Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass user guide. The deal for the traveler who wants travel in Kansai, Hiroshima and the surrounding area.

miyajimaHiroshima and Miyajima
2014.12.24
The landmarks . Tsutenkaku tower (Osaka/left) and Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima/right) ©JNTO (Osaka/left) / ©Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau (Hiroshima/right)
The landmarks . Tsutenkaku tower (Osaka/left) and Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima/right) ©JNTO (Osaka/left) / ©Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau (Hiroshima/right)

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

The coverage area of Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Click to enlarge)

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.

Sanyo Sanin Area Pass user guide. The train pass that covers Kansai, Sanyo and Sanin regions
Sanyo Sanin Area Pass covers whole part of Chugoku region, such as Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Shimane, Tottori. It also covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. This pass suit the traveler who travel in the west part of mainland. Please check the post to find the detailed information about this pass.
jprail.com
2014.12.24

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.

Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass user guide. The deal for the tourist who travels between Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Hakata.
Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass is the perfect deal if you access Hiroshima and Yamaguchi from Fukuoka. Please find more information about this pass in this post.
jprail.com
2014.12.24

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

Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura and Mizuho give you direct trainsfer to Shin-Osaka from Kyusyu.
Both Mizuho and Nozomi on Sanyo Shinkansen are covered by this deal.

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.

Find your hotels in 500 cities throughout Japan!!!

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)
Adult13,700 yen14,500 yen14,700 yen
Child
(6-11 years old)		6,850 yen7,250 yen7,350 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.

SegmentBase fareSurcharge
Osaka – Kyoto560 yen–
Osaka – Sannomiya (Kobe)410 yen–
Osaka – Nara800 yen–
Kyoto – Nara710 yen–
Osaka – Himeji1490 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Kansai Airport1190 yen970 yen
Osaka – Okayama3020 yen2480 yen
Osaka – Hiroshima5620 yen4090 yen
Osaka – Miyajimaguchi5940 yen4090 yen
Hiroshima – Miyajimaguchi410 yen–
Miyajimaguchi – Miyajima (Ferry)180 yen–
Osaka – Kinosaki Onsen3350 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Shirahama3350 yen1730 yen
Osaka – Shingu4750 yen1940 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

  1. Rajat gahoi says:
    February 26, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    Hi.did kansai hiroshima pass valid for local travel in Osaka and kyoto thru buses ..

  2. Wei says:
    February 24, 2019 at 12:33 am

    Dear Takeshi,

    I was really struggle as I didn’t know which passes I should get. My travel plan is going to Osaka,Kyoto,Nara,Kobe,Hiroshima. Is the Kansai Hiroshima Pass + Kansai Thru Pass + Osaka Amazing Pass = best solution to visit all of these place?

    Osaka
    1. Osaka Castle
    2. Shitennoji
    3. Saimyo-ji Temple
    Etc (too many)

    Kyoto
    1. Sagano Bamboo Forest
    2. Fushimi Inari Taisha
    3. Yasaka Shrine
    Etc (too many)

    Nara
    1. Nara Park
    2. Todai-ji

    Kobe
    1. Himeji Castle

    Hiroshima
    1. Hiroshima Peace Park
    2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    3. Itsukushima Shrine

    *Not sure yet how many days I should spend at Hiroshima or probably just make a one day trip there.
    *The rest of time was staying at Osaka.

    Thank you so much!

    Regars,
    Wei from M’sia

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      February 24, 2019 at 9:21 am

      Hi Wei,

      Kansai Hiroshima area pass is required. But I cannot say that Kansai thru pass is required or not. Because you can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass to get Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. Even if you stay in Hiroshima for one night, you still have 3 days left.

      So try to use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for other than Osaka. If you stay in Hiroshima overnight, you can drop by Himeji on the way or on the way back. You can get Nara by Kansai Hiroshima area pass without any extra charge. You can get many places in Kyoto by this pass. Please see the links below and check “JR trains”:
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html

      If you use Kansai Hiroshima area pass to get Kyoto, just add city bus pass at 600 yen for one day. You can cover most of places by Kansai Hiroshima area pass and city bus pass.

      And then you may add Osaka amazing pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Ivy says:
    February 18, 2019 at 11:24 pm

    Dear Takeshi san ,

    like to check if our family (2 adults and 2 child of 4years old and 11months ) like to travel – Osaka -Kyoto – Hiroshima – miyajima- Osaka (we stay near shin- osaka station hotel for all these days) -Nagoya(stay nagoya one night) -takayama /kanazawa to Tokyo .
    which pass should we get . it around a 2 weeks travelling.
    thank you very much !

  4. Cliff says:
    October 7, 2018 at 8:05 am

    Hi,
    I am planning a trip from the,
    Kansai Airport – Kyoto Area – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka area – Kobe area and back to Osaka.
    Can you help to advise what would be the most cost effective way of getting the type of passes?
    Thank you very much!

  5. Tan Vincent says:
    July 1, 2018 at 7:16 am

    Hi Takeshita San,

    I’m interested in getting the Kansas Hiroshima Area Pass, but my question is to check whether is this Pass is unlimited even using the Shinkansen numerous of times within the 5 days without additional charge within the period of 5 days and also is this similar to the Kansas Thru Pass which have 2 / 3 days use which can be use in separate days instead of continuous days

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      July 1, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Tan san,

      You can take Shinkansen and other JR trains as many as you want in 5 days coverage period.

      Kansai thru pass can be used in any 2 or 3 days. Consecutive days of usage is not required.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi (not Takeshita) / JPRail.com

      • Tan Whye Ngee says:
        July 2, 2018 at 12:33 am

        Hi Takeshi-San,

        I’m sorry to pronounce your name wrongly, My apology..

        Thanks for your information, but I am still confused whether does this Kansai Hiroshima Pass have the five calendar days within the period of validity OR upon using the Pass for the 1st Day and will be expire subsequently on 5th day?

        Please advise.

        Thank you very much

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          July 2, 2018 at 8:36 am

          Hi Tan san,

          You have to use it in five consecutive days. When you purchase (or exchange) the pass, you can choose which day you want to start using it. You will use it on that day and it’s valid for 5 days. It’s not 120 hours but 5 days. It’s valid midnight to midnight.

          e.g. If you start using it on July 23, it’s valid from 0:00 on July 23 to 23:59 on July 27.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Tan Vincent says:
            July 2, 2018 at 4:51 pm

            Hi Takeshi-San,

            Thanks for your clear explanation and information.

            It has clear my doubt and at least I can make use of these 5 days Pass on how to plan my itinerary from Osaka to Kyoto,Himeji as well as Hiroshima

  6. Aris says:
    June 18, 2018 at 12:49 am

    I have some questions about Kansai Hiroshima Are Pass as per following,
    How to do if I lose the ticket ?
    Do you have 2 days pass card?

  7. Lina says:
    May 5, 2018 at 6:34 am

    Hi Takeshi shan,

    Does the Kansai Hiroshima pass cover Koyasan (Mt Koya)?

    I’ll be going to be in Osaka for 7 days and intend to purchase the Kansai Hiroshima pass as I would like to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima. I’m working out my itinerary and trying to work out the destinations to visit during the 5 day period.

    Many thanks,
    Lina

  8. Yao Yin says:
    April 19, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I will be purchasing this pass. I would like to confirm whether we can get on the Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” with this pass? I can’t seem to find the confirmation for this. I keep seeing Japan Rail Pass and JR West Pass. Is this Kansai Hiroshima Pass considered as a JR West Pass?

  9. Reena says:
    March 2, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Here is my draft itinerary for my upcoming trip (2nd week of April), appreciate if you can advise on the passes required.

    Day 1 (Wed) : KIX to Kyoto (Use ICOCA + Haruka discount ticket one way)
    Explore Higashiyama Area – Kiyomizudera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, Gion
    Stay at Nakagyō-ku area

    Day 2: Arashiyama Area, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle

    Day 3: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Tower,
    Kyoto to Osaka (staying near Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station)

    Day 4: Osaka Castle, Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, Umeda Sky Building, Kuromon Ichiba, Haruka 300, Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower

    Day 5: Day trip to Nara (activate Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass)

    Day 6: Day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Day 7: Day trip to Himeji & Kobe

    Day 8: USJ

    Day 9: KIX – Home

    Thank you.

  10. May says:
    January 21, 2018 at 8:39 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I will be visiting Kyoto and Osaka with my mom in the 1st week of April. This is our first trip to Japan. My draft itinerary is as below. I would appreciate if you can help me check if I am making full use of the passes I am planning to get and if you have any suggestions to modify the itinerary.

    As I understand, I should purchase the Kansai One Pass + Haruka card, Kansai Hiroshima Pass before I visit Japan to enjoy the cheaper rate while I can get the Kyoto Sightseeing Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass in Japan?

    Day 1(Friday): KIX and use Kansai One Pass + Haruka to Kyoto. Staying near Shijo Omiya Station.

    Day 2: Southern Higashiyama area, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion

    Day 3: Arashiyama area; Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Forest, Okochi Sanso Villa, Kinkaku-ji, Sagano Scenic Rail, Pontocho Alley

    Day 4: Maybe half day trip to Kurama + Kibune and Northern Higashiyama area. If we do not make the half day trip, just stroll around and explore more of Kyoto.

    Day 5: Haruka or Special Rapid train to Osaka (Start 5 day Kansai Hiroshima Pass) and explore Umeda area. Staying near Higobashi Station.

    Day 6: Day trip to Nara and spent evening in Namba and Dotonbori area

    Day 7: Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima

    Day 8: Day trip to Okayama and Kuroshiki and maybe stop by Himeji castle on the way back to Osaka

    Day 9: Osaka castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park and shopping/strolling around Namba area.

    Day 10: Either the airport bus or train to KIX.

    On Day 1, by the time I arrive in Kyoto, it will be late evening. Will most probably just make a trip to Gion area for dinner and a short stroll. I plan to just use the Kansai One Pass to pay for bus/subway.

    Day 2 to 4, what is the best option to get around? I am thinking of using taxi to get to the different sightseeing spots in Arashiyama area. And use the Kyoto Sightseeing One day pass for Day 2 and another pass for Day 4? Should I swap Day 3 and Day 4 so that I can get the Kyoto Sightseeing Two day pass instead? Or is it OK to just use the Kansai One Pass to pay for subways/trains/busses in Kyoto?

    Day 4, can I use Kansai Hiroshima Pass to Kurama+Kibune from Kyoto?

    Day 5, I plan to arrive in Osaka around noon and spend the day exploring Umeda area and maybe a trip to Namba in the evening. I am thinking of getting Osaka Amazing Pass One day to visit the included attractions around Umeda area.

    Day 6 to 8, I will be using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass for the day trips and Kansai One Pass in the evening between Umeda and Namba area.

    Day 9, another Osaka Amazing Pass One day to visit Osaka Castle and use the trains/subways to move around. Can I use Kansai Hiroshima Pass to commute to Osaka Castle?

    Day 10, there is a nearby hotel that is part of the airport bus route. I am thinking of taking a cab to the hotel and board the airport limousine bus instead of switching trains at Namba to get to KIX. I can purchase the bus ticket from the bus driver right?

    Thanks!

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