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,
we are going to osaka this March 27,arriving @ KIX around 9pm.. we are booked at Nest Hotel Shinsaibashi..please advise if ICO CA card can be used when we take the bus or nankai railway from airport to our hotel? and what other cards are we supposed to buy to be used for the rest of our stay?
our itinerary:
march 27 KIx to Namba
march 28 osaka day tour
march 29 universal studios
march 30 day tour Kyoto
march 31 osaka to tokyo
thank you so much,
nemia
Hi Nemia,
You can use ICOCA to take Nankai railway but you can’t use it to take a bus to Namba.
For other days, you may use subway deal in Osaka and Kyoto.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
But single ticket is only choice for USJ, Osaka-Kyoto round trip and trip to Tokyo. You can use ICOCA for USJ and Osaka-Kyoto. You need to purchase a ticket to get Tokyo.
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 / JPRail.com
Arigato,Takeshi…
No problem, Nemia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your very helpful website.
My hotel is Osaka Bay Tower Hotel which is near Bentencho station. I have a kid with me (9 y/o).
I planned my itinerary below:
Day 1
– Kansai Airport to Bentencho station (take JR Kanku Rapid)
– Visit Osaka jo Castle (take JR Osaka Loop to Osakajokoen station)
– Go to Tenjimbashisuji Shopping Street (take JR Osaka Loop to Temma station)
– Go to Osaka Station area (take JR Osaka Loop to Osaka station)
– Back to hotel (take JR Osaka Loop to Bentencho station)
Day 2
– Go to Universal Studios Japan (take JR Osaka Loop, transfer to JR Yumesaki)
Day 3
– Kobe sightseeing (use private transportation)
– Go to Dotonbori area (take Chuo Line)
Day 4
– Nara-Kyoto sightseeing (use private transportation)
Day 5
– Go to Morinomiya station (take Chuo Line)
– Go to Tempozan (take Chuo Line)
Day 5
Go to Kansai Airport (take JR Osaka Loop)
As you can see, I will use mostly JR line and Chuo line.
Do you suggest I should buy 1-day JR West Rail Pass (2300 yen) for myself and (1150 yen) for my kid for use in Day 1? Or better to just buy ICOCA card for us?
Thank you very much.
Hi Sean,
ICOCA is better for day 1. You may use this card for other days to take both JR and subway.
If you intend to visit Kaiyukan aquarium on day 5, Osaka Kaiyu ticket is recommended.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Could you advise if ICOCA pass is suitable for my itinerary below.
It is a short & simple 4 days trip,
1) Main using Osaka Subway
2) One round trip from Osaka to Kyoto
3) One round trip from KIX to Minami-morimachi Station
Details
Day 1: KIX -> Tengachaya Station (via Nankai line) -> Minami-morimachi Station (via Sakaisuji line).
Day 2: Minamimorimachi station ->Umeda Station ->Karasama Station (via Hankyu Railway) -> Shijo Station -> Kyoto Station
Day 3: Using only Osaka Subway
Day 4: Minamimorimachi Station ->Tengachaya Station(via Sakaisuji line) -> KIX (via Nankai line)
Thank you very much in advance.
Cheers,
Jun
Hi Jun,
ICOCA is okay but subway pass may be cheaper on day 3.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/obj_con02.pdf
If you take subway 4 times or more, it will be paid off.
Nankai+subway deal is cheaper for KIX-Minamimorimachi.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
But you must transfer at Namba. You need to change the trains one more time.
ICOCA is okay for day 2.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am arriving to KIX from the USA on Monday morning around 9 a.m. I need to travel to Amanohashidate, but one way only. What would be the shortest way and what options do I have on prices? Do I want to use day ticket, a Pass, or ICOCA?
Thanks.
Hi Laszlo,
Unfortunately there is no deals available to Amanohashidate from KIX. You may purchase single ticket at KIX station. You can take Limited Express Haruka to Shin-Osaka, Limited Express Konotori to Fukuciyama and then transfer to local train on Kyoto Tango Railway.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/sanin-area-train-access-guide-how-to-access-to-kinosaki-izumo-matsue-tottori-and-other-major-cities-in-sanin-area.html
You may purchase a ticket for all trains at KIX station. You can find the timetable and fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, can you please explain your statement:
Even if you travel to the closest point, Tennoji by Haruka, total fare 1690 yen plus 1500 yen is cheaper than one way ticket at 3030 yen.
Are you saying traveling to Tennoji using the ICOCA and Haruka combo is a good deal?
The price comparison chart has 1060 yen base fare and 650 yen non reserved seat limited express surcharge. Where do you get the 1690 yen and 1500 yen?
Is it correct for the one-way ICOCA Haruka combo of 3030 yen, I get 1500 yen e-money + 500 yen deposit, so the haruka airport train costs 1030 yen?
I want to buy the Hello Kitty ICOCA card as a souvenir, but I need to travel one way from KIX to Dome Mae. My friend told me to take Nankai to Namba station and transfer to Dome Mae which is about a total of 1020 yen.
I’d like to know how much more money I will be spending to take Haruka from KIX to Tennoji to transfer to Taisho.
Here is my 13-day Japan itinerary:
Day 1: KIX airport to Dome Mae, Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka to Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto
Day 5: Day trip to Nara and Kobe
Day 6: Kyoto to Miyajima
Day 7: Miyajima to Takayama
Day 8: Takayama
Day 9: Takayama to Kanazawa
Day 10: Kanazawa to Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo
Day 13: Tokyo to NRT airport
Is it best for me to get a JR pass to use for Day 5 Nara to Day 10 – Kanazawa to Tokyo?
Will my remaining $1500 ICOCA e-money be good for travel Days 1-4 and in Tokyo? I’ve read that in some cities, a bus or subway day pass may be a better deal.
Thank you!
Hi DB,
You can get Taisho by ICOCA and Haruka without any extra. Even if you get off Haruka, you still can take local train by this ticket. You don’t need to add single fare or using ICOCA e-money.
ICOCA can be use in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe abd even in Tokyo. But as you think, subway pass may be better. If you take subway more than 4 times a day, save ICOCA and use subway deal.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you for the clarification. When you say
“Even if you get off Haruka, you still can take local train by this ticket. You don’t need to add single fare or using ICOCA e-money.”
Does that mean that Haruka from KIX to Tennoji, then transfering on JR to Nishikujyo, and finally transfering on Hanshin Electric Railway to Domemae does not require using any ICOCA money? Will I still have 1500 yen value on my card when I exit Domemae?
If I purchase the bus/subway day pass tickets, where in my itinerary do you think I might spend the 1500 yen on my ICOCA card? Thank you!
Hi DB,
Hanshin Railway is not covered. You can take Hahshin by ICOCA. But Haruka ticket covers your trip until you get Nishikujo or Taisho.
Haruka ticket covers JR trains only but ICOCA can be used for any trains.
I think you can use ICOCA to take Subway in Osaka and train trip to Kyoto. You may purchase subway ticket in Kyoto and Tokyo. If you still have some more fund in ICOCA, you can use it in convenience store in the station to purchase drink or snack.
By the way, ICOCA and Haruka price has been revised. Please check the post above. In your case, you can purchase it to Tennoji. You still can take local train from Tennoji to either Taisho or Nishikujo. If you don’t need to have ICOCA, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket only. Even if you have discount ticket only, you can get Nishikujo or Taisho by Haruka to Tennoji and local train from Tennoji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, my plans have changed and I need to take Haruka to meet my friend in Uji. Do I buy the KIX-Kyoto Haruka + ICOCA combo for 3600 yen? Will the Haruka cover my transfer from Kyoto to Uji, or will that require ICOCA money? Thank you!
HI DB,
You have to use ICOCA money for Kyoto to Uji that costs about 200 to 300 yen. Unfortunately this segment is not covered by Haruka ticket
If you want to use ICOCA, you have to exit Kyoto station and you have to tap ICOCA to enter Kyoto station again. If you don’t want to exit and enter, just stay in the station to take the train to Uji. You can pay by cash when you exit Uji station. When you exit Uji station, just show your Haruka ticket and they let you know how much you need to pay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
From KIX, if I’m considering going to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi in Osaka before going to Uji the same night, do I buy the Haruka to Tennoji ticket to transfer JR to Namba, and later use ICOCA money from Osaka to Kyoto?
I would need to put my luggage in a locker. Do you think I would save time by going from KIX to Osaka to Uji?
Or do you suggest going straight to Kyoto/Uji from Airport and day trip to Osaka from Gion (without luggage) on a different day?
Thank you!
Hi DB,
You can drop by Namba and use ICOCA and Haruka to Tennoji. As you think, you can use ICOCA to get Uji.
If you do day trip to Osaka, it’s much easier. But KIX-Osaka-Uji is more cost saving. Try to compare cost and convenience.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am abit confused here. I am planning my 9 days trip to Japan arriving in end of Nov 16. We will be traveling with two kids. Will be arriving kansai airport at 9.20pm. My hotel in Osaka for first 5 days is near Tennoji station. The rest of the 3 days will be in Kyoto including a day trip to Nara. On my last day, We will be traveling back to kansai (near airport) from Kyoto as our return flight is 9.30am in the morning. What type of pass should I get?
Hi Jean,
Please see the link below. You will find the info that you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, can I just check whether icoca and haruka ticket can be used for JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for TENNOJI as I think with my late arrival at 9.20pm, I think I will not be able to catch HARUKA EXPRESS TRAIN to Tennoji Statoon.
Hi Jean,
You can take rapid train too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
Can I check where I can get ICOCA tickets from kansai airport? I am arriving late at 9.20pm and thought of taking JR Airport Rapid Service to go to TENNOJI STATION. CAN ICOCA ticket be used for JR Airport Rapid Service train?
Hi Jean,
You can purchase it at Kansai airport station. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
You need to purchase ICOCA only to take rapid train. You don’t need to have ICOCA and Haruka deal. Of course you can use ICOCA to take rapid train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi!
I’ve read almost all your posts but sadly i am still very very much confused. Please help me if you can.
I will be going to Japan for 6d and 5nights. In this time, i will be spending
Day1, 2 and half of 3 in Osaka. My accomodation will be around Toyonaka Station.
In the second half of Day 3, i am planning to head down to Kyoto for the rest of my stay.
Day 3 and 4 will be spend in Kyoto. I am also planning to make a day trip down of Nara on Day 4 but come back to Kyoto at night instead of spending the night there.
The rest of my day and nights will be spent around Kyoto and i will be heading back to Osaka on the morning of my last day, where i will spend the better part of my day there before my flight in the afternoon.
What pass/day pass/card do you suggest i buy that would give me most value and allow me to save? I really tried to plan this on my own but the train lines confuse me too much. I look forward to your reply, thank you!
Hi Maryam,
Basically you can follow one of my sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
However you will stay in Toyonaka. It is a big away from downtown Osaka. That is one of the reason why you cannot find the way.
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka. But don’t take limited express Haruka but take Kansai airport rapid train. Because Haruka does not go to Osaka but rapid goes directly. You need to change the train in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Once you get Osaka, you need to change Hankyu Railway to get Toyonaka. JR Osaka station is same location as Hankyu railway Umeda station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
http://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/
You have to use ICOCA e-money to get Toyonaka. And also whenever you go to Osaka, you need to take Hankyu railway by ICOCA e-money. Once you get Osaka, you can use subway deal. You may find these info at the link of sample itinerary above.
ICOCA and subway/bus deal are recommended for most part of your trip. But you can use Kansai thru pass for trip to Nara and the last day.
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
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning a 10 days trip to Kyoto and Osaka
I will arrive in Kansai Airport at 930 pm and will head straight to Kyoto. I will stay in Kyoto for 4 nights and Osaka for 5 nights.
During the time in kyoto, I would like to travel to Nara and most of the tourist area in kyoto.
Where as in Osaka, I would like to spend 1 day in Himeji, USJ, Mt Fuji(if possible) and Hiroshima.
Could you please advise what type of transport I should take?
Thank you very much.
Foo
Hi Foo,
Before you choose the deal, you have to make sure you go to Fuji and Hiroshima or not.
If you go both, JR Pass 7 days is the best choice.
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
But Fuji is very far.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
You also need to find which part of Fuji you go.
If you visit Hiroshima only, Kansai Hiroshima area pass is your choice.
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
At this point, your itinerary has not been fixed yet. It’s hard to say which deal is the best for your trip at this point.
And also it may be tight to get Kyoto after you arrive in KIX at 21:30. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi!
our itinerary for our trip from March 26-April 4 will be as follows:
Day 1 – KIX (arrival 7:10pm) –> Kyoto Station –> Gojo Station (staying at Citadines)
Day 2 – Tour around Kyoto
Day 3 – Biwako Ski Resort (is there a direct train to Shiga Station from Gojo Station or do we need to go to Kyoto station first?)
Day 4 – Tour around Kyoto
Day 5 – Gojo Station –> Namba Station
– Osaka Castle/Floating Garden
Day 6 – Namba Station –> Nara
Day 7 – Osaka Aquarium / Dotonbori
Day 8 – Legoland Discovery Centre / Shinsekai
Day 9 – Tour around Osaka
Day 10 – Namba Station –> KIX
My husband and I will be travelling with 2 kids, ages 7 and 4. For adults, we will be getting the Haruka + ICOCA deal like you said. Should we get the round trip ticket for Haruka or just the single trip?
For my 7 year old kid, what kind of ticket do you suggest we buy based on our itinerary?
What tickets should we get when we travel to Biwako?
Any help or suggestion will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Zelda
Hi Zelda,
You can follow one of my sample itinerary:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
I think one way ICOCA and Haruka is okay because Nankai railway is better from Namba to KIX. There are a few deals available:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For your kid, Kansai area pass is substitute deal for arrival day.
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
Single ticket is best option for trip to Biwako. Adult passenger can use ICOCA to get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I am planning to spend 4 nights in Osaka and 5 nights in Kyoto.
I have decided to buy the ICOCA and Haruka ticket ( 2 way).
1) My hotel in Osaka is near Morinomiya Station. From KIX, I’ll use Haruka ticket to travel to Tennoji station and transfer to the JR Loop line to Morinomiya station. Do I use the ICOCA or Haruka for the JR Loop line?
2) What ticket should I buy to travel from Osaka to Kobe (day trip)?
3) What ticket should I buy to travel from Osaka to Kyoto?
4) From Kyoto (my hotel near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae station) to KIX, I’ll use the ICOCA and Haruka ticket, is that correct?
Thanks in advance for your help.
CCC
Hi CCC,
1. If you don’t exit the station, you can get Morinomiya station by Haruka ticket. You don’t need to use ICOCA e-money.
2,3. You may use ICOCA e-moeny.
4. You need to add single fare to take subway from Shiyakushomae to Kyoto. You can take subway by ICOCA. But ICOCA e-money only 1500 yen is included in this deal. Your ICOCA will be almost empty because you will use it for trip to Kobe and Osaka to Kyoto. You may need to add single fare to take subway from Shiyakushomae to Kyoto. You can take Haruka from Kyoto to KIX by ICOCA and Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com