Kansai Area Pass
JR West local and rapid trains around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Himeji, plus the Haruka airport express, for 1 to 4 days
JR West
Adults from¥2,800Price checked 2026/09/27
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Fares
| Ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | ¥2,800 | ¥1,400 |
| 2 consecutive days | ¥4,800¥2,400 a day | ¥2,400¥1,200 a day |
| 3 consecutive days | ¥5,800¥1,933 a day | ¥2,900¥967 a day |
| 4 consecutive days | ¥7,000¥1,750 a day | ¥3,500¥875 a day |
Child fares are for ages 6 to 11. From age 12, the adult fare applies. Each pass holder can bring up to two children aged 1 to 5 for free; a third needs a child pass, as does a young child who takes a reserved seat or travels alone. Babies under 1 ride free. Age is counted on the date the exchange order is issued or the pass is bought.
Prices depend on the date you buy the pass, not the date you use it.
What's covered
- JR West special rapid, rapid and local trains around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama and Otsu, and as far as Tsuruga and Kansai Airport
- The Haruka airport express, including up to 2 reserved seats
- One day each on the Kyoto City Subway, and on parts of the Keihan and Hankyu lines, within the pass's validity
- West Japan JR Bus local buses in Kyoto City
- The shinkansen
- Limited expresses other than the Haruka
- A 3rd reserved seat and any after it
- Green Cars, and paid seats such as the A-seat on local and rapid trains
- West Japan JR Bus expressway buses
How to use it
The pass runs for 1 to 4 consecutive days, from 0:00 on the first day to 24:00 on the last. If it runs out while you are on a train, you can finish that trip as long as you don't leave the station.
On the Haruka, reserve a seat before you board, at a ticket machine or ticket office; seats can't be reserved on the train. The pass covers two reserved seats. After that, or once you are on board, you need a full-price reserved seat ticket.
With the pass you also get vouchers for a day on the Kyoto City Subway, Keihan and Hankyu, usable while the pass is valid. Carry your passport with the pass, as staff may ask to see it.
Before you buy
The pass is for holders of a foreign passport who enter Japan as a Temporary Visitor. Japanese nationals can't use it, even with permanent residence abroad. You can hold only one of the same pass for the same dates.
There are three ways to buy it. Travel agencies outside Japan sell an exchange order or e-ticket, which you exchange for the pass in Japan within 3 months, showing your passport. JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION takes bookings from 10:00 (Japan time) one month before your first day; you pay by credit card and collect the pass at a station ticket machine, if your passport has an IC chip, or at a ticket office. Travel agencies in Japan sell it up to one month ahead.
Refunds: an unused pass can be refunded at a JR West ticket office for 10% of the price, at least ¥220, but only with the pass and all three railway vouchers. There are no refunds once the pass is in use.
Questions
Does the Kansai Area Pass cover the Haruka to Kansai Airport?
Yes, including up to 2 reserved seats. Reserve them before you board.
Does it cover the shinkansen?
No. The shinkansen and limited expresses other than the Haruka are not covered.
Can I use the Kyoto subway with it?
Yes, for one day. The pass comes with vouchers for a day each on the Kyoto City Subway, Keihan and Hankyu, usable while the pass is valid.
Does it cover buses in Kyoto?
Only West Japan JR Bus local buses in Kyoto City. Other companies' buses are not covered.
Do children need their own pass?
Children aged 6 to 11 need a child pass, from ¥1,400 for 1 day. Up to two children aged 1 to 5 ride free with each pass holder.
Who can buy it?
Holders of a foreign passport who enter Japan as a Temporary Visitor. Japanese nationals can't use it.
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