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
im travelling fromKIX to shin-osaka where our hotel is,is it okey for me to purchase haruka and icoca card roundtrip since im only staying in kansai area?
thanks joy
Hi Joy,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I plan to stay in Osaka near Tennoji for 3 days.
On the last day from Tennoji to Nara in the morning.
In the evening, Nara-Tennoji to pickup my luggage from Tennoji hotel and head to KIX within an hour. Should I buy round trip @ Yen 4,800 to Nara?
Hi NT,
I recommend you to use one way to Tennoji on arrival day. On the last day, you may use Kansai area pass one day. It covers Tennoji-Nara-Tennoji-KIX.
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 san,
Thank you for reply. Since I will be staying in Osaka for 3 days, wouldn’t the ICOCA & HARUKA return pass be worth it. It cost JPY 4200 to Tennoji and JPY 4800 to Nara. There is JPY1500 inside the ICOCA card to spend within Osaka.
vs
one way to Tennoji = JPY 1100
Kansai area pass = JPY 2300
————————-
Total = JPY 3400
I am traveling between Umeda and Tennoji for 3 days. Likely 2-3 subway/train ride a day. How much will the internal traveling with Osaka cost? Will it cost more than JPY1500?
Hi NT san,
It’s hard to say. Subway fare is from 180 yen to 370 yen by distance. So 1500 yen may not be enough but not sure.
You may add more fund into ICOCA if you want. You can add minimum 1000 yen and increase every 1000 yen if you want. But you know Osaka subway pass is sold at 800 yen for week day and 600 yen for weekend. This pass is unlimited ride pass and may be cheaper than using ICOCA. ICOCA gives you an exact value as cash fare.
Please make sure your trip plan and find how much you will spend. You can find the fare at hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you want ICOCA, you may purchase One way ICOCA and Haruka to Tennoji at 3400 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san. Very useful information.
No worries, NT san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi..
I’m will staying nearby higashimikuni station,what would be best choice, haruka or icoca?
Hi Stefanis,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka. But Nankai + subway deal (Kanku Chikatoku) is much cheaper to get Higashimikuni.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
ICOCA can be used for access to other places. But you may think about using Kansai thru pass if you visit other places, like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
Did you know the original price for the Haruka from KIX to Kyoto per way?
I just want to compare the original price with/without ICOCA Card.
Thanks.
Hi Judy,
Please read the chapter of “Price comparison to basic fare” in the post above. I have written it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
We are arriving at kix then going straight to kyoto. While based in kyoto we will visit himejo castle, nara and arashimaya. After 5 days in kyoto we will go to osaka and stay there for another 4 days. Please advise which pass I should get aside from a one-way haruka and icoca pass. Thanks!
Hi Aubreeey,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
I am going to japan for holiday from 27/11 to 6/12. My itinerary as follows:
1. 27/11/16 (late night arrival at 9.20pm). Will be taking JR Rapid train from KNX to TENNOJI.
2. 28/11/16 – USJ (using ICOCA)
3. 29/11/16 – amazing pass
4. 30/11/16 – amazing pass
5. 01/12/16 – NARA (using ICOCA)
6. 02/12/16 – from TENNOJI to KYOTO (buying HARUKA TICKET at TENNOJI)
7. 03/12/16 – Kyoto tour (Kyoto one day bus pass)
8. 04/12/16 – Kyoto tour (Kyoto one day pass)
9. 05/12/16 – KYOTO to KNX (Haruka ticket to be purchased at KYOTO station)
10. 06/12/16 (home sweet home)
My questions:
1. Are the tickets I would be purchasing value for money or is there a better choice)?
2. Can haruka ticket be bought at tennoji and Kyoto station?
3. Can I still purchase ICOCA ticket from KNX airport JR OFFICE noting that I will only be arriving at 9.20pm?
Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Jean,
1. You have picked up the right deals.
2. Haruka discount ticket is available for Kyoto to KIX. But you have to pay regular fare for Tennoji to KIX. Both tickets can be purchased at Tennoji and Kyoto station.
3. It’s open until 23:00. You may be able to purchase it there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: KIX – Kyoto (Keage)
Day 3: Kyoto – Nara Station
Day 4: Nara – Osaka (Tennoji)
Day 5: Osaka – Kobe – Himeji – Osaka
Day 8: Osaka – KIX
Which pass or ticket would you recomend?
Thanks,
Erwin
Hi Erwin,
Please see the link belew. You will find all 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 Takeshi,
Please let me know if I’m choosing the right trains:
Day 1: KIX – Kyoto (Haruka + ICOCA)
Day 2: Arashiyama (Kyoto Sightseeing Pass)
Day 3: Kyoto – Nara (Kintetsu – ICOCA)
Day 4: Nara – Osaka (Kintetsu – ICOCA)
Day 5: Osaka – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka (Kansai Area Pass)
Day 6-7: Osaka (ICOCA)
Day 8: Osaka – KIX (Rapi:t – ICOCA)
Thanks,
Erwin
Hi Erwin,
You have picked up the right deals mostly. I have a few things to add.
1. Kyoto sightseeing pass
If you visit Arashiyama only and you will stay near Kyoto station, you can use JR trains to get Arashiyama. In this case, ICOCA is a right choice. But if you intend to visit many more places in Kyoto, Kyoto sightseeing pass is a right choice. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
2. Using ICOCA in Osaka
ICOCA is very convenient and it covers all trains in Osaka. However it does not give you any discount. If you visit a few places in Osaka or visit many attractions, you should use other deals in Osaka, such as Eco card (subway unlimited ride pass), Amazing pass (subway pass+attractions ticket). Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
3. Taking Rapi:t
You may use Rapi:t Tokuwari deal. Please see the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will arrive at KIX on the 24 Sep at 7.30am. I plan to leave KIX for Kyoto around 9am. From Kyoto, I will head to Osaka on the same day. I will leave Osaka for Tokyo on the 26 Sep. I will stay in Tokyo for 3 days. Which is the best card for me? I was advised that I should purchase the IOCOCA & Haruku (1-way) for my KIX>Kyoto trip.
Please advise.
Zul
Hi Zul,
Kansai area pass one day is the best choice for day 1 of your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If you use ICOCA and Haruka, you have to use ICOCA to get back to Osaka. But Kansai area pass covers all. ICOCA is not a bad choice to take local trains. You can purchase this card only beside Kansai area pass.
You can use ICOCA to take any trains in Tokyo too. But you have to purchase a regular ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. You cannot use ICOCA to take long distance train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
My family consist 2 adult and 2 child age 8 and 5, will arrive KIX on 12 Sept 2016, leaveing Japan on 19 Sept 2016.
We will heading to Kyoto directly once touched down KIX airport, and will be in Kyoto for 4 days, and then head to Osaka-Himeji-Koyasan, then from Osaka to KIX airport.
I got advised from trip advisor to purchase Icoca & haruka package (one way ticket). Also, we will buy Kansai Thru Pass (3 days package). Just wonder is it better for us to purchase Icoca & haruka round trip package? and to buy child Icoca card and haruka separately.
Await for your reply soonest possible.
Thank you.
Hi Yap,
If you use ICOCA and Haruka round trip deal, you have to travel on same direction, such as KIX-Kyoto and Kyoto-KIX. But you will leave from Osaka to KIX. In this case, you can purchase ICOCA and Haruka one way to Kyoto from KIX. And you can add Haruka discount ticket. This combination is cheaper.
By the way, there are many other deals from Osaka to KIX. Especially if you leave from Namba, Nankai railway is much more convenient and faster. Please see these link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San, I will be arriving at KIX Monday afternoon and leaving earl Friday morning. I intend to use this deal, but I am travelling to Seta station, five stops from Kyoto on the Biwa line. On my arrival and departure trips between the airport and Seta, will I need to use ICOCA between Seta and Kyoto stations, or does the Haruka ticket cover it?
Thanks
Hi Ron san,
Unfortunately Seta is not covered by Haruka ticket. You have to use ICOCA for Kyoto to Seta. But if you use ICOCA, you have to exit Kyoto station and reenter to Kyoto station by ICOCA. It’s not convenient. But if you don’t use ICOCA, just keep traveling by Haruka ticket to Seta. Haruka ticket does not cover Seta but you can pay extra for Kyoto to Seta when you exit Seta station by cash. If you take this way, you cannot use ICOCA but you don’t need to exit Kyoto station.
I recommend to use this way. Extra fare is around 300 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI,
I will be staying near Tennoji station. thus the best option would be Icoca & Haruka deal?
I have a child who is 7 years old. Is there any package for the child? or I need to get the adult ticket for him?
Hi Tan,
ICOCA and Haruka is most recommended. But if you don’t want ICOCA, you may purchase Haruka discount ticket only. One way is 1100 yen.
Child deal is not available. You need to purchase regular ticket for your child that is about 850 yen (base fare+express non reserve seat fee). But if you want to have ICOCA, you can purchase child ICOCA. It’s sold in Kansai airport station or other major JR stations. Child rate is automatically applied to child ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com