Not sure there is really any cost savings with any of the passes for your trip. I'd get an IC card just for convenience though.
Originally Posted by
YVR Cockroach
Thaks all. We will be staying close to the immediate Kyoto area and probably not wandering "far" to Himeji or Nara.
A few further questions:
I was referred to this on another site. Does one really need to reserve at ICOCA card? Actually looks like it isn't an issue as that's only for a KIX P/U.
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
What's handy is saving on the OW Haruka ride to KIX (JPY 2,000 saving, fare is down to JPY 1,600). The website doesn't state clearly but can one assume you go to a ticket counter, show that you're not a resident of Japan, and buy the ICOCA and Haruka tickets at the same time?
You just walk to the ticket office at KIX. There's a gigantic ticket office on the right of the vending machines where you buy your IC card and train ticket to Kyoto. Get the Kansai One Pass. You have to ask for it.
Kansai One Pass is an ICOCA card and costs 2000 yen. 1500 yen credit and 500 yen deposit.
There's a 220 yen handling fee. The 500 yen deposit can be refunded at JR ticket offices.
Make sure you use the Haruka discount for the train ticket.