Are you planning a trip to the Kansai region of Japan? If so, you may want to consider getting the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
This rail pass is an excellent way to explore the Kansai region especially if you plan to head out of the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe and explore the region further.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass and how to get the most out of it.
What is the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass?
The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass is a rail pass that allows unlimited travel on JR trains in the Kansai region of Japan for 5 consecutive days. This pass can be used on all JR trains in the region, including the shinkansen and limited express trains. It covers a wide area, including major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji, as well as popular tourist destinations like Koyasan and Wakayama.
How much does it cost?
The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass costs 10,800 yen for adults and 5,400 yen for children (ages 6-11). This may seem expensive at first, but the pass can save you a lot of money if you plan on doing a lot of train travel in the region, especially to the western areas such as Tottori or Kinsaki.
If you purchase the pass online the price is reduced to 10,000 yen.
Where can I buy the pass?
The JR Kansai Wide Pass can be purchased at designated stations and travel agencies in Japan or online through the official JR West website.
In Japan, the pass can be purchased at major stations, including Osaka Station, Kyoto Station, Kansai Airport Station, and Shin-Osaka Station, as well as at travel agencies such as JTB and Nippon Travel Agency.
Note that the JR Kansai Wide Pass is only available to foreign tourists visiting Japan and cannot be purchased by residents of Japan. Additionally, travelers must show their passport to purchase the pass and activate it at a designated JR ticket office before the first use.
You can also buy Very easily online with Klook.
What Does The Kansai Area Pass Cover?
The Kansai Area Pass is a rail pass for foreign tourists that allows unlimited travel on designated trains and buses within the Kansai region of Japan. The Kansai region includes Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Himeji, and other cities in the area.
The map below gives a good visual depiction of all the areas covered
Points To Note About The Pass
The Kansai Area Pass is a rail pass for foreign tourists that allows unlimited travel on designated trains and buses within the Kansai region of Japan. The Kansai region includes Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Himeji, and other cities in the area.
- Travel without limits on designated JR train lines, including the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama, and make up to six seat reservations at no additional cost.
- Explore Kyoto Tango Railway, a charming rail route that leads to the picturesque Amanohashidate, without any restrictions.
- Discover the hidden gems of Tottori with unlimited access to Chizukyu Express Line, a non-JR line that offers the fastest train access in the region.
- Roam freely on the Wakayama Railway and local JR buses that run between Kyoto Station, Takao and Shuzan, Obama and Omi-Imazu, and Fukuchiyama and Sonobe.
- Get around with ease using rental bicycles available for free at designated Ekirin Kun outlets.
- The pass is valid for five consecutive calendar days from midnight to midnight, and only foreign visitors with temporary visitor status can take advantage of it.
- The pass is non-transferrable and intended for single-person use only. Passholders must carry their passport at all times to use it.
Interesting Destinations You Can Visit With The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass
This pass really allows you to get off the beaten track and visit places in Japan the most visitors miss out on.
Here are a few of the places you can visit with the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass:
Kinosaki Onsen: Located in the Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort town known for its seven public onsen (hot springs) and charming traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Amanohashidate: Amanohashidate is a sandbar located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture that is considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Visitors can walk or cycle across the sandbar to take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Shirahama: Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Shirahama is a popular beach resort town with a long, white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. It’s also home to the famous Shirahama Onsen, a hot spring with a history dating back over 1,300 years.
Shingu: Shingu is a city in Wakayama Prefecture known for its ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, which have been used for over 1,000 years. The city is also home to the impressive Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine.
Okayama: Located in the Chugoku region, Okayama is a castle town with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Okayama Castle, the Korakuen Garden, and the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art.
Kurashiki: Kurashiki is a historic town in Okayama Prefecture with a beautifully preserved merchant quarter from the Edo period. Visitors can stroll along the canal-lined streets, visit art museums, and enjoy local specialties such as kurashiki mikan (mandarins).
Takamatsu: Takamatsu is the largest city in Kagawa Prefecture and a gateway to the Seto Inland Sea. It’s home to the stunning Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most famous historical gardens, and also has a lively shopping and dining scene.
Tottori: Tottori is known for its sand dunes, the Tottori Sand Dunes, which are the largest in Japan. The area is also home to the famous Uradome Coast, a scenic coastline with rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
How To Use the pass
To use the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass, simply present the pass at the ticket gate before boarding a JR train. You do not need to make a reservation for most trains, but it’s a good idea to reserve a seat on the shinkansen and limited express trains to guarantee a seat.
Benefits of the pass
The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass offers several benefits that can make your trip to the Kansai region more enjoyable and affordable. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to travel unlimited on JR trains, which can save you a lot of money if you plan on doing a lot of train travel in the region. The pass also includes free seat reservations on JR trains, free use of the Haruka limited express train between Kansai International Airport and Osaka, and discounts at select tourist attractions and shops.
Restrictions
There are a few restrictions to keep in mind when using the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass. The pass cannot be used on private railway lines or buses, and cannot be used for travel to/from Tokyo or other regions outside of Kansai. The pass is also not valid for Green Cars (first class) on JR trains.
In conclusion, the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass is a great option for travelers who want to explore the Kansai region of Japan by train. It offers unlimited travel on JR trains, access to a wide range of destinations, and several benefits that can make your trip more enjoyable and affordable. If you’re planning a trip to the Kansai region, be sure to consider getting the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
