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My family wants to experience shinkansen

MelissaTorres
MelissaTorres
over 7 years ago
6 responses

I need your advice on the cheapest pass which will allow me to take shinkansen.

It is my second time in Japan. This time I will be traveling with my family for five (5) days.

We will be arriving in kansai and we will stay most probably in namba area.

We will go to kyoto, nara and universal studios. However, I want my family to experience the shinkansen. What pass should I buy which includes shinkansen?

Thank you.

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

If you just want to experience the Shinkansen without having to spend much, I would use the Shinkansen trains for a one way Osaka - Kyoto (around ¥ 3,020/person). The cheapest option would be to simply buy a normal ticket for this. Its a 14 minute ride and should give you a basic idea what the Shinkansen is line.

Alternatively you can visit Kobe from Osaka, its about the same length and cost.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

MelissaTorres
MelissaTorres
6 posts
over 7 years ago

Hi Daniel,

I made some research and since Ill be staying in Osaka for 5 days, can I just buy JR Kansai Wide Area Pass?

I guess this can take me to Himeji using the Sanyo shinkansen. Hence, I won't be thinking of spending some more money for bullet train.

Is this a wise choice?

Thank you.

Melissa

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi Melissa,

You could, however I am not a big fan of the Kansai Wide Pass as it does not include seat reservations.

On busy days is basically means you may not set together or even have to stand on the train.

It is a good value pass though if you visit Himeji.

MelissaTorres
MelissaTorres
6 posts
over 7 years ago

Hi Daniel,

I'm planning to buy Kansai Wide Area Pass however the place where we will stay is near Yotsubashi station which is not a JR station. Based on my research, I need to walk at least 15 minutes from JR Namba to Yotsubashi station, and its quite a far walk. So I want to know which rail pass should I buy on top of the Kansai Wide Area Pass?

Thank you.

Melissa

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hello Melissa,

I would just buy additional normal tickets where needed. I don't think there really is an other pass useful here. If anything, I would buy an ICOCA card to make travel more convenient.

Kind wishes,
Daniel


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