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:
- 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.
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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 10,000 yen | 10,800 yen | 11,000 yen |
| Child 6-11 years | 5,000 yen | 5,400 yen | 5,500 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
Hi, I need some clarification on the trains that I can take on Kansai Wide pass.
I already purchased the Kansai Wide exchange order; will purchase “Haruka & Icoca return” at KIX. Also does the itinerary look OK?
Day 1:
KIX -> Kyoto [Haruka]
Day 2: Kyoto local area [Icoca + day bus pass]
Day 3: Activate Kansai Wide pass [Pass Day 1]
Arashiyama:
Kyoto Saga Arashiyama [JR Sagano Rapid]
Day 4: [Pass Day 2]
Fushimi-Inari:
Kyoto -> Inari [JR Nara Local]
Nara:
Inari -> Tofukuji [JR Nara Local] -> Nara [JR Nara Rapid/Miyakoji]
OR
Inari -> Kyoto [JR Nara Local] -> Nara [JR Nara Rapid/Miyakoji]
*Is JR Nara Rapid the same as Miyakoji? I tried Hyperdia but couldn’t find Miyakoji listed?
Nara -> Kyoto [JR Nara Rapid/Miyakoji]
Day 5: [Pass Day 3]
Kyoto -> Shin-Osaka [JR Special Rapid]
My hotel is near Nishinakajima-Minamigata on Midosuji subway
Day 6: [Pass Day 4]
Okayama:
Shin-Osaka -> Okayama [Sanyo Shinkansen i.e. Nozomi]
Kurashiki:
Okayama -> Kurashiki
Hyperdia lists 3 ways:
JR Sanyo line, JR Hakubi line and Ltd Exp Yakumo.
Is Yakumo covered by Kansai Wide?
Okayama -> Shin-Osaka [shinkansen]
Day 7:
Shin-Osaka -> KIX [Haruka]
Thanks.
Hi cks,
Your itinerary is perfect. And you picked the right passes. It’s good to go.
1. Miyakoji Rapid.
There are two kinds rapid trains on Nara line. But I don’t think Hyperdia shows any difference for these two types rapid. But most of rapid trains go to Nara from Kyoto is Miyakoji Rapid.
2. Yakumo
I have never tried, but in my understanding, it’s covered. This pass covers all express trains’ non reserved seat in valid area. So as long as you take Yakumo for Okayama-Kurashiki, it’s covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
thanks for your comments.
i’ll try if Yakumo is covered and report back here.
Enjoy your trip, CKS.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi, i just got back from my japan trip this morning.
Everything worked out great, except for getting on the wrong bus and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere in Kurashiki – had to take taxi (expensive!) to get back to JR station 🙁
I took the local train and not the Yakumo ltd express, but as you said it should be covered.
And the tip from Tak on the perfect case for JR pass worked wonders, my pass is still in pristine condition while i see others’ pass starting to tear.
Hi cks,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
That’s too bad to catch wrong bus at Kurashiki. But sometimes trouble happens while travelling. And you made an adjustment and back to the track.
You seem to enjoy the rest of travel. I hope you will go back Japan and visit other places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will be having my 10 days holiday in Japan soon and would like to ask for your advice.
Generally i have the following idea:
Day 1 – Nagoya – Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka – Kyoto
Day 3 – Osaka – Kobe
Day 4 – Osaka – Nara
Day 5 – Osaka – Kii Katsuura/ Shingu
Day 6 – Kii Katsuura/ Shingu
Day 7 – Kii Katsuura/ Shingu – Osaka (better if can return to Nagoya from here)
Day 8 – Osaka – Nagoya
Day 9 10 – Nagoya
It would be great if u can tell me which rail pass would be the best to use. I am currently thinking of the Kansai Wide Pass + another pass for Osaka – Kobe – Kyoto – Nara. However it does not cover Nagoya.
Thank you very much! 🙂
Hi Lynn,
As you think, Nagoya is not covered by any pass. But if you are okay with spending 2 hours + for Nagoya-Osaka transfer, Kintetsu Rail Pass is the best solution.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-3.html
Shinkansen is the fastest (1 hour) and most convenient choice for Nagoya-Osaka transfer. But if you stay in Namba area, you have take subway from Shin-Osaka and spend another 30 minutes. If you take Kintetsu Limited Express, it take 2.5 hours but it goes to Namba. Kintetsu Limited Express has same level of accommodation as Shinkansen. It is very comfortable.
And also Kintetsu is very convenient to get Nara. Even though Kintetsu is not the best choice for Osaka-Kyoto transfer, you can use this pass to get Kyoto.
So if you can switch day 2 and 4, you can use Kintetsu pass for first 3 days for Nara and Kyoto. And then you can start to use Kansai wide area pass for Kobe and Shingu.
You can go straight to Nagoya from Shingu. But it costs about 7500 yen. Single ticket is only choice. But if you go back to Osaka, Kansai wide area pass covers it. And you can use Kintetsu pass to get Nagoya one more time. Even you use it only once to get Nagoya, it’s still cheaper than single ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply & useful recommendations. Train system is very well developed in Japan i feel so lost! I am now thinking if it is worthwhile to travel to Katsuura due to the long travelling hours. :/
Do you have any good recommendation for trips around Nagoya? we are travelling as a couple, during the 1st 2 weeks in April.
Thanks lots!
Cheers,
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
I’m not very familiar with Nagoya. So I can’t recommend many things there.
Nagoya castle is a landmark there. In the spring, Nabano no Sato (Ngashima Spaland) is very popular to see flowers.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3313.html
In the city, there are subway. You can use subway pass as you need.
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/english/english_tickets.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks lots for your help! i will re-look at my plans.
Can’t wait to fly to Japan! Tanoshimi!
Regards,
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
My pleasure.
Yoi Tabi o (“Have a nice trip” in Japanese).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for this website. We will go to Japan next week and for our stay in Osaka we will definitely buy a Kansai Wide Area Pass (one round-trip to Okayama alone is worth it). The JR West website says that one person can only buy one Kansai Wide Area Pass. We will be in Osaka for more than 4 days and might decide that we want to get another rail pass. Do you know if one person can buy one Kansai Area Pass *and* one Kansai Wide Area Pass?
Hi Elfi,
Thank you for your comment about my website.
I have never tried it. In my understanding, you can purchase both.
But do you really need both passes? Kansai Area Pass is not a bad choice. But there are many other choices, like ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai Thru Pass, Kyoto sightseeing card, Osaka Eco card. These deals may be better deals. If you tell me how you will use Kansai Area Pass, I may be able to find which one will be the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much. We don’t know yet where we will want to go from Osaka. I am only evaluating options at the moment. And your website is a big help with that. Thank you again.
Hi Elfi,
If you have any more questions, just let me know. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very muhc.
No problem, Songsak.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Please advise if the following will be worth buying the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass.
Osaka station – Kanazawa station – Toyama station
Toyama station – Yura station in Tottori
Yura station – Tottori station
Tottori station – Osaka station
All within 7 days
Hi Panatsaya,
Both Toyama and Tottori are not in coverage area of Kansai Wide Area Pass. But you can use this pass for the part of the trip to Tottori or Toyama.
This pass is only 4 days valid. So I think you need to choose trip to Toyama or Tottori. If you can finish the trip to Tottori in 4 days, use this pass for trip to Tottori.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Sir,
You have a wonderful site!.. so much information!.. you are surely passionate about trains & travel!!
I need some advice:
6 days Kyoto – use ICOCA including KIX to Kyoto train
4 days Kinosakionsen use JR WIDE Area pass to Kyoto-Kinosaki-Osaka and Amanohashidate, Izushi, Toyooka
6 days Osaka -use ICOCA including Osaka to KIX airport
Can I have your opinion?
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your comment to my website.
I checked your itinerary. I just want to make sure one thing. Are you going to use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket? If so, it’s valid for 14 days. I think you will be n Japan for 16 days. If I’m correct, you can’t use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket. You can find one of Nankai railways deal to KIX from Osaka.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Sir!
Wow! thank you for your very prompt reply!
Yes, I have 16 days in Kansai area..not going anywhere else.
No, I will not be getting the Haruka round trip ticket, only the ICOCA pass.
Because my hotel is nearer Kujo station, I will buy a separate train ticket ( one way ) to Kyoto station and walk.
But thank you very much for suggesting the Kanku Chikatuku ticket on Nankin Line from Namba ( Osaka ).. I appreciate your help!.. you are truly an expert on train travel in Japan!
I hope you continue to keep this passion… it truly needs someone who loves what they do.. even when at times it seems so much repetitive work to answer queries!
Maybe if you are in Kyoto or Osaka in March, I would like to buy you a drink!
Hi Ron,
No worries. 🙂
I think you should use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket on arrival day. 3000 yen is super great deal!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I’ll be travelling to Japan from 8-28April2014. Getting a 21days JR Pass is too expensive and is not worth based on my itinerary. Hope you can provide some expert advice on which pass to get.
Below is my itinerary:
8-10Apr Arrive in Osaka but only visit Kyoto area
11-16Apr Kyoto to Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Takayama
17-20Apr Takayama to Tokyo
21-28apr Tokyo back to Kyoto/Osaka (visit Osaka & also Kyoto area)
Look forward to your reply.
Tks
rgds,
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
I recommend you to use the following:
Kansai airport to Osaka/Kyoto
ICOCA and Haruka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
You may add Kyoto city sightseeing pass as you need.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
*ICOCA e-money can be used for not only JR trains but also subways in Osaka, Kyoto and even Tokyo. So you can save your ICOCA e-money and use Kyoto sightseeing pass.
Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama
JR single ticket for Kyoto-Kanazawa. Nohi bus ticket for Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama
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
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
Takayama-Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto
If you will complete this trip in 7 days, you can use 7 days JR Pass. Roughly total fares will be 27000 to 28000 yen. It will be slightly cheaper than 7 days pass. However you can have unlimited JR trains ride when you stay in Tokyo. 7 days pass will be cheaper than total costs.
If you can’t complete in 7 days, only single ticket will be your choice. 14 days pass is too much.
For stay in Osaka and Kyoto before departure, basically single ticket or subway pass will be your option. There are some more options. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
can i take limited express asagiri with JR pass? which limited express is not allowed to be taken using JR pass.
Thank you. Need advice ASAP travelling in a few days’ time,
Hi connie,
Actually Asagiri is not JR train. Asagiri is a Odakyu train that run on JR Gotemba line partially. So most part of this train is not covered. Only Matsuda and Getemba is covered.
I wrote about the train that is not covered by JR Pass at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply. That means I can take Limited Express Asagiri to Gotemba and Matsuda?
Regards,
Connie
Hi Connie,
That’s right.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I am in Sapporo now. However, the JR ticket counter said that JR pass is not allowed on Limited Express Asagiri. I need to go to Gotemba on the 6 th December. Please kindly advise me what to do. How can the JR ticket office consultant does not know whether which train can be taken with JR pass. What should I do now?
Thank you very much.
Regards,
Connie
Hi Connie,
Probably JR Sapporo staff misunderstand that you will take Asagiri from Shinjku to Gotemba. As you know, JR Pass does not cover for the segment between Shinjuku and Matsuda because it runs on Odakyu line. In my understanding, you can take Asagiri between Matsuda to Gotemba because this segment belongs to JR. As long as you are travelling on JR lines, any types of daytime trains are covered except Nozomi and Mizuho.
If you JR staff will not say Yes, just take local train to get Gotemba. I think you will take local train to Matsuda from Kouzu. So just keep taking local train to Gotemba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for all the advice. I managed to take the local train to Gotemba on JR line..
Regards,
Connie
No problem, Connie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Your website is extremely helpful.
I would like your advice on my travel plan.
We will arrive in Osaka Nov 28 morning , leaving Dec 11 at 23.00pm We want to visit Kyoto, Nara, Arashiyama. This is our 3 trip to Japan but 1st to Osaka. I would like my sons to try shinkansen so I was looking at Kansai Wide Area Pass at 7000yen for 4days.which is is not to expensive. We can just take shinkansen to places along this route. Do you think this is a good choice or would you suggest any other affordable pass I can buy just so they can ride the shinkansen? I think I still need to buy the Icocca card for the trip to and from airport right ? I am open to any suggestions.Thank you so much for your time.
Hi Judy,
I think Kansai Wide Area Pass is the cheapest choice to take Shinkansen. If you take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okaayama, it takes one hour trip. And I recommend you to drop by Kurashiki.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
If you start to use this pass right after you arrive in KIX, you don’t need to purchase ICOCA. But you will stay for 2 weeks. ICOCA makes your trip easier.
If you stay in Numba area, Nankai Railway’s deal is more attractive.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Dear Rail Pass Team,
we think that the Kansai Wild Area Pass will be fine for us.
Ths is what we plan
1 day to Osaka Kansai Airport
2 day Osaka
3 day Kyoto
4 day from Kyoto to Hiroshima and thats it,
our Money is very short thats why we cant buy this Sanyo Area Pass.
we see that the Kansai Wild Area Pass incl. till Okayama, after this we have to pay till Hiroshima… is it a good choice? to pay on spot for the rest stations?
Thanks so much!
Hi Zu Zu,
That’s a good choice. Even if you use it from KIX to Osaka by Haruka and from Osaka to Okayama by Shinkansen, this pass is cheaper than single fares. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail