Just the ticket

The secret life of cheap tickets on the trains and subways in Kansai and beyond.

As a resident of the Kansai, you probably spend a lot of time on the train. The rail system here is one of the best in the world — efficient, cheap, reliable and easy to understand. But no matter how well you know the system, you might be able to get a little more from it.

Ju Hachi Kippu

The 'Under 18 ticket' is a gem of a find. Available only three times in a year (2 Feb-20 Apr, 20 Jul-10 Sep, 10 Dec-20 Jan), you can get five one- day tickets for unlimited travel in Japan on JR trains — the only catch is your ticket is only valid for 24 hours. At a bargain price of ¥11,500, you can save lots of money if traveling to Kanto or Kyushu. You can only use local trains — expresses and the Shinkansen are out, so make sure you take a good book or three. Ju Hachi Kippu are available from any JR station.

Kansai Area Pass (for Keihanshin area)

The Kansai area pass is recommended for those with constant travel in their life and covers the area between Osaka, Himeji, Yamashina (past Kyoto), Nara and Kansai Airport. The pass is valid on standard trains and on the limited express Haruka (non-reserved seats only) but you can reserve a seat by purchasing an additional limited express ticket. Pass prices vary between ¥2,000-¥30,000 with validity options of one-to-eight-day tickets available. The only catch is you have to enter Japan on a tourist visa and purchase a MCO (Miscellaneous Charges Order) at an Overseas Rail Pass agent before coming to Japan.

Multiple Ride Card

This works similarly to the Rainbow Card but is available on the subway, tram, city buses and OTS line (linking Osaka port area) only. Buy a ¥3,000 ticket and get ¥3,300 worth of traveling. Like the Rainbow Card, just insert your ticket and the fare will be deducted from your card when you exit the station.

Rainbow Card

The Rainbow card is a good option if you plan to travel using the transport system irregularly. This is a pre-paid card valid on the subway, tram and bus and also limited services on the Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Nankai and Kintetsu lines. This pass saves you time buying tickets without the expense of a regular monthly or weekly travel pass. You use it like a normal ticket — insert it into the ticket barriers upon entering and leaving the train station. When you exit, the fare will be deducted. The card is available in denominations of ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 for adults and ¥1,000 and ¥2,000 for children.

ICOCA

The ICOCA card gets its name from IC Operating Card, but serendipitou- sly means 'shall we go?' in Japanese. This high tech credit card-sized pass is exclusive to commuters in Kansai — you lucky things! ICOCA hides an electronic chip to store all your travel information and works like the credit card it imitates. Wave it at the scanner mounted on the ticket gate and credit is deducted. The scanner is so sensitive, you don't have to take the card out of your wallet or your pocket. You can add extra credit as and when you like to extend the range of the card.

No-My-Car Pass

No-My-Car encourages the people of Osaka to do just that — not use their car for the day. Available every Friday and 20th of the month, this one-day travel card offers unlimited travel on any line throughout Osaka's subway system. Priced at ¥600, you can make your money back on three single subway journeys. Good for shopping trips and bar hopping. Get your No-My-Car from any subway ticket machine (usually written in English) or ask the subway staff for assistance.

Shinkansen deals

Given all the train choices in Japan, Shinkansen is not the cheapest option by any means. But it's quite a way to travel. A return to Tokyo is approx ¥23,000, Nagoya ¥15,000. A little steep yes, but did you know you can get a package that includes a night in a hotel? These deals start at ¥26,000 for Tokyo and are real value for money. Check out
the latest deals at your local travel agency.

PiTaPa

This is the Kansai rail system's newest baby — a universal (well, almost) debit card that will whisk your fare from your account with one swipe at a scanner. Valid on most lines … see this month's news page for details.

Text: Naheen Madarbakus • Photos: KS