Cost-Efficient Rail Passes to Explore Western Japan
Japan's Kansai region is filled with attractive travel destinations, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
There are various railway companies operating in this area such as JR West, Hankyu, and Keihan Electric Railway. Each company offers their own unique rail pass.
However, these passes can be slightly complicated to use. For example, the Japan Rail Pass cannot be used on other railways than JR. But when used wisely, these travel passes can save you money during your trip.
This article introduces rail passes that are exclusive for western Japan, with details on the areas where each pass can be used, their various advantages, and things you need to know about them.
Table of Contents:
1. Great for a Basic Trip to Osaka-Kyoto
2. Explore Western Japan Extensively
3. Ideal for Visiting Hiroshima from Osaka
4. Valid on Private Railways in the Osaka-Kyoto Area
5. An Economical Way to Visit the Osaka-Kyoto Area
6. A Prepaid Card with Discounts
7. Convenient for Osaka Sightseeing!
8. Perfect for Kyoto Sightseeing!
1. JR Kansai Area Pass: Great for a Basic Trip to Osaka-Kyoto
The Kansai Area Pass is an unlimited-use travel pass for the Kansai Region issued by JR West. It's great for a simple trip of up to four days to destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Please note that it can't be used to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train).
Please note:
\- You cannot use this pass on non-JR Lines (private railways, etc.) or Shinkansen (bullet train).
\- If you made a reservation for your pass overseas, please don't forget to bring your exchange voucher to Japan.
How to Buy the Kansai Area Pass
There are three ways to buy this pass.
1. Make a reservation on the official website. Upon arriving in Japan, pay for the pass at a major JR train station (*).
2. Purchase a voucher at an authorized dealer in your respective country, then exchange it for the pass after arriving in Japan.
3. Upon arrival in Japan, exchange your voucher for the Kansai Area Pass at any major JR train station.
2. JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass: Explore Western Japan Extensively
The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass is a JR pass that allows you to explore western Japan more extensively than the Kansai Area Pass.
You can visit places like northern Kyoto (Amanohashidate), Okayama Prefecture (Kurashiki), the Shingu area in Wakayama Prefecture that is home to the World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo trail, and Tottori Prefecture and Kagawa's Takamatsu City in Shikoku.
Please note:
\- This pass cannot be used on non-JR Lines (private railways, etc.)
\- The Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Shinkansen west of Okayama are not covered by this pass.
\- If you made a reservation for your pass overseas, please don't forget to bring your exchange coupon to Japan.
How to Buy the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
There are three ways to buy this pass.
1. Reserve your pass on the official website. Upon arriving in Japan, pay for the pass at a major JR train station (*).
2. Purchase a voucher on Klook or at an authorized dealer in your respective country, then exchange it for the pass at any major JR train station after arriving in Japan.
3. Upon arrival in Japan, purchase the pass at any major JR train station.
Book your JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass: Ideal for Visiting Hiroshima from Osaka
The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass allows you to visit more areas than the Kansai WIDE Area Pass―even as far as Hiroshima.
We recommend this pass for those interested in visiting western Japan, including Hiroshima.
Please note:
\- This pass cannot be used on non-JR Lines (private railways, etc.).
\- The Tokaido Shinkansen Line (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Shinkansen Line west of Okayama are excluded.
\- If you made a reservation for your pass overseas, please don't forget to bring your exchange coupon to Japan.
How to Buy the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
There are three ways to buy this pass.
1. Reserve your pass on Klook or the official website, then pay at any major JR train station after arriving in Japan (*).
2. Purchase a voucher at an authorized dealer in your respective country, then exchange it for your pass at any major JR train station after arriving in Japan.
3. Upon arrival in Japan, exchange your voucher for the pass at any major JR train station.
Book your JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
In addition, there's the Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass (7-Day: 17,000 yen) that includes Kanazawa and Hokuriku region. There's also the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass (7-Day: 20,000 yen), which takes you as far as Hakata.
Official Website: JR-West Rail Pass
4. KANSAI THRU PASS: A Pass for Private Railways
The rail passes introduced above are all issued by JR West.
The KANSAI THRU PASS is a travel pass exclusively used on private railways in the Kansai area.
Besides the JR lines, the Kansai region also has a rich network of private railways. In some instances, these private railways are easier to use than conventional rail lines (*).
Please note:
\- This pass cannot be used on JR lines and the Shinkansen bullet train.
How to Buy the KANSAI THRU PASS
\- Purchase a voucher on Klook, then exchange it for your pass after arriving in Japan.
\- It's also possible to purchase your pass upon arrival in Japan at ticket vendors inside Kansai International Airport and the Namba Tourist Information Center (click here for details).
5. Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass: Economical One-Day or Two-Day Pass for the Osaka-Kyoto Area
The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is a pass issued by the Keihan Electric Railway, which connects Osaka with Kyoto. With this pass, it's easy to get to Kyoto's major attractions, including Gion, Kiyomizudera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and the Uji area.
We recommend this pass for visitors who wish to visit multiple places in Kyoto efficiently.
Please note:
Using this pass, you can only ride the Keihan Railway (JR lines and other private railways are excluded).
How to Buy the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Purchase a voucher on Klook or the official website, then exchange it for your pass at a ticket counter inside one of the Keihan Railway's main stations.
Book your Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
6. KANSAI ONE PASS: A Prepaid Card with Discounts
The KANSAI ONE PASS is a prepaid IC card.
Using this card likely won't save you a lot of money. However, once you've charged money to the card, you won't have to worry about buying a ticket every time you change trains on lines operated by different railway companies.
Please note:
This card is convenient but it brings no particular discount for tourists. You'll have to recharge it and make sure you have enough money on it to travel around.
Purchase Locations
Kansai Airport Station, JR Kyoto Station, JR Shin-Osaka Station, etc.
Official Website: KANSAI ONE PASS
7. OSAKA AMAZING PASS: A Subway Pass for Osaka Sightseeing
The OSAKA AMAZING PASS offers unlimited riding privileges on subways and buses that connect Osaka's main sightseeing spots.
It also grants free admission to some sightseeing places, so it's perfect for Osaka-based sightseeing.
Please note:
This pass cannot be used on JR train lines.
Sales Locations
The Osaka Amazing Pass can be purchased on Klook. It's also available at Osaka Station's Tourist Information Osaka and at Namba Station's Information Center Namba.
Official Website: OSAKA AMAZING PASS
Additionally, you can buy a ticket ahead of time on Klook for the Express Rapi:t that connects Kansai International Airport with Namba in Osaka. Please be sure to check this out!
8. Kyoto Subway/Bus One-Day Pass: Perfect for Kyoto Sightseeing!
The Kyoto Subway/Bus One-Day Pass is a travel pass for use within Kyoto City.
This pass covers most of Kyoto's major sightseeing spots found in the heart of the city.
As the number of visitors increases, buses often get stuck in traffic congestion. To ensure efficient and enjoyable sightseeing, be sure to combine your bus travels with subways.
Please note:
\- Buses are often crowded, so we recommend taking the subway on weekends and national holidays.
\- This pass does not allow you to access the following sightseeing spots: Ohara area (Sanzen-in Temple, Jakko-in Temple), Takao area (Jingo-ji Temple), Kibune-Kurama area (Kifune Shrine, Kurama-dera Temple), etc.
Purchase Locations
This pass can be purchased at various locations, including the Bus Information Center (Japanese Google map) outside JR Kyoto Station's Central Gate (Chuo Gate).
Official Website: Kyoto One-Day Pass
There's also the Subway One-Day Pass (800 yen) and the Bus One-Day Pass (700 yen). These passes are ideal for those traveling exclusively by either subway or bus.
Other Tips
As featured above, the travel passes you can use in the Kansai region each have their own unique characteristics. Choose the one that best fits your travel plans and use it to make your trip more efficient, enjoyable, and economical!
As an additional tip, those who prefer traveling by highway bus can also benefit from discounts by using the services of Willer Bus! Click on the link below for details:
Let's go to Osaka and Kyoto by bus! Click here for bargain-priced tickets!
