Kansai, Japan｜KINTETSU RAIL PASS 1 / 2 / 5-Day Pass Standard Version / 5-Day Pass PLUS Version

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the luxurious Kintetsu Limited Express Shimakaze to the scenic coastal towns of Ise and Toba if you hold the 5-Day PLUS pass.

• Feed the sacred bowing deer in Nara Park and explore the majestic Todai-ji Temple using the convenient local Kintetsu Nara line.

• Wander through the historic streets of Kyoto and visit iconic temples, easily accessible via the Kintetsu Kyoto line.

• Discover the ninja heritage of Iga by taking the Iga Railway, which is fully covered by your Kintetsu pass.

Hidden Gems

• Take a detour to the serene Muro-ji Temple in Nara, a lesser-known spot with stunning moss gardens that you can reach via Kintetsu lines without the massive crowds.

• Use your pass to visit the Iga-ryu Ninja House in Mie Prefecture, an authentic historical site often skipped by standard Kansai itineraries.

• Explore the traditional merchant streets of Matsusaka, famous for its premium beef and indigo dyeing, easily accessible on the Kintetsu Yamada Line.

What Makes it Special

• Unmatched regional coverage that connects major Kansai hubs like Osaka and Kyoto with the spiritual heartlands of Ise, Shima, and Nagoya.

• Incredible value with included access to the Iga Railway and designated Kintetsu buses, eliminating the need to buy multiple separate transit tickets.

• Exclusive pass-holder perks and discounts at various museums, hot springs, and tourist attractions along the Kintetsu network.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring and Autumn offer the most spectacular scenery, with cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage visible right from your train window. Early mornings are best for avoiding commuter crowds on the Osaka and Kyoto lines, while mid-week travel ensures a more relaxed experience at popular destinations like Nara and Ise.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the stunning retro architecture of Kintetsu's older rural stations, particularly along the Iga and Yamada lines, during the soft golden hour lighting.

• When riding the panoramic trains or crossing the scenic bridges over the Ibi River, keep your camera ready but ensure your flash is turned off to respect other passengers.

• Photographing the bustling concourses of Osaka-Namba or Kyoto stations is best done with a fast shutter speed to capture the dynamic motion blur of the daily commute.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese train etiquette is highly respected, so please keep your voice down, avoid making phone calls, and set your mobile devices to silent mode while on board. When travelling with large luggage, be mindful of peak commuting hours and consider using the designated luggage areas or station lockers to avoid blocking the aisles. Queue neatly on the marked platform lines and allow passengers to disembark before you step onto the train.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Nara Tokae Lantern Festival in August, where thousands of candles illuminate Nara Park, easily accessible via the Kintetsu Nara line.

• The Ise Grand Shrine seasonal festivals, which draw massive crowds and offer a deep dive into Shinto traditions reachable via the Kintetsu Yamada Line.

• Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatoro light-up events in spring and winter, creating magical evening strolls just a short transit ride from central Kintetsu stations.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always stand behind the yellow tactile paving line on the platform and never rush to board a train when the departure chime sounds.

• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded stations like Osaka-Namba and Kintetsu Kyoto, and utilize station coin lockers for heavy bags.

• Be cautious of the gap between the train and the platform, particularly at older, rural stations where the platforms might be slightly lower or curved.