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,
Thank you for the very informative website. I have some questions to ask you and I hope you can bear with me. I have the following itinerary planned out and I would like to ask you if it is worth getting Kansai Hiroshima 5-day pass.
Mon (15 June)
– Arrive Itami Airport
– Travel to Kyoto to check into accommodation (10 mins drive from JR Kyoto)
– Explore Kyoto
Tue (16 June)
– Explore Kyoto
Wed (17 June)
– Explore Kyoto
Thu (18 June)
– Leave Kyoto for accommodation in Osaka (near JR Nishikoji)
– Explore Osaka
Fri (19 June)
– Universal Studios Japan day trip
– Explore Osaka
Sat (20 June)
– Leave Osaka for Hiroshima daytrip
– Visit Peace Park
– Go Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium to watch Hiroshima Sanfreece match
– Leave Hiroshima for Osaka
Sun (21 June)
– Leave Osaka accommodation for Itami Airport
My questions are:-
1) Based on above itinerary, is the Kansai Hiroshima 5 day pass worth getting?
2) When should I activate it? On the day I depart to Osaka from Kyoto?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Fadzlin,
As long as you have round trip to Hiroshima from Osaka by Shinkansen, this pass will work. You can activate on 17 June because this is 5 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for your help.
I will be activating my JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass on 17 June when I leave Kyoto for Osaka as per your suggestion.
If I activate my pass at JR Kyoto Station, how do I get to my accommodation at JR Nishikujo (in Osaka)? I’ve referred to Google’s routes but they are all hard to understand.
Thanks!
Hi Fadzlin,
You can take JR Kyoto line (Special Rapid is the fastest) from Kyoto to Osaka and then take Osaka Kanjo line. You can find map at the link 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your helpful comments.
I have just purchased two Kansai Hiroshima passes from JTB for my trip in June.
I have two further questions to ask though.
1) I will arrive Kyoto, Japan on 15 June. Can I immediately go to the JR office and exchange the pass if I only want to start using it on 17 June onwards or should I just wait until 17 June to do it?
2) I understand the seats are non-reserved for shinkansen. What is the procedure to make reserved seats? How much do I have to top up per ticket? I will be using Shinsanken twice (Osaka to Hiroshima/Hiroshima to Osaka).
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Fadzlin,
1) You don’t need to wait. You can do it anytime.
2) Just drop by Midori no Madoguchi (reservation window). If you search timetable at Hyperdia, you will find “Reserved seat fee”. That’s you have to pay on top of pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi san!
In your opinion, do you think we should go for reserved seats?
Our plan is to take the 11.25AM or 11.42AM train on 19/06 (Friday) from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima.
&
10.49AM train from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka on 21/06 (Sunday).
Should we get reserved seats for both or either or it’s not necessary at all based on above day/time.
What’s your opinion?
Regards,
Fadzlin
Hi Fadzlin,
You may take Shin-Osaka departure train.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
You can find 10:59 and 11:59 departure. Those trains start to run from Shin-Osaka. You can get a seat very very easily. If you travel with someone and really want to have seats side by side, you should take these trains. 11:25 and 11:42 come from Tokyo. It depends on how many passengers will get off at Shin-Osaka. I think you will get a saet. But it’s not easy to find seats side by side for these trains.
On the way back, 10:49 is Hiroshima departure train. So you will be okay.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi san.
This is so useful! I just realized I can also use the train timetable on Hyperdia 🙂
Last question about this, it states the 10:59AM is Shinkansen Sakura. Is this different from Nozomi? Does the JR Hiroshima Kansai pass cover this service?
Thanks.
Hi Fadzlin,
Nozomi, Hikari, Sakura, Mizuho, Kodama, whatever are covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail.
Sorry for so many questions.
If I wish to book a reserved seat from Shin-Osaka with the pass, how much extra should I pay?
Thanks once again.
Hi Kamakshi,
First, this pass does not cover Koyasan. World Heritage pass is the best choice.
If you book reserved seat, you have to pay full charge of express surcharge with reserved seat. It depends on the distance. You can find it at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
It shows you “Reserved Seat”. That is the amount you have to pay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san
I checked for the Koya san world heritage pass, looks like it is available only till march 30th 2015.
Is there a different pass that can be used?
Please help.
TIA
Hi Kamakshi san,
I think it will be continued to sell after March 31st, but the price may be adjusted. Please keep checking the website.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello again Takeshi San,
Thanks for your earlier answer.
Can I use this pass to go to Koya San? or is it better to take a Koyasan world heritage ticket?
Thank you
Kamakshi
Hi My plan is as follows
Mar 28 -Kyoto City Tour (Mostly will use bus)
Mar 29 – Osaka Kaiyu, Sanda
Mar 30 -Nara and Osaka City
Mar 31 – Arashiyama / Kobe/Himeji
Apr – 1 Okayama nad further head to hiroshima
Will this pass pay out. Are there any other interesting places that I can cover in the mean time?
Thanks
Hi Kamakshi,
In my rough calculation, total fares will be almost same as pass value.
Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, Takaumatsu and Kii katsuura are popular spots.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We( 4 adults 1 kids age 5) will be visiting japan this March 25 till 4 Apr. We will first arrive Osaka and stay 2 nites and then heading to Kyoto staying another 2 nites. Then we will proceed to Tokyo. Could you kindly recommend what pass suitable for us . Thank you.
Hi Katherine,
You can use some local deals in Osaka and Kyoto. But single ticket is your choice from Kyoto to Tokyo. Please find more info about local deals in Osaka, please see the link below. You may find info about the deals for airport-downtown and exploring in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
When you go to Kyoto, single ticket is your choice. There are some way to get Kyoto from Osaka.
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
About single ticket, please find the info below:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
My understanding is that one can use Sanyo Shinkasen with the JR Kansai Hiroshima 5 day pass for travel bet Shin- Osaka and Hiroshima. However in JR’s booking website, under the Valid Train Route, it is stated the valid trains are,” non -reserved seats on Bullet Train “SANYOSHINKANSEN” (Shin-Osaka = Okayama”). Does this mean that we can take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, and then have to change to a local/rapid train from Okayama to Hiroshima Station
Hi Kim.
No. It covers Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. JR West website says’ “Non-reserved seats on Bullet Train “SANYOSHINKANSEN” (Shin-Osaka⇔Hiroshima)”.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takashima. I have now purchased the pass online and am looking forward to visiting your beautiful country in a week’s time. One more question,
Can I use the pass to travel from Kinosakinonsen or Toyooka to Amanohashidate, and then onwards to Kyoto via Nishimaizuru. I know there is an extra charge on the KTR section.
Your response will be much appreciated
Hi Kim,
As long as you pay extra for KTR section, you can use this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi (not Takashima 🙂 ) / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi. Please accept my apologies for getting your name wrong.
Kim
Don’t worry, Kim. 🙂
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Just for others’ information and to let you know I have booked the Kansai Hiroshima 5 day pass online. It is now available on the JR West site at:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/ .
I’m assuming I can pick it up in one of their named stations (I chose Osaka) a few days before it becomes operative. It starts at 12.00am, which terminology is a bit ambiguous, but would seem to be just before 00.01 on the day you want it to start.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for your info. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We are planning on a trip to Japan and wondering if this new pass and activate in Kyoto plus single tickets would be better than getting a JR pass?
The plan is:
6/4 night – Narita to Tokyo on skyliner
a few days around Tokyo with day trip to Kamakura
10/4 travel to Nara
11/4 Travel to Kyoto
12/4 Travel to Hiroshima and Miyama
13/4 Travel to Osaka
14/4 Leave to Kansai airport from ShinOsaka
Hi Ingy,
JR pass 7 days is way better than this pass. You can start using JR Pass 7 days on 8th April.
Cheers
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
I have been trying to find a link to buy the JR Kansai Hiroshima 5 day rail pass online. I can’t find one on the JR West site – perhaps the site hasn’t been updated or perhaps I haven’t looked sufficiently carefully. Any ideas please?
Apologies if this query is outside your topics.
Sandy
Hi Takeshi
Trying to answer my own question. I thought that since the pass would be operative from 1 March it could be purchased (online) from 4 Feb. From looking at other links I suspect it cannot be purchased online until 1 March. That’s OK for me, I won’t be using it till later in March
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
You are right. They will not update the website until March 1. It’s disappointed but you will be fine anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi
I will waiting for Hiroshima pass too.In Thailand agency will start to sell Hiroshima pass on 1 March , so i think in other country will be the same .You can buy pass from agency if you want.
We are visiting Japan 10-24 March and including Shikoku, then to Okayama, take a day trip to Hiroshima (as you suggest) and eventually leave from Osaka airport. We might buy the All Shikoku pass and note it can take us to Takamatsu and Kojima. We expect to buy the new Kansai Hiroshima area 5 day pass. Can we use the All Shikoku pass to Takamatsu and then use the Kansai Hiroshima pass from there to Okayama without changing trains or inviting trouble with ticket inspectors please?
What a great site this is!
Hi Sandy,
As long as both your pass, All Shikoku and Kansai Hiroshima are valid, you can take direct train to Okayama from Shikoku.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi for your quick reply. That makes life simpler.
Sandy
No problem, Sandy.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail