Hankyu Tourist Pass

Hankyu Tourist Pass: Where To Buy & Is It Worth It In 2023?

The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a travel pass that allows unlimited use of Hankyu Railway’s regular and limited express trains for a designated period, along with discounts at selected tourist attractions and shops in the Kansai region of Japan.

This pass is specifically designed for foreign visitors to Japan who wishes to explore the Kansai region, which includes popular destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.

The pass is available in 1 or 2-day sets and can be purchased at selected travel agencies at Hankyu Railway stations or online which includes a small discount.

What is the Hankyu Tourist Pass?

Hankyu Tourist Pass

The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a travel pass that is available to foreign visitors to Japan who wishes to explore the Kansai region using the Hankyu Railway.

This pass allows unlimited use of the Hankyu Railway’s regular and limited express trains for a designated period and provides discounts at selected tourist attractions and shops in the area.

Hankyu Railway Lines

Hankyu Train Line Kansai

Hankyu Railway is one of the major railway companies in Japan that operates in the Kansai region. The railway system has a total length of approximately 145 kilometers and connects Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The railway has several lines that run through different parts of these cities, making it a convenient mode of transportation for both tourists and locals.

The company operates both regular and limited express trains that run frequently, making it easy for visitors to travel from one destination to another.

Where To Buy The Hankyu Tourist Pass?

Hankyu Train Line Kansai

The Hankyu Tourist Pass can be purchased at selected travel agencies or at Hankyu Railway stations in the Kansai region of Japan. Here are some options for where to buy the pass:

  • Hankyu Railway Stations: The Hankyu Tourist Pass can be purchased at any Hankyu Railway station in the Kansai region, including major stations like Osaka-Umeda, Kyoto, and Kobe-Sannomiya. Look for the ticket counters or machines with the “Hankyu Tourist Pass” logo.
  • Kansai International Airport: The Hankyu Tourist Pass can also be purchased at the JR West Travel Service Center and the Kansai Tourist Information Center located in the arrival lobby of Terminal 1 at Kansai International Airport.
  • Online: The Hankyu Tourist Pass can also be purchased online through authorized travel agencies such as Klook. The pass can be delivered to your hotel or picked up at selected locations in Japan.

When purchasing the Hankyu Tourist Pass, make sure to bring your passport as it is only available to foreign visitors to Japan. The pass is available in 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day versions, with prices varying depending on the validity period.

Destinations Covered by the Hankyu Tourist Pass

The Hankyu Tourist Pass covers several popular destinations in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.

Here’s whats covered:

Hankyu Line Route Map

Benefits of the Hankyu Tourist Pass

Hankyu Train Line Kansai

One of the primary benefits of the Hankyu Tourist Pass is the unlimited use of the Hankyu Railway’s regular and limited express trains. This means that visitors can travel freely between different destinations in the Kansai region, without worrying about buying tickets every time they board a train.

The pass also provides discounts at selected tourist attractions and shops in the area, making it a cost-effective way to explore the region.

The pass is easy to use and convenient, as visitors only need to show the pass to a station attendant when entering or exiting the train station. The pass can be used on consecutive days within the validity period, so visitors can plan their itinerary according to their interests and preferences.

Can I Travel On JR Rail Trains With The Hankyu Tourist pass?

Hankyu Train Line Kansai

No, the Hankyu Tourist Pass is only valid on trains operated by the Hankyu Railway Company and its affiliated buses and cable cars. It cannot be used on trains operated by Japan Railways (JR), including the shinkansen (bullet train) and other JR lines.

This means that the pass can be a cost-effective way of traveling between Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe but it won’t cover all areas such as Nara or Travel between Osaka and the Kansai Airport.

If you plan to travel on Japan Rail trains, you will need to purchase a separate ticket or rail pass that is valid on JR lines, such as the Japan Rail Pass.

What Other Travel Passes Are there for the Kansai Region?

ICOCA IC Card

In addition to the Hankyu Tourist Pass, there are several other passes available for visitors to the Kansai region of Japan. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Kansai Thru Pass: The Kansai Thru Pass is a pass that allows for unlimited travel on selected private railway and bus lines in the Kansai region, including the Hankyu Railway, Keihan Railway, and Kintetsu Railway. The pass is available for 2 or 3 consecutive days and can be purchased at selected stations or online.

Osaka Amazing Pass: The Osaka Amazing Pass is a pass that includes free admission to selected attractions in Osaka, as well as unlimited use of the Osaka Metro and selected buses. The pass is available for 1 or 2 consecutive days and can be purchased at selected stations or online.

Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass: The Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass allows for unlimited travel on Kyoto City buses and the subway for 1 day. The pass can be purchased at selected stations and includes a map of the bus and subway routes.

ICOCA: The ICOCA card is a rechargeable smart card that can be used for transportation on most trains and buses in the Kansai region, including the JR and private railways. The card can be purchased at selected stations and can be charged with funds for transportation.

JR Pass: The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is a popular pass for foreign visitors that allows for unlimited travel on JR trains throughout Japan, including the shinkansen (bullet train). The pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days and can be purchased before arriving in Japan. Please note that if your only plan to stay in the Kansai Region you probably won’t save money with the JR pass.

These passes can be a cost-effective way to travel around the Kansai region and experience its unique attractions. It’s important to research and compare the different passes to see which one best suits your needs and travel plans.

What Type Of Train Services Does Hankyu Run?

Hankyu Train Line Kansai

The Hankyu Railway operates several types of trains on its lines in the Kansai region of Japan. Here are some of the most common types of Hankyu trains:

Limited Express: Limited Express trains are the fastest and most luxurious trains on the Hankyu Railway. They offer reserved seating and amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard food service. The Limited Express trains run on the Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, and Kobe Line, and connect major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.

Express: Express trains are faster than Local trains and offer reserved seating. They run on the Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, Kobe Line, and Senri Line, and connect major stations in the Kansai region.

Local: Local trains are the most common type of train on the Hankyu Railway, stopping at every station on the line. They are typically slower than Express and Limited Express trains, but they offer more frequent service and lower fares. Local trains run on all lines of the Hankyu Railway, including the Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, Kobe Line, and Senri Line.

Commuter Rapid: Commuter Rapid trains are a type of Express train that offers faster service during peak commuting hours. They run on the Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, and Kobe Line, and provide a faster option for commuters traveling to and from major cities such as Osaka and Kobe.

Semi-Express: Semi-Express trains are a type of Express train that offer faster service than Local trains, but slower than Limited Express and Express trains. They run on the Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, and Kobe Line, and provide a middle-ground option for passengers looking for a faster journey than a Local train but with lower fares than Limited Express and Express trains.

Sum Up

Hankyu Tourist Pass

The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a cost-effective and convenient way for foreign visitors to Japan to explore the Kansai region. With unlimited use of the Hankyu Railway’s regular and limited express trains, visitors can easily travel between popular destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, and discover their unique attractions.

The pass also provides discounts at selected tourist attractions and shops in the area, making it a great value for money. For those who plan to explore the Kansai region, the Hankyu Tourist Pass is definitely worth considering.