Transit Guide: Kansai Railway Pass

Get flexible rail access to major Kansai destinations

Japan Travel Staff

The Kansai Railway Pass makes getting around the region simple and stress-free. With unlimited rides on subways and private railways, you can move freely across Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, and Shiga without stopping to buy individual tickets. You can use the pass to wander through Kyoto’s quiet streets in the morning, enjoy lunch in Osaka, stroll with the deer in Nara, and still have time to see the lights of Kobe by night.

Here’s what you need to know before you start your journey with the Kansai Railway Pass.

The Pass

The Kansai Railway Pass is designed to make regional travel both simple and affordable. With one ticket, you can ride as much as you like on private railways and subways across the Kansai region. This works best if you’re planning an itinerary that includes multiple stops in a single day, like combining sightseeing in Kyoto with an evening out in Osaka.

What is the benefit of Kansai Railway Pass?

The biggest benefit is flexibility. You can move freely between cities and neighborhoods, making spontaneous detours without worrying about extra costs.

Beyond transportation, the pass also doubles as a discount card. Show it at selected temples, museums, shops, and restaurants to receive savings that can add up quickly over a few days of travel. Check the Kansai Railway Pass page for the list of participating establishments.

Prices

How much is the Kansai Railway Pass?

2-Day Pass: ¥5,600 for adults and ¥2,800 for children ages 6 to 11
3-Day Pass: ¥7,000 for adults and ¥3,500 for children ages 6 to 11

You can buy up to three passes per person if your trip is longer.

Get the Kansai Railway Pass on Klook

Validity

The Kansai Railway Pass is sold between March 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 and can be used from April 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. The duration is for the 2025-2026 sales period. Travelers can use the pass on any two or three non-consecutive days within this period, making it easy to spread travel days across a longer trip (for example, on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 5). Each valid day is based on the calendar, covering unlimited rides from the first train of the morning to the last train at night.

The pass grants access to an extensive network of private railways and subways across Kansai, including:

Hankyu Railway
Hanshin Railway
Keihan Railway
Kintetsu Railway
Nankai Railway
Osaka Metro
Kyoto Municipal Subway
Other private lines, including the Sanyo Electric Railway and Nose Electric Railway

(Note: The pass does not cover Randen (Keifuku Railway) or local buses)

Does the Kansai Railway Pass cover the Shinkansen?

The Kansai Railway Pass does not include Shinkansen services. It provides unlimited travel on a wide range of private railways and subways across the region, making it ideal for city travel and short regional trips in Kansai on non-JR lines. Travelers who wish to ride the Shinkansen will need a JR-issued pass, such as the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass, since only JR passes include bullet train access.

Do I need it?

Well, is the Kansai Railway Pass worth it given its price and coverage? This pass is best suited for travelers who plan to move between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, and Shiga using private railways and subways. It’s especially cost-effective if you expect to make multiple short trips or sightseeing stops in a single day, or if you plan to use the attraction and shopping discounts included with the pass.

Those with longer journeys in mind, particularly on JR lines or the Shinkansen, may find the JR Kansai Wide Pass a better option, but for flexible city-hopping and local exploration, the Kansai Railway Pass is one of the most practical choices.

Purchase

Buying the Kansai Railway Pass is easy and can be done either in advance or after arriving in Japan.

The pass is sold online through platforms such as Klook, KKday, and WAUG, where travelers receive a voucher to exchange in Japan. It can also be purchased at airports including Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport, or at in-city outlets such as major private railway stations, BicCamera, Don Quijote, and other retail partners. A valid passport is required for both purchase and exchange. You’ll receive a QR code voucher, which must be swapped for the actual pass at designated locations in Japan.

Usage

Using the Kansai Railway Pass is as simple as inserting it into the ticket gate, just like a regular train ticket. On its first use, the station and date are automatically printed on the pass. From that point, it allows unlimited rides from the first train of the day until the last. To take advantage of the additional benefits, travelers simply show the pass at participating attractions, shops, and restaurants to receive discounts.