You may travel in Kansai area only and not travel throughout Japan. You may have one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo. For these travelers, Kansai One Pass/ICOCA and Haruka gives you a good deal for the transfer from Kansai airport to Osaka or Kyoto, and the local sightseeing in Kansai region.
This deal gives you access to Osaka or Kyoto by the limited express Haruka and some preloaded e-money in ICOCA or Kansai One Pass.
I will tell you what this deal is and how to use it in this post.
What is Haruka?
Haruka is the limited express train which offers you a direct transfer from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. This train does not stop at Osaka station (Umeda). But it is only one station away from Shin-Osaka. This is only direct train service to Kyoto from KIX. If you go to Kyoto, I highly recommend to take this train because this is the fastest, most convenient and most reliable choice. Please see the post, Limited Express Haruka to get more details.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
These are e-money IC card. This deals included 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA or 2,500 yen e-money if you choose Kansai One Pass.
You can use this e-money not only JR trains but also Osaka subway, Kyoto subway, most of private train companies (Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu and many more) and even city bus in major cities, like Kyoto. You can use it to shop in the kiosk in the station, the nationwide convenience store (Lawson, Family Mart, Seven Eleven) and even some of major electronics retail store.
If you go to other major cities, like Tokyo, Nagoya, Sapporo, Hakata, Hiroshima after staying in Kansai area, you still can use ICOCA. So you can take most of trains in the other areas by ICOCA, such as subway in Tokyo, JR train in Sapporo and many more.
What is the difference between ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Kansai One Pass is basically same type card as ICOCA. But Kansai One Pass is available for an overseas tourist only. And the preload amount is 1,000 yen more than ICOCA.
You can take any trains and most of bus services in Kansai area by this card. The way of using Kansai One Pass is exactly same as ICOCA. The biggest feature of this card is offering a discount at many attractions in Kansai area. ICOCA does not offer any discount at the attraction. If you intend to purchase ICOCA, you should purchase Kansai One Pass instead.
You might think that 2,500 yen e-money is too much for your trip. But as I mentioned, you can use this e-money to buy something eat and/or drink in the major convenience store. It is not hard to spend 2,500 yen. You can include Kansai One Pass in ICOCA and Haruka package instead of ICOCA.
Please see the link below to find the detailed information of Kansai One Pass:
Price
Actually you can get only Haruka discount ticket which is Haruka riding ticket portion of ICOCA and Haruka if you have already got ICOCA card or Kansai One Pass.
ICOCA and Haruka price table
| Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,200 | 4,400 |
| Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 3,600 | 5,200 |
| Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 3,800 | 5,600 |
| Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 3,700 | 5,400 |
| Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,600 | 5,200 |
Haruka ticket only price table
| Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,200 | 2,400 |
| Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 1,600 | 2,200 |
| Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 1,800 | 3,600 |
| Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 1,700 | 2,400 |
| Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,600 | 3,200 |
- One way type ticket is only available both direction, such as KIX to Osaka and Osaka to KIX. But only the deal from KIX is available online. You cannot purchase the ticket to KIX online. You have to purchase it at the station after arrival.
- One way type ticket must be used on the day of purchase. Round trip ticket is valid for 14 days.
- ICOCA and Kansai One Pass can be used whenever you want. ICOCA and Kansai One Pass will be expires in case that you will not use these cards in 10 years at all. If you intend to come back to Japan in next 10 years, you still will be able to use same ICOCA or Kansai One Pass in next trip
- Haruka riding portion of this deal can allow you to use non reserved seat of Haruka or the other local and rapid train. You cannot take a reserved seat or the Green seat of Haruka and other limited express trains, such as the Shinkansen.
If your child is 5 years or younger, it is free of charge.
If you want to get only Haruka ticket without purchasing ICOCA or Kansai One Pass, you can buy a ticket at Klook:
Klook.comI will explain a price comparison later.
How about child deal
ICOCA and Haruka is not available for child. But if you travel between Kansai airport and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, Kansai Area Pass child rate is cheaper than a single fare.
If you want to compare the exact fare and the price of this pass, the single fare table can be found below. The child rate is applied to 6 years to 11 years old. 5 years old or younger child is free if you share your seat with your child. But when you take a train and there are lots of empty seat, you can give a seat to your child.
ICOCA can be purchased itself beside Kansai area pass. You cannot share your ICOCA Card with your child. Child ICOCA is available. But Please see the next chapter.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Most of you use ICOCA or Kansai One Pass to take a train. The biggest advantage of this card is that you do not have to purchase a ticket when you enter the station and take a train. All you have to do is touch your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at a ticket gate when you enter/exit station. It is automatically calculated and subtract a fare from your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can save your time when you take a train.
Even if you do not have enough fund in your ICOCA, you can still enter the station and take the trains. (But you must have minimum fares plus 500 yen deposit in this card.) You can add more fund before you enter/exit the station. You can add more fund in your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at other major cities where other IC cards are available, such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Hakata.
Actually 2,000 yen e-money in ICOCA (2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass) that is included in this deal also includes 500 yen deposit. Therefore your fund in your ICOCA is 1,500 yen and 2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass. If you empty this card and do not use it any more, you can get this 500 yen deposit refund at the station. But if you want to keep ICOCA card itself for your souvenir, you cannot get refund. Especially ICOCA card for this deal is designed for the overseas tourist. It looks different from common ICOCA card. There are two versions available, Wind or Thunder God on the screen (National treasure) or No.1 world famous Japanese character ‘Hello Kitty!’.
If you go to other than Kansai area and want to get refund, complete to use this ICOCA when you stay in Kansai area and get refund. You cannot get any refund in the other cities, like Tokyo.
Child ICOCA is sold at 2,000 yen that is 1,500 yen e-money and 500 yen deposit. It has same value as adult ICOCA card. But if your child use Child ICOCA, child fare is deducted to take a train. Child fare is half amount of adult fare. So it takes longer to spend 1,500 yen e-money than using adult ICOCA.
Please see the following link to get some more information about other IC cards:
How to use this deal
This deal includes 1,500 yen ICOCA e-money or 2,500 yen e-money in the card if you choose Kansai One Pass, and one way/round trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe. You cannot use this deal to Himeji, Wakayama and other than Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
If you go to Sannomiya, Kobe and other stations between Kobe and Shin-Osaka, you have to take Haruka to Shin-Osaka and transfer local, rapid or Special Rapid Service at Shin-Osaka. Of course this ticket covers all part of this trip. However the airport limousine bus runs between Kansai airport and Kobe directly. If you go to Kobe, the airport limousine bus is better way. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Kobe
If you go to Nara, Haruka takes you Tennoji. And then you have to change to Yamatoji Rapid Service to get Nara. There is no direct train services to Nara either. This is same as access to Kobe. The airport limousine bus takes you to Nara directly. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Nara
Price comparison to basic fare
Upper rate is basic fare and lower rate is non reserved seat limited express surcharge.
| Adult (12 yrs and up) | Child (6-11 yrs) | |
|---|---|---|
| KIX – Tennoji | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
| KIX – JR Namba | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
| KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1360 yen 970 yen | 680 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Osaka (Umeda) | 1190 yen 970 yen | 590 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Kyoto | 1880 yen 970 yen | 940 yen 480 yen |
| KIX – Sannomiya | 1710 yen 970 yen | 860 yen 480 yen |
This deal is cheaper for all destinations than the regular fares.
Compare to other deals, Nankai Railway deals, JR West Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass
If you travel to Shin-Imamiya or Namba, you can take Nankai Railway. The basic fare is only 930 yen if you take the airport express train. Nankai Namba station is located at central of Namba and it is much better location than JR Namba. Even if you want ICOCA, you can purchase only ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can buy one of these cards and start using to take the train from KIX right away.
If you go to somewhere in Osaka, like Shinsaibashi, Nihonbashi, Uehonmachi, by subway, Nankai Namba is much easier location to transfer to subway Namba station. If you have very tight budget, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket is sold at 1,020 yen. This includes Nankai Railway one way basic fare between Kansai airport and Namba and one way trip to/from any Osaka Metro stations. As I mentioned, basic fare from KIX to Namba by Nankai Railway is 930 yen. Osaka Metro fare is starting at 180 yen. If you have the shortest trip, like from Namba to Shinsaibashi, the total fare (Nankai plus Subway) is 1,110 yen. You can use this deal, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket for the trip to Umeda where is same location as JR Osaka station. Osaka Metro Midosuji line can take you from Namba to Umeda. This is cheaper than JR basic fare 1,210 yen. If you want to get more information about Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket, please see Nankai Railways website.
If you go to Nara by the train after you arrive in KIX, you may consider to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass. Kintetsu Railway is better to access to Nara because Kintetsu Nara station is better location than JR Nara station. So I recommend you to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass to get Nara. Please see the post, How to access to Nara.
If you go to Himeji, JR West Kansai Area Pass is the best and the fastest. Kansai Thru Pass can be used to get Himeji. But it is too many transfers and spend many hours. JR trains, Haruka and Special Rapid Service, are much faster.
I explained all deals for airport access at the link below. Please refer this post too.
Comments
Hi Takeshi San
I find your website so information and helpful for a first time traveller to Japan.
I am a family of 4 pax (2 adults, a 7 yr old, a 5 yr old) travelling in early December for 10 days to Osaka – Kyoto – Hakone – Tokyo
I would like to get an opinion on some of my suggestion mode of transportation. I also realise that JR West Pass and Kansai Thru Pass may not be a good option since I am doing one ways for most of my trips:
Day 1
Osaka (KIX) to Umeda
– use JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service
Osaka – Nara – Osaka
– use ICOCA on Kintetsu line
Day 2
Osaka city
– use ICOCA
Day 3
Osaka – Kyoto (stay near JR Kyoto station)
– use JR Kyoto Line
Day 3, 4, 5
– sight seeing around Kyoto
– use ICOCA
Day 6
Kyoto – Hakone
– use JR Tokaido shinkansen (hikari train)
– purchase Hakone free pass at Odawara
Day 7
Hakone – Tokyo (Keio hotel at Shinjuku)
– pls advise which train
– pls advise if I can continue to use ICOCA in Tokyo
Day 8
– Disneyland, transfer using bus at hotel
Day 9
– Tokyo city
– please advise if I should use ICOCA
Day 10
– NEX to Narita
1. Can I use ICOCA for my transfer to KIX to Umeda, I understand it comes with Haruka ticket to Shin-Osaka, but my hotel is at Umeda. I do not want too many transfers since I have children and luggages
2. Where can I buy ICOCA for child rates?
3. Can I use ICOCA on other JR trains such as Osaka – Kyoto, Kyoto – Hakone etc
4. Can I use ICOCA in Tokyo
Thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
1. You can use ICOCA and Haruka deal. If you want, you can purchase only ICOCA card at JR station. But even if you don’t take Haruka express train, ICOCA and Haruka deal is still cheaper than base fare for KIX-Osaka (Umeda) and ICOCA.
2. As I mentioned above, child rate is not available for this deal. So you can purchase “Kodomo ICOCA” (Kodomo means child) at JR Kansai Airport station. It’s 2000 yen and includes 1500 yen e-money and 500 yen deposit. It’s same price but child fare is half price of adult price. So Kodomo ICOCA can be used double than adult ICOCA. It’s free for 5 years old. You don’t need to purchase any ticket in Kansai and Tokyo area.
3. You can use any type of short transfer, such as transfer within Osaka, Osaka-Nara, Osaka-Kyoto. But you can’t use it for Kyoto-Hakone. There is a border of JR West and JR Central. These companies are same JR group, but technically those are different companies. Even in other company’s area, you can use ICOCA. But you can’t cross the border in your trip by ICOCA.
4. Yes, you can. But if you complete to use ICOCA in Osaka or Kyoto, you can get a 500 yen refund if you return your ICOCA to the station. You can use ICOCA and put some more fund into your ICOCA at major station. But you can’t get any refund in Tokyo area. If you don’t care about refund, it’s totally no problem to use.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I found your website really helpful for first timers going to Japan. Appreciate if you can comment on the passes to purchase based on my itinerary below
Day 1 : KIX to Kyoto
Day 2-3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto -Arashimaya
Day 5 – Osaka
Day 6- Osaka
Day 7 – Sakai
Day 8 – Sakai to KIX
Is ICOCA and HARUKA pass pays off? Do we need to get 2 days unlimited pass for Osaka sightseeing?
Thanks in advance
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
ICOCA and Haruka is a good choice for your trip. Even though you can’t take Haruka on the way back to KIX on Day 8, you can purchase round trip type. Because Haruka does not stop at Sakai. But you can take rapid train to KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
ICOCA 1500 yen e-money is not enough to cover all of your trips. You can use ICOCA for day 4 (Kyoto-Arashiyama), day 5 (Kyoto-Osaka) and day 7 (Osaka-Sakai). You may need to add some more deals.
1. Kyoto Sightseeing Pass (day2 and 3)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
2. Osaka Unlimited Pass or Enjoy Eco Card
If you visit many attractions, unlimited pass is a good choice. Otherwise Eco Card is enough.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi-san,
Your website is comprehensive. Glad that I found it. My friends and I will be traveling to Osaka mid of November. Our itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 – Arrive KIX and travel to Kyoto
Day 2 – Kyoto sightseeing + Nara
Day 3 – Kyoto back to Osaka
Day 4 – Osaka free and easy
Day 5 – Osaka to KIX
From what I read, I think we should purchase Icoca return trip (4,000 Yen). It covers day 1, day 4 and day 5. We can buy sightseeing pass in Kyoto. And Kyoto to Osaka purchase some single ticket.
My friend suggested buying JR West Pass which costs 6,000 Yen. Is my method better or should I follow my friend’s suggestion? Please advise.
Arigato 🙂
Regards,
KC
Hi KC,
I agree with your opinion.
You can use it for both way to/from KIX. And also you can use 1500 yen ICOCA e-money for trip to Nara. After you use it, you still have about two hundred yen in ICOCA. You can use it for the part of the trip to Osaka.
If you use Kansai West Pass 4 days, it does not cover for trip to KIX on day 5. Because it must be used in consecutive day. So 6000 yen is way higher than ICOCA and Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the quick reply. I really appreciate it.
Regards,
KC
Hi Takeshi,
Although I do find your website very useful, it’s still hard to choose given the many options and the web of subway lines in Japan. Can you suggest which pass do we go for? Here’s our initial plan
Day 1: Arrive in Kansai Airport and go straight to Kyoto, stay somewhere near Kyoto Station probably
Day 2: Arashiyama, Toei Studio Park then go back to Kyoto area, probably hang around Gion
Day 3: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Food Market, Higashiyama District, lastly for the night go around Pontocho Street
Day 4: Manga Museum, Nijo Castle, Travel back to Osaka, stay in Namba, probably go to Osaka Castle, Pokemon Center, do some grocery (Do you have any suggestion where?) and lastly, hang around Dotonbori.
Day 5: Universal Studios Osaka, Osaka Takoyaki Museum, probably go around Umeda or Namba area
Day 6: probably just stroll around anywhere before we go back to Kansai Int’l Airport, if possible go to Rinku Premium Outlet Store (do you suggest going to this or can we find everything at the airport also at the same price?)
Sorry to make you like a travel guide or something but hope you can suggest if we go for the Icoca + Haruka pass and for which days should we use it? I was also offered the Kyoto City Bus Pass but I’m not sure if we can manage that given that we don’t understand Japanese.
THanks!
Pearle
Hi Pearle,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket for day 1 and day 6.
ICOCA e-money can be used for transfer to Fushimi Inari by JR from Kyoto station on day 3 and transfer to Osaka on day 4.
You can purchase Kyoto sightseeing card one day for day 2. I don’t think you need this deal for other days.
If you still have some more fund in ICOCA on day 5, you still can use it. If not, just use single ticket.
I can’t comment about Rinku town because I’ve never been there. But in case that you go there, you can use Haruka to KIX and go back to Rinku town. It’s easier and faster. You can store your luggage in KIX if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Great really appreciate your help on this 🙂
Thanks!
Pearle
No problem, Pearle.
Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for providing detailed travelling information in your website.
I am travelling to Kyoto next week and would like to have your expert opinion about any pass or tickets suitable for my trip. We have 4 adults, 1 child 2 years old and anther baby 6 months old.
Day 1: Kansai Airport -> Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto -> Kobe -> Kyoto
Day 3 -Day 7: sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto -> Kansai Airport
Should I use ICOCA or Kansai West 2 days Rail Pass for the Day 1-2 trip, and is there any pass suitable for sightseeing in Kyoto.
Thank you very much!
Hi Pan,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket for day 1 and 7. And purchase Kansai West 1 day pass for day 2. It’s 100 yen cheaper than regular round trip fare.
In Kyoto, you can puchase Kyoto sightseeing card (subway and bus pass) as you need. If you take subway or bus more than 5 times a day, pass will be cheaper. And also you have ICOCA e-money 1500 yen value. You can use it for subway ride too.
Your 2 yrs old child and baby will have free ride always.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
A late thank you from Hong Kong. Last year I followed your advice on my Kyoto trip, and really helped a lot. Thanks again 🙂
Pan
Hi Pan,
I’m happy to hear that. When you visit Japan again and have some inquiries about train trip, I always welcome you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Your post is very helpful and useful. I also have some questions about my trip to Kansai area next week.
Day 1. I will arrive KIK airport at 7 pm and will be staying at Shin-osaka, Haruka and ICOCA is the best choice for me.,I will return from Kyoto to KIK so I’ll go with round trip one.
Day 2. Sightseeing/shopping (aquarium, namba etc) but will go to Rinku outlet too, should I buy a single ticket or one day pass.
Day 3. Himeiji and Kobe – single ticket or one day
Day 4 Wakayama or Okayama (still can’t decide where to go, any suggestion?)
Day 5. Departs Osaka to Kyoto, after leaving the luggage at hotel – go to Arashiyama, Kinkakuji etc
Day 6 Sightseeing in Kyoto (single ticket, travel by both JR and bus)
Day 7 half day morning in Kyoto (single ticket) and head to KIK by returned ticket early afternoon
Also hesitating whether should I buy Kansai thru pass (for day 2,3 and 4) or JR west pass or only go with single trcket , any suggestions are most welcome!
Thank you so much
Hi Pui,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
1. On day 2, if you go to Rinku town from Shin-Osaka, JR West Kansai Area Pass or Kansai Thru Pass are a bit cheaper than single fare.
2. On day 3, if you go to Himeji, JR West Area Pass is cheaper than single fare. But Himeji castle is under construction. You cannot see whole part of exterior from the outside. You can go inside of huge white curtain to see the exterior. So it’s your choice if you go or not. If you give up going Himeji and just visit Kobe, single fare is cheaper.
3. I recommend you to visit Okayama and Kurashiki. Especially Kurashiki is very nice.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
If you go to Kurashiki and Okayama, JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass is the best choice.
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
If you go to Wakayama, JR West Kansai Area Pass is fine. If you follow your original schedule, you can use 3 days Kansai Area Pass for Rinku town, Himeji/Kobe and Wakayama. If you give up to visit Himeji, you can should go to Rinku town and Wakayama on consecutive days and use 2 days pass.
4. For day 5-7, you can use Kyoto Sightseeing Card if you take bus and subway more than 5 times a day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Your website is full of information and I salute you for the patience and effort put on to help tourist like us. My hubby and I are going to Kansai in next 2 weeks (we just cant wait any longer to experience the beautiful sightseeing in Kansai area). Would like to get your comment/professional recommendations on the following:
Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto use Haruka-ICOCA
Day 2 – Kyoto use bus
Day 3 – Kyoto use bus & train to Kibune
Day 4 – Kyoto use bus & train to Arashiyama
Day 5 – Kyoto to Nara use JR railway (JPY690）
Day 6 – Nara to Osaka use JR railway
Day 7 – Osaka to Kobe & Himeji use JR railway
Day 8 – Osaka unlimited 2 days pass
Day 9 – Osaka unlimited 2 days pass
Day 10 – Osaka-KIX use Haruka ICOCA
Onegaishimasu, arigatougozaimasu.
Hi Ena,
Thank you for your comment about my website. I’m very happy to hear that my website help you to make a plan for trip to Japan! 🙂
My recommendation is the following:
Day 1 and 10
ICOCa and Haruka is the best choice.
Day 2-4 Kyoto City Sightseeing Pass
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
I’m pretty sure it’s the best choice for Day 3 and 4. But for day 2, it depends on your itinerary. If you take a bus or subway less than 5 times a day, single ticket is fine. Especially if you stay around Higashiyama area and visit around there, many places can be accessed on foot.
Both Kibune and Arashiyama can be accessed by city bus. Rail trip is faster than bus most of cases. But both trains (to Arashiyama and Kibune) are not covered by this pass.
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
Day 5 and 6
Use ICOCA e-money
Day 7
1 day Kansai Area Pass
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
One day pass is cheaper than round trip to Himeji. By the way, do you know Himeji castle is under construction? You cannot see whole part of the castle now.
If you give up to go to Himeji and just visit Kobe, single fare is cheaper than pass.
Day 8 and 9 Osaka unlimited pass is good.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
I am Ashleen. My sister and I will be travelling in Japan in dec.
day1: osaka airport->kyoto
Day1-3:kyoto sightseeing
Day4: Kyoto->Nagoya
Day4-5: sightseeing in Nagoya
Day5: night train/bus to Osaka
Day6-8: sightseeing Osaka
Day9: back to country
I’m not really sure which rail pass (or the youthful 18) should I go for since Nagoya is not part of Kansai. Please recommend. Thank you.
Hi Ashleen,
I recommend you to use these deals:
ICOCA and Haruka
For transfer KIX to/from Kyoto/Osaka on day 1 and 9
Kyoto Sightseeing Card for Day 1-3
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Kintetsu Rail Pass or single ticket for Shinkansen to/from Nagoya
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-3.html
Shinkansen is much faster. It takes less than one hour from Kyoto to Nagoya. But round trip fare is more than 11,000 yen. Kintetsu is much slower but it’s much cheaper. The choice is yours.
Enjoy Eco Card or single fare for day 6 to 8.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
It depends on how many trips you will take a day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Greetings from Kuala Lumpur! I’m truly amazed at the amount of info you post and the level of detail in them. We’re spending a week in Kansai in November, following a walking guide from JNTO. I think it’s pretty ambitious, but I think we have the stamina for it.
The general itinerary looks like this:
Day 0 – arrive around 1025pm at Kix
Day 1 – Osaka Castle and thereabouts, going towards Tennoji stn
Day 2 – Minami
Day 3 – Nara
Day 4 – Higashiyama – Ginkakuji to Konchi-in, Heian Shrine to Kiyomizu
Day 5 – Western Kyoto – Kinkakuji to Ninnaji, Arashiyama
Day 6 – Downtown Kyoto – Shijo stn to Gion, Nijo Castle
Day 7 – Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji, Sennyuji – Depart for KL night flight
I’d like to get your opinion on:
1. Whether it is better to book a hotel in Kyoto or Osaka for the whole week or split it up. Common sense tells me that Kyoto is better because we’re staying there longer. But since we will miss the last Haruka when we arrive, is staying in Osaka for 2/3 nights a better option?
2. Will the ticket counter be closed by the time we get baggage and clear immigration after our arrival and will this limit the kind of passes we can buy?
4. Will a JR West pass be more useful that ICOCA in our case? I’m thinking of getting Kyoto Sightseeing Two-day passes for days 4-5, 6-7. Single tickets for Nara and Osaka. Do you recommend otherwise?
Domo arigato in advance!
Hi erasmusa,
Thanks for your comment about my website. I’m happy to hear that my site helps you to make your trip plan.
My answers are following:
1. You should stay in Osaka for the first couple of nights. Your arrival time is very tight to catch even the last train to Osaka.
JR timetable (KIX – Tennoji – Osaka) http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
Nankai Railway timetable (KIX – Namba) http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/nankai_time.html
As you see, JR last train to Tennoji is 23:32. This train is connected to the train to Osaka (Umeda area). Nankai’s last train to Namba is 23:29. As you probably know, you can’t get Kyoto on arrival day anyway.
As long as the flight will arrive on time, you can catch the trains. But if you miss it, you can get 0:45 departure bus to Umeda.
So you have two choices for the first night, staying near airport or Umeda area. If you want to gamble, you can pick Namba. I recommend you to stay in Osaka for another two nights before trip to Nara. It doesn’t make sense to go to Osaka from Kyoto. Especially you have to stay in Osaka for the first night. I can’t find any reason to stay in Kyoto for whole part of your trip.
On day 3, you can go to Kyoto after visiting Nara. But if you don’t want to visit Nara with your luggage, you can go to Nara as day trip and stay in Osaka one more night.
2. I don’t think you have enough time to purchase pass on arrival day because of your arrival time. If your flight arrive earlier than scheduled time and make extra time, you can purchase the pass. But you have to decide the location to stay. Both Nankai and JR have different deals. JR has ICOCA and Haruka as you know. Nankai has Kanku Chikatoku ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
3. If you want to purchase just ICOCA (not ICOCA and Haruka deals), you can purchase it at most of stations in Kansai area. But that means you will pay same amount as single ticket. It’s up to you to purchase it or not. If you have ICOCA, you don’t need to purchase a ticket whenever you take a train. It’s very convenient.
Kyoto Sightseeing card is a good choice for Day 4, 5 and 6. I think JR Kansai Area Pass will be suitable for your last day. You can get Fushimi Inari and Tofukuji by JR trains. And you will be able to get direct express Haruka to KIX by this pass.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi, thank you so much! You take the guesswork out of planning and I salute you. Now all I have to do is figure out whether to get an Osaka sightseeing pass or not (I have the feeling we won’t make the most of it, but that also depends on where we’re staying). Keep up the great work! 😀
No problem, Eramusa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, My wife and I will be arriving in Kobe April next year on a cruise ship, and spending 7-8 days traveling around Osaka/Kyoto area. We were in Tokyo early this year arriving at Haneda, and purchased Suica cards which we found to be excellent.
I was hoping that we could get something similar for this trip.
Can you please advise your thoughts.
Many Thanks and Regards
Colin
Hi Colin,
You can purchase just ICOCA if you want. If you still have Suica that you purchased, you can still use it in Kansai area. Now most of IC card (like ICOCA, Suica) can be used in most part of area in Japan. So you can put some more fund into your Suica if you have. If you don’t, you can purchase ICOCA. It’s same way to use as Suica.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, Thanks for your prompt reply, no we don’t have the Suica cards anymore, as we will be arriving at Kobe port where will be able to purchase the ICOCA card
Hi Colin,
You can purchase it at any major JR stations, such as Sannomiya and Kobe.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, Thanks again your prompt reply, as I understand the ICOCA card can be purchased from the Kobe JR station, I presume we will have to show our passports and onward flight tickets before we can get it? Your assistance has been much appreciated in this.
Many thanks and regards.
Colin
Hi Colin,
Actually ICOCA is sold for everybody. I’m not sure Kobe station has it or not, but if it’s available, you can purchase it at vending machine. If the vending machine is not available there, go to “Midori no Madoguchi” (reservation window). You don’t need to show anything. Just pay 2000 yen to get ICOCA card. If you return this card before you leave, you will receive 500 yen deposit.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, Thank you very much for all your input, you have been very helpful.
Best Regards.
Colin
No problem, Colin.
Hope you have a great holidays in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail