KANSAI THRU PASS

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the Hankyu Railway from Osaka to Kyoto to explore the historic Gion district and Arashiyama bamboo groves without transferring.

• Take the Nankai Line directly from Namba to Wakayama to visit the stunning Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails or Wakayama Castle.

• Use the pass to access the Hankyu or Hanshin lines for a quick trip to Kobe to enjoy authentic Kobe beef and the beautiful Harborland waterfront.

• Hop on the Kyoto municipal subway and buses to easily reach Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Hidden Gems

• The pass includes special discount coupons for over 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants across the Kansai region, so be sure to check the included guidebook for hidden savings.

• You can use the pass on non-consecutive days within its validity period, allowing you to take a rest day or use a JR pass for a specific long-distance trip without wasting your Kansai Thru Pass days.

• Many private railways covered by the pass, like the Keihan Line, offer premium carriages or scenic window seats that provide a much more relaxed and picturesque journey than standard commuter trains.

What Makes it Special

• Unmatched flexibility allowing you to use your three days of unlimited travel on non-consecutive days within the validity period.

• Extensive coverage across major private railways, subways, and city buses, reaching deep into local neighborhoods that JR lines often miss.

• Hassle-free boarding with no need to queue for individual tickets or calculate complex fares every time you tap in and out of stations.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The Kansai region is spectacular year-round, but spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant foliage are the most magical times to ride the scenic private railways. To avoid the heaviest commuter crowds on the subways and trains, try to travel outside the weekday rush hours of 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the stunning retro architecture of Osaka's Midosuji Line stations or the scenic coastal views from the Nankai Line windows during the golden hour just before sunset.

• While photography is generally allowed in stations, always avoid using flash and refrain from taking photos of station staff or other passengers without permission.

• Take advantage of the pass to reach elevated viewpoints like the Kobe Port Tower or Osaka Castle at dawn for breathtaking, crowd-free panoramic shots of the cityscapes.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When riding trains and buses in Kansai, it is considered polite to keep your voice down, avoid talking on your mobile phone, and queue neatly before boarding. Priority seats are strictly reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities, so be sure to give up your seat if needed and turn off your phone's ringer when sitting near them.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Ride the Keihan or Hankyu lines to witness the spectacular Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in Osaka every August, a massive summer tradition along the river.

• Use the pass to easily access Kyoto's famous Gion Matsuri in July or the breathtaking Arashiyama Hanatouro light-up events in December, where bamboo groves and temples are illuminated at night.

• During spring, take the Eizan Railway to enjoy the magical cherry blossom tunnels and special night illuminations in the northern mountains of Kyoto.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always stand behind the yellow tactile paving lines on station platforms and mind the gap when boarding older train models.

• Keep your belongings secure and zipped up, especially during crowded rush hour commutes on the Osaka and Kyoto subway lines.

• If you feel unwell or need assistance, look for station staff wearing distinct uniforms or use the emergency intercoms located on all train carriages and platforms.