Kiyomizudera Kyoto
Photo by Su San Lee on Unsplash
KANSAI WIDE Area Pass
- Economic and simple
- Unlimited travel
The JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass for international visitors includes unlimited access to JR trains in the wider Kansai region, Okayama, Takamatsu, Kinosaki Onsen and Wakayama for 5 consecutive days.
From Kyoto or Osaka, you can explore the entire region, from the Sea of Japan on one side to the Pacific Ocean on the other. You can use this pass to visit Kinosaki-onsen, Toyooka, Himeji, Kurashiki, and Tsuruga or the Kumano region. The pass also gives you access to the Kansai International airport.
A child price (6 to 11 years of age) is available for this pass. Access to trains is free for accompanied infants aged 5 years or under.
Note: From December 1st, 2025, The San'in Main Line section between Tottori Station and Yura Station will be added to the current free travel area.
Why choose the KANSAI Wide Area Pass?
Kansai, both geographically and culturally, is a varied region of Japan, and it is this same multifaceted character that makes it such an essential destination. Rich nature, long-standing history, energetic nightlife, and sophisticated art can all be discovered throughout Kansai, and the Kansai Wide Area Pass is the key to unlocking all of them! Through a combination of both JR-operated trains, including Shinkansen bullet train within the area, and buses, the transportation options for getting around Kansai are convenient and efficient. For five days, the quintessential experiences that define a trip to Japan can all be experienced via a journey through Kansai!
Highlights of the Kansai Wide Area Pass
How to use the KANSAI Wide Area Pass?
Delivery
- We will send the e-voucher to your email address within 5 business days after your order. If you want to get earlier, please contact us. (E-voucher is not the real ticket, you cannot take trains with the voucher)
- You can print out an e-voucher on A4 size paper, or you can show the voucher on your mobile device when you exchange.
Exchange
You can redeem your voucher for a physical pass at the following locations:
(Note that you will need to present your passport at the time of exchange)
Validity
You can find all train lines and JR lines in the Kansai region on this map. Please check the legend to find the JR Lines. The map also shows private train lines, which can not be used with the JR Wide Area Pass.
The following train lines and facilities are available for unlimited access with the Kansai Wide Area Pass:
Cancellation and Modification
- An unused voucher is refundable for one year from the date of issue.
- The voucher can be refunded if it has never been exchanged in Japan.
- A cancellation fee of 15% of the value of the voucher will be retained.
- No refund is possible for a voucher received by us more than one year from the date of issue.
- A refund is not possible for a lost or stolen voucher.
- For the bundle package with Okayama Art Festival ticket, as it is special seasonal product a refund is not possible.
Eligibility
Visitors traveling as tourists who have a temporary visitor entry status are eligible for this pass. Japanese passport holders are not eligible for this pass.
The Kansai Region
Kansai is made up of the prefectures Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga. However, the Kansa Wide Area Pass grants access to a number of nearby prefectures for additional discoveries! While the below descriptions are some of our most essential and favorite spots to see in Kansai, be sure to take the time to visit destinations such as Tottori and Kagawa while out this way, commuting made easy thanks to the JR Railway network.
Osaka and Kobe
Osaka, the largest city in Kansai and the third-largest city in Japan, is known for its high-energy night life and indulgent street food culture. Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are two delicious staple foods of Osaka that can be enjoyed practically anywhere. For those looking for a day full of fun, Universal Studios Japan resides in the area around Osaka and is a great destination for families and groups of friends alike.
Mentioning Kobe surely generates the image of luxurious, perfectly marbled beef, which is undoubtedly a must-have culinary experience to be had when visiting. But the luxurious feel of Kobe doesn't end with its gastronomy. The city as a whole is noted for its elegant, western-influenced architecture and design that is still distinctly Japanese.
Iconic view of Tsutenaku Tower in Osaka, Japan
@Wikimedia
Kobe Tower, Kobe, Japan
@pixbay
Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto and Nara, are two popular destinations for experiencing traditional and historic Japan. Kyoto is known for its abundance of well-preserved temples and shrines that blend seamlessly with an elegant and sophisticated modern backdrop. Here, a walk up the hill to see the Kyomizudera and the prominent shopping area around it is a popular activity, often followed immediately by a leisurely time at one of the many stylish and lax cafes to enjoy around the city.
Nara is likely very well-known for its famous deer park where deer roam freely and often take food directly from visitors, bowing to them afterwards. An activity surely to be experienced only in Japan. But Nara offers a rich gastronomic culture as well, as it is home to many renowned sake breweries and is even said to be the birthplace of the famous beverage.
Kyoto, Japan at night
@Pixabay
Deer in Nara, Japan
@flickr/ jojonas
Okayama and Wakayama
As the name suggests, other destinations throughout the Kansai Area are accessible with this rail pass, either via train or bus. Okayama and Wakayama are known as more rural prefectures within Kansai that offer unique sights and scenery. Okayama is also home to a number of historic sights like Kyoto is, including Kibitsu Shrine and the easily-recognizable Okayama Castle. This area is especially easily accessible as the Sanyo Shinkansen can be ridden with the Kansai Wide Area Pass.
Wakayama also boasts its own famous historic castle in the form of Wakayama Castle, but is also well-regarded for water sports as it sits in an area right by the ocean. People from all over Japan and the world travel here to engage in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. The white, sandy beaches make this an area worthy of travel and is a short trip via rail from other major spots in Kansai.
Nachi Shrine, Wakayama, Japan
@Wallpaper Flare
Okayama Castle, Okayama, Japan
@Wallpaper Flare
