Hyogo

I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in the art of sword forging. It will be a lifelong treasure, both in reality and in memory! 🔨 Instructor/Communication: No Japanese language skills are needed. The instructor uses translation software to explain and communicate throughout the process, ensuring you understand the sword forging procedures. The instructor is very kind and professional, providing ample emotional support, leaving you not only with a wealth of knowledge but also a strong sense of accomplishment. 🔨 Experience: You might notice that the shape of the sword we made differs from those of other visitors. This is because we emailed the instructor in advance to discuss the desired shape (we planned to make the handle ourselves at home). The instructor confirmed it was possible and prepared a customized sword blank for us on the day, also adding steps to create a blade pattern. Participating in the complete process and crafting the sword in our minds step by step was incredibly moving. (The above-mentioned additions to the itinerary were agreed upon with the instructor for an additional fee.) 🔨 Time: Because there were two of us, and we had an extra-cost itinerary, we spent about 7 hours there (including breaks). The instructor guides each group individually before moving on to the next, so if you come as a group, estimate that it may take a little longer than the time stated on the website.

very easy to redeem and reserved seat. can use machine but as one of my tickets can’t read the passport, we still need to go to the office to redeem. I choose the physical ticket but I think if opted for qr code will be much easier.

was easy to redeem and super convenient for a party of three. We used it to travel from Kyoto to Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji, and it made getting around stress-free. Definitely worth it if you’re planning to visit multiple cities in the Kansai area.

JR Kansai Mini Pass (via Klook) – 3-day JR-WEST pass for unlimited rides on JR local/rapid trains in Kansai. Used for Kansai Airport ↔ Osaka, Amagasaki, Nara, and JR lines in Osaka city. Pros: Great value if you travel mostly on JR; covers airport access, Nara, and Amagasaki; easy to redeem via Klook; no need for separate tickets. Cons: Doesn’t include Haruka Express or Osaka Metro/private lines; limited area. Verdict: For my itinerary focused on JR routes—airport, Osaka, Amagasaki, and Nara—the pass was worth it and convenient. Best for short trips with JR-heavy travel. Tip: Plan routes using JR lines (e.g., JR Kobe Line, Yamatoji Line) and keep an IC card for subways or private trains.

I have visited ten cities in Kansai staying eight nights in Japan. I checked into a hotel near Shin Osaka and took turns to visit cities well connected to the train services in the pass. Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Takamatsu, Nara, Uji, Kyoto were under my radar. Nothing can be said other than Arigatōgozaimashita.🙏🏻

This is my second time getting this pass and I would always get this for my Kansai itnerary. It is very convenient to have especially when multiple companies are operating different set of train lines. Also, its coverage so vast so that you can basically do unlimited variation of your itineraries.

pass area coverage: the pass was very convenient and allowed me to travel easily to different places in the Kansai area via the JR lines including ferry to Miyajima. Making seat reservations at the office was also hassle free.

Sanyo Sanin pass was very great and easy to use when traveling in Kanto region. we have used it on our travels all the way from Hiroshima, Himeji and Kobe. Highly recommended it for people who wanted to explore outside of Kyoto and Osaka. Shinkansen was very punctual (unless there are unfortunate events and bad weather conditions). It offered unlimited travel on JR trains, including the shinkansen (except Nozomi/Mizuho), which made moving between cities like Hiroshima, Okayama, and Fukuoka incredibly easy and affordable. I saved a lot compared to buying individual tickets, and the convenience of just hopping on and off trains with a pass was unbeatable.

Claiming of ticket was easy. Just scan the qr code at ticket machine at the station. was able to use the ticket anytime all throughout my 7 days super worth it. thank you!