I have received many inquiries about Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka one way trip. I always recommend to use a regular ticket for this one way long distance train ride, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Osaka to Tokyo. Because this one way trip is not enough to get the worth of JR Pass 7-day. I have written the post about the fare calculation before.
But I think this post was not enough to explain the fare rule. JR single ticket rule is very complicated for the tourists from oversea. But you do not need to know everything. If you understand some basic rules, single ticket is more useful and it gives you a trip at more affordable rate.
In this post, I will show you some basic rules of the regular ticket for the long distance train ride and how to use and purchase it.
How to purchase it
Simply you can purchase it at the station. If you make a short distance trip in the city or city to just outside city, you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine.
e.g.
Ueno to Tokyo (inside city)
Tokyo to Yokohama (city to just outside place)
Osaka to Universal City (inside city)
Osaka to Kyoto (city to outside place)
If you make a long distance trip, you still can buy a ticket at the vending machine. But the ticket window may be easier to purchase a long distance ticket for the foreign travelers. Especially if you intend to make a stopover on the way, you have to buy a ticket at the ticket window. Because you have to explain your trip plan.
If you want to take a limited express train, you have to purchase a limited express surcharge ticket too. Even if you want to take a non reserved seat on a limited express train, you have to purchase it. You can purchase both a reserved and a non reserved ticket for a limited express (the Shinkansen as well) at “Midori no Madoguchi”. Midori no Madoguchi is the name of JR reservation ticket window. You can purchase a base fare ticket at Midori no Madoguchi too. Please get the detail about reservation at the post below.
In the case of purchasing both base fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket, you can purchase it in advance. An express surcharge ticket is on sale one month prior to a departure date.
e.g.
Tokyo to Kyoto travel on Dec 1
You can purchase the tickets after Nov 1.
You also can purchase the tickets at any JR stations if you buy both base fare and limited express surcharge at same time. For example, if you start to travel from Tokyo station, you can purchase it at Narita airport station on the day of arrival.
Base fare ticket can be purchased at any JR stations where station staff is on duty. There are many station without station staffs in remote area. In major cities and major stations, there are station staff. Even if you take a train at the station without station staff, you can purchase it from the conductor in the train.
How to get a fare
You can use Hyperdia to get the fare quite easily.
As you see above capture image of Hyperdia, you can get base fare and seat fare (includes surcharge). In this image, total fare is the following:
Base fare – 9560 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) – 5740 yen (reserved seat)
Ltd Exp Haruka (Shin-Osaka – Kansai airport) – 820 yen (reserved seat)
Total – 16120 yen
*The above image was captured in 2013. The fare was raised in April l, 2014 because of consumer tax was increased to 8% from 5%. The actual fare is different from the fare in the image above.
The price of Japan Rail Pass 7 days ordinary is 28300 yen. (New price is 29110 yen.) Total single fare is more than 10000 yen cheaper than 7 days pass price. This is the reason why I recommend to use single fare for Tokyo – Osaka one way transfer.
Validity
Please see the above capture image of Hyperdia again. You also can find a distance at Hyperdia. This is a key to use single ticket. Actually long distance ticket can be used in multiple days.
| Distance | Valid days |
|---|---|
| 101 – 200 km | 2 days |
| 201 – 400 km | 3 days |
| 401 – 600 km | 4 days |
| 601 – 800 km | 5 days |
| 801 – 1000 km | 6 days |
- From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.
- If you travel more than 101 km but it is in Tokyo or Osaka zone only, ticket valid in one day only.
So in above capture image, distance is 613.4km. This ticket valid in 5 days.
Stopover
You can stopover as many as you want. Of course you cannot go back. Once you start to travel, you have to go forward. You have to care only one thing. When you depart/arrive to travel at the following areas, you cannot stopover in same areas.
- Sapporo
- Sendai
- Tokyo 23 wards
- Tokyo Yamanote line
- Yokohana
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Kitakyushu
- Fukuoka
These areas are same as city limit. I show you some examples.
1. Above ticket (Tokyo – Kansai Airport)
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards. For example, after you start to travel from Tokyo, you cannot stopover at Shinagawa.
You can – Stopover at Kyoto, Osaka and anywhere outside of Tokyo 23 wards.
By the way, you can start to travel from anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards.
2. Ticket from Narita airport to Osaka
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Osaka city. For example, you cannot stopover at Shin-Osaka. Once you exit at any stations in Osaka city, your ticket will be expired right away.
You can – Stopover at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and anywhere outside of Osaka city.
By the way, when you travel through Tokyo downtown core, ticket will be calculated by the shortest route. For example, most typical route from Narita to Osaka via Tokyo, via Tokyo station and Shinagawa station. But if you want to go to Osaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku, you can take this route and stopover.
But in case of using limited express, you have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket for each segments.
ex) Tokyo – Osaka trip, stopover at Nagoya.
You have to purchase two Shinkansen tickets, Tokyo – Nagoya Shinkansen surcharge ticket and Ngoya – Shin-Osaka surcharge ticket.
Sample ideas
Please see above capture image of Hyperdia again. If you use this ticket, you can do the following itinerary.
Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto (Stopover at Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto (no use single ticket)
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka (Stopover at Osaka)
Day 4 One day trip to Kobe (purchase another single ticket.)
Day 5 Osaka – Kansai airport
When you arrive in Tokyo, you can use other deals, such as Suica & N’ex. And you have 5 days after you finish to see Tokyo. If you add Suica & N’ex one way ticket, total amount is 19620 yen. It is about 9000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
I believe this is the perfect solution for Tokyo – Osaka one way travellers.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
first of all compliments for the website, very informative!
I’m planning a trip to Japan in December with my boyfriend from 7th to 22nd. We’ll stay in Tokyo from 7th to 12th visiting around and attending a workshop and then we’ll be off travelling around Japan.
I understood from this post that when you purchase a single ticket you can stop over during your journey and the ticket is valid for n days depending on the KM purchased. Am I right? If that is correct, can I buy a single ticket from Tokyo to Hiroshima and do the following stop overs:
Day 1 – Tokyo to Kyoto (overnight in Kyoto)
Day 2 – Kyoto to Osaka (2 nights in Osaka)
Day 4 – Osaka – Kobe – Hiroshima (overnight in Hiroshima)
I believe it is cheaper than a JR Pass 7 days. Is my calculation correct?
When in Hiroshima we will then get a flight to Okinawa and spend the last few days renting a car and visiting Okinawa.
Does it all make sense?
Thanks a million for your time and advice,
Rosanna & Salvo
Hi Rosanna,
You can use single ticket. It’s cheaper than JR Pass as you thought. You can stopover at Kyoto and Osaka.
Technically you can stopover at Kobe too. But after visiting Kobe, you will move to Hiroshima. And you will have a luggage. So you can pay extra for just Osaka-Kobe return. You may use Hanshin Tourist Pass.
http://www.kansai360.net/en/ticket02/
It’s only 500 yen and you can visit Kobe without luggage. You can catch many more faster Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka than Shin-Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Greetings from Singapore!
I’ll like to ask if there’s an option to buy a round trip from HyperDia? And any idea how much it cost per ticket?
This is what’s going to happen actually…
My boyfriend and I will be travelling to Tokyo from 21 Dec to 7 Jan but his family will be travelling to Osaka in Jan instead. So, we thought of travelling over and meet them there for a day trip.
Hope to hear from you. Thanks much.
Junya
Hi Junya,
If you travel more than 601 km one way, you will get 10% off for each way. But Tokyo-Osaka is around 550 km and not enough for to get the discount. And even if you travel more than 601 km, the ticket is valid for 10 days. (5 days X 2). So you cannot use this round trip ticket for travelling on Dec 21 and Jan 7.
At this point, your ticket will be just one way ticket. Unfortunately you don’t have a choice to get round trip discount.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, please have patience in reading my comment. This trip is just so dear to me that is why..I need to detail it this way. Please understand. ^_^
I am scheduled to travel to Japan on Nov 19-28> I will enter Chubu Airport and exit Narita Airport. I will stay in Nagoya for free thus i will spend 3-4 days there only for accommodation.; i can spend 1-2 days in Kyoto; side trip (daytime) to Shizuoka (?) for Mt. Fuji; and go directly to Tokyo 3-4 days.
Autumn Full Experience
1. Temples & Shrines [Kyoto]
2. Theme Park [Nagoya]
3. City Life [Tokyo]
4. Life in Countryside [Nagoya]
5. Wear Japanese Kimono [??]
6. A glimpse of Mt. Fuji [Shizuoka]
7. Seaside Experience [??]
8. Visit a University [Nagoya]
Given the prefectures I would be staying and the preferable duration of my stay:
a. What tickets (Railpass, JRbus pass, suica, etc.) should I buy? (consideration: budget traveler)
b. What places in particular I should consider going to be able to accomplish my goals for my autumn experience as well as avoiding huge travel cost.
c. Any tips on how I can manage my time and money wisely. THANK SOOOOOOO MUCH! ^_^
I will try to avoid costly theme parks such as Universal Studios, Disneyland, etc. I don’t mind going to cheaper spots yet still equally have a rewarding autumn experience. I prefer going to places where Japanese love going on a typical weekend. In this way, I would have a feel of how they break free from work or school.
Also, I will try to avoid riding shinkansen. Not because it is costly but because I want to enjoy seeing the view (way of life) in Japan from city to countryside. Thus, riding a public bus (without complicated transfers) is alright.
I cannot speak/understand Japanese pretty well so traveling solo is also a challenge
But I have friends who I can meet in those prefectures I mentioned (but I’m afraid they cannot go with me throughout my journey as they have to go to school or work on those dates, except weekend and Nov.23).
Cheers,
Pines
Hi Pines,
Let’s compare local trains and Shinkansen. I know you don’t like to take Shinkansen. But you have to know how slow local train is.
Nagoya-Kyoto
Shinkansen less than one hour and direct
local train more than two hours and transfer twice
Nagoya-Mishima (gateway is Fuji)
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Shinkansen 1.5 hours (direct train is available)
local train 4 hours and transfer at least three times (sometimes 4 times)
If you take local trains only for Nagoya-Kyoto round trip, Nagoya-Mishima and Mishima-Tokyo, the total fares will be around 20,000 yen. If you have JR pass, you can take Shinkansen without any extra and 7 days pass is 29,100 yen. In my opinion, local train makes you be very tired. You can take local train to get other area if you want.
And if you have JR Pass, you can add some more trips, such as day trip to Takayama from Nagoya, Kiso Valley from Nagoya. These spots can be accessed by JR train and make it as day trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html
I think these places match your taste.
I understand your budge is limited. But even if you take local trains, you cannot save much cost. And you will spend so many hours to move.
If you need an exact cost, you can find it at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
At this point, that’s all I can say. I hope this reply help you to make your decision.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello takeshi, my wife an I arrive at tokyo airport at night 20th sept and staying at shinjuku until 26th then need to travel to kyoto on 26th and then back to tokyo int airport on 30th. thinking maybe 7 day JR PASS starting from 24th? Maybe include day trip to mt fuji? hoping you van assist. many thanks
Hi Paul and Polly,
As long as the pass covers Tokyo-Kyoto round trip and trip to Fuji, you can start using it anytime.
If you start using in on 24th Sep, visit Mt. Fuji on 24th or 25th. The pass does not cover whole part of the trip to Fuji, but if gives you some saving.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers.
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
I’ve been lurking for a while, so now I come out and I congrulate you for this wonderful website 🙂
My request is somewhat similar to Jenny’s post. I’m planning a trip to Japan for november/december, and I still have problems to understand JR’s rules and express surcharge tickets.
I used a JR Pass during a previous trip, but I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be better to go with single tickets this time, given my itinerary:
From nov 8 to nov 10 : Haneda – Yokosuka
From nov 10 to nov 16 : Yokosuka – Tokyo – Kamakura – Tokyo
From nov 16 : Tokyo – Kyoto
From nov 30 to dec 2 : Kyoto – Miyajima
From dec 2 to dec 5: Miyajima – Tokyo (maybe Enoshima)
I’ve tried to do the math, and the whole trip is roughly around ¥30.500 which is still cheaper than a 2 weeks JRPass.
Also, I confess I want to take the Nozomi for my Miyajima – Hiroshima – Tokyo trip, because I’m alone with a big suitcase and I don’t want to change stations.
But what would you say? From what I read in your posts, I didn’t take in account the reserved option, nor the express surcharge. Can I manage to do it?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Siam,
I’m sure that you understand everything. 🙂
As you think, JR pass is not your choice. This route is suitable for 7 days JR pass. 14 days pass is much more expensive than single fare as you calculated.
And also as you know, Nozomi is not covered by JR Pass. Only Nozomi can take you to Tokyo directly from Hiroshima. You have made a right decision.
It is very easy to book for Shinkansen. Especially the time when you travel is shoulder season. You will not have any issues on booking.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
You’re so kind, Takeshi!
Thank you for taking the time to reply and confirm my thoughts. I’m more confident now. I’ll just need to brush up my 日本語. 😀
No problem, Siam.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Your website is amazing, thank you for all the help you are providing. I am planning a three week trip to Japan in September, and I am wondering about buying the JR pass or the single ticket. Looking at the information you posted previously, I’m wondering if I’d be better off with a single ticket to Hiroshima, stopping at Kyoto on the way, and then buying additional tickets for the various day trips and for the later Hiroshima to Naoshima journey. Or possibly a 7-day JR pass for days 8-13 and then single tickets and passes for the rest. I’d love to know what you think.
My itinerary is:
Day 1: Narita airport to Tokyo.
Days 1-7: Explore Tokyo with day trips to Nikko and Hakone.
Day 8: Tokyo to Kyoto
Days 8-13: Explore Kyoto with day trips to Nara and Osaka
Day 13: Travel to Hiroshima
Days 13-16: Explore Hiroshima with a day trip to Miyajima
Day 16: Travel to Naoshima
Days 16-19: Explore Naoshima and surrounding islands.
Day 19: Fly to Tokyo Haneda.
Days 19-21: Last look at Tokyo
Day 21: Travel to Narita airport and home.
Many thanks.
Jenny B.
Hi Jenny,
Actually it’s very hard to find the deal for your trip.
JR Pass for day 8 to 14 is not a bad idea. But single ticket is slightly cheaper in my rough calculation even if you use JR Pass for Nara, Osaka and trip to Miyajima on day 14. But the difference may be very small. JR Pass may be better because it’s much easier to handle than single tickets.
If you travel either Nikko or Hakone on day 7 and start to use JR pass on day 7, JR Pass will be cheaper than single ticket. In this case, trip to Miyajima is not covered if you don’t go there on day 13.
On the other hand, there are many other attractive deals for Hakone and Nikko.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
These deals includes local transportation that JR pass does not. These may be better than using JR pass for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi, that’s really helpful.
No problem, Jenny.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to explore Japan from Tokyo to Osaka on 23 Dec to 02 Jan 2015. Our trip start fromTokyo (3 nights) – Kyoto (2 nights) – Kokura (1 night)- Hiroshima (1 night) – Osaka (3 nights). Our passion are kuliner and theme park for our children (20 & 13 yo). Pls advise what type ticket is the best for us. And the best route. Thanks.
Hi Werie,
You can use 7 days JR pass. As long as the pass covers the portion of you trip, Tokyo-Kyoto-Kokusa-Hiroshima-Osaka, you can start to use it any time. If you travel outside cities, like day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, like day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, try to put these trips in 7 days coverage period. If you stay in cities and visit attractions, it’s not an issue. JR Pass should be toward to long distance trip.
You will use Shinkansen in most part of your trip.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your time and informative site 🙂
I’lI be in Japan next mth and my planned itinerary as followed :
9th Aug – 12th in Tokyo
12th late night will take an overnight bus to Kyoto
13th – 18th in Kyoto ( will purchase 5 days kansai hiroshima pass)
to visit kyoto,osaka, nara, hiroshima & miyajima
18th evening overnight bus bk to tokyo
I don’t plan to buy the Japan Rail Pass as I will save 2 nights of hotel stay and I checked return bus fare is approx. 14, 000 Yen only.
May you advise please if this is a good decision or it’s better or more useful to get the 7 days japan rail pass ?
Thank you so much , I would really appreciate your thought .
Hi See Loo,
Yes. That’s a good choice. Bus fare + Kansai Hiroshima Pass (13000 yen) is 27000 yen. It’s still cheaper than JR Pass 7 days and you will save two nights accommodation. It’s a good deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi again Takeshi,
How are you? This 29th of July, I’ll be in Japan for 8 days. I’ll arrive in Osaka around 8pm. Could you please help me, which ticket am I going to buy.
1. From Kansai airport going to Tennoji. One of the reviewer said the hotel is near Dobusuen Subway station. Which is the best ticket am I going to buy since I will only use 1 ticket from the airport going to hotel.
2. I’m planning to stay in Osaka for 3 days and to buy 2 day pass ticket (amazing Osaka ticket). Is this correct?
3. Which train/bus is better to buy From Osaka going to Mt. Fuji? and what train ticket will I’m going to use while in Kawaguchico? One-way from Osaka to tokyo. I’m not going back to Osaka since my return flight will be in Narita.
4. TokYo, I would like to buY the 3 day pass. Will this cover Disneyland, Disney Sea, Sanrio Puroland and tokyo bay? Where should I buy this in Osaka since it’s not available inside tokyo?
5. which ticket am I going to use from tokyo going to the Narita airport?
thank you! 🙂
Hi Hanna,
1. If you want to get Haruka express from KIX to Tennoji, ICOCA and Haruka is still better choice than single fare because of including ICOCA e-money 1500 yen. But if you are okay with taking commute rapid train, single ticket is okay.
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
2. If you visit many attractions, it’s a right choice.
3. Only single ticket is your choice. There is not deal for one way trip unfortunately. You can take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Mishima and transfer to bus there. You can find more info at the link below:
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
There is a direct bus service from Osaka too.
http://www.fujisan.ne.jp/news/info_e.php?srch_flag=1&srch_str=&order=&new_id=25&nca_id=3&
But I have never taken this bus and no idea how this bus service is.
4. What kinds of 3 days pass are you going to buy? As far as I know, there is no deals to cover Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Bay, Sanrio Puroland and downtown Tokyo. If you mean subway pass, it does not cover Tokyo Bay, Sanrio and Disneyland. Single ticket will be most affordable choice to get these spots.
As long as I know, 3 days pass is only Kanto Area Pass. If you use this, you can get these spots, but it’s much more expensive than single ticket.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
5. You don’t have many choices to get Narita. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I will arrive in Tokyo – Narita Airport and depart from Osaka
25-29 Sep – Tokyo and mount Fuji
29 Sep to 1 Oct – Kyoto
1 to 3 Oct – Osaka
May you advise me, should I purchase JR pass or single trip ticket?
thanks.
Hi George,
JR Pass is too expensive for your trip. One of my sample itinerary is very similar to your plan. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail