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. Chrissie says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I wonder if you could help me with my query. I’ll be going to Japan next Wednesday and still not 100%clear on the Haruka & Icoca package.

    My itinerary is as below:

    Day 1: Arrive at KIX and will proceed to our accommodation in Shinsaibashi using Haruka Express. Rest of the day ill be in Osaka and visiting couple of Osaka tourist attractions

    Day 2: One day Kyoto tour

    Day 3: Half day Nara tour and back to Osaka

    Day 4: Arrive at Narita and proceed to my accommodation in Asakusa using Keisei Line

    Day 5: Tokyo Full day tour including Odaiba

    Day 6: Arrive at Fukuoka airport and proceed to my accommodation in Kamikawabata. Rest of the day I’m just going to explore around the hostel

    My plan is to get the Haruka & Icoca package, Osaka amazing pass for Day 1 in Osaka and Kyoto one day bus pass. Could I use the Icoca card for most of my trip and could I also use it on the Keihan Line.

    Many thanks in advance for your help.

    Cheers,
    Chrissie

    • Hi Chrissie,

      I think Kansai Thru Pass 2 days better than ICOCA and Haruka. Because Haruka does not go to Shinsaibashi. The best way to get there is using Nankai Railway and Osaka subway Midousuji line. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, it covers all trains except JR trains. But as long as you can take subway and other private lines, like Keihan, KIntetsu, Hankyu, you can go almost anywhere in Osaka. And also you can access to Kyoto by this pass. You don’t need purchase any deals in Kyoto. Kansai Thru Pass covers all trains and buses.
      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 really want to use Osaka Amazing Pass, you can use Kansai Chikatoku ticket at 1000 yen.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html

      But in this case, you have to purchase single ticket to Kyoto and purchase some deals in Kyoto too. Or you may be able to use Kansai Thru Pass for day 2 and 3. Actually if you use this deal to access to Nara, it’s not a good deal. Single ticket is cheaper. But if you visit some places in Osaka after trip to Nara, this pass may be better than single tickets.

      ICOCA and Haruka is not a bad. But these above deals are better than ICOCA and Haruka in my opinion.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. linda says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,
    Can I buy Haruka and ICOCA package and also add some fund to ICOCA at Kansai airport with non-Japan credit card? My trip to Japan will begin next month so I need your suggestion.
    Thank you in advance.

    • Hi Linda,

      Actually I have never used Credit Card to add fund into ICOCA. JR ticket/reservation window take non Japanese credit card. But you will use the vending machine to add fund into ICOCA. I think it may be okay. But I recommend you to prepare some Japanese cash, just in case.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  3. Jacklyn says:

    Hi, I will be travelling to Osaka and its surroundings next month, would like to have some advise for what passes I should purchase.

    Day 1 Kansai Airport – Kyoto – Stay at Kyoto(hotel near kyoto station)
    Day 2 Kyoto sightseeing – stay at kyoto
    Day 3 Kyoto sightseeing – Osaka – Stay at Osaka(hotel in namba)
    Day 4 Osaka sightseeing – Stay at Osaka
    Day 5 Nara day trip – Stay at Osaka
    Day 6 Osaka – Kobe – Kobe sightseeing – Stay at Kobe
    Day 7 Himeji day trip – Stay at Kobe
    Day 8 Kobe – Kansai Airpot

    Do I need to purchase all of the passes in kansai airport? Or I can purchase for example, day passes of kyoto in kyoto?

    Thank you very much

  4. linda says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,
    I need your suggestion what pass should I buy for my trip in Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe.

    Here is my itinerary:

    Day 1 From Kansai Airport to our hotel in Noda JR station, then to Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Umeda Sky Building.
    Day 2 Universal Studios, overnight bus to Tokyo
    Day 3 From Shinjuku station to our hotel in Tokyo Nihonbashi (near bakurocho, bakuro yokoyama, higashi nihombashi and kodenmacho station) and then to Ginza, Odaiba, go to Asakusa by waterbus and Tokyo Skytree.
    Day 4 Hakone
    Day 5 Doraemon Museum (Noborito Station in Kawasaki), Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara.
    Day 6 Tokyo Disneyland
    Day 7 Tokyo Disneysea, overnight bus to Kyoto
    Day 8 From Kyoto station to Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, Fushimi Inari, Gion. Back to our hotel in Shin-osaka station.
    Day 9 From Shin-osaka to Kobe Sannomiya Hankyu station.
    Day 10 From Shin-osaka to Kansai Station.

    Thank you in advance.

  5. Jacynth says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I really appreciate your efforts and information. It is very helpful.

    I will spend 5 full days in Japan. My itinerary is such that spending 2 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Osaka.

    Day 1 – Kansai Airport to Kyoto (using Haruka round trip)
    travelling around Kinkakuji and eastern Kyoto maybe by subways (ICOCA?)

    Day 2 – Kyoto – Osaka by JR Special Rapid Service (fare 540 yen) using ICOCA

    Day 3 & 4 – Osaka Amazing Pass (2 days pass 3000yen) –
    QUESTION: is this a good choice? so that I can use all the buses/trains/subways and also at the same time get the free admissions to the places that i would like to visit such as the museums and Osaka Castle.

    Day 5 – Osaka – Kansai Airport (Haruka round trip)

    This is my itinerary for my coming trip to Japan. Please advice.

    Thanks,
    Jacynth.

    • Hi Jacynth,

      Thanks for your comment about my website. I’m very happy that my website help you to build your itinerary.

      You have picked the right deals. You may add all day bus pass in Kyoto if you visit somewhere in Kyoto before you move to Osaka.
      http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Jacynth says:

        Thanks,

        I do plan to visit Kinkakuji temple (Northern part) and then Ginkakuji and walking down through the Philosopher’s Path and then visit the Higashimaya streets and also to Pontocho.

        In this case, it is good to use city bus all day pass costs about 500yen. How about the 1 day subway for 600 yen? Is subway more faster and also reachable to Kyoto station, Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji?

  6. Chong says:

    Sorry for the unclear question.

    I will be traveling from Kyoto Station to KINTETSUNARA by Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.
    (Route4 Take time: 35 Minutes Transfer: 0 Times Distance: 39.0 km Total:¥ 1,130(Fare:¥ 620 Seat Fee:¥ 510)

    Can I take the above Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.without paying the reserve seat fee?

    There is another train from Kyoto Station to KINTETSUNARA by Kintetsu Kyoto Line Exp.
    Route5 Take time: 48 Minutes Transfer: 0 Times Distance: 39.0 km Total:¥ 620(Fare:¥ 620 Seat Fee:¥ 0)

    The above Kintetsu Kyoto Line Exp. is without reserve seat fee but take longer.

    Cheers

    Chong

    • Hi Chong san,

      No. Limited Express surcharge (seat fee) is mandatory. All seats are reserved on Kintetsu Limited Express. If you use ICOCA, only base fare can be paid by ICOCA. You have to pay seat fee on top of that.

      Kintetsu Limited Express is completely different from other Kintetsu trains. It’s much more comfortable. Other Kintetsu trains, such as express, are commute train.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. Chong says:

    Thank you very very much for your reply.

    I search in HyperDia for Kyoto to Nara & found Route3 below.

    Q1 can I take the train with non-reserved seat & pay only 620yen.

    Route3
    Take time: 35 Minutes Transfer: 0 Times Distance: 39.0 km
    Total:¥ 1,130(Fare:¥ 620 Seat Fee:¥ 510) Commuting ticket(1mon:¥ — 3mon:¥ — 6mon:¥ — )

    Q2 There are a few recommended routes with Kintetsu Ltd. Exp. , Kintetsu Nara Line Rapid Exp. , Kintetsu Kyoto/Kashihara Line Exp. , Kintetsu Kyoto/Tenri Line Exp. etc. Are these clearly written on the train or how to make sure I would not get on a wrong train.

    Thank you very much in advance.

    Regards,
    chong

    • Hi Chong,

      Q1. Which ticket are you going to use? ICOCA and Haruka? And I need to see everything on Hyperdia result. I can’t find what this 630 yen means.

      Q2. You can find lots of signage in the station and on the train as well.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. Chong says:

    Hi Takeshi san!

    I am going to Japan next month and will be traveling to from Kansai airport to Kyoto, Kyoto to Shinosaka and Shinosaka to Kansai Airport.

    I hope you can help me with these questions.

    1. Can I buy and use Round trip ICOCA card

    2. If I spend all the 1500 yen in the card, do I still be charged the handling fee for getting back the 500 yen deposits

    3. If no to 2. above & if I have a balance of less than 220 yen, can I just get back the 500 yen deposit.

    4. Are there benefits for online reservation of the ICOCA card

    5. What is the basic fare and express surcharge, do I have to pay the express surcharge when using the ICOCA card

    Thank you in advance.

    • Hi Chong san,

      1. Yes. You can use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket. It covers round trip to/from KIX. You can use ICOCA for Kyoto to Shin-Osaka.

      2. No. Actually that is the smartest way. If you spend all 1500 yen e-money, you will get full 500 yen deposit without handling charge.

      3. You can secure your 500 yen deposit anyway. For example, if you have 610 yen (500 yen deposit + 110 yen), you have to pay 110 yen for handling charge. If you can’t make it empty, try to spend as much as possible. You can use ICOCA in convenience store too. Just purchase candy, drink or something small items.

      4. I have never used online. Probably it will be faster to issue the ticket. But I don’t think it’s a big difference.

      5. As long as you use ICOCA and Haruka ticket, you don’t need to pay express surcharge. If you buy ICOCA card only, you have to pay express surcharge beside ICOCA when you take express trains. ICOCA covers base fare only.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. Gemme says:

    Hi,

    I really enjoy and appreciate your website. It’s a super source of information.

    The train system is rather challenging and although I have learned a lot I like to ask you if my current conclusions for our itinerary make sense.

    1. We arrive in Osaka Airport and will take the train to Kyoto
    2. Our basis for our 8 day stay will be Kyoto where we will spent most of our time
    3. We like to do a day trip outside of Kyoto to Hiroshima (Kyoto – Hiroshima – Kyoto)
    4. If we have time, we like to visit also Osaka on a day trip

    Kyoto

    Q.1 For Kyoto I’m thinking of the ICOCA & Haruka Return Pass

    Would you advice the same?

    Hiroshima

    Q.2 Regarding our return trip to Hiroshima what would your suggestion be?
    Pay for tickets or get some kind of rail pass? What would your advice be here?

    Thanks so much in advance for any help and tips.

    Gemme

  10. Sari says:

    Hello Takeshi san!

    I’m going to Japan next month and will be traveling to Osaka, Tokyo and its surrounding.
    I hope you can help me with these questions.

    1. I’ll be arriving in Japan through KIX. My guesthouse is located near the JR Fukushima station, Osaka. Can I use the Haruka pass to get out from JR Fukushima station after I transferred in Tennoji? Or do I have to use my ICOCA card?

    2. Can I use my ICOCA card for JR Higashi Nihon too when I get to Tokyo?

    3. I’m a bit confused about the JR subway. I’m afraid I’ll use ICOCA for the wrong subway line. What color is the JR subway?

    4. Does ICOCA card offers discount for train ride? Can you suggest me what type of unlimited pass I can use to travel in Osaka city?

    Thank you in advanced 🙂

    • Hi Sari,

      1. As long as you don’t exit station, you can keep using Haruka ticket. So you don’t need to use your ICOCA to get Fukushima. Haruka ticket will cover Haruka to Tennoji and Osaka Kanjo line to Fukushima.

      2. Yes. You can use it for almost any trains, like JR train and subways in Tokyo too.

      3. I think you mixed up subway and JR. Subway is operated by municipal government, like Tokyo and Osaka. These subways are totally different from JR. JR is like national railway services. But you can use ICOCA for any trains anyway. I show the difference in Osaka at the following link:
      https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html

      4. ICOCA is not the pass. It does not give you any discount. If you want unlimited ride, you can purchase Eco card (subway) or Kansai Area Pass (JR). You can find the difference at the link above too.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

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