The Kansai Thru Pass (Kansai Thru Pass/Surutto Kansai) is an unlimited-ride pass that lets you use trains, subways, and buses operated by various local operators throughout the Kansai region (around Osaka and Kyoto), except for JR trains. It comes in 2-day and 3-day versions, and the days of use do not need to be consecutive. It covers many popular tourist cities, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Wakayama, making it convenient to travel between these destinations.
Kansai Thru Pass Prices
| 2 Day | Adult | ￥4,380 |
|---|---|---|
| Child (6-11 years) | ￥2,190 | |
| 3 Day | Adult | ￥5,400 |
| Child (6-11 years) | ￥2,700 |
Train and bus route map for the Kansai Thru Pass
Osaka [photo from https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-cherry-blossom-tree-1440476/]
Kyoto [Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Monuments_of_Ancient_Kyoto_%28Kyoto,_Uji_and_Otsu_Cities%29#/media/File:Kinkakuji_2004-09-21.jpg]
Nara [Photo from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nara_Japan_1.jpg]
Wakayama [Photo from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wakayama_Castle_and_skyline.jpg]
Shiga [Photo from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E6%B9%96%E4%B8%8A%E3%81%AE%E9%B3%A5%E5%B1%85%E3%81%A8%E6%9A%81%E5%85%89%28Rising_sun_with_Torii_on_the_lake%29_20_Dec,_2015_-_panoramio.jpg]
Himeji [Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpellgen/378796213]
How to Use It
- Unlimited rides on non-JR trains in the Kansai region, including:
- Subways in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe
- Hankyu Railway (Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto)
- Hanshin Railway (Kobe, Osaka)
- Keihan Railways (Osaka, Kyoto)
- Kintetsu Railways (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara)
- Nankai Railways (Osaka, Kansai Airport, Koyasan)
- Sanyo Railways (Kobe, Himeji)
- Keifuku Railways (Kyoto)
- Nose Railways (north of Osaka)
- Kobe Railways (north of Kobe)
- Osaka Monorail (north of Osaka, Itami Airport)
- Kobe Kosoku Railway (Kobe)
- Cable cars (Mount Hiei, Koyasan)
- Some minor rail lines
- The Kansai Thru Pass cannot be used on JR trains
- It does not cover the limited express surcharge; a separate limited express ticket must be purchased to ride limited express trains operated by Nankai or Kintetsu Railway. It cannot be used on the Nankai Rapi:t limited express from the airport.
- It can also be used on buses in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, as well as buses operated by Nankai, Hankyu, Kintetsu, Wakayama, and Keihan, with unlimited rides
- It offers discounts for admission to various attractions in the Kansai region
- The pass can be used for 2 or 3 days within a set period, and the days do not need to be consecutive except for the Zenkoku Version, which requires consecutive use
Where to Buy It:
The Kansai Thru Pass can be purchased throughout the Kansai region, including Kansai International Airport, Itami Airport, the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Osaka Station, Kyoto Station, and Nara Station, as well as at some hotels in the Kansai region. It can also be bought year-round outside Japan through travel agencies.
Recommendations
The Kansai Thru Pass offers great value for traveling around Kansai, as it covers both intercity train and bus routes as well as buses and subways within each city.
Comparison of One-Way Fares Between Cities
** The prices below are approximate only
| Kyoto | Kobe | Nara | Himeji | Koyasan | |
| Osaka | ¥400 | ¥300 | ¥550 | ¥1,300 | ¥1,250 |
| Kyoto | ¥600 | ¥600 | ¥1,600 | ¥1,900 | |
| Kobe | ¥1,000 | ¥950 | ¥1,700 | ||
| Nara | ¥1,950 | ¥1,800 | |||
| Himeji | ¥2,650 |
Osaka 1 Day Pass (Osaka Metro) ¥800 / Child ¥300
Kyoto Sightseeing Card ¥1,200
Click to download a detailed PDF map of the area covered by the Kansai Thru Pass
Other Recommended Passes
The JR West Rail Pass - Kansai Area is an alternative pass very similar to the Kansai Thru Pass in terms of coverage area, number of days (available in 1-4 day options), and price. The main difference is that it can only be used on JR trains and buses, making it better for travel between cities but less convenient for getting around within a single city. It also must be used on consecutive days according to the number of days chosen, unlike the Kansai Thru Pass, which allows non-consecutive days of use.