Transit Guide: Hankyu One-Day Pass

Explore the Kansai area with the Hankyu One-Day Pass

Joanna Ligon   - 7 min read

The Hankyu One-Day Pass, previously called the Hankyu Tourist Pass, is your gateway to discovering the heart of Kansai. With this pass, you can ride the Hankyu Railway lines as much as you like for one day, making it a perfect choice for travelers who want flexibility and convenience without spending a fortune.

Beyond the unlimited rides, the real value lies in where this pass can take you: Kyoto’s cultural heart, Kobe’s elegant hillside neighborhoods, and Osaka’s buzzing city center. And along the way, you’ll discover countless hidden gems that most travelers miss if you know where to look.

Here’s what you need to know before you start your journey with the Hankyu One-Day Pass.

The pass

The Hankyu One-Day Pass is a great option if you’re planning to explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe and eliminates the hassle of buying a ticket every time you hop on a train. With just one pass, you can ride the Hankyu Railway lines as much as you like, making it easy to move between these three cities. The pass is valid for a single day, but if your trip runs longer, you can simply buy additional passes. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to plan a multi-day Kansai adventure.

Prices

The Hankyu One-Day Pass is priced at ¥1,300 for both adults and children. You can buy multiple passes if your trip spans several days.

Validity

Here are the three major lines connecting these major cities that are included with the Hankyu One-Day Pass’ unlimited access:

  • Hankyu Kobe Line
  • Hankyu Takarazuka Line
  • Hankyu Kyoto Line

(Note: The Hankyu One-Day Pass does not cover the Kobe Rapid Transit Railway)

The pass is valid from April 1, 2025 (Tue.) to April 30, 2026 (Thu.), and can be used on any one day within three months from the date of purchase. Its validity is based on calendar days rather than 24-hour periods, meaning the pass is active from midnight (00:00) to 11:59pm on the day you first use it, regardless of what time you board your first train.

Do I need it?

If your itinerary includes hopping between Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe in a single day or multiple days, the Hankyu One-Day Pass is a smart choice. Buying individual tickets for each trip can quickly add up, especially if you plan to visit multiple neighborhoods or make spontaneous stops along the way. This pass is particularly useful for travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace without worrying about fare adjustments or ticket machines. It’s also perfect for day-trippers and anyone planning a Kansai adventure beyond just tourist spots.

If your plans are focused mainly on Kyoto, you might consider the Hankyu Kyoto Line 1-Day Pass, which covers the Kyoto Line, as well as the Senri and Arashiyama Lines, making it perfect for spending a full day exploring the city. Similarly, the Osaka Amazing Pass and Hankyu-Kobe Kosoku Line Pass cater to travelers focusing on Osaka or Kobe.

Purchase

Purchasing a Hankyu One-Day Pass is easy and convenient, whether you prefer to book ahead or buy on the spot. Here are your options:

  • Online: Reserve through the official Hankyu Railway website or trusted travel platforms like Klook. Online booking is perfect if you want to plan ahead and avoid queues.
  • Airports: Pick up your pass as soon as you arrive at Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport, so you’re ready to explore right away.
  • Major Stations: Purchase directly at Hankyu ticket counters in key locations such as Osaka-Umeda, Kyoto-Kawaramachi, and Kobe-Sannomiya.

You’ll receive a physical ticket if you buy it in person. For online purchases, you’ll usually receive a QR code. The pass activates the moment you use it, so you can buy it in advance and start your adventure when you’re ready.

How to Use the Hankyu One-Day Pass

Once you have the pass, all you need to do is insert it into the ticket gate, and you’re ready to go. The pass works on three key Hankyu routes: the Kyoto Line, Kobe Line, and Takarazuka Line, giving you direct access to many of Kansai’s most popular spots. You can ride as many times as you like during the validity period without paying extra fares, except if you’re going to use transportation lines not covered by the pass. If you plan to visit areas not served by Hankyu, combine it with a subway or city bus pass for seamless travel.

Does JR Pass cover Hankyu?

The JR Pass cannot be used on Hankyu Railway lines because they are operated by a private company, not Japan Railways (JR). If your plans include Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe via Hankyu, you’ll need a separate ticket or the Hankyu One-Day Pass for unlimited travel.

Can I use Suica for the Hankyu Kyoto Line?

IC cards like Suica, ICOCA, and Pasmo work on Hankyu trains. However, if you plan on making multiple trips in a day, using the Hankyu One-Day Pass can save more compared to paying per ride with an IC card.

Destinations

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Hakone area. Be sure to visit some (or all) of these fascinating spots!

Joanna Ligon

Joanna Ligon @ligon.joanna

Good books, great films, local coffee shops, accessible libraries, and boundless revolutionary optimism.