Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary

4 to 6 days
Fushimi Inari shrine is most popular spot in Kyoto in these days. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO
2014.08.26
Yasaka shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©JNTO
Yasaka shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©JNTO

I have received inquiries about the trip to Kansai area many times. So I make a basic itinerary that includes Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara only. This is 7 days itinerary. But you can shorten or extend as you can.

Now I would like to tell you the best route and most economical deals about this trip.

Day 1 – Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto

Central exit of Kyoto station. (C) JP Rail
Central exit of Kyoto station. (C) JP Rail

Kansai One Pass and Haruka one way trip to Kyoto at 4,600 yen.
Overnight around JR Kyoto station

If you arrive in Kyoto early, you can visit somewhere around Kyoto station. Fushimi Inari is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto station. Kyoto Tower is just located in front of Kyoto station. You can use Kansai One Pass to get there.

Day 2 and 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto

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

There are several deals available. I recommend you to use both Kansai One Pass and Kyoto City Bus Pass. Kansai One Pass covers city bus too but Kansai One Pass does not give you unlimited travel. It offers only convenience. On the other hand, Kyoto City Bus Pass is sold at 600 yen for one day. You can take a bus as many as you want. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides. You can use Kansai One Pass only for taking a train and/or a subway.

Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass (Kyoto Sightseeing Card) is also available. But this does not cover other railways, such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan railways. You will take various trains in Kyoto. Please see the link below to find the train route in Kyoto:

Kyoto train guide

You can get anywhere in downtown Kyoto by bus. It is possible to visit all places only by city bus. However city bus is always crowded and the traffic in Kyoto has been very heavy in these days. I recommend you to take a train or a subway as much as you can.

Kansai One Pass and Bus Pass are the best combination for sightseeing in Kyoto, in my opinion.

Day 4 – Trip to Nara and transfer to Osaka

Todai-ji temple in Nara ©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO
Todai-ji temple in Nara ©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO


Visit Nara on the way to Namba, Osaka from Kyoto.

You can take either Kintetsu Railway or JR to get Nara. Both trains depart from Kyoto station. But Kintetsu railway’s Nara station is better location. It is 1 km closer to most of tourist spots in Nara than JR Nara station.

After Nara, you can take either JR or Kintetsu to get Osaka. Please see the link below to find the route to Nara:

Nara access guide

Day 5 – Trip to Kobe and Himeji from Osaka

There are lots of castles in Japan. But Himeji castle is one of four existing original catle buildings. (C) JNTO
There are lots of castles in Japan. But Himeji castle is one of four existing original catle buildings. (C) JNTO

You may use JR Kansai Area Pass one day at 2,200 yen if you book it online in advance. If you buy it online, you have to exchange the pass at Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.

JR West Pass official site

You can purchase this pass at many major stations in downtown Osaka but the price is a bit higher. There is other trains to Kobe and Himeji, like Hanshin railway. But JR is the fastest to get Himeji. Please see the post, How to access to Himeji and Kobe from Osaka to get the details.

Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka

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

There are lots of deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the deal:

How to choose the pass for sightseeing in Osaka

Day 7 – Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX)

If you want to take Haruka again, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket. This discount ticket is available for overseas tourist who has ICOCA or Kansai One Pass only.

ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka

Otherwise you can choose other deal in the link below:

How to choose the deal for trip to/from KIX

I hope this sample helps you to build your trip plan.

Comments

  1. Leong Wai Meng says:
    November 3, 2015 at 6:49 am

    Hi Takeshi/ JP,

    Appreciate you could give me an idea which pass should I purchase for my trip. I am having a family trip with my parent (60s++),husband, bro and 2 small kids (2&6years old) on this 19-25th November 2015.
    Here is my plan itinerary:
    19 Nov : KIXt – Kyoto (Stay near Ginkakuji)
    (explore attraction near Ginkakuji)
    20 Nov : Arashiyama – Kinkakuji – Nijo Castle – Nishiki Market – Gion
    21 Nov : Kyoto – Osaka (Namba) (Explore Namba-Shinsaibashi-Dontoburi)
    22 Nov : Rinku Premium Outlet, Osaka Castle etc (any others place should I take opportunity to drop by?)
    23 Nov : Nara day trip (should we drop by Uji?)
    24 Nov : Kobe day trip
    25 Nov : early morning (8am) heading to Kansai Airport

    Book accommodation:
    Kyoto : Hostel Ginkakuji (1 min walk from Ginkakuji michi bus staion)
    Osaka : Near Yamadadenki Namba Nankai Station
    Osaka

    Should I buy Haruka+ICOCA (1 way) for Airport to Kyoto & Kansai Thru Pass (3 Days) ~for Nara, Kobe, Namba-Aiport?
    OR should I buy JR West Pass for 7days?

    Regards,
    Leong

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      November 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Leong,

      You can use ICOCA and Haruka one way and Kansai thru pass 3 days. But this 3 days pass is towards to Nara, Kobe and Rinku outlet/Osaka castle. And you can pay single fare to get KIX from Namba for Nankai railway train.
      http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/railway/kix/tokix/timetable.html#kix

      I don’t think there is any places to drop by between Osaka and Rinku. I think kids love Kaiyukan Aquarium. But you will spend at least half day if you visit there.
      http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Leong Wai Meng says:
        November 3, 2015 at 11:28 pm

        Dear Takeshi san,

        Thanks for your advice & suggestion.
        Besides that, may I know during my Kyoto stay. Should I purchase Kyoto Day Pass for bus? Because the place I stay near bus station? Or should I purchase the Kyoto Sight Seeing Pass which included the subway?

        Arigatoo gazaimasu.

        Regards,
        Leong san

      • Leong Wai Meng says:
        November 17, 2015 at 9:49 pm

        Dear Takeshi san,

        Eventually my Osaka accommodation being cancel last minute before departure. So, i change my plan after able to find some affordable place of stay during this period. I appreciate you can give me advice on the transportation card that I should use. Here is my revised plan

        19 Nov : KIX – Kyoto (Stay near Ginkakuji)
        (explore attraction near Ginkakuji)
        * Buy Haruka+ICOCA + One Day Kyoto Day Pass

        20 Nov : Arashiyama – Kinkakuji – Nijo Castle – Nishiki Market – Gion
        *Buy 1 Day Sightseeing Pass/Day Pass

        21 Nov :
        Kyoto – Nara
        *Place luggage bag at the station
        *Visit Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Nagomikan (as internet research, all tourist spot can be reach by walking distance.)

        Nara-Gose Station
        *Overnight at 256 Kamogami, Gose-shi, Nara-ken 639-2343, Japan. Host will get us from Gose station.

        (As I research seem like using JR line better for trip)
        Should I use ICOCA card? Will it enough to cover the trip? Is it worth?

        22 Nov : Gose station-Nankai Namba Station
        *Stay at Namba Senjyu Bilding #303 (Near Namba Station Gate B26)
        Then spend time to explore Namba-Shinsaibashi-Dontoburi

        (This trip should I use Kansai Thru Pass? But seems search internet the trip cost about Yen860, but I am not sure)

        23 Nov : Kobe day trip (Use Kansai Thru Pass)
        24 Nov : Koromon Ichiba Market, Osaka Castle, Minoo
        (Should I use Kansai Thru Pass?)
        25 Nov : early morning (8am) heading to Kansai Airport
        (Will purchase single ticket)

        With the changes on this plan, I am not sure which kind of pass should I purchase? Is it still buying the Kansai Thru Pass? Appreciate you can reply before my travelling.

        Arigatoo gazaimasu.

        Regards,
        Leong san

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          November 17, 2015 at 10:54 pm

          Hi Leong san,

          I don’t think Kansai thru pass is a right choice for your trip.

          21 Nov :
          Kyoto – Nara
          ICOCA is okay.

          22 Nov : Gose station-Nankai Namba Station
          ICOCA is okay too for this day. Because Gose is on JR Wakayama line. You will take JR train to get JR-Namba. Kansai thru pass does not work for this trip. ICOCA may not be enough but you may add some more fund into ICOCA at the station.

          23 Nov : Kobe day trip
          Most of places in Kobe can be accessed by walk, like Nara. Hashin Tourist Pass is the best choice.
          https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html

          24 Nov : Koromon Ichiba Market, Osaka Castle, Minoo
          ICOCA is okay for this day too. Kansai thru pass is minimum 2 days and even if you use Kansai thru pass on this day, it’s not worth spending.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Leong Wai Meng says:
            November 17, 2015 at 11:47 pm

            Dear Takeshi san,

            Really feel grateful with your prompt reply.

            So, I will basically use ICOCA card for my trip. For Kobe trip, will buy Hanshin Tourist Pass (1 Day) due to I am staying at Nankai Namba area.

            How about my 6years old boy? Is it enough just to get him only ICOCA and single fare for airport transfer?

            Arigatoo gozaimasu

            Regards,
            Leong san

            • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
              November 18, 2015 at 6:45 am

              Hi Leong san,

              You can purchase Child ICOCA when you purchase ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day. But don’t use ICOCA to get Haruka to Kyoto. You can purchase Kansai area pass 1 day for him. Child rate for this pass is available and cheaper than single fare.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Anne says:
    October 30, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Dear Takeshi-san,
    We just returned from 12 days in Japan, and want to thank you for all your help in making our trip a wonderful success! On your advice we bought the Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass; we used it for Kanazawa, Okayama, Himeji, Nara, and some of our days in Kyoto. We used an ICOCA card for most of our other trips, to Kobe and back to Kyoto and around Osaka. We stayed in Osaka all 12 nights and found getting around fairly easy (with a lot of help from Hyperdia and the kindness of strangers). Our trip far exceeded our expectations. Thank you for your wonderful website and help.

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 30, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      Hi Anne san,

      I’m really glad to hear that you have enjoyed your trip in Japan!
      In this trip, you have visited many places in Kansai area. I hope you will go back to Japan and visit other part of Japan. Japan still have many more places to see.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Fun says:
    October 30, 2015 at 2:08 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    I’m planning 7 days trip to Japan and appreciate if you could advise me on the transportation.

    • 18 Dec 2015(Fri) – Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto, sightseeing in Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninen-zaka &Sannen-zaka, Kodai-ji). Stay at Parkside Umekoji, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto.

    • 19 Dec 2015(Sat) – Sightseeing in Kyoto (Arashiyama, Moon Crossing Bridge, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Gion Corner). Stay Parkside Umekoji, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto.

    • 20 Dec 2015(Sun) – Visit ski slopes at Shiga region (Hakodateyama ski area or Biwako valley), then go to Kobe. Stay at Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel, Kobe.

    • 21 Dec 2015(Mon) – Sightseeing in Kobe (Kitano Ijinkan, Kobe Chinatown, Kobe Port Tower) and transfer to Arima Onsen. Stay at Arima Onsen.

    • 22 Dec 2015(Tue) – Arima Onsen to Osaka and sightseeing in Osaka (Sumiyoshi, Nipponbashi Denden Town, Kuromon Ichiba). Stay near Nankai Namba Station, Osaka.

    • 23 Dec 2015(Wed) – Visit Osaka Castle then day trip to Nara (Kasuga Grand, Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji). Stay near Nankai Namba Station, Osaka.

    • 24 Dec 2015(Thu) – Namba, Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX)

    What is the best deals or pass would you recommend?
    Thank you for your help.

    Fun

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 30, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Hi Fun,

      18th
      ICOCA and Haruka one way
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
      You may use ICOCA for sightseeing in Kyoto.

      19th
      Kyoto city sightseeing card
      http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

      20th
      Kansai area pass 1 day
      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

      21st
      single ticket

      22nd and 23rd
      Kansai thru pass 2 days
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html

      24th
      Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket
      https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Tokuwari_Rapit_Ticket_Kanku-Webtoku_Ticket

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Fun says:
        November 17, 2015 at 1:16 am

        Hi Takeshi,
        Thank you for you reply.
        Can I buy ICOCA and Haruka round trip instead of ICOCA and Haruka one way? So that I can use it on 24 Dec from Namba, Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX).
        Thank you.

        Fun

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          November 17, 2015 at 6:46 am

          Hi Fun,

          Yes, you can. But JR does not have direct train to KIX. You have to change the trains at Tennoji. And also JR-Namba is not located at the center of Namba.
          https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html

          Nankai railway’s Rapi:t is faster and more convenient. Total cost is not much different. It’s around 100 yen.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Fun says:
            November 17, 2015 at 10:50 pm

            Hi Takeshi,
            I have embedded my itinerary with my transportation plan.

            • 18 Dec 2015(Fri)
            1. From Kansai-Airport Station to Kyoto Station by JR Haruka.
            2. From Kyoto Station to Inari Station by JR Nara Line (Fushimi-Inari)
            3. From Fushimi-Inari Station to Gion-Shijo Station by Keihan line (Kodai-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninen-zaka &Sannen-zaka).
            4. From Kiyomizu-dera take bus (市営２０６乙) back to hotel (Parkside Umekoji Guest House)

            Your suggestion: ICOCA and Haruka one way and use ICOCA for sightseeing in Kyoto.

            • 19 Dec 2015(Sat)
            1. Walk from hotel to Tambaguchi Station.
            2. From Tambaguchi Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by JR San-In line (Arashiyama, Moon Crossing Bridge, Tenryu-ji)
            3. From Saga-Arashiyama Station to Emmachi Station by JR San-In line, then take bus (市営２０５乙/市営２０４乙) to Kinkayu-ji
            4. From KinKayu-ji take bus (市営１０１) to Nijo Castle
            5. From Nijojo-Mae Station to Sanjokeihan Station by Tozai line, walk to Sanjo Station. From Sanjo Station to Gion-Shijo Station by Keihan line (Gion Corner)
            6. From Gion Corner take bus (市営２０７甲/市営２０６乙) back to hotel (Parkside Umekoji Guest House)

            Your suggestion: Kyoto city sightseeing card
            Question: Is there any train that I can take instead of bus to reach my destination?

            • 20 Dec 2015(Sun)
            1. From Kyoto Station to Shiga Station by JR Tokaido-Sanyo line and JR Kosei line to visit Biwako Valley ) OR
            2. Kyoto Station to Omi-Imazu Station by JR Tokaido-Sanyo line and JR Kosei line to visit Hakodateyama ski area (Will depend on the weather, I would like to see snow)
            3. From Shiga Station/Omi-Imazu Station to Kyoto Station JR Tokaido-Sanyo line and JR Kosei line
            4. From Kyoto Station to Sannomiya Station by JR Tokaido-Sanyo line to Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel

            Your suggestion: Kansai area pass 1 day
            Question: Can I use Kansai Thru pass instead of Kansai area pass? Is this the best time to ski area?

            • 21 Dec 2015(Mon)
            1. Sightseeing in Kobe (Kitano Ijinkan, Kobe Chinatown, Kobe Port Tower)
            2. From Sannomiya Station to Tanigami Station by Seishin-Yamate line and Hokushinkyuko line
            3. From Tanigami Station to Arimaguchi Station by Kobe Dentetsu-Arima line
            4. Arimaguchi Station to Arimaonsen Station by Kobe-Dentetsu-Arima line
            5. Stay at Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku

            Your suggestion: Single ticket
            Question: Is this the best route? For the above route, can I buy 1 ticket from Sannomiya Station to Arimaonsen Station or I need to buy 3 tickets from station to station?

            • 22 Dec 2015(Tue)
            1. From Arima Onsen back to Kobe with the same route on 21 Dec.
            2. From Kobe-Sannomiya Station to Osaka–Namba Station by Hanshin line and Hanshin-Namba line
            3. If would like to try travel by Shinkansen, from Shin-Kobe Station to Shin-Osaka by Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, then from Shin-Osaka Station to Namba Station by Midosuji line.
            4. After drop our luggage, from Nankai-Namba Station to Sumiyoshitaisha Station by Nankai line to visit Sumiyoshi Shrine
            5. From Sumiyoshitaisha Station to Nankai-Namba Station by Nankai line (Nipponbashi Denden Town, Kuromon Ichiba)
            6. Stay near Nankai Namba Station

            Your suggestion: Kansai thru pass 2 days
            Question: Can I use Enjoy Eco Card instaed of Kansai thru pass?

            • 23 Dec 2015(Wed)
            1. From Nippombashi Station to Sakaisujihommachi Station by Sakaisuji line, then from Sakaisujihommachi Station to Tanimachiyonchome Station by Chuo line. Walk to Osaka Castle.
            2. From Osaka Castle walk to Morinomiya Station. From Morinomiya Station to Tsuruhashi Station by JR Osaka Loop line, then from Tsuruhashi Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station by Kintetsu-Nara line (visit Kasuga Grand, Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji). Stay near Nankai Namba Station, Osaka.
            3. From Kintetsu-Nara Station to Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station by Kintetsu-Nara line, back to hotel.

            Your suggestion: Kansai thru pass 2 days
            Question: Can I use Enjoy Eco Card instaed of Kansai thru pass?

            • 24 Dec 2015(Thu)
            1. From Nankai-Namba Station to Kansai-Airport Station by Nankai line and Nankai-Kuko line.

            Your suggestion: Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket
            Question: Can I by single ticket for this trip? The single ticket fare is 920 yen only.

            Is my above transportation planning workable? Is all your suggestion applicable for the above station and line? Can I buy Kansai Thru pass 3 day and use it on 20, 22 and 23 Dec? May I have your advice please.
            Thank you.

            Fun

            • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
              November 17, 2015 at 11:07 pm

              Hi Fun,

              Your suggestion: Kyoto city sightseeing card
              Question: Is there any train that I can take instead of bus to reach my destination?

              >Subway system in Kyoto does not cover many places. I don’t think you can take any more trains. And also you have to use ICOCA or purchase single ticket of JR. Kyoto city deals does not cover JR.

              Your suggestion: Kansai area pass 1 day
              Question: Can I use Kansai Thru pass instead of Kansai area pass? Is this the best time to ski area?

              >No. Kansai Thru Pass does not cover Shiga and Omi-Imazu.

              Your suggestion: Single ticket
              Question: Is this the best route? For the above route, can I buy 1 ticket from Sannomiya Station to Arimaonsen Station or I need to buy 3 tickets from station to station?

              >You can take a bus to Arima Onsen from Sannomiya. I don’t have a timetable but you can get there from Sannomiya without transfer. I’ve heard the bus runs every 30 mins to 1 hour.

              Your suggestion: Kansai thru pass 2 days
              Question: Can I use Enjoy Eco Card instaed of Kansai thru pass?

              >yes. Eco card is better choice. You may take Shinkansen by single fare. But are you okay to spend 1500 yen (non reserved seat) for only 13 minutes ride?

              Your suggestion: Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket
              Question: Can I by single ticket for this trip? The single ticket fare is 920 yen only.

              >You may use single ticket but you can take only commute train. 210 yen additional to take more luxury train is quite good deal in my opinion but the choice is yours.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • 23 Dec 2015(Wed)
              1. From Nippombashi Station to Sakaisujihommachi Station by Sakaisuji line, then from Sakaisujihommachi Station to Tanimachiyonchome Station by Chuo line. Walk to Osaka Castle.
              2. From Osaka Castle walk to Morinomiya Station. From Morinomiya Station to Tsuruhashi Station by JR Osaka Loop line, then from Tsuruhashi Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station by Kintetsu-Nara line (visit Kasuga Grand, Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji). Stay near Nankai Namba Station, Osaka.
              3. From Kintetsu-Nara Station to Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station by Kintetsu-Nara line, back to hotel.

              Your suggestion: Kansai thru pass 2 days
              Question: Can I use Enjoy Eco Card instaed of Kansai thru pass?

              • 24 Dec 2015(Thu)
              1. From Nankai-Namba Station to Kansai-Airport Station by Nankai line and Nankai-Kuko line.

              Your suggestion: Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket
              Question: Can I by single ticket for this trip? The single ticket fare is 920 yen only.

  4. Chooi says:
    October 29, 2015 at 9:49 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    We are a family of 3, with our 9 year-old boy. We have booked ourselves into Courtyard hotel at the Shin-Osaka from Nov 8-14. We plan to cover Osaka/Kyoto/Nara during our stay. How would you suggest we move about? Should we include other places?

    Thanks.

  5. David says:
    October 26, 2015 at 4:04 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m planning a 12 days trip to Japan and appreciate if you could advise me on the transportation.

    Day 1 to 3 – Tokyo
    Day 4 – Kyoto
    Day 5 – Day trip to Nara and transfer to Kobe
    Day 6 – Kobe city sightseeing and to Mt Maya (Will be staying in Sannomiya area)
    Day 7 – Osaka/Namba sightseeing (Staying in Shinsaibashisuji or Umeda area)
    Day 8 – Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
    Day 9 – Osaka/Day trip to USJ
    Day 10 to 12 – Back to Tokyo

    I have Suica card from my last trip can it be used in Kansai area? I’m planning to get a 7 Days JR Pass since I’m arriving and departing from Tokyo. What other best deals or pass would you recommend.

    Thanks for your help!
    David

  6. Carmen Volonnino says:
    October 14, 2015 at 5:36 am

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    thanks for your informative site but still I’m a bit puzzled and I’d be grateful if you could have a look to my itinerary.

    We’re going to Kyoto next week and the plan is as below:

    Day 1: KIX to Kyoto station by ICOCA and Haruka round ticket. We’d reach our accomodation, next to Nijo sattion, by ICOCA.
    Day 2: Kyoto for sightseeing (North area) by ICOCA
    Day 3: Kyoto for sightseeing (Arashiyama) by ICOCA

    Day 4: Kyoto for sightseeing (Gion and Higashiyama) by ICOCA

    Day 5: Kyoto for sightseeing by ICOCA

    Day 6: Daytrip to Nara by Kintetsu
    Day 7: Kyoto – Osaka (by JR Special Rapid Service) – to KIX by ICOCA and Haruka round ticket

    – We’ll be travelling with our 1 year old baby and most of the time we’ll be carrying his stroller. Is there an extra charge for babies with stroller? Are the stations child friendly? (lifts, no stairs to climb, …)

    – Is there a locker room to store luggage at Osaka station?

    – Do you advice to use ICOCA during days 1/5 or is it more convenient Kyoto City Sightseeing Card? Is it available for 4/5 days or just 2?

    Thank you very much in advance for your kind advice.

    Arigato!

    Carmen

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 14, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      Hi Carmen san,

      ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket is a right choice.
      It’s hard to say about ICOCA VS Kyoto sightseeing card. I usually recommend Kyoto sightseeing card. But you have a stroller. It’s not easy job to carry stroller into the bus. You have to take a bus when you visit temples/shrines in Kyoto. But you should avoid to take a bus as much as possible. If you use Kyoto sightseeing card, you can take subway and bus. But there are some more trains 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

      So my recommendation is ICOCA and all day bus pass at 500 yen for one day. If you take a bus 4 times, it’s paid off. And when you need to take a train, use ICOCA. If you intend to take subway and bus lots, you can use Kyoto sightseeing card and using ICOCA to take non subway trains.

      All major stations have lockers, but large size lockers always busy. It may be challenging if you look for large one.

      All stations are escalators and elevators. But sometimes it’s hard to find it. It sometimes located behind the stairs. When you cannot find it, check these places.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Hush says:
    October 9, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    This will be my plans for my trip too. First 3 nights in Kyoto and Day 4 going to Osaka. But wish to stop at Nara before Namba.

    What is your advice as we will be travelling with our luggage bags to Nara. What should we do?

    Many thanks!

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 10, 2015 at 12:19 am

      Hi Hush,

      You can leave your baggage at coin locker in Nara station. There are many lockers at both Kintetsu and JR Nara stations. Info desk at JR Nara station also can store your luggage. I don’t know how much. But I guess it costs around 500 yen per baggage.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. mflerida says:
    October 7, 2015 at 12:36 am

    hi Takeshi, great site! i need help for our upcoming trip to osaka, so confuse with all the passes options. We’d be coming from KiX to osaka for few days then maybe kyoto for a day trip, next day universal studio, then to tokyo by shinkansen…. which pass should be buy, which rail should we take? thanks in advance, cheers!

  9. Yenni Yap says:
    October 4, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I will be going to Osaka on 14th Oct. My planned itinerary is as below:

    Day 1 – KIX – Kyoto , we will reach Kyoto around 12noon.(Our hotel near Gojo Station, can i use ICOCA card or i need to buy a single ticket?), then we will go Kiyomizu-Dera & Gion.
    Day 2 – Sightseeing in Kyoto (Kinkaku-Ji & Fushimi Inari)
    Day 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto (Sagano Romantic Train & Nijo Castle)
    Day 4 – From Kyoto to Osaka , we will stay near Nankai-Namba area. Do we use ICOCA card or i need to buy a single ticket?)
    Day 5 – Osaka sightseeing
    Day 6 – Osaka to Kobe
    Day 7 – Osaka to Sightseeing
    Day 8 – Osaka to KIX (We will use ICOCA & Haruka card)

    For Day 4, Day 5 & Day 7, can we just use Enjoy Eco Card?
    For Day 7 – We will go Mt.Rokko & Amarin Onsen & Kobe China Town. Is it a good time to Mt.Rokko & Amarin Onsen on mid of Oct?

    Thank you for your advise.

    Regards,
    Yenni

  10. Rose says:
    September 29, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I have an upcoming trip Osaka in Dec (5D4N). Appreciate if you could advise me on the transportation? Thanks.

    Day 1: morning 9am arriving KIX airport – Namba – Osaka Sightseeing
    (I will be staying in an apartment near to Namba Station for that 5 days)

    Day 2: Kobe – Mt Rokko – Port Tower – Harbourland

    Day 3: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

    Day 4: Nara – Nara Deer Park

    Day 5: Head to Airport

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