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
will be visiting osaka on 22nov and return 28nov.
pls advise on the type of pass to use for my trip.
day 1 -kix to shin-osaka (our accommodation)
day 2- sightseeing and shopping around umeda area
day 3 – travelling to kyoto (sightseeing and return same day to osaka)
day 4) travelling to nara (sightseeing and return same day to osaka)
day 5 ) USJ
day 6 ) other parts of osaka for sighting seeing
day 7 ) shin-osaka to fix
appreciate your reply.
thank you
carin
Hi Carin san,
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka round trip for day 1 and 7. You can use ICOCA for sightseeing in Osaka on day 2 and trip to USJ on day 5. I think 1500 yen is enough to cover these two days.
Kansai thru pass is recommended for day 3 and 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
When you go to Kyoto, you have to get Umeda by subway first from Shin-Osaka. But this pass covers subway and bus in Kyoto. It’s very very convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto. When you go to Nara, you can use subway and Kintetsu via Namba. This pass covers subway in Osaka. It’s convenient for sightseeing in Osaka after Nara and Kyoto as well.
You may add city deal in Osaka for day 6. If you still have some fund left in ICOCA, you can use it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, for traveling to Hiroshima, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in 10 days, what pass do you recommend?
Hi Jean,
7 days or 14 days JR pass is recommended. If you depart and arrive at Tokyo, 14 days pass is your choice. If you can put other than Tokyo in 7 days, 7 days pass is your choice. If you arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka (or reverse), 7 days pass is your choice. As long as the pass covers Tokyo-Osaka and Osaka-Hiroshima, it will work.
Before you decide the pass, I suggest you to fix your detailed plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi San,
Will inform my friend about it. Asking on behalf of a friend.
No worries, Jean san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi san,
We are leaving to osaka on march 2017. Please advice on passes that is suitable.
Day 1 arrive kix osaka will stay in kyoto near kiyomizu gojo station, visit fushimi inari, nishiki market and gion
Day 2, visit ginkakuji, philosoper path, higashiyama and kiyomizudera
Day 3 visit arashiyama and back to osaka ( stay near namba station)
Day 4 universal studio
Day 5 namba and umeda
Day 6 osaka castle
Day 7 from namba station to kix airport
I plan to buy an icoca card but should I also buy any day passes if I travel most on krihan railway, eizan electric railway and hankyu railway. If yes please advice which pass is suitable.
Thank you.
Looking forward for your reply
Hi Kityan san,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka. As you think, you can take Haruka to get Kyoto and using ICOCA to take trains in Kyoto. But some of places in Kyoto cannot be accessed by trains. In your trip plan, all places can be accessed by train, Keihan, Hankyu. But if you want to add other places, like Kinkaku-ji temple, Nijo, you may need to take subway and/or city bus. You can use ICOCA to take these transportation. But you can purchase a pass for these transportation.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Especially all day bus pass in the link above is only 500 yen. If you make three bus trips, it’s paid off. You may add this pass in Kyoto.
In Osaka, it’s same as Kyoto. You can use ICOCA but you may use deals too.
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
And also Kansai One Pass is considerable.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
It’s same type card as ICOCA. But you may get a discount at many attractions. You can take same train as ICOCA by this card. So you can purchase Haruka discount ticket only and add this card.
At last, you can use Kanku Rapi:t Tokuwari ticket to get KIX if you want to take limited express train.
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
If you are okay to take ordinary train, use ICOCA or Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi San,
May I ask whether JR RAIL PASS be used for subways in cities like OSAKA?
Hi Jean san,
JR Pass does not cover any Non JR train service, such as subway.
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#Other_train_services
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
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 san!
Below is my simple itinerary. I am not sure what transport pass I should get.
Day 1 Kansai Airport – Kyoto
Day 2-4 Kyoto [will use Kyoto 2-Day Subway & Bus Pass = 2000 yen]
Day 5 Kyoto – Uji – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 6 Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Day 7-11 Osaka [will use Osaka 1-day unlimited card Eco Card = 800 yen]
Day 12 Osaka – Kansai Airport
1. Going to Nara (via Kintetsu-Nara Line) and Uji (via Keihan Uji Line) If i do not have ICOCA, I will need to purchase a single ticket from the station? Is ICOCA applicable for these 2 lines?
2. For those days that I will not use the full value of the day pass, I can use ICOCA correct?
3. Only Day 1, 2, 5, 9, i will use JR train (a few trips only). I can use ICOCA instead of buying single trip ticket? I’m not sure how should I get around with JR train if I do not have ICOCA card.
4. ICOCA + Haruka = Should I get one way pass or round trip pass? From (Kansai Airport-Kyoto) will be taking Haruka Limited Express, but from (Kyoto-Osaka Station) will take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line. Would it be a waste to get round trip pass just for the 14 days validty?
5. Does the round trip fare 5200 yen includes (1600 x2 Haruka Train)? Because I only need 1 trip Haruka Train but 12 days validity ICOCA. What is the break down price for this 5200 yen? I might need ICOCA card for entire 12 days trip due to (1.) some of the days I will not use full value of the day pass and (2.) some days only use a few trips of JR train. Otherwise if I get only one way ICOCA, I have 2 concerns mentioned above.
Kindly help to advice, the transportation in Osaka and Kyoto really gives me big headache. =(
Thank you.
Hi Trinie san,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka one way to Kyoto. You don’t need to have round trip. It covers trip to Kyoto from KIX by Haruka.
ICOCA money 1500 yen is included in this deal. Actually validity of ICOCA is different from validity of this deal. The validity of ICOCA is actually 10 years. If you use ICOCA, you get another 10 years. So as long as you use ICOCA, it’s valid forever. You may be able to use it if you go back to Japan next time. 🙂
I recommend you actually to use other deals for day 5 and 6 that is 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
You can get Uji and Nara. And also when you go to Osaka, you can take Keihan railway or Hankyu railway. JR is not covered by this deal but it’s no problem to get Osaka. And also it covers bus and subway in Osaka and Kyoto. You may use ICOCA for these trips but 1500 yen is not enough clearly. You can save your ICOCA when you need to take JR trains in Osaka and Kyoto.
At last, there are some deals available to get back to KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You may use Haruka discount ticket but if you stay near subway station, other deals may be better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am happy to found your site. I need your advice on purchasing the train passes. Below are my itinerary but in 1 day we will split 2 groups, 1 to Universal Studio and the other to Wakayama. There are 2 child in our group. We will be in osaka on the 27th Nov.
Day 1 arrive KIX and to Osaka
Day 2 Universal Studio and Wakayama
Day 3 & Day 4 Kyoto
Day 5 Nara
Day 6 Osaka
Day 7 Home sweet home
So is it advisable to buy ICOCA card or other cards that could save cost.
Look forward to your reply.
Regards
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
Please find the best deal for both arrival and departure days. It depends on where you stay.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass is the best deal for outside Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For travelers who go to Wakayama, use 2 X 2 days pass for day 2 to 5. Other travlers use 3 days pass. Single ticket is okay for access to USJ.
There are some deals available in Osaka on day 6.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi,
Thanks for your advice. We are staying at Best Western Fino Osaka. So means that i do not need to buy ICOCA card. So i will buy 4 days JR west Kansai area Pass for my whole journey. Is that correct?
I found out there are Nankai All line 2 day pass for Osaka+wakayama. Is it worth to buy this for wakayama group?
Anyway here are my itinerary
Day 1
Visit Central Fish Market
Osaka castle ground
Tenmangu Shrine
Umeda sky building
Dotonburi
Momofuku
Day2
Universal Studio
Wakayama
Day 3 Kyoto
Nijio castle
Kinkaju ji
Arashiyama
Yasaka shrine
Kiyomizu dera
Ginkaku ji
Fushimi inari
Day 4 Nara
Nara park
Himeji castle
Todaiji temple
Day 5 Kobe
China town
Kobe harborland
Should i visit Kobe or stay at Osaka
Day 6
Premium outlet
Thank you
Hi Elaine,
Sorry but you misunderstand. Kansai area pass covers only JR trains. I recommended 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
If you have Kansai area pass, you cannot take subway, local bus, Nankai, and other non JR trains. You must have Kansai thru pass, especially you will stay near subway station. Nankai railway pass is not recommended as well. It’s okay for trip to Wakayama but you cannot get other cities by this pass. Kansai thru pass covers Nankai and other railways. You can get Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If i am using kansai thru pass for my whole journey. Do you mean i do not need any day pass for Kyoto and Nara.
Regards
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
You can access to Nara and Kyoto without any extra. Please see the link below to find the coverage of Kansai thru pass.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your advice. Just want to ask if we want to go to premium outlet near Kix airport after we check in to our hotel in osaka should i buy the haruka card?
Regards Elaine
Hi Elaine san,
You can use Kansai thru pass and ICOCA is not required.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
We plan to travel from 2days in Osaka, 1days in kyoto and 3days in tokyo.
We plan to buy Jr pass 7 day pass.
But I found that that Jr pass in kyoto very less train/subway are covered. Any other pass recommend??
Thank you very much.
Hi Lai san,
You may add Kyoto city sightseeing card or Kyoto all day bus pass.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
But you can access to Nijo, Arashiyama and Fushimi by JR pass. Try to use JR pass as much as you can.
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,
Thanks for the information
Thank you very much
No problem, Lai san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Below is our schedule (2 adult, one 11 years old child)
13 Dec – KIX to Shin Osaka
14 Dec – No specific plans yet, most probably Osaka sightseeing
15 Dec – Shin Osaka – Kyoto – Shin Osaka
16 Dec – Shin Osaka – Biwako
17 Dec – Shin Osaka – KIX
I seek your kindness to guide us please.
Hi Mustaffa san,
I recommend you the following deals:
ICOCA and Haruka one way for 13 and 14 Dec. You can use ICOCA for sightseeing in Osaka.
And you can use Kansai area pass 3 days for the rest of the days.
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
You can get Kyoto, Biwako and taking Haruka to KIX by this pass from Shin-Osaka. In Kyoto, you may have to add single fare or all day bus pass for taking bus because only Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi are covered by this pass. Many other places in Kyoto are not covered by Kansai area pass. Please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your guidance. For ICOCA i understand its for adults only. How do I counter this for my 11 years old son? And I can buy ICOCA, Haruka and Kansai Pass all at the same place in KIX right?
Hi Mustaffa san,
You can purchase child ICOCA. But there is no deals for ICOCA and Haruka combo for child so you need to purchase regular Haruka ticket and child ICOCA separately. You can purchase all deals that you mentioned at JR 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
Dear Takeshi san,
So sorry for my late reply. Thank you very much for your advice.
No worries, Mustaffa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good Afternoon!
Plan a very rush trip, need guide for train pass
Day 1, KIX to Kyoto, stay 2 days, sightseeing.
Day 3, Kyoto to Osaka, Stay 2 days, Sight seeing.
Day 5, leaving from Osaka to KIX.
Can help which train pass is best to us.
ICOCA and Haruka or JR west pass for tourist.
Hi Kho Yong Seng san,
ICOCA and Haruka is your first choice. Please see the link below to find the other deals for your plan.
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,
I would be going to kix- osaka – kobe- kinosaki – kyoto -kix for 8 days 7 night
May I know what pass to buy? Based on my research it should be kansai wide and haruka pass? But the thing is kansai wide is only 5 days pass?
Please advise
Hi Jackson,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is your choice. You may use it for the first 5 days or the last 5 days. If you have trip to Kinosaki in the last 5 days, you should use it for the last 5 days. You can use the pass to get Kansai airport by direct train Haruka. You can use ICOCA and Haruka or other deals available from KIX to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much.
My kinosaki is on day 5 and from day 6 kinosaki to kyoto.
Abut headache ehh…lolx
Hi Jackson,
As long as you use the pass for the trip to Kinosaki, it’s worth purchasing. You may need to purchase another Haruka ticket for Kyoto to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
We are Travelling to Namba from Kansai airport on 21 Nov, then on 30 Nov, traveling to Kansai airport from Kyoto station. May I check which card should I use? I am very confused over the various card options. Thank you for your advice.
Hi Annie san,
For the trip on 21 Nov, Nankai railway single ticket (920 yen) is your choice if you take ordinary train. If you want to take faster and more comfortable train, you can take limited express Rapi:t by Kanku Rapi:t Tokuwari ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
For the trip on 30 Nov, Haruka discount ticket that is shown in the post above is the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much for your advice. It’s very useful! 🙂
May I check the best way
1. From Namba to Awaji Westin, we intend to take a train to Maiko then take a bus to Awaji Westin. Is it good?
2. From Awaji Westin to Shin Osaka, we intend to take a bus from Awaji Westin to Maiko station, any direct train from Maiko station to Shin Osaka station?
3. What train to take from Shin Osaka to Kyoto station?
Thank you very much again. 🙂
Hi Annie,
1. Yes.
2. Rapid and Local train connects Maiko and Shin-Osaka directly. These are commute trains and those run every 10-15 minutes.
3. Special rapid is the best way. This runs every 15 minutes.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi,
I’m going to Osaka in Dec and what pass shall I use for my trip? My plan is :
Day 1 – KIX to shinsaibashi subway station
Day 2 – to ikeda station, then to kawaramachi kyoto
Day 3 – Fushimi Inar
Day 4 – Kyoto station to Osaka
Day 5 – to KIX by airport Limousine
Thank you
Best regards
Kath
Hi Kath,
You have three choices for arrival day.
Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t + single fare ticket for subway if you want to take limited express Rapi:t fron KIX to Namba.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
Kanku Chikatoku ticket if you are okay with ordinary train from KIX to Namba.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Yokoso Osaka Ticket if you visit some places in Osaka after arrival in Shinsaibashi.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Single ticket is basically your choice for the rest of the day. But if you visit some places in Kyoto on day 2 and visit some places in Kyoto or Osaka on day 4, you may be able to use 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for the recommendation.
No worries, Kath san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com