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,
Here is a sample of my itinerary end of November and would appreciate if you can suggest the best pass:
Day 1:
KIX to Kyoto (tofukuji station), arrived KIX 2:30pm
Visiti Kiyomizudera
Day 2:
Kinkakuji
Arashiyama
Nijo Castle
Day 3:
Nishiji Market,
Gion
Kiyomizu dera
Fushimi
Day 4 & 5:
Kyoto (tofukuji station) – Osaka (daikokucho station)
stay most of the time in Osaka City (namba, shinsekai, dotonbori, tenma)
Day 6:
One day trip to either Kobe or Nara
Day 7:
Namba – Rinku Outlet – KIX
Thank you so much for your help
domo
Hi Domo,
Please see the link below. You can find the info which you need.
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’m travelling to Osaka next week. Here is what I have planned:
1. Arrive KIX. Purchase ICOCA Card (Load additional value 1-2k)
2. Take the train to Shinsaibanshi and plan to stay a night
3. Travel on subway around Osaka
4. Leave Osaka for Kyoto the next day
5. A few days later, travel from KYOTO to KIX
My question, could I purchase the ICOCA+HARUKA Card (Return trip) – KIX to KYOTO?
– Do I need to make the trip from KIX to Kyoto on the 1st day itself?
– Since I’m staying in Osaka for the day, could I board the HARUKA from Shin-Osaka or Tennoji onwards to Kyoto? (Utilizing the 1st leg of the round trip)
– Assuming the above is all possible, the round trip from KYOTO to KIX should be no problem, right?
Your assistance is much appreciated.
Hi Fazlur,
You may purchase ICOCA and Haruka round trip. But this is not most affordable deal.
– Do I need to make the trip from KIX to Kyoto on the 1st day itself?
If you use round trip to Kyoto, you may get off at Tennoji or Shin-Osaka. But once you exit the station, one way from KIX to Kyoto portion is done. You cannot use it any more.
– Since I’m staying in Osaka for the day, could I board the HARUKA from Shin-Osaka or Tennoji onwards to Kyoto? (Utilizing the 1st leg of the round trip)
You cannot use it after you use it for KIX to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka. Even if you don’t use it for KIX to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka, you cannot start using it from Tennoji or Shin-Osaka.
– Assuming the above is all possible, the round trip from KYOTO to KIX should be no problem, right?
That is why this is not most affordable way.
I recommend you to use other deal for KIX to Shinsaibashi. If you want to take Limited Express train, you can use Nankai railway’s Rapi:t deal, Kansai Webtoku.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
If you are okay with ordinary train, you may use Nankai railway + subway deal.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Nankai railway takes you to Namba. Shinsaibashi is one station away from Namba. It’s easier and faster way.
If you will purchase ICOCA, you can use Haruka discount ticket from Kyoto to KIX. But you need to purchase it in Kyoto station. You cannot purchase it at Kansai airport or other stations in Osaka. Online purchase is not available either.
You may purchase Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. It’s same type of card as ICOCA but Kansai one pass offers discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your recommendations, much appreciated. Now, just to be sure, here is what I plan to do:
1. Purchase the Nankai railway’s Rapi:t deal, Kansai Webtoku (¥1,130) once I arrive at KIX. This will get me to Namba Station.
2. While at KIX station, I will purchase the Kansai One Pass (¥2k) which has ¥1.5k credit that I can use at Namba station to Shinsaibashi station.
Assume I can make use of the Kansai One Pass for all my trips within Osaka and use it for my trip to Kyoto the next day, right? I just need to make sure I have sufficient balance in the Card.
Now, once in Kyoto, I can use the Kansai One Pass on the subway and before I leave to KIX, I just purchase the Haruka Card One Way (Kyoto-KIX).
Assume the above is good?
Hi Fazlur,
You have understood correctly.
I cannot say that Kansai one pass is the best choice or not. There are many deals in both Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the links below:
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
I’m sure you will use Kansai one pass from Osaka to Kyoto. But the deals in the links above may be cheaper than using Kansai one pass. Most of deals offers unlimited ride. If you make trips lots, these deals are cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We will be leaving Kyoto on April 28th around 5:45-6:00 AM. If we decide to use ICOCA+Haruka, do we really have to buy the Haruka ticket only that morning or can we buy both ICOCA cards and Haruka discount ticket a few days earlier and use the Haruka on the day we leave? Is the ticket counter open so early in the morning? Also, at this time of year and day, can 3 of use get seats without reserving them or would you recommend that we pay the extra reserved seat fare?
Really appreciate any advice.
Hi Claudine,
You can purchase Haruka discount ticket if you have ICOCA. You cannot purchase Haruka discount ticket only without ICOCA. You may purchase a ticket in advance. The first Haruka depart from Kyoto at 05:45. Usually it’s not hard to get a seat in non reserved car.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
How will you recommend the travel passes to suit my itinerary?
Day 1- Arriving KIX at 945pm.
– Accommodation: Airbnb around Namba area.
Day 2- Osaka
– Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Shisekai, Tsutenkaku Tower
Day 3- Osaka
– Universal Studio, Dotonbori at night
Day 4 – Osaka
– Osaka Castle, Shi-Tennoji temple and etc
Day 4- Osaka to Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto
– Arashiyama
– Kinkakuji
– Nijo-jo
– Downtown Kyoto
Day 5- Kyoto to Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
– Day trip to Nara
Day 7- Osaka to KIX
– Flight at 10am
I am still thinking whether to go Kyoto at the first day but I arrive KIX at 930pm. Afraid when we reach Kyoto, it is too late since I bring along my 5 years old son.
Hi David,
I have already replied to your previous comment about access to Namba.
I recommend you to stay in Namba on arrival day. As you think, if you go to Kyoto. you will be there after midnight. It may be around 1:00 am. It’s too late for kids.
You may use Osaka amazing pass for day 2 and 3 or day 3 and 4. But do not include USJ in these period. Single ticket is okay for USJ. So you should visit there on day 2 or 4.
You may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 4, 5 and 6.
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 find the deal for Kyoto in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning a 6 night trip in Kyoto starting from Kansai airport and traveling to Tokyo and back for a one day trip mid way through the vacation. I’m interested in the ICOCOA & HARUKA and Kansai passes, but wondered what rail you would recommend for the day trip to Tokyo from Kyoto and back?
Thank you
Hi Curt,
You should have JR pass. Round trip fare between Kyoto and Tokyo is almost same as 7 days JR pass price. You can take Haruka from KIX to Kyoto by JR pass too.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
What’s the best way to get to Kyoto from Osaka (ITM) airport with a JR rail pass?
Thank you!
Hi Curt,
Itami (limousine bus) Umeda/JR-Osaka (any JR trains) Kyoto
Limousine bus is not covered by JR pass. JR pass covers after Osaka. Bus fare is 640 yen to Osaka. If you pay 1310 yen, you can take limousine bus to Kyoto. It’s direct.
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/index2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Using a JR pass, which are the best trains/ways of getting from one destination to another below?
• Osaka ITM to Kyoto
• Kyoto to Shinagawa
• Shinagawa to Osaka Kansai Airport
Thank you kindly,
—Curt
Hi Curt,
You should not use JR pass for Itami to Kyoto. Because you cannot catch any JR trains at Itami and you need to take bus to get Umeda (JR Osaka station ) first. Andalso you cannot exchange the pass at Itami. You should take limousine bus to get Kyoto from Itami even though you need to pay full fare to take a bus. But that is much easier and faster
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/timetable/itm/t_kyt.html
You can take Shinkansen between Kyoto and SHinagawa and Shinagawa and Shin-Osaka. You can take Haruka from Shin-Osaka to KIX.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Kansai One pass + HARUKA discount ticket can only be purchased upon arrival at Kansai Airport? is online purchase available please? The price for Kansai One Pass + HARUKA round ticket is 5,200 yen? Kansai One Pass is same as ICOCA in terms of usage and only difference is no expiration date?
Many thanks.
Hi Abbie,
You can purchase it online. Please see the link below and find the info about purchasing with Kansai one pass.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Kansai one pass is same type of card as ICOCA. It is made from ICOCA for overseas travelers. ICOCA does not offer any discount at many attractions but Kansai one pass does. This is only difference.
Both cards are valid for 10 years from the last usage. For example, if you purchase either card at this time and go back to Japan 9 year later and use the card, the card is valid for 10 years from 9 year later trip date. So as long as you use the card every 10 years, it’s valid forever.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
is ICOCA card can be top up and use for Tokyo subway, Tokyo JR train or Sapporo/hakodate subway & streetcar?
please advise, thanks
Hi Honlc,
You can use ICOCA in Tokyo and Sapporo to take subway and streetcar. You also can add the fund into the card there. But you cannot use ICOCA in Hakodate. Hakodate is outside coverage area of most of major IC cards.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
thanks for your replied.
In addition, is ICOCA/Kitaca card can be use for JR train to Otaru ?
Can those IC card top up in convenient shop like 7-Eleven.
Thanks
Hi Hon LC,
You can use IC card to take JR train to Otaru. You cannot put the fund in the convenience store. You need to do it at the vending machine in the station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Will you kindly recommend the travel passes to suit my itinerary?
Day 1- Arriving KIX at 10pm.
– Accommodation: Poly Hostel Osaka, Namba
Day 2- Osaka
– Osaka castle, Shi-Tennoji temple, Sumiyoshi-Taisha shrine, Dotombori/Shinsaibashi shopping area
Day 3- Osaka to Kyoto
– Accommodation: Ryokan Shimizu, Kyoto Station area
– Northern and Southern Higashiyama
Day 4- Kyoto
– Arashiyama
– Kinkakuji
– Nijo-jo
– Downtown Kyoto
Day 5- Kyoto
– Tofukuji
– Fushimi-Inari Taisha
– Half day trip to Nara
Day 6- Kyoto
– Kurama-Kibune
– Downtown Kyoto
Day 7- Kyoto to Tokyo
– Accommodation: North Shinjuku area
– Harajuku
– Shibuya
Day 8- Tokyo
– Central Tokyo – Tsukiji, Ginza
– Shinjuku
Day 9
– Day trip to Hakone
Day 10
– Day trip to DisneySea
Day 11- Tokyo
– Asakusa & Sumida River
– Departure from HND at 11pm
Thank you kindly.
Hi Cynthia,
Please follow my sample in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You can add Hakone Free Pass for day 9 on top of the deals in the link above.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We’re going to Japan on the end week of Sept. What pass would you suggest us to use? Here’s our sample itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at KIX
KIX to Kyoto (hotel)
Fushimi Inari
Nishiki Market, Gion
Day 2
Kinkakuji
Arashiyama
Nijo Castle
*which would you prefer to go first?
Day 3
Universal Studios
Dotonbori (at night)
Day 4
Half day trip to Nara
Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama (afternoon)
Day 5
Kyoto to KIX
Hi Kay,
ICOCA and Haruka for day 1, and Kansai rail pass 4 days for day 2 to 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
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
Kansai area pass covers JR trains only.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
When you need to take subway and city bus, you may use ICOCA. You can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. It offers discount at many attractions. It’s better than ICOCA.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is the Kansai One Pass the same as the ICOCA in terms of usage?? Can I use the Kansai One Pass to get the Haruka discounted tickets? (instead of the ICOCA)
Thank you!
Hi Janice,
Yes, you can. Kansai one pass is ICOCA + discount at many attractions. You can add it instead of ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi,
i’m still searching information about passes but I checked the link you gave us of JR West and in our case probably it will be better to book Kansai Area Pass, anyway the reserved seat is not covered too. If i’m not wrong KIX is the first stop for the Haruka train, so I just hope my husband and me have not problem to find a seat.
Thank you for your early response , I think you are doing a great job
Silvia
No worries, Silvia.
It’s usually not hard to find the seat of Haruka at KIX. As you know, it’s the first station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com