Does the Kansai Area Pass work the same way as the JR Pass (other than the limited area covered, no Shinkansen, etc.)?
Our home base will be in Kyoto for about a week. We're planning a few day trips and leave from Kansai Airport.
Do I simply show the pass to the gate attendant at Kyoto station to catch the trains to Osaka, Himeji, Nara, Uji? Or do I have to reserve seats at the ticket office and/or ticket machines? What about the Express Haruka to Kansai Airport?
Thank you so much!
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Comments
You can't take limited express trains (except the Haruka) or bullet trains with the Kansai Area Pass, as you mentioned. For showing the pass at the manned gate, yes they work the same.
But all the Kansai passes are rather hard to justify, unless you go long distance like a visit to Himeji. The Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kansai Thru Pass are 2 alternatives to look at as well. If you're only going between the Kansai cities, then nothing might really pay off. A Haruka and Icoca ticket might serve you better. Read these below and see which appeals to you:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_03.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_005.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_08.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.html
https://www.kansai360.net/en/ticket/
You can see regular fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com
You can see previews of some of the best places to see in Japan on:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thejapanfaq/videos
There are also loads of other tips on
http://www.thejapanfaq.com/the-best-japan-travel-tips/
Best wishes.