Kansai WIDE Area Pass user guide. The best deal for the traveler who want to travel Kansai and surrounding areas, such as Okayama, Kurashiki, Kinosaki and Kumano.

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Kurashiki Bikan Area is only 15 minutes away from Kurashiki station on foot. ©JTA/ ©JNTO
Kinosaki Onsen is one of most popular hot springs in Japan. ©Toyooka City/©JNTO
Kinosaki Onsen is one of most popular hot springs in Japan. ©Toyooka City/©JNTO

Since Kansai WIDE Area Pass was released in April, 2012, this deal has been very popular for the tourist who wants to travel outside Kansai, like Kinosaki Onsen, Kii peninsula and Okayama/Kurashiki. This pass covers much bigger area than other Kansai area passes, like JR West Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass. I am very happy that tourist tries to visit not only Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe but also outside Kansai.

In this post, I would like to show you the details of this pass and make sure the difference from other passes.

Coverage area

Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers not only Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Kansai airport, Nara and Himeji but also many places outside Kansai area. I would like to introduce some popular spots. Please see the map below:

Kansai Wide Area Pass coverage map (click to view large)
This 287 series is newer fleet for Limited Express Kounotori. (C) Jonathan Ayre
Limited Express Kounotori and Kinosaki are operated by the newest 287 seires. (C) Jonathan Ayre
  • Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) – One of popular hot springs resort in northern Hyogo prefecture. It can be accessed by limited express Kounotori from Osaka and limited express Kinosaki from Kyoto.
  • Amanohashidate (天橋立) – It is connected directly with Kyoto by limited express Hashidate. You need to pay some extra because this train goes through Non JR line. But even Japan Rail Pass do not cover it either. Please see the details about extra at limited express Hashidate.
  • Shirahama (白浜) – This popular hot springs area is located in Kii peninsula. It can be accessed by limited express Kuroshio from Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Tennoji.
  • Shingu (新宮) – This town is located at the south end of Kii peninsula. It is the gate town of UNESCO World Hertage Site, “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. This can be accessed by limited express Kuroshio from Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Tennoji too.
  • Okayama (岡山) – This city is located in Chugoku region and have one of three best landscape garden, Kourakuen Garden. It can be accessed by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka in one hour.
  • Kurashiki (倉敷) – It is 15 minutes away from Okayama by local train. The preserved “Canal Area” is quite popular. There is Shin-Kurashiki station on Sanyo Shinkanse. But this station is not located in Kurashiki area. And Sanyo Shinkansenn between Okayama and Shin-Kurashiki is not covered by Kansai WIDE Area Pass either. Get on local train from Okayama when you get there.
  • Takamatsu (高松) – It is a gate city in Shikoku. It has Takamatsu castle and very popular Udon noodle.
  • Tottori – It is very well known as the city which has the biggest sand dune in Japan.

I recommend you to stay in these places. But you can visit all above spots as day trip. If you are looking for something different in your trip other than Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara and Himeji, this pass gives you access and a huge saving.

Find your hotels in 500 cities throughout Japan!!!

Hotels in Kurashiki
Hotels in Okayama
Hotels in Shirahama

Valid period

You can purchase and use this pass in all year round.

Valid trains and bus routes

Please take a look at the map at Kansai WIDE Area Pass official page one more time. You can take all local, rapid trains and Non Reserved seat on the following express trains.

  • Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin Osaka-Okayama only)
  • Limited Express Haruka (Kansai airport-Shin Osaka/Kyoto)
  • Limited Express Kuroshio (Kyoto/Shin Osaka-Shirahama/Shingu)
  • Limited Express Kounotori (Shin Osaka/Osaka-Kinosaki Onsen)
  • Limited Express Kinosaki (Kyoto-Kinosaki Onsen)
  • Limited Express Hamakaze (Osaka-Tottori)
    This express trains goes to Tottori. And this is only train to get Tottori from Osaka directly. Tottori was not in coverage area but it was included as of mid April, 2017.
  • Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka-Tsuruga)
    This express trains goes to Kanazawa and Toyama. But these areas are outside of the area where is covered.
  • Limited Express Hashidate (Kyoto-Fukuchiyama)
    This express trains goes to Amanohashidate. You can get Amanohashidate directly from Kyoto by this train. Amanohashidate is located on Kyoto Tango Railway which was not covered by this pass. But as of mid April, 2017,
    the coverage area was expanded. Kyoto Tango Railway is not covered by this pass fully.
  • Limited Express Super Hakuto (Kyoto-Tottori)
    This express trains connects Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Tottori and Kurayoshi. This train is the most convenient and the fastest way to get Tottori from Osaka and Kyoto. JR Pass does not cover this train fully. This train ride is one of the big advantage of Kansai Wide Area Pass.
  • Limited Express Super Inaba (Okayama-Tottori)
    This train connects Okayama and Tottori. It takes same way to get Tottori as Super Hakuto between Kamigori and Tottori. This train is not covered by JR pass fully either. This train ride is one of the big advantage of Kansai Wide Area Pass too.
  • Limited Express Wide View Hida (Osaka-Maibara)
    This express trains goes to Takayama. But this is obviously outside of the area where is covered. And this train is not mentioned on the official page. But technically you can take this train between Osaka and Maibara with no charge. However there is only one round trip a day. It is not much useful.

As of mid April 2017, this pass started to cover JR bus in Kyoto and Fukui. 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.

As I mentioned above, Kyoto Tango Railway is now covered. You also can take Wakayama Dentetsu Railway between Wakayama and Kishi by this pass.

Price

There will be two different prices, purchase outside Japan and inside Japan. If you purchase it outside Japan, price is slightly cheaper. Please see the details at the below:

 Purchasing from the travel agent overseas
(Before arrival)
Purchasing from JR West online
(Before arrival)
Purchasing from JR West station
(After arrival)
Adult10,000 yen10,800 yen11,000 yen
Child
6-11 years
5,000 yen5,400 yen5,500 yen

The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night, midnight to midnight.

Compare with regular fare

This is very attractive price. It is very easy to pay off. The following sample fares includes base fare and non reserved seat limited express surcharge:

  • One way trip from Kansai Airport to Shin Osaka by Limited Express Haruka — 2,330 yen
  • One way trip from Kansai Airport to Kyoto by Limited Express Haruka — 2,850 yen
  • Round trip between Shin Osaka and Himeji by Shinkansen — 6,440 yen
  • Round trip between Shin Osaka and Okayama by Shinkansen — 11,000 yen
  • Round trip between Osaka and Kinosaki Onsen by Limited Express Kounotori — 10,160 yen
  • Round trip between Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen by Limited Express Kinosaki — 8,640 yen
  • Round trip between Shin Osaka and Shirahama by Limited Express Kuroshio — 10,160 yen
  • Round trip between Shin Osaka and Shingu by Limited Express Kuroshio — 13,380 yen

As you see above, if you take Haruka from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka and have round trip by Shinkansen to Himeji from Shin-Osaka, it is pay off. It is very very attractive price.

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and other passes

I have already written about JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass (Surutto Kansai Pass). Please refer my post, How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area.

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and Kansai Area Pass

You can choose 1 to 4 days from Kansai Area Pass. Please refer the post, How to use JR West Kansai Area Pass. Compare pass and single fare. The prices are 2,060 yen, 4,110 yen, 5,140 yen and 6,170 yen. Kansai Area Pass covers only Kansai area and does not allow you to take any express trains other than Airport Express Train Haruka. I recommend you to use 1 days pass for transfer from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka/Kyoto. As you saw the regular fare above, 1 day pass rate 2,330 yen is cheaper than one way trip to Shin-Osaka from Kansai airport. But there is ICOCA and Haruka that includes Haruka one way ticket and 1500 yen ICOCA e-money. This is better deal than Kansai Area Pass one day.

If you compare both passes, the price is less than 2,000 yen difference. Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers many more places and more trains. In my opinion, Kansai Wide Area Pass has much greater value than Kansai Area Pass.

Even if you stay and travel in Kansai area only, Kansai Thru Pass may be better choice because it covers subway and bus services in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass

As I mentioned on my post, How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area, Kansai Thru Pass is the best rail pass for sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. This deal includes Kyoto municipal transportation (subway and bus) and Osaka municipal transportation (subway and bus). This is a huge asset to explore in Kyoto and Osaka. Especially you cannot go to any popular spots without subway and bus services in Kyoto. All JR rail passes, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Area Pass, even Japan Rail Pass, do not cover any subway and city bus services. Kansai Thru Pass covers all major private rail lines too. In Kansai area, there are many private rail lines. When you go to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka, private lines, Hankyu (Umeda-Kawaramachi), Keihan (Yodoyabashi/Kyobashi-Shijo/Sanjo), Kintetsu (Namba/Tsuruhashi-Nara, Kyoto-Nara) are more convenient.

Conclusion

So if you are sure that you stay and travel in Kansai area only, I don’t recommend you to use Kansai WIDE Area Pass. But if you are interested in the area other than Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara and Himeji to visit, this pass may be suitable for you. Kansai Thru Pass is a good rail pass. But this pass does not cover the area other than Kansai area, such as Kinosaki, Okayama and Shirahama.

If you stay in Kansai area for 3 days or less, you do not have enough time to explore outside Kansai. You should stay and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. But if you stay for 4 days or more, you may have an extra time to enjoy both Kansai are and outside of Kansai.

e.g.
If you stay in Osaka for 5 nights,
Day 1 Kansai airport – Shin Osaka (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 2 Day trip to Shirahama (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 3 Day trip to Kurashiki (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 4 Day trip to Kyoto (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 Day trip to Nara (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 6 Osaka – Kansai airport (Kansai Thru Pass)

In above sample plan, I use Kansai WIDE Area Pass for 3 days only. Of course you can use this pass for day 1 to 5 and add the regular fare or other deal to get Kansai airport. But even though you use Kansai WIDE Area Pass for 3 days, you get your money worth.

I hope this pass encourages you to explore outside Kansai area. I love Kinosaki and Kurashiki. If you have an extra time, I strongly recommend you to visit these places.

Comments

  1. Dorris Lung says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I am planning a 12 days trip to Japan in coming November. After studying various train options and reading your posts, I have listed how to travel around. I would appreciate that you can review and give any suggestions.
    Day1- Kaisai airport to Noda- use Kanku Chikatoku ticket
    Day2 – join bike tour
    Day3 – visit various Osaka attractions using JR, Nankai or subway. Plan to start using Kaisai Wide Area Pass(d1). Understand we needy to buy subway tickets, but can we use this pass on Nankai rail?
    Day4 – using pass(d2) to do Nara in one day and then to Kyoto
    Day5 – visit various Kyoto attractions using pass(d3) by JR train and JR bus.
    Day6 – visit various Kyoto attractions using pass(d4) by JR train and JR bus.
    Day7 – to Okayama (may stop at Himeji first) from Kyoto using pass(d5). Can I take Shinkansen Nozomi directly from Kyoto to Okayama? or Shinkansen Hikari to Himeji and then Shinkansen Kodama/Sakura/Mizuho/Nozomi to Okayama?
    Day8 – cycle the Kibiji trail
    Day9 – from Okayama to Hiroshima by Shinkansen. Any suggestion beside using single ticket? Does Kaisai wide area pass cover this part? If does, I can start pass day1 from Day5 to Day9 and buy needed single tickets for Day3 and Day4.
    Day10 – day trip to Miyajima island and back to Hiroshima.
    Day11 – from Hiroshima to Fukuoka by Shinkansen. Any suggestion beside single ticket?
    Day12 – fly out from Fukuoka airport

    Thanks in advance to take a look at my plan. Any suggestions will be really appreciated.

    Dorris

  2. Lily says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Would you please give us an advice on what is the best pass (if appropriate) for us on the following travel plan:
    17th Oct – Kansai airport to Osaka (Shinsaibashi )
    18th Oct – Day trip to Kurashiki
    19th Oct – Day trip to Kyoto
    20th Oct Day trip at Mount Koyasan
    21st Oct Osaka – Tokyo (Shinjuku)

    Or it is the same as buying individual ticket for each of the above location?

    Thank you in advance.

  3. Cherry says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I am planning a trip to Osaka in Oct 2017. Here is my itinery;

    Day 1 : 2135hrs arrived KIX. Stay Hotel Nikko
    Day 2 : checkout and take haruka express to shin-osaka. Check in hotel. Go Nara
    Day 3 : okayama and kurashiki
    Day 4: wakayama to kishi ( take theme train and visit the cat)
    Day 5 : amanohasidate
    Day 6 : okunoshima
    Day 7 : shinsaibashi
    Day 8 : ringku outlets
    Day 9 : fly home in morning

    I am planning to activate 5 day kansai wide area pass on my day 2 . Isit feasible? Does the kansai wide area pass cover all my trips fare from day 2 to 6 ? Which day do i need to use icoca card? Looking forward for your reply. Thankyou very much.

    Regards
    Cherry

  4. Joe Pan says:

    Hi Takeshi-San,
    Need your help for the kansai wide pass.
    1, from Kyoto to Okayama, can I take any train other than shinkansen to shin-osaka then change nozomi ? Or I can take nozomi from Kyoto and pay supplement for the ride between Kyoto and shin-osaka?

    2, from kinosaki to Okayama via hemiji, can I take sakura between hemiji and okayama? It’s 30mins less on waiting time than taking on nozomi. With the pass what’s the best route between kinosaki and okayama?

    3, from wakayama , what’s the best route to get to Kyoto by the pass ? On the way back from shirahama I like to drop by kisei to visit the cat.
    Thanks for your help Takeshi-San
    Cheers

    • Hi Joe san,

      1. You can take either way. You can take any trains other than Shinkansen to get Shin-Osaka and then take any Shinkansen trains. Or you can pay full fare of Kyoto to Shin-Osaka to take Shinkansen trains to go through Okayama. Remember if you take Shinkansen from Kyoto, you need to pay full fare for Kyoto to Shin-Osaka. You need to pay even base fare because Shinkansen line on this segment does not belong to JR West. Kansai wide area pass does not cover this Shinkansen segment at all. Only conventional line is covered.

      2. You can take this route. It’s the fastest route.

      3. If you can catch limited express train Kuroshio to Kyoto, it’s the fastest. But some of Kuroshio go to Shin-Osaka only. You may need to change trains there.
      https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kuroshio-ocean-arrow.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Joe Pan says:

        Thanks for the reply, Takeshi-San.
        So am l right to say that the pass covers all jr trains and shinkansen, even the nozomi in this area except the service between shin-osaka and Kyoto?
        Last question : what’s the best route between Kyoto and hikone /長浜?
        I found only JR琵琶湖(東海道本線)on hyperdia, but this is not covered, right? And you also mentioned wild view hida , but it’s only 1 round trip a day
        Thanks again Takeshi-San

        Cheers

        • Hi Joe san,

          You cannot any Shinkansen trains between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka, not only Nozomi but also Hikari and Kodama. Other trains on conventional line, like Haruka, Thuderbird, Special rapid are covered.

          For trip to Nagahama, you are right. There is no express trains other than Wide View Hida. Your choice is special rapid, rapid or local trains. Those are covered.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Joe Pan says:

            Thanks Takeshi -san,
            Do you have timetable for the rapid train between Kyoto and Hikone? All I ‘ve seen so far are JR琵琶湖東海道本線・

            Cheers

          • Joe Pan says:

            Hi takeshi-san,
            I found the JR 琵琶湖 line special rapid from kyoto to Hikone directly!

            Thanks

  5. Trang says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    First of all, thank you for all the information you share with us in this website. It is a amazing work.
    I’ve read quite a lot of posts and I’ve now a much clearer mind about my trip. However, could you please help me to confirm my understanding?
    Here is my plan:
    D1 to D3: Tokyo => Kyoto (by train). Sightseeing in Kyoto
    D4-D5: Kyoto => Koyasan.
    It seems to me that Kansai Thru Pass covers this trip. Am I right?
    D6: Kyoto => Nara
    D7: Kyoto => Uji
    D8: Kyoto => Himeji or another place
    D9: Kyoto => Beppu Oita
    With this itineary I think that Kansai Thru Pass is the most suitable for these 9 days.
    Also, it seems to me that there is useless buying JR Pass, even if the trip Kyoto Beppu might be quite expensive.
    Could you please give me your advice and your point of view?
    I am a very slow tourist and love spending time walking, visiting. I prefer to visit less spots to hurry all around.
    I am deeply grateful for your help.
    Thank you in advance
    Trang

    • Hi Trang,

      You need JR pass if you go to Beppu from Kyoto. One way base fare and express trains surcharge are more than 17,500 yen. You can get the worth of 7 days JR pass by only this trip. And if you intend to visit there as day trip, it takes almost 4 hours for one way. You will spend lots of times and lots of costs to do trip to Beppu.

      And also you have a trip to Kyoto from Tokyo. It costs more than 13,000 yen. Even if you use 14 days pass, it works.

      But you cannot get Koyasan by JR pass. If you use JR pass, you can get Shin-Imamiya by JR pass. And you can purchase Koyasan world heritage pass there to get Koyasan.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html

      I think JR pass is a right choice but I cannot see what you do after going to Beppu. I cannot say which one the best deal is for you at this point.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Loanna says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I purchased the Kansai Wide Pass, 5 days. I will be staying in Osaka. Can I use this pass on the Anpanman Train to Okayama or Takamatsu? Please advise which train route I should go to catch the Anpanman Train.

    Depart from Osaka
    Day1: Okayama/Himje
    Day2: Wakayama/shirahama
    Day3: Kyoto
    Day4: Kyoto/ Kinosaki Onsen
    Day5: Nara/Osaka

    • Hi Loanna,

      Okayama – Takamatsu segment is covered by this pass. But Ampanman seat is reserved seat and not covered by this pass fully. You have to pay extra to take reserved seat. Extra seat fee is around 1000 to 1500 yen. It’s varied by the distance.

      You have a chance to take Anpanman train on day 1 only. But your trip will be very tight if you add Anpanman train trip on top of Okayama and Himeji.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Ken says:

    Dear Takeshi San,

    My itinerary is as follows:
    D1 25/3 – Arrive Osaka
    D2 26/3 – Osaka – Nara – Osaka
    D3 27/3 – Osaka – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka (use 1-day Kansai Area Pass)
    D4 28/3 – Osaka
    D5 29/3 – Osaka
    D6 30/3 – Osaka – Shirahama (Kansai WIDE area pass D6-D8)
    D7 31/3 – Shirahama
    D8 1/4 – Shirahama – Kyoto
    D9 2/4 – Kyoto
    D10 3/4 – Kyoto
    D11 4/4 – Kyoto
    D12 5/4 – Depart from Kyoto

    Am I getting the right passes for my trip?

    As the Kansai WIDE area pass is with unreserved seats, is it necessary to ‘top-up’ for reserved seats for D6/D8?

    How do I go about getting reserved seats and what will be the additional costs?

  8. Mariel says:

    Hello Takeshi-san! I’m so happy I found your post!

    I’ll be traveling to Osaka and Kyoto with my family in two weeks time and am also planning (really, really planning) to go to Okayama and Kurashiki. 🙂

    I’m wondering if the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass is worth it? I’m not sure if this pass covers short distance travel around the cities (for example, from Shin-Osaka to Osaka Castle and then Namba area). Do we need to purchase a different card for the local trains or buses? We’ll only be in Japan for seven days though.

    Thank you so much! I am so excited to visit Japan — it’s our first time! Have a great day! 🙂

  9. Ling says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    So does this mean tourists can buy 2 types of passes (Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass) and use consecutively?
    i.e. use (Kansai Thru Pass) for first 3 days and (Kansai WIDE Area Pass) for next 5 days.

    Thank you!

  10. Thet Win says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I have following plan, but not sure what is the best to buy for last 3 days (2 adults and 3 children):

    – Day 1 Osaka KIX, head straight to Kyoto (Kansai Wide Area Pass)
    – Day 2 Kyoto all day (local day pass)
    – Day 3 Kyoto, Nara, then back to Osaka (Kansai Wide Area Pass)
    – Day 4 Okayama, Himeji (Kansai Wide Area Pass)
    – Day 5 Osaka surrounding, Kobe (Kansai Wide Area Pass)
    – Day 6 Osaka central
    – Day 7 Osaka Universal Studio
    – Day 8 Osaka KIX

    Many thanks,
    Thet

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