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
Hello Takeshi San
I will be travelling to Osaka/Kyoto on 3-11 April 2015. Below is my itinerary: Would appreciate if you can advise what passes is most suitable for my travel. Would ICOCA be a good choice? Or would day pass be better.
Day 1: Arrive Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Nara day trip
Day 5: Osaka to Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto to Rinku town
Day 9: kansai Irport for departure
Thank you.
Hi Maryanne san,
Yes. You can use ICOCA and Haruka for both day 1 and day 8. You don’t go to KIX on day 8. But Haruka is the fastest way to get KIX from Kyoto. You may add or use ICOCA to go back to Rinku town.
For day 2 to 7, please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much to your efforts for all these useful information.
Is ICOCA and Haruka round ticket suit for my itinerary in term of costs saving?
Will be traveling to Osaka on 20-26 Sept.
20 Sept – KIX – KYOTO (ICOCA and Haruka round ticket)
21 Sept – KYOTO (I’m planing to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyimizu-dera and Fushimi Inari. Can you suggest which area should i stay? Should i use the ICOCA for this sightseeing or kyoto day pass for cost savings effective?)
22 Sept – KYOTO – OSAKA by JR Special Rapid Service (fare 540 yen) deduct from ICOCA.
After arrives in Osaka do you recommend to explore OSAKA by ICOCA or any others package for costs saving? Could u suggest which area to stay in Osaka is convenience for my itinerary?)
23-25 Sept – Might doing KOBE and NARA day trip in 2 different day using ICOCA
26 Sept – Osaka – KIX by ICOCA
Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
It’s a right way to use ICOCA and Haduka.
In Osaka, you can use Eco card (subway pass) or Amazing pass. Please find more info at the links below:
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/img/english/ticket/obj_con02.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San,
we plan to visit Japan from 15 – 23 Feb 2015.
day 1 -arrive Kansai airport in the morning
day 1 – Osaka
day 2 – Osaka
day 3 – Universal Studio
day 4 – Kyoto
day 5 – Kyoto
day 6 – Nara
day 7 – Kobe
Understand there are quite a number of different transportation cards to travel in Kansai area. we intend to purchase Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass in Singapore, which one will you recommend as understand that the pass can be use for train, subway and buses in Kansai area.
Which is the convenient or easier way to get to Shinsaibashi station. btw, is there any restriction if we use the Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass. What is the difference between this 2 passes.
Thanks and best regards.
Hi Vincent,
Kansai thru pass is much more useful for your trip. You cannot reach Shinsaibashi by Kansai area pass. Please see more info at the links below:
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
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
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
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,
what is the different with Nankai Railway and Haruka? my plan is very simple.
from Kansai airport to rinku to namba and universal studio. if i have time then i will include nara and stay in namba area for 5 days.
can i know which is the best way to travel from airport to namba? and which is the best card to use for namba, universal studios and nara?
thank you very much for your help.
Hi Cheyenne,
Nankai is better because it is direct access to Namba. Please find some info about sample itinerary in Osaka at the link below.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
In your Sample itinerary KIX – Kyoto – Umeda – KIX:
“Osaka to KIX by ICOCA and Haruka round ticket”. I’m not sure of this statement.
– Do we first use the ICOCA card to take the subway from Osaka to Shin-Osaka or Tennoji
– Then use the Haruka round-trip ticket on the Haruka express train back to the KIX.
Can’t we just use the Haruka round-trip ticket from Osaka station to KIX since I’m not leaving any train station until I reach KIX?
Hi Nicholas san,
You can take JR local train to get Shin-Osaka or Tennoji by Haruka ticket. You don’t need to save ICOCA e-money for this movement.
As long as you don’t exit the station, you can transfer as many as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi
When we are leaving KIX and boarding Haruka to Kyoto, do we need to have JPY or can we pay be credit card?
If we can use credit card, would it be better to exchange money in Kyoto?
If we must use JPY for Haruka, where is the best place in KIX to exchange money?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Ed Jablonsky
Hi Ed,
You can pay by credit card to purchase a ticket. But I have no idea about exchange.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi – Thank you for your prompt reply.
No probelm, Ed.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be staying in Amagasaki area from 3-5 Apr 2015 (Sakura week).
From what I read in your website, it appears that ICOCA card is much more worth it compared to Kansai Thru Pass (KTP). The first 2 days I will be visiting Arashiyama (bamboo grove), Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, Sanjo/Gion area and Umeda shopping area, while the third day will be going from Amagasaki towards Umeda and Namba area before catching a domestic flight at KIX back to Tokyo.
Have some questions.
1. How different is the ICOCA from KTP pass in terms of trains that can be used?
2. For my tentative itinerary do you still recommend ICOCA card or any other card?
3. As I’m flying domestic back to Tokyo, can you advise how many hours in advance must I check-in at KIX?
Thanks for your kind assistance.
Hi Lee san,
1. Please see the links below:
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
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
2. As you see the links above, ICOCA can be used for all trains. But it does not give you any discount. You will spend exactly same amount as paying by cash. Especially you will take bus and subway in Kyoto. In my opinion, ICOCA is not a good choice. Kansai thru pass is more attractive choice.
3. 1.5 hours before departure time is okay to check in.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi-san, so it is better for me to buy the 3-day KTP as it allows me to travel between KIX to Amagasaki as well as the areas I’m going.
The ICOCA card is similar to Tokyo’s SUICA card which is just a stored-value card that can be recharged and also used on JR West card.
Another tip for Singapore visitors using the KTP, it is possible to buy at S$65 for a 3-day pass at JTB Salon @ ION Orchard. Cheers.
Hi Lee san,
No problem.
Enjoy your trip. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Is it necessary to book online in advance?
Will it be shorter time for exchanging the pass than buying the pass?
Thank you.
Hi Jas,
I have never tried online booking. But I say you may save 5 minutes. Because you don’t need to fill in the form.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San,
I am from Malaysia & will be in Japan from 4th – 16th Feb. Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo.
Day 1: Arrive at KIX (no tour activity)
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Kobe Day Trip
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: Osaka
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Hakone (Mt Fuji) Day Trip
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12 : Tokyo
Day 13 : Night Flight Narita.
Is it practical for us to ;
1) use “ICOCA and Haruka” for Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto/Tokyo train, bus and subway instead of Kyoto/Tokyo Day Passes?
2) use 7-Day JR Pass on Day 5 for Osaka-Kyoto & Kyoto-Tokyo by bullet train & Tokyo-Hakone bullet train day trip
Thank you & Best Regards.
Hi Leonard san,
1) ICOCA card can be used in these four cities. But it includes 500 yen deposit. If you want to get 500 yen refund, you have to complete using it before you leave Kyoto. You can’t get refund in Tokyo because this card is issued by JR West in Kansai area.
2) JR Pass does not work for your trip unfortunately. 7 days pass price is slightly higher than Tokyo-Osaka round trip fare. Even if you use it for trip to Hakone, it’s not enough. Your options is single ticket to get Tokyo. Please refer the link to get more info about single ticket:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You can use Hakone Free Pass to/from Shinjuku.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
This pass is most convenient and you may need to buy even if you use Shinkansen to get Odawara. This pass covers most of transportation in Hakone area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
My parents and I will be in Japan from 1-12 April 2015. The following is our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at KIX (no tour activity)
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto
Day 5: Nara, Himeji
Day 6: Kyoto, Tokyo
Day 7: Mt. Fuji-Hakone Day Trip
Day 8: Kamakura-Yokohama Day Trip
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo, Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Day 12 (midnight Day 11): Leave KIX (no tour activity)
We plan to begin using 7-Day JR Pass on Day 5. Is it practical for us to use “ICOCA and Haruka” for Kyoto/Tokyo bus and subway instead of Kyoto/Tokyo Day Passes?
Hi Srisin,
Yes. ICOCA can be used for subway and bus in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Actually, if you hop on and off like 6 times or more per day, a day pass may be a better value. ICOCA is same as cash so there is no discount if you ride a lot.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll keep this in mind ^^
Hi Takeshi San,
my wife and i are from Argentina and we intend to visit Kyoto in March. We are arriving at Kansai Airport on Sunday 22nd and leaving on Wednesday 25th.
We are only travelling to Kyoto and back. Is it convenient to purchase the Icoca card?
If i understood ok, we pay 4060 yen each and then we will be able to travel to Kyoto and back, and we were back to kansai to leave the country we could get our refund of 2000 yen minus the fee. Am i all right?
Thanks in advance and best regards
Hi Fernando san,
ICOCA and Haruka is the best deal for your trip obviously.
You can get 500 yen refund if you make ICOCA card emtpy (1500 yen value) and return your card. 1500 yen e-money is not refunded to you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail