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
Hi Takeshi-San,
I’m planning to use this pass to travel from Osaka to Amanohashidate. Is this pass cover the Tango Railway Sightseeing Train – Tango AO-Matsu train from Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate?
Thank you!
Hoi Xianna san,
It is covered by Kansai Hiroshima area pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San: I have planned a 2-week trip to Kansai. Could you please help me review my use of Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Hiroshima Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass. Please let me know if it make sense! Thank you!
Travel from TORONTO to OSAKA
Fri. Nov 22 Arriving OSAKA at 12:30pm – Kansai Int’l Airport
Use Kansai Area Pass (KAP) 3-DAY ¥ 5,600 from airport to hotel in Osaka
Sat. Nov 23 Use KAP in Osaka (shopping & eating)
Sun. Nov 24 Use KAP in Osaka (shopping & eating)
Mon. Nov 25 Use 2 day Osaka Amazing Pass ¥ 3,600
Tues. Nov 26 Use Osaka amazing pass
Wed. Nov 27 Buy 1 day ¥ 2,300 KAP to Travel from OSAKA to KYOTO
Thurs. Nov 28 Buy Kansai Hiroshima Pass (KHP) 5-DAY ¥ 13,700 Go to Kobe
Fri. Nov 29 Use KHP to Nara
Sat. Nov 30 Usee KHP to travel: KYOTO to Hiroshima
Buy local Hiroshima Pass (HP) 3-Day ¥ 1,000
Sun. Dec 1 Hiroshima Use KHP and HP
Mon. Dec 2 Travel: Hiroshima to KYOTO Use KHP and HP
Tues. Dec 3 Buy Kansai Area Pass (KAP) 3-DAY ¥ 5,600
Go to Ohara, Kyoto (with Kyoto Sight Seeing Pass – Free)
Wed. Dec 4 Use KAP 3-Day o to Osaka (shopping and eating)
Thurs. Dec 5 Travel: KYOTO to Kansai Airport Use KAP 3-Day
Hi Daniel san,
Kansai area pass 3-day is too much for the first 3 days. You may pick one of the deal in the link below for KIX to Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
I think subway pass is okay for day 2 and 3. But if you visit a few places only, regular ticket may be okay. You may use Kansai one pass instead:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Kansai area pass also may be too much for Kyoto to Osaka. The base fare is only 660 yen from Osaka to Kyoto. Even if you take the limited express Haruka, it costs 1,230 yen. But you cannot take Haruka at Osaka. You have to go to Shin-Osaka. If you travel lots after arrival in Kyoto, it may be okay. Please make sure how much you use the pass in Kyoto.
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is a good choice. But do you need to add other pass in Hiroshima? Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass covers the trip to Miyajima. It covers Hiroshima sightseeing bus Meipuru-pu. It covers most places in Hiroshima.
http://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp.e.aec.hp.transer.com/teikan/meipurupu/
You may use the pass which you picked for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
and the last 3 days in Kyoto
Hello Takeshi-san
You are very knowledgable about travel in Japan! Thank you for giving your time to help those of us who need guidance.
My husband and I live in Tokyo (not tourist visa – so cannot use JR Rail pass) with our 3 children (9, 7 and 5 yrs).
We would like to take a 5-6 day trip and I am hoping to include the following:
Himeji castle
Okayama Denim village
Naoshima/art islands
Hiroshima
I cannot work out the best way to do this trip in terms of cost, shinkansen vs flights etc. and where it would be worth staying, or where to just pass through. I wondered if you can share any of your wisdom please? Perhaps we are trying to fit in too much or maybe you will suggest somewhere we absolutely should not miss along this route, like the Onsen town?
Thank you in advance for any advice you can share. Caroline
Hi Caroline san,
It’s hard to find the substitute option of JR pass for the residents actually. There is no similar deals available for the resident. There are a few ways to buy the Shinkansen ticket at the discounted price.
1. Register Smart-EX
If you can register to be the member of this, you can purchase the Shinkansen ticket slightly cheaper than the regular price. All info is in Japanese but I put the link:
https://smart-ex.jp/top.php
2. Discount ticket store
It’s called “金券店チケット” or “金券ショップ” in Japanese. There are lots of this type of store in Tokyo. This type of store sells many type of ticket, train ticket, attraction ticket. Try to google this in Google map around your place or if you have Japanese friend, ask them.
It’s hard to compare flight and shinkansen. Okayama is the first destination in your trip and the trip time is almost same to get Okayama. The flight fare is varied by the season and the availability. I cannot say which one the cheaper option. You can get Okayama by either way.
The best option to visit these places after arriving in Okayama is rental car. There is no deals available to cover all places by train or bus. Other deals, such as Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is available for the visitors only. so you must a regular ticket one by one. You have three children and cost will be very high if you buy a ticket one by one.
You may add Kurashiki, Miyajima and Tomonoura
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3401.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3432.html
If you are okay with small hike, Bitchu Takahashi is very interesting too:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5775.html
You may stay in Okayama and Hiroshima. It’s hard to visit these places from one place.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am travelling to Japan on 13-21/10/19. Appreciates if you can advise on the itinerary. Thanks.
Day 1: 540am arrive KIX (Kansai one pass + Haruku) – Hiroshima (Activate Kansai Hiroshima Area 5 days Pass) – Miyajima – Hiroshima (overnight)
12pm: Explore Hiroshima after left our luggage at the hotel
= Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Children’s Peace Monument
4pm: Miyajima (JR Miyajima ferry)
= Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, mount misen ropeway
7pm: Back to Hiroshima for dinnner
Day 2: Hiroshima – Okunoshima – Kyoto (overnight) (Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
– 8am: Shinkansen Kodoma from Hiroshima to Mihara, JR Kure line to Tadanoumi (Leave luggage here), Ferry ride (320yen) to Okunoshima
– 11am: Enjoy the time with rabbits and visit poison gas museum (200yen) if time allows
– 1pm: lunch at national park resort hotel
– 2pm: head back to ferry port to Tadonumi for luggage collection, JR Kure line to Mihara, Shinkansen Kodoma to Fukuyama, Shinkansen Nozomi to Kyoto
– 6pm: Arrive Kyoto and check in hotel (near Kyoto station)
– 8pm: Any suggestion on what to do/eat around Kyoto station?
Day 3: Kyoto (with Kansai one pass)
– 9am: Kiyomuzi dera, Marumaya park, Yasaka Shrine
– 2pm: Philosopher’s path, Ginkakuji temple
– 5pm: Hanamikoji
– 7pm: Gion
Day 4: Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto (Overnight) (Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass)
– 9am: Fushimi inari taisha (JR Inari train station)
– 1pm: Nara (JR Nara line)
= Isui-en garden, Todai-ji temple, Wakakusa-yama, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji-temple, downtown Nara & Naramachi
– 6pm: Sunset at Kyoto tower (Kyoto station)
Day 5: Kyoto (Arashiyama area) (Kansai one pass+ Kansai Hiroshima area pass – last day)
– 9am: JR Sagono line to Umahori station – Sagona romantic train from Kameoka – Saga station (620yen), Arashimaya bamboo grove, Tenryuji temple if time allows, Togetsu-kyō Bridge
– 2pm: Kinkaku-ji (JR Sanin to Emmachi Station, bus 205 Nishinokyo Enmachito Kinkaku-ji bus stop)
-4pm: Nijo castle (JR Sanin to Nijo station)
– 6pm: Nishiki market
– 8pm: Any suggestion on which area to explore at night?
Day 6: Kyoto – Osaka (Kansai one pass)
10am: From Kyoto Station take JR Rokaido line – JR osaka (560yen)
= Should I visit Fushimi inari taisha on this day instead of day 4 before travel to osaka?
– 1pm: Explore Osaka – any suggestion?
= (? Shinsekai, Dotonbori)
Day 7: Osaka (Osaka Amazing pass)
– 10am: Osaka castle, Kuromon Ichiba market, Hep five Ferris Wheel, Umeda sky building, Naniwanoyu hot spring
Day 8: Osaka (Osaka Amazing Pass)
– 10am: Tsutenkaku, Santa maria cruise, Tempozan giant Ferris wheel
Day 9: Flight at 10am
Bye bye Japan!
– On day 2 & 5 any suggestion on places to explore for Kyoto at evening?
– Should I visit Fushimi inari taisha on day 4 or 6?
– Any places to explore without Osaka Amazing Pass for day 6?
– Any suggestion on the area to stay for Osaka? And transportation to Kansai Airport (reach before 8am)
Thank you!
Hi Chen san,
Your itinerary is basically okay. But I have a few things to tell you.
You can take Haruka by Kansai Hiroshima area pass. You can purchase just Kansai One Pass.
There is no lockers in Tadanoumi station. Luggage storage service is available in Tadanoumi port. But it takes 5 to 10 minutes by walk. So if you have an extra time in Mihara station, there are lockers. You can store your luggage there.
On day 2 and 5, 8:00 is too late to visit somewhere. Just walk around Kyoto station or Gion.
If you really want to go back to Kyoto station by 6:00 pm on day 4, you may skip Fushimi Inari and visit there on day 6. You have lots of places in Nara. It may be tight to complete Fushimi and Nara by 6:00 pm.
Namba or Shin-Osaka is recommended to stay. These places are very accessible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the suggestion, Takeshi san!
Just to clarify few more things with you.
– Can I get Kansai One Pass from any counter from KIX as my flight touch down time is at 540am.
– Is there any recommended transportation from Osaka Namba area to KIX? My flight is at 955am, aimed to reach there before 745am.
And any suggestion on which day to visit Kifune shrine?
Hi Chen san,
You may buy it at Kansai airport station. It opens at 5:30.
You can take Nankai railway train to get KIX from Namba:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/traffic/train/timetable.html
You have to visit Fushimi Inari on the day when you get Nara and use the time on day 6 to visit Kifune shrine. This is only way to do it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My flight to Osaka delayed or might cancelled due to typhoon. Maybe will arrive Kansai airport on day 1 noon or day 2 according to the itinerary:(
I understand that some of the JR does not operate for this few days. If I able to reach on day 1 noon, should I visit nishini market and kifune shrine or move day 3 itinerary up to visit Higashimaya area instead?
Can advise if this is doable? Thank you!
Day 1: (kansai one pass + activate JR Kansai Hiroshima area pass) Nishini market + kifune shrine
Day 2: (JR Kansai Hiroshima area pass) Day trip from Kyoto to Miyajima shrine & Okunoshima (rabbit island)
– will skip Hiroshima
Day 3: (JR Kansai Hiroshima area pass) Higashimaya area
Day 4: (JR Kansai Hiroshima area pass) Fushimi Inari Taisho + Nara
Day 5: (JR Kansai Hiroshima area pass) Arashiyama area
Day 6: Kyoto – Osaka (free and easy)
Day 7 & 8: OAP to visit Osaka attraction
Day 9: Back to Singapore with Nankai railway
Hi Chen san,
I’m sorry to hear that. This typhoon was one of the biggest in the history.
Kansai airport is open as normal now. But if you arrive on day 1 noon, it may be hard to visit Kifune and Nishiki market. I expect that Kansai airport will be crowded and it may take a long time to get out. If everything goes smoothly, you will get there around 14:00 because you still need a time to exchange the pass. So you will get Kyoto around 15:30. And it takes another 45 minutes to 1 hour to get Kifune. It might be okay but might be too late to visit there. Nishiki market is okay. You can visit there in the evening.
Hope you can make the place where you want to visit.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We are travelling from oct 16 to 23 in japan. We are arriving at Kansai Airport on Oct 16.
We are staying 5 nights in Osaka oct 16 and checkout oct 21. Then we will proceed to Tokyo until oct 23.
We are doing day trips from Osaka to the following places. Kyoto, Hiroshima & Miyaji, and Himeji in any order. Which pass is best to buy. Is it better toi get JR West pass 5 days including Hiroshima and take the nozomi from osaka to Tokyo. Or just get JR 7 days. Any other combinations which is more cost effective? We are leaving at Haneda Airpot.
Please advise asap as we are buying tickets before price goes up on Sept 30. I jusr found your website now. Sorry for the urgency.
Thank you for your help.
Cecille
Hi Cecille san,
Kansai Hiroshima area pass + regular fare to take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo is slightly cheaper than JR pass 7-day. However Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass does not cover reserved seat fee. JR Pass does. Please see the link below about reserved seat and non reserved seat:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
And also JR pass covers 7 days period. You can use it in Tokyo as well.
I prefer to have JR Pass more than Kansai Hiroshima area pass + regular fare. But the choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san!
My family and I are scheduled to visit Japan this coming Oct 2, we’re a family of 5, with 3 adults and 2 kids. We’re all excited, but with all the many choices for the passes, my husband and I are so confused, we wanted badly to make some savings by making the wise choices on the correct passes to avail, because any mistake on our choice will be amplified 5 times! That’s going to cost a lot :-(. Could you kindly advise us on the best passes to avail with this kind of itinerary? The sites to be visited each day are in no particular order, if also possible, can you suggest the best order? All our days will begin from our hotel and if time still permits, plan to spend extra hours at Dotonbori at night, if not, we go straight back to our hotel. Thanks so much in advance!
Day 1 (Oct 2 – Wed)
– Arrive from KIX airport at 8PM, travel and check-in hotel at OOKINI Shinsaibashi Nagahori Apartments
– Dinner within the area
Day 2 (Oct 3 – Thu)
– Legoland Discovery
– Osaka Castle
– Umeda Sky Building
– Dotonbori
Day 3 (Oct 4 – Fri)
– Universal Studios
Day 4 (Oct 5 – Sat)
– Fushimi Inari
– Kiyomizu-dera
– Arashiyama
– Ninja Experience & Samurai Experience in Kyoto
(their address : Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Day 5 (Oct 6 – Sun)
– Miyajima
– Hiroshima
Day 6 (Oct 7 – Mon)
– Nara Park
– EITHER :
A) Himeiji Castle
B) go back to Kyoto
C) Cup Noodle Museum
Day 7 (Oct 8 – Tue)
– EITHER :
A) Kyoto
B) Cup Noodle Museum
– Kid’s Plaza Osaka
Day 8 (Oct 9 – Wed)
– Kuromon Market
– Dotonbori
– Check-out from hotel and head back to KIX for 8PM flight.
Hi Mary Jane san,
First of all, you need Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport deal, Kansai Hiroshima area pass and Osaka Amazing Pass:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/
You can use Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport deal for KIX to/from Shinsaibashi.
Osaka Amazing Pass covers day 2 trip.
Kansai Hiroshima area pass covers Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji. You may use it for Nara and Kyoto. But this pass covers only JR train. There is no JR stations in Shinsaibashi. The nearest JR station is JR-Namba. You can walk there but it takes about 20 minutes. You may pay extra fare to take subway to get Namba or Umeda (JR Osaka) to take JR train. Please see the link below to find the train network in Osaka and surrounding area:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/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
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
So you may use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for day 3 to 7. This is most affordable way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for you prompt reply, Takeshi san! Will review this your sugegstions!
No worries, Mary Jane san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
I have a follow-up question 🙂 If for example we opted to use our JR Pass instead on Days 4-8, can we use the pass to travel back to KIX airport? Thanks so much!
Rgds.
Mary Jane
Hi Mary Jane san,
You can take Haruka or Kansai airport rapid by JR Pass. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi! Thank you so much for taking your time writing this blog! It has been a great help for first timers like me.
I was planning to get the JR Kansai-Hiroshima 5 day pass + Osaka Amazing Pass/Kansai Thru Pass, but I’m not sure how to utilize them (and I think some areas that I want to go can’t be covered by JR pass). I have an itinerary ready and I just want to make sure the travel passes I’m going to buy is worth it.
Tue, Oct 8: Arrival at KIX. KIX — Namba area (my hostel). Explore the area by walking
Wed, Oct 9: Namba — Universal Studios — Namba.
Thu, Oct 10: Kyoto; Namba — Omiya (for private kimono+sake experience) — Fushimi Inari — Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — Nishiki Market — Omiya (return kimono) — Namba
Fri, Oct 11: Namba — Hiroshima — Miyajima — Hiroshima (stay one night)
Sat, Oct 12: Hiroshima — Okunoshima — Sensui Jima — Namba
Sun, Oct 13: Namba — Nara. Explore Nara and its surroundings (is JR/Kansai Thru pass enough? Should i get ICOCA?)
Mon, Oct 14: Namba — Kobe — Himeji — Namba.
Tue, Oct 15: Explore Osaka and surroundings (Osaka Castle, towers, museums, etc)
Wed, Oct 16: Explore Osaka and surroundings, then from Namba to KIX for 11 PM flight
Other than Oct 9 (it’s going to be my birthday so I want to celebrate it in USJ :D), my schedule can be changed to fit the pass.
Thank you so much for your input!
Hi Aine,
I recommend you to have both Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Hiroshima area pass.
Kansai Hiroshima area pass covers Nara and Kyoto. But if you use this pass to get Kyoto and Nara, it’s not very convenient. Because JR-Namba station is not located in the center of Namba. And Kansai thru pass gives you easier trip to get Kyoto(especially Omiya) and Nara. You can take subway and Hankyu railway to get Omiya. If you use Kansai Hiroshima area pass, you have to change trains 4 times and some parts of the trip is not covered. Kintetsu railway is covered by Kansai thru pass and give you the direct access to Nara from Namba. If you use JR, you have to change trains at Tennoji and JR Nara station is a bit away from the center of Nara. Kintetsu Nara station is more convenient location.
You can use 2-day Kansai thru pass for Kyoto and Nara. You also can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass as well when you use Kansai thru pass in Kyoto.
You may use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for 9th to 13th. And switch Nara and Himeji/Kobe. So you can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for USJ, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kobe, Himeji.
Osaka amazing pass is a good choice. The regular fare ticket is okay for KIX to/from Namba by Nankai railway (920 yen one way).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you for such a comprehensive answer! one more thing; how to access sensui jima? I know that I have to stop at JR Fukuyama, then take a bus and a ferry. but are the bus and the ferry covered by the Kansai-Hiroshima pass?
Hi Aine,
The bus and the ferry are not covered by Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. You have to pay the extra on the spot.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, can we use the JR hiroshima kansai pass for the express bus to Arima?
Thanks
Hi Chen,
No, you can’t.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I want to visit Amanohashidate from Osaka in June. I searched on hyperdia and we will need to take KONOTORI and HASHIDATE. Are they both covered by Kansai Hiroshima pass? If they are, do I have to book tickets in advance or I can just walk into the train on the day?
Thanks,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Both trains are covered. You may proceed non reserved car of these trains. You don’t need to book and even if you want to book a seat, you cannot do it because this pass does not cover reserved seat. Please see the link below about reserved seat and non reserved seat:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks, if I have the pass and going non reserved seats, do I still need to get a ticket or I can just go into the train and show them the Hiroshima Kansai pass?
Thanks
Hi Gary,
You don’t need to do anything. Just board on the train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am planning to purchase the kansai-hiroshima pass for my trip, however I would have to pay an extra charge to get from shin-osaka to tottori station, what would be a route to take to tottori without paying any extra charge? Thanks!
Hi Eugene san,
You can take the limited express Hamakaze.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/access-to-tottori-from-osaka-kobe-and-himeji-with-no-extra-charge-by-jr-pass-limited-express-hamakaze.html
This train is fully covered. But this train does not run very frequently. You can take the limited express Konotori to Kinosaki onsen and then take a local train to get Tottori. The local train does not run very frequently between Kinosaki onsen and Tottori either. Otherwise just pay extra to take the limited express Super Hakuto. In this case, you have to pay for Kamigori to Tottori.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/the-fastest-train-access-to-tottori-from-osaka-and-kyoto-limited-express-super-hakuto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Does Kansai Hiroshima 5 day pass covers below route:
Shin Osaka – Saga Arashiyama
Umahori JR – Kyoto JR
Kyoto JR – Inari JR
Hi Jessie san,
All trips are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com