 – Osaka > Nara > Osaka (Is one day enough to see all the sites?)
Day 7 – Osaka > Hikone > Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka > Kinosaki Onsen > Osaka (I’ve been told this is a good place to go. Is this worth the trip?)
Day 9 – Tsuruhashi station > Tennoji > KIX (Haruka roundtrip?)
The sequence of places is still flexible since we are staying in Osaka throughout the trip. Should we get the JR West Kansai Area Pass for days 4 to 7?
Hi JJ san,
You should use Kansai Wide Area Pass for day 4 to 8 because this is most affordable deal to cover Kinosaki onsen. I love Kinosaki and recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
For day 2 and 3, you may find 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
It’s hard to say that one day is enough to see Kyoto. In my opinion, one day is okay for Nara because most of places are in the walking distance from Nara station. But Kyoto is much bigger than Nara. I think you probably see 4 to 5 places maximum in one day. It depends on where you want to go.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your suggestions, Takeshi san!
I have a few quick follow-up questions.
1. Is ICOCA plus Haruka roundtrip ticket a good deal? What are the alternatives?
2. If we don’t go to Kinosaki, would the Kansai Wide Area Pass still be a good choice?
3. Which of the Osaka City passes would you recommend if we will be traveling around Osaka for from Day 1 (halfday) to Day 3?
Hi JJ,
1. Yes.
2. No. Kansai area pass or Kansai thru pass 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
3. It depends on how you spend your time. 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
Thank you, Takeshi san!
I have one more inquiry: I am considering a trip to Okayama. Is it worth the trip?
Also, I am planning to do it on the same day as Himeji and Kobe. So, it will be Osaka > Okayama > Himeji > Kobe > Osaka. Is it possible or is it too ambitious?
JJ
Hi JJ,
Okayama is good but Kurashiki is much better. It’s just a few stations away from Okayama by the local train:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
If you go to either Okayama and Kurashiki, you need Kansai Wide area pass. Kansai area pass does not cover Okayama and Kurashiki.
You can combine Himeji, Kobe and Kurashiki (or Okayama).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
With my wife have doubts whether to buy the Kansai Thru Pass or the JR West Kansai Area Pass
We will be staying in Kyoto for 5 days, near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, and we plan daily trips from there. (not necessarily in this order)
day1. Himeji with a stop at Osaka before returning to Kyoto
day 2. Nara and Fushimi Inari
day 3. Kyoto city
day 4. Arashiyama
day 5. We leave for Tanabe.
Can you give us any advice about which pass to buy?
It is possible to use one of these passes to travel part of the trip from
kyoto to Tanabe?
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Javier.
Hi Javier san,
Do you mean that Tanabe is Kii Tanabe? If so, both Kansai thru pass and Kansai area pass does not cover Tanabe. Kansai WIDE Area Pass is recommended:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m planning to take kansai area pass 1day for my trip from shin imamiya station to minami kusatsu station, i tried looking at Hyperdia this trip will cost me 1320yen. On the same day i plan to visit few places such as sagano romantic train, and arashiyama forest using JR line. By the end of the day i’ll go back to minami kusatsu station and back to shin imamiya station. do u think it’s worth it to take the pass?
Hi Nana san,
Yes. Kansai area pass 1-day works for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Can you help to recommend on which pass (train or bus) should i buy for my itinerary below:
Day 1: arrive KIX then sightseeing around (osaka castle, temposan,umeda,dotomburi,etc) staying in Enisia Namba.
Day 2: USJ
Day 3: Osaka to Nara (sightseeing nara park,kofukuji,todaiji,kasuga taisha) staying in Nara guesthouse kamunabi
Day 4: Nara to Kyoton (Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama,kinkakuji,kiyomizudera, etc) staying in Kyoto Hana hostel
Day 5: Kyoto to Tokyo (better sightseeing in tokyo or Disney?) staying in Imano Tokyo-shinjuku area)
Day 6 : Mt. Fuji tour
Day 7: last day (Disney or sightseeing Tsukiji,ginza,imperial palace,shibuya,harajuku etc)
i already bought ICOCA card, considering buying JR West kansai pass and Kyoto all day bus pass. Also any suggestion on the trip from Kyoto to Tokyo ? I am weighing to take a shinkansen but not sure whether it will economical.
Thank you for your input.
Hi H Catrina san,
For day 1, Yokoso Osaka Ticket is recommended:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
For day 2 to 4, you may use ICOCA. I think you intend to use Kansai area pass for these days, but it’s not a good idea. You cannot get the worth of it.
If you save your cost, you may think about using Platt Kodama for the Shinkansen trip from 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
I think you should visit Disneyland on day 7. It’s always crowded. You should be there at the time of the gate open.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your fast reply, the thing is my friend already bought her JR West kansai pass and she asked me to buy 1 for myself, which is why i am considering the pass. Say if i buy the JR west pass instead of Yokoso Osaka ticket, can i use the pass for the tour around Osaka on Day 1?
can the pass also be use for train from namba to USJ ? can it also be use to go to Nara and Kyoto considering my friend already have hers?
What is better to take for my full day in Kyoto, bus or train ? should i take a 1 day bus pass because i read that Kyoto is a bus city more than train? my itinerary will have me arrive in Kyoto on April 13, saturday.
thank you for your input.
Hi H Catrina san,
If you have to use Kansai area pass one day, you should use it for day 1. This is only day that you can get the worth of it. But JR-Namba station is a bit away from the center of Namba. Tenpozan is not in the coverage area. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
So i will not get any worth for the pass if i use it on train from Namba to Nara or from Nara to Kyoto ? or even tour in Kyoto ?
if I use Yokoso pass for day 1 and then the JR west kansai pass for day 3 or day 4 and then continue with the tour in that city, will it be worth it ?
thanks.
Hi H Catrina san,
No, you can’t. One way fare from JR-Namba to Nara is 560 yen. The fare from Nara to Kyoto is 710 yen. The pass does not cover any bus, subway and non JR trains. You cannot get the worth of it. Regular fare ticket is way cheaper actually.
If you use it on day 1, you can take express train Haruka from Kansai airport to Tennoji. It costs more than 2,000 yen and this is reason why you can get the worth of it. But you have to change trains at Tennoji and get a local train to JR-Namba. JR-Namba is not located in the center of Namba as I mentioned in the previous reply.
But if you use Yokoso Osaka ticket, you can take Nankai railway express train “Rapi:t” to get Namba directly. And Nankai railway Namba station is the center of Namba. Yokoso Osaka ticket includes subway unlimited ride and it covers all places where you will visit.
That is reason why I don’t recommend you to use this pass.
Even if you are okay that the pass is more expensive than a regular fare ticket, and you have to use the pass on day 3 or 4, you should use it on day 4 from Nara to Kyoto. You can use the pass in Kyoto to get Arashiyama.
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
However even if use the pass to get Arashiyama, you cannot get the worth of it. Total cost will be around 1,000 yen.
I forgot to tell you about the deal in Kyoot in the last reply. Kyoto city bus pass is the best deal:
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,
on your previous explanation, you said :
“If you use it on day 1, you can take express train Haruka from Kansai airport to Tennoji. It costs more than 2,000 yen and this is reason why you can get the worth of it. But you have to change trains at Tennoji and get a local train to JR-Namba.”
Does this transfer to local train from Tennoji to JR-Namba, we can use the pass too? since it’s a JR Line right ?
Another scenario, if i use the pass on Day 4 from Nara to Kyoto, can i use the pass all the way on JR line from Nara to Inari, Inari to Kyoto, Kyoto to Arashiyama, Arashiyama to Emmachi and etc, on that day as long as it’s on JR train?
thank you.
Hi H Catrina san,
You can use either way. As long as you take JR line, your trip is covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive in KIX, Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka, visit ITM to pick up my friend
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: Osaka to Hyogo (Mount Himeji) to Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto (roundtrip to Mount Hiei)
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka (roundtrip to Nara)
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo
JR Pass seems to be the easiest way to go… but I am considering a 3-day Thru Pass (Day 5-7) and then pay separate fare for all other trips. What do you think?
Thank you so much
Hi Aria,
Kansai Thru Pass is better deal for day 5 to 7 because JR Kansai area pass is better for day 5 but it does not cover Mount Hiei.
In Osaka, you can find 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
For the trip to Itami, Osaka to Tokyo, there is no deals available. But if you intend to take the Shinkansen for Osaka to Tokyo, Platt Kodama may be considerable:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am torn between the 4 day JR West Kansai Area Pass or the Kansai Thru Pass.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kansai Airport to Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka to Nara to Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto
Which one would you recommend us getting or should we just get a prepaid card?
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Sandy san,
I don’t recommend you to use either passes.
For day 1, 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
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
For day 3, please use Kansai one pass instead of using a regular fare ticket:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
For day 4, use Kansai one pass when you take train or subway. If you take a bus more than 3 times a day, you may use city bus pass at 600 yen for one day. You can get the worth of it by more than 3 rides of the pass. Otherwise use Kansai one pass to take city bus as well:
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
Thank you Takeshi!
Would you suggest us getting the JR Rail Pass for 7 days instead?
This is my full itinerary:
Day 1 – Kansas airport to Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka to Nara to Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto to Tokyo
Day 6-8 – Tokyo
Day 9 – Day trip to Hakone
Day 10 – Tokyo to Narita Airport
There are so many options to choose from and it gets so overwhelming! Thank you for your help!
Hi Sandy,
Not recommended. You cannot get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You may add Hakone Free Pass 2-day for even day trip to Hakone.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,Takeshi.
Does this pass cover base fare Non-Reserved seat of Sanyo Shinkansen in the area.
Thank you.
Hi Pan,
No, you can’t. This pass does not cover Shinkansen at all even in the coverage area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
There’s a change in the plan and so we had to rethink about which passes bring good value to us. Pls advise which passes good for this route:
Day 1: Osaka
Day 2-3: Kyoto, Kobe, Nara
Day 4: kanazawa (daytrip to shirakawago)
Day 5: kanazawa -Izu (kawazu)
Day 6: Tokyo Shinjuku
Day 7: Nikko
Day 8: Yokohama
Day 9: Shinjuku-Haneda
Thank you very much in advance for the assistance!
Warm regrds,
corry
Hi Corry san,
You may use JR pass for day 1 to 7. I recommend you to switch day 6 (Tokyo) and day 8 (Yokohama), and you can use JR pass for the trip to Yokohama.
Regular ticket is okay for Tokyo and Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately we already made a hotel booking in shinjuku starting day 6 to day 9. So we will do day trips to Nikko and Yokohama.
What if we activate the JR Pass on day 2? Is the trip from Kix to Osaka City okay with regular ticket?
Also, with Nikko, should we purchase Nikko pass or JR Pass will be okay? Same thing about Kyoto, should we consider Kyoto All day Pass as well?
Thank you again!
Regards,
Corry
Hi Corry san,
You can use JR pass from day 2 if you like. There are some deals for KIX to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
But if you intend to take JR train from KIX, you may use JR pass from day 1 and use a regular fare ticket or other deal to Yokohama:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
About the coverage in Kyoto, please see the link below:
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 get Nikko by JR pass but you may need to add a bus ticket of pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
http://www.tobu-bus.com/en/nikko/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,Takeshi
Does this pass valid on base fare of limited express(Kuroshio) I’m going from Tennoji to Wakayama?
(If above is yes)May I ask that
Does it apply to Reserved/Green seat too?
Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.
Regards,
Wang
Hi Wang,
This pass does not cover Kuroshio. It covers only Haruka.
This pass does not cover both reserved seat and Green seat. You have to get on non reserved seat. If you want reserved seat, you have to purchase a regular ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com