How to build the itinerary and choose the deals for Osaka stay 5 to 7 days.

osaka castle4 to 6 days
Dotonbori is very popular place to eat and shop near Namba. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Dotonbori is very popular place to eat and shop near Namba. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

I think many travellers prefer to stay in one place and visit surrounding areas as day trip. I have received many inquiries about Osaka stay and visit surrounding areas, like Kyoto, Kobe, Nara as day trip. I understand that it’s quite easy to stay in one place and enjoy the trip with luggage free.

But many of you struggle to plan and choose the deals. In this post, I show you 5 days Osaka stay sample itinerary. You will learn how to choose the deals for your trip. Of course you can extend to stay, like 6 days, 7 days, as many as you want.

Day 1 / KIX (Kansai airport) to Osaka

Kansai Airport Express Haruka
JR Limited Express Haruka is one of the popular way from KIX to get Osaka.

Before you choose the deals, you have to make sure these things:

  • Location to stay
  • Plan after arrival your accommodation

There are several deals available.

Let’s see which deal is the best by location.

Shin-Osaka

ICOCA and Haruka is most recommended. It includes one way or round trip between any JR stations in Osaka and Kansai airport by limited express Haruka non reserved seat, and 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA. This e-money can be used for any trains in Kansai area.

Limited Express Haruka is most comfortable way to get Shin-Osaka. But if you are very sensitive with the cost, Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is the best. It is sold at 1000 yen only. Even though you have to transfer at Namba from Nankai Railway to Osaka Subway Midousuji line, the cost is cheaper than Haruka Discount Ticket at 1,300 yen.

Kanku Chikatoku Ticket

If you arrive early and intend to visit somewhere in Osaka after arrival hotel, there are some options. If you choose ICOCA and Haruka, it gives you 1500 yen e-money to take any trains. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket gives you only airport access. But you can purchase Enjoy Eco Card (Osaka Subway and Bus unlimited travel pass) or Osaka Visitors Ticket. You know that subway fare for Shin-Osaka to Umeda is 240 yen and Shin-Osaka to Namba is 280 yen. Please see the link below to find more information about deals

And also Kansai Thru Pass is considerable too. This pass covers any “NON JR” trains. You can get almost anywhere in Kansai area. Especially if you intend to visit somewhere outside of Osaka after arrival, Kansai Thru Pass is a good choice. Be careful that Kansai Thru Pass does not cover Haruka by JR. This pass does not give you any direct access to Shin-Osaka. If you want to have comfortable way, ICOCA and Haruka is still the best choice.

At last, Yokoso Osaka Ticket gives you a great value. It includes Nankai railway’s limited express train “Rapi:t” from KIX to Namaba and unlimited ride of Osaka subway. This is one day subway pass portion of this deal can be used on next day.

Namba

Most affordable way is just taking Nankai Railway rapid train. You can take this train by base fare only which is 920 yen.

But Namba Access Rapi:t ticket is most recommended. But if you intend to drop by somewhere on the way back to the airport, such as Rinku town, Kanku Tokuwai Rapi:t Ticket is your choice. “Rapi:t” is Nankai Railway’s direct limited express train between KIX and Namba. It gives you most comfortable way to get Osaka beside JR’s limited express “Haruka”.

Namba Access Rapi:t Ticket
Kanku Webtoku Ticket

Namba Access Rapi:t Ticket is almost same price as Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. Even Kanku Webtoku Ticket is only 130 yen higher than Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. But Kanku Chikatoku Ticket does not include Rapi:t Express surcharge at 510 yen.

ICOCA and Haruka can be used for access to Namba. But you have to transfer at Tennoji from Haruka to local train to JR Namba. And JR Namba station is a bit away from the center of Namba area. If you want to have ICOCA, it’s not a bad choice. But please keep in in mind JR Namba station location and transfer at Tennoji.

Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Namba. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.

JR Osaka / Umeda

There are several options to get Umeda/JR Osaka station area. JR Kansai Airport Rapid is only direct train service from KIX to Osaka. This is most recommended way.

Rapid train service to Kansai Airport and Wakayama from Osaka. Kansai Airport Rapid Service and Kishuji Rapid Service
This rapid train connects Kansai airport, Wakayama, Tennoji and Osaka. This is a sort of the commute train. You may find the information about this train in thi...

You can use a single fare if you use this train. However you can use ICOCA and Haruka for this train if you want to have ICOCA. Because single fare is 1190 yen for taking this rapid train. If you purchase ICOCA card only, it is sold at 2000 yen (1500 yen preload e-money and 500 yen deposit). So total cost is 3190 yen (1190 + 2000). But ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket to Tennoji is sold at 3,100 yen. This deal can take you to any JR stations in downtown Osaka. It means that this deal covers Haruka only to Tennoji. It does not mean you can get only Tennoji. So you can use Tennoji version of ICOCA and Haruka to get Osaka.

Remember that ICOCA can be used for any trains. It includes even non JR trains, like subway. And also you can pay by ICOCA to shop in the convenience store. ICOCA does not give you any discount. But it is very convenient and gives you ticket free trip. In case that you use ICOCA and Haruka, you can take Haruka to Shin-Osaka or Tennoji and transfer to local train to get Osaka if you like.

If you are very sensitive a cost, Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is your choice. It is sold at 1000 yen. You have to transfer the train at Namba from Nankai Railway to Subway Midousuji line. But it is 190 yen cheaper than JR single fare.

And Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Osaka/Umeda. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.

Other places near subway stations

Your first choice is Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. If you intend to make some trips after arrival, Kansai Thru Pass may be your choice.

Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Namba. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.

Other places near JR stations

As long as you stay on Osaka Kanjo line, such as Tennoji, Kyobashi, Nishikujo, single fare is the best option. It is same thing as staying in Osaka/Umeda area. And many places can be accessed by Osaka subway. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is your choice if you are very sensitive with the cost. Please see the map in the link below to find more information about location in Osaka.

Day 2 / Day trip to Kyoto

Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto. ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO
Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto. ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

I put Kyoto on day 2 in this sample itinerary. But you can switch any trips. You can stay in Osaka, visit Kobe, Nara or other spots. This is just sample.

The key is how many times you will take a train. So you have to find where you go in Kyoto before you pick up the pass. First of all, please see the following post:

Kyoto can be accessed by three railways, JR (Osaka – Shin-Osaka – Kyoto), Hankyu Railway (Umeda – Kawaramachi/Arashiyama), and Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi – Kyobashi – Kiyomizu-Gojo – Shijo – Sanjo). So make sure where you will stay in Osaka and where you go in Kyoto.

In Kyoto, there are four different areas, West (Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji temple), Central (Nijo castle), East (Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Yasaka shrine, Ginkaku-ji) and South (Fushimi Inari, Uji). In my opinion, it is not impossible to visit all four places in one day, but not realistic. I recommend you to spend 2 days or at least 1.5 days. If you complete West, Central and East, you can combine South area with Nara. Because Fushimi and Uji are located between Nara and Kyoto.

If you do this above one full day Kyoto and Kyoto+Nara in one day, the best choice fis Kansai Thru Pass. Only this pass cover round trip to Kyoto by both Hankyu and Keihan, and subway, bus and railway other than JR in Kyoto. I explain this trip at the following link:

If you don’t want rush and have easy slow trip, single fare and/or Kyoto all day bus pass may be better. For example, if you want to visit just Arashiyama, one way fare to Arashiyama from Umeda by Hankyu Railway is 400 yen. If you stay in other than Umeda, you will take subway or JR train to get Umeda. You will spend approximately 500 to 600 yen for round trip to Umeda. But Kansai Thru Pass 2 days pass is sold at 4000 yen. So you have to make 2000 yen worth in one day. Trip to only Arashiyama is not enough to use Kansai Thru Pass.

If you visit one more place beside Arashiyama, how about it? In Kyoto, All day bus pass (Kyoto bus unlimited train) is sold at 500 yen. If you stay in Umeda, total cost is 1300 yen. It is way cheaper Kansai Thru Pass. But All day bus pass does not cover any train services in Kyoto. If you want to take subway in Kyoto, you have to purchase Kyoto city sightseeing card at 1200 yen. But total cost is 2000 yen. It is same cost as Kansai Thru Pass. In this case, Kansai Thru Pass is better.

Even you intend to visit only Arashiyama, you may take subway for evening in Osaka for eat or shop. Remember that one way subway fare for Umeda-Namba is 240 yen. You will spend about 500 yen for this trip.

If you are very sensitive about the cost, you have to calculate very exactly. But if you have Kansai Thru Pass, it is very flexible.

By the way, you can get Kyoto by JR train. Especially Special Rapid train is the fastest train to get Kyoto from Osaka.

Single fare
Shin-Osaka or Osaka – Kyoto 560 yen

When you use JR trains, the problem is that most of popular sites are not located around JR Kyoto station. You have to take subway or bus. JR has Kansai Area Pass at 2060 yen. But single fare is way cheaper than this deal. So if you have ICOCA and enough fund in ICOCA, you can use JR train to get Kyoto and purchase All day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card.

If you do half Nara and half Kyoto in one day by JR trains, total cost (Osaka-Nara-Kyoto-Osaka) is more than 2000 yen. In this case, you can use Kansai Area Pass instead of Kansai Thru Pass.

Day 3 / Day trip to Nara

Todaiji is one of the popular spot in Nara. ©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO
Todaiji is one of the popular spot in Nara. ©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO

As I mentioned above, you can make half Nara and half Kyoto in one day. But some of you want to visit Nara only. Let’s see it.

Nara can be accessed by JR and Kintetsu Railway (Osaka-Namba – Kintetsu-Nara). The post below shows you about trip to Nara by JR pass basically. But you can get some information about access to Nara:

Most of popular spots in Nara are located within walking distance from Nara station. So you will get a chance to use the pass to take the train to Nara only. You may not have many chances to use the pass after arrival in Nara.

Single fare for Kintetsu Railway
Osaka-Namba – Kintetsu-Nara 560 yen.

If you stay in other than Namba, you will spend 500 to 600 yen for round trip to Namba by subway. The total cost is very close to the worth of Kansai thru Pass. So if you make some more trips by subway in Osaka or other trains before/after trip to Nara, Kansai Thru Pass can be the choice. Otherwise single fare is cheaper.

On the other hand, Nara can be accessed by JR train too. Especially if you stay in Osaka/Umeda, you can take Yamatoji Rapid train to get Nara directly.

Single fare
Osaka – Nara 800 yen
Shin-Osaka – Nara 920 yen

Kansai Thru Pass does not cover any JR trains. JR has Kansai Area Pass at 2060 yen. But if you have round trip to Nara from even Shin-Osaka, single fare is still cheaper. And also Kansai Area Pass covers only JR trains. In my opinion, it is not very useful for exploring in Osaka before/after trip to Nara. I believe that Kansai Thru Pass is more useful.

Day 4 / Day trip to Kobe or Kobe and Himeji

Kobe is closer than Kyoto and Nara from Osaka. Let’s see the single fare.

Single fare for Hankyu or Hanshin Railway
Umeda – Sannomiya 320 yen

You will have some chances to take a bus in Kobe. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, Kobe city bus and subway are covered. But single bus fare is 210 yen. If you take a subway, you can get most of places by base fare ticket at 210 yen. So actually it is quite hard to get the worth to use Kansai Thru Pass. If you use ICOCA and Haruka, it is a good idea to use ICOCA e-money for this trip.

But if you intend to make some more trips in Osaka before/after trip to Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass may work. It is same situation as trip to Nara. And also one of famous Onsen, Arima Onsen is closed to Kobe. If you want to have something different, try to visit Kobe and Arima in one day. Kansai Thru Pass does work for this trip.

If you visit both Himeji and Kobe in one day, it is different story. Please see the posts in the link below:

Kansai Thru Pass work for Kobe and Himeji trip. However JR’s Special Rapid train is way faster than Hanshin/Sanyo railways that are covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the following post:

If you want to have quick access to Himeji by JR Special Rapid, use Kansai Area Pass at 2,060 yen for one day. It is cheaper than single fare.

Day 5 / Sightseeing in Osaka

When you stay in Osaka, don’t think about using Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Area Pass. You can get most of places by Osaka subway. Please see the map in the link below:

As you see, only USJ cannot be accessed by subway. But if you will visit USJ, you will spend one whole day there. So single fare is fine.

There are many deals available in Osaka, such as subway pass, Amazing Pass, Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. Please see the link below to find the detailed information:

Day 6 / Trip to Mt. Koya

Mt. Koya (Koya san) is very popular for the tourists from overseas. You can use Kansai Thru Pass for this day trip.

Single fare for Nankai Railway
Namba – Gokurakubashi – Koyasan 1260 yen

As you see, if you have round trip to Mt. Koya from Namba, total cost is 2520 yen. Kansai Thru Pass is way cheaper.

But if you will stay overnight in Mt. Koya, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket may be better choice.

Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket

It is valid for 2 days. If you purchase it for Namba – Mt. Koya ticket, the ticket is 3,710 yen. This includes round trip fare to Koyasan from Namba, Nankai Rinkan bus and discount for some attractions and souvenir shop.

You can use Kansai Thru Pass for overnight trip to Koyasan too. The coverage is not much differnet. But Kansai Thru Pass can be used for other destinations, such as Kobe, Kyoto and Nara. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass 3 days for these destinations, and need another deals to get Koyasan, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket is your choice.

Day 7 / Back to KIX

Please refer the above at “Day 1”. You can use same deal as arrival day.

Some of you are thinking about drop by Rinku Town on the way to KIX. If you get off at Rinku Town, you cannot use any deal. Single fare is your choice.

For the trip to outside of Kansai area

Kinosaki onsen, Kurashiki, Okayama and even Hiroshima can be accessed as day trip. I recommend you the following deals if you will visit outside of Kansai area.

For the trip to Kinosaki onsen, Kurashiki and Okayama, Kansai Wide Area Pass is recommended:

For the trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is recommended:

Comments

  1. Kay says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I plan on going to Tokyo for 5 days and taking the train to Osaka for another 5 days. Planning on doing a day trip to Kyoto on day 3 in Osaka and a day trip to Nara on day 4. I will be staying in Umeda in Osaka. Can you please tell me if the JRpass is worth it and which trains to catch to each destination? I really appreciate it!

    Thank you,
    Kay

  2. Eniko Balogh says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    I surfed your page, tried to figure out what’s the best for us. Could you check it, please?
    Here is my plan:
    day 1) arrive to KIX around 7 P.M. and go by Nankai Exp. to Namba for 920yen (we’ll stay in Eco Cube)

    day 2) travel from Shinsaibashi station to Shin-Osaka by Midosuji subway and than to Kyoto by Shinkanshen Hikari/Kodoma for 3050yen
    And on this day we need to go by subway from Kyoto station to Nijo (where our hotel is there for 3 (nights) and later use bus 2 times, so I think just single fare tickets.

    day 3) From Nijo station to Arashiyama by subway train (190yen) than go to Heian Shrine + Gion + back to Nijo station, so buy a daily bus pass (500yen)

    day 4) buying a Kyoto One day sightseeing pass (1200yen) for this travels: Nijo st. – Kiyomizudera temple – Chion-in temple – Fushimi Inari shrine – Chushojima station (Gekkeikan sake museum) – Yasaka shrine – Nijo st.

    day 5) Nijo st – Kyoto station by metro (190yen) – Osaka Tennoji by JR Tokaido-Sanyo line plus Osaka Loop line for 920yen (our hotel at Tennoji for 5 nights)
    and buy an Osaka Amazing Two-days pass (300yen) and visit Tsuntenkaku tower + Hep five wheel + Tombori river cruise

    day 6) second day of Osaka Amazing pass and visit Osaka castle and garden, go to the harbour and cruise with Santa Maria, go to Umeda Sky Building Floating garden, and go to onsen Suminoe and back to Tennoji.

    day 7) travel to Mount Koya by Osaka Loop line subway and Nankai Koya line and Koyasan cable to go there and come back on the same day. So we want to buy a Kansai Thru 2 Days pass.

    day 8) second day of Kansai Thru pass and go to Nara from Tennoji by Tanimachi line plus Kintetsu Nara line and go back on the same day, same route. I’m just wandering whether we can use buses in Nara with this Kansai Thru pass or not?

    day 9) from Tennoji to USJ by single tickets for Osaka Loop line plus Sakurajima line and back (2x190yen)

    day 10) just hanging out in the city, shopping or something like that, nothing special so far and than at the evening go from Tennoji to KIX by JR Hanwa line for 1060yen

    So, that’s it! 🙂 And many many thanks if you check for me!
    Regards, Eniko

    • Hi Eniko,

      What a superb planning! I have nothing to tell you. It’s perfect. Completely perfect and so detailed.
      Kansai thru pass covers bus in Nara too. But as probably you know, most of places in Nara can be accessed from Nara station by walk.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Buddhi says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    Thanks a lot for your invaluable articles. I’ve used the info to compile the passes for my itinerary. I would really appreciate it if you could please advice me on any changes that would be beneficial for me.

    I will be staying near shin osaka station in an apartment.

    Day 1 – Tokyo to osaka( 7 day Jr pass)
    Day 2 – Kyoto nara tour from travel agent ( no pass needed)
    Day 3 – hiroshima ( jr pass)
    Day 4 – mount Koya overnight( mount koya world heritage ticket)
    Day 5 – kyoto( kiyomizudera, sansuganjendo,arashiyama bamboo grove, fushimi inari)- kyoto 1 day bus pass and jr pass
    Day 6 – Osaka city tour- castle, umeda, shinsaibashi, historical museum) (do i need a anotherpass or is jr pass enough?)
    Day 7- kansai airport from shin osaka(jr pass)

    Would also appreciate it so much if you could advice me on how to arrange my kyoto tour on day 5 to maximise my time!!

    Would a kansai thru pass be beneficial for me?

    Thanks a lot,
    Buddhi

    • Hi Buddhi san,

      You have chosen the right deals. 🙂

      In Kyoto, you can visit Fushimi and Arashiyama by JR pass. I don’t think you need to have bus pass.
      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

      I recommend you to visit Arashiyama first. And then go to Fushimi. JR pass covers until you get Fushimi. After Fushimi, pay single fare to take Keihan railway to get Kiyomizu-gojo or Gion-Shijo. You can cover east part of Kyoto from these two stations. You can walk in this area. And then pay single fare to take a bus to get JR Kyoto station.

      In Osaka, you may need to add single fare to take subway. Shinsaibashi and Historical museum can be accessed by walk from JR station, JR-Namba and Morinomiya. But subway station, Shinsaibashi and Tanimachi-Yonchome are much closer.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • buddhi says:

        Dear Takeshi san,

        Thanks so much for your input.Just wanted to know another few details if you don’t mind.

        We’ll be visiting kyoto on the day we return to osaka from Mount Koya and due to time constraints will probably only have half a day in kyoto.So I just wanted to squeeze in the arashiyama bamboo grove, kiyomizudera and sansuganjendo temple.Is that doable?

        Also will it be possible to see all the main places of Mount Koya on the day we arrive including okunoin so that we can have an early departure on the following day or do we have to leave okunoin for early morning on the day of departure from Mount Koya to really experience it.

        I was also thinking of taking the osaka amazing pass 1 day as we only have one day on Osaka.Is it worth that if we squeeze in an in studio kimono ecperience and a quick shopping around shinshaibashi?

        I know its a lot of questions but i just want to show my mom the main places in the short time that we visit.I will probably come back to stay in Japan forever LOL.Would really be grateful if you would take the time to suggest any changes that i should make?

        Thanks and Best wishes,
        Buddhi

        • Hi Buddhi san,

          You can do Kyoto sightseeing after Mt. Koya. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get Kyoto from Mt. Koya. So you need to leave Mt. Koya as early as possible. I recommend you to leave Mt. Koya at 7:00 am. It’s feasible but your mom may be tired.

          Sorry but I have no idea about Kimono experience. I have never done it before so I cannot tell you how long it will take. But if you use amazing pass, you have to visit at least three attractions in one day otherwise it won’t be paid off. I think you have too much.

          I understand you want to see and you want to show as many as you want. But if it’s too much, you and your mom will be tired and may not be able to enjoy it.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. sharifah says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    And 1 more thing, i will be staying near Aikawa station.

    Thanks.

  5. sharifah says:

    Hi Takeshi-San,

    Thank you for the info in your website. really helpful. BTW, i have some questions for. which pass is best suited for my itinerary?

    Day 1 Arrival in Osaka KIX at 0720am. Then proceed for day trip to kobe.In Kobe plan to take the city loop bus(but not planning to get down on any stop), visit the kobe mosque. (u also mentioned can include Himeji if going to Kobe, how do i do so?) then back to Osaka

    Day 2 Osaka city tour
    Day 3 Kyoto day tour ( arashiyama, fushimi inari, nijo castle, kinkaku ji temple, kiyomizu dera temple, gion district. Back to osaka
    Day 4 Check out Osaka. Proceed to Nara(park and umemori sushi school). then proceed to tokyo for 5 days.

    Hope u can help me. Pls advise

    Thanks 🙂

  6. Diba says:

    Hi Mr Takeshi,

    Could you suggest which pass I should use.

    Day 1: Arrival KIX. Osaka (Osaka castle, dotonbori, etc)
    Day 2: Universal Studio
    Day 3: Kyoto
    Day 4: Day trip from Kyoto to Mount Yoshino. Then back to Osaka.

    Day 1,2 & 4 I’ll be staying near Namba Station.

    • Hi Diba,

      Please see use Yokoso Osaka ticket for day 1.
      Single ticket is okay for day 2, and using Kansai thru pass for day 3 and 4.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Diba says:

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thank you for the feedback. Just a few more questions:

        1. Can the Yokoso Osaka Pass be purchase at Kansai International Airport or must it be purchase online?

        2. I know that the Kansai Thru Pass can be purchase at the KIX Airport. Is this correct?

        3. Day 3 (Namba to Kyoto) – Kansai Thru Pass
        Our 1st stop in Kyoto would be Arashiyama Bamboo Groves. From Namba to Umeda ( Midousuji Line ), Umeda to Katsura (Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line), Katsura to Arashiyama (Hankyu Railway Arashiyama line). Is this correct?

        4. Day 4 (Kyoto to Mt Yoshino) – Kansai Thru Pass
        Kyoto Station to Kashiharajingumae Station (Kintetsu Kyoto/Kashihara Line Exp. For KASHIHARAJINGUMAE),
        Kashiharajingumae Station to Yoshino Station (Kintetsu Minami-osaka/Yoshino Line Exp. For YOSHINO). Is this correct? Does the Kansai Pass cover for these train lines? Or is there additional fees?

        Thanks.

  7. Meera says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I will be visiting the Kansai area for 4 days and was hoping for some advice on whether the JR Kansai area pass would be suitable for me. My rough itinerary is as follows:

    Day 1 (Weds 31st March)
    Arrive 15.30 KIX
    Evening in either Osaka or Kobe
    Day 2
    Kyoto full day of sightseeing (following your Kyoto itinerary)
    Day 3
    Nara and Mt Koya
    Day 4
    Himeji visit
    19:00 flight KIX-Tokyo

    -Does this sound like a sensible itinerary?
    -Would you say that it is worth seeing Kobe on the first day or better to combine this with Himeji on the final day?
    -Is it possible to see Nara and Mt Koya on the same day?
    -Would you recommend the 4 day JR pass for this trip?
    -We will be staying in Osaka for all 3 nights. We plan to be in Osaka only in the evenings and are more than happy to walk rather than taking the subway. If we are staying very close to either JR Namba or Tennoji station is it possible to avoid buying extra day passes for the subway?

    Any advice/feedback would be much appreciated!
    Many thanks,
    Meera

  8. Alwyn says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Would have to say your posts have been very helpful in preparing my itinerary. However, there are still a few questions.

    I am arriving at KIX late (via airasia d7) eta 1030pm. Will it be too close to try for Nankai train to Namba? Otherwise, I have no choice but to take night bus to Namba.

    As for my itinerary:

    DAY 1 Osaka (Universal Studios)
    Hanshin Railway Namba Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Nishikujo Station then change to JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.

    DAY 2 Osaka Castle, Kaiyukan, Suntory Museum
    (Should I purchase OSAKA海遊きっぷ) or Kaiyukan & Osaka Castle Package ticket?)

    DAY 3 Half Day Osaka/Kyoto – Fushimi Inari/Nishiki

    DAY 4 Eastern Kyoto
    Kyoto City Sightseeing Card 2 days pass

    DAY 5 Arashiyama
    Kyoto City Sightseeing Card 2 days pass

    What is the best way for me to travel to Kyoto on DAY 3 & DAY 5 back to KIX from Kyoto?

    Is it advisable to visit Kyoto first (Day 1-3) and then to Osaka (Day 4-5 and head to airport) ?

    Thanks & Best Regards

    • Hi Alwyn,

      It’s very tight to take the last train to Namba. Please see the link 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

      There is no deals available for day 3. On day 5, you can use Kansai area pass 1 day to get KIX by Limited Express Haruka.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html

      If you access to Kyoto on day 1 (next day of arrival day), you can do it. In this case, Kansai thru pass may be the best deal for day 1 and day 3. And you may add Kyoto city sightseeing card 1 day for day 2. Kansai thru pass covers all trains other than JR. So it covers Hankyu railway or Keihan railway to get Kyoto, subway in both Osaka and Kyoto. Single ticket may be cheaper than this pass. But it’s more convenient and flexible.

      You cannot use this pass for original plan. Because it’s okay to use for day 3 but not recommended for day 5. It’s too many transfer to get KIX by this pass. You cannot get any direct train services from Kyoto to KIX by this pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Alwyn says:

        Hi Takeshi.

        Appreciate the prompt reply.

        1) So for late night arrival, I would have to take the bus to Nankai-Namba Station correct?

        2) I would like to head straight to Kyoto but due to my late arrival I’m not able to. Unless I stay at the airport and take the train the very next morning. What do you suggest?

        Thanks!

        • Hi Alwyn,

          1. You can try to get the train. You may get the station within one hour from the arrival time. It depends on how busy custom and immigration. I have done those in 40 minutes before. But I’m very familiar with Kansai airport so bus is much safer choice for you.

          2. The last bus to Kyoto is 23:40 departure. It is very tight too. And also if you take this bus, you have to book the hotel in Kyoto. But if you cannot make Kyoto on arrival day by bus, there is no ways to get Kyoto other than taxi. But it’s super expensive.
          If you are okay to stay overnight in the airport, you can do it and take the earliest train to get Kyoto. If you do this, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka.
          http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Alwyn says:

            Hi Takeshi.

            I’ve decided to take your advise and stay the night near airport.
            So my itinerary has changed to the following:

            Arrival 14th – Overnight near airport
            Day 1 – Train to Kyoto (Icoca&Haruka)
            Day 2 – Kyoto (Kyoto sightseeing pass 2 days)
            Day 3 – Kyoto/Osaka
            Day 4 – Osaka
            Day 5 – Osaka/Namba to KIX

            Do I purchase a round trip ticket for ICOCA&HARUKA?

            Thank you very much!

  9. Joe says:

    Hello,

    Thank you for this site, it’s very helpful. I am flying into KIX AIRPORT. I need to take the train from KIX to Nakatsu Subway station. I will spend 5 nights in Osaka and want to visit Kyoto & surrounding Osaka. Can you please tell me best cheapest way for this itinerary? Thank you 🙂

  10. faye soriano says:

    Hi Mr. Takeshi! I would just like to ask whether its a good idea for me to use
    Day1 ICOCA one way for haruka express from kix to shin-osaka then namba at night
    Day 2 ICOCA to go kyoto
    Day 3 Use JR Pass 4 Days for Universal city
    Day 4 JR Pass for Nara and South kyoto
    Day 5 For Kobe or Himeji
    Day 6 Back to KIX

    Will the JR Pass 4days be worth it??
    Or I should just buy the return icoca??
    Your suggestion will be appreciated
    THANKS

    • Hi Faye,

      It will work but I recommend you to use 3 days pass. Because USJ is very closed and single ticket is cheaper.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • faye soriano says:

        Thanks for your immediate response. Will the kansai thru pass will be mpre worth it for my itinerary or the icoca? Thanksss

        • Hi Faye,

          I think Kansai area pass is better than other choices because all places can be accessed by JR trains. JR trains are faster in most of cased. But if you want to take subway before/after trips in Osaka. Kansai thru pass is better choice. Kansai area pass covers only JR trains.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

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