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,
I have read your blog on many different topics and I find them very useful. It’s my first time in Japan and I was wondering if you can you help me identify which train passes I can get to maximize them. Here is my itinerary.
Day1
– Arrival in KIX (530AM)
– KIX to Osaka – I booked an ICOCA & Haruka Card
– Accomodation in Higashi Yodogawa-Ku, Osaka
– Osaka Castle
– Kuromon Ichiba Market
– Dotonburi
Day 2
– Check out Osaka
– Go to Kyoto
– Accommodation (Nijo Station)
– Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
– Togetsukyo Bridge
– Tenryu-ji Temple
– Kinkaku-ji Temple
Day 3
– Check out (Nijo Station)
– Gion / Yazaka Shrine / Marayuma Park
– Kiyomizu-dera Temple
– Fushimi-Inara-Taisha Shrine
– Go to Nagoya
– Check in Nagoya
Day 4
– Shirakawa-go
– Go back to Nagoya
Day 5
– Tsumago-Juku
– Go back to Nagoya
Day 6
– Check out Nagoya
– Tour around Nagoya
– Leave for Tokyo
– Check in Tokyo
Day 7-10
– Shinjuku
– Piss Alley
– Tsukiji
– Tokyo Tower
– Shibuya
– Hachiko
– Ginza
– Akihabara
Day 10
Fly out of Tokyo
Hi Dale,
I recommend you to use JR pass 7 days for the first 7 days. You still need to pay some extra because JR pass does not cover city bus, subway and non JR trains. But most of trips in this 7 days period is covered.
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
You may add subway pass after you use JR Pass in Tokyo.
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
If you leave from Haneda or Narita, you can find some info in the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi! Appreciate it!
No worries, Dale.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Below is my tentative itinerary and I wonder if utilising the ICOCA card – Kansai One Pass is an good option.
Day 1 – KIX – Osaka (ICOCA KAnsai One Pass).
Optional Short Trip to Kobe (Haruka)
Night travel to Nara (Haruka)
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Nara (KAnsai One Pass)
Travel to Kyoto (Haruka)
Day 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto (Kansai One Pass)
Day 4 – Sightseeing in Kyoto (Kansai One Pass)
Day 5 onwards I will heading towards Tokyo and departs from Haneda airport.
Grateful for your advise.
Hi Mel san,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass for the first 3 days.
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 may add other deal for day 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Regular ticket or Platt Kodama is only choice for day 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We are planning a 8 day trip, based in Kyoto, flying into Kansai Airport. Would appreciate your advice as to whether I am selecting the best, value for money train passes.
Day 1 – Kansai to Kyoto (prepurchase ICOCA + Haruka one way).
Days 2, 3, Kyoto sightseeing by walking, subway and bus (use ICOCA)
Days 4, 5, 6, 7 – day trips to Himeji and Okayama; Kanazawa: Hikone; Okayama. Possibly Mt Koya. Using a prepurchase JR West Pass, 5 days 9000yen.
Day 8 – Haruka transfer back to Kansai Airport using last day of JR West pass.
I am asking if you think the Kansai One Pass is better value? Many thanks for your consideration.
Hi Lesley,
I have only one thing to tell you. Mt. Koya is not covered by Kansai wide area pass. If you go there, you need to pay for taking Nankai railway from Shin-Imamiya. And also Nankai railway Koya line was damaged by rain storm in this past fall. You can get there by bus but trip time is much longer than usual. Please see the link below to get more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Other part of trip is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there! I am traveling with 4 friends and we will be staying around Osaka station area, using Osaka as a base. We are there from 26 December to 2 Jan and some extending to 5 Jan.
We haven’t plotted out a fixed itinerary yet, but knowing it’s new years and winter, we were still hoping to visit:
1) Kyoto
2) Mt Koya (not sure if you recommend in December)
3) Potentially Nara
Would you still recommend the ICOCA + Haruka pass or a JR Kansai pass for the area?
Hi Xinch,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass for these trips.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Please see the link below to find some more tips about the travel in and around Osaka in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
A part of train route to Mt. Koya is closed. You still can get there by bus. Kansai thru pass covers this bus too. But it takes longer than usual. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi San,
I would like to get some advice on transportation and which pass I should get for the below intinary:
Day 1 – arrive kix at 7:15am and travel to Kyoto. Will visit kiyomizu-dera area, gion and karasuma. Hotel is near Kyoto station
Day 2 – Arashiyama for half day then Inari and Kyoto station area
Day 3 – Travel to Nara from Kyoto station, then go to umeda Osaka at late afternoon
Day 4 – namba area and nearby area
Day 5 – umeda and go to KIX at night
I would like to know should I get one way HARUKA & ICOCA package at KIX? or I need to get the Kansai one pass firs then buy HARUKA one way ticket to Kyoto?
For my days 2-5, would it be better if I get a 3 days kansai thru pass? Or I should get Kyoto 1 day or 2 days pass in Kyoto then use the kansai thru 3 days pass to nara and in Osaka and to KIX? Is it more convenient to go to KIX from umeda by JR?
Many thanks!
Hi Wing san,
You can add Kansai one pass on ICOCA and Haruka deal. In this case, you just receive Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. Those cards are basically same.
I don’t think Kansai thru pass is a right choice. You cannot get the worth of it in my rough calculation. Just use Kansai one pass for day 2 and 3. you may add other deal in Osaka as you need:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For day 5, you may use Haruka discount ticket from Tennoji. Even if you just take rapid train to KIX from JR Osaka station, it’s still cheaper than regular fare. You cannot get Haruka from Shin-Osaka by Tennoji departure Haruka discount ticket but you can take rapid or local train from JR Osaka station by Tennoji departure Haruka discount ticket. Of course you can change to Haruka at Tennoji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thank you for your patience in providing so much information on the best transport option in Japan. Appreciate your kind help to access if my options below are correct/ and the most cost effective and time efficient:
Day 1: KIX – Namba, Osaka ( ICOCA + hakura)
Day 2: Namba – USJ – Namba (ICOCA)
Day 3: Namba – Kyoto – Namba (ICOCA + Hakura)
Day 4: Namba, Osaka – Tokyo , shinjuku (near Takashimaya shopping center) -> please advise
Day 5: self drive to Gotemba outlet
Day 6: tour around Tokyo city (ICOCA)
Day 7: Tokyo shinjuku – Haneda Airport -> please advise.
Thank you for your kind help!
Hi Jt,
ICOCA and Haruka is not the best way to get Namba. Nankai railway is the best way. And also you can get Kansai one pass only instead of ICOCA. It’s same type of card as ICOCA but this card offers discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can use Kansai one pass to take Rapid train to Namba from KIX. If you want to take limited express train “Rapi:t”, you may use the other deal:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You can use Kansai one pass like ICOCA as you think. But you can use Kansai area pass one day for day 3.
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 take limited express Haruka from Tennoji to Kyoto. Tennoji is a few stations away from JR-Namba station. It covers Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Nijo. You can use Kansai one pass when you need to take a bus, subway and non JR railway in Kyoto.
For Osaka to Tokyo, you may use single fare ticket or Platt Kodama.
jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
You may use Kansai one pass in Tokyo too. You can use it to take train to Haneda too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Appreciate your kind advice on transport with below itinerary.
Day 1: KIX to Namba to Osaka Aquarium suggest us to buy Osaka Kaiyu Ticket(Nankai Plan version) which can from KIX to Namba then access to Osaka Aquarium
Day2 & Day 3: Osaka Amazing pass
Day 4: Nara day trip (need get advise from you)
Day 5: Rokkosan (which will get rokkosan tourist pass which can access from Namba to Rokkosan)
Day 6: USJ (using ICOCA)
Day 7: Kobe day trip (need get advise from you)
Day 8: Namba to Kyoto (ICOCA + HAruka)
Day 9: Miyama day trip (need get advise from you)
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto to Namba (which we want to try take the bullet train) then back to KIX airport
My question is what pass should I get if my itinerary plan like this, kindly advise.
thanks
Ms Wong
Malaysian
Hi Apple,
You may use Kansai thru pass for day 4 (Nara), Kobe (day 7) and Namba to Kyoto (day 8). You cannot use ICOCA and Haruka for day 8. Kansai thru pass covers city bus and subway in Kyoto. If you intend to visit somewhere in Kyoto on day 8, Kansai thru pass is better choice. But you need to take Hankyu, Kintetsu or Keihan railway to get Kyoto. You cannot take Haruka or other JR trains. If you want to take Haruka, your choice is Kansai area pass one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
There is no deals to cover visit Miyama. You can use ICOCA for taking train to Sonobe or Hiyoshi. After that, take a bus to get Miyama. ICOCA cannot be used to take a bus.
http://www.city.nantan.kyoto.jp/www/event/104/003/003/25844/00034908004.pdf
*I don’t have any info about the bus fare to Miyama.
Single ticket is only choice for day 11. You cannot use ICOCA to take the bullet train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Takeshi
thanks for your replying. Kansai thru pass must be used in consecutive days? If yes i cannot buy Kansai thru 3 days pass. Kindly advise.
For Kobe, i get to buy Kobe Excursion 1-day pass Hanshin Extended version includes 700 yen value coupon which i can use it in herb garden.
For day 8, I cannot use Kansai thru pass because I need go to JR Mukomachi station to meet up my host which he will pick me up in that station. Kansai thru pass which I know cannot use it in JR line. Am i correct? If yes, can advise me how to go to Kyoto (JR Mukomachi station) from Namba station?
thanks
Ms Apple Wong
Hi Apple,
Kansai thru pass can be used in unconsecutive days. But as you think, you cannot take JR train by this pass. 2 days pass does not work. Even if you use it for Nara and Kobe, you cannot get the worth. You can use single fare ticket to visit Nara and Kobe 1 day pass.
When you go to Mukoumachi, take subway from Namba to Umeda and catch JR train from JR Osaka to Mukoumachi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-San
But why I can’t use icoac + haruka from Namba to Jr mukomachi station (Kyoto)? Since this consider JR line. It is because Haruka must use it from airport? If can’t can advise me which the best pass that I can use it?
Hi Apple san,
No, you cannot use it. If you want to use Haruka to get Kyoto, you may use Kansai area pass.
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
But Mukoumachi is located between Osaka and Kyoto. If you take Haruka, you have to go back from Kyoto station. Haruka skips Mukoumachi. And also you cannot take Haruka from Namba. You have to go to Tennoji. JR-Namba station is not located.
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
The easiest way is take subway to Umeda from Namba and take JR train from Osaka as I mentioned.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san
Appreciate it for your replying.
The easiest way is take subway to Umeda from Namba and take JR train from Osaka as I mentioned. (can i use Icoca for this? )
thanks
Ms Apple Wong
Hi Apple san,
You can use ICOCA to take this route.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi san
Me again. sorry for disturbing you. I found out the route that you told me. can you advise me for this route? I’m going to Kyoto from Osaka then need go to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏见稻荷) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple
14/12 – from OSaka to Mukomachi (Kyoto)
Namba (subway) – Mukomachi is 790 yen
Mukomachi to Kyoto station – 180 yen
Kyoto station to Kiyomizu – Gojo 270 yen
Kiyomizu- Gojo to Inari(Fushimi Inari Taisha_ – 270 yen
Inari back to Mukomachi – 200 yen
total i need to spend is 1710 yen for this day. my question is am I doing right route or you can advise me the route that can get cheaper?
thanks
Ms Wong
Hi Apple san,
You have chosen the right routes. But I recommend you to take city bus from Kyoto station to Kiyomizudera. It costs 230 yen and it’s direct.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
Kiyomizu-gojo is the nearest station but bus stop “Kiyomizu-michi” is much closer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi san
Thank you so much for your advise, I got one more question here regarding the Icoca pass. Can one person hold more than 2 Icoca card? When I redeem and refund it is need show passport? The reason why I need hold two Icoca pass because I got free voucher to buy the Icoca pass. Meanwhile I no need top up then got free to use Icoca.
Lastly can advise me how can I do to get fully refund for my Icoca card when I leaving from Japan?
thanks
Ms Apple Wong
Hi Apple san,
If you have ICOCA, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket which is Haruka ticket portion only of ICOCA and Haruka. So you will buy Haruka discount ticket, not ICOCA and Haruka. You don’t need to have two ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san
Sorry to ask because I don’t understand why I need to buy Haruka? As early you already mention to me I cannot use Haruka + Icoca go to Mukomachi station.
Another one question is do you know bus stop “Kiyomizu-michi” can take subway to inari station which I want to go fushimi? or you can advise me the route.
thanks
Apple Wong
Hi Apple san,
I mixed up with other reader’s trip plan. You don’t need ICOCA and Haruka. If you want to have two ICOCA, you can do.
You need to take Keihan railway to get Fushimi Inari. Subway don’t take you there. You have to go to Kiyomizu-Gojo station. Kiyomizu-michi is just a bus stop.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san
It is ok, now i get more understand. I still thinking my last day itinerary. If you don’t mind maybe can get advise from you.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) 金閣寺 – Nishiki Market – Gion – Arashiyama 嵐山
Mukomachi to kyoto station- 180 yen for adult / 90 yen for kids
1. Kyoto Station via Kyoto Cit Bus # 101/ 205 (40min, 230 Yen)
2. Take the Karasuma Subway line to Kitaoji Station (15min, 260Yen)
Then from here I don’t know how to go to Nishiki Market from Kitaoji station then Nishiki market to Gion can reach there by walk within 15 min lastly that i need to go to Arashiyama 嵐山 from Gion, can advise for it?
Appreciate it! thanks
Apple Wong
Hi Apple san,
You can take subway from Kitaoji to Shijo, take Hankyu railway from Karasuma to Kawaramachi. Shijo and Karasuma are same location.
Actually you can get Nishiki Market from Shijo/Karasuma by walk. You don’t need to take Hankyu railway. You can take Hankyu railway to Omiya ana then take Keifuku railway (a.k.a. Randen) to Arashiyama.
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
Great Takeshi-san, appreciate for your guide line. Now i getting more clearly and smooth in Kyoto area.
you ask me stop at Randen-saga or Randen-Tenjingawa? cos i saw got two station can choose it.
thanks
Ms Apple Wong
Hi Apple san,
How come you will stap at Randen-Tenjingawa? If you take subway, you need to change trains there. But you will take Hankyu and Randen. You need to change trains at Omiya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I found JPRail.com is very useful and thank for your sharing. We will go to Osaka early next month and are much appreciated your kind advice on transport pass with below itinerary.
Day 1: KIX to Osaka (staying in Shin-Osaka for whole trip)
Days 2: Sightseeing in Osaka
Day 3: Shin-Osaka to Himeji
Day 4: Shin-Osaka to Kobe
Day 5: Shin-Osaka to Nara (pick up runner pack for Nara Marathon)
Day 6: Shin-Osaka to Nara (Nara Marathon Day)
Day 7: Shopping at Rinku Premium Outlets
Day 8: Shin-Osaka to KIX
Based on information from your website, I think I will take “ICOCA + Haruka” to and fr KIX airport for Day 1 and Day 8. While for Day 3 to Day 6, would it better for me to buy Kansai Area Pass? or just buy single ticket the best? Would you give me any recommendation for my whole trip planning? Many thanks!
Hi Emily,
ICOCA and Haruka is a good choice to get Shin-Osaka. And you can use Kansai area pass. You may be able to combine Kobe and Himeji. You can get some more info in the link below. You can find how to build your itinerary:
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 Takeshi,
Thanks for sharing – this website has been very useful. We’re heading to Japan next month and were hoping to get some advice. We’re landing at KIX and have the following itinerary:
Day 1: KIX –> Kyoto
Days 2-3: Staying in Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto –> Nara
Day 5: Nara –> Osaka
Day 6-9: Staying in Osaka
Day 10: Osaka –> Kyoto
Based on my research and reading of your website, i think the ICOCA + Haruka combination would be the best? Would you agree / have other suggestions? Many thanks!
Hi Jo,
You may follow my sample in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
So you may use local deal, such as subway pass, bus pass in each cities, and use ICOCA for city to city transfer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply! I’ve taken a look at the sample itinerary and that’s very similar to what we have planned. I had 2 additional questions which i hope you can advise on.
1. As we need to purchase an ICOCA and Haruka ticket (KIX –> Kyoto, and then Osaka –> KIX), is this considered a return ticket, or 2 single trips? Based on my reading of the website and booking form, I don’t seem to be able to indicate where i’m returning from. Does this mean that i have to purchase the tickets from KIX itself?
2. With regard to the Kansai pass that we’ll use when going to Himeji and Kobe, may i know whether I can buy it in advance when buying the ICOCA + Haruka, but indicate which day I’ll be using it?
Many thanks!
Hi Joanne,
1. I recommend you to purchase it for each ways separately because it’s cheaper. However for Osaka to KIX, you need to purchase it in Osaka. You cannot purchase it online in advance.
2. You can purchase it in advance when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka same time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Appreciate your kind advice on transport with below itinerary.
*2nd Dec – Land in Tokyo Hanaeda airport 10pm and go to Shibuya
* 3rd – 5th Dec – Go around Tokyo
* 6th Dec – day Trip to Fuji 5 lakes
* 7th Dec morning – Tokyo to Osaka
* 8th Dec – Osaka to Nara
* 9th Dec – Osaka to Himeji to Kobe
* 10th Dec – Osaka to Kyoto
* 11th Dec – Universal Studio
* 12th Dec – Maybe to Kyoto again ( night flight departure at Kansai airport )
* 12th Dec – to Kansai airport
I am overwhelmed by all the various options available. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
Regards
Hoon
Hi Hoon,
You may use JR pass 7 days from 6th to the end of your trip. Some trips are not covered, such as subway, city bus and non JR trains in Osaka, Kyoto and Otsuki to Kawaguchiko by Fuji Kyuko. Please see the link below to find more detailed info:
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
You may use other deals before you use JR pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.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
Thanks Takeshi.
I was thinking to take a single trip Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, 14500 yen. Then take a 5 day kansai wide area pass starting on 8th morning and ends on 12th night, 9000 yen for travelling to Himeji, Kyoto and kansai airport. Alternatively, Kansai 4 days pass starting from 9th till 12th at 6300 yen. It seems cheaper then the 29000 yen for the 7 days rail pass. What do you think? Thanks!
Hi Hoon,
You may use that combination too. It is cheaper. I just want to show you the easiest way.
Anyway in this case, you need to pay full fare for access to Mt. Fuji. You can take Express bus too if you don’t use JR pass. Actually express bus takes you to Lake Kawaguchi directly. It’s more convenient. If you use Kansai wide area pass, you cannot reserve your seat to take Shinkansen and other limited express trains. As you understand reserved and non reserved seat, it’s fine.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
If you use Kansai area pass, you cannot take Shinkansen. Shinkansen is better way to get Himeji.
And you may need to add single fare or other deal when you arrive in Osaka.
You can choose whichever you like. The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the advice Takeshi!
Will make the necessary arrangements.
No worries, Hoon.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com