Kobe

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

Explanation of ticketing systems used for trains, buses, and other transportation in Kobe, including IC cards.

Sections

1. Types of Tickets Available in Kobe

a. Single-Ride Tickets

  • Trains/Subways: Single-ride tickets are available for all train and subway lines in Kobe. The fare depends on the distance traveled.
    • Cost: Typically ranges from ยฅ150 to ยฅ320 for most local trips within Kobe.
    • How to Use: Insert the ticket into the gate at the station entrance and retrieve it. At your destination, insert the ticket again to exit.
  • Buses: Single-ride bus fares are usually flat-rate.
    • Cost: ยฅ210 for adults and ยฅ110 for children (within the city center).

b. IC Cards (Prepaid Cards)

  • ICOCA, PiTaPa, and Other IC Cards: These rechargeable smart cards can be used on trains, subways, buses, and even some ferries in Kobe and across Japan.
    • Initial Cost: ยฅ2,000 (includes ยฅ500 refundable deposit and ยฅ1,500 usable balance).
    • How to Use: Tap the card on the reader at the station gate or bus entrance/exit. The fare is automatically deducted.
    • Where to Buy: Available at ticket machines and counters in major train stations (e.g., JR Sannomiya Station, Shin-Kobe Station).

c. Day Passes

  • Kobe City Subway One-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on the Kobe Municipal Subway for one day.
    • Cost: ยฅ850 for adults, ยฅ430 for children.
  • Kobe City Bus One-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on Kobe City Buses for one day.
    • Cost: ยฅ660 for adults, ยฅ330 for children.
  • Kobe City Subway & Bus One-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on both the subway and city buses.
    • Cost: ยฅ1,030 for adults, ยฅ520 for children.

d. Regional Passes

  • Kansai Thru Pass: Ideal for visitors exploring the Kansai region (Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.). It offers unlimited rides on non-JR trains, subways, and buses.
    • Cost: ยฅ4,400 for 2 days or ยฅ5,500 for 3 days (adults).
    • Where to Buy: Kansai International Airport, major train stations, or online.
  • JR Kansai Area Pass: Unlimited rides on JR trains in the Kansai region, including the JR Kobe Line.
    • Cost: ยฅ2,400 for 1 day, ยฅ4,600 for 2 days, ยฅ5,600 for 3 days, or ยฅ6,800 for 4 days.
    • Where to Buy: JR ticket offices or online.

e. Ferry Tickets

  • Kobe has ferry services connecting to nearby destinations like Osaka and Awaji Island.
    • Cost: Varies by route, typically ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,500.
    • How to Buy: Tickets can be purchased at ferry terminals.

2. Procedures for Purchasing Tickets

a. Ticket Machines

  • Found at all train and subway stations.
  • Steps:
    1. Select the English language option (if needed).
    2. Check the fare chart above the machine to determine your fare.
    3. Insert cash or use an IC card to load funds.
    4. Collect your ticket and change (if applicable).

b. Ticket Counters

  • Staffed counters are available at major stations for purchasing passes or getting assistance.

c. Convenience Stores

  • Some transportation passes (e.g., Kansai Thru Pass) can be purchased at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart.

d. Online

  • Regional passes like the Kansai Thru Pass or JR Kansai Area Pass can be purchased online in advance.

3. Ways to Save Money

  • Use IC Cards: IC cards often offer slightly discounted fares compared to single-ride tickets.
  • Day Passes: If you plan to take multiple trips in a day, day passes can save you money.
  • Regional Passes: For trips beyond Kobe, regional passes like the Kansai Thru Pass or JR Kansai Area Pass are cost-effective.
  • Off-Peak Travel: Avoid rush hours (7:30โ€“9:30 AM and 5:00โ€“7:00 PM) to enjoy less crowded trains and buses.

4. Cultural Tips for Using Public Transportation in Kobe

  • Queueing: Always line up in an orderly fashion at train platforms and bus stops.
  • Silence: Keep conversations quiet, and avoid talking on the phone while on public transportation.
  • Priority Seats: Reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Avoid using these seats unless necessary.
  • No Eating or Drinking: Itโ€™s considered impolite to eat or drink on public transportation.
  • Tap In/Out Correctly: If using an IC card, ensure you tap in and out properly to avoid errors.

5. Considerations Specific to Kobe

  • Portliner and Rokko Liner: These are automated transit systems connecting Kobe to Port Island and Rokko Island, respectively. IC cards and single-ride tickets are accepted.
    • Cost: ยฅ210โ€“ยฅ280 depending on the distance.
  • Shin-Kobe Station: If youโ€™re arriving via the Shinkansen (bullet train), note that itโ€™s slightly outside the city center. Use the subway or a taxi to reach central Kobe.
  • Kobe Ropeway: For scenic views of the city, consider taking the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. Tickets are separate from regular transportation passes.
    • Cost: ยฅ1,500 round trip or ยฅ950 one way.

6. Example Itinerary for a Day in Kobe Using Public Transportation

  • Morning: Start at Shin-Kobe Station and take the subway to Sannomiya (ยฅ210 with an IC card).
  • Midday: Use the Kobe City Bus to visit Meriken Park and the Kobe Port Tower (ยฅ210).
  • Afternoon: Take the Portliner to Kobe Animal Kingdom (ยฅ280).
  • Evening: Return to Sannomiya using the Portliner and explore the Ikuta Shrine area (ยฅ280).
  • Total Cost: ยฅ980 (or save with a Kobe City Subway & Bus One-Day Pass for ยฅ1,030).

By understanding the ticketing options and cultural norms, youโ€™ll find it easy and enjoyable to navigate Kobeโ€™s public transportation system. Let me know if you need further assistance!