Which pass should i get?

Hi there,

I think that you've made a great beginning for your trip to Japan.

The Kansai Airport JR Office is opened between 5:30-23:00. You can't miss it, just follow the signs with railways at the Airport. It's a great idea to start with the Haruka + ICOCA package - it offers great value - especially if you travel directly to Kyoto.

The ICOCA card can't be used for travel between Kyoto and Hiroshima, so you'll have to purchase a normal ticket there. However this should not be hard and there's even a special English speaking desk at Kyoto station.

Hope this helps!
Daniel

Hi Daniel!

Thanks for the quick reply.

Would it be better (a little cheaper and more convenient) to just get a Sanyo Area Pass for 4 days and the Haruka + ICOCA package? That way, I can use the Haruka from KIX to Kyoto, the ICOCA to travel to Kobe/Nara, and then Sanyo Area Pass from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Hiroshima to Osaka, and the return trip of the Haruka from my hotel in Osaka - KIX.

I compared the fares:

Kyoto - Hiroshima JPY 10,570 for unreserved Nozomi
Hiroshima - Osaka JPY 9,710 for unreserved
Haruka + ICOCA JPY 4,060 for round trip
Hiroshima - Miyajimaguchi JPY 410
Ferry to Miyajima JPY 180
TOTAL JPY 24,930

Sanyo Area Pass JPY 20,570 for 4 days
Haruka + ICOCA JPY 4,060 for round trip
TOTAL JPY 24,630

Is this right (from my understanding, the JR Ferry is free with the Sanyo Area Pass, and I can just use the ICOCA for the local train)? Also, can I use the ICOCA to go around Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima and Osaka?

Thanks,
Kat

Hi Kat,

Great research! You are correct in your calculations so there's not much for me to do :)

I'd so go for it, it looks like a great plan. Going for the Sanyo pass and ICOCA package sounds like the best idea to me as well.

Let me know if there's anything I can help you with :)
Daniel

Hi Daniel!

Actually, I do!

Can I use the ICOCA card to:
1. Travel from Kyoto to Osaka (and from Osaka to Nara/Kobe)
2. Go around Nara, Kobe and Osaka

Just checking what my options are in case my itinerary changes and I don't go to Hiroshima (so no need to get the Sanyo Area Pass).

Thanks!
Kat