Japan Rail Kansai Wide Area Pass – It’s an Amazing Travel Convenience and Comfort

During my trip to Japan in 2018, I found the Japan Rail Pass economical and very useful. Therefore, when Jayden and I travelled to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara in December this year, I decided to book the Kansai Wide Area Pass for both of us.

There are many different types of Japan Rail Passes available, but if you’re only planning to explore the Kansai area, I highly recommend you to get the Japan Rail Kansai Wide Area Pass. With this pass, you’ll get unlimited rides in Okayama, Takamatsu, Kinosakionsen, Amanohashidate, Tottori, Kishi, Shirahama and Kii-Katsuura, in addition to the Kansai area.

Moreover, you’ll get unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen (inlcuding Nozomi and Mizuho, between Shin-Osaka and Okayama), Limited Express and local trains (inlcuding Rapid and Special Rapid services) in the area (including Kyoto Tango Railway, Wakayama Electric Railway, Chizu Express) with non-reserved seats, and West JR Bus in the area.

Please note that the Kansai Wide Area Pass does not include the Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, the Sanyo Shinkansen between Okayama and Hakata, and the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo.

Eligibility

JR Pass is a tourist-exclusive pass that is only applicable to non-Japanese residents who have entered Japan with a “Temporary Visitor” status. Should you enter Japan with a military/business/diplomatic visa i.e. APEC Business Card, you are not allowed to exchange for the JR Pass.

How to Buy/Use

Simply follow the 4 steps below if you’re purchasing your Kansai Wide Area Pass from Changi Recommends.
Step 1: Book via this link and pay for your Exchange Order online.
Step 2: Indicate the method of delivery for the Exchange Order.
Step 3: Upon your arrival in Japan, proceed to any of the JR Ticket Office to exchange your Exchange Order for the JR Pass.
Step 4: Enjoy your trip, made convenient and comfortable with the JR Pass which can be used on trains, selected buses and ferries across Japan.

Special Discounts

There are some special discounts for restaurants and attractions when you present your JR West Rail Pass. You’ll be entitled to 20% off the admission fee for the Kokoen Gardens and the World Heritage Himeji Castle. You’ll also get 10% off the admission fee when you visit the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum. Furthermore, instead of paying ¥800 for entry to the Kyoto Tower Observatory, you’ll only have to pay ¥650 if you flash your JR West Rail Pass. These are just a few of the discounts mentioned.

Using the Kansai Wide Area Pass is indeed a convenient and comfortable way of travelling around Japan. You should consider getting a Japan Rail Pass if you’re exploring many areas of Japan.

Japan Rail Kansai Wide Area Passes can be purchased from Changi Recommends. Note that this is a collaboration with Changi Recommends (https://www.changirecommends.com/).