JR Kansai Area Pass
The JR Kansai Area Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign visitors to Japan, providing unlimited travel on local JR trains and the Haruka limited express train in the Kansai region around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe for one to four days.
 Purchase the JR Kansai Area Pass |
| 1 day | ||
| 2 consecutive days | ||
| 3 consecutive days | ||
| 4 consecutive days | ||
| Reduced rates (50% off) apply to children aged 6-11; a green car version is not available. | ||
Below is a map of JR train lines, which can be used with the JR Kansai Area Pass:
Validity
- Unlimited use of local JR trains in the designated area in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Kansai Airport and Himeji (see map above).
- Unlimited use of the Haruka limited express train between Kansai Airport and Kyoto in the non-reserved seating section. Apart from that, you cannot use any limited express trains (or shinkansen).
- The multiple day passes are valid on consecutive days.
- Only foreign visitors to Japan (with temporary visitor status) can use the JR West Rail Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.
Points of Sale
The JR Kansai Area Pass can be purchased online, at selected travel agents outside of Japan and at major railway stations in the area covered. If purchased outside of Japan or via the internet, a voucher will be initially issued that has to be exchanged to the actual pass after arrival in Japan at a major station in the area covered. If purchasing the pass inside of Japan, the cost is slightly higher, and there is a limit of one purchase per person and stay. There is no such limit otherwise.
| Purchase the JR Kansai Area Pass |
Assessment
The JR Kansai Area Pass is generally too expensive to pay off for urban transportation around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara alone. It usually only pays off if visiting one of the more outlying destinations covered, such as Himeji, Hikone, Iga Ueno or Koka.
Alternative Tickets
The Kansai Thru Pass costs about the same as the JR Kansai Area Pass, but covers a denser network, including the subways and city buses of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. It does not cover JR trains, though.
Read our page about passes for the Kansai Region for more information.
