Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
Unlock the iconic destinations of Japan’s central Sanyo and San’in regions with the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass.
The Sanyo-San'in Area Pass is one of the regional travel passes for Japan. It grants you unlimited travel within an area that stretches from Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka in the east to Fukuoka in the south.
This pass is worth considering if you’re arriving at Kansai Airport and planning to visit cities along the Sanyo and San'in coasts such as Himeji, Kobe, Okayama, and Hiroshima. One major benefit is that it covers travel on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
Read on to learn more about this regional rail pass. We’ll also break down whether it is worth it for your trip, or if you are better off opting for a 7-day JR Pass.
How it works
What is included
When is it good for?
This pass is ideal if you’re only planning to explore the Sanyo and San’in regions over consecutive days.
It’s very good value for money for traveling along the Chugoku Region’s Sanyo and San’in coasts. It’s perfect for visiting cities like:
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Hiroshima
- Fukuoka
- Nara
- Himeji
- Kobe
- Okayama
Particularly if you are using the Sanyo Shinkansen. For instance, it will pay off for just one roundtrip on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima.
It’s also a good option if you are planning to visit attractions in the region off the beaten track, such as Amanohashidate and Miyajima Island.
There are other less expensive regional rail passes with more limited coverage areas available if you wish to only visit a smaller portion of the Chugoku Region. These include the Kansai Wide Area Pass.
Eligibility and Validity Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass are as follows:
- Designed specifically for international tourists holding a “Temporary Visitor” visa for Japan.
- Must be accompanied by a passport issued outside of Japan.
- A person cannot purchase or exchange more than one pass for the same duration.
The Sanyo-San'in Area Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days, beginning from the day of activation.
The validity is calculated in full days, from midnight to midnight, rather than 24-hour periods. Regardless of the time you start using it, the first day is counted as an entire day.
When obtaining your pass, note that individuals aged 12 and above at the time of transaction are categorized as adults. Passes for children are available for those aged between 6 and 11 at the time of acquisition.
An adult or child with a valid Sanyo-San'in Area Pass can travel with up to two infants (aged 1–5) at no extra charge. However, a third infant would require their own child's regional pass.
If an infant is to have a dedicated reserved seat, a pass is essential. Infants under the age of 1 travel without any charge.
Exchange Your Pass
After purchasing the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass online, you can collect the physical pass at major stations within the service region.
The JR ticket offices where you can exchange the Sanyo San’in Area Pass, as well as their opening hours, are listed below.
Why a Regional Pass?
The benefits of getting a Regional Pass can include:
- Cost-effective: Save money by focusing on specific regions rather than nationwide coverage.
- Child discounts: Children aged 6-11 enjoy passes at half the adult price.
- In-depth exploration: Delve deeper into local attractions, culture, and history.
The Kansai Wide Area Pass is also a good option if you’re planning to explore the Kansai region exclusively. It will also let you take in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Himeji, although over a shorter period of time.
Whole Japan Rail Pass
Planning to visit more than one region during your stay in Japan? Find out if a JR Pass for the whole country is a better investment.
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.