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. Jose says:

    Hello and congratulations again for reaching 500 Facebook likes!
    I would like to ask a question about the Kansai Wide Area Pass. One of my readers was asking about it and I was reading a little more about it.
    I understand this pass can be used for NON-RESERVED seats on some limited express trains, as well as shinkansen services between Shin-Osaka and Okayama.
    I also there is a restriction on using RESERVED seating on these trains as well. But I am a bit confused. JR West’s official brochure seems to indicate that the purchase of additional reserved tickets are necessary, while a few other websites claim that you absolutely cannot use reserved seats with this pass. I wanted to know if you had any certain answer. 🙂
    Thanks again for a great web site.
    Jose

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Jose,

      Thanks for you comment about my Facebook “Likes”.

      In my understanding, reserved limited express ticket for ordinary seat is required if passenger want to take reserved seat by Kansai Wide Area Pass. I show you an example:

      Mizuho, Shin-Osaka to Okayama
      Reserved seat 3320 yen
      Non reserved seat 2410 yen

      Passenger must pay 3320 yen beside the pass. It is not the difference between reserved and non reserved, 910 yen.

      That is the reason why some say “additional” and others say “absolutely not”.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. Eni says:

    たけしさん、
    こんにちは

    私は英語が苦手ですので、日本語でかまいませんか?

    私は6月の5日~11日に日本に遊びに来ますが、初めてですので、ご案内お願いします。

    日程について、以下のようになります。

    5日 関西空港→大阪 移動
    6日 大阪→奈良→大阪
    7日 大阪→京都→大阪
    8日 大阪→姫路→大阪
    9日 大阪→神戸→大阪
    10日 大阪→関西空港 移動

    また、難波へ行くなら、どうすればよいでしょうか。
    関西Wide Area Passチケットは兵庫県まで使えますか。

    ご案内お願いします。

  3. Debbie says:

    Hello Takeshi-san

    Million thanks for your advice. You are right – the ICOCA/Haruka card does not allow for Kyoto-Kansai connection (I read through the details again and it says “FROM Kansai to…..”).

  4. Debbie says:

    Dear Takeshi-san

    I have a trip to Osaka/KinosakiOnsen/Kyoto during the last week of June 2013 as follow:

    Day 1 – Kansai Airport to Osaka
    Day 2 – Osaka
    Day 3 – Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen
    Day 4 – Kinosaki Onsen to Kyoto
    Day 5 – Kyoto
    Day 6 – Kyoto
    Day 7 – Kyoto
    Day 8 – Kyoto to Kansai Airport

    Reading through your very informative articles, I am sure for Days 1 – 4 the Kansai Wide Pass is the one to purchase.

    However for my return from Kyoto to Kansai Airport, I am confused as to which of these passes is the best:

    – Kansai Thru Pass (which covers subways/buses in Kyoto city which I can use for either Days 5, 6 and/or 7; however the number of transfers from Kyoto to Osaka to Kansai Airport is quite hectic)

    – JR West Rail Pass Kansai (one day); just for Day 8 from Kyoto to Kansai Airport where I can take Haruka. Rest of the days in Kyoto I can buy the daily unlimited train ticket if necessary

    – ICOCA/Haruka Card (one way); covers Kyoto transport on a per use basis & Haruka train from Kyoto straight to Kansai Airport on Day 8

    Greatly appreciate your advice. Many thanks!

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Debbie,

      First of all, Kansai Thru Pass is not a right choice. It is very troublesome to get KIX from Kyoto by private lines.

      Haruka is the best way, but I don’t think you can use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket. I’m not 100% sure but one way ticket includes the ticket from KIX to Osaka/Kyoto. I don’t think you can use other direction. So Kansai Area Pass is the best choice for your transfer from Kyoto to KIX.

      When you stay in Kyoto, you can purchase standard ticket or day pass for subway and bus as you need.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. MG says:

    Hi Takeshita San
    Should I get both Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Wide Area Pass? We will be joining a tour and will extend on our own for eight days. Here is my itinerary:
    Day1 Namba to Mt Koya – will be buying the World Heritage Pass
    Day 2. Mt Koya to Kyoto staying near Higashiyama /Gion – walk around Philosopher’s Path
    Day 3. Kyoto -go around the Eastern and Ohara area
    Day 4. Kyoto to Arashiyama-back to Kyoto station to go to Tennoji via Nankai- then Tannowa via Nankai- then back to Tennoji
    Day 5. Tennoji – Okayama – Kobe – Tennoji
    Day 6 Tennoji – Namba- Tennoji
    Day 7 Tennoji – Hikone – Tennoji – Tannowa- Tennoji
    Day 8 Tennoji – Nagoya – NGO to catch evening flight home
    Will be from April 9 to 16. Should I get both passes to be used on day 4 to day 7 or buy the Kansai wide area pass and buy single tickets or day passes
    Thanks much.

    • JPRail says:

      Hi MG,

      As you saw, round trip ticket for Tennoji to Okayama is not cheaper than Kansai Wide Area Pass. Even if you use only this pass for Tennoji-Okayama, it still makes sense.
      You will complete all Hikone trip, Okayama trip and Kyoto to Tennoji in 4 days, you can use Kansai Wide Area Pass for these three trips.

      Regarding Kansai Thru Pass, you don’t have many chances to use this pass. Even Tennoji-Tannowa round trip is about 1550 yen. If you use this pass, you have to use more than 1900 yen worth. Otherwise single ticket may be cheaper.

      So I think Kansai Thru Pass, Koyasan World Heritage Pass and single tickets will be okay.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Sue-lyn says:

    I will be in Osaka for 7 days. I have read your notes, but am still overwhelmed by the sheer number of trains/passes. Please advise:

    Day 1 – Arrive KIX. Staying near Namba. Take Nankai airport express to Namba. Use the Haruka/ICOCA package.
    Day 2 – Osaka. Side trip to Kobe
    Day 3 – Osaka to Takayama by train.
    Day 4 – Takayama to Kyoto by train
    Day 5 – Kyoto
    Day 6 – Osaka. Side trip to Kobe.
    Day 7 – Back to KIX. Use Haruka/ICOCA package
    Please advise what pass I should get besides the Haruka/ICOCA package. Trainwise, is this a good route to go or should I change the route around?

    Grateful thanks.

  7. patrick chong says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    need your advice ;

    i been traveling on Mid April this year. , from Osaka to Tokyo .

    My itinerary is as follows, (arrive in Osaka 17th April)

    2 days in Osaka
    Osaka to Kyoto

    1day in Kyoto
    Kyoto to Mount Fuji ( to see the mid blossom)

    1day in mount Fuji
    Mount Fuji to Tokyo

    But i am not certain how should i travel from Kyoto to Mount Fuji and
    in terms of saving costs.

  8. txh says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I’ve never bought any rail pass before. But I am extremely keen on getting the Kansai Wide area pass.

    I’m trying to understand this: the pass is only for non-reserved seats, so does it mean that I can just get on the train without reserving for a seat?

    Am I guaranteed to get a seat on the non-reserved seats cabin? I’m travelling during June 2013.

    Thanks for your help.
    txh

    • JPRail says:

      Hi txh,

      You cannot guarantee your seat. As far as train has non reserved seat car, you can get on the train anyway. But in the worst case, you need to stand up in the cabin or passenger deck.

      If you want to get a seat, try to show up at the station early. For example, if you want to take Shinkansen to Okayama, show up 20 minutes earlier than departure time. Usually you can get a seat easily. And also June is not a high season.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. jw says:

    Many thanks for your useful info 🙂

  10. jw says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    very good article, here’s some question if you could help

    Day 1 Kansai airport -> hotel at Shinsaibashi (Midosuji Line)
    Day 2 Shinsaibshi -> Kyoto -> Saga-Arashiyama -> Kyoto -> hotel at Shinsaibashi (Midosuji Line)
    Day 3 Shinsaibshi -> Shirahama
    Day 4 Shirahama -> Wakayama -> Nara -> hotel at Shinsaibashi (Midosuji Line)
    Day 5 Osaka
    Day 6 hotel at Shinsaibashi (Midosuji Line) -> Kansai airport

    I think use Kansai WIDE Area Pass mainly for day 1-4,
    what other pass would use bcoz may single tickets involved?

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