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 Takeshi san……im planning my trip to Osaka on 16 July…would appreciate if you could suggest the best and cheapest to travel on JR passes as below :-
16/7 – Kansai/Kyoto
17/7 – Kyoto
18/7 – Kyoto/Osaka
19/7 – Osaka
20/7 – Osaka/Nara
21/7 – Nara/Osaka
22/7 – Osaka/Himeji/Osaka
23/7 – Osaka
24/7 – Osaka
25/7 – Osaka/Kansai
Thanks for your help.
Hi Melvin san,
Your plan is very very similar to one of my sample itineraries. Please see the link below first:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
In the sample itinerary above, Nara is dropped by between Kyoto and Osaka. In your itinerary, you will visit Nara as 1 night 2 days trip from Osaka. But single fare is still the best option for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
I’m looking for transportation between Shirahama to Kyoto and find that JR Kuroshio has direct and fastest line to get there. I also plan to use Kansai WIDE Area Pass, as I read on your writing above that Limited Express Kuroshio is include in this pass. But I has a bit confusion as I check on their web that JR Kuroshio is not listed inside the Kansai WIDE pass, please find the link below for your reference:
https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/pass-regional/kansai/jr-kansai-wide-area-pass/order
Can you give me more info regarding this.
Thank you before.
Hi Shirley,
That site shows you only the names of lines, not train’s names other than Haruka. It covers many more trains. You can find it at JR West site:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai_wide/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
I would like to ask your opinion regarding my itinerary for my coming trip to Japan 22-27 April 2015 as follows;
Day 1: KIX to Umeda (use Yokoso Osaka pass)
Day 2: Universal Studio (buy single tickets)
Day 3: Kyoto (Hankyu Tourist Pass + Keihan for Fushimi Inari, Gion , Nishiki Market)
Day 4: Shirahama (Saki No Yu) ??
Day 5: Osaka – Explore Osaka ( Osaka Amazing Pass)
Day 6: Osaka – Explore Osaka (buy single tickets) + Limousine bus Umeda to KIX
from what I’ve read it is very costly for day trip to Shirahama (around 10.000 yen) therefore having read your article on Kansai Wide Area Pass, I would like to ask whether it is possible to just buy 5 day ticket of Kansai Wide Area Pass for all my 5 days travels? Does it cover JR and non JR for around Osaka too?
If it works with buying Kansai Wide Area Pass (9000 yen) then on my last day I would only need to buy ticket for Limousine bus to KIX, what do you think? Thank you!
Hi Dinnie,
Yes. You can use Kansai Wide Area Pass for the first 5 days. But this deal does not cover any subway and private trains, such as Hankyu. Please find more info 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
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
Even though this deal does not cover subway and other non JR lines, this deal is the best choice as long as you go to Shirahama. You may add subway or bus pass as you need in Kyoto and Osaka. Many places can be accessed by JR in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Great, I shall consider that as my option then, thanks so much for your reply!
No problem, Dinnie.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
We will be travelling to Kinosaki Onsen and staying a night there on 27th April using a JR West Wide Pass from Osaka. We are considering to stop by at Amanohashidate for a few hours. What is your advice on whether we should do it before or after Kinosaki? We will of course buy a one-day Kyoto Sea Pass for our visit to Amanohashidate to cover the non-JR track. For your info, after Kinosaki, we return to Osaka. Are the trains normally packed during this time?
Thanks
Juan
Hi Juan,
I have done both before. But I don’t think it’s not much different. You can decide by train connection at Fukuchiyama.
April 29 is holiday but 27 and 28 are weekdays. It’s not busy period yet.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Once again, thank you for your prompt reply. I now have my final itinerary as follows. Please comment.
Day 1 (20/4) Arrive KIX 5.30pm
Day 2 (21/4) Osaka – 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass
Day 3 (22/4) Osaka
Day 4 (23/4) Nara – Single tickets
Day 5 (24/4) Himeji/Okayama/Kurashiki – JR West Wide plus local train from Okayama to Kurashiki. May drop by at Kobe if time permits.
Day 6 (25/4) Kyoto Arashimaya – JR West Wide
Day 7 (26/4) Kyoto Higashimaya – JR West Wide plus 1-day Kyoto Sighseeing Pass
Day 8 (27/4) Osaka/Amanohashide/Kinosaki – JR West Wide plus Kyoto Sea Pass
Day 9 (28/4) Kinosaki/Osaka – JR West Wide
Day 10 (29/4) Osaka/KIX Flight at 11.30pm
KIX/Osaka/KIX – Most probably by airport bus
I wonder if I should get a 3-day Kansai Thru Pass for use together with JR West Wide. If I get a Kansai Thru Pass, I will not buy Osaka Amazing and Kyoto 1-day Sightseeing Pass. Am I thinking correctly? When is the best day to fit in Fushimi Inari?
Regards
Juan
Hi Juan,
If you use Kansau thru pass, trip to Higashiyama and trip to Nara are the best day to use. It’s not good idea to use it for Osaka sightseeing, You can use regular subway card (Eco card) can be replaced by Amazing pass if you don’t intend to visit many attractions.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Fushimi can be combined with either Arashiyama, Higashiyama or even Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will be holidaying in Osaka with my boyfriend during the Golden Week and it will be the first time in Japan for both of us! After reading your posts, I am still overwhelmed by the many many passes and options, so I’m hoping you can help makes things clearer for us. Our plan is;
Day 1 May 2 (Saturday) – Arrival in Kansai Airport, travel to Osaka to stay near Daikoku-cho station
Day 2 May 3 (Sunday) – Osaka
Day 3 May 4 (Monday) – Travel to Kyoto
Day 4 May 5 (Tuesday) – Kyoto and surrounding (may include day trips to nearby attractions/cities/towns)
Day 5 May 6 (Wednesday) – Kyoto and surrounding (may include day trips)
Day 6 May 7 (Thursday) – Travel to Kinosaki
Day 7 May 8 (Friday) – Kinosaki
Day 8 May 9 (Saturday) – Travel back to Osaka (Hotel New Otani Osaka)
Day 9 May 10 (Sunday) – to Kansai airport to fly home
From my reading I think the Kansai Wide area pass is the best deal for us. Am I right? How do I break it down? Should we buy 2 wide area passes each to cover the duration of our trip? Also, my concern is I feel we need to reserve seats on all rides to travel between cities since it is the golden week. Can we do that and how do we do that?
Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Adelia,
First of all, you may purchase one Kasai Wide Area Pass for the last 5 days. It will cover Kinosaki and go back to KIX by limited express Haruka.
For the first 4 days, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day.
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
Daikokucho is subway station and this deal does not cover subway. If you need to take subway, you have to use ICOCA e-money that is included in this deal. You can transfer to subway at Tennoji. You can get Tennoji by limited express Haruka from KIX. But Daikokucho is located among three JR stations, JR-Namba, Imamiya and Shin-Imamiya.
Map https://goo.gl/maps/FVz1n
If you get off the train at one of these stations, you don’t need to use ICOCA e-money. So check the exact location to stay. You may access your hotel from these JR stations.
In Osaka and Kyoto, you can use subway/bus deal.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
And you can use ICOCA e-money to get Kyoto. ICOCA can be used for any trains, not only JR but also subway or other private lines, like Hankyu, Keihan.
You will start to use Kansai Wide Area pass on day 5 (May 6). If you intend to visit Fushimi Inari, Uji or Nara, don’t go there on day 4. You can use this deal to get these areas by Kansai Wide Area Pass. You should visit the spots in the city on day 4, like Gion, Higashiyama, Kinaku-ji temple. Please find more info at the link below:
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/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
At last, regarding reservation, you don’t need to book any trains in Osaka and Kyoto. You will take only commute trains, You cannot book anyway. And also ICOCA and Haruka and Kansai Wide Area Pass do not allow you to take reserved seat. If you want to take reserved seat, you have to add limited express surcharge. But it doesn’t make any sense to use these deal. When you go to Kinosaki, Golden Weeks is already finished. In this year, May 2 to 6 will be busiest period. I don’t think it will be busy on May 7. May 9 is weekend. But you will go back to Osaka. Most of tourists will go to Kinosaki on this day. You will travel opposite way. So you will be fine.
Anyway regrading seat, you don’t need to reserve it. As long as you show up 15 to 20 minutes earlier than departure time at platform, you will get a seat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you, thank you very much Takeshi for your response. You are truly helpful, I appreciate it very much. I am not so worried now, as I was initially worried about not being able to get to the other cities and will be left in Osaka without any places to stay for fear all hotels will be fully booked! 🙂 I look forward to visit your beautiful country.
No problem, Adelia.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takesan,
I see your website is very useful regarding the railways system in Japan. After reviewing I still have a few questions that I could not find the answer and would like to seek advice from you.
Our trip is from Mar 29 to Apr5 and we include my 4 year old kid. My initineary as followings:
Day 1: KIX to Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto – Kinisaki Onsen
Day 5: Kinosaki Onsen – Osaka
Day 6: day trip from Osaka to Himeji and Kobe
Day 7: Osaka
Day 8: Osaka shinsaibasi – KIX
After some research I intend to go for Haruka+OCOCA package and Kansai wide area pass for the last 5 days.
My concerns are:
1. I understand that Kasai Wide area pass can only be used for nonreserved seats but considering we are traveling with a 4 year old kid and for a quite long distance from Kyoto-Kinosaki onsen and Kinosaki-Osaka, is it dificult to find a seat for the kid if we use this pass or we need to buy thr single base fare to be able to reserve a seat? Clearly my kid cannot stand all that long distance.
2. The Kansai Wide Area Pass cannot use for Kyoto and Osaka subway but the OCOCA could. Please correct me if Iam wrong.
3. Our flight back home is at 9.30 am which means that we have to arrive at KIX at 7am. Which is the best way to go from Osaka Shinsaibasi do you advice? Iam thinking taking the early limobus from Osaka OCAT.
Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Van,
1. I understand that Kasai Wide area pass can only be used for nonreserved seats but considering we are traveling with a 4 year old kid and for a quite long distance from Kyoto-Kinosaki onsen and Kinosaki-Osaka, is it dificult to find a seat for the kid if we use this pass or we need to buy thr single base fare to be able to reserve a seat? Clearly my kid cannot stand all that long distance.
As long as you take a train at departure station, it’s not hard to find the seats. In your trip, you will take departure stations, Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen. So it will be no problem. In case that train is full, you need to put your kid on your lap because she can ride a train at free of charge. But it’s rare that it’s completely full. I just got Kinosaki Onsen last week, I traveled with my 5 years old daughter. I got child pass for her, but I should not have got it.
2. The Kansai Wide Area Pass cannot use for Kyoto and Osaka subway but the OCOCA could. Please correct me if Iam wrong.
You are right. Please find more info 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
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
3. Our flight back home is at 9.30 am which means that we have to arrive at KIX at 7am. Which is the best way to go from Osaka Shinsaibasi do you advice? Iam thinking taking the early limobus from Osaka OCAT.
I think subway and Nankai railway are the best option. OCAT is a bit away from central Namba. If you get OCAT from Shinsaibashi, taxi is the best option. It takes at least 10 minutes if you walk from subway Namba station to OCAT. I don’t recommend you to walk with luggage and your child.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your quick response. All is clear now.
Van
No problem, Van.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Your advice is appreciated on the following:-
1) We will arrive KIX at 5pm and have booked 8 nights in Osaka as our base. Hotel has recommended us to take the airport limousine bus to Namba then a 5-minute taxi ride to hotel.
2) We plan to buy a 5- day JR West Wide Area pass for trips to Kyoto, Nara, Oji, Kobe, Himeji and Kinosaki. We will be staying 1 night in Kinosaki also depart from there to KIX. Am I making the right choice for buying a JR Wide Area pass?
3) For the 2nd and 3rd day, do I just use the ICOCA card or is there any other card you can recommend?
Hope to hear from you.
Thanks
Juan
Hi Juan san,
1) I’m not sure Limousine is the best or not. I think you can take Nankai Railway too.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
2) Yes. That pass is only deal that covers Kinosaki.
3) What are you doing on day 2 and 3?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi san,
Thanks for your reply.
Day 2 and Day 3 – Osaka
Day 4 – Nara
Day 5, Day 6, Day 7 – Kobe, Himeji, Kyoto
Day 8 and 9 – Osaka/Kinosaki/KIX (Flight at 11.40pm)
Will start using the JR West Wide Pass from Day 5. May make use of the pass to go to Okayama for a ride on Sanyo Shinkansen!!
Should I consider getting another pass for the first few days?
Thanks.
Hi Juan,
It depends on your plan for day 2 to 4. I wrote about staying in Osaka at the link below. I believe you can get some idea from this post.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi san,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I am overwhelmed with the many passes available and I still need you advice on whether I am choosing the right passes.
1) Is it worth getting an Osaka Amazing Pass for Osaka? I am choosing it because it allows subway travel and also has free entrances to various places.
2) For Nara, I plan to get a Kintetsu Rail Pass One Day.
3) For Kyoto, I will be using the JR West Wide pass and will also buy a Kyoto sightseeing Pass (Maybe a 2-day pass).
4) For Kobe/Himeji – Will use the JR West Wide. One day is ok for Kobe/Himeji?
Regards
Juan
Hi Juan san,
1) Is it worth getting an Osaka Amazing Pass for Osaka? I am choosing it because it allows subway travel and also has free entrances to various places.
If you visit 3 or 4 places, it works.
2) For Nara, I plan to get a Kintetsu Rail Pass One Day.
If you visit only central Nara, single fare is cheaper. Because most of places are within walking distance and single fare is 560 yen one way.
3) For Kyoto, I will be using the JR West Wide pass and will also buy a Kyoto sightseeing Pass (Maybe a 2-day pass).
It’s a good idea. But if you go to only Arashiyiama, you can use this pass, You don’t need to use any bus or subway from JR Kyoto station.
4) For Kobe/Himeji – Will use the JR West Wide. One day is ok for Kobe/Himeji?
Agree!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
One last one!!
Apart from Arashimaya, I am also going to eastern part of Kyoto ie. Higashiyama district, Kiyomizudera Temple etc. So a Kyoto Sightseeing Pass is required?
Of course, a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion) too not forgetting Fushimi Inari in the south.
Thank you very much.
Regards
Juan
Hi Juan,
Yes, it works. Actually you can visit all places by bus only. But in Kyoto, traffic is always heavy. Subway is more reliable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Domo arigatogozaimashita, Takeshi san!!
Douitashimasite, Juan san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
If i purchase kansai wide area pass (4 days) on february, can i use it on March? I dont need the pass for 5 days, my itinerary only cover kyoto/kobe/nara/kinosaki onsen for 4 days. Kindly advise, thanks
Hi Esther,
If you purchase it in Japan in February, I think you can purchase current pass. This price and conditions will be applied after March 1. But if you buy this online, it may be changed to new one. Because it will be on sale 28 days before online. So far online booking site does not show any new pass info there. Please check the following site later:
https://entry.jr-odekake.net/webapp/form/14454_yjv_13/index.do
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
And is Yamazaki covered by this pass from Kyoto?
Saw the train map and it show it did goes to Shishamoto but Yamazaki is not listed inside..
Thank you.
Hi Jas,
Your choice and itinerary is good to go.
Do you mean “Shimamoto” and “Yamazaki” stations that are located between Kyoto and Osaka? Those stations are covered by both Takayama-Hokuriku pass and Kansai Wide Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Yes, both between Osaka and Kyoto.
I saw there are some train change form Kyoto to Kinosaki. Can I take Ltd Exp Hashidate? Or only Ltd Exp Konotori and Ltd Exp Kinosaki?
And do I need to buy Kansai Wide Pass outside Japan? Or are they selling inside Japan?
Thank you!
Hi Jas,
All trains are covered by this pass. As long as you travel in coverage area, non reserved seat of all trains (except Shinkansen between Maibara and Shin-Osaka) are covered. Please refer JR West site:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai_wide/
You can purchase it in Japan, like at KIX or Osaka station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much and appreciate for your prompt reply!
All clear and ready to set.
Thanks again!
No problem, Jas.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takesan
Sorry got to trouble you again. Just finalising my itineary and make some changes
Day 1- Reach Kansai airport > Kyoto > Nagoya > Takayama (stay 2 nights)
Go from Nagoya for the timing and the sake of view in Wide Hida.
Day 2- Shirakawa-go, Shin Hotaka Ropeway
Day 3- Hirayu Onsen, Takayama > Kanazawa > Kyoto (stay 4 nights)
Day 4- Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine, Gion
Day 5- Arashiyama, Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Day 6- Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara, Oji
Day 7- Kinosaki Onsen (stay 1 night)
Day 8- Osaka- Minami, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Den Den Town, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Nankinmachi, Ikuta Shrine (Stay 2 night)
Day 9- Osaka or Kobe (day trip)
Day 10- Depart Japan.
I will buy a return Icoca & Haruka Pass, Tkayama- Hokuriku Pass, Okuhida Marugoto Value Kippu and a 4 day Kansai Wide Pass.
Is these pass workable for my itinerary?
Million thanks!