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
I will arrive Itami Airport on 4/1 and will tour in Kyoto, Nara and Yoshino area for a couple days. Will stay one night near Osakajoken station on 4/5, and catch 9:10 AM flight at KIX on 4/6.
I am thinking booking tours or using day passes for most of the tour, but like to purchase discounted Haruka ticket to the airport on 4/6. Will you advise when and how could I purchase the ticket? Could I purchase the discounted Haruka ticket without purchasing an ICOCA card?
Thank you for your Help
Hi Cj,
You can purchase only Haruka ticket at Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, JR-Namba. But the first Haruka departs from Tennoji at 6:38 and arrive KIX at 7:11. Isn’t this too late to check in your flight. If it’s too late, just purchase single ticket to take rapid train. You can get Tennoji from Osakajokoen to Tennoji and transfer to rapid to KIX. It will take one hour. Train starts to run around 5:30.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will go to Japan on 29 March 2016 and go back to Taipei on 3 April 2016. I don’t understand about ICOCA HARUKA round-trip deal. Can it be used in the different pair of station, for example, KIX to Kyoto Station on 29 March 2016 and Tennoji Station to KIX on 3 April 2016?
Thank you for your reply.
Hi Hardy,
You should purchase two deals, ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto and only Haruka discount ticket from Tennoji. If you use round trip type, you have to use round trip to Kyoto. It’s more expensive than two deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your answer, Takeshi.
I have another question to ask (although quite stupid question). Since this is the first time I go to Japan, I searched from google map about my way back to Kansai Airport. From Kansai Airport station to Kansai Airport terminal 1, is that really true that we need to walk about 23 minutes or is there some kind of shuttle bus we must ride from station to terminal 1?
Thank you for your help.
Hi Hardy,
I don’t think so. There is only walkway between terminal and station. It takes 3 minutes.
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
There is small train running between terminal and the gate. You need to take this when you access to the gate. But you may need to take this after you check in. Terminal building is just located in front of the station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have been reading a lot about Haruka+Icoca package, but the more I read the more confuse i have become.
I am staying somewhere near Shinsaibashi station, and I plan to purchase the Haruka+Icoca package to Tennoji, and then take subway from Tennoji to Shinsaibashi. Is this a good idea? This is the trip itinerary I got using Hyperdia.com and after working out the fares, I don’t see much savings I will get for this. Can you please enlighten me? Also, the Haruka only gets to Tennoji, and for the fare from Tennoji to Shinsaibashi, I would have to pay using the Icoca, am I correct?
I am also hesitant to take train to Namba as from Hyperdia.com it involves some walking (and we will be lugging our luggages, so not sure if it is a good idea) and I am worry about getting lost in the city to look for the next station.
So do you think it is still a good idea to get Haruka+Icoca package? Oh by the way, I am also travelling to Kyoto for day trip so from my understanding from your website, the recommendation is to take Special Rapid train which can be paid off using Icoca card, am I correct?
Many thanks in advance.
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
ICOCA and Haruka is not a bad idea but if you take Nankai railway and subway, it’s easier.
Kansai airport (Nankai railway) Namba (Subway Midousuji line) Shinsaibashi
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
And also you can use Nankai + Subway deal at 1000 yen.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
You can purchase ICOCA itself at JR station if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for the guidance, the article you provided indeed helped a lot 🙂 I will now definitely take the Namba railway option into my consideration.
Thanks again.
Cheers
No problem, Vivian.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry to have to come back with another question.
On the chikatoku Nankai + subway deal package at 1000yen, can I hop on to any Nankai train, including the Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapid? Or is this package limited to Nankai Airport Express only? I realised the train for the Ltd Exp is faster.
Thanks in advance.
Regards, Vivian
Hi Vivian,
You need to add limited express surcharge on top of Chikatoku if you take Rapi:t. If you take Rapi:t, Rapi:t Tokuwari ticket + single fare for subway is cheaper than Chikatoku + Limited Express surcharge. Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Tokuwari_Rapit_Ticket_Kanku-Webtoku_Ticket
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
I am staying 3 nights in Osaka, 4 nights in Kyoto and then onwards to Tokyo for 2 nights.
I was planning to purchase the Icoca & Haruka ticket for Kansai airport to Tennoji. Should I use the Icoca for travel between Osaka-Kyoto as well as within Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. I will purchase separately 1-way Shinkensen from Kyoto to Tokyo.
For additional travel within Osaka would you advise on any 1-day tickets (what would be the best type of ticket to get)? I will be travelling the following routes :
(a) one day from Hommachi Station to Open Air Museum of Old Far Houses and then to Yamazaki and Nakazakicho before returning to Hammachi Station
(b) In Kyoto will be travelling from Tokyo station to Arashiyama and back to Tokyo station
I am reading all the various deals / tickets and am so confused.
Thanks
Marjorie
Hi Marjorie,
a. You may purchase one day subway pass that is Eco card,
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
b. You may take JR train by ICOCA.
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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you so much for your reply. One last query :
For the sector Hommachi Station to Open Air Museum of Old Farm Houses (Ryokuchikeon Station) and then to Yamazaki and Nakazakicho before returning to Hammachi Station – besides using the Enjoy Eco Card (JPY800 for adult), would this route be also be covered by Osaka Visitors’ Ticket (JPY550). Thus, it would be cheaper?
The difference is that Enjoy Eco Card can be purchased in Osaka (can this be bought at Kansai Airport) whilst Osaka Visitors’ Ticket can only be purchased from overseas?
Look forward to your reply and advise. Thank you so much.
Hi Marjorie san,
If you can purchase Osaka Visitor ticket in your country, it’s cheaper than Eco card. But I don’t know where you can purchase Osaka visitor ticket.
You can purchase Eco card at Osaka subway station. I don’t think you can purchase it at KIX.
By the way, Ryokuchi-koen is not subway station. You have to add around 100 yen to get Ryokuchi-koen from Esaka.
I’m wondering if you mean Yamazaki in Kyoto. If so, it does not cover it either. You need to add Osaka-Yamazaki single ticket that is around 500 yen by JR train for one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san
Thank you so much for taking time to answer my query. I wanted to go to the Suntory Distillery at Yamazaki (which I see can be accessed by Tokaido-Sanyo Line and stop at Yamazaki Station. Would this be covered by either the Eco card or Osaka Visitor Card?
Hi Marjorie san,
Yamazaki is not on subway line and also outside coverage area. Additional charge as I mentioned is required.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to seek for your advice on my very last minute itinerary and transportation arrangement.
I will be on a trip of 7 days to places in Kyoto/Osaka/Arashiyama/Nara. All the time I am staying in a hotel near Ishiyama 石山 Station which a few stations from Kyoto Station.
Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto Station then head to Ishiyama Station
(Fushimi Inari Taisha after check-in, Shijio Kawaramachi, Potoncho…)
( Is it using ICOCA + HARUKA has the best deal? )
Day 2 – from Ishiyama St. to Universal Studio Japan to Ishiyama St.
Day 3 – from Ishiyama St. to Osaka then back to Ishiyama St. (Osaka Part, Dotonbori,Shinsaibashi)
Day 4 -from Ishiyama St. to Arashiyama then back to Ishiyama St. (In the afternoon will go to Nishiki Market)
Day 5 – from Ishiyama St. to Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Sannen-zaka, Ninen-zaka, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine, Gion)
Day 6 – from Ishiyama St. to Kyoto (Kinkaku-Ji, Ryoan-Ji, Nijo Castle,Shimogamo Shrine)
Day 8 – KIX
How should I arrange my transport for each days and what passes should I get to get a better deal.
Appreciate your time and advises.
Regards,
CF
Hi CF,
ICOCA and Haruka round trip deal is the best option for you. But Ishiyama is not covered by Haruka portion of this deal. So you need to use ICOCA for Kyoto to Ishiyama. And also you need to use ICOCA to get back to Kyoto.
For sightseeing in Kyoto, all day bus pass is the best deal. You may add it on day 1,5 and 6. You may use ICOCA for day 4.
Kansai area pass 2 days will cover your trip on day 2 and 3. You don’t need to use ICOCA to get Kyoto from Ishiyama because this deal covers Ishiyama. But this deal does not cover subway in Osaka. You may use ICOCA to take subway in Osaka.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
In deed a great help in saving me from my headache to decide transportation and sight seeing arrangement in such a short time.
Thanks for your prompt reply and advises and it is just in time as I am leaving for Japan tomorrow.
Many thanks for the helpful information. Good days ^_^
Regards,
CF
No problem, CF.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
May i seek your advice on my last minute itinerary and transportation.
I will be on a trip of 8 days to Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara /Kanazawa to go to Shirakawa Go and if time permits to Hijemi . Staying in Tengachaya area .
Day 1 – KIX to Tengachaya st. then head to Kyoto
( Which rail pass is more affordable from KIX to
Tengachaya st. and then to Kyoto )
Day 2 – To Kyoto and Nara
Day 3 – To Kobe & Himeji
Day 4 and 5 ( weekend ) – In Osaka
Day 6 and 7 – To Kanazawa and then Shirakawa Go
( not sure to stay overnight in Kanazawa or
Shirakawa )
Day 8 – KIX
Which is better – JR Rail Pass or Nankai more affordable and suitable for this trip. Nankai only starts selling their pass from 1st. Apr. onwards and I will be there end of March.
– Kansai Area Pass/Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass
– Kansai Thru Pass
Or should I use ICOCA IC card.
Appreciate your view and advice.
Sue.
Hi Sue,
The following deals are recommended.
Day 1 to 3 Kansai thru pass
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-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
Day 4 to 8 Takayama Hokuriku area pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
You can do day trip to Shirakawago and Kanazawa if you want.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Appreciated your reply answers.
May I know does the Nankai Airport Line to Namba stops at Tengachaya st. , if not what rail ticket/pass do I need to purchase.
The Kansai Thru Pass, does it cover the local subways, buses and other costs like monorails when I am Kyoto/Nara/Kobe/Himeji or Osaka. Or do I need ICOCA card as well to get around?
Takayama Hokuriku area pass seems a good deal, one day trip is too rush though and overnight is much better.
Is it possible for me to get unreserved seats from Nohi bus or other company from Kanazawa /Takayama or other points in Gifu area to Shirakawa Go. Or it is a must to book reserve seats/
What about Kintetsu Rai Pass & Wide, does it offer equivalent benefits?
Lastly, which of this passes ( JR, Nankai. Kintetsu ) are available to be purchased online now or only after 1st. Apr.?
Thanks again for your assistance.
Sue.
Hi Sue,
You can take Nankai railway and other non JR railways by Kansai thru pass. Nankai stops at Tengachaya. Please see the coverage map at the link below:
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
You cannot take Nohi Bus between Kanazawa and Shirakawago without reservation. You can take some buses between Takayama and Shirakawago. You also can take a bus between Shin-Takaoka and Shirakawago by Kaetsuno bus.
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Kintetsu rail pass does not work for your trip.
You cannot purchase Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass online. You have to purchase it at the authorized agent.
http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/purchase/
You also cannot purchase Kansai thru pass online. You may purchase it at Kansai airport station.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the explanations Takeshi. Much clearer now. Appreciated it.
Cheers…. Sue.
No problem, Sue.
Cheers,
TAkeshi / JPRail.com
May I know whether i can buy or collect the ICOCA and Haruka ticket at Kansai Tourist Information Center Kansai Airport> As I will reach Kansai Airport at 10pm which the JR ticket office is closed at 1830.
Hi Chin,
ICOCA and Haruka can be picked up or purchase at general counter until 23:00. However the last Haruka depart from KIX at 22:16. You cannot take Haruka from 22:00 arrival flight anyway. Please see the link below about late arrival in KIX.
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 Takeshi,
Thank you for the helpful articles. Just would need your help to advise few thing on the itinerary that we plan (basically, same like your sample itinerary). Please note that we will be travelling with kid and big luggage, so we avoid many transfer between station if possible. But still, we look for the fastest one (despite few transfers, if any, but save significant time (30 min)).
Can you please help to advise whether below is possible (revision from your itinerary):
Day 1 KIX to Kyoto by ICOCA and Haruka round ticket
Revision: We just buy one trip since we will be returning from Namba Nankai, while if we buy round, the charge for HARUKA is 3200. And for return, we take Konku Tokuwari RAPI:T for 1130?
Day 2 Kyoto city pass or single ticket for sightseeing.
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka by JR Special Rapid Service (fare 540 yen)
Transfer to Osaka Subway Midousuji line to Namba
Day 4 Day trip to Kobe by Hanshin Railway (fare 400 yen X 2)
Question: ignoring the price, is it the fastest way to get to Kobe or just the same if we transfer to JR Osaka from Namba and take Special Rapid Service to Kobe? and also, which one is more convenient if travel with kid in stroller?
Day 5 Osaka to KIX by ICOCA and Haruka round ticket (refer to point one, we take Konku Tokuwari).
Thank you
Hi Oca,
One way Haruka ticket is okay to get Kyoto. As you think, Nankai railway Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket is better deal from Namba to KIX.
Hanshin railway is better choice to get Kobe from Nmaba, It’s faster than subway and JR and also cheaper. Because you may use Hanshin Tourist Pass.
http://www.kansai360.net/en/ticket02/
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m confused as to which pass to purchase.
I’ll be spending:
4 nights in Kyoto (Arrival at KIX), with a day trip to Nara
1 night in Himeji
2 nights in Osaka
(Depart from KIX)
Which pass would you advise me to purchase? I was looking at Kansai JR Area Pass, but it can has only a maximum usage of 4 days.
Thank you so much in advance!
Jane
Hi Jane,
You may use one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto. Kyoto city deal is okay for staying in Kyto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
ICOCA can be used for trip to Nara.
Kansai area pass one day is okay for Kyoto to Nara. Single ticket is cheaper to get back to Osaka from Himeji.
Osaka subway deal is okay for staying in Osaka.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Or these following deals may be better for you in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
At last, you may find the deal to get KIX at 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
Thanks so much Takeshi, that’s very helpful! I almost bought JR pass for so much more $$!!!
Hi Jane,
No problem!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
My plan is to take the Haruka from Kansai airport to Kyoto on the first day and Shin-Osaka to Kansai airport on the last day. If I purchase the round trip haruka + icoca package to kyoto, can I still use the round trip from Shin-osaka to Kansai airport?
Hi Lolla,
Yes, you can. But if you purchase ICOCA and Haruka one way to Kyoto (3600 yen) and just Haruka discount ticket from Shin-Osaka (1300 yen), it will be 4900 yen in total. It’s cheaper than Kyoto round trip ticket (5200 yen).
But you have to purchase Haruka discount ticket at Shin-Osaka separately.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com