The Have Fun in Kansai Pass is a must-have when visiting Osaka & beyond!
Planning a trip to either Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or Kobe? Make the most out of it by going to ALL cities – or at least… more than one? 🤭 These exciting cities can be found within the culturally diverse Kansai region, which is home to a number of Japan’s former capitals, so expect a multitude of things to do!
You can experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife and drool-worthy street food, the tranquil atmosphere of Kyoto filled with beautifully-preserved landmarks, and walk alongside the cutest deers in Nara, to name a few.
With so many places to go to and food to try, it can feel overwhelming when planning your Osaka itinerary, but we’re here to assure you that it’s easier than you think! First off, let us introduce you to a must-have for every traveler visiting Kansai for the first time - the Have Fun in Kansai Pass!
What is the Have Fun in Kansai Pass and how can it make your life easier?
First time in Kansai? Make planning much easier and make the most of your time with a single pass that gives you access to multiple attractions across different cities! While each attraction also has its own ticketing, the Have Fun in Kansai Pass makes a world of difference for us when we map out our itineraries.
If you’re planning a trip to Kansai, you should definitely check out this pass. Do note that this is different from the Kansai Thru Pass! The Have Fun in Kansai Pass is a single pass that gives you access to a whole lot of attractions and exclusive discounts from several establishments all in popular destinations like Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto!
Did we mention that compared to buying individual tickets, the Have Fun in Kansai Pass can save you up to ¥5,900?!
Types of the Have Fun in Kansai Pass you can choose from:
1. Have Fun in Kansai Pass (3 Facilities)
You’ll have access to three attractions or exclusive discounts with partner establishments (can be a combination of both) from a list of 70+ attractions and facilities.
2. Have Fun in Kansai Pass (6 Facilities)
You’ll have access to six attractions or exclusive discounts with partner establishments (can be a combination of both) from a list of 70+ attractions and facilities.
3. Have Fun in Kansai Pass Bundles
You’ll get the best of both worlds with these Have Fun in Kansai Pass bundles you'll find on Klook. Besides having to choose a 3 Facilities or 6 Facilities pass, you can also bundle them up with one of the following essential train passes:
- Osaka Metro Pass (1 Day)
- Osaka Metro Pass (2 Days)
- Haruka Express Train (One-way ticket from Kansai International Airport to Shin-Osaka or Tennoji Station)
Klook Tip: Eyeing the Haruka Ticket combo? Prepare your cameras cause you’ll be boarding the cutest Hello Kitty-themed trains that zip you from Kansai International Airport to Osaka in no time! 😍
How to use the Have Fun in Kansai Pass
To give you an idea of how to go about using your electronic Have Fun in Kansai Pass, here are the simple steps to expect:
- Log in to your Klook account.
- Book your chosen Have Fun in Kansai Pass
- Check your email and/or Klook account to see if you’ve received the booking confirmation
- Go to ‘Bookings’ to activate your pass
- You will then receive a voucher
- When you’re ready to travel, hit “redeem voucher” on the Klook app and the digital pass will be activated in the form of a QR code, this is your ticket! You can present this code at your chosen attractions and or establishments upon visit
Each Have Fun in Kansai Pass is valid for 7 days upon activation! 🔥
Klook Tip: To make for an even more fuss-free trip, you can book transportation passes on top of your Have Fun in Kansai Pass! A bunch of Klookers and fellow travelers also use passes like the Hankyu Tourist Pass and Kansai Thru Pass to get around easier.
Have Fun in Kansai Pass Itinerary Ideas
Before we get to what you can add to your upcoming Kansai trip, here are some fun routes to give you an idea of what you can look forward to in the Kansai region!
Where to go in Kansai
Now that you have an idea of how the pass works, let’s move on to the more exciting part – planning your adventure! We’ve gathered the top spots where you can use your Have Fun in Kansai Pass and that you can easily add to your Kansai itinerary. Let’s start!
Osaka
1. Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory
Touch the sky!
Gaze out over the dazzling Osaka cityscape from the Umeda Sky Building and Kuchu Teien Observatory and witness 360 views of the economic powerhouse city. Besides soaking in the views atop the floating garden observatory 170m off the ground, you can also seal your love with your significant other by locking your own Heart-shaped Padlock there!
2. Wonder Cruise Dotonbori Route
Hop on the river cruise along Dotonbori where you’ll enjoy a 20-min boat ride to take in the sights of all the famous billboards, colorful lights, and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic district.
Klook Tip: Make sure to book your seat ahead on Wonder Cruise’s official website . Once you select your date, simply click the Have Fun in Kansai Pass as your boarding method.
3. Osaka Gourmet Walk
In case we haven’t said it enough, foodies like us always perk up when we hear Osaka! Fondly known as the “street food capital of Japan”, you can never pass up on the drool-worthy eats city has to offer. The choices are endless, so if you’re a first-time visitor and wondering what to eat in Osaka, you’ll want to use your Have Fun in Kansai Pass on the Osaka Gourmet Walk!
The Osaka Gourmet Walk has an especially curated list of food establishments where you can simply pop in, show your ticket, and be served with must-try local dishes.
Klook Tip: On top of attractions, you can also enjoy food coupons from participating restaurants! Check out the full and updated list, you could even bookmark it for easier access.
If you're planning on staying in Osaka longer, there's also an equally convenient and easy-to-use digital pass, the Osaka E-Pass!
Kobe, Hyōgo
4. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ropeway
One of the most beautiful spots you have to visit is the Nunobiki Herb Garden. It’s a large garden that houses a variety of herbs and seasonal flowers, there’s even a section where you’ll spot a glasshouse that makes some fruits and flowers grow all throughout the year! The Ropeway is also an experience in itself as you’ll see aerial views of Nunobiki Herb Garden and the Nunobiki Waterfall, there’s even an observation deck where you get an unobstructed view of Kobe.
Klook Tip: The area is also a great spot for hiking and leisurely walks, so make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes!
5. Kobe Concerto
Consider having lunch, tea, or dinner onboard the Kobe Concerto. It's a great way to enjoy the port city’s harbor and its beautiful views (whether it be day or night) including the famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. You’ll enjoy meticulously prepared and authentic Japanese Teppanyaki onboard as well as live classical and jazz performances to go with it!
Kyoto
6. Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon + Randen
Get a feel of the historic Randen, which is the last operating tram in Kyoto. There’s a certain charm to it that will leave you feeling all warm inside 😌. If you have the patience, you can wait until Spring to hop on so you get to see all the cherry blossoms in full bloom – on both sides of the tracks! You’ll also be given food options as part of your ride.
7. Sake Festival
Kyoto is known for many things and one of them is sake. Just to the south of Kyoto is where you can find Japan’s famous and leading sake brewing district – Fushimi, home to about 40 sake breweries. Fushimi’s spring waters are sought-after for its soft characteristics and is known to play a significant role in creating Fushimi’s world-renowned sake. So, whether you’re a fan of sake or are looking to try it out, Fushimi should be in your itinerary!
The Sake Festival will be held in Kyoto during 8 to 9 July 2023 (exact dates may change yearly), so make sure to keep this in mind if you’re in the area with your Have Fun in Kansai Pass. The festival will include about 50 sake breweries from all over the country and you can expect a variety of sake to try and food from participating Japanese restaurants!
Ready for your Kansai trip?
Enjoy a fuss-free and fun-filled trip and easily tick all the boxes on your Kansai checklist with the help of your trusty Have Fun in Kansai Pass! Start packing and let the adventure begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between the Kansai Thru Pass and the Have Fun in Kansai Pass?
The Kansai Thru Pass is mainly a transportation pass that gives you unlimited access to trains and buses in the Kansai region, you can also enjoy discounts in participating establishments.
The Have Fun in Kansai Pass is an attraction pass that gives you access and exclusive discounts to three or six attractions and or participating establishments – sort of like a “multiple attraction pass”.
2. The Have Fun in Kansai Pass is valid for 7 days, can I still use it for 7 days if I activate it near its validity end date?
No. Upon purchase, your Have Fun in Kansai Pass will have a validity period of 90 days and this will not change regardless of when it’s activated.
For example, you purchased your pass on 1 July 2024 and its validity period will be 1 July - 28 September 2024. If you only start to use it on 27 September, then it will only be valid until 28 September.
