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
I would like to seek your advice on ICOCA + Haruka pass. My trip starts on 15 nov till 29 nov. Am I still eligible for this pass?
I am planning to use the ICOCA for my trip between Kyoto and Osaka.
Also there will be a day where I shall be going from Osaka to mount Koya, but stopping overnight at a friend’s house which is about 50min away from mount Koya. Should I get the heritage pass since I will be making more than 2 trips? Or should I just purchase the normal fare ticket from Osaka namba station to my friend’ station on Nankai railway? I don’t think I will be taking much buses while I am at mount Koya.
So for Osaka and Kyoto sightseeing itself, I should purchase the one day pass within these places?
For Kyoto to Nara, The best deal would be to use the kintetsu single fare ticket?
Hope to get advice from you! Thank you!
Hi Jasmine,
If you intend to use round trip ICOCA and Haruka, you can’t use it. Round trip ticket is valid for two weeks. You will be staying for 15 days. Unfortunately one day is longer than validation.
I don’t think you can’t make any stopover when you go to Mt. Koya by World Heritage ticket. I think you will stop somewhere on the way to Mt. Koya. Single ticket may be better. Please check the exact location of your friend’s house. As long as your friend’s house is not located in Mt. Koya exactly, single ticket is better.
For the trip to Nara, you are right. Kintetsu is a nice choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I plan to use the JR West “Haruka and ICOCA” package for my tour in Japan in October. I have a few questions regarding the use of reserved seats on Haruka.
I understand that the package only offers non-reserved seats on Haruka. However, I would like to take reserved seats for the route Shin-Osaka to Kansai Airport. I also understand that this is possible since it is stated in the official website that :
” Separate charges will be made for the use of reserved seats or first-class cars on the Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA.” ”
unfortunately it does not describe in detail how to do this.
Now my questions are:
Q1. How do I do this? Should I go to the JR Midori-no-Window counter and ask for a ticket change (from non-reserved to reserved seat)? or should I buy a reserved seat ticket, and use it along with the original non-reserved seat ticket?
Q2. How much do I need to pay (for Shin-Osaka to Kansai Airport, one way)?
Let me thank you in advance for your time and effort to answer my questions.
Hi T.Yuen,
Actually I have never done it before. But I guess you have to purchase reserved seat ticket beside ICOCA and Haruka. You can purchase reserved ticket at Midori no Madoguchi. The surcharge is 1450 yen.
ICOCA and Haruka includes non reserved seat ticket. But it says “separate charge will be made…”. So you have to pay full charge for reserved seat in my understanding.
When you purchase ICOCA and Haruka at KIX, you can book it too. You will find it how much it will be there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for such a clear and informative article! I do have some questions pertaining my travel to Japan in Oct, and I really hope that you will be able to help:
1) ICOCA card – Can this be used throughout my trip in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo? Or must I get a separate card for the different regions.
2) I’m taking the Nankai Limited Express from Kansai Airport to Namba (Nankai), can I use the ICOCA card for this ride? I read that there is a separate limited express ticket for this train, how do I purchase this?
Thanks so much for your help in advance!
Hi Liling,
1. ICOCA can be used in most of major cities, like Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. But you can’t use it for long distance trip, like Osaka to Tokyo. All trips by IC card (like ICOCA) can be completed in same area. You can’t cross the border by this card. As long as you use this card in Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe) or Kanto area (Tokyo, Yokohama), it will be okay.
2. You can use it. But ICOCA can be used for base fare ticket only. You have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket at Kansai airport station. But if you intend to take Nankai railway’s limited express, why don’t you use Nankai Railway’s deal. Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket is more attractive.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you that’s a great suggestion! Just one more query, will the Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t take me to Namba (Nankai) as well? Or is the Namba station all interconnected?
Thanks again!
Hi Liling,
Yes, you can. Nankai-Namba is Namba station where is located in the center of Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Very informative article! Thanks 🙂
We’re planning a trip to Kansai and thinking about getting the ICOCA&HARUKA pass. However, our plane lands on KIX at 7:30PM. Based on the website, we can make online reservations – but the payment must be made in Kansai Airport Station (JR West Ticket Office).
I’m worried that the JR West Ticket Office is already closed by the time we arrive at 7:30PM (or later IF the flight is delayed). Please tell us if it is still possible for us to make use of ICOCA&HARUKA pass to make our way from KIX to Shijo in Kyoto that night.
Thanks!!
Hi TCP,
Don’t worry. The ticket office open until 23:00. But the last Haruka departs at 22:16. As long as you flight arrive on time, everything is fine.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Great! Thank you Takeshi-san!
One more question though, is it possible to use Haruka Round Trip ticket for the following trips even if it involves different locations?
1. KIX to Kyoto Station on December 20
2. Osaka Station to KIX on December 26
Thanks 🙂
Hi TCP,
It’s no problem at all! 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
Thank you for your information. Your website is super informative. However, I am still unsure about the train schedule/time table and which pass I should get?
My flight arrives at Kansai airport around 5am and my departure flight is at 8am (it means I will need to arrive at Kansai airport around 6am). After checking, I will need to take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Train Service. So, which pass should I purchase?
My itinerary:
Day 1 – Airport to Downtown Osaka (arrive at 5:20am)
Day 2 – Osaka to Kyoto back to Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka to Kobe back to Osaka
Day 4 – Downtown Osaka
Day 5 – Downtown Osaka to Airport (8am flight)
Thank you so much!
Angela
Hi Angela,
I recommend you to use Kansai Thru Pass 2 days for day 1 and 2.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is the cheapest choice for day 3 and 5. But if you intend to take subway in Osaka after you come back from Kobe, you can use Kansai Thru Pass 3 days for day 1 to 3.
For day 4, you can use Enjoy Eco Card (subway pass). If you will visit many places, you can use Osaka amazing pass.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much for your prompt reply!
No problem, Angela!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Thank you for your recent recommendations for the ICOCO and Haruka from KIX to Kyoto and JR Rail Osaka Kyoto to Osaka and subway travel in Osaka. We will follow them.
You mention that we will need to put more funds on our ICOCA and we can do at any JR station. However, after we arrive at the cruise ship, our evening and final morning in Osaka will be by subway. Can we add yen at subway stations or would it be better to adequately fund the card when we buy it at KIX upon arrival in Japan?
How much do you recommend funding the ICOCA for the trip from Kyoto to JR Osaka and then JR loop to Bentencho to get to the cruise ship PLUS round trips to Manini – Chuo Osakako (C11) to Hommachi (C16) to the Midosuji line (M18) to Namba (M20) in the evening and Chuo Osakako (C11) directly to Tanimachi-yon(4)-chome (C18) the next morning to see Osaka Castle?
How much more would we have to add if we chose to do a complete loop on the JR Loop line for sightseeing?
Would four hours be enough time for round trip travel from Tempozan to Osaka Castle and spend a couple of hours in the Castle?
Do we need the 500 yen deposit on the card when we use the subway after we are finished with JR travel?
Thank you for your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Ed Jablonsky
Hi Ed,
When you add into ICOCA, you can choose 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen. You can’t choose an exact amount. You can add both subway station and JR station. But JR station is easier.
You can find an exact fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You can get the amount that you need at this site.
ICOCA is very convenient. But it does not give you any discount. So you can use single fare at the last part of your trip. If you make an empty ICOCA and return it to JR station, you can get 500 yen refund. You can’t touch this deposit for taking train.
4 hours is enough to get Osaka castle in my opinion.
At last, if you complete loop line from Bentencho, you can purchase 120 yen ticket to Nishikujo. Take a loop train opposite way to Nishikujo and exit Nishikujo before reaching Bentencho. And purchase another 120 yen ticket to Bentencho. It’s troublesome but there is no way to do circle trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
We are taking your advice and will book the HARUKA/ICOCA ticket from KIX. We plan to stay at the Hotel Granvia at JR Kyoto station. I had read that there are discounts at this hotel available for those with a JR rail pass since the hotel is part of the JR West Rail system. Do you know anything about this and how to apply? Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Ed Jablonsky
Hi Ed,
Unfortunately I have never tried it. Please ask the hotel or ask the staff when you exchange the pass at KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Mr Takeshi
This October, I arrive from Australia, at KIX.
Staying 2 nights Seagull Hotel Shimokawaraya (free shuttle bus)
Kyoto for 5 nights
Hakone / Fujikawaguchiko for 3 nights
Tokyo for 5 nights (Shinjuku)
Kobe for 3 nights
Osaka for 1 night
Depart from KIX to home
I would also like to see the snow monkeys from Kyoto, explore Gion, & go to Hiroshima.
I have printed out all the passes & maps, and I am overwhelmed! Sorry, but would you please be able to advise the best pass/es for me to buy?
1. To cover the whole trip
2. How do I get from the the Hotel Seagull to Kyoto
3. Best place to leave from to go to Hiroshima
I appreciate any advice you may give as I feel lost at the moment.
Best wishes, Jill
Hi Jill,
1. JR pass 21 days cover most part of your trip. But 21 days pass may be more expensive than single fares. I think you can use 14 days pass from Kyoto to the end of your trip. You will not have many chances to use JR pass when you stay in Kyoto. You can use all day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card for your visit in Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
In this case, 14 days pass covers most part of your trip.
But JR Pass does not cover Hakone and Fuji Kawaguchiko. Best pass is Fuji Hakone Free Pass even this pass is valid for 3 days.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Hakone is located between Kyoto and Tokyo. But you will have a big luggage. So you can go to Tokyo first and pack your baggage for the trip to Fuji/Hakone. You can leave most part of your luggage in Tokyo. In Shinjuku station, there are luggage storage service available. You may ask your hotel in Shijuku. They may hold your luggage until you are back to Tokyo.
2. The easiest way is back to Kansai airport and take Limited Express Haruka to Kyoto. If you take a train from Izumi-sano (I believe this is the place to stay), you have to take several trains to get Kyoto by mostly commute trains. It is complicated for you.
You can use ICOCA and Haruka. This is very good deal.
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
When you purchase ICOCA and Haruka at Kansai airport station, you can exchange your JR pass too. You don’t need to start to use it. But once you exchange it, you can book the trains. I usually complete all booking when I exchange the pass.
3. Kobe is the nearest point to go to Hiroshima.
At last, Jigokudani (Snow Monkey place) is more accessible from Tokyo than Kyoto.
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/html/access.htm
I recommend you to go there when you stay in Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
3.
Thank you so so much Mr Takesi. Your guidance is invaluable! Best wishes to you. Jill
No problem, Jill.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
HI, I,m a bit confused regarding the icoca card, + Haruka
is it like if i intend to use the haruka express from Kansai airport to kyoto and return within 10days, i could buy a round trip for 4060 yen.
how it works togeher with the icoca card,
tks n regards
Hi Annie,
If you purchase ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket, it includes round trip to/from Kansai airport by Haruka. And 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA card beside Haruka ticket. So you can use 1500 e-money in ICOCA as you like. It covers not only JR trains but also subways and other railways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We are a group of 4 adults & 3 kids (10, 8 &5) visiting Japan on Nov 21 – 28. After reading your posts on JR pass, Kansai area pass & rapid service….
I got confused and here’s a few questions with my itinerary for your opinions:
Day 1 – Arrive Kansai airport at 8.30am. Plan to go osaka (dotonbori in particular for food). Then go to Kyoto (Uzumasa)
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Arashiyama (Sagano Scenic Railway), Gion
Day 3 – Nigashiyma & Inari
day 4 – To Tokyo via Shinkansen (stay near Asakusa)
Day 5 – Shibuya & Shinjuku
Day 6 – Disneyland
Day 7 – Odaiba & Tokyo skytree
Day 8 – Narita Aiport flight at 10am
My questions:
1) Initial plan is to store our luggage at Namba station (which is nearer to dotonbori) then go food hunting. However, we are worry might not able to find enough coin lockers to store 4 luggages.
Can we buy Kansai area pass 1 day to go Kyoto directly on 1st day, settle with hotel and go back to Osaka again, since the pass say unlimited ride, is it correct?
2) Or is it better for Haruka & ICOCA pacakge? but this package do not have child fare. And we cannot stopover at shin-osaka, and go dotonbori & get back from shin-osaka later to kyoto right?
3) Or better to get 7 day JR pass? this pass cannot be used on subway.
4) Can we buy the Sagano Scenic ticket from Kansai Airport?
5) Can we buy the Narita Sky Access ticket from Asakusa?
Hi Soh,
1. There is baggage storage service at Nankai Namba station central exit. You can store the luggage there. It’s not coin locker. So you don’t need to worry about full.
Namba can be accessed by Nankai railway directly. However when you leave Namba, you have to take subway and then transfer the train to Kyoto. I think it will be problem. Imagine that you and your family move in underground path or street with 4 luggage. It will make you be tired.
If you are okay with transfer with luggage, you can stop by there on the way Kyoto. Even though you will waste time, I agree with you to go to Kyoto first and come back. It’s much easier. Kansai Area Pass is a good choice.
2. Kansai Area Pass is a better choice.
3. JR Pass is too expensive. It’s not the choice for you.
4. You can purchase it at JR Kansai airport station, Midori no Madoguchi (reservation window).
5. No. You have to buy it at Keisei Railway station. Ueno is the nearest from Asakusa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry to disturb you again.
Just want to confirm again:
1) You mentoned Narita Sky Access can be purchased at Ueno, is that mean i still can get on the train from Asakusa subway? I checked on Hyperdia, there is a connection at 6.55am from Asakusa subway to Oshiage (Tobu) then to Aoto (Keisei Oshiage line access exp) then arrive Narita via Sky access at 1290 yen. This fare matches Keisei website.
2) unlimited ride for Kansai area pass 1 day, i can travel from osaka to kyoto and from kyoto to osaka again (on Haruka) without incurring any extra charges, correct? Or only in one direction?
regards,
Soh
Hi Soh,
1) You can take this route. I thought you want to take Skyliner.
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/ae_outline/index.html
It’s completely different between Skyliner and Sky Access Express.
Skyliner runs just for Narita Airport access. It’s more luxury and it’s more expensive. Sky Access Express is a sort of commute train. The train is like this.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BA%AC%E6%88%903000%E5%BD%A2%E9%9B%BB%E8%BB%8A_%282%E4%BB%A3%29#mediaviewer/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Keisei_3003-1_cabin.jpg
So you may be standee until arriving Narita Airport. If you don’t care, you can for this route.
2) It gives you unlimited travel. So you can take JR train as many as you want. Of course you can have round trip to Kyoto from Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Mr JP Rail
I will be arriving at Osaka Kansai KIX and proceed to Kyoto
Day 2 to 3 stay at Kyoto
Day 4 from Kyoto to Osaka
Day 5 to Nara and stay at Osaka
Day 6 to Kobe and stay at Osaka
Day 7 sightseeing at Osaka
Day 8 sighseeing at Osaka
Night time flight back home
May I know what is best pass that we can purchase and used for the above itinerary?
The passes can be purchased directly at Osaka Kansai KIX upon arrival?
Hi AK Tan,
As you read this post, ICOCA and Haruka is the best option for you. You can purchase it on the spot.
But don’t use ICOCA for sightseeing in Kyoto. You can purchase Kyoto sightseeing card or All day bus pass. These deals are more attractive than using ICOCA.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
You can use ICOCA for Kyoto-Osaka transfer, trip to Nara or trip to Kobe. 1500 yen is not enough to cover all these trips. But there is no deals for these trips. Single ticket is the cheapest.
At last, you can use these deals for sightseeing in Osaka.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Mr Takeshi,
I’m having 8 days trip at Kansai area.
Kansai Airport – Kyoto – ICOCA & Haruka
Kyoto – 4 days – Kyoto day pass
Kyoto – Osaka – ??
Osaka – Nara – day trip – ??
Osaka – Mt Koya – day trip – ??
Osaka city – 2 days – Osaka day pass
Osaka – Kansai Airport – ICOCA & Haruka
May i know is it Kansai Thru Pass worth on Kyoto-Osaka, Osaka-Nara, Osaka-Mt Koya? or purchase single ticket more worthy?
I feel very complicated on this Kansai Thru Pass even if i had read thru many wedsite on this. Can you make it simple from what staion to what station shall i take if u suggest to use kansai thru pass?
Thank you
Hi Frank,
I recommend you to use Kansai Thru Pass if you travel lots after you arrive in Osaka, like 5 or more trips by subway. Because you have to spend 1900 yen worth at least if you use Kansai Thru Pass. Only Kyoto-Osaka trip is not enough.
Osaka-Nara one day trip is not enough to use Kansai thru pass either. Single fare is cheaper.
Trip to Mt. Koya may be okay to use Kansai thru pass. But Koyasan World Heritage ticket is more attractive.
http://www.nankaikoya.jp/en/stations/ticket.html
So your choice is Kansai thru pass 2 days or single fares + Koyasan World Heritage ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail