Kansai Area Pass
Experience the essence of the Kansai region and travel seamlessly with one comprehensive rail pass.
Unlock the wonders of the Kansai region with the Kansai Area Pass. This regional travel pass offers unlimited travel within the Kansai region, the cultural heart of Japan.
Whether you're exploring the historic temples of Kyoto, planning to ride the Osaka Loop Line, or take in the scenic beauty of Nara, this train and bus pass ensures a hassle-free journey.
Read on to discover what is covered by the Kansai Area Pass, and whether you are better off getting a nationwide JR Pass.
How it works
What is included?
When is it good for?
The Kansai Area Pass is good for seamless connectivity between the following major cities:
It’s ideal for:
- Tourists planning short trips within the Kansai region.
- Those wanting to explore multiple cities without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.
- Travelers seeking cost-effective and convenient transportation options.
Generally speaking, the JR Kansai Area Pass is too expensive to justify with just urban transit in and around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. Only when traveling to more remote locations, such as Himeji, Hikone, Iga Ueno, or Koka, does it often pay off.
Eligibility and validity requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Kansai Area Pass are as follows:
- Exclusively available for foreign tourists with a "Temporary Visitor" visa.
- Must be presented alongside a passport issued by a foreign country.
- An individual is not permitted to buy or exchange more than one ticket with the same usage term.
The multi-day Kansai Area passes are valid for consecutive days, starting from the activation date. Instead of 24-hour intervals, the pass's validity is assessed in days, from midnight to midnight. It doesn't matter when you initially used it; the first day counts as a full day.
When buying your pass, you should be aware that adults are considered to be 12 years old or over when the purchase is made or exchange order is issued. Children’s passes are issued to minors aged between 6 and 11 years at the time of purchase.
Any adult or child who has a valid rail pass may ride free with up to 2 infants (1–5 years old). A third infant, however, will need a separate child's regional pass. If an infant will sit in their own reserved seat, this is also necessary. Babies under 1-year-old ride for free.
Exchange your Pass
Once bought online, the physical pass can be collected at major stations within the service region.
You can find all the designated JR Pass exchange offices in the region below.
Why a Regional Pass?
Opting for a regional pass like the Kansai Area Pass offers numerous benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Tailored for specific regions, avoiding the cost of a nationwide JR Pass.
- Flexibility: Choose from various validity periods to suit your travel plans.
- In-depth Exploration: Delve deeper into the Kansai region's hidden attractions, such as Himeji or Hakone castles.
If you’re planning to explore more of the Kansai region exclusively, the Kansai Wide Pass is also a good option. It covers a more extensive area of the region, from Tsuruga and Tottori in the north to Takamatsu in the south.
Whole Japan Rail Pass
Planning to visit more than one region during your stay in Japan? Find out if a JR Pass for the whole country is a better investment.
Unlimited Access: Roam freely across Japan's regions without restrictions.
Covers all of Japan: The JR Pass covers all JR trains. From the north to the south, it’s the ultimate explorer's ticket.
Full Shinkansen Network: Experience Japan's iconic bullet trains across their extensive routes.
Main Airport Transfers: Easily navigate between cities and major airports, ensuring a smooth journey.