Train system in Kyoto may be complicated for you. There are three types of railway, JR, Kyoto City Subway and Private company’s railways. Actually it’s a key to travel in Kyoto smoothly and avoid wasting your valuable time. Of course city of Kyoto has city wide bus service. But during peak season, bus service runs behind the schedule sometimes due to traffic congestion.
And also, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kyoto city pass. Each pass has different conditions. You have to understand which train system is covered by your pass.
In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Kyoto.
- Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass and other JR deals
- For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
- For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass
- JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card and Kyoto subway pass
- How to access to major spots in Kyoto by train
Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass and other JR deals
Many deals are available in Kansai area. But each pass have different coverage. I tell you about major passes and deals.
For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
You can take all trains on the map above except Shinkansen and Sagano Scenic Railway. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer. Please see the post below to find more information:
Regarding Sagano Scenic Railway, it is not a public transportation but an attraction. This is the reason why it is not covered by any rail pass.
By the way, ICOCA does not cover Kyoto city bus service either. In sometimes 2014, Kyoto city bus will accept ICOCA.
For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass
Please see the map below:
You can go anywhere in city of Kyoto. Most of places can be accessed by train. And this pass covers Kyoto City Bus too. Bus services cover all part of city of Kyoto. If you access from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto station, you cannot get a direct transfer by this pass. This is only things that you may care.
JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
Please see the map below:
I wrote another post which focus on JR Pass and JR regional deals in the link below. You may find how much you can use JR Pass and JR regional deals in Kyoto. You can learn how to maximize using these passes:
Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card and Kyoto subway pass
Please see the map below:
These deals cover Kyoto city subway lines. Kyoto city bus and Kyoto Bus (private bus company) are also covered by Kyoto Sightseeing one day and two day cards. If you will take bus, you can go almost anywhere in city of Kyoto. Only place where is not covered by this pass is Uji.
How to access to major spots in Kyoto by train
As I mentioned above, sometimes bus services are affected by heavy traffic. And there are too many lines of bus in city of Kyoto. You may be confused by too many choices. Therefore I recommend you to use train service as much as you can.
If you need more info about bus, you may be able to find it at Japan-Guide.com
Gion
You can get there by both Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway. Hankyu’s Kawaramachi station is located 5 minutes away from Keihan’s Gion-Shijo staiton. There is Kamo river between these two stations. One of most popular market, Nishiki market is located bear Kawaramachi station. This area is one of the busiest area in Kyoto.
If you access from Osaka, take Hankyu if you stay in Umeda (JR Osaka station) and take Keihan if you stay in Namba or Shinsaibashi area. Yodoyabashi is connected by Osaka subway Midousuji line.
Kiyomizudera
Actually it’s a bit away from the station. But you can get there from Keihan’s Kiyomizu-Gojo station. The distance is 1.7 km and takes about 20 minutes.
Arashiyama
There are three stations, Hankyu, Randen and JR. Randen’s Arashiyama station is located in the heart of Arashiyama. But you will be okay with other two stations. JR’s Saga-Arashiyama station is about 15 minutes away from Randen’s Arashiyama station. Hankyu’s Arashiyama station is located at other side of Katsura river. Togetsu bridge connects these two stations.
If you get Arashiyama from Umeda, obviously Hankyu Railway is the best choice. But there is no direct train service from Umeda to Arashiyama. You have to transfer at Katsura.
If you get Arashiyama from Kyoto station or using JR deals, JR Sagano line is the best choice.
If you get Arashiyama from Gion and Kawaramachi area, I recommend you to take Hankyu to Omiya and transfer to Randen. Randen is not very well known. This rail service is like street car and it runs on the street at some part of this line. This 20 minutes ride will be nice experience in your Kyoto visit. Hankyu’s Omiya station is located underground and Randen’s Shijo-Omiya station is on the ground. But it’s just cross the road and only 3 minutes away.
If you stay in Sanjo area and get Arashiyama, take subway to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa station and transfer to Randen. Randen-Tenjingawa station is located on the ground and subway’s station is underground. But it’s same place.
Kinkakji (Golden Pavilion)
It can be accessed from randen’s Kitano-Hakubaicho station on foot. It takes about 20 nminutes. Of course you can catch the bus at Kitano-Hakubaicho station. It is three bus stops away from Kinkakuji and takes about 5 minutes.
If you access there from Arashiyama, Randen is a good choice. But if you get there from Gion, Kyoto station and other places, Randen is considerable. You have to change the train at Katabiranotsuji. It takes about 30 minutes from both Shijo-Omiya and Arashiyama. But Kinakakuji can be accessed by direct bus from many places in Kyoto. Even though I consider traffic, bus service may be faster than Randen. And also Kinkakuji can be accessed from subway’s Kitaoji staion by bus. If you get there from Kyoto station and Gion, this route is the fastest.
Nijo castle
The nearest station is subway’s Nijojo staton. But you can access there from JR Nijo station too. So you can choose the trains by you pass/deal.
Fushimi Inari
It can be accessed by both JR and Keihan. JR’s Inari station is the nearest station. But Keihan’s station is only 5 minutes away from the shrine. You can choose it by your pass/deals.
If you combine this place with Nara, JR’s Inari station is on the way to Nara.
Uji
It is not located in city of Kyoto. So you cannot get there by city bus.
Both JR and Keihan can take you there. The biggest spot, Byodoin is located between JR Uji and Keihan’s Uji stations. It take about 10 minutes from both stations.
If you get there from Osaka, Keihan Railway is the best choice. But there is no direct train to Uji from Yodoyambashi. You have to change the trains at Chushojima.
Kyoto subway line goes to Rokujizo station. This is located at same place as JR’s Rokujizo station. You can change the trains very easily there. But Keihan’s Rokujizo station is a bit away from subway/JR stations. So if you access there from the heart of Kyoto, subway and JR combination is a good choice too.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I had just came back from Osaka last month and planning another trip in march. I had bought kansai through pass last month and feel it is very good. I would like to know whether JR Kansai Hiroshima pass is almost like Kansai through pass? Can I use this to access to Kyoto , Nara and kobe as well like Kansai through pass? Also can I use K-H pass when I’m in Osaka? (Subway?)
Hi Belle,
Kansai Hiroshima pass covers JR lines only. It does not cover subway, city bus and Non JR line, such as Kintetsu, Keihan, Hankyu, Hanshin and Nankai.
You can move among the cities by Kansai Hiroshima pass but you may need to add single fare ticket for subway and bus in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.
Regarding the coverage in Kyoto, please see the chapter of “JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass” in the post above.
You may find the info about Kobe and Osaka in the links below:
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-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Ive never been to japan but I’m trying to plan a trip to Osaka and slot a one day trip each to Kyoto /Nara and back to Osaka at night.
Is it possible to cover the below places in one day?
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Philosopher’s path
Sagano scenic railway
Arashiyama bamboo forest
Is it too time consuming? I have another day planned for Nara deer park.
Sorry to trouble you.
Hi Sasa,
It’s not impossible but there are many places along Philosopher’s Path. You may spend more than half day for this path and it’s worth spending there.
If you intend to visit Deer Park and some places, such as Big Buddha temple in Nara, you can visit Nara and Fushimi one day and spend one whole day in Kyoto. You can get some idea in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This is a bit short. We will be staying in Japan for 9 days., particularly in Osaka.
This is the plan
Oct. 29 Arrival at KIX
Oct. 30 Kyoto
Oct. 31 Kyoto
Nov. 1 Tokyo
Nov. 2 Mt. Fuji Tour
Nov. 3 USJ
Nov. 4 Himeji/Kobe
Nov. 5 Osaka
Nov. 6 Osaka/Departure at KIX
We already got the JR Rail Pass. But, we are also planning to get the Kansai Thru Pass but it is just limited for three days. Is it possible to buy 2 3-day Kansai Thru Pass? what can you suggest?
Hi Rih,
I don’t think you need Kansai thru pass. You can start using JR pass on arrival day. You can add Eco card, amazing pass or other deals in Osaka. And you may add some deal to KIX. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You may need to add Kyoto city deals because JR pass does not cover everywhere in Kyoto. Please see 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
But JR pass covers almost everything for the first 7 days of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good day !
Need your advise of if you have any suggestion for us ? We have 8 days 7 nights for this trip. Will arrive in Osaka (Kansai airport) in 4pm and need to cover Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
where should we start first and how many days you advise to spend in this 3 lovely places with the effective use of which type of passes to purchase ?
really appreciate your help !
Thanks
Regards
EO
Hi EO san,
I have three sample itineraries. Please see the links below:
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/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
So basically staying in only Osaka or Kyoto/Osaka staying is your option.
If you want to have different atmosphere, you can stay in Kyoto and Osaka. I don’t think you stay in Nara.
If you want to make your trip be easier, just stay in Osaka. You don’t need to move to Kyoto with luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi/JPRail.com
Hope you are well.
Just want to ask help on what cards to purchased so we can save cost, see our itinerary below:
Day 1 Manila – Tokyo (Arrival: 1035am)
(I know Day1 looks tight, can you help us also trim this down)
Ueno-koen Park and Museums
Shibuya and Yugogi Park
Icho Namiki Avenue
Shinjuku Gyoen
Hibiya Park
Tokyo Sky Tree
Gotokuji [Setagaya-ku]
10pm: Tokyo to Osaka (will take the bus)
Day 2: Osaka
Universal Studios
Tempozan ferris wheel
Day 3: Kyoto
Ginkakuji Temple
Philosopher’s path
Eikando Temple
Bishomondo Temple
Kiyomizudera Temple
Day 4:
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Toji Temple
Arashima
-togetsuko bridge
-tenryuji temple
-bamboo grove
Kurama dera Temple
Yoshimine Dera Temple
Day 5: Osaka to Manila (840pm flight)
Osaka castle
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Umeda Sky Building
Appreciate the reply. Thank you in advance for the feedback.
Regards,
Me
Hi Me,
You can use the following deal
For day 1
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/value_ticket/subway.php
This gives you the fastest train Skyliner from Narita to Ueno and unlimited ride of subway in Tokyo.
Actually I have no idea how you can shrink your plan on day 1. Just try to do as much as you can. Skyliner arrives in Ueno so you can visit Ueno and Skytree first.
For day 2
Use single ticket
For day 3 to 5
Kansai thru pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
All places are covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for the quick feedback. Will do your suggestions.
Thanks,
Me
No worries, Me.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi, we plan to go to japan for 10days, but we decide to active our jr pass at the third day. so the first 2days we are going to spend around kyoto.
day 1: arashiyama half day and spend the rest of the day in maruyama park
day 2: fushimi inari, kiyomizudera and then strolling around higashiyama and gion
and our hotel is in front of kyoto station.
for this 2days is it best to purchase kyoto sightseeing 2day pass? or just 1day bus pass each day and buy the train tickets separately?
Hi Putri,
I think single ticket is better because you don’t have any chances to take subway. Arashiyama and Fushimi can be accessed by JR train. Keihan railway connects Kiyomizu-Gojo and Fushimi-Inari. Those trains are not covered by Kyoto sightseeing card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I will be going to Japan for a holiday trip on 20/9
Here is my plan 20/9 I will reach narita airport then head to Tokyo till 23/9 . Then 23/9 down to Kyoto till 30/9 . Then back to Tokyo till 5/10. Now my concern is the journey. Which transport shall I buy . One way ticket to all journey or get a Jr pass or get a single trip from airport to Tokyo…Tokyo to Kyoto….Kyoto back to Tokyo….then the rest of the journey for sightseeing I will get suica card …. Pls advice …. Thank you
Hi Sally,
Round trip fare between Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkansen is slightly cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
But if you make side trip from Kyoto, such as visiting Osaka, Nara, JR Pass will be cheaper. And JR pass is much easier to use than regular ticket.
You may use Suica in Tokyo, but subway pass may be cheaper.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’d like to know if I can buy a 1-day Kyoto Sightseeing Pass at Yamashina station. Thanks.
Cheers,
Marty
Hi Marty,
I have never tried to purchase it at Yamashina station. But Kyoto city official site says that it’s sold at the vending machine in all subway stations. In my understanding, you can purchase it at subway Yamashina station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We will be visiting Japan for the first time this June. Upon seeing this site, you are indeed right, rail transport in japan is a bit tricky.
We will traveling to Osaka and would like to take the Kansai tour.
Here’s what our itinerary would look like
Day1
Kyoto, any of these
Ryoanji temple
Kinkaku-ji temple
Nijo castle
Kiyomizu-den temple
Fushimi shrine
Day2
Nara
Todaiji temple
Yoshikien garden
Kofukuji temple
Kobe
Mount roko
Kitani
Meridien park
Is the JR pass line will accommodate all this places or can we go to all this places using only thr jr pass card?
Really appreciate your feedback on this or suggestions on what is better to use.
We really would like to enjoy our trip to japan.
Thanks!
Lorie
Hi Lorie,
You can get Kyoto, Nara and Kobe from Osaka by JR trains. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
But many of places in Kyoto cannot be accessed by JR trains. Please see the post above again to get the details.
Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk so it’s no problem to use JR pass only. For the trip to Kobe, you may need to add some fares. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you very much to your reply. It’s very informative. Would you say that it would be chaeper if I get the ICOCA card instead? Since it has access in most railways especially in Kyoto.
I appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thank you for your help.
Best,
Lorie
Hi Lorie,
If you have JR pass, you need to use bus or subway deal in Kyoto. You can take JR train to get Arashiyama and Fushimi. Subway and bus pass covers other places.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
ICOCA is okay but it does not give you any discount. If you purchase bus pass at 500 yen, you can get the worth by 3 bus rides.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am visiting Kyoto next weekend. It will be a 6 days 5 nights trip. I have drafted my itinerary, could you please give some feedback on the pass?
May 28 (Sat)
Arrive at KIX at 715 am Take Airport Limousine Bus to Hilton Hotel in Osaka
Morning to Osaka Kaiyukan/Santa Maria Cruise/
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Afternoon to Osaka Castle/HEP Five/Umeda Sky
Building
Evening to Dotonbori
(Osaka Amazing Pass 2 days)
May 29 (Sun)
Morning to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine/Osaka Museum of
Housing & living/Natural Hot Spring
Naniwanoyu/Tenjimbashisuji
Noon to Tsukenkaku/Shitenoji Temple
Evening to Nipponbashi Den Den Town
(Osaka Amazing Pass 2 days)
May 30 (Mon)
Morning to Universal Studio
Noon to Shinsaibashi area
(Kansai One Pass)
May 31 (Tue)
Arashiyama/Kinkakuji/Nijo Castle
(Kansai Thru Pass 2 days)
June 1 (Wed)
Fushimi Inari/Kizumedra Temple/Nishiki Market/Nara
(Kansai Thru Pass 2 days)
June 2 (Thurs)
Instant Ramen Museum/Kuromon Market/Abeno Harukas/Osaka Station
(Kansai One Pass)
June 3 (Fri)
Osaka to KIX ( Kansai One Pass)
Regards
lola
Hi Lola,
Actually I have nothing to tell you about your plan. It’s well prepared and organized. You are ready to go.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com