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KANSAI ONE PASS: Explore Osaka and the Whole Kansai Region with Just This Card and a Phone!

KANSAI ONE PASS: Explore Osaka and the Whole Kansai Region with Just This Card and a Phone!

Last updated: 15 February 2021

While the word "Kansai" may not be familiar to you, you are surely acquainted with Osaka and Kyoto. Kansai refers to the region where these cities are located. If you have plans to visit this region, it is essential for you to be aware of the KANSAI ONE PASS—an IC card specifically designed for international visitors to Japan, making transportation extremely convenient.

This pass, available in card form, grants you access to various modes of transportation such as JR lines, subways, private railways, buses, and nearly all other transportation options operating in and around Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Owning this pass comes with numerous advantages and privileges.

Main image ©Tezuka Production

Table of Contents
  1. What Exactly is the KANSAI ONE PASS?
  2. How to Get a KANSAI ONE PASS
  3. Charging Your Card and Using It at the Ticket Gate
  4. Special Perks at Over 300 Locations, Just By Presenting Your Card!
  5. 3 Spots to Enjoy KANSAI ONE PASS Benefits

What Exactly is the KANSAI ONE PASS?

©Tezuka Production
©Tezuka Production

The KANSAI ONE PASS is a special IC card for tourists in Japan, available since April 2016. With this card, you can travel seamlessly across various transportation systems in the Kansai Region, including JR lines, subways, and buses.

It can be used in nationwide IC Card Areas like ICOCA and PiTaPa. The pass eliminates the need for individual tickets, allowing unlimited use after charging.

While it doesn't work on the Shinkansen or certain parts of the JR lines, it offers perks at 300+ commercial facilities and tourist attractions. Consider the card featuring Osaka Tezuka's Astro Boy, symbolizing the Kansai connection.

How to Get a KANSAI ONE PASS

Giovanni G / Shutterstock.com
Giovanni G / Shutterstock.com

The KANSAI ONE PASS can be purchased at any of the following major Kansai railway companies and transport stations, as well as tourist information and service centers:

Kansai International Airport
  • JR West Kansai Airport Station
  • Nankai Kansai Airport Station Ticket Office
Kyoto
  • JR West Kyoto Station
  • Hankyu Kyoto Tourist Information Center (Kawaramachi)
  • Hankyu Kyoto Tourist Information Center (Karasuma)
  • Keihan Sanjo Station
  • Kintetsu Kyoto Station
  • Kyoto City Transportation Bureau City Bus/Subway Information Center Kyoto Station & Kotochika Kyoto
Osaka
  • JR West Shin-Osaka Station
  • Hankyu Tourist Center Osaka/Umeda
  • Keihan Kyobashi Station
  • Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Station, Osaka-Uehonmachi Station, Osaka-Abenobashi Station
  • Nankai Namba Station 2F Service Center & 3F Ticket Counter
  • Osaka Metro Information Counter (Shin-Osaka Station, Umeda Station, Namba Station)
Kobe
  • Hanshin Train Service Center (Kobe Sannomiya)
  • Kobe City Transportation Bureau City Bus/Subway Customer Service Corner (Sannomiya), Shin-Kobe Station Tourist Information Center

*Please check the following link for the latest information:
https://kansaionepass.com/

The price to get your hands on one is 3,000 yen. This includes a 500 yen deposit, so you will have 2,500 yen available to use on the card. The maximum charge you can put on is 20,000 yen. Because this card is only available for short-term foreign visitors, you will need to present your passport at the time of purchase.

Additionally, the Kansai Area Railway Map and Usage Guide distributed with each purchase has a QR code that leads to the KANSAI ONE PASS official website. After scanning the QR code, you will be taken to the website which supports English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean. Please feel free to check the website for any questions you may have about using your pass.

Charging Your Card and Using It at the Ticket Gate

Tooykrub / Shutterstock.com
Tooykrub / Shutterstock.com

Once you purchase the pass, you will need to charge it. You can charge your card at the ticket machines at any station with the following steps:

  1. Select the option "Charge IC Card" (ICカードにチャージ)
  2. Insert card into slot
  3. Select charge amount
  4. Insert cash
  5. Select whether you would like a receipt
※画像はイメージです Atiwat Witthayanurut / Shutterstock.com
※画像はイメージです Atiwat Witthayanurut / Shutterstock.com

After charging your card, it's time for your first ride! Using the card is incredibly simple. Just touch it to the card reader on the right side of the ticket gate for a moment. The fare will be automatically deducted, allowing you to pass through the gates smoothly as long as you have sufficient funds. Be cautious, as insufficient funds will prevent you from passing, requiring you to recharge your card.

With no expiration date, your card remains usable at any time. If there is remaining fare at the end of your trip, don't worry. You can use it on your next visit to Kansai! Alternatively, you can request a refund for the unused amount.

Special Perks at Over 300 Locations, Just By Presenting Your Card!

Somjork / Shutterstock.com
Somjork / Shutterstock.com

The KANSAI ONE PASS offers not only travel convenience but also access to numerous sightseeing spots. By presenting your card, you can enjoy various benefits, including discounts at over 300 shopping facilities and tourist attractions, including 60 shops at Kansai International Airport.

To get started, visit https://kansaionepass.com

This website provides information about the KANSAI ONE PASS, available benefits, and details on over 500 sightseeing locations. The benefits cover essential aspects of travel, such as food, transportation, and sightseeing perks, including discounts at attractions and restaurants, rental car and bicycle discounts, free original goods, and small Japanese accessories.

The website is accessible in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean. You can search by category or find nearby sightseeing spots based on your current location. Additionally, you can access routes and travel directions on your smartphone, eliminating the need for guidebooks or maps. Duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport also offer discounts and services, providing convenience for souvenir shopping and dining before or after entering Japan.

3 Spots to Enjoy KANSAI ONE PASS Benefits

Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas (Get off at JR/Osaka Metro Tennoji Station, or Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station)
Abeno Harukas (Get off at JR/Osaka Metro Tennoji Station, or Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station)

Abeno Harukas is a landmark of Tennoji known for the Kintetsu Department Store Headquarters, an art museum, and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel. Harukas 300 is one of the tallest buildings in Japan, and has an observatory 300 meters above ground where you can get a great view of not only Osaka City, but Kobe City, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and if you're lucky, the Kyoto Tower! And with your KANSAI ONE PASS, you are eligible for a 10% discount on admission on the day you present your pass.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle (Get off at JR Himeji Station)
Himeji Castle (Get off at JR Himeji Station)

Himeji Castle was Japan's first national treasure to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, along with Nara's Horyuji Temple, in December of 1993. It has become lovingly dubbed as "Shirasagi-jo" (or "White Heron Castle") because of its appearance of a beautiful white heron ("shirasagi" in Japanese) elegantly spreading its wings. With your KANSAI ONE PASS you can receive 2% off your admission.

  • Himeji-jo Castle
    • Address 68, Honmachi, Himeji-shi, Hyogo, 670-0012
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Himeji Station (JR Kobe Line / JR Kishin Line / JR San-yo Line / JR Bantan Line)
      20 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 079-285-1146

Rinku Premium Outlets

Rinku Premium Outlets (Get off at JR/Nankai Rinku Town Station)
Rinku Premium Outlets (Get off at JR/Nankai Rinku Town Station)

Right across the bridge connected to Kansai International Airport is Kansai's largest outlet mall, the Rinku Premium Outlets. There are about 210 nationally and internationally famous brand shops where you can purchase high-quality goods at great prices. When you present your KANSAI ONE PASS you will receive a coupon sheet that you can use at Rinku Premium Outlets. With convenient access to Kansai International Airport, you can easily stop by either when you arrive or right before leaving Japan.

And there you have it! A fun and fulfilling Kansai trip, with nothing more that a KANSAI ONE PASS and your smartphone. Why not purchase a pass and experience the smooth travels and great benefits for yourself?

Written by:
WESTPLAN
WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsushi, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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