Kansai Area Pass itinerary

Itinerary - 3 Days

1. Day 1

   Location

   Osaka

   Use your JR Kansai Area pass to travel on the JR limited express HARUKA from Kansai Airport direct to Osaka city centre.
   Once you’re in the centre you can explore this mesmerising city and travel conveniently using the JR Pass on the Osaka Loop Line.
   We suggest visiting Osaka Castle, where the inside of the castle has been made into a museum and a beautiful, panoramic view of Osaka City can be seen from the observation deck on the 8th floor.
   If you’re looking for places to shop we recommend Osaka’s thriving Kita District. The JR Loop Line will bring you to JR Osaka Station, which is surrounded by huge shopping centres!
   
   Kansai International Airport to Shin-Osaka (approx. 50mins by JR Limited Express Haruka)
   JR Osakajokoen Station to JR Osaka Station (approx. 10mins by JR Osaka Loop Line)

2. Day 2

   Location

   Himeji

   Take a day-trip to see Himeji Castle and see Kobe city on the way back!
   This way, you’ll be able to see both Japan’s traditions and modern beauty. Himeji Castle, known as ‘White Heron’ Castle, has over 400 years of history and is indisputably one of Japan’s most famous castles. The beautiful structure is unlike anything else in the world and has even been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In contrast, Kobe is an elegant port city where you can enjoy modern architecture and cuisine. The port of Kobe served as a gateway of foreign culture and entertainment, giving the city life with an incredible mix of cultures. Kobe is of course famous for its internationally renowned beef for its intense marbling and deliciousness.
   
   Shin Osaka to Himeji (approx. 40mins by Hikari Shinkansen)
   Himeji to Shin-Kobe (approx. 15mins by Sakura Shinkansen )
   Shin-Kobe to Shin Osaka (approx. 15 mins by Sakura Shinkansen)

3. Day 3

   Location

   Nara

   Next stop, Nara!
   Experience history in the ancient capital of Japan. Nara has some of the most impressive sights in all of Japan. We suggest starting your day with a leisurely stroll through Nara Park to see the friendly deer? The happily wandering deer here are very well cared for as they are believed to be messengers of God. You could then take a walk to Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple world heritage site. Todai-ji Temple is considered to be the pinnacle of Buddhist culture. It houses the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue that surprises everyone with its sheer size and several other outstanding Buddha statues. There are also some souvenir shops on the way to the temple with an lively and exciting atmosphere.
   
   (Shin Osaka to Nara approx. 60mins by Konotori & JR Yamatoji Rapid service)