5 days to explore Kansai and the surrounding areas—this one ticket is all you need!

Planning to travel in Kansai, but not satisfied with only Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe?
If you also want to take the train to Okayama, Tottori, Kinosaki Onsen, or even Shirahama, then you must know about this “money-saving tool” — the Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
Unlimited rides for 5 consecutive days, allowing you to easily move between cities, hot springs, sea views, and hidden spots.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse this with the Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass (3-day pass).
This guide introduces the Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5-day pass).

I. What is the Kansai WIDE Area Pass?

Launched by JR West, specially designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan for a short term.
 With one ticket in hand, you can ride unlimited for 5 consecutive days:
•    JR local trains and Special Rapid (Shin-Kaisoku)
•    Designated limited express trains (such as Haruka, Kuroshio, Konotori, Super Hakuto, etc.)
•    Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka ⇔ Okayama, including the Hello Kitty Shinkansen)
•    Certain JR West bus lines
In one sentence: If you want to “travel around Kansai by train,” this is a relatively cost-saving and convenient option.

II. Where can this ticket be used?

✅ Can ride the following trains:
•    Reserved seats on the Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka ⇔ Okayama)
· Including the “Hello Kitty Shinkansen.”
•    Reserved seats on limited express trains such as HARUKA, KUROSHIO, KONOTORI, SUPER HAKUTO, etc.
•    When using reserved seats, be sure to reserve in advance.
•    Some trains are fully reserved with no non-reserved seats. Please check here for trains that are all-reserved.
•    JR West conventional lines: Special Rapid (Shin-Kaisoku), Rapid, Local trains
Other
•    JR West buses are only valid for local route buses within the designated area. Highway buses are not included.
❌ Cannot ride the following trains:
•    Tokaido Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka ⇔ Tokyo)
•    Sanyo Shinkansen (Okayama ⇔ Hakata)
•    Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata ⇔ Kagoshima-Chuo)
Paid seat services: Additional fee required when reserving and riding Shin-Kaisoku “A Seat.”
⚠️ Note: JR local trains and Special Rapid between Osaka–Kyoto, Kobe can be used, but the Tokaido Shinkansen is not valid.

III. Ticket Price (valid for 5 consecutive days)

•    Adult (12 years and above): 12,000 yen
•    Child (6–11 years): 6,000 yen
Prices may change; please check actual prices at purchase.
Notes
•    An adult or child pass holder may bring up to 2 infants (ages 1–5) for free.
•    From the 3rd infant onward, a child pass is required.
•    Infants under 1 year old are free.
Cases where a child pass is required:
•    If the infant occupies a reserved seat (Ordinary Car Reserved Seat)
•    If the infant travels alone

IV. Eligibility for Purchase

•    Must hold a passport issued by a government outside Japan
•    Must hold Temporary Visitor status of residence
•    Japanese nationals cannot use (including Japanese nationals with permanent residence abroad)
•    The same person cannot purchase or exchange multiple passes of the same type for the same period
•    Passport must be shown at ticket pickup
⚠️ Note: Long-term visas such as student visa, work visa, dependent visa, etc., cannot use this pass.

V. How to Buy and Use

Purchase
•    Before departure: Purchase on JR official website or travel platforms
•    After arrival in Japan: Purchase at Kansai Airport or major JR West stations
Exchange
•    Present passport + purchase proof, exchange at station counter or machine
•    If using an automatic machine, an IC chip passport is required; if no IC chip, go to a manned counter
Seat Reservation
•    Limited express and Shinkansen reserved seats must be reserved in advance (free)
•    Can be done at Green Window or ticket machines with passport reading function
If you have doubts about purchasing methods, please scan the QR code at the end of this article and join our Japan Travel Consultation Group. “Neon-chan” will help answer your questions free of charge.

VI. Is It Worth Buying?

If only staying in a single city such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe → Not cost-effective.
If traveling between multiple cities, e.g., Osaka ⇔ Kobe ⇔ Kyoto, or planning trips to Okayama, Tottori, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, etc. → Easily pays off.
👉 A single Osaka ⇔ Okayama round trip almost equals the price of this pass.

VII. Sample Itineraries

Classic Route ①
Day 1: Kansai Airport → Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto → Okayama → Kurashiki
Day 3: Okayama → Kinosaki Onsen
Day 4: Kinosaki Onsen → Himeji Castle
Day 5: Himeji → Osaka/Kansai Airport

Classic Route ②
Day 1: Osaka → Shirahama (seaside + hot springs)
Day 2: Shirahama → Wakayama
Day 3: Wakayama → Amanohashidate
Day 4: Amanohashidate → Kyoto
•  Day 5: Kyoto → Osaka/Kansai Airport

VIII. Travel Tips

Always carry your passport; it may be checked.
Valid for 5 consecutive days; cannot be split.
For holidays and popular routes, reserve seats in advance.
Many trains are only available within designated sections—do not board the wrong one.

This Kansai WIDE Area Pass is already very practical in major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. If you want to go deeper, you can also conveniently visit Okayama, Wakayama, Tottori, and other places along the way.
Whether it is your first time in Kansai or you are an experienced traveler wanting to explore hidden areas, this pass is worth considering for your trip.