Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass: Cost-Efficient Travel in Western Japan
Onomichi and Kurashiki with their traditional streetscapes or Miyajima Island, known for the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine, are some of the best travel destinations in Western Japan (Kansai).
These places are located in Hiroshima and Okayama, two prefectures that face the Seto Inland Sea boasting many wonderful places worth visiting.
The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass offered by JR-WEST allows visitors to Japan to tour such destinations economically.
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass - Travel 5 Days for Only 15,000 Yen!
Please refer to the JR-WEST official website for details
When talking about discount travel passes, the Japan Rail Pass is well-known for covering seven days unlimited rides on JR lines for just 30,000 yen. The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is recommended for travelers who want to explore the Kansai area at leisure and at a reasonable price.
The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass costs 14,500 yen for adults (13,700 yen at travel agencies) and 7,250 yen for children (6-11 years old).
This pass covers unlimited rides five days on JR lines in the Kansai Region. It can also be used on the shinkansen (non-reserved seating) from Osaka to Hiroshima, and limited express trains going to Kyoto and Tottori.
When purchasing this pass, it's best to order it beforehand. Vouchers, redeemable for passes after your arrival in Japan, can be purchased at travel agencies and online via JR-WEST website shown below.
*After pre-ordering your MCO (Miscellaneous Charges Order) or E-TICKET, go to the Midori no Madochi (JR's green ticket office) at the designated JR station, and exchange it for your pass. For those with an MCO or E-TICKET printed with a QR code, we recommend taking it along with your passport to a JR ticket vending machine. Click here for instructions on how to use the JR Ticket-Vending Machines. For visitors with a paper voucher, please go to the JR ticket office and pick up your pass.
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass Reservations and Details
A Suggested Travel Itinerary in Hiroshima and Okayama
Miyajima Island. Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Both Hiroshima and Okayama stretch out from east to west. We suggest planning your itinerary beforehand in order to travel efficiently and enjoy as much as possible of what western Japan has to offer.
We introduce a five-day sample itinerary using the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass that includes the very best places to visit in Hiroshima and Okayama.
The departure point is Kansai International Airport because many visitors use it as their entry point to Japan. However, departing from Okayama Airport or Hiroshima Airport is also convenient, so please choose the airport that suits your travel needs.
If you're particularly interested in cuisine or beautiful scenery, please check the two articles below.
Day One: From the Airport to Hiroshima
Purchase the Area Pass at Kansai Airport Station
After arriving at Kansai International Airport, please proceed to the JR ticket office at the JR Kansai Airport Station. Here you can purchase your Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass.
The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass can also be purchased or redeemed at Hiroshima Station and Okayama Station. If you're landing at Hiroshima Airport or Okayama Airport, please visit the JR ticket offices within the airport.
From Kansai International Airport, take a limited express train headed for Shin-Osaka Station. Once here, transfer to a shinkansen train going to Hiroshima. It takes two hours and thirty minutes to get to JR Hiroshima Station.
Explore Hiroshima
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
There are many great places to visit in Hiroshima, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. If you arrive a little early, we suggest exploring the city on a bicycle, courtesy of Docomo Bike Share.
Day Two: Visit Famous Destinations in Hiroshima
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Miyajima is one of the most beautiful places in Japan, often described as one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Places.
Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima, is a famous World Heritage site with a history going back at least ten centuries. On days when the sea is calm, the vermillion-painted shrine buildings look like they're floating above the waves. Taking into account its history and beauty, Itsukushima is definitely a place that should feature on anyone's travel itinerary.
It takes thirty minutes by train from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. From here you can hop on a ferry.
Near Miyajimaguchi Station there are two ferry platforms, the JR Ferry and Matsudai Steamship. Holders of the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass can ride the JR Ferry free of charge!
*Please note that Ikutsushima Shrine's large torii gate is currently (March 2020) undergoing repairs. The completion date is yet to be announced.
Onomichi
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Onomichi is the setting of several Japanese movies, including "Toki wo Kakeru Shojo" ("The Girl Who Leapt Through Time").
With Senkoji Temple at its center, Onomichi has beautiful streetscapes highlighted by sloping paths that are lined with traditional Japanese homes. Shimanami Kaido—a well-known cycling route—runs through Onomich.
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Ferries going from Miyajima back to Hiroshima depart four times every hour. Return to Hiroshima Station from JR Miyajimaguchi Station, then take the Shinkansen train to Mihara Station. From here transfer to the JR San'yo Main Line (headed for Fukuyama) and go to Onomichi Station.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, the trip takes about one hour and thirty to fifty minutes.
Day Three: Visit a Zen Temple and Kurashiki City
Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens
The Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens opened in 2016 as a place where visitors can experience the world of zen with all five senses.
Visitors will encounter many examples of Japanese aesthetics on the premises, including karesansui gardens, better known as Zen gardens. These gardens are the creation of Kinsaku Nakane, who was also responsible for the world-famous garden of Adachi Museum of Art.
Another highlight is the art pavilion Kohtei. This structure resembling a ship was designed by sculptor Kohei Nawa in conjunction with Creative Platform SANDWICH.
Inside the building, water quietly ripples back and forth. Focus your attention on it and you'll enter a state of meditation.
The cafe restaurant of Shinshoj is also a place where you'll find the spirit of Zen. The above photo shows a dish of Shinshoji udon noodles, a menu that we highly recommend.
On fixed days of the week only, Zen priests stop in for a meal. If you meet them, you'll be able to observe the table manners of Zen priests.
To get to Shinshoji you can take a bus from Fukuyama Station.
On weekdays, there's a complimentary shuttle bus that leaves from Fukuyama Station at 9:50 and 11:10 (as of March, 2020).
In addition, travelers can take a Tomotetsu bus headed for Tenjinyama bus stop. From here, Shinshoji can be reached in fifteen minutes on foot. For further details, please look at the following bus schedules: Via Seto on the Shinkawa Line (Japanese) and Via Aratani on the Shinkawa Line (Japanese).
It takes twenty minutes to get from JR Onomichi Station to Fukuyama Station.
Kurashiki - Bikan Historical Quarter and the Ohara Museum of Art
Picture courtesy of Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
It's no exaggeration to say that Kurashiki is the most famous destination in Okayama.
At its center lies the Bikan Historical Quarter. This area has beautiful streetscapes lined with rustic buildings from the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The Ohara Museum of Art houses artwork by world-famous painters such as Monet.
Needless to say, the Bikan Historical Quarter is packed with things to see and exciting activities.
From JR Fukuyama Station, take a Shinkansen headed for Shin-Kurashiki Station. From here, take a train on the San'yo Main Line (bound for Okayama) and you'll arrive in about thirty minutes. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is just fifteen minutes away on foot from JR Kurashiki Station.
Day Four: Explore Okayama City and Kojima
Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle
Picture courtesy of Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
Okayama Korakuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Right next to it Okayama Castle. The walls of this structure were painted with black lacquer, and the color looks like the wet wings of a crow. Due to this beautiful appearance, it's also sometimes called the Crow Castle. Both Korakuen and Okayama Castle are must-Visit places in Okayama.
It takes twenty minutes to get to Okayama Station from JR Kurashiki Station. From Okayama Station to Okayama Castle, you can hop on a bus or a streetcar. Including the walking time, both options take about thirty minutes.
Picture courtesy of Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
There are several ways to enjoy yourself at Korakuen and Okayama Castle. For example, at Okayama Castle you can try wearing a kimono. This hands-on experience is available five times a day and is free of charge.
Genso Teien (Japanese) is a special illumination event held at Korakuen. It's held during the spring, summer, and fall (in the spring of 2020, it's held May 1-10 from 18:00 to 21:30).
Kojima Jeans Street
Picture courtesy of Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
Kojima Jeans Street—a must-visit place for denim lovers—is a 400-meter-long street lined with local jeans shops. How about purchasing original jeans made in Okayama as a souvenir? There is even a shop where you can try making your own pair of jeans.
Kojima Station can be reached from JR Okayama Station in 25 minutes. It takes about 15 minutes to reach Kojima Jeans Street from here on foot.
Day Five: Visit Kibitsu Shrine
Picture courtesy of Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
It takes about two hours and thirty minutes to get to Kansai Airport Station from JR Okayama Station by taking first a Shinkansen and then a limited express train. On the final day of your Kansai tour, plan your travel so that you can make it in time to the airport.
If you wish to explore Okayama City just a bit longer, travel to Kibitsu Shrine, an amazing spiritual spot located in the city.
Check out the Hello Kitty Shinkansen!
©1976, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. G604523
With the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, you can even hop on board a Hello Kitty Shinkansen. The train exterior is painted with different shades of pink and decorated with Hello Kitty motifs.
This bullet train operates on the Hiroshima to Okayama route from about 8:00 until 10:00, and on the Okayama to Hiroshima route between 12:00 and 13:00. When you need to get to either of these places, try to get a seat on this train.
Make full use of your Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass by discovering some more of the attractive destinations that Hiroshima and Okayama offer!
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass Reservations and Details
Besides the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, the West Japan Railway Co. (JR-WEST) offices offer several other travel passes at excellent value for international visitors. For details, please refer to the JR-WEST official website.
For additional information on tours in the Western and central Japan offered by JR-WEST, please refer to Discover West Japan.
Please see the following MATCHA articles for details on the destinations featured in this itinerary.
Read also
Hiroshima Guide: Sightseeing Highlights, Cuisine And More
Okayama Two-Day Travel Itinerary – Must-Visit Places, Shopping, And Food
Written by Mizzochi
Sponsored by Okayama Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, JR-West
Main image courtesy of Hiroshima prefecture (Onomichi Shimanami Kaido)