Buzz
Are you planning a trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe but hesitant about the cost of a JR Pass? Instead of opting for the nationwide JR Pass, you can choose a regional JR Pass or travel card listed below to enjoy unlimited exploration!
Aside from Tokyo, the Kansai region is undoubtedly one of Japan's most visited areas! Home to iconic cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe — each offering incredible experiences, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery — it's no wonder Kansai is a must-visit destination.
A typical Kansai travel itinerary often includes popular spots like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. However, many travelers also want to add more distant destinations to their journey. The big question is: which Kansai travel card should you choose? Read the details below about each card to find the perfect option for your adventure.
1. JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
Exclusively for international visitors to Japan, the JR West Kansai Pass offers unlimited travel on local JR trains and West JR buses in the Kansai region, covering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and other nearby areas for one to four days. The pass also includes access to the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka train line.
Train Lines Covered by the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
- Non-reserved seats on the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka train
- Special rapid trains, rapid trains, and local trains on JR-West conventional lines
- West JR buses operating within the designated area
Train Lines Not Covered by the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
- Shinkansen bullet trains or other Limited Express trains, except for the Kansai-Airport Haruka
Additionally, separate express tickets are required in the following cases:
- Reserved seats on the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka train
- Reserved and non-reserved seats on other express trains
How to Use the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
Purchase your JR West Kansai Pass on Mytour. Upon arrival in Japan, present your passport and Mytour e-voucher to receive the pass. Once obtained, enjoy unlimited travel within the designated area and validity period. Always carry your passport and present it to station staff when using the pass.
Cities Covered by the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
The designated Kansai region includes Kansai International Airport, Universal City Station, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama, Shiga, Tsuruga, Tennoji, Iga-Ueno, and more. Refer to the JR West railway map for further details.
Should You Buy the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass?
The JR West Kansai Pass is ideal for international visitors to Japan who wish to explore the Kansai region. It’s particularly cost-effective if your itinerary includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and extends to farther destinations like Himeji, Iga-Ueno, and beyond.
You can select a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day pass to match your travel schedule.
2. JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
The 5-day JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass is exclusively for international visitors to Japan. This pass allows unlimited travel on designated trains and buses within the Kansai region for five days. It also includes unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train and can be used for non-reserved seats on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen!
Train Lines Covered by the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
- Non-reserved seats on the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to/from Okayama)
- Non-reserved seats on Haruka, Kuroshio, Thunderbird, Kounotori, and Super Hakuto limited express trains (Kyoto to/from Kamigori)
- Special rapid, rapid, and local trains on JR-West conventional lines
- Kyoto Tango Railway, Wakayama Electric Railway, San'in Main Line between Hamasaka and Tottori, and West JR buses within the designated area
Train Lines Not Covered by the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
- Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains (Shin-Osaka to/from Tokyo)
- Sanyo Shinkansen bullet trains (Okayama to/from Hakata)
- Kyushu Shinkansen bullet trains (Hakata to/from Kagoshima-Chuo)
How to Use the JR West Kansai Pass / JR Kansai Area Pass
Purchase your JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass on Mytour. While in Japan, present your passport and Mytour e-voucher to receive the pass. Once obtained, enjoy unlimited travel within the pass's validity period. Always carry your passport and present it to station staff when using the pass.
Cities Covered by the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
The extensive Kansai region includes Kansai International Airport, Universal City Station, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Koyasan, Kurashiki, Shirahama, Takamatsu in Shikoku, and more. Refer to the JR Kansai WIDE route map: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_wide/ for further details.
Should You Buy the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass?
The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass is an excellent choice if you want to explore the Kansai region extensively. It’s particularly suitable for visiting Kinosaki Onsen, Okayama, the Kumano region, and more, in addition to the classic Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe route.
3. Kansai Thru Pass
The Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited travel on designated trains, subways, and buses within the Kansai region. Available exclusively for international visitors to Japan and Japanese citizens meeting specific criteria, the pass comes in 2-day and 3-day options.
Train Lines Covered by the Kansai Thru Pass
- Non-JR train lines in the Kansai region, including but not limited to Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Keihan Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Nankai Railway, Sanyo Railway, Keifuku Railway, Kobe Railway, Osaka Monorail, and subways in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
- Buses in the Kansai region, such as city buses in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, as well as Nankai, Hankyu, Kintetsu, Wakayama, and Keihan buses.
- Certain ropeways, including those at Hieizan and Koyasan.
Train Lines Not Covered by the Kansai Thru Pass
- Any train lines operated by JR.
Additionally, be aware of additional costs in the following cases:
- Limited Express trains on Nankai Railway and Kintetsu Railway
- Premium class cars on Keihan Railway
How to Use the Kansai Thru Pass
Purchase your Kansai Thru Pass on Mytour. While in Japan, present your Mytour e-voucher to exchange for the pass. Once obtained, you can start using the pass for unlimited travel within its validity period.
Cities Covered by the Kansai Thru Pass
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hieizan, and Koyasan. Refer to the full list of transportation options covered by the Kansai Thru Pass for more details.
Should You Buy the Kansai Thru Pass?
The Kansai Thru Pass is highly useful and cost-effective if you plan to travel extensively within Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Compared to JR Kansai passes, it covers a denser network of transportation in the most visited cities in Kansai, such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
4. ICOCA IC Card
ICOCA is a prepaid card that can be used for transportation and shopping in the Kansai region and beyond. Similar to Hong Kong's Octopus Card, Taiwan's EasyCard, and Singapore's EZ-Link, you simply top up your ICOCA Card when the balance runs low.
You can also use the ICOCA Card to receive discounts on the Kansai-Airport Express 'Haruka' train. Fun fact - ICOCA is derived from the local phrase "Iko ka" (行こか), meaning "Let's go!"
Train Lines Covered by the ICOCA IC Card
Discounted Haruka tickets for the Kansai Airport Express (including Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto) when presenting your ICOCA Card (available only for temporary visitors with foreign passports).
How to Use the ICOCA IC Card
Purchase your ICOCA IC Card on Mytour. Present your e-voucher and receive your prepaid card upon arrival in Japan. You can start using it immediately as the card comes preloaded. Before leaving Japan, you can return the card to receive a refund of the remaining balance and deposit.
Cities Covered by the ICOCA IC Card
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and more. Simply look for the ICOCA logo at payment points. Refer to the ICOCA usage guide for further details.
Should You Buy the ICOCA IC Card?
The ICOCA Card is suitable for all travelers in Kansai. Even if you already have other train passes, ICOCA serves as an excellent supplementary card for transportation not covered by discounts or on days when your main pass is inactive or expired.
You can also use ICOCA for shopping at convenience stores, taking taxis, and more. If there’s remaining balance on the card, you can refund it along with the initial deposit!
5. Osaka Amazing Pass
The Osaka Amazing Pass not only offers unlimited rides on select subways, trams, and city buses but also grants free entry to 30 popular tourist attractions in Osaka during the pass's validity period! It’s available in 1-day and 2-day options.
Train Lines Covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass
- Unlimited rides on Osaka Municipal Subway and Osaka City Bus
- Private railway lines (Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Keihan Electric Railway, Kinki Nippon Railway, and Nankai Railway)
- Free entry to 30 Osaka attractions listed on the Osaka Amazing Pass website
Train Lines Not Covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass
- Travel on JR lines
How to Use the Osaka Amazing Pass
Purchase your Osaka Amazing Pass on Mytour. Present your Mytour voucher to receive the physical pass. The pass is activated upon first use on public transportation or for entry to one of the listed attractions.
Cities Covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass
Osaka
Should You Buy the Osaka Amazing Pass?
The Osaka Amazing Pass is ideal if you’re spending one or two days in Osaka and want to explore all the top attractions without spending too much.
6. Kintetsu Rail Pass
The Kintetsu Rail Pass allows international visitors unlimited rides on Kintetsu Railway trains, excluding Limited Express trains. Kintetsu Railway is Japan’s largest non-JR railway network, covering extensive routes in the region. A "Plus" option also includes buses around Nara and the Shima Peninsula.
The standard pass is available in 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day consecutive options. The "Plus" option is only available for the 5-day pass.
Train Lines Covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass
- Unlimited rides on Kintetsu Railway
- Depending on the pass you choose, designated areas and additional routes may vary. For a full list, refer to the details of your selected Kintetsu Rail Pass package
Train Lines Not Covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass
- Limited Express trains (tokkyu)
How to Use the Kintetsu Rail Pass
Purchase your Kintetsu Rail Pass on Mytour. Present your Mytour voucher and passport to exchange for the physical pass. The pass is activated upon first use, allowing you unlimited travel on selected systems during its validity period.
Cities Covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Yoshino, Iga, Yunoyama, Nagoya, Mie, and Ise-Shima
Should You Buy the Kintetsu Rail Pass?
The Kintetsu Rail Pass is an excellent choice for travelers primarily moving between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. It’s cost-effective if you plan day trips between Osaka-Kyoto, Nara, and farther destinations like the Shima Peninsula, Nagoya, Yoshino, etc., during the pass's validity period.
7. JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is exclusively for international visitors to Japan, offering unlimited travel on JR trains between Tokyo and Osaka via the Hokuriku route. Slightly cheaper than the nationwide JR Pass, it’s a great alternative for travelers moving between Tokyo and the designated Kansai area.
Train Lines Covered by the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Reserved seats on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to/from Kanazawa)
- Reserved seats on Limited Express, Rapid, and JR-West conventional lines
- Non-reserved seats on the Haruka train and all permitted Tokyo Monorail lines
Train Lines Not Covered by the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Sanyo Shinkansen
- Tokaido Shinkansen
How to Use the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
Purchase the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass on Mytour and receive the Exchange Order by mail or in person. Upon arrival in Japan, present your passport and Exchange Order to receive the pass. Once obtained, enjoy unlimited travel within the pass's validity period and designated areas.
Cities Covered by the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
Tokyo, Narita International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano, Karuizawa, Tennoji, and more. Refer to the Hokuriku Arch Pass website for further details.
Should You Buy the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass?
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is ideal if you want to extend your trip around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe to include Tokyo. Note that this pass is only valid for the route between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka via the Hokuriku region, unlike the more popular Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen routes.
8. Hankyu Tourist Pass
The Hankyu Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on Hankyu Railway lines covering Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Available in 1-day and 2-day options, the Hankyu Tourist Pass is one of the most affordable travel passes.
Train Lines Covered by the Hankyu Tourist Pass
- Hankyu Railway Kobe Line
- Hankyu Railway Takarazuka Line
- Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line
Train Lines Not Covered by the Hankyu Tourist Pass
- Kobe Rapid Transit Subway
How to Use the Hankyu Tourist Pass
Purchase your Hankyu Tourist Pass on Mytour. While in Japan, present your Mytour voucher to exchange for the pass. With the physical pass, you can start enjoying unlimited rides on selected railway lines during its validity period.
Cities Covered by the Hankyu Tourist Pass
Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe
Should You Buy the Hankyu Tourist Pass?
The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a great choice if you’re exploring Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe for one or two days. While it’s more affordable than other passes, it’s limited to selected Hankyu Railway lines. If this aligns with your itinerary and travel plans, it’s an excellent option!
With the travel passes introduced above, we hope you can choose the best option for your upcoming trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe. Each pass has its pros and cons, so carefully consider your travel needs and the attractions you want to visit to make the most suitable decision.
You can also read more about Essential Japan Travel Tips, 7-Day 6-Night Japan Itinerary, 5-Day 4-Night Japan Itinerary Guide, 6-Day 5-Night Budget Japan Itinerary, 10 Heavenly Scenic Spots in Japan You Can’t Miss, 31 Must-Visit Japan Destinations for All Seasons, 15 Luxurious and Elegant Resorts in Japan, 15 Best Homestays in Japan for a Romantic Getaway, 16 Best Hotels in Japan for a Perfect Stay, 20 Meaningful and Unique Japanese Souvenirs,... on Mytour Vietnam.
Have you found the perfect travel pass for exploring Japan's Kansai region?
