I have received many inquiries about Nagoya-Osaka or Kyoto trip. There are lots of travellers who arrive in Chubu (Nagoya) airport and depart from Kansai (Osaka) airport or reverse or arrive in/depart from Chubu. Even if you have round trip between Nagoya and Osaka, JR Pass is too expensive choice. And there is no options to cover both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto by JR. One way ticket from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen is very common choice. However JR is not only railway that connect Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. Kintetsu Railway that is the biggest private railway company operates many trains among these three cities, Nara, Ise and Yoshino. Kintetsu Railway has very useful deal for the travellers who want to travel in this area.
In this post, I would like to show you Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide.
What is Kintetsu Railway?
In Japan, there are many railway services. This is the biggest reason why you are very confused. Kintetsu Railway is NON JR and the biggest private railway company in Japan. Of course this railway service is not covered by any JR deals, such as JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass. Please see the map below to find Kintetsu Railway network.
Kintetsu Rail Pass covers all part of this network. As you see the map above, you can use this railway to get Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka (Namba, Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi), Nara, Yoshino and Ise. And this pass includes three vouchers to take Kintetsu Railway Limited Express. Kintetsu Railway Limited Express has very nice accommodation and have same level service as JR’s limited express train. I tell you about detail of this limited express train and coverage below.
You may know about Kansai Thru Pass. This pass covers Kintetsu Railway and other major private railways in Kansai area. But this pass does not include Nagoya and Ise. And it does not include Kintetsu Railway Limited Express train voucher. As long as you travel both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto, Kansai Thru Pass is not your first choice. Please find the detailed about Kansai Thru Pass at the link below:
How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
How good is Kintetsu Railway Limited Express?
Some of major private railway companies operate limited express as commute train without extra charge, such as Hankyu, Keihan and Hanshin. But Kintetsu operates limited express as special train. It has reserved seat only. You have to pay limited express surcharge on top of base fare and this limited express train has same level of interior as JR’s limited express train.
There are many kinds of fleets for limited express trains. But all fleets have 2+2 seat configuration and seat pitch is 1000 to 1050 mm. It is spacious and comfortable.
Especially if you travel between Nagoya and Osaka, trip time is more than 2 hours. The seat and interior are very important factor.
You can take limited express train up to three times by Kintetsu Rail Pass if you use it until the end of September, 2016. After 1st of October, 2016, you have to purchase a separate ticket to take limited express train.
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass. And Japanese who live in foreign country as permanent resident or who are married to a foreigner residing outside of Japan can purchase this deal as well.
Types and prices
A few types of pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass wide are available.
| Types | Purchase outside Japan | Purchase in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-day | 3,700 yen | 3,900 yen |
| Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus 5-day | 4,900 yen | 5,100 yen |
Child price is half amount of the adult price. It applies to child who is 6 to 11 years old. Adult price is applied to 12 years old and up.
5 year old or younger child is free. But when you take Limited Express train, all seats are reserved. You have to share your seat with your child. If you want to have a seat for your child, please purchase child pass for even 5 years old or younger child.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.
Sales location
If you want to purchase an exchange order before you leave, you can find the authorized travel agent list at the link below:
Kintetsu Rail Pass official site
They may ship the exchange order to you by mail. Please contact the nearest vendor. Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide can be purchased at both Chubu airport and Kansai airport. But Kintetsu Rail Pass can be purchased at Kansai airport only. You can find the sales location in the airport at the link above as well.
Coverage area and valid transportation
Both Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide covers all part of Kintetsu Railway network and include three limited express vouchers.
Kintetsu Rail Pass does not include limited express voucher. The separate ticket for taking limited express train is required.
Some of Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains have upper class seat. But this pass covers ordinary reserved seat only. And Kintetsu Railway operates Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze”. This train is not covered by this pass either.
If you do not want to pay any extra, you can take rapid express, express, semi express and local trains. These are commute trains. The interior is totally different from the limited express train.
When you take a train among Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, you can use these trains because of the short distance transfer.
Compare the pass and single fare
I would like to show you the fare table. Upper fare is base fare and lower is limited express surcharge.
| station | Osaka (Namba) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya | Ise (Toba) |
| Osaka (Namba) | – | 940 900 | 560 510 | 2360 1900 | 2040 1610 |
| Kyoto | 940 900 | – | 620 510 | 2590 1900 | 2280 1610 |
| Nara | 560 510 | 620 510 | – | 2250 1610 | 1940 1610 |
| Nagoya | 2360 1900 | 2590 1900 | 2250 1610 | – | 1710 1320 |
| Ise (Toba) | 2040 1610 | 2280 1610 | 1940 1610 | 1710 1320 | – |
| station | Osaka (Osaka-Abenobashi) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya |
| Yoshino | 970 510 | 1230 900 | 850 900 | 2390 2120 |
If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by limited express by 30th of September, it is higher than Kintetsu Rail Pass at 3800 yen. It is really good deal for the traveller who wants to travel from Nagoya to Kyoto or Osaka. If you go to Ise from Kyoto, Osaka or Nara, it is better deal than single fare too. But if you visit Ise, Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide may be better deal for you. Please see next chapter.
If you travel after 1st of October, limited express voucher will not be included. You must have at least one round trip between Kansai area (Osaka, Nara and Kyoto) and Nagoya or Ise.
Compare cost and trip time between the Shinkansen fare and Kintetsu Rail Pass
Shinkansen is most common way to get Kyoto and Osaka from Nagoya. It is much faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains. But Shinkansen is much more expensive too. Before you decide to go for Kintetsu Rail Pass, you should compare these trains by cost and time.
Nagoya – Namba
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express | 2 hrs 30 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) and Subway | 1 hr 20 mins | 6840 yen |
Shinkansen and subway combination is much faster but the cost is almost double. And Kintetsu Railway is direct access without any transfer. This is the strongest point.
Nagoya – Osaka (Umeda)
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and JR local train | 2 hrs 45 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 180 yen (JR) |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) and JR local train | 1 hr 10 mins | 6560 yen |
You have to transfer at Shin-Osaka to get Osaka by the Shinkansen. But it is same station and very easy to transfer from the Shinkansen to JR local train. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you can transfer at Tsuruhashi to JR Osaka Kanjo line. It is much easier than transfer at Namba to subway. Tsuruhashi station is much smaller than Namba. JR and Kintetsu stations are connected directly.
Nagoya – Shin-Osaka
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Subway | 3 hrs | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 280 yen (subway) |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 50 mins | 6560 yen |
Shin-Osaka is Shinkansen’s terminal station. Shinkansen is much more accessible than Kintetsu Railway. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you have to transfer at Namba to get subway. And subway fare is extra.
Nagoya – Kyoto
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 35 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 36 mins | 5800 yen |
Both Kintetsu Railway and Shinkansen are direct access to Kyoto. Shinkansen is 2 hours faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express.
Nagoya – Nara
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Kintetsu local train Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 15 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) JR local train | 1 hr 30 mins | 6560 yen |
Shinkansen and JR trains are still faster than Kintetsu Railway. But the difference is smallest in all above cases.
Assessment
If you are really sensitive with cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is a good choice for even Nagoya to Osaka or reverse one way trip. If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka and visit Nara and Kyoto, this pass gives you a huge savings.
Even though the Shinkansen is much faster, this pass is one of my most recommended deals.
Comments
I will be visiting Nagoya and Kyoto and would like to enquire if this Kintetsu Rail Pass would be a suitable option for me? Or if there are better rail passes?
Day 1: Chubu Intl Airport->Nagoya
Day 2 -3: Nagoya (incl. possible day tour to Ise-Shima)
Day 4-5: joining a local guided 2-day tour to Tateyama/Kurobe
Day 6: Nagoya -> Kyoto (was thinking of taking a bus, but with a rail pass would travelling by rail make more sense?)
Day 7 – 9: Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto -> KIX
Thanks in advance!
Hi Gwen,
If you are pretty sure to visit Ise-Shima, Kintetsu rail pass is a good choice. But if not, this is not recommended.
Because Kintetsu railway is not the best way to get Kyoto from Nagoya. Even if you take limited express, there is no direct ways to get Kyoto from Nagoya. You have to change trains at least once.
And also Kintetsu rail pass does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto. You need to have other local deals. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
If you do not visit Ise-Shima, I recommend you to take Shinkansen to Kyoto. Platt Kodama is a bit cheaper than regular fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Haruka discount ticket at 1,600 yen is the best deal to get KIX from Kyoto.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your information, I can understand more about the railway services in Japan now.
I will be travelling to Nagoya for 6 days with following Itinerary;
Day 1 : Nagoya -> Nara -> Nagoya
Day 2 : Nagoya -> Kyoto -> Nagoya
Day 3 : Nagoya -> Osaka -> Nagoya
Day 4 : Nagoya Legoland
Day 5 : Nagoya (sightseeing)
Day 6 : Leave Nagoya at 8:45 am
On day 3, is it possible that I can go to Universal Studio?
Should I buy KINTETSU RAIL PASS or KINTETSU RAIL PASS plus? Do I need to take bus on day 1 to day 3?
If my hotel is near by Fushimi subway, do I need to take taxi to airport? Or I can take μ SKY at 6:02am? Do I need to buy the ticket for μ SKY in advance?
I will be travelling with 3 kids and 2 adults.
Thank you
Hi DC,
Kintetsu rail pass is your choice. You don’t need to have “Plus”.
Please keep those things in your mind when you use this pass.
1. Need local deals in Osaka and Kyoto
You can reach these cities by this pass. But Kintetsu rail pass does not cover any local transportation, such as subway and city bus. You need other deals in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You can walk in Nara.
2. Need limited express train ticket and need to change trains to Nara and Kyoto
It’s not realistic ways to get Osaka, Kyoto and Nara without taking Limited Express trains. If you take only ordinary train, you have to change trains a few times. And also even if you use limited express trains, you cannot get Kyoto and Nara from Nagoya directly. You need to change trains at least once
3. USJ
You need to add extra fare for Osaka-Namba to Nishikujo by Hanshin railway and Nishikujo to Universal city by JR. The extra fares around a few hundred yen.
You can get Naogya from Fushimi by subway. The first run of subway is around 5:30 am. It takes less than 5 minutes to get Nagoya from Fushimi. So you don’t need to take taxi.
U sky ticket can be purchased in advance if you like. Just go to the window in Meitetsu Nagoya station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi Takeshi,
This is very informative and helpful.
I will arrive in Nagoya and move to Kyoto, folllow by a day trip to Nara and finally to Osaka. Will be departing from Osaka airport. From what I read, Kintetsu railway plus will be the one I need. Am I correct? Also what else do I need to travel arouns these few places?
Hi Jeff,
Yes, you may use Kintetsu rail pass. But you don’t need to have “plus”. “Plus” offers bus in Nara but you can walk most of places in Nara. It’s not an issue and regular type of Kintetsu rail pass is okay.
Kintetsu rail pass does not cover airport to Nagoya. You need to add regular fare to take train.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
It does not cover local transportation in Kyoto and Osaka, and access to KIX either. You need to add local deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi for the info! This is my plan.
30/09 – Arrive in Nagoya Airport
1/10 – Nagoya > Kyoto
2/10 – Kyoto
3/10 – Kyoto
4/10 – Kyoto > Kameoka
5/10 – Kameoka > Osaka
6/10 – Osaka
7/10 – Osaka
8/10 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
But there is a part which I am not very sure. Should I stay in Nagoya for one night to make good use of the 5 day rail pass or should I just go to Kyoto?
Do you think Kansai pass is suitable for my itinerary?
Hi Jeff,
If you use Kintetsu rail pass, you have include, Nagoya to Kyoto, day trip to Nara from Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka. You have to make these trips in 5 days period. Otherwise you cannot get the worth of this pass.
You don’t need Kansai thru pass. If you don’t use Kintetsu rail pass, single fare ticket and local deals in each places, such as subway pass, bus pass, are the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi!
So I’ll have to use the pass only on 1Oct for the 5 days.
Is it possible to do this for my 5oct – Kameoka > Osaka (deposit luggage) > Nara > Osaka ?
Hi Jeff,
If you want to do Kameoka-Nara-Osaka, don’t go to Osaka before you visit Nara. If you use Kintetsu rail pass to get Osaka from Kyoto, you will take Kyoto to Yamato-Saidaiji, Yamato-Saidaiji to Osaka-Namba. Yamato-Saidaiji is a few stations away from Nara. You should drop by Nara. There are lockers in Nara station. If you go to Osaka, it’s a big wasting time.
Kintetsu rail pass does not cover Kameoka-Kyoto. Just for your info.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
We will be arriving at Nagoya chubu airport on May 27 Saturday 7am. We plan to go to Namba, Osaka and stay there until May 29. We plan to leave around early afternoon from Namba and go back to Nagoya chubu airport or Nagoya Aichi area and stay there for another 4 days. Departing airport is Nagoya Chubu. Will the Kintetsu rail pass for 5 days work for us? Thanks!
Hi Edwin,
It works. But I recommend you to add limited express surcharge for Nagoya to Namba and Namba to Nagoya. There is no direct trains other than limited express. And if you take ordinary trains, you may need to change two or three times. Trip time is much longer than limited express.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi!
No worries, Edwin.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Have plan to travel to Japan this June, I was thinking of
Tokyo (2 Days)
Kyoto/Osaka (4)
Nagoya (2)
Tokyo (2 Days)
Need your suggestion on which ticket is more economical.
Should I take JRPass for commuting, between those cities and just purchase pre-paid card for subway not cover by JR?
Thanks
Hi Wisman,
You can use JR Pass 7 days for Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. You may use other deals for Tokyo. Please see the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to check what is the best way to Namba from Kyoto?
Is the Kyoto bus & subway pass include Keihan and Hankyu line?
Cheers,
Celest
Hi Celest,
There are several ways. It depends on which part of Kyoto you want to go. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Kyoto bus ans subway pass does not include Keihan and Hankyu. It covers only Kyoto subway and city bus.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I found that your website is really helpful, however i still confused to choose whether JR pass, Kintetsu Pass, or Kansai Thru pass that suit for me.
I will be travelling to Osaka-Nara-Kyoto for 7 days with following Itinerary;
Day 1 : Arrive to Kansai, stay in Osaka
Day 2-3 : Stroll around Osaka (Dotonburi, USJ, Kaiyukan, Umeda Sky, Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku)
Day 4 : Day trip to Nara, back To Osaka
Day 5-7 : Stroll around Kyoto, stay in Kyoto (Gion, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji Temple, Arashiyama)
Do you think 7 days is enough time to visit all of those places? and which pass is suit for it?
Thanks Takeshi 🙂
Hi Irma ,
You can find some deals for trip to Osaka from KIX in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For day 4 (trip to Nara) and day 5 (Osaka to Kyoto + sightseeing), you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days.
For sightseeing in Osaka and Kyoto, you can find city deals in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Haruka discount ticket at 1600 yen is the best choice to go back to KIX.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Any tips on how to book Shimakaze train. we wanted to try this train.
We are coming from Osaka-Namba and transferring to Nagoya on April 15. The plan is ride shimakaze from Osaka-Namba to Toba, little sight seeing, then transfer from Toba to Nagoya-kintetsu.
I heard on weekend its single journey is at 10:20AM from Osaka-Namba.
Thank you.
Hanne
Hi Hanne,
All you can do is booking right after ticket is on sale. Ticket is on sale at 10:30 am one month before travel date in Japan time. Usually Shimakaze ticket is booked out right after ticket on sale. You can book it at the link below:
https://www.ticket.kintetsu.co.jp/vs/en/T/TZZ/TZZ10.do?op=tDisplayVisitorMenu
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan on June 10 for 7 days. Here is my itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to KIX in 9:20 and go to Kyoto
Day 2,3: Kyoto
Day 4,5: Nagoya
Day 6: Nara and then back to Osaka
Day 7: Osaka to KIX
Please give me an advise on my planned itinerary and the most saving transportation. Is JR pass or Kintetsu may be better?
And, please help me clarify, if i take Kintetsu pass plus, what is the difference between using the pass and extra the base fare for limited train?
Really appreciate for your reply.
Hi Anh Tú,
Kintetsu rail pass is most affordable deal. You can use it for Kyoto-Nagoya-Nara-Osaka. Both Kintetsu rail pass and Kintetsu rail pass plus do not cover limited express fee. You need to pay this fee when you go to Nagoya. Ordinary train is too slow to get Nagoya and you need to change the trains many times. Kintetsu rail pass plus gives you more coverage of bus services in Ise and Nara. But in Nara, most of places, like deer park, Big Buddha can be accessed by walk from Nara station. So regular type of Kintetsu rail pass is okay for you.
Kintetsu rail pass does not cover other part of your trip. You need to add other deal or single fare.
KIX to Kyoto
Haruka discount ticket at 1600 yen
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
Sightseeing in Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Osaka to KIX
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Really kind of you for detailed advises. But one more concern that Kintetsu Rail Pass is not available for sale in my country ( Vietnam), so I think that I will purchase it after entering into Japan. So where can I purchase Kintetsu Rail Pass? Is there its office in KIX? And is it available all the time for sale? In June for my case?
Thanks Takeshi.
Hi Anh Tú,
You can purchase it at Kansai airport tourist info center. Please see the link below:
http://www.tourist-information-center.jp/kansai/en/kix/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi Takeshi
Hope you’re doing well.
Am curious to find out if I bought Kintetsu Rail Pass plus, would I be able to use it to cover the base fares for Shimakaze and Blue Symphony? I understand there’s Limited Express charges for Shimakaze (¥2,640) and Blue Symphony (¥720). Am thinking of doing 2D1N at Yoshino and 2D1N at Kashikojima from Osaka.
Thank you!
Hi Wai Yeng,
Kintetsu rail pass covers base fare only now. So if you add limited express seat fee, you can take Shimakaze and Blue Symphony.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your information which it’s very helpful for me. I need your suggestion, if i’d like to go to Nagoya from Kinosaki then leave Japan from Nagoya airport. Do you think it’s worth buying Kintetsu pass or should I go with just regular fare?
Best,
Narissa
Hi Narissa,
Single ticket is better option. If you use JR trains only, you can use one base fare ticket from Kinosaki Onsen to Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com