KANSAI HIROSHIMA JR Pass
Accessible trains with Kansai Hiroshima JR pass:
- Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" including Nozomi/Mizuho train (Shin-Osaka⇔Hiroshima) (reserved seating available). (The Kyoto <-> Shin-Osaka Shinkansen cannot be used with this pass. You will need to board a local train to go from Kyoto station to Shin-Osaka (25 minutes, every 10 minutes) and change train in Shin-Osaka to board the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka -> Hiroshima.)
- This pass can be used to ride the "Hello Kitty Shinkansen".
- Express Trains (HARUKA, KUROSHIO, THUNDERBIRD, KOUNOTORI, SUPER HAKUTO (Kyoto⇔Kamigori), etc.) (available for the reserved seats ticket). * An additional fee is required for traveling on SUPER HAKUTO (Kamigori⇔Tottori) and SUPER INABA (Kamigori⇔Tottori)
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima)
· This pass is valid on JR WEST BUS route buses within the valid area. This pass cannot be used on expressway buses.
* The trains below CANNOT be used with this pass.
- Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Hakata⇔Hiroshima)
- Bullet Train "TOKAIDO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Tokyo)
- Bullet Train "KYUSHU SHINKANSEN" (Hakata⇔Kagoshima-Chuo)
- The Special Rapid "A Seat" paid seating service
How can I get the Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass?
- Once the pass is purchased, you will receive an e-voucher within 5 business days to the email you provide.
- Please exchange your e-voucher to receive the physical ticket at one of the locations below. Your voucher should be exchanged within 3 months (90 days) of receiving the e-voucher.
(You will need to present your passport)
- Kyoto station ticket office 6:30-21:00
- NTA TiS Kyoto Branch 10:00-12:00 13:00-16:00
- Shin-Osaka station 6:00-22:00
- Travel service center Shin-Osaka 8:00-22:00
- Osaka station 6:00-22:00
- Kansai airport station 5:30-23:00
- NTA Tis Osaka branch Weekdays 11:00-18:00 Saturdays and Holidays 11:00-17:30
- Sannomiya station 6:00-22:00
- NTA TiS Sannomiya branch Weekdays 11:00-18:00 Saturdays and Holidays 11:00-17:30
- Nara station 8:00-20:00
- Okayama Station 8:00-20:00
- Hiroshima station 5:30-23:00
When exchanging the voucher, you can choose the activation date of the pass - it can be the same date of exchange, or up to one month in the future.
The pass can be used for unlimited travel in the valid area for 5 consecutive days.
- How do I reserve a seat?
You can board any train without booking a seat in advance, including the Shinkansen (use the non-reserved seat cars).
However, if you wish to reserve a seat, this can be done at a green ticket vending machine or at a JR station ticket office AFTER exchanging the e-voucher and receiving the pass.
As of October 2023, an unlimited number of seat reservations can now be made per pass.
Package option: Okayama Art Festival ticket
Upon ordering the ”Kansai Hiroshima Pass with Okayama Art Festival" package, the e-voucher will be sent within 5 days via email. (The passes will be in separate PDFs within one email.)
Those who purchase a child ticket will receive only a JR Pass voucher, as admission to the festival is free for children.
For event details please visit the official website
- The pass may be used at any time during the Okayama Art Triennale (2024/9/28-2024/11/24); Limited to one admission per venue.
List of exhibit locations and venues:
Area on the periphery of Tsuyama Castle, Tsuyama City
Sakushu Folk Crafts Museum
Shurakuen Garden
Josai Romance Hall
Joto's Old Townhouses
Former Tsuyama International Hotel site
Tsuyama Wonder Museum
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum
PORT ART&DESIGN TSUYAMA
Green Hills Tsuyama area, Tsuyama City
Green Hills Tsuyama
Area in the vicinity of Nagi MOCA, Nagi Town
Symbol Road
Spark Nagi Indoor Gateball Field
Nagi MOCA
Makido Cave, Ikurado Cave area, Niimi City
Ikurado Cave
Fureai Center Maki
Makido Cave
Manabi no Mori Niimi Library (Sub-venue)
Hiruzen area, Maniwa City
GREENable HIRUZEN
Katsuyama Historical Preservation District, etc(Sub-venue)
Okutsu area, Kagamino Town
Okutsukei Valley
Okutsu Promotion Center
- Art Festival passes are valid for re-entry only on the day of admission.
- Please validate the QR code on your ticket at the entrance of each venue in order to enter.
- The Art Festival Pass can only be used by the designated pass holder. Please write your name at the bottom of the reverse side of the pass.
- As a form of identification (for college/university students and high school students and younger), you may be asked to show your student ID or ID card.
- We take no responsibility for any lost or stolen items or passes.
- Organisers reserve the right to cancel the artwork exhibitions due to natural disasters or exhibition maintenance.
To exchange your e-voucher for a usable pass, please go to one of the counters listed below.
- Momotaro Tourist Center Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Address:700-0024 1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita-ku, Okayama
- Okayama Momotaro Airport Terminal Building first floor「Okayama Tokusankan Momotaro」 Business Hours: 6:15 AM - 7:30 PM. Address: 1277 Nichioji, Kita Ward, Okayama, 701-1131
- Tsuyama Station Information Center Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Address: Otani,Tsuyama, Okayama 708-0882 ※Closed on Mondays
- Nagi Terrace Information Center Business Hours: 9:00AM - 5:00 PM. Address: Toyosawa, Nagi-cho, Katsuta-gun, Okayama, 314th area 708-1323 ※Closed on Mondays
- GREENable HIRUZEN Information Center Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Address: 1205-220 Hiruzenkamifukuda, Maniwa, Okayama 717-0602 ※Closed on Wendesdays
- Ikura Cave Information Center Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Address: 409 Ikura, Niimi, Okayama 719-2551
Cancellation policy
- Cancellation and refund is possible if the voucher is unused and the cancellation is requested within one year of the purchase date
- A 15% cancellation fee will be withheld from your refund
The Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Kurashiki and Hiroshima regions
The Kansai Hiroshima Pass allows you to travel with ease among some of Japan's most sought-after destinations: Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima. It includes the use of the Sanyo Shinkansen, the high-speed line that connects Shin-Osaka to Hakata, passing through Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kokura, and it grants access to the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, which are normally off-limits with the Japan Rail Pass. Each of the areas covered by the pass offers a unique and different experience, from the cultural richness of Kyoto to the urban dynamism of Osaka, to the historical beauty of Hiroshima.
Kyoto, located in the Kansai region, is known for its many Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional tea houses. It's a city that breathes history and culture, with famous sites such as the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of torii gates.
Osaka, the second-largest metropolis in Japan after Tokyo, is renowned for its modern food culture and bustling nightlife. The Dotonbori district is particularly popular for its restaurants and neon signs, while Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into the city's history.
Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city nestled between the sea and mountains, is famous for Kobe beef, sake breweries, and its Chinatown district, while Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an architectural masterpiece from Japan's feudal era.
Kurashiki, with its Bikan historical quarter, transports visitors back to the Edo period with its merchant houses and picturesque canals.
Lastly, Hiroshima, a city that bears the heavy scars of its past, offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the consequences of war. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum are poignant sites not to be missed.
With the Kansai Hiroshima Pass, you have the freedom to explore these five destinations. Here is our suggested itinerary to follow with this pass.
Step 1: Kyoto
Begin your adventure in Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital, a treasure trove of cultural and historical delights. Visit the majestic golden temple of Kinkaku-ji with its stunning reflective pond. Make a detour to the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji, known for its sublime Zen rock and sand garden. Take a stroll along the Philosopher's Path, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, and if you're lucky to visit during sakura season, you'll find yourself in a tunnel of pink blossoms.
Finally, don't miss a visit to the Gion district, where you may spot geishas heading to their evening appointments. It's also a great place to sample kaiseki cuisine, a traditional form of Japanese meal that consists of multiple small dishes delicately prepared.
Step 2: Osaka
From Kyoto, take the JR Shin-kaisoku train to Osaka, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant food culture. Soak up the atmosphere by wandering through the lively streets of Dotonbori, with its giant advertising signs and restaurants serving a variety of local dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Don't miss a visit to Osaka Castle, a major historic monument offering a fascinating insight into Japanese history. The vast gardens surrounding the castle are particularly beautiful during sakura season, when cherry blossoms add a splash of color. Also, explore Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive in the world, where you can get up close with a wide variety of marine creatures, from whale sharks to penguins.
Step 3: Kobe/Himeji
Your next stop is either Kobe or Himeji, two distinct cities each with much to offer. Kobe, with its international atmosphere, is famous for its world-renowned beef. Treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of the many restaurants specializing in Kobe beef, and be sure to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum to learn more about the production process of this traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage. Mount Rokko offers stunning views over Kobe city and Osaka Bay, especially at night when the city lights up.
If you opt for Himeji, your primary destination will be Himeji Castle, often considered the most spectacular of Japan's twelve original castles still standing. Nicknamed the "White Heron" due to its striking white exterior, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a remarkable example of 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. Take a stroll through the castle gardens, full of cherry trees, for a particularly memorable experience during sakura season.
Step 4: Kurashiki
Located in Okayama Prefecture, the city of Kurashiki is a historical gem. The Bikan district is the main attraction, with its willow-lined canals, cobblestone streets, and traditional white-walled, black-tiled warehouses dating back to the Edo period. These warehouses have been converted into a variety of museums, shops, and cafes.
Don't miss the Ohara Art Museum, founded in 1930, which is Japan's first museum of Western art. Its collection features works by European masters such as El Greco, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir, as well as famous Japanese artists. For a more modern experience, the Okayama Prefecture Contemporary Art Museum, also located in Kurashiki, offers a variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists from around the world.
Step 5: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Conclude your journey with a visit to Hiroshima, a city that was gracefully and determinedly rebuilt after the tragic atomic bombing in 1945. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum to understand the impact of this event and the city's dedication to promoting peace.
Then, take a ferry to the island of Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima. Marvel at the grand red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float at high tide. Explore the island, with its peaceful temples, hiking trails, and local population of deer. Don't forget to try the local okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake topped with various ingredients, before concluding your journey through Kansai and Hiroshima.
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