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
Dear Takeshi,
First of all, thanks for having this helpful blog.
Can you please advise which is the best train pass we should get, the Haruka&Icoca pass, Kansai pass or somethingelse?
Day 1 We arrive 8pm from KIX Airport and will take train to our hotel near Shin-Osaka station.
Day 2 Shin-Osaka – Himeji Castle – Kobe – Shin Osaka
Day 3 Shin- Osaka – Nara – Osaka downtown – Shin Osaka
Day 4 Shin- Osaka – Kyoto – Shin Osaka
Day 5 Shin Osaka – Osaka downtown – Shin Osaka – KIX airport, our flight is at 7pm
Which is the best pass should we get?
Thank you,
Tates
Hi Tates,
There are many options for your plan. I think the following combination.
ICOCA and Haruka for arrival and departure day
ICOCA e-moeny towards to day 4 trip to Kyoto.
Kansai area pass 2 days for day 2 and 3
If you still have some fund in ICOCA after Kyoto, you can use it for subway in Osaka on day 5. Otherwise add single fare or subway pass in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi.
Is it more economical for us to purchase the 2 days Kansai Area pass than use the ICOCA card to buy single tickets?
Thank you,
Tates
Hi Tates,
Kansai area pass is the best choice for Himeji and Kobe. Almost same fare between single ticket and pass. But you also need to think about after trip. If you go to Umeda (JR Osaka), you will take JR trains. So there are many situation. I think pass is more flexible.
If you want to save your cost as much as you want, you have to make the detailed itinerary and find how many times you will take a train. But it’s very hard to find it before you go. This is the reason why I recommend you to use the day pass.
ICOCA gives you flexibility. But it gives you exactly same value as cash.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I have some more questions please
1. What train do we take to get to Himeji on Day 2 and Nara on Day 3 from Shin Osaka station using the 2 days JR Kansai area pass.
2. Can I buy the JR Kansai area pass the same time I buy the Haruka & Icoca at the KIX airport?
Thank you so much for answering my question.
Tates
Hi Tates,
1. Yamatoji Rapid and Special Rapid are covered by the pass. See the details at the links bwlow:
https://jprail.com/category/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-nara-from-osaka-yamatoji-rapid-service.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
2. Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Been going through some of your sample itineraries and came up with this:
Buy 1 Day Osaka Amazing Pass to see Osaka Castle, Aquarium and Umeda Sky
Buy 1 Day JR West Pass (?) to travel to Hiroshima/Miyaji
Buy 2 Days Kansai Pass to visit Kyoto and Nara
We are a family of 4 travelling on Oct. 10.
1. Can I buy the above passes in Osaka or I need to buy them at Kansai Airport? or before travelling to Japan? We will be arriving late in the evening so we’ll hurry to catch the limousine bus to our hotel.
2. Do I need to buy all passes by 4? is there a family pass or something?
3. Oct. 12 is a National Holiday and we intend to visit Hiroshima. Will there be a big crowd then?
Cheers!
Hi Cynthia,
First of all, if you want to go to Hiroshima, you have to purchase Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
I think you mean Kansai Area Pass 1 day. But this pass does not cover Hiroshima. The coverage of this pass is way smaller to get Hiroshima. Even though Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is way more expensive than other passes, it’s cheaper than round trip fare by Shinkansen
If you purchase Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, it’s valid for 5 days. You don’t need to get 2 days Kansai pass. But Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass does not cover subway in Osaka and Kyoto. You have to add single fare or subway pass.
There is no family deals but if your child is less than 6 years old, it’s free. Any deals are not required.
Oct 12 will be busy than other days, but it’s not super busy. But if you can change the date, I recommend you to visit there in weekday.
You can purchase the pass on the spot at KIX. But as you see the link above, online price is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi again Takeshi,
Our Schedule would be like this:
Day 1 – late arrival, take Airport Bus Limousine (sat)
Day 2 – Day trip to Kyoto (Sun)
Day 3 – Day trip to Nara
Day 4 – Day trip to Kobe
Day 5 – Day trip to Hiroshima/Miyaji
Day 6 – Universal Studios Japan
Day 7 – Osaka
Day 8 – Travel to Kansai Airport
So we just need the following passes: JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass (5Days) and Osaka Amazing Pass (1 day). For Universal Studios Japan, we’ll just buy ticket as we ride right?
Can you recommend other places to visit other then Kobe when using Kansai Hiroshima Pass?
Thanks again.
Hi Cynthia,
You also can use this pass to get USJ. You can take a train from Osaka to Universal City station. It’s covered by the pass.
You may add Amazing pass of day 7.
I like Kinosaki Onsen and Shirahama. But those places are not very closed. It takes a few hours to get there from Osaka. You may use one more day for Kyoto. Or you can visit Kobe and Himeji on same day.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for all your inputs. Really appreciate it.
I intend to do a day trip from kyoto-Osaka-himeiji-kobe-Osaka. Is the one day pass can cover all the transport for these places?
Hi Colin,
Yes, it does.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will be visiting Osaka/Kyoto in October for 3 days before going to Tokyo.
i’ve already book a hostel in Kyoto for 2 nights
Here is my itinenary:
– arrive Kansai airport in the morning and straight away off to Kyoto for checkin hostel
– from kyoto i will coming back to Osaka and plan to go to Osaka castle, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studio, and sightseeing Dotonburi/ShinsaibashC area.
– then go back to kyoto from Namba station later that night.
For 2nd&3rd day, ill be doing Kyoto sightseeing and plan to buy Kyoto Sightseeing 2Day Pass Card.
Is JR West Kansai Area Pass is the best option or u have any other recommendation for my first day?
thanks
Hi Aju,
I agree with your plan. As you think, Kansai area pass one day is the best option for the 1st day for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
thanks Takeshi…
i’m planning to take flight from kyoto to tokyo…which means i need to come back to kansai airport on my 3rd day.
what is the best option for me to travel from kyoto back to osaka? can i buy ICOCA card and use it? or shuld i just use single fare?
Hi Aju,
Now your choice is 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
Kansai area pass is the best choice for the first day. But ICOCA and Haruka is better for the first and last day than Kansai area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the reply.
now i get a clearer picture.
So this is what im going to use:
Day 1: Kansai-Kyoto-Osaka
1) i will use Haruka from Kansai airport straight to Kyoto.
2) Get back to Osaka from Kyoto by JR Special Rapid Service (fare 540 yen) (as mentioned in your ICOCA Haruka post).
3) Use ICOCA for exploring Osaka
4) If i want to get to Kyoto from Namba, use JR Special Rapid Service
Day 2: Kyoto
1) I can use ICOCA for Kyoto sightseeing
Day 3: Kyoto-Kansai
1) i will use Haruka from Kyoto straight to Kansai airport
Takeshi, can u explain more on JR Special Rapid Service? which ill be using on my first day from Kyoto to Osaka/Namba-Kyoto
thanks
Hi Aju,
I think you need to purchase Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass. You have only 1500 yen in ICOCA. Your ICOCA will be empty after you finish your trip to Osaka. You can add more fund into your ICOCA but ICOCA does not give you any discount. It gives you exactly same value as cash. You may take subways and buses many times. It’s not good idea to use ICOCA for sightseeing in Kyoto. You should have unlimited ride pass for Kyoto.
You can find more info about Special rapid at the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am in Japan now. I am intending to travel to Kyoto from Tokyo for a short trip for 3 days 2 nights. Will a 3-day JR Kansai pass work for me for trains from Tokyo to Kyoto and back to Tokyo.
If not, what’s a better way for me?
Hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Joachim
Hi Joachim,
Kansai Area Pass does not cover Tokyo-Kyoto. It covers only Kansai area. JR Pass is the best choice but it cannot be purchased in Japan unfortunately. You need to purchase single fare for Shinkansen and get subway or bus pass in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning a 6 days trip to Osaka end of this month, in which I will be exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji and possibly either Nara or Kobe. With my hotel based in Osaka, how would you suggest I arrange the sequence of these places of interest when I will be using a 3 Day Kansai Thru Pass, a 3 Day Kansai Area Pass and possible a ICOCA card if needed.
As suggested in your post, Himeji will be best with the JR pass, and Osaka & Kyoto would be best with Kansai Thru Pass. So I would like to ask what about Nara and Kobe? Will JR pass be good enough?
Thank you so much for your guidance.
Warm Regards,
Yamie
Hi Yamie,
I have a post to tell about how to build the itinerary in Osaka. Please find the info below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
I hope you will get a solution there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have my accommodation booked near Imamiya for my 10 days Osaka trip.
apart from 4 days in Osaka, i intend to travel to Nara, Kobe, Kyoto (2 days), Himeji and Hiroshima.
I did some initial calculations and it seems that the JR pass (7days) might not be worthwhile for me. will you suggest if i purchase the JR west Kansai pass instead , and if yes can you suggest for which trip should i get? or should i stick to the JR pass?
Basically my calculation is as below.
Imamiya – Kobe – JPY 1420
Imamiya – Kyoto – JPY 3680 (2 days travel)
Imamiya – Nara – JPY 1120
Imamiya – Himeji – JPY 3320
Imamiya – Hiroshima – JPY 11,240
Total : JPY 20,780
given each city a day, i will still have a day to use, but i do not believe i will use JPY 8,330 worth of travel (JR pass 29,110 – 20,780).
Thank you very much for your kind assistance.
Kind Regards,
Joel
Hi Joel,
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is the perfect choice for you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
It’s valid for only 5 days. If 5 days is not enough to cover all of your trip, you may add Kansai thru pass 2 days. Especially when you go to Kyoto, you need to take subway and bus in Kyoto. Any passes by JR do not cover subway and bus in Kyoto but Kansai thru pass does.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello.. I’d like to ask you about going to osaka and kyoto from tokyo, which JRpass I should buy? Could I use jrpass kansai wide? Thanks
Hi Yola,
This pass is the tourist who travel outside Kansai area. If you visit Osaka and Kyoto, it’s not suitable for you. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
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
If you need one way transfer from Kyoto to Tokyo, single fare is better than any other deals.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi-san for your help. But I still little bit confuse, the single ticket that you told me is for one trip..
My plan is from Tokyo – kyoto – osaka and then back to Tokyo because my flight is from Tokyo.
And I read that I can’t going back to Tokyo again after I use this entry ticket, am I wrong? Thanks again
Hi Yola san,
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka in 7 days, 7 days JR pass will work.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
If you let me know your detailed itinerary, I can tell you more.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
We are planning a trip to visit our son in Sept. Will arrive at the Kansai International Airport and need to find our way to Senrioka Station. Can you advise us to the most direct route and easiest route with as little transfers as possible.
Thank you, Kim
Hi Kim,
You can take Limited Express Haruka from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka. And then transfer to local train to Senrioka.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
You may find the timetable and fare at Hyoerdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you take a train during your stay, you can use 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will be in Japan for two months and here is my itinerary:
Arrive in Tokyo – 5 days
Fly to Hakodate – 4 days
Train to Sapporo – 4 days
Fly to Fukuoka – 3 days
Train to Hiroshima – 2 days
Train/bus to Tottori – 2 days
Train to Kinosaki Yamamotoya – 2 days
Train to Osaka – 4 days
Train to Kyoto – stay 2 weeks
Train to Hamamatsu – stay 3 days
That’s all I have planned so far but I don’t know the best JR pass I should get! How long after you buy one do you have to use it? Should I get multiple 14 week JR’s? That might be expensive but is the alternative more expensive? Any help you could give would be great!
Thank you,
Shannon
Hi Shannon,
First of all, single ticket is the best choice for Hakodate and Sapporo if you intend to take Hakodate – Sapporo one way only. If you will visit other area in Hokkaido other than city of Sapporo, Hokkaido Rail Pass may be suitable.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
After arriving Fukuoka, it’s very hard to find the deal. If you take trains for all part of your trip from Fukuoka to Hamanatsu, single ticket will be much cheaper than 14 days pass. Multiple 14 days pass is way more expensive.
So far, I don’t have any other choice other than single ticket for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail