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The Kansai Thru Pass (now known as the Kansai Railway Pass) is a rail pass that provides unlimited use of trains and subways in the Kansai Region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. The pass is only available to foreign visitors to Japan and does not include JR trains or buses. For those looking to use the Kansai Thru Pass for airport trains, the pass can be used from Nankai Railways' Kansai Airport Station upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). However, a separate fee is required for the express train Rapi:t. Alternatively, the JR Kansai Area Pass includes JR trains to and from Kansai International Airport, such as the Haruka Express, which offers direct transportation to downtown Osaka and Kyoto.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the pass | Kansai Railway Pass (formerly Kansai Thru Pass) |
| Who can use it? | Foreign visitors to Japan only |
| Where can it be used? | Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe/Himeji (Hyogo), Nara, Wakayama, and Shiga |
| What does it include? | Unlimited rides on all metro and private railways (excluding JR, Randen, Hieizan Sakamoto Cable, and some other trains) |
| Does it include buses? | No |
| Can it be used at Kansai Airport? | Yes, at Nankai Railways' Kansai Airport Station (separate fee required for express train Rapi:t) |
| How is a day calculated? | From the first train to the last train in a day (not for 24 hours from the first use) |
| How long does it take to get to Osaka from Kansai Airport? | 45 minutes to Osaka Station, 50 minutes to Shin-Osaka Station |
| How long does it take to get to Kyoto from Kansai Airport? | Around 1 hour and 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The Kansai Thru Pass is now the Kansai Railway Pass
The Kansai Thru Pass has been replaced by the Kansai Railway Pass (as of April 2024). The Kansai Railway Pass is a special ticket that provides unlimited rides on all metro and private railways in Kansai, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe/Himeji (Hyogo), Nara, Wakayama, and Shiga. However, it is important to note that this pass does not include JR trains, the Randen trains (Keifuku Railway), the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable, or buses. The pass can be purchased and used only by foreign visitors travelling to Japan for sightseeing and cannot be used by those with a long-stay visa or short-term visitors for language lessons or work.
The Kansai Railway Pass can be used for travel to and from Kansai International Airport (KIX). The airport is located about 50 km outside of Osaka and is accessible by train, bus, and ferry. The JR West's Haruka Express train offers direct transportation from the Kansai International Airport to downtown Osaka and Kyoto, and is covered by some JR Regional Passes, such as the Hokuriku Arch Pass and the JR Pass. The Haruka Express runs several times daily and the trip from the airport to Osaka Station takes about 45 minutes, while the trip to Shin-Osaka Station takes about 50 minutes.
Alternatively, the Nankai Railway offers both limited express "Rap:t" trains and express trains between Kansai Airport and Namba Station in Osaka. The trip takes between 35 and 50 minutes and costs 1490 yen for the limited express train and 970 yen for the express train. Nankai Railway also operates the Nankai Airport Express, which is a cheaper but slower alternative to the "Rap:t" trains.
When travelling to and from Kansai International Airport, it is important to note that the last train to Osaka's Namba area departs just before midnight, while the last trains to Osaka Station and Kyoto depart around 11 pm. The first train connections from Osaka to the airport arrive around 6 am, while those from Kyoto arrive about an hour later. For early morning or late-night flights, travellers should be aware that all trains and most buses do not operate overnight, and taxis can be expensive.
In summary, the Kansai Railway Pass offers unlimited travel on most trains in the Kansai region, excluding JR trains and a few other specified lines, and does not include bus travel. The pass can be used for airport train travel to and from Kansai International Airport, with the JR West's Haruka Express and Nankai Railway's "Rap:t" and express trains being popular options.
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The pass is only for foreign visitors to Japan
The Kansai Railway Pass (previously known as the Kansai Thru Pass) is a special ticket that can be used for unlimited rides on all metro and private railways in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe/Himeji (Hyogo), Nara, Wakayama, and Shiga. This pass is specifically designed for foreign visitors to Japan who are travelling to the country for sightseeing. It is important to note that this pass is not valid for use on JR trains (Japan Railways), the Randen trains (Keifuku Railway) to Arashiyama in Kyoto, or on buses.
The Kansai Railway Pass offers a seamless transit experience, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each ride. It also provides special offers and discounts at select facilities and stores along the railways. This pass can be particularly useful for foreign visitors who plan to explore multiple destinations within the Kansai region during their stay in Japan.
When using the Kansai Railway Pass, one day is counted as the duration from the first train to the last train of the day, rather than a full 24-hour period from the first use. It is important to keep this in mind when planning your travels. Additionally, the pass cannot be purchased or used by individuals staying in Japan for short-term language lessons, work, or those with long-stay visas.
For those arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX), there are several transportation options available to get to nearby cities. The Haruka Express, operated by JR West, offers a direct airport rail link to downtown Osaka and Kyoto. This limited express train provides rapid service between Maibara in the Shiga prefecture and Kansai International Airport, reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h. The Haruka Express is covered by some JR regional passes, including the Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Another option for airport transportation is the Nankai Railway, which operates both limited express "Rap:t" trains and regular express trains between Kansai Airport and Namba Station in Osaka. These trains offer slightly longer travel times compared to the Haruka Express but provide direct access to a different area of Osaka. It is important to note that seat reservations are mandatory for the "Rap:t" trains, while they are not available on the regular express trains.
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The pass is valid on trains in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and more
The Kansai Thru Pass is a special card pass available exclusively to foreign visitors to Japan. It can be used on any two or three non-consecutive calendar days within its validity period. The pass offers unlimited rides on private railways, municipal trains, and buses in the Kansai region, excluding JR trains.
The pass is valid in the main areas of the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. In Osaka, the pass can be used at stations such as Namba, Shin-Imamiya, and Umeda. In Kyoto, the pass is valid at stations like Kawaramachi and Kawaramachi Arashiyama. Additionally, the pass can be used at Kobe-sannomiya Station and Nara Kotsu in Kobe and Nara, respectively.
The Kansai Thru Pass also offers special benefits and discounts at numerous facilities in the Kansai region, including museums, art galleries, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It can be purchased at major stations within the Kansai Region or through selected travel agencies outside of Japan.
It is important to note that the Kansai Thru Pass does not include certain train lines and bus operators, and a separate ticket may be required for limited express trains or special carriages. Additionally, the pass does not cover the entire cost of travelling to destinations like Yoshino and Iga-Ueno.
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The pass is not valid on JR trains or Randen trains
The Kansai Thru Pass is a rail pass that offers unlimited travel on trains, subways, and buses in the Kansai region of Japan. It is a great option for foreign visitors to Japan who want to explore the region's cities, such as Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. The pass offers flexibility, allowing users to choose between a 2-day or 3-day pass and select non-consecutive days for their travels.
However, it is important to note that the Kansai Thru Pass is not valid on JR (Japan Railways) trains. JR trains are not the main transportation in the Kansai region, and the pass is designed to focus on regional trains that allow for exploration within the region. This includes train lines such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, Kobe Kosoku, and others. Additionally, the Kansai Thru Pass is also not valid on the small Randen trains, also known as the Keifuku Railway, in Kyoto.
The exclusion of JR trains from the Kansai Thru Pass may be a disadvantage for those looking to travel on specific routes. For example, some travellers have noted conflicting information regarding the use of the pass on the Nankai Railway, which connects Osaka to Kansai Airport and Koyasan. While Nankai Railway trains are included in the pass, there may be confusion due to the exclusion of some Nankai buses.
To clarify, the Kansai Thru Pass does not include JR trains or Randen trains in its coverage. Travellers who plan to use these specific train lines will need to purchase separate tickets or consider other rail passes that include these options, such as the JR Kansai Mini Pass or the JR West Kansai Rail Pass.
In summary, while the Kansai Thru Pass offers extensive coverage in the Kansai region, it is important to be aware of the exclusions, such as JR trains and Randen trains, when planning your travels. The pass provides a convenient and flexible option for exploring the region's cities and discovering the unique experiences that each has to offer.
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The Haruka Express is a direct train from Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto
The Haruka Express is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Kansai International Airport to Osaka and Kyoto. The train offers a direct connection between the airport and the two cities, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking for a seamless airport transfer.
The Haruka Express, also known as the Kansai-Airport Express "Haruka," is a limited express train service operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). With speeds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph), it takes only about 30 minutes to reach Osaka and 75 minutes to get to Kyoto. The train offers spacious seating and facilities to accommodate passengers with luggage, making it a popular choice for visitors.
The Haruka Express typically operates one train every 30 to 40 minutes from 9 am to 8 pm daily, with one train per hour outside of these hours. It makes 30 return trips daily, for a total of 60 one-way trips, and trains depart every 30 minutes during the day and evening. The Haruka Express also stops in Osaka City at the Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station, and the Tennoji Station. From Kyoto Station, passengers can use other JR lines, buses, or taxi services to reach their final destination in the city.
For travellers interested in using the Haruka Express, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Kansai Railway Pass, formerly known as the Kansai Thru Pass, does not cover JR trains, so it cannot be used for the Haruka Express. However, the JR Kansai Area Pass is available to foreign tourists and does provide access to JR trains. Additionally, at Kansai Airport, there is a special white ticket machine where passengers can scan their QR codes to collect their Haruka non-reserved seat tickets. During off-peak seasons, non-reserved seats may be sufficient, but for peak times or longer destinations like Kyoto, it is recommended to reserve seats.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kansai Thru Pass has been replaced by the Kansai Railway Pass, which does not include buses or the Randen trains. However, you can use the pass at Nankai Railways' Kansai Airport Station, but a separate fee is required for the express train Rapi:t.
The JR Kansai Area Pass is a rail pass that offers unlimited rides on JR trains to Himeji, which are faster than non-JR trains. This pass is only available to foreign tourists.
The Haruka Express is a limited express, airport rail link train service that offers rapid service between Maibara and Kansai International Airport. The train offers direct transportation from the airport to downtown Osaka and Kyoto.
Some alternatives to the Haruka Express include the Nankai Airport Express and the high-speed ferry to Kobe Airport.
