From Kansai Airport to Osaka: A Comprehensive Guide

[@Will_Zhao]

As of May 2024, you no longer receive a discount for Limited Express Haruka by presenting your ICOCA. Instead, you now buy something called a 'Haruka One-Way Ticket' on the JR-West website and redeem it at a ticket counter. It's still pretty good value and does not require you to have an IC card(but you really should) so it shouldn't change your travel plans at all. Check it out on the official website at: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/one_way/haruka/ The ticket is only available to short-term visa holders.

[@J-ll5vj]

Is the price same if i bought directly from the ticket counter using cash (tourist) vs buy ticket using ICOCA card?

[@Will_Zhao]

@@J-ll5vj To get the discount you now have to reserve online on their website. You can buy the ticket with cash at a ticket counter but only at the full price.

[@PerryHutchinson]

I beg you, please keep making these videos. They are so helpful.

[@Will_Zhao]

I'd like to thank you guys for your very kind and positive feedback for my previous videos! 🥰 This new video is packed with quite a lot information, which goes beyond the bite-sized guide I initially aimed for. However, the format really is necessary to explain the topic in a comprehensive fashion. So I've made every effort to be concise, leaving only the crucial details. On top of that, to enhance accessibility, I've included timestamps for each major section, so that you can quickly jump to the parts that interest you the most. Please let me know how you feel about this guide, your feedback is greatly appreciated, much love!

[@Jintsoo]

Really well done, I plan to go the other way (Osaka-KIX) and the info here was super useful. One recommendation, please keep being informative and detailed. A lot of other KZbinrs don't know a lot about the trains, their service hours, or potential discounts, so your style of video is much, much, much better! Thanks a lot 😄

[@Will_Zhao]

I don't think this is true, Haruka still goes to Osaka Station on KIX website, JR-West website and Google Maps. Where did you get that info from? @@July_YT98

[@July_YT98]

​​@@Will_ZhaoI think my comments with my reasoning are all being automoderated due to links but yeah, I stand corrected. Haruka still runs to Osaka Sta.. Maybe you can see the comments as the video creator? There is definitely a weird quirk with the JRWest ICOCA + Haruka website and seeing it on mobile vs desktop.

[@July_YT98]

When I check the JRWest ICOCA + Haruka website on my mobile phone under the Prices section it shows me "Kansai-airport - Shin-Osaka", but when I go to my desktop it shows me "Kansai-airport - Osaka, Shin-Osaka". Combine that with another quote from an article I cannot link: "The Airport Express Haruka does not stop at Osaka Station", I became confused. Both the new one way JRWest Haruka site and the ICOCA + Haruka site on DESKTOP shows Osaka Sta. as a stop on the line.

[@alphasnotes5548]

I'm going to Osaka and I find your videos so helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@jasonleeky453]

I booked an impromptu trip to Osaka and your videos are a life saver

[@nootchanartsmathakarnagsor6417]

Thank you very much for your kind effort. This is the best explanation I have ever found on the internet about how to get to Osaka from the airport. I regret having found your clip too late, as I spent so much time searching for the information myself. However, your video helps clarify many things that were lacking in my knowledge. I really appreciate it and have already subscribed to your channel. Please keep up the good work. 🙏

[@BerettaFan]

I will be heading to Osaka in June and this video is very helpful for me as I now know how to arrive at my reserved hotel in Kitahama from KIX.

[@SN19699]

Thanks for your time making this very comprehensive video to share with us. I really appreciate it. I'm going to be in Osaka in October and am researching different options from KIX Airport to my hotel in Namba.

[@eleckeung]

By far the best explanation. Covers many of the un-explained nuisances. Thanks a bunch.

[@MrSacola123456]

Melhor video sobre KIX até Osaka!!!!! Ajudou muito!

[@ct4367]

This was extremely helpful - really appreciate you taking the time to put this video together and sharing with all of us!

[@casey9450]

Very helpful thank you so much! It's really confusing to search for different options and I am glad I was able to see your video!

[@liewsweefong8144]

Thank you so much . Your video is very helpful for us 1st time traveler to Osaka❤

[@pumpkinhill4570]

12:10 Aside from luggage (an important consideration considering most Japanese domestic travelers ship their luggage directly to their hotel, and most trains are therefore most trains are not equipped for everyone to have large suitcases), limousine buses’ other huge advantage is that they travel directly to major hotels in the city. If you’re staying at (or near) a well known hotel in the city, probably a limousine bus stops directly in front of it.

[@MrSuperawesomeisme]

Very helpful videos! Thank you! You deserve a lot more views and likes!

[@Lindsaybkk]

Have been on the ferry across to Kobe, is a great shortcut & saves going into Namba then all the way round the other side to go south.

[@ThucAnhNguyenSMILE]

Cant tell how excited I am after finding your video! Very comprehensive and helpful! Keep up the great work❤

[@partypiano0729]

Thanks for explain how the Icoca card works with JR.

[@RafiqFarhan-r8e]

Dude this is so helpful!!!!!

[@sharravaldepenas]

This is golden🎉 You remind me of John Wilson’s How to with John Wilson from HBO!

[@albertokarhe]

Excellent video! Very helpful.

[@ngrace23]

please do more. please do an entire osaka kyoto nara kobe itinerary :)))

[@zenneko641]

This content is gold! Thank you so much! 🤩

[@63viet]

great information. Thank you for your informative video.

[@nscaledelights]

This is an awesome video I feel like I can do this with my eyes closed lol.

[@nicholasdove5109]

After watching and studying this video 3 times, I was ready to arrive; however, after I got to the airport that's when everything went wrong. I arrived at Terminal 2 so I had no idea about the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1. Finally at the train ticket area, the JR machine malfunctioned giving me a paper ticket instead of the ICOCA card I selected, the Haruka was broken down so I couldn't get the discount, the online website for the Rap;it also had a fault that would only allow for tickets the following day to be bought so I couldn't get the discount ticket and had to pay full price, but eventually I got on a damn train 😂😅

[@Will_Zhao]

Looks like the stars aligned just to screw with you.😅 But hey, you got on the train, you are getting closer and closer to Osaka, and your trip has just begun. Enjoy your trip!

[@andrekaliva]

I'm here to give my wife few _clues_ cause me and her will go to Kansai separately... Thanks.. I'm commenting first then explore your video. And it's GREAT. If you still HERE, i have a question, do you ever experience the Uber or Grab or else from Kansai?

[@Will_Zhao]

@@andrekaliva Sorry but no, I've only hailed taxis in Japan

[@maria_ruby]

Thank you. This is a big help.

[@RemyChahal]

Excellent! So informative!

[@nawinbosakaranat5335]

So informative iLove it

[@g.beaangela]

This is amazing! Thank you!

[@konajo]

Thank you for this great informative video! I already have a Suica card on my phone. Will this work for the Haruka Express discount?

[@Will_Zhao]

I don't think it will, but I'm not 100% sure.

[@tobiasbrizuela1312]

loved it -- extremely detailed. I will definetely take the bus when arriving to the Kansay airport. IS the ICOCA card the same as the Suica card? Do I need that other card when being in Osaka? Would aprreciate your help. Blessings - Toby

[@Will_Zhao]

Any IC card would work, so you don't need another one.

[@jkeeoohhh6836]

Can I use Suica card instead of Icoca? Or only Icoca is possible to get discount for Haruka Express?

[@alkyonne4274]

What time does the JR tickets office close in Kansai Airport?

[@niahi]

Excellent video, I think it’s just missing one case. What if instead of a real icoca card I have an electronic one. iPhones can generate one in the wallet . In this particular case, would you still get the haruka discount ?

[@Will_Zhao]

Never tried it myself but I really don't see why not.

[@nitinmanware8773]

Hi Will, I have made reservations in Candeo hotel Osaka Namba. After reaching Namba Station using Nankai train, what's the best way to reach to the hotel in Shinsaibashi. i am travelling with heavy luggage, so should i take taxi after reaching Namba? should i use luggage delivery sevice for transferring my luggage or limousine would be a better option, but even with limousine, i will have to take a cab to reach to the hotel, am i correct? Please suggest whats the best option.

[@tinale9458]

Thanks for sharing the video! I have a question! Do the Haruca train go to Osaka from Kyoto station? The haruca train is look beautiful I want to try . This is my first trip to Japan from Canada. Thanks so much for your help.

[@chriswmao268]

can you get discount ticket if you have Suica card?

[@ando_ow]

The only question I have with those trains is if I am allowed to bring my luggage or have to do something (pay extra, put it somewhere), or should use the luggage delivery. For now it looks like luggage delivery. Is Luggage delivery useful when you have to arrive in Osaka what is like ~1.20 hours.

[@Will_Zhao]

Nobody cares if you bring luggage onto the slower trains, they are basically subways so pretty much anything goes. For the limited express trains you have the option to book for oversized luggage space when buying tickets, so do that if you think your luggage won't fit on the luggage rack. You cannot use the luggage space if you don't book it. I never used luggage delivery so can't tell you too much about that.

[@Jack-wm5ih]

Regarding the ICOCA discount,does it apply to the apple pay icoca card?

[@Will_Zhao]

The ICOCA discount is no longer available, now you buy something called a 'Haruka One-Way Ticket'. It's still great value but now you buy it online and redeem it when you are in Japan. Check it out on the JR-west website.

[@tangwaikent3072]

I will be touching down KIX at 9.35pm local time. Do you think I can catch the last Haruka Train to Kyoto?

[@Will_Zhao]

I can't say for sure, but you can just buy the ticket from the ticket office if you can make it in time. If not, there's always the JR Rapid train as a backup.

[@tangwaikent3072]

@@Will_Zhao thank you 😊 🙏

[@Alohasoon]

Is this IOCA card used in Tokyo too?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yup.

[@misob4913]

Thank you for the video! I’m taking my daughter to Japan for her birthday and am a little anxious. Are all the Haruka trains “Hello Kitty”? I’ve checked the JR website, but can’t tell. This will be Feb 2024. I should buy an Iocca card at a machine then train ticket ?

[@Will_Zhao]

I can't say for sure for feb 2024, but as far as i know currently all Haruka trains departing from KIX are hello kitty trains. But i suggest you check again before you set off. For the ticket, go to the ticket counter and get the Haruka&Icoca combo(or you can reserve online), not only do you get a significant discount, you also get to choose a Hello Kitty&Osaka Castle design, I guess you'd want that for your daughter. Check out 14:34 of the video.

[@andresgdm]

Hello, i will be arriving at 12:00am in kansai and im not sure what is avaliable at that time and also the most optimal. Please help! Thank you!

[@Will_Zhao]

I think only the hotels are available at that the time you arrive.😅 Your only option might be car rental or taxis, and I'm not sure if car rentals are still open at that time, and taxis are extremely expensive so you might not want to do that. There's nothing else I'm aware of that still runs at midnight. Therefore I really do recommend you spend the night at the airport and catch an early train the next day.

[@lovableangelina]

I’m so thankful to you for such an awesome explanation. You just removed my headache and stress about it. I feel so confident now. 😊😇🙏🤩👏👏👏

[@bakkwa8705]

Is it a better deal to take a taxi when we are a group of 4 people with 4 luggages +4 carry-ons ?

[@Will_Zhao]

In Japan, taking the taxi will never be 'a better deal', unless it's the only deal. Fastest train to Osaka(Haruka) is ￥1800 per person, taxi would still be around ￥5000 after split.

[@bakkwa8705]

@@Will_ZhaoThank you so much for your prompt reply 😸 Find your videos really helpful . I am planning an autumn Osaka , Kobe , Kyoto , Nara , Tokyo trip for next year . Unfortunately can’t make it for this year due to other family members’s commitments . I have subscribed , much thanks 🙏

[@FicoloEnRuta]

Dude! I love 💕 u

[@skykang124]

Can I bring a large luggage inside the trains?

[@Will_Zhao]

Only the more expensive trains(Haruka, Rapit) have dedicated space for large luggage and I believe you are able to reserve one at ticket machines or counters. However, It does not mean that you are unable to bring your luggage onto the cheaper trains. Just be careful don't get in the way of other people and you'll be fine.

[@skykang124]

@@Will_Zhao thank you for this very helpful tip!!

[@qjtvaddict]

Taxis are expensive EVERYWHERE LOL no taxi is cheap anywhere on earth

[@Xylpha]

I rarely make a comment on KZbin, but I think this clip deserves it because I have never found anyone make a decision tree before. Superb!!!

[@aziatik]

what if you arrived very late?

[@dr.AKsenova]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your Guide. It's best on KZbin, I swear. Thanks to you, I'll get to my hotel in Osaka and not cry at the airport)))

[@matthewv.8893]

Your video is a life-saver! Since this will be our first trip to Osaka, this cleared up all our confusion. It certainly feels much less intimidating now. Thank you!!

[@christinephotomovies3253]

Hi Will Zhao, Thank you so much for your KZbin video titled "From Kansai Airport to Osaka.". After viewing your video, I feel much more confident about my upcoming trip to Osaka, especially since it will be my first time visiting.

[@clampcita]

This is so helpful, thank you! Love the way you edit and explain everything, please do more.

[@CC14671]

Thank you for the info, this is my first time, my flight will be arrived in KIX Airport around 7pm, could I use Uber apps in the airport? where is the spot that I can call Uber taxi to Osaka?

[@kwokfong2792]

At 08:21, I think you mean: from 7am to 12pm.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yeah that's a type there, but I hope people would still understand what I was trying to say.

[@jesserai]

Your presentation is impeccable - clear, concise and well organized. Subscribed.

[@1one1yavenue]

this video has been very helpful during my trip. superrrrrrr informative and love the comparisons made. thank you so much!

[@weihan9425]

Brother, your videos are so good, better than a PhD thesis! Do add advices that take into account travelling with baby/toddler/kids and senior citizens! Our family is going next week and I'm already taking your advice to take Haruka (stay near Showacho, next to Tennoji), getting Hankyu and Kintetsu passes for Kyoto and Nara respectively :D

[@claudia.vasquez93]

you are the best! I was checking the web page to get a discount of the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t however I couldn't find the Rapi:t economy ticket shown in your video, and the only price I could see was ¥1,300 One-way ticket + express train Rapi:t express ticket and ¥1,490 One-way ticket + express train Rapi:t express ticket (super seat). Does this mean that there are not discounts available anymore in 2024? Thanks!

[@Noidah]

This is very informative. Ticket trains I think was my worry but not anymore 😊

[@VagabondRob555]

Great Video. Thanks

[@Tony36847]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@maxaversa]

Well made thank you for your video really appreciated.

[@jennyc1905]

Hi Will, I am sorry, still confused with ICOCA card with Haruka option. Where can I get e ICOCA card? If I landed Osaka by a train (from Tokyo), where can I pick up my Haruka ticket and pay for the ICOCA card? Thanks.

[@michaelyiu9833]

amazingly helpful and informative, wow! thank you!!

[@Glasseyyy]

Thank you good sir

[@gaborhideg6127]

Definetly me watching this at the middle of KIX trying to figure out how to get to Osaka

[@gonzalezfreak]

lol gonna be me in a week

[@AllanBernardino-m7f]

Hi, do you know if the discount in th Haruka is for icoca card only? Not applicable to suica card? Thank for the great video.

[@Ozelot_]

I think for the greman, they took it from "rapide". It means "going onwards fast".

[@drliyyow]

Subscribed at your 2nd video. Thanks heaps!

[@kimpamintuan2514]

Can I get same discount on Haruku using Suica pass in apple wallet (no card number ) as you can with Icoca?

[@LegendTheAnonymous]

If I have an ICOCA card in Apple wallet can I just show that to get the Haruka discount?

[@nemarvel]

I couldn't get through this without your humorousness

[@myfriendsnoopy]

I’m planning my first solo trip this spring and your channel is SO helpful

[@celine.s]

Is there an eki stamp to collect in the train station ? Thanks for such a complete video it was very helpful 😊

[@davang595]

Can I use Suica card to ride JR Haruka or Rapid without buying ticket?

[@jayus29droid]

Very helpful video.. thanks

[@FelHua]

best guide for this topic. thanks!

[@jennyc1905]

Hi Will, can I use ICOCA card in Tokyo? Thanks.

[@qjtvaddict]

Taking the train every time lol😂😂😂😂

[@alkyonne4274]

Can I reserve JR Kansai Wide Area Pass and activate at the office?

[@eimyounes]

informative.....and funny :)

[@arcadianforge8104]

Detailed Japanese transport options with bonus French accordion music 🪗

[@augustinetan5018]

I was checking the Airport limousine bus services website and it says that Nankai Namba Sta. (Midnight bus)is cancelled. What does this mean? Please advice.

[@Will_Zhao]

It simply means that the route no longer runs. It happened to a lot of the routes when they discovered the demand probably isn't high enough for the cost.

[@chavelito]

Hey! Really nice video ;) Do you know if there are baggage limits for any of these transportations?

[@Will_Zhao]

For the two limited express trains, if your luggage doesn't fit on the overhead racks, you'll need to book extra luggage space when you buy tickets. Don't think there are limits for the other options.

[@AoDk673]

Subscribing!

[@trulyhojicha]

What's the link for us to buy the Nankai Airport Express?

[@Will_Zhao]

There's none. You use your IC card or buy the ticket there.

[@Noidah]

I can take the Haruka to Kyoto…just confused on getting tickets…I have to get IC card first then ticket to take the Haruka to get discount? Should I get it in advance or is it ok to buy it on the day?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes, IC card first and then ticket. IC cards won't be sold out so it's ok to get it when you get there. For the tickets, you don't usually need to book a haruka ticket in advance since there are plenty of day-of non-reserved seats. But if you are really worried, you can indeed make a reservation for the discount ticket with the link I've provided. And if you've made a reservation, get your IC card first and go to the ticket office with your IC card in hand to receive your ticket.

[@J3nLai]

I can use Icoca or Suica card to take any of the trains? because I am afraid that I may miss the train if I bought the tickets in advance.

[@Will_Zhao]

You can't take the limited express trains with an IC card since the ticket gate will only deduct the fare for a regular train. You can get onboard but you must then pay for the price difference to the conductor.

[@dataprojectsviz6081]

Amazing Guide man, a fan of your videos. If possible do make a video on one of the pass for Kansai Area specially Kansai Thru Pass

[@mileslopez6185]

Can I use my Suica card as an alternative for ICOCA?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes

[@GG-tr2xe]

Can we get discount on the haruko train with an online sucia or icoca card?

[@Will_Zhao]

Hey, please see the pinned comment, there's no longer a ICOCA discount. You have to buy a special 'one-way ticket' now on their website if you want a discount.

[@Chiraii]

amazing video thank you very much !!!

[@oiyoto]

Hello! I have a question. I will be taking the bus from KIX to Rinku Town, afterwards from Rinku Town, I will be travelling to Nippombashi Station. So, do I still buy the tickets at the airport or can I purchase them from rinku town station instead? Also, thank you for the video, it was very informative!

[@Will_Zhao]

Hey, I myself have never been to rinku town and I'm not sure what transport you are taking from there to Nipponbashi. But I would assume that if there's a station, you can buy a ticket there.

[@oiyoto]

@Will_Zhao Thank you for the reply! Yes, from Rinku Town, I will be travelling by train to Nippombashi Station. Not sure how accurate but I've checked that the timing for the Nankai Kuko and the Nankai Rapit reaches tengachaya station around the same time, and with the exact same fare amount so I'll take whichever comes first from Rinku Town Starion 😊

[@rikconnoisseur]

you uploaded this video at a great time because ill be visiting osaka in a few months, and i have been confused and conflicted with which mode of transportation i should take. thank you so much!

[@okotaiofficial]

Honestly life saver! Subscribed!!!!! Thanks man!!!!

[@theresagoh1026]

Can we know why OCAT is not mentioned?

[@Will_Zhao]

I am focusing more on the trip from KIX to Osaka, not the other way around so OCAT is not of great significance(I could be wrong). But if you are indeed going to OCAT from KIX then anything to Namba, i.e. both Nankai trains plus the limousine bus to Namba, would do.