As you probably have already known, the train system in Japan is very complicated. Especially in the major cities, there are lots of railways. You might not understand the difference between Japan Railways (JR), subways and private railways.
In Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and Wakayama, many trains runs among these cities. You may be overwhelmed. But it is very important to understand the train system. This is a key to make a trip much more smoothly and save your trip time.
I would like to explain about JR lines and the private railway companies in Kansai area in this post. You may find which train line is the best for your trip.
Overview of train system in Kansai area
Please find the map below. It looks very complicated. I will explain you one by one.
I tried to make this map as simple as possible. But it still shows you many train lines. This map actually does not show all stations and all train lines. It shows you only major stations, major lines, transfer points and the station where is near popular sightseeing spot.
You have to pick one of those lines. It is complicated but I would like to explain you these train lines one by one.
JR trains
JR used to be Japanese National Railway. It has lines throughout Japan. In Kansai area, JR network has the biggest train network. I would like to show you only JR lines in Kansai area at the map below:
You can catch JR train right after you arrive in Kansai airport. You can go almost anywhere in Kansai area, like Osaka (both Umeda and Namba), Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama and Himeji.
If you use JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass or other JR deal, try to use JR train as much as you can. JR has two kinds of railways, Shinkansen and conventional lines.
Conventional line’s trains in Kansai area
There are many train services on the conventional line network.
- Limited Express, such as Haruka (Kansai airport – Shin Osaka – Kyoto)
- Rapid
- Local
Most of you take a rapid train service. This is a sort of commute train but it stops at major stations only. This train service offers you a high speed transfer among cities.
Especially if you want to move among Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji, Special Rapid Service is the fastest and most convenient train service on the conventional line. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka / Sannomiya (Kobe) — 22 minutes
- Osaka / Kyoto — 28 minutes
- Sannomiya / Kyoto — 50 minutes
- Osaka / Himeji– 1 hour 10 minutes
Please see the link below to find more information about Special Rapid Service train:
JR Special Rapid Service train between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and HImeji
There are many more rapid train services in Kansai area, such as Nara, Kansai airport and Wakayama. Please see the link below to get more information about rapid train services in Kansai area:
Kansai area JR rapid train network
The Shinkansen (a.k.a. Bullet Train)
Shinkansen is a high speed train service as you probably know. It is much faster than any trains on conventional lines. Shinkansen usually used for long distance transfer, such as Tokyo to Osaka.
But it can be used for short distance, like Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. It connects Shin-Osaka and Kyoto in 13 minutes, and Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe in 15 minutes. This is so fast. But if you leave from Umeda or other stations in Osaka, you may have to add some extra time to transfer at Shin-Osaka. Because Shin-Osaka is one station away from Osaka (Umeda). Let’s compare trip time for Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto between Shinkansen and Special Rapid Service.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 28 minutes – Kyoto
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 13 minutes – Kyoto
It may take 25 minutes even if you take high speed train, Shinkansen.
Shinkansen is not much faster than Special Rapid Service.
How about trip to Kobe by Shinkansen? In my opinion, it is not a good idea if you think about using Shinkansen from Osaka. It is same situation as trip to Kyoto. You have to move to Shin-Osaka to catch Shinkansen. And also Shin-Kobe station is one station away from Sannomiya by subway.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 22 minutes – Sannomiya
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 15 minutes – Shin Kobe (5 to 10 minutes transfer) – 2 minutes – Sannomiya
View Downtown Kobe in a larger map
In this case, Shinkansen is slower than Special Rapid Service.
If you use JR pass, you can take Shinkansen for this short transfer because it is fully covered by JR pass. It is not worth taking Shinkansen for these short transfers by single fare.
Private Railways in Kansai area
There are many private company’s railways (=NON JR) in Kansai area. Actually these train companies offers more convenient train service than JR trains on many segments. I would like to show you all major company’s lines in Kansai area.
Kansai Thru Pass is very popular deal to travel in Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan and Wakayama. This pass covers these Non JR train services. If you make lots of trips by these private train services, you may use Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find more information about Kansai Thru Pass:
Hankyu Railway
Hankyu Railway runs Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Takarazuka.
In Osaka, Umeda is the terminal station. Umeda is same location as JR Osaka station. All trains depart from Umeda to all destinations. In Kyoto, you can reach Kawaramachi (near Gion) and Arashiyama. This train service takes you to Sannomiya in Kobe.
There is no direct scheduled trains between Kyoto and Kobe. You have to change the trains at either Juso or Umeda. Juso is the junction of Kobe line, Kyoto line, and Takarazuka line. This station is only two stations away from Umeda. In the peak period, like spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, the direct train service to Arashiyama from Umeda and/or sometimes from Kobe-Sannomiya are available. But you have to change the trains at Katsura usually when you go to Arashiyama by Hankyu Railway.
Hankyu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But an express supplement is not required for taking any trains, even limited express. It is same category as JR’s Special Rapid Service.
The trip times for major segments are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 27 minutes
- Umeda / Kawaramachi — 43 minutes
- Umeda / Arashiyama — 45 minutes
I show you Osaka Subway Sakaisuji line in the map above. Because this subway train go through Hankyu Railway line. You may get Kyoto by direct service from many places in downtown Osaka.
Keihan Railway
Keihan Railway is another way to get Kyoto from Osaka.
At Osaka, Yodoyabashi and Nakanoshima are the terminal stations. But the primary station is Yodoyabashi. Most of express trains depart from Yodoyabashi. And this station is connected with Umeda and Namba by Osaka Subway Midousuji line.You can also take this railway at Kyobashi. You can transfer from JR Osaka Kanjo line at Kyobashi. In Kyoto, Gion-Shijo, Sanjo and Demachiyanagi are the terminal stations. Keihan Railway is most accessible way to visit Higashiyama area directly.
Keihan Railway also runs to Uji. You can transfer the trains at Chushojima.
Keihan Railway operates many category of trains, such as limited express, express, semi-express, local. Limited express train has one by-level car in each train set. It also has “Premium car” in each train set. It has much bigger and more comfortable seat.
Additional fare is 400 or 500 yen required to take a seat in Premium car. The fare is varied by the distance.
You can take all trains without any surcharge other than Premium car seat. This limited express train is same type of service as JR’s Special Rapid Service as well.
The trip time on major sections are the following:
- Yodoyabashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 50 minutes
- Kyobashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 45 minutes
Hanshin Railway
Hanshin Railway connect Osaka and Kobe.
Hanshin has two terminals at two biggest downtown cores in Osaka, Umeda and Namba. At Kobe side, Kobe-Sannomiya and Motomachi are the primary stations.
Hanshin Railway lines are very short but this railway connects with other railways at both end. In Kobe, Hanshin is connected with Sanyo Railway. Many express trains go through Himeji via Sanyo Railway. At the other side, Hanshin is connected with Kintetsu Railway at Osaka-Namba station. Many of trains go through Nara from Motomachi or Kobe-Sannomiya via Kintetsu Railway. This is only way to get Nara from Kobe directly. Major direct train services and trip time are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 30 minutes
- Osaka-Namba / Sannomiya — 45-50 minutes
- Umeda – (Hanshin) – Motomachi – (Sanyo) – Himeji — 95 to 100 minutes
- Nara – (Kintetsu) – Osaka-Namba – (Hanshin) – Motomachi — 80 minutes
Hanshin Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But no extra charge is required to take any trains.
Nankai Railway
Nankai Railway is one of major ways to get Osaka from Kansai airport. It also takes you to Wakayama and Gokurakubashi that is the gateway to Koyasan (Mt. Koya).
Koyasan (Mt. Koya) access guide
Nankai Railway has a huge terminal station in Namba, Osaka. Most of trains depart and arrive at this station.
Nankai Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. The name of limited express train and the trip time for major segments are the following:
- Limited Express “Southern” (Osaka-Namba / Wakayamashi) — 1 hour
- Limited Express “Rapi:t” (Osaka-Namba / Kansai Airport) — 45 to 55 minutes
- Limited Express “Koya” (Osaka-Namba / Gokurakubashi) — 80 minutes
- Limited Express “Rinkan” (Osaka-Namba / Hashimoto) — 45 minutes
There are express trains and local trains if you want to avoid paying extra. Actually trip time is not so much different. It depends on the distance. In most of cases, you will spend 10 to 15 minutes extra. But interior is very different. Your seat is reserved if you take limited express and very comfortable. If you take express without surcharge, it is a commute train. You may not be able to get a seat.
*Only limited express “Southern” has two types of seats, limited express seat and commuter car seat. Commute car seat is same as other commute train. This is non reserved seat and express surcharge is not required to take this.
Kintetsu Railway
Kintetsu Railway operates a train service in the biggest private railway network in Japan. It connects Osaka, Nara, Yoshino, Kyoto, Nagoya and Ise.
In this post, I would like to tell you about Kintetsu Railway network in Kansai area only. If you want the information about trip to Ise / Shima area, please refer the post below:
In Osaka, Kintetsu Railway has two terminal stations, such as Osaka-Namba and Osaka-Abenobashi. As I mentioned at the chapter of Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway is connected with Hanshin Railway at Osaka-Namba. You can take direct train service between Kobe and Nara by Hanshin and Kintetsu. You may take Kintetsu Railway train at Tsuruhashi. You can change to JR Osaka Kanjo line at this station.
Kintetsu is also major way to get Nara from Kyoto. Kintetsu Kyoto station is same location as JR Kyoto station. You can transfer from JR and Kyoto subway at Kyoto station very easily. But Kintetsu Railway is connected to Kyoto subway at Takeda station. Some trains go through Kyoto subway Karasuma line.
You can use Kintetsu Railway for Osaka-Kyoto transfer. But it is a detour and there is no direct train services provided between Osaka and Kyoto by Kintetsu Railway. You have to change the trains at Yamato-Saidaiji. If you really want to use Kintetsu Railway, you can take this route. Otherwise it is wasting time and money.
Kintetsu Railway is only way to get Yoshino which is very popular to see cherry blossom. There is a direct train service from Osaka-Abenobashi. If you access to Yoshino from Kyoto, Nara, you have to transfer the trains at least once at Kashihara-Jingumae station.
Kintetsu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, rapid express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. Kintetsu Railway has a big limited express train network. But if you take Kintetsu Railway to get Nara from Osaka or Kyoto, you may not use limited express train because it is such a short ride. If you visit Yoshino, limited express may be your choice. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka-Namba / Kintetsu Nara — 40 minutes
- Kyoto / Kintetsu Nara — 45 minutes
- Osaka-Abenobashi / Yoshino — 85 minutes (75 minutes by limited express)
How to choose the lines and trains to Kyoto from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
Where are you going to stay in Osaka? If you will stay in Umeda area, Hankyu and Japan Railway may be your choice. If you stay near Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi or Kyobashi, Keihan is more accessible. If you stay in Namba or other location in Osaka, you need to take subway line or JR Osaka loop line anyway. Think about arrival station in Kyoto.
View Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe in a larger map
You can find the train network map at the post, Guide to take trains in Osaka. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Arrival station in Kyoto
Which part of Kyoto do you want to go? JR Special Rapid Service train is the fastest way to get Kyoto.
JR Special Rapid / Osaka – Kyoto 28 minutes
Hankyu Railway Limited Express / Umeda – Kawaramachi 45 minutes
Keihan Railway Limited Express / Yodoyabashi – Gion-Shijo 50 minutes
But most tourist spots in Kyoto are away from JR Kyoto station. You have to take a bus or subway to get there, such as Kinkakuji temple, Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine. Only Arashiyama and Nijo castle is accessible by JR trains.
If you want to go to Higashiyama or Gion, such as Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine, Philosopher’s Walk, Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway are more convenient than Japan Railway.
If you are looking for information about all trains in Kyoto, please refer the post below:
How to choose the lines and trains to Kobe from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
You have two options, Umeda (JR Osaka) or Namba. If you stay around Umeda area, you can choose from Japan Railway, Hankyu or Hanshin. Hankyu and Hanshin are cheaper than JR but JR is faster.
If you will stay in Namba area, Hanshin Railway is the best choice.
You can find the train network map of Osaka in the post below:
Arrival station in Kobe
Which part of Kobe do you want to go? You can go anywhere in Kobe by Japan Railway and Hanshin Electric Railway. Most of trains of Hankyu Railway go to Sannomiya only. If you are looking for the transfer to other area in Kobe, think about JR or Hanshin.
But Kobe is smaller than Kyoto. So it is not much different among JR, Hanshin and Hankyu.
You can find the train network map of Kobe in the post below:
How to choose a train service between Kobe and Kyoto
Only JR Special Rapid Service offers you a direct train service. It is the fastest and maybe faster than even Shinkansen. But as I mentioned to you above, JR Kyoto station is away from most tourist spots. On the other hand, Hankyu Railway can take you to Kyoto from Kobe. Hankyu do not offer any scheduled train on this section. But Kawaramachi station is located near Gion and Higashiyama. JR and Hankyu’s trip time are the following.
Sannomiya / JR Kyoto — 50 minutes
Sannomiya / Hankyu Kawaramachi — 65 minutes (change the trains at Juso)
Hankyu is slower. And you have to think about the location in Kyoto. If you stay around JR Kyoto station, JR is the best way. But if you stay in other area, such as Gion, you may spend another 15-20 minutes get JR Kyoto station. Hankyu may be better choice. If you go to Arashiyama in Kyoto, it is same story. Hankyu is better as well.
Assessment
There are many train services and it makes you confused. Please make sure the station where you want to depart from and arrive in before you go. And then, you can find which train you should take.
Comments
Hi good day,
May I have your advice for my 13days of Japan trip for Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka?
My trip will be start on 30Nov 2015 to 12Dec 2015.
Day1: Arrived Narita Airport to Ikebukuro hotel
Day2: Disneysea
Day3: Day trip in Shibuya, Shinjuku etc.
Day4: Day trip to Mt Fuji
Day5: Transfer to Nagoya
Day6: Day trip to Takayama
Day7: Transfer to Kyoto
Day8: Kyoto sightseeing
Day9: Day trip to Kobe
Day10: Transfer to Osaka
Day11: Universal Studio
Day12: Sightseeing Osaka
Day13: Leaving at 11:45pm in Kansai Airport
I would like to buy 7days JR Pass for my trips which start to use on Day5 but same to be not enough to use until Day 13. So any other budget pass for my trip?
Thank yuo.
HI Gnetey,
If you use single ticket for day 5 to 11, total costs around 26000 yen. It’s cheaper than JR pass 7 days. But if you start to use JR pass on day 4 for trip to Fuji, it works. All part of the trip to Fuji is not covered by JR Pass. But it’s more worth using it than to USJ. Single fare to USJ is a few hundred yen. If you use the pass to Kawaguchiko (Fuji), you can make 5000 yen value.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
But if you don’t want to use JR pass for trip to Fuji, single fare is your option.
I show many deals to KIX from downtown Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
My wife and I will be arriving in KIX on Sept. 28, 7.15 am. We intend to travel from KIX
to Kyoto and stay for 3 nights. On Oct. 1 we will travel from Kyoto to Osaka and stay 2 nights,
leaving KIX on Oct,3 11.00 am flight home.
Based on reading your very excellent articles/advice, we intend to buy ICOCA/Haruka one
way trip and use this to travel to Kyoto on Sept. 28. In Kyoto we plan to buy Kyoto 2 day pass.
On Oct.1 we will travel from Kyoto to Osaka using JR rail to arrive at Osaka station. We intend
to take taxi to our hotel located in Nankai Namba station. We choose hotel in Nankai Namba
station itself because we can take Nankai rail to KIX in shortest time, only 35 mins. We need
fast trip from Osaka to KIX as our flight is at 11.00 am. Does this plan make sense to you?
Hi Phan,
You have planned very well! 🙂
You will have ICOCA e-money 1500 yen. You can use it for Kyoto-Osaka trip. And you will still have about 1000 yen left in ICOCA. You can use it for sightseeing by Osaka subway. Or you can use it for Namba-KIX trip by Nankai Railway.
Don’t forget to make ICOCA be empty. If you return it before you leave, you get 500 yen refund. You may get coffee or snack before you leave Japan by this 500 yen.
Of course you can give up this 500 yen and hold your ICOCA card as souvenir.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for the prompt reply. It’s a good thing for us that you agree
with our travel plans whilst we are in Osaka/Kyoto. Now we can wait for our trip
without any worry as to transportation plans.
Thank you.
Phan leong Kim
Hi Phan,
No problem. Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
First time travelers to Japan coming Sept 25 until Oct 8th 2015. Love your info, although this train travel is confusing when we wish to travel to a few places and stay in most. Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Tokyo Disney, kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima ending in Fukuoka where we will fly back to Narita Airport and head home 🙂
Sounds like a 14 day JR pass must be the way to go for us ( 2 adults one child) but not sure how hard it is to get off these JR stations and switch to other train lines when we have luggage. I started looking to book hotels and then thought it might be better to plan the train trips first so i can stay in hotels that are easy to access form the JR stops or maybe this doesn’t really matter so much? Do you have any tips on the best places to stay that are central for tourists but easy to access with the JR pass?
Hi Bernie,
First of all, I think 14 days pass does not work for your itinerary. Because Tokyo-Hakata (Fukuoka) one way fare with Shinkansen surcharge is much cheaper than even 7 days pass.
I understand you will use the pass for visiting other places, like Mt. Fuji. But in my estimation, total cost will be equal to 7 days pass price. So if you squeeze Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima in 7 days, 7 days pass will be your choice. Unless you add other places to visit, 14 days pass is not your choice.
In your itinerary, you will use Shinkansen (bullet train) among cities.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Mt Fuji can be visited as day trip from Tokyo. If you want to spend a few days there, leave most part of your luggage in Tokyo and pack small bags for a few days trip. If you use same hotel before and after Mt. Fuji, hotel can store your luggage until you will be back.
Kyoto and Nara can be visited as day trip from Osaka. My recommended place to stay in Osaka is Shin-Osaka. It’s Shinkansen terminal and can get Kyoto easily by JR train.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-shinkansen-haruka-thunderbird-and-local-train-access-to-osaka-umeda-and-namba.html
Only one station away from downtown core in Osaka, Umeda.
Hiroshima is on the way to Hakata. You can find hotel near station.
So I suggest you to find the way to squeeze in 7 day if you save your cost and make your trip be easier. If you don’t care about cost, you can use 14 days pass.
Of course you can use single fare ticket. But you may be overwhelmed and may not be comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi –
Your knowledge in the multi-company train system of Japan is impressive, so I believe you will be able to give us some advice.
My wife and I are planning a 15 day first time self-tour of Japan.
We plan to land in OSAKA on 22:00 April 21st and take off from Narita at May 6th.
Please note that my wife is wheelchair bound but I can take her up/down very few steps if needed.
In order to overcome the luggage handling because I am pushing the wheelchair, we’re planning to send our luggage in the great service between hotels in Japan and travel with only hand luggage.
Our train timeline is:
Late PM May 21 Osaka – Kyoto
Early PM May 24 Kyoto – Kobe
May 26 – Mid AM May 26 Kobe – Hiroshima
Mid AM May 27 Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima
Early AM May 28 Hiroshima – Takayama
Early PM May 29 Takayama – Hakone
May 30 – Accessesible sites around Hakone
Mid day May 1 – Hakone – Tokyo
Early AM May 6 Tokyo – Narita
We will buy JR passes for one week.
Should we activate it on Friday May 24 and then buy a regular ticket from Hakone to Tokyo an Friday May 1 – or
Should we activate it only on Sunday May 26 and buy a regular ticket from Kyoto to Kobe ?
We would appreciate any comment on the trains in our timeline.
Obviously, any wheelchair related comment is welcome.
Thanks in advance,
Yigal
Hi Yigal,
I recommend you to use JR pass from March 24. Because from Hakone to Tokyo, Odakyu railway is more convenient. It connects Hakone-Yumoto and Shinjuku directly. If you use JR pass, you have to transfer at Odawara.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
I usually recommend to take commute train, Special Rapid Service among Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. But I recommend you to use Shinkansen to get there. Because Special Rapid is always crowded. It’s not a good idea to take this train with your wife. This is another reason why I recommend you to use JR pass from this day.
Most of JR stations have elevator. As long as you travel with Shinkansen, you will not have any problems. Try to avoid to take commute trains and take express train as much as possible. In commute train, there are some spaces for wheelchair. But you will be overwhelmed. On the other hand, express trains have wheelchair space and you can reserve the seat for you by JR Pass. When you travel from Hakone to Shinjuku, Odakyu Railway has limited express train too. You can book this train at Hakone easily.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi
I will be going to Japan in a group of 3 persons in this May. As this is my 1st time to Japan, I will appreciate if you can give me some advices of the train package to my 10 days itinerary
day2 – day4 stay in Kyoto
day5 – day9 stay in Osaka
Q1: I will reach at Kansai airport around 10pm, can I purchase ICOCA & haruka card & Osaka Kaiyu Ticket over the counter at such late evening?
Q2: When is the last train from KIX to Tour Club hostel, Kyoto? I have not fixed the accommodation for day1 due to the late arrival. Is it advisable to take late train to Kyoto for day 1?
Q3: Is ICOCA + haruka card or JR west rail pass suitable for my 10 days trip, especially to Miho Musuem, Instant Ramen Musuem? KIX to Tour Club hotel & Taiyo Hotel Osaka to KIX?
day 1: reach KIX around 10pm
day 2: fushimi inari ,Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nishihongan ji , kinkakuji ,Nishiki mkt Nishiki Temangu
day 3: Miho musuem
day 4: Todaiji, Nara Park,Higashihongan-ji Temple , Higashimuki Shopping Street
day 5: Osaka Aquarium Japan , Osaka Castle , Osaka Namba Yasaka Shrine Shinsaibashi shensaikai, Dotonbori , Tsenkaku
day 6 : Hakutsuru sake museum , Kikumasamune sake museum , mosaic mall & kobe harborland
day 7 : Instant ramen musuem , Osaka Castle ,Osaka musuem,Osaka Floating Garden ,Hepfive & Ferris Wheel
day 8: Universal Studio
day 9: shinsaibashi area, shensaikai
day 10 :check out fr Hotel Taiyo Osaka
Hi Susan,
First of all, your plan is very similar to my sample itinerary. You may get some idea about using pass. Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Q1: I will reach at Kansai airport around 10pm, can I purchase ICOCA & haruka card & Osaka Kaiyu Ticket over the counter at such late evening?
You cannot purchase Kaiyu ticket but ICOCA and Haruka may be. Kaiyu Ticket can be purchased at Travel Desk. But it’s closed at 22:000. JR office close at 23:00. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Q2: When is the last train from KIX to Tour Club hostel, Kyoto? I have not fixed the accommodation for day1 due to the late arrival. Is it advisable to take late train to Kyoto for day 1?
Actually the last train departs at 23:09. You may not be able to take it. But at 23:40, the last limousine bus depart for Kyoto. I think this bus is your choice. But in this case, you cannot use ICOCA and Haruka. Please find the info below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Q3: Is ICOCA + haruka card or JR west rail pass suitable for my 10 days trip, especially to Miho Musuem, Instant Ramen Musuem? KIX to Tour Club hotel & Taiyo Hotel Osaka to KIX?
As you saw the sample itinerary above, you don’t need Kansai Area Pass. Subway pass and single ticket are okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I AM COMING TO OSAKA 9PM ON 1ST MAY AND WHATS THE BEST WAY TO GET TO A HOTEL IN KOBE? THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUTS
Hi Jose,
Please find the info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I need help with travelling in Japan.
I will be arriving in Osaka then after 4 days of tour (Universal Studio, Osaka Castle, etc) I will be going to Kyoto for 2 days (visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, Golden Temple, etc) then to Tokyo (visiting Disney Sea, Imperial Palace, etc) for 4 days then depart from Narita Airport
Will it be advisable to get a JR Pass or should I use domestic planes to travel from Osaka to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo?
I heard that from Kyoto to Tokyo using the bullet train will allow me to see Mount Fuji if the weather is fine. Is it true?
Thanks!
Hi Sam,
JR pass does not work for your trip. You can use local deals and single fare for Osaka-Kyoto, Kyoto-Tokyo.
First of all, please find more info for the first 4 days in Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
You may use one base fare ticket from Osaka to Tokyo with stopover in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
I recommend you to take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo. Because you cannot fly from Kyoto. You have to go back to Osaka. Shinkansen is faster.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
When weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji on your left side from Shinkansen.
In Tokyo, you may use subway fare, Tokunai ticket or single fare. When you go to Disney sea, single ticket is fine.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
To Narita, there is not many choice. You may find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi there! thanks for sharing these useful information. i would like to ask for your advice. i’m planning on a 7-day trip to japan this april.these are my itinerary:
D1: kansai airport > tokyo (staying in shinagawa)> will be covering asakusa, akihabara, shibuya
D2: shinagawa > mount fuji > odaiba park
D3: shinagawa > disneysea
D4: shinjuku > harajuku > osaka (planning to travel by bus over the night)
D5: osaka ( staying in tennoji) > uinversal studios japan
D6: osaka castle > tejimbashi street > kobe
D7: kyoto (arashiyama, kinkuji temple, fushimi inari shine, kiyomizu-dera) > minami, namba osaka
can you please check my itinerary?and what would suggest for me, is it worth to buy 7-days jr pass or single ticket? because i read most places in tokyo are using jr line??thank you..
Hi Kosar,
If you use a train on day 4, JR Pass is your choice. Otherwise single ticket is cheaper. But if use overnight bus and pay single fare, total fare may be higher than 7 days JR pass. And JR Pass is more comfortable and flexible than using single ticket. I understand you want to stay late in Tokyo on day 4. But JR Pass is better choice for you. If you use JR Pass, the last train to Shin-Osaka depart at 20:10 at Shinagawa.
I have another idea. There is overnight train, “Sunrise Seto/Izumo”.
https://jprail.com/trains/sunrise-izumo.html
This train has Nobi Nobi seat that is covered by JR pass fully. This train skip Osaka station and first stop at Himeji. But you can come back to Osaka by train.
This seat is very popular and booked out very often. In case that this train is booked out, you have to find somewhere to stay after you arrive in Japan. But if you want to have overnight movement from Tokyo to Osaka, this train is considerable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
I am staying at Umeda area and plan to head to Arima Onsen but I have big luggage.
Does Hankyu Express bus has luggage truck to accommodate since this is direct to Arima Onsen?
How do we head to Kansai International airport from Arima Onsen?
Appreciate your kind advice
Thank you
Hi Karrie,
I believe the bus has luggage space. But I have never taken it before. I’m not sure 100%.
There is no direct bus service between Arima and Kansai airport. You have to transfer at either Kobe or Umeda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Karrie
If you don’t mind, can you update me on how you eventually did your trip? I am planning Arima Onsen from Osaka then leave Arima for Kansai Airport afterwards as well. Thanks!
hi,
I would like to get your advice as if I should get a JR pass or would it be good enough to get a Suica card? I will be staying 4 days in tokyo then fly to osaka and stay another 4 nites there. I would like to cover Kyoto and Kobe as well during that 4 days. Is it cheaper to get the 7 days JR pass or just get a Suica card and top up as and when I require? tq
Hi Linda,
First of all, JR pass does not work. Even if you take a train from Tokyo to Osaka, it’s still not enough to use JR Pass. Round trip fare by Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka is slightly cheaper than JR Pass 7 days price.
Suica is okay. But this card gives you same value as cash. If you travel lots, like taking subway 4 or 5 times a day, subway or other local deal may be cheaper. I put the links below. Please find more info about Tokyo and Osaka deals there.
Tokyo
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
Osaka
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I want to ask for train from Kyoto Station to Gion Shijo.. I’m going to stay at Shiraume Ryokan.. And im travelling with 2 young children..
Can you give me any idea which train i have to go? Thanks
Vella
Hi Vella,
Please see the map in the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
There is no direct train from Kyoto to Gion-Shijo. I recommend you to take a taxi directly to your hotel. Taxi fare will be 1500 yen. I think it’s too much to take 2 young kids, luggage and walk from the station to your hotel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi-san,
i wrote earlier…
are you able to advise the last train from Kyoto st to Shijo st as i plan to travel by the Limousine bus from Kansai airport to kyoto st. my arrival at Kansai airport is 21.20
if i miss the last train, which exit to go to for cab? any advise on cab fare, estimate?
Please help … first trip
thank you very much
Hi SKK san,
The last train connection is 23:09. I think you will be fine.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
But if you miss this train, try to get Umeda or other spots by train or bus as much as you can. I don’t have a cab rate. But if you take it to Kyoto, I guess it will be at least 20000 yen. Even if you take it from Umeda, it will be 10000 yen at least.
You can catch a cab at ground level exit. But try to avoid to take a cab. It’s better to find hotel to stay near airport. You can find it less than 20000 yen easily.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail