ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka, and Haruka discount ticket. Very flexible and good deal for tourist who stay in Kansai.

hello kitty harukaOsaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Limited Express Haruka at Kansai Airport station
The Limited Express Haruka at Kansai Airport station

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?

Limited Express Haruka operation route map

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:

Kansai One Pass official site

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

DestinationHaruka service sectionOne wayRound trip
Osaka, Shin-OsakaKIX – Shin-Osaka3,2004,400
Tennoji, JR-NambaKIX – Tennoji3,6005,200
Kyoto, Saga-ArashiyamaKIX – Kyoto3,8005,600
NaraKIX – Tennoji3,7005,400
Kobe, SannomiyaKIX – Shin-Osaka3,6005,200

Haruka ticket only price table

DestinationHaruka service sectionOne wayRound trip
Osaka, Shin-OsakaKIX – Shin-Osaka1,2002,400
Tennoji, JR-NambaKIX – Tennoji1,6002,200
Kyoto, Saga-ArashiyamaKIX – Kyoto1,8003,600
NaraKIX – Tennoji1,7002,400
Kobe, SannomiyaKIX – Shin-Osaka1,6003,200
  • 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.com

I 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 – Tennoji1060 yen
650 yen
530 yen
330 yen
KIX – JR Namba1060 yen
650 yen
530 yen
330 yen
KIX – Shin-Osaka1360 yen
970 yen
680 yen
480 yen
KIX – Osaka (Umeda)1190 yen
970 yen
590 yen
480 yen
KIX – Kyoto1880 yen
970 yen
940 yen
480 yen
KIX – Sannomiya1710 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.

How to choose the deals for access to/from Kansai Airport

Comments

  1. Chang CK says:

    Dear Takeshi,
    Appreciate your advise.
    Day 1: KIX to Kyoto Sanjo (ICOCA + Haruka)
    Day 2 : Kyoto attractions (max 3 attractions because with 1 year old baby) (need get advise from you)
    Day 3: AM 1/2 day Kyoto; 2nd 1/2 day from Kyoto Sanjo transfer to Namba (need get advise from you)
    Day 4: Osaka (max 3 attractions) (need get advise from you)
    Day 5: Osaka (need get advise from you)
    Day 6: Kobe Day Trip (need get advise from you)
    Day 7: Osaka (need get advise from you)
    Day 8: Namba Nankai to KIX (Nankai Aiport Express)

    Thank you,
    Chang

    • Hi Chang,

      Basically you can follow my sample itinerary in the link below:
      https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html

      In this sample itinerary, I put Nara between Kyoto and Osaka but you can go to Osaka directly. When you go to Namba from Sanjo, you can take Keihan railway to get Yodoyabashi and then take subway to get Namba. It takes about one hour. You don’t need to spend half day. You can extend your time in Kyoto or spend some time in Osaka, or you can squeeze Nara if you like.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Chang CK says:

        Dear Takeshi,

        I am confuse on which type of pass should i choose even thought I read through some of your article. My itinerary as below:

        Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto (ICOCA + Haruka) & (Kyoto City Sightseeing card 2 Day Pass)
        Day 2 – Kyoto (Kyoto City Sightseeing card 2 Day Pass)
        Day 3 – Kyoto Shijo to Namba Station (ICOCA – Hankyu Line & Subway)
        Day 4 – Osaka (I should take Kansai Thru Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass Or Enjoy ECO?)
        Day 5 – Kobe Day Trip (Kintetsu Nara/Namba/Hanshin Line) – ICOCA OR (Kansai Thru Pass?)
        Day 6 – Osaka (I should take Kansai Thru Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass Or Enjoy ECO?)
        Day 7 – Osaka (I should take Kansai Thru Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass Or Enjoy ECO?)
        Day 8 – Namba Nankai to KIX (Nankai Airport Express Train) – ICOCA

        Thank you.
        Chang

  2. angie says:

    Hi Takeshi San

    I will be doing the route of:

    Day 1 Osaka KX airport to Kyoto Station, then stay at Karawamachi
    Day 3 Travel up to Arashiyama ryokan
    Day 5 Travel from Arashiyama back to Osaka Namba
    Day 6 Namba to Kobe for only a day trip
    Day 8 Go back to KX Airport

    I am thinking of Icoca and Haruka as i will be only at Osaka, Kyoto & Kobe. Do you think this is ok?

    Thank you Takeshi San.

    Regards,
    angie

  3. kms says:

    If using Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA.”, does this train service stop direct at Shin-Imamiya Station, or is a transfer is needed from Tennoji Station.

    Also If a transfer is needed, will there be a extra cost, or if I don’t exit the gates, can I get on another JR train to Shin-Imamiya.

    Thanks

    Thanks

  4. Adele says:

    Hi Takeshi-san. How do I purchase HARUKA discount ticket if I already have an ICOCA card?

  5. Jonathan says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    We would like to seek help in determining what combination of passes that are better of purchasing in combination with ICOCA+Haruka with regards to the itinaray listed below:

    Day 1 – KIX to Shin-Osaka (late afternoon) (Using ICOCA+Haruka)
    Day 2 – Osaka sightseeing
    Day 3 – Kyoto sightseeing (Plan itinerary includes visiting Sagano train, Bamboo forest, Kinkaku-ji, & Fushimi Inari)
    Day 4 – Kyoto sightseeing (Places near Nijo Castle)
    Day 5 – Osaka sightseeing
    Day 6 – Shin-Osaka to KIX (Using ICOCA+Haruka)

    Thanks in Advance,
    Jonathan

  6. SEOW says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Can give me some suggestion about the Pass ?
    which is the most suitable pass to buy for my itinerary as below :
    Day 1 – Kansai airport to Nagoya
    Day 2 – Shirakawago day trip ( we booked a bus day trip from tour )
    Day 3 – Nagoya
    Day 4 – 5 Kyoto
    Day 6 – 7 Osaka – Kansai
    So , we still need JR pass for this route ?
    Some of my friend suggest Takayama Hokuriku Pass, but for the Shirakawago we already booked day tour, I think is not neccessary right ? but thei Takayama Hokuriku can we use from Kix to Nagoya ?

    Thanks 🙂

  7. Anny says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I read a lot on your website but I’m still struggeling which passes I should use best for my itinerary when we stay in Osaka. I will be travelling with 2 kids (in total 4 persons) during the Golden week.

    Day 1 – KIX – Abeno station ( closest to our accommodation) –> ICOCA+HARAKA or HARUKA ticket only+Eco Card?
    Day 2 – Osaka (Osaka Castle, Dotombori) –> Eco Card
    Day 3 – Abeno station – Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Taisha, downtown Kyoto, Gion) –> Kansai One Pass?
    Day 4 – Osaka Aquarium –> Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
    Day 5 – Nara (Deer Park and Daibutsu) –> Kansai One Pass
    Day 6 – Osaka (Umeda Sky Building) –> Eco Card
    Day 7 – Abeno station – KIX –> ICOCA+HARAKA

    Please could you give me advise if the use of the passes is a good or is using the Kansai Through Pass better for Day 3 and 5?

    Many thanks in advance,
    Anny

  8. Kayleen says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for the helpful information. We are coming to Japan for the first time, our family of 7, with 5 kids. I have been trying to figure out the best passes to get but it is all a little confusing. I would appreciate any help or advice you may have.
    Our itinerary:
    Day 1: KIX to Kyoto
    Day 2 – 3: Kyoto sightseeing
    Day 4: Kyoto to Tokyo
    Day 5-8: Tokyo sightseeing
    Day 9: Tokyo to Fukuoka
    Day 10: Fukuoka sightseeing
    Day 11: Fukuoka to Osaka
    Day 12: Osaka sightseeing
    Day 13: Osaka to KIX

    I plan to buy a JR 7 day pass for the shinkansen train for Day 4 – 11. Do you think the other pass I would need is the icoca/haruka? Thank you!

  9. Mai says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m wondering which is the most suitable pass to buy for my itinerary on entry to Osaka from Kansai Airport

    Options from Kansai Airport arrive at 9 PM
    Haruka x ICOCA
    Chikatoku
    Yokoso Osaka

    Day 1 – KIX – Matsuyamachi station ( closest to accommodation)
    Day 2 – Osaka (Sumo wrestling walk from Dontonburi)
    Day 3 – Osaka (Kurumon market)
    Day 4 – Mt Koya ( Koyasan World Heritage Ticket)
    Day 5 – Nara (from Hashimoto station – Nara)
    Day 6 – Nara (Deer Park, 1 Day pass?)
    Day 7 – Kyoto (staying 7mins walk from both Kujo + Toji station)
    Day 8 – Kyoto ( sightseeing Arashimaya)
    Day 9 – Kyoto (day trip to Uji)
    Day 10 – Miyama (rent car from Kameoka station)
    Day 11 – Kyoto – KIX (Haruka? )

    I thought about the Kansai thru pass but I don’t we are moving fast enough to make it worth it. I’m travelling with my parents, so I don’t want to rush too much and will try to walk or take a bicycle in Kyoto when suitable. Is there any other pass I should consider?

    Thank you very much in advance for your help!
    Mai

    • Hi Mai,

      I think Chikatoku is the best option for arrival day. And I recommend you to purchase Kansai one pass too.
      https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1

      It’s same type of card as ICOCA but it offers discount at many attractions in all Kansai area. If you have this, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket for Kyoto to KIX.
      You may use this pass for other part of Koyasan. Kansai thru pass is too much as you think. Single ticket is your choice mostly. Kansai one pass makes your trip be easier.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Aida says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Thanx for the detailed info, it was really helpful. We plan to do the following:
    Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto (early morning)
    Day 2 – Kyoto sightseeing
    Day 3 – check out of Kyoto and go to our hotel in Namba, Osaka. On the same day, go to Nara
    Day 4 – Kobe lunch, Osaka sightseeing
    Day 5 – USJ
    Day 6 – Kaiyukan, etc.
    Day 7 – KIX to CTX
    What is the most cost effective way to get around, please? The only tricky bit is that day we leave Kyoto n go to Nara and then on to Osaka, I think.
    Also, am considering taking the airport limo to KIX on Day 7 because our hotel in Namba is an airport limo stop.
    Thank you,
    Aida

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