I just visited Japan for the third time in my life. In 2016, after spending about 18 months studying Japanese to encourage my son who was taking classes in middle and high school, we embarked on a journey to Tokyo. After that, at my mother’s request in 2018, my mom, my sister and I went from Tokyo to Hiroshima on Shinkansen, stopping in the cities of Gifu, Mihara and Kamakura along the journey.
This time, I took my daughter, her friend and her friend’s mom to Osaka. Travel planning is simultaneously both exhilarating and a curse. Hopefully I can share some tips here that will save you time and money when it comes to transit in the Kansai area.
The Japan Rail Pass: Is it worth it?
Usually when people refer to the Japan Rail Pass, they’re referring to the Japan-wide all-you-can-ride pass. Seldom does one need that pass for a one-week stay. It’s still relatively inexpensive, $338 for 7-days and you can pick it up at JTB’s Ala Moana location. However, most of the time people don’t travel that far in a week.
Back in 2016, when I first posted, there were regional options for limited versions of the JR pass in the Tokyo area. Since then, both JTB and H.I.S. appear to have “temporarily” discontinued Tokyo limited-area passes. Other regional tourist rail passes remain however. Kyoto and Osaka continue to have limited-area passes through the JR West segment.
For rail passes in general, here in Hawaii we have two walk-in purchasing options: H.I.S Hawaii and JTB USA. Both have Ala Moana retail locations and English-speaking staff. You’ll be able to get your pass right away. Purchase is available within 30 days of expected travel.
In the Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto) area, passes available are listed on the JR West rail pass webpage It appears there are as many as 19 different JR West passes to choose from. Ultimately, we chose the 7-day Sanyo-San-in rail pass which goes as far south as Fukuoka, a 300-mile distance from Osaka. At the time of purchase, the pass was $152 per adult at the JTB store. There are many more options, some traveling long distances and as inexpensive as $19 for a one-day pass. Passes are generally good for 60 days from purchase and do not start until the first day of use. From there forward, days are counted consecutively for the stated length of time. When you buy your pass, you will get a coupon that can be exchanged for the actual pass at selected locations in Japan. Your name on the coupon must EXACTLY match what is printed on your passport, and you must be both a visitor and except in special circumstances, not a Japanese citizen.
Ultimately, I feel that purchasing a limited-area pass is worth it as long as you are taking at least one trip outside of the metro area. If you’re traveling light, you can also use the pass to get to and from the airport and that saves both time and money. The trains are clean and spacious and to me, an attraction in their own right.
Not all transit is Japan Rail (JR)
It is important to note that not all transit belongs to JR, which is what JR passes are good for. JR does, however, own the bullet trains that go long distances in a short period of time. They also have good coverage through most city centers. It is also important to note that not all Shinkansen (bullet trains) are covered under the pass, even if it is within the region specified. You will be able to get to where you want by Shinkansen, but not always on the fastest Shinkansen. Read the rules carefully before buying to be sure what you are getting fits your needs.
Other Transit and Metro lines in Kansai
From the map below, the very light blue lines are local JR lines and the dotted grey and white line is also JR where the Shinkansen crosses through Osaka to other major connections across Japan. Everything else is a local metro line on the map key. Japan has a well-integrated system of transit cards, so you can usually buy one and use it across different lines. Some transit cards can even be used for payment at restaurants and convenience stores.
Note that in the center of the map, is a circle denoting the JR Osaka Loop Line which is included in the pass. Loop lines are convenient ways to visit multiple destinations. There is a clockwise and a counterclockwise line, and you can never get lost. If you end up going in the wrong direction, jump off and catch the train on the other platform to head back. Trains also come more frequently. The Osaka Loop Line comes approximately every five minutes in each direction.
Osaka City is far from the Kansai Airport. The JR West rail pass includes transit to and from the airport, which could save you the entire cost of the rail pass. Reservations are required for the Haruka line if you have large luggage. You will likely be able to make reservations just before departure as long as you are not traveling during a peak Japan travel period such as Golden Week or Obon. The JR West website has a useful airport transit webpage that describes the service. As we discovered on our way back to Honolulu, you can also catch a modified loop line train called Kansai Airport Rapid Service which does not require reservations. Small rollerbags are allowed on this line. We also discovered that full-service hotels also have a convenient service that delivers your luggage to the airport. Rollerbags were ¥2,500 each to have sent to an area near check-in counter #1, and larger bags could be delivered for a bit more.
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For those planning to visit Tokyo, here is a past post from 2016. [From Honolulu to Tokyo] Other than the “temporary” suspension of Tokyo region passes and a transition away from no-longer-updated scheduling site Hyperdia, many things have stayed the same. Tokyo also has a loop line known as the Yamanote Line.