TheKintetsu Rail Pass is arail pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists. It provides unlimited use of trains (exceptlimited express trains) by Kintetsu Railway, Japan's largest non-JRrailway network. Some versions of the pass also cover designated buses aroundNara Prefecture and theShima Peninsula.

The maps below show the coverage areas for each pass type:

Validity

1. Unlimited use of local (futsu), rapid (kaisoku) and express (kyuko) trains, as well as cablecars as shown on the maps above.
2. The pass is not valid on limited express (tokkyu) trains. Pass holders using limited express trains will have to pay the limited express fee separately.
3. Some of the passes are also valid on designated Nara Kotsu buses in theNara andAsuka areas and on designated Mie Kotsu and Toba City buses aroundMie Prefecture.
4. The pass provides discounts for selected tourist attractions.
5. The passes are valid based on calendar days (midnight to midnight) as opposed to 24-hour periods. The 2-day and 5-day passes are valid on consecutive calendar days.
6. Only foreigners who stay in Japan astemporary visitors are eligible to use the passes.

The Kintetsu Rail Pass is available as a digital ticket to be used with a QR code at ticket gates. It can be purchased through various sale channels, such asKlook.

Alternatively the pass can be purchased as a traditional paper ticket at selected major stations aroundOsaka,Kyoto andNagoya, but note that not all pass versions are available at all sales locations and some pass versions are a little bit more expensive than their digital alternatives if purchased as paper tickets.

Assessment

Over the years, the Kintetsu Rail Pass underwent multiple price increases - most recently in December 2024 - which were much greater than the price increases of regular tickets. As a result, the pass has become increasingly more difficult to pay off.

The 5-day passes can still pay off for those making long-distance journeys across the Kintetsu railway network, for example a round trip betweenOsaka orKyoto and theShima Peninsula orNagoya, but note that pass holders will have to pay additionally the limited express fees when using the fast and comfortable, directlimited express trains along these routes.

The 1-Day Pass costs more than regular tickets for a round trip betweenOsaka (orKyoto) andNara, so it will pay off only if you also use buses around Nara. Likewise, the 2-Day Pass will pay off only if you make two day trips from Osaka (or Kyoto) beyond just Nara, for example to more distant destinations, such asMuroji Temple orYoshino.

Read our page aboutpasses for the Kansai Region for more information.

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