West Japan is a popular region, known for its rich history and culture, but also for its magnificent natural beauty. From ancient Kyoto to modern Osaka, West Japan offers a wide variety of travel experiences for tourists. With JR West, you can enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains, allowing you to easily travel between cities, saving time and money. JR Pass also includes access to some limited express trains and shinkansen, allowing you to reach your destination faster.
Trip.com has summarized JR West guide in this article, with a detailed introduction and discount information on JR West. We also provide some popular attractions to help you better plan your trip. Whether it’s money-saving or convenience, Trip.com is the ideal choice when planning your trip to Japan.
Types of JR West
| Type | Scope | Pricing (Adult) | Pricing (Child) |
| Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass | Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$114.00 | US$57.00 |
| Kansai Area Pass | Unlimited rides on special express trains, rapid trains and local trains on the JR West Line, including the HARUKA Airport Express. | US$21.14 | US$10.57 |
| Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass | Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$154.23 | US$75.98 |
| Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass | Unlimited rides are available within Hiroshima & Yamaguchi area. | US$99.58 | US$49.63 |
| Okayama & Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass | Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$112.66 | US$56.33 |
| Setouchi Area Pass | Setouchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map below. | US$147.53 | US$73.77 |
JR West promotion
Scope of JR West
JR West: Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Hiroshima). The pass can be used for the "Hello Kitty Shinkansen".
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Trains, HARUKA, KUROSHIO, KONOTORI, KINOSAKI, etc.
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- The pass is only valid on WEST JAPAN JR BUS route buses within the valid area. The pass cannot be used on expressway buses.
JR West: Kansai Area Pass
The Kansai Wide Area Pass allows you to ride multiple trains within a designated area.
Kansai Area Pass includes Kansai Airport Express "HARUKA" or special express/reserved seats and special express/quick service reserved seats, JR West regular line local trains also include Kyoto Municipal Subway, Keihan Railway and Hankyu Railway tickets to enjoy designated seats Discounts on subways and railways make it easier to explore the Kansai area. You can also take the JR West Route Bus within the valid area.
The Kansai Area Rail Pass does not include some train services, the Kansai Airport Express Haruka reserved seats and non-reserved seats, and the bullet train "Shinkansen"
JR West: Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass
Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass
- Reserved seats on SANYO SHINKANSEN (Shin-Osaka⇔Hakata). This pass can be used for "Hello Kitty Shinkansen".
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Train, HARUKA, YAKUMO, KONOTORI, etc.
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- The pass is only valid on WEST JAPAN JR BUS route buses within the valid area. The pass cannot be used on expressway buses.
JR West: Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass
Unlimited rides are available within the following areas.
Lines available by the Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass
- Reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Mihara⇔Hakata). The pass can be used for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Trains.
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
JR West: Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
- Reserved seats on Bullet Train “SANYO SHINKANSEN” (Okayama⇔Hakata). The pass can be used for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- Reserved seats on Limited Express Trains
- Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
- JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima).
- Unlimited rides on Chugoku JR route buses.
- Usable at "EKIRIN" rent-a-cycle shops within the pass's usage area.
JR West: Setouchi Area Pass
Setouchi Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map.
Lines available by the Setouchi Area Pass
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Hakata). The pass can also be used for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on Limited Express trains (HARUKA, SHIOKAZE, NAMPU, etc.).
- The pass can be used for reserved and non-reserved seats on JR-WEST and JR-SHIKOKU Rapid Service Marine Liner and local service trains (including Special Rapid and Rapid Service trains).
- *Reserved seat tickets must be reserved at a JR-WEST or JR-SHIKOKU station ticket office before boarding the train.
Eligibility for using JR West
JR PASS is only applicable to the following groups, and each pass can bring 2 young children (1-5 years old) for free.
- Non-Japanese tourists visiting Japan.
- The visa contains a short-term stay visa (tourist visa, official visa, three-year multiple tourist visa, etc.)
Note: Long-term visas cannot be purchased (study visas, work visas, etc.).
Exchange method of JR West
| Type | Exchange Method |
| Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass | Please go to green ticket-vending machines and pick up physical ticket by scanning QR code of e-ticket and non-Japanese passport. (Operation menus of machine can be displayed in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, or Korean.) ※If the machine breaks down or the passport have no IC chip, please proceed to JR-WEST Ticket Office to exchange physical ticket. |
| Kansai Area Pass | Please go to the green ticket vending machine and get your physical ticket by scanning the QR code of your electronic ticket and your non-Japanese passport. |
| Sanyo-Sanin Area Pass | Please present the received information verification code or QR code, and the non-Japanese passport of the person making the reservation (including short-term visa), to the ticket vending machine at the designated station to exchange for physical tickets and reserved seat tickets. |
| Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass | Please use the email verification code or QR code received, as well as the passport of the person making the reservation, to redeem the physical ticket at the ticket vending machine at the designated station. After successfully redeeming the physical ticket, it can be used directly at the automatic ticket gate. ※If the ticket vending machine is malfunctioning or the passport you hold does not have an IC chip, please go to the green window of the designated station to exchange for a physical ticket. |
| Okayama & Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass | |
| Setouchi Area Pass | Please go to green ticket-vending machines and pick up physical ticket by scanning QR code of e-ticket and non-Japanese passport. (Operation menus of machine can be displayed in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, or Korean.) ※If the machine breaks down or the passport have no IC chip, please proceed to JR-WEST Ticket Office to exchange physical ticket. |
Ticket inspection for JR West
Prepare your JR West Pass
Before entering the station, please have your JR PASS ready to quickly present to the station staff.
Go to the manual ticket inspection gate/use the automatic ticket gate
Some JR Passes require manual ticket inspection at the station entrance. For some JR Passes, you can use the automatic ticket gate to put the ticket in and enter the station directly. Please confirm with station staff in advance.
Present your JR West Pass
Present your JR PASS to the station staff. If this is your first time, be sure to show the cover of your pass so station staff can see the details on the inside pages.
Stamp to confirm start date
If your pass is used for the first time, station staff will stamp the date on the back of the pass. This date stamp marks the beginning of the consecutive period of use of your pass (usually 5 days). From this day on, you will be able to use designated trains and routes by JR West for unlimited times the following consecutive days. If you use the automatic ticket gate to enter the station, your ticket will be automatically printed with the date of entry.
Pass the ticket gate
After the station staff verifies your JR PASS, you will be allowed to pass the ticket gate. This process will need to be repeated each time you enter or exit the station.
Popular cities around JR West routes
Osaka
Osaka is one of the economic centers of Japan and is famous for its modern architecture, nightlife and food. Osaka Castle Park, Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsaibashi Shopping Street are must-visit for tourists. Osaka’s street food such as takoyaki and Kansai-yaki is your must-try.
Kyoto
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and is home to many world cultural heritage, such as Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Here, you can experience Japanese traditional culture and customs, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement and kimono.
Kobe
Kobe is famous for its picturesque port and delicious Kobe beef. Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Animal Kingdom are must-see attractions. Kobe has many fashionable shopping streets and cafes.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is an important historical city in Japan, famous for its Peace Park and Genbaku Dome. Here you can learn about the history of World War II and the importance of peace.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is a modern city in Japan known for its food and nightlife. Fukuoka Tower, Ohori Park and Canal City Hakata are must-see attractions. Fukuoka’s ramen and sushi are a must-try.
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is a major city in the Shikoku, famous for its beautiful Kotohira Kabuki and Ritsurin Garden. You can experience Japanese traditional art and customs here.
Okayama
Okayama is famous for its beautiful Korakuen Hall and Okayama Castle. You can admire traditional Japanese gardens and castle architecture here.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is an important historical city in Japan, famous for its beautiful night views and rich historical heritage. You can learn about Japan’s founding history here.
