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
How can ICOCA and ExpressHaruka benefit my plans in November 2014?
Nov20:KIX-Kyoto-Arashimaya-Kyoto
Nov21:Kyoto-Uji-Nara-Kyoto
Nov22:Kyoto Central downtown
23:
24:
Nov25:Kinkakuji Area
Nov26:Kyoto-Ohara-Kyoto
Nov27:Kyoto-Umeda/Osaka
Downtown-Kix
Where can I buy ICOCA when I arrive?thank you.
Hi Assunta,
You can use round trip ICOCA and Haruka ticket. You can use ICOCA for Kyoto-Arashiyama-Kyoto, Kyoto-Uji-Nara-Kyoto and Kyoto-Osaka. You don’t need to use ICOCA when you stay in Kyoto. You can use All day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Probably ICOCA preload 1500 yen e-money is not enough for above trips. But you can add some more fund into your ICOCA card at the station. You can get the instruction brochure when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka. This deal can be purchased in JR Kansai airport station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I’ll be heading to Japan this November. Thank you for providing the information about trains and the fares.
Somehow I need your opinion/advice regarding my trip.
I’ve decided to get the ICOCA+haruka and a one-day JR West Kansai Pass to go to Nara. Is this worth it? As I am staying near Shin-Osaka throughout.
Here’s my itinerary:
Day 1 – KIX to Shin-Osaka (my apartment is located near shin-osaka)
Day 2 – Namba
Day 3 – Kyoto (Exploring the Eastern side of Kyoto)
Day 4 – Arashiyama, and possibly the central of Kyoto
Day 5 – Nara
Day 6 – Osaka Aquarium (if time permits, I’ll go Namba again)
Day 7 – Shin-Osaka to KIX
Thank you! And hope to hear from you!
Regards,
Aida
Hi Aida,
ICOCA and Haruka is a good choice but I don’t recommend to use Kansai Area Pass if you use this pass for return trip Nara only. The single fare to Nara is 920 yen. So return fare is 1840 yen. It’s cheaper than Kansai Area Pass. If you stopover somewhere between Shin-Osaka and Nara, it may work.
How about Kansai Thru Pass 2 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
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
You can use this for trip to Nara and Kyoto. Especially when you go to Kyoto, this pass covers bus and subway in Kyoto. That will be a big asset to explore Kyoto. Single fare may be cheaper than Kansai thru pass as well. But if you want to visit many more places in Kyoto, this pass gives you flexibility.
When you go to Nara, you can use this pass for subway to Namba and take Kintetsu train to Nara. You can stopover Namba when you finish the trip to Nara if you have a time.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for such an informative website.
Pls advise if this is correct from what I have reading from your website.
Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto – ICOCA & Haruka single trip
Day 2 – Kyoto – Sightseeing day pass (bus)
Day 3 – Kyoto – Sightseeing day pass (bus)
Day 4 – Kyoto to Nara (day trip) – ICOCA
Day 5 – Kyoto to Namba – ICOCA – which is the most convenient train service to take?
Day 6 – Namba to Kobe (day trip) – ICOCA (Hanshin)
Day 7 – USJ – ICOCA
Day 8 – USJ – ICOCA
Day 9 – Around Osaka – day pass?
Day 10 – Namba to KIX – Nankai Airport Express or Rapi:t – 9:30am flight, so we need to be in airport by 7:30am latest
We are travelling with our 7 and 9-year old children, so we do not want to make too many transports with our children and luggage. Is the above planning economical?
Thank you again for such a wonderful website.
Regards
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
Your choice is correct. I don’t have many things to comment.
For the trip to Namba from Kyoto, if you stay around JR Kyoto station, Special Rapid (JR) to Osaka and Subway Midousuji line is the best and the fastest. But if you stay other than JR Kyoto station, there are several ways to get Namba. Please see the following post:
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
For exploring in Osaka, subway pass is available. If you want to visit many attractions, Osaka Amazing Pass is recommended.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
At last, you can use Rapi:t deal to get KIX on departure day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/en/intervaltime.html?dep_node=NAMBA(NANKAI)&arv_node=KANSAI%20AIRPORT&search_target=intervaltime&diagram=97332&year=2014&month=10&day=10&searchday=20141010
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi-san for your advice.
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your suggestion! It is very helpful.
For Kansai West 1 day Pass, if I start using it this morning at 7:00 A.M, does it mean that I can still use it until 7:00 A.M tomorrow morning?
In Kyoto, do you think it is better to get a 500 Yen bus pass?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Unfortunately the pass is expired at 23:59. You can’t use it on next day.
The single fare of the bus is 230 ye. If you intend to take the bus more than 2 times, bus pass is cheaper. You can use it for even day 2 if you explore in Kyoto for the night. But it cannot be purchased at Kiyomizu-Gojo station. You can purchase it at Kyoto subway station, Information center at Kyoto station and other major subway station or may be in the bus. But bus driver does not have lots. So you may not be able to purchase it until you arrive Kyoto station on day 2.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply! The information is very helpful. I would like ask if you know whether there is any locker at Tennoji station in which you can store luggage. Do you know how much it costs for one day.
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Most of major stations have coin operated locker. There are several sizes and cost is 300 to 500 yen basically. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks very much for your reply! I would like to ask if I can take JR Kansai Airport Rapid Train with the JR Kansai West Pass ?
Hi Chris,
Yes. All rapid train are covered by Kansai area pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for your detailed advice. Truly appreciate it. I will look into the details for the planning of my trip.
Thank you!
Lishan
hi~ thanks for the info.
my question: for the icoca card+haruka, the total price is 6,060 yen??
4,060 yen (round trip haruka ticket) + 2,000 yen (ICOCA e-money & deposit)? = 6,060 yen
Hi Na,
No. It’s 4060 yen and includes 2000 yen ICOCA too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi,
I have conference at sendai and stay here for 3days,then take a domestic flight sendai-kix.travel to kyoto 4days and osaka 1day. This is my planner. Flight from Kuala lumpur-haneda. Then i’ll take shikanzen to sendai. And i will use haruka n icoca card for kyoto and osaka. But i have a problem in sendai. What is the easiest and cheapest card to travel around sendai? Where i need to buy shikanzen ticket for one way from tokyo-sendai?
Hi Alia,
Single fare is the best choice to get Sendai from Haneda. You can purchase Shinkansen ticket at Haneda airport. At International flight terminal, there is Tokyo Monorail station. Beside the ticket gate of Monorail, JR East has a travel center. You can purchase and book a ticket there. You can find some info about Haneda at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
I chanced about your site and found some really great information. However, I am still pretty confused about the JR pass, ICOCA, Kansai thru pass. I’m wondering if you could advise me what is the best option I should get for my trip. It’s a 6D5N trip to Osaka and kyoto. Arriving in KIX, I will spend 2 nights in Osaka then head to kyoto for a night and Arashimaya for another night and finally back to Osaka.
I was initially planning on getting the JR Kansai Area pass but after reading your website, I realized that it may not be be best option. I’m staying near Osaka station in Osaka and Gion area while in Kyoto. Which pass would you recommend that I buy?
Thank you for your advice.
Hi Lishan,
I think single ticket is the best choice for most part of your trip.
1. KIX to/from Osaka
JR Kansai Airport Rapid train is the best choice to get Osaka from KIX. This is only train that goes to Osaka station directly without any transfers.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Single fare is 1190 yen. It’s much cheaper than ICOCA and Haruka.
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
If you are very sensitive about cost, Kanku Chikatoku ticket is the best choice. But you have to transfer at Namba from Nankai Railway to Osaka subway Midousuji line.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
If you intend to visit many places in Osaka on arrival day, Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable. But this pass does not cover any JR trains. You can’t take Kansai Airport Rapid train by this pass. And this pass sold at 3800 yen for 2 days. That means you have to spend at least 1900 yen worth per day. If you go to Namba by subway from Umeda (JR Osaka), subway fare is 240 yen. Kanku Chikatoku ticket is sold at 1000 yen. So you have to take subway at least 4 times. Otherwise Kansai Thru Pass does not work.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
2. Osaka to Kyoto
JR Special Rapid is the best choice. But this is not covered by Kansai thru pass either.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
I think you will take subway or bus to explore Kyoto. But there is no deals to cover both JR and Kyoto subway/bus. The best choice is single ticket for JR trains and deals in Kyoto. All day bus pass in Kyoto is sold at 500 yen. This is the best deal for sightseeing in Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
You can use this pass for next day (Kyoto-Arashiyama) too.
3. Arashiyama to Osaka
Hankyu railway is the best.
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
Single fare is the best choice as well.
As you see above, I estimate that single ticket is cheaper than other deals except Kyoto deals.
At last, there are some deals in Osaka too.
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
Hello, If i purchased ICOCA & HARUKA pass for round trip, can we the pass for Kansai-Kyoto when arrive Japan and Osaka-Kansai when we leave Japan. Thanks!!
Hi Jo,
Yes, you can. It’s completely no problem.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Can I use ICOCA & Haruka round trip ticket take Nankai Namba train to Kansai Airport on my departure day? As I can’t find any routes from Tennoji Station to Kansai Airport by using Hyperdia.com.
Rgds,
Alex
Hi Alex,
Nankai is not covered. But there are lots of trains between Tennoji and Kansai.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/routemap/kansai-airport/
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/en/intervaltime.html?dep_node=TENNOJI&arv_node=KANSAI%20AIRPORT&search_target=intervaltime&diagram=200292&year=2014&month=9&day=14&searchday=20140914
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail