Kansai-Hiroshima Rail Pass
Unlock the best of the Kansai and Hiroshima regions with one convenient rail pass.
Embark on a journey through the heart of Japan with the Kansai-Hiroshima Rail Pass. This exclusive pass grants you unlimited travel between vibrant cities like Osaka and Hiroshima and historical hubs like Himeji, Kyoto and Nara.
This pass enables unrestricted travel for a consecutive period, on JR lines within the Kansai and Hiroshima regions, including the high-speed Shinkansen trains.
In this guide, we delve deeper into the transport options covered by the Kansai-Hiroshima Rail Pass and whether it’s a better option over the nationwide JR Pass.
How it works
What is included?
When is it good for?
The Kansai-Hiroshima Rail Pass is good for 5 calendar days in a row from the date of exchange/activation. It is valid from midnight to midnight.
Children 6-11 when the exchange order is issued are entitled to a half-price pass. Children aged 12 and up must buy an adult pass. Babies under 1 year old can ride for free.
Up to 2 infants (1–5 years old) may ride free with an adult or child who has a valid rail pass. However, a third infant will require an individual child’s regional pass. This is also a requirement for infants if they will occupy their own reserved seat.
This pass is a good option if you’re planning to explore the Kansai and Hiroshima regions and Sanyo coast extensively over a maximum 5-day period.
However, if you’re planning to stay longer or travel to other regions of Japan during your trip or, you may want to consider one of the JR Passes.
Eligibility and validity requirements
The Kansai-Hiroshima Rail Pass is available exclusively to foreign tourists with a "Temporary Visitor" visa.
It has a 5-day validity period during which unlimited travel is allowed on the above services in the area indicated on the map. A single consumer is not permitted to buy or exchange more than one ticket with the same usage term.
The validity of the pass is measured in days, not 24-hour intervals, from midnight to midnight. Regardless of when you started using it, the first day counts as a complete day.
You should also keep the following in mind:
- Since the pass cannot be used at an automatic ticket barrier, you need to present your pass at a gate with a conductor while entering or leaving the train station area.
- In Japan, the pass may be returned at any station where it is accepted for exchange. However, a 10% processing fee will be charged.
- A rail pass that has been stolen, lost, or damaged cannot be replaced or reissued.
- You need to carry your pass at all times and present it to JR officials upon request.
Additionally, a passport issued by a foreign country is required for pass holders.
Seat Reservations
You should be aware that you can reserve seats for free on any service that is covered by the pass.
It is mandatory to reserve seating on the following Limited Express trains in advance:
- Kuroshio
- Kounotori
- Kinosaki
- Hashidate
- Maizuru
An additional Limited Express reserved seat price will apply if you board these trains without making a reservation.
Exchange your Pass
Like the JR Pass, you can purchase the JR Kansai Hiroshima region Pass online.
The physical pass must be picked up at a major station in the service region before use if purchased outside of Japan or online.
Here, you can trade your voucher for the actual pass by presenting your passport and the exchange order.
Exchanging your pass is a straightforward process. On arrival in Japan, head to one of the following designated JR Pass exchange offices:
Why a Regional Pass?
For tourists traveling to Hiroshima as a side trip from Osaka or to the Kansai Region and Sanyo Coast, the JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass can offer excellent value for money.
Some benefits of a regional pass include:
- Cost-effective: If you're only interested in a certain area, you can avoid paying for a national JR Pass.
- Flexible Validity: Various validity periods with certain days offer customized travel choices.
- Children's Pass: To make family vacations more economical, JR provides regional passes for kids aged 6 to 11 at half the cost of adult passes.
- In-Depth Exploration: Makes it possible to explore the area's natural, cultural, and historical attractions in more detail.
The JR Kansai Wide Area Pass is also an option for those who aren't going as far as Hiroshima. Or, if you’re planning to explore the whole country, check out the benefits of the JR Pass below.
Whole Japan Rail Pass
Considering hopping across multiple regions? Here's why a nationwide JR Pass might be your best bet:
Unlimited Access: Roam freely across Japan's regions without restrictions.
Covers all of Japan: The JR Pass covers all JR trains. From the north to the south, it’s the ultimate explorer's ticket.
Full Shinkansen Network: Experience Japan's iconic bullet trains across their extensive routes.
Main Airport Transfers: Easily navigate between cities and major airports, ensuring a smooth journey.