The popular ICOCA & HARUKA package was discontinued on September 30, 2023.
However, the convenient HARUKA One-Way Ticket – Discount Ticket is still available.
Why call it a “discount ticket”? Because it’s a special ticket available only to foreigners!
Typically, the fare from Kansai Airport to Kyoto is ¥3640, but foreign tourists can purchase the discount ticket for just ¥2200, about 60% of the regular price, making it a very cost-effective option!
Thus, the HARUKA train remains one of the best transportation options to Kyoto.
Ticket Versions
Divided by usage location: Tennoji, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara versions.
Divided by age: Adult and Child versions.
Ticket Details
Includes one HARUKA train ticket, but the ticket received and the seats available vary depending on the redemption location!!
1. Tickets redeemed at the Green Counter or Green Ticket Machine: One magnetic ticket.
With this magnetic ticket, you can use the Green Ticket Machine to exchange for one reserved seat ticket within the usage range of HARUKA.
2. Tickets redeemed at the White Ticket Machine: One thermal paper ticket, which cannot be used to reserve a seat, but offers a certain range of seats in one reserved car
If the designated area is full, you can only sit in the non-reserved car.
For example, you can sit in rows 8-10 of car 4 (4 seats per row, 12 seats total)
Tickets reserved on the official website for the HARUKA One-Way Ticket – Discount Ticket cannot be redeemed at the White Ticket Machine due to the lack of a QR code; they can only be redeemed at the Green Ticket Machine.
Issuance Period
Available year-round.
Validity Period
When redeeming, you must specify the usage date, and it is only valid on the specified date.
HARUKA One-Way Ticket – Discount Ticket Usage Range
1. JR trains (local, rapid, and special rapid) between Kansai Airport and Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto areas can be used.
2. Limited express trains can only use HARUKA, and you can take one reserved seat.
Osaka Version
■ If you purchase the Tennoji version, HARUKA can only go to Tennoji, after which you can transfer to other JR lines to other stations (within the range shown below).
■ If you purchase the Osaka or Shin-Osaka version, HARUKA can only go to Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, after which you can transfer to other JR lines to other stations (within the range shown below)
Note: If you want to buy the Tennoji version but want to exit at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, you can do so, but HARUKA can only go to Tennoji, and then you need to transfer to a regular JR train to that station.
Kyoto Version
If you purchase the Kyoto version, HARUKA can only go to Kyoto, after which you can transfer to the Sagano Line to Hozukyo Station, the Nara Line to Momoyama Station, the Kosei Line and Biwako Line to Yamashina Station, and the Kyoto Line back to Katsuragawa Station.
Kobe Version
If you purchase the Kobe version, HARUKA can only go to Osaka, after which you can transfer to the Kobe Line, with the farthest stations being Maiko and Wadamisaki Station.
Nara Version
If you purchase the Nara version, HARUKA can only go to Tennoji, after which you can transfer to the Yamatoji Line, with the farthest station being Nara (within the Yamatoji Line range)
Pricing
Kansai Airport ~ Tennoji Adult ¥1300, Child ¥650
Kansai Airport ~ Osaka, Shin-Osaka: Adults ¥1800, Children ¥900
Kansai Airport ~ Kyoto: Adults ¥2200, Children ¥1100
Kansai Airport ~ Kobe: Adults ¥2000, Children ¥1000
Kansai Airport ~ Nara: Adults ¥1800, Children ¥900
Sales Locations
Online Reservations
■ Click here for online reservations
Note: Discounted HARUKA one-way tickets cannot be purchased within Japan.
HARUKA One-Way Ticket – Discount Ticket Redemption Locations
Whether purchased through an overseas travel agency or reserved online, tickets can be redeemed at green counter, green ticket machines, or white exchange machines.
If your passport is not an e-passport, you must redeem at a green counter.
1. Green Counter Redemption Locations
Kansai Airport, Tennoji, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka Tourist Information Center, Kyoto.
2. Green Ticket Machines
Green ticket machines are usually located near ticket gates or green counter.
There are two types of green ticket machines: one with a scanner for passports and one without.
To redeem your ticket, use the green ticket machine with a scanner (all green ticket machines at Kansai Airport have scanners).
However, there are few machines, and each person takes a long time, so please be patient.
3. White Exchange Machines
These are only located at the ticket gates of Kansai Airport, with currently two machines available.
Although you cannot choose your seat, the exchange process is convenient and does not require a passport, making it quick and easy.
During peak seasons like sakura and autumn foliage, consider using these machines to save time.
Note: HARUKA one-way tickets reserved online cannot be redeemed at these machines as they lack a QR code.
Usage Instructions
1. For magnetic tickets, use the automatic ticket gates. Each ticket can only be used once (not unlimited use).
2. For thermal tickets, use the manual ticket gates. Station staff may stamp your ticket upon entry (or may not).
Upon exit, use the manual ticket gates, and the ticket will be collected.
Important Notes
1. Each HARUKA one-way ticket can only be used once. The ticket will be collected upon exiting the station.
2. Additional “limited express fee” is required for other limited express trains.
3. HARUKA one-way tickets cannot be purchased at automatic ticket machines (only full-price tickets are available).
FAQs
Q1: If I don’t take the HARUKA, can I use it for the Kansai Airport Rapid Service or Kishuji Rapid Service?A1: Yes, you can.
Q2: Can the one-way or round-trip ticket be used for unlimited station entries and exits?
A2: No, this ticket can only be used once, it is not an unlimited pass.
Q3: Which is better, the discounted ticket or the JR West Pass Kansai version?
A3: They serve different purposes. The HARUKA one-way ticket can only be used for one entry and exit, while the JR West Pass Kansai version allows unlimited entries and exits.
Q4: Can I still purchase the JR West Pass after buying this ticket?
A4: Yes, you can.
Q5: Can the HARUKA discounted ticket be used for other JR trains or carriages?
A5: The HARUKA discounted ticket can only be used for the HARUKA limited express train. Additional fees are required for other limited express trains.
Other trains: Kansai Airport Rapid Service, local trains, and direct rapid services are available. An additional seat reservation ticket is required for A Seat.
Q6: Can I use the HARUKA discounted ticket to board from Hineno or Rinku Town to the city?
A6: According to a response from JR West Japan to a letter from a user in March 2018, it is possible.
However, note that the HARUKA limited express does not stop at Rinku Town. You have two options:
1. Take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka
2.Take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Kansai Airport, then transfer to the HARUKA Limited Express for unreserved seating to Osaka or Kyoto.
However, since the HARUKA discount ticket allows free reserved seating, if you prefer a reserved seat, you need to plan your trip and book your seat in advance.
Q7: Can I use the HARUKA discount ticket to get off at Tennoji/Shin-Osaka and transfer to other JR lines?
A7: Yes, as long as you transfer within the station, it is allowed. Exiting the station within the designated area does not require additional payment. If you exceed the designated area, you will need to pay extra.
Q8: Can I use the HARUKA discount ticket to travel from Kyoto Station to Tennoji Station and exit the station?
A8: As of October 17, 2016, JR confirmed that you can travel to Tennoji Station.
Q9: Can I use the HARUKA one-way discount ticket to take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service back to Kansai Airport?
A9: Yes, but note that the Kansai Airport Rapid Service is connected with the Kishuji Rapid Service. The first four cars go to Kansai Airport, while the last four cars go to Wakayama.
Q10: Do I need to book online in advance? If not, can I buy tickets on-site?
A10: No.
Q11: What if I booked the ticket package online but forgot to bring the reservation slip or credit card to the site?
A11: Unfortunately, you won’t be able to proceed.
Q12: If I purchase the version from Kyoto to Kansai Airport, can I pick up the ticket in Osaka or Namba? Or can I only pick up the ticket in Kyoto?
A12: You can pick it up at designated locations in the Osaka area.
References
■ West Japan Railway Company – Ticket Deals and Passes
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1261/』
