How to use JR Pass in downtown Kyoto. Find how much you can use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto.

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
There are a big number of Torii at Fushimi Inari shrine. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO
2011.02.24
Kyoto Imperial Palace ©Akira Okada/©JNTO
Kyoto Imperial Palace ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

Kyoto is most popular destination in Japan. You may visit Kyoto by JR Pass and other JR West Rail Passes. You may be wondering how much you can use your pass to explore Kyoto?

In this post, I explain you about the coverage of JR Pass and other rail passes in Kyoto.

Explaination by movie

You may watch same content as this post in the movie below as well.

Overview

First of all, please see the map below. I put train routes, a bus route and the name of the tourist spots in the map.

Click to view large.

These are covered by JR Pass. And also these following other regional JR deal have same coverage:

Kansai Area Pass does not cover West Japan JR Bus line but it covers Kyoto subway and some part of Keihan railway. Please find more information in the post below:

How to use JR West Kansai Area Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
This posts explains you how to use Kansai Area Pass. It is one of JR West rail passes and it covers whole part of Kansai area.
jprail.com
2012.10.19

Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass can take you to Kyoto. But it does not cover any modes of transportation after arrival in Kyoto.

How to get Kyoto by JR Pass and JR regional passes

There are many ways to get Kyoto.

The Tokaido Shinkansen

You can get Kyoto by the Shinkansen from Tokyo, Yokohama, Odawara (near Hakone), Nagoya, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata and many more stations. Please find more information of the Shinkansen in the link below:

The Tokaido, the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen (Bullet Train) train ride guide. Most popular train between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata and Kagoshima.
This Shinkansen ride guide gives you all information about the Shinkansen between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima in this post.
jprail.com
2014.05.27

The limited express Haruka

If you arrive in Kansai airport and move to Kyoto right after, you may take Haruka. It takes you to Kyoto directly.

Limited Express Haruka from KIX is covered.

You may use this train for Tennoji to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Kyoto instead of taking a local train.

Special Rapid train

Special Rapid Service operated by JR West 223 series.
Special Rapid Service is the fastest commute train between Himeji, Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto

Special Rapid train runs every 15 minutes day time. It offers very frequent and very fast service. It takes just 30 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto. The trip time is same as other limited express train. The Shinkansen is fast but you have to change trains at Shin-Osaka. If you travel from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto. This train is the best choice.

From Kanazawa, Amanohashidate, Kinosaki, Nara

Kyoto is connected with these cities as well. You can get Kyoto from Kanazawa by the limited express Thunderbird. From Amanohashidate, you can take the limited express Hashidate. The limited express Kinosaki connects Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen. And Nara and Kyoto are connected by JR Nara line. You can get Kyoto from Nara by a local train or a rapid train.

The coverage of JR Pass and JR regional passes

There are tree routes are covered.

JR Sagano line

Sagano line is shown in a pink line. You can get these following places by this line:

  • Kyoto Railway Museum (from Umekoji -Kyotonishi station)
  • Kyoto Aquarium (from Umekoji-Kyotonishi station)
  • Nijo castle (from Nijo station)
  • Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (from Uzumasa station)
  • Arashiyama (from Saga-Arashiyama station)
  • Sagano Scenic Railway, a.k.a. Torokko train (from Saga-Arashiyama station)

A local train and a rapid train runs every 15 minutes in daytime.

Sagano Scenic Railway departs from JR Saga-Arashiyama station but this train is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.

Nara line

This line is shown in a brown line. This line connects Kyoto and Nara. These following places can be accessed by Nara line:

  • Tofuku-ji temple (from Tofukuji station)
  • Fushimi Inari shrine (from Inari station)
  • Uji (from Uji station)

I did not put any stations on the map between Uji and Inari. But there are many stations. It take 5 to 10 minutes to get Tofukuji and Inari from Kyoto. But it takes 30 minutes from Kyoto station to Uji. Uji is located in the middle of Kyoto and Nara.

A local train and a rapid train runs every 10 to 15 minutes in daytime.

West Japan JR bus

There are huge number of bus routes in Kyoto. You can get almost anywhere in Kyoto by a bus. Most bus routes are operated by Kyoto city bus which is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. But there is only one route which is operated by West Japan JR Bus. This is covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.

This route connects Kyoto station and Takao. There are some tourist spots on the route of this bus service:

  • Kitano Tenmangu shrine (from Kitano bus stop)
  • Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. Golden Pavillion (from Wara Tenjin bus stop)
  • Ryoan-ji temple (from Ryoanji bus stop)

This bus runs every 15 minutes between 8:00 and 18:00.

Around Kyoto station

JR Kyoto station is the biggest shopping area in Kyoto. There are some shopping buildings around the station. And Kyoto tower is located in front of the station.

The places which are not covered

JR Pass Kyoto uncovered places

Eastern and northern Kyoto are not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. These following popular places cannot be accessed by JR Pass and JR regional deals:

  • Kiyomizu-dera temple
  • Yasaka shrine
  • Gion
  • Nishiki Market
  • Imperial Palace
  • Ginkaku-ji temple
  • Kurama
  • Kifune shrine
  • Hieizan

You have to take Keihan Railway, Hankyu Railway, Kyoto city subway, Kyoto city bus and/or Eizan Railway to get these places. Please refer the post below to find all trains information:

Kyoto train route guide. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Kyoto. This post shows you the train network in Kyoto. You can learn how to get the major places in Kyoto.
jprail.com
2013.09.22

I hope you have foud how to maximize using JR Pass in Kyoto. Enjoy your trip to Kyoto.

Comments

  1. Janice says:
    April 9, 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Hi Takeshi, many thanks for your work in this blog. Its v useful for visitors to Japan. I will be visiting Japan next month for 11 days and will buy the 7 Day JR pass and ICOCCA/Haruka pass.

    My itineary is KIX-Kyoto(4 nights), Takayama(3 nights), Hiroshima (2nights), Osaka(1 night)-KIX.

    Cld you pls kindly advise me: (1) activate JR pass only for start trip to Takayama (2) wld JR pass still be valid till last day (3) if weather permits, i wld like to go one day for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, so part of the journey will be covered by JR pass (4) since i have the ICOCCA/Haruka pass, wld it be too much to buy the 2 day Kyoto sight seeing pass?

    Thank you very much in anticipation of your reply.

    janice

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      April 9, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      Hi Janice,

      Thanks for your comment about my website. 😀

      1. That’s right. You should start on the day trip to Takayama.
      2. If you use 7 days pass, it will be covered. Because you will have 6 nights 7 days trip in total for Kyoto-Takayama-Hiroshima-Osaka-KIX trip.
      3. It’s covered for trip to Toyama. After arriving Toyama, you will take non JR trains and buses. These are not covered.
      4. You need to purchase at least 2 days pass. ICOCA 1500 yen e-money can be spent easily. You may take subway when you stay in Osaka. 1500 yen e-money is not enough for sightseeing Kyoto.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Janice says:
        April 10, 2014 at 4:54 am

        Dear Takeshi, thank you for your quick reply. I will certainly purchase the pass for Kyoto.

        More questions :

        1. When I do the exchange for JR pass, would I get a copy of the JR trains schedule? Or I must rely on Hyperdia?

        2. Can I reserve seats for all the connections when I exchange for pass or I must do it before each journey?

        Thank you for your kind patience.

        Sincerely
        Janice

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          April 10, 2014 at 12:36 pm

          Hi Janice,

          1. No. JR timetable is quite huge. It’s about 1000 pages. And also English timetable is not available in JR stations. Use Hyperdia to find it.
          I used timetable when I make a plan. But I don’t take it when I travel. It’s too heavy.
          2.You can do all when you exchange. I usually complete to book all trains when I exchange it. Make a list and pass it to JR staff. It’s easier for both and it will be faster.

          Cheers.

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Janice says:
            April 10, 2014 at 5:25 pm

            Dear Takeshi, many thanks for your kind patience and sharing. Am looking forward to getting the max benefits out of JR pass. Have a good day.

            Cheers
            janice

  2. Joanne says:
    January 23, 2014 at 5:11 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m going to Japan on this coming 28/Jan & I will go to Kyoto from Tokyo & spend 1 day there, can you advise me what is best to do for 1 day in Kyoto ?

    I will also be going to kobe from Osaka & spend 1day there too, can you advise me as well. will be getting the JR pass to for this

    Thanks
    Joanne

  3. wei yen says:
    January 20, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    Hi, may i know is Kyoto sigheseeing pass applicable to all kyoto subways and buses? sorry if my questions sounds redundant but i searched wesite there’s no definite answer.
    Since Im going to take a lot of subways>bus (eg, Keihan line, Arashiyama, perhaps this is the best one than buss pass itself. Thanks

  4. sukey27 says:
    January 16, 2014 at 12:23 am

    Dear Takeshi,

    I will be visiting Kyoto during the cherry blossom season and plan to buy the JR Pass.
    The 7 day pass will be used for the ride from Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo.
    Below is my intial itenary in Kyoto and it can be flexible.
    Will be staying in Inaricho Minamigumi, Higashiyama
    Please advise what other passes should I buy to maximize value.

    Kyoto Itenary
    Day 1 – Osaka > Kyoto (morning)
    Kiyomizudera-Higashiyama street-Yasaka Shrine-Maruyama Park-
    Heian Shrine(* if there is time for this)
    Gion – Pontocho for dinner

    Day 2 – Ginkakuji
    Philosopher Path
    Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Day 3 – Arashiyama (Tenryuji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge,Bamboo Grooves)
    Sagano Scenic Railway (where should I get the train ticket for this? and when?)

    Day 4 – Kinkakuji
    Nijo Castle
    Kyoto > Tokyo

    Thanks. Would appreciate your advise on this.

    Sukey

  5. Kristina S. says:
    January 14, 2014 at 9:57 am

    Hello Takeshi,

    I am from Canada and will be travelling to Japan with a group of four people including myself, on the dates of May 4-6 and May 11-18. There are two dates because we will be flying out of Japan from May 6-11 so that is why there is a gap in between. I have a couple of question regarding what pass to purchase and an itinerary suggestion. For the date of May 4-6, we will be arriving by plane at Narita Airport with luggages, would you recommend travelling to Tokyo and then back to Narita for that short amount of time? (May 4-6). Or do you think staying in Narita is better for us? I don’t know what is around Narita to explore actually. I am planning to buy a JR pass because we want to travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Mt Fuji, and around Tokyo. Of course, we will start this after we come back to Japan from May 11-18. Can you suggest a possible itinerary for us covering these places? And if you have other recommendation for the May 4-6 dates (or should we just stay in Narita) and where we should explore? Thank you so much for replying to my inquiry, it sounds a bit confusing with the two dates but I just want to make sure we see much of Japan as possible for that time. Thank you again, and looking forward to your reply!

  6. Wahyu says:
    January 8, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    Hi, Takeshi.

    I’m Wahyu from Indonesia. Me and my friends (grup of 4) are planning to go to Japan in 24-28 May 2014. The plan is to go within 4 cities i.e. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Would appreciate it if you could review our itinerary and advise accordingly for the tranportation that we should use and pass card for the best value.

    May 24: Narita International Airport to Kyoto. Spend night at Kyoto.
    May 25: Within Kyoto (Kinkaku Ji – Kyoto Imperial Palace – Kiyomizudera – Fushimi Inari Shrine – Umeda St)
    May 26: Within Osaka (Osaka Castle – Namba – Shinsaibashi) and Nara (Todaiji Temple – Nara Park – Kofukuji Temple – Kasuga Taisha Shrine) – Back to Kyoto
    May 27: to Tokyo – within Tokyo (Tokyo Tower – Harajuku Area – Ueno Garden – Shibuya), spend night at Tokyo
    May 28: Tokyo Station – Narita

    In Tokyo we plan to stay in hostel near Asakusa.

    Thank you also for the info that you’ve shared through this website. It’s very useful for us.
    Looking forward to hear your review soon.

    Regards,

    Wahyu

    Day 4: Within Kyoto (Arashimaya etc) Day 5: Kyoto to Koyasan Day 6: Koyasan to Osaka Day 7: Within Osaka Day 8: Within Osaka Day 9: Osaka to Kansai International Airport I will really appreciate you can reply asap as I’m flying off tomorrow.. Thank you. Len – See more at: https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html#sthash.yYVP8PpQ.dpuf

    • JPRail says:
      January 8, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      Hi Wahyu,

      JR pass 7 days is the best deal for you. There is no other better deal in Japan.
      You may need to add some fares in Tokyo and Kyoto for taking subways. But JR pass is still the best.

      Your itinerary is busy but it’s feasible. If you switch Osaka and Kyoto, it may be easier.
      My suggestion is…

      May 24: Narita International Airport to Osaka. Spend night at Osaka.
      May 25: Within Osaka (Osaka Castle – Namba – Shinsaibashi) and Nara (Todaiji Temple – Nara Park – Kofukuji Temple – Kasuga Taisha Shrine) – Back to Kyoto
      May 26: Within Kyoto (Kinkaku Ji – Kyoto Imperial Palace – Kiyomizudera – Fushimi Inari Shrine) Kyoto stay

      You can stay in Kyoto 2 nights consecutive. It may make your trip a bit more comfortable.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. Vincent Tay says:
    December 30, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    I would need to know on the following questions travelling within Osaka and Kyoto:

    (1) I will be travelling to and fro from Osaka to Kyoto for two days because will be staying in Osaka. What is the most economical train ticket should I buy for the two days?

    (2) For the remaining days, I will be travelling within Osaka and also to Universal Studios? Should I be buying Enjoy Eco Card, Osaka Unlimited or Rainbow card for the best access?

    Thanks.

    regards,
    Vincent

  8. Chai Len says:
    November 3, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Hi,
    Would appreciate it if you could comment on my itinerary and advise what passes should I buy for maximum value.

    Day 1: Kansai International Airport to Kinosaki
    Day 2: Kinosaki to Kyoto
    Day 3: Within Kyoto
    Day 4: Within Kyoto (Arashimaya etc)
    Day 5: Kyoto to Koyasan
    Day 6: Koyasan to Osaka
    Day 7: Within Osaka
    Day 8: Within Osaka
    Day 9: Osaka to Kansai International Airport

    I will really appreciate you can reply asap as I’m flying off tomorrow.. Thank you.

    Len

  9. Rick says:
    October 7, 2013 at 2:01 am

    Hi Takeshi

    One more question. What if I buy a Kansai Thru pass for 2 days to be used on Day 7 and Day 8. Would that be worth it?

    Rick

    • JPRail says:
      October 7, 2013 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Rick,
      You can use Kansai Thru Pass for day 7 and 8. That’s a good idea. But Kansai Thru Pass does not include limited express surcharge to Koyasan. If you want to take it, World heritage pass is better.

      Rinku town station can be accessed from both JR Osaka and Nankai Namba. If you take JR, take Kansai Airport Rapid train. If you take Nankai, all trains that go to KIX stop at Rinku town. You don’t need to go to KIX.

      Regarding Kanku Chikatoku for transfer to Rinku town, I’m not sure. Technically you can do it because Rinku town is located between Namba and KIX. But that ticket is basically designed for traveller to KIX. I’m not that way to use is acceptable or not.

  10. Rick says:
    October 5, 2013 at 2:26 am

    Hi Takeshi
    I am still a bit overwhelmed by the different passes available. This is my itinerary, can u comment on it and advise what passes should I buy. Travelling from 12-20 Oct.

    Day 1 : KIX to Kyoto
    Day 2 Within Kyoto (Arashiyama, Sagano express, Nijio castle)
    Day 3 Within Kyoto (Nishii market, golden pavilion, kiyomizudera temple)
    Day 4 Day trip to Fushimi Inari shrine
    Day 5 Day trip to Nara
    Day 6 Kyoto to Osaka and travel within Osaka (To be based in Osaka)
    Day 7 Day trip to Mt Koya
    Day 8 Day trip to Rinkyu premium outlet
    Day 9 Osaka to KIX

    The itinerary is still flexible which means I can rearrange the trips if certain trips/venue need to be lumped together to maximise a pass.
    I will really appreciate if u could advise me on what passes to get for maximum value. Thank u!

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