As the name tells you, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass covers Kansai area (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama), Hiroshima and many places between these, such as Okayama, Kurashiki. But the coverage is much bigger. This pass covers even Takamatsu in Shikoku, Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, Kii-Katsuura, Shingu.
I would like to share the information about Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass in this post.
Coverage Area
This pass covers whole part of Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kansai Airport, Himeji and Wakayama. And it includes Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. And also this pass includes the conventional lines to Takamatsu in Shikoku, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama and Shingu in Kii peninsula, Hikone and Tsuruga too. Of course you can access Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Onomichi, Miyajima and Iwakuni too. In addition, this pass covers Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate. It is a big benefit to visit northern Hyogo region.
If you want to access to Hakata, Yamaguchi or Sanin area, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass is recommended. But it does not include Kinosaki and Kii area.
JR West will also release Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass too. If you need an access to Hiroshima from Hakata side, this pass will be suitable for you.
Other part of Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, most part of Shikoku and Kyushu are not covered by this Pass. So if you intend to travel throughout Japan or travel to Tokyo, Hokkaido or Kyushu, Japan Rail Pass is maybe more suitable for you.
*Osaka – Tokyo one way trip is not enough to use JR Pass. Please see the the post, Japan Rail Pass user guide. How to use JR Pass to its maximum.
Valid trains, bus services, routes and class
All daytime trains in coverage area are covered. But reserved seat fee is NOT included as well. You have to take non reserved ordinary seat. Most of limited express and Shinkansen trains have non reserved seat. And Green seat is not covered fully either. If you want to take Green seat, this pass covers base fare only. You have to full of surcharge and Green seat fare.
Overnight option is not available in the coverage area. There are two overnight trains, Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are depart/arrive in the coverage area. But these trains run to Tokyo. You cannot stay overnight in the coverage ares by this pass.
Miyajima ferry is also covered. You have no problem to access to very popular World Heritage Miyajima.
As of mid April 2017, this pass started to cover JR bus in Kyoto, Fukui and Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, there are some bus routes which are covered by this pass. Especially Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” is very very useful. You can get most of popular spots in Hiroshima by this bus. Please see the link below:
Hiroshima sightseeing bus Meipuru-pu
In Kyoto, you can get Ryoan-ji temple, Kitano-Tenmangu shrine, Takao area via Nijo. This pass also covers Obamba to/from Omi-Imazu bus service and Sonobe to/from Fukuchiyama bus service.
This pass also started to cover Kyoto Tango railway as of mid April, 2017. You can get Amanohashidate, Miyazu without any extra charge.
When you use this deal, there are a few exceptions. You have to know that before you choose this deal. Please see the below to get the detailed information.
The Tokaido Shinkansen among Maibara, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka
Even though it is in the coverage area, you cannot take Shinkansen train in this segment. Because Tokaido Shinkansen belongs to other JR company, JR Central. It is same JR Group company and many trains go through both areas each other. But technically it is different company. Therefore this deal cannot include this Shinkansen segment. When you depart from Kyoto or Maibara and take Shinkansen, you have to take Special Rapid Service to Shin-Osaka and then transfer to Shinkansen train there.
Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Okayama
Price, eligibility and how to purchase
This pass is available for temporary visitor only. If you are resident, you can’t purchase it.
JR West is the first company that has different price tag for same product. Please see the below:
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass 5-day
| Purchasing from the travel agent overseas (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West online (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West station (After arrival) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 13,700 yen | 14,500 yen | 14,700 yen |
| Child (6-11 years old) | 6,850 yen | 7,250 yen | 7,350 yen |
As you have seen, you can purchase this pass after you arrive in Japan. But you have to pay 1000 yen more.
If you want to purchase this pass at the lowest rate, you have to purchase it at authorized travel agents before you come to Japan. You can find the dealers list and exchange location at the link below:
JR West Rail Pass Dealer’s list
You also can purchase this pass online through JR West official site. But the price is not much cheaper than the price which is sold at the station.
Valid period
It is valid for 5 days. One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.
You can purchase this pass only once per visit if you purchase online or inside Japan. If you purchase it at authorized agents outside Japan, you can purchase as many as you want. If you need more coverage, please think about combining with other deals in Kansai area, like Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass or pick up other deals, like Japan Rail Pass.
Compare to single fares
Base fare and surcharge for the major segments are the following. Please compare the price of Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and these fares. If you use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, these following fare, both base fare and surcharge, are covered.
*All surcharges in the following table are non reserved seat rate.
| Segment | Base fare | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka – Kyoto | 560 yen | – |
| Osaka – Sannomiya (Kobe) | 410 yen | – |
| Osaka – Nara | 800 yen | – |
| Kyoto – Nara | 710 yen | – |
| Osaka – Himeji | 1490 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Kansai Airport | 1190 yen | 970 yen |
| Osaka – Okayama | 3020 yen | 2480 yen |
| Osaka – Hiroshima | 5620 yen | 4090 yen |
| Osaka – Miyajimaguchi | 5940 yen | 4090 yen |
| Hiroshima – Miyajimaguchi | 410 yen | – |
| Miyajimaguchi – Miyajima (Ferry) | 180 yen | – |
| Osaka – Kinosaki Onsen | 3350 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Shirahama | 3350 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Shingu | 4750 yen | 1940 yen |
*The rate is varied by the season.
As you see, Osaka-Hiroshima one way fare and surcharge total amount is 9,710 yen. So if you have round trip on this segment, it is pay off easily.
Assessment
I believe this deal will be fit to many traveller’s itinerary who stay in Kansai area. If you have a plan to go to Hiroshima when you stay in Kansai area, this pass is the best choice. Hiroshima can be visited as day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka/Kyoto
I strongly recommend you to stay in Kinosaki Onsen and Shirahama. But these destinations can be accessed as day trip too.
There are so many ways to use this deal. I hope you enjoy in Kansai and Hiroshima area by this deal.
Comments
I need the advice on which pass should i get with 10 days itinerary at Kansai. Day 1, will spend the night at Kansai First Cabin. Day 2, will be head to Hiroshima Miyajima island and rabbit island in 2 days. Day 4, to Himeji. Day 5, to Kobe/Arashimaya for 2 days. Day 7, to Kyoto for 2 days. And lastly, Namba and back to Kansai Airport. Thanks.
Hi Albert,
You may use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass from day 2 to 6. For the deal after day 7, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com