I wrote about train system in Kyoto before. But I have received many inquiries about Osaka too. I think it is very complicated for travellers from overseas. There are three types of railway, JR, Osaka Municipal Subway and Private company’s railways. Once you understand train system, you can find the best location to stay, the best deal for trains ride and the fastest way to visit that you want to see.
As probably you know, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Osaka Subway Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass. Each pass has different conditions. You must understand the coverage of your pass.
In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Osaka.
- Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals
- For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
- For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card
- JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass
- How to access to major spots in Osaka by train
Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals
Many deals are available in Kansai area. But each pass have different coverage. I tell you about major passes and deals.
For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
You can take all trains on the map above except Shinkansen. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer, like going to Kyoto or Kobe. Please see the post, How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines.
ICOCA does not cover Osaka city bus service too. But I don’t think you have many chances to take city bus in Osaka. You can go anywhere by train services. Train is much faster than bus.
For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card
Please see the map below:
Kansai Thru Pass is unlimited ride pass and Rainbow Card is pre-paid card for most of NON JR trains in Osaka.
The only place where you can’t go by these deals is USJ. But if you don’t care about riding city bus, you can catch the bus at Nishikujo station. Nishikujo can be accessed by Hanshin Railway that is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Even if you pay for JR train, the fare is 160 yen foe one way. It is not a big deal. I will explain about access to Universal Studion Japan later.
JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
Please see the map below:
Many places can be accessed by JR Pass and other JR deals. I explained JR train network in the post below. Please refer it:
Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass
Please see the map below:
Enjoy Eco Card covers Osaka subway and city bus. Osaka Unlimited Pass includes unlimited ride of subway and bus, and free admission for major attractions in Osaka. There are one day and two day available. But coverage is a bit different. One day covers subway, bus and major private railways, like Hanshin, Nankai, Keihan and Kintetsu. It is very similar to Kansai Thru Pass. But two day pass covers subway and bus only. When you choose this deal, please make sure your itinerary and which train you need to get on.
As long as you can take subway, most of places can be reached by subway.
How to access to major spots in Osaka by train
Most of places in Osaka can be accessed by train. I would like to share the information of access to major spots with you.
Namba, Dotonbori, Houzenji and Shinsaibashi area
You can reach Namba by many ways.
- Namba station (Nankai Railways) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and Wakayama
- Namba station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line, Yotsubashi line and Sennichimae line) to/from Umeda, Nishi-Umeda, Tennoji
- Osaka-Namba station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
- Osaka-Namba station (Kintetsu Railways) to/from Nara, Ise and Nagoya
- JR Namba station (JR) to/from Tennoji, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kansai Airport (KIX
As I mentioned above, JR Namba station is not located in the core of Namba. JR Namba is closed to Subway Yotsubashi line Namba station and Sennichimae line’s Sakuragawa station is actually closer than Namba station.
View Namba in a larger map
Nankai Railways is the best way to get Namba from Kansai Airport. And also train runs to Mt. Koya.
Hanshin Railways and Kintetsu Railways trains go through each other. And their station is “Osaka-Namba” station. When you search on Hyperdia, you can find Osaka-Namba. It’s not Namba for these train companies but Osaka-Namba. If you stay in Namba and want to go to Nara or Kobe, you can use these train companies. You can go there directly from Namba.
If you go to Nara, you can catch Kintetsu Railway’s train at Osaka-Namba station. Please see the post below to learn more about access to Nara:
Shinsaibashi is one station away from Namba by subway. But Namba and Shinsaibashi are connected by shopping arcade. Dotonbori is located between Namba and Shinsaibashi. And also Shinsaibashi is connected with Yotsubashi and Nihonbashi by underground. So most of places in Namba can be accessed by walk.
Umeda
Umeda and Namba are two biggest downtown core in Osaka. There are many department stores and shopping complex in Umeda area. In Umeda area, only JR station is called “Osaka”. JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda station are located in same area.
There are many stations in Umeda.
- Osaka station (JR Kobe line, Kyoto line, Osaka Kanjo line) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, USJ, Tennoji
- Umeda station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line) to/from Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji
- Umeda station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
- Umeda station (Hankyu Railways) to/from Kawaramachi, Arashiyama, Shijo, Sannomiya, Takarazuka
- Higashi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Tanimachi line) to/from Uehonmachi/Tanimachi Kyuchome, Tennoji
- Nishi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Yotsubashi line) to/from Namba
- Kitashinchi station (JR Tozai line) to/from Namba
Please see the post below to get more detail about Osaka and Umeda station area:
Tenpozan, Kaiyukan
Osaka Subway Chuo line’s Osakako station is the nearest station. You can catch Chuo line’s train at Honmachi, Bentencho and many other places. If you stay in Umeda or Namba, simple take Midousuji line or Yotsubashi line train and transfer to Chuo line’s train at Honmachi. If you are JR Pass user, you can get Bentencho by Osaka Kanjo line from Osaka or Tennoji. You have to pay extra on top of your pass for taking subway from Bentencho.
USJ is located just across the river. But there is no direct train or bus. Please see next chapter to get USJ from Tenpozan.
Universal Studion Japan (USJ)
JR Yumesaki line’s Universal City station is the nearest station. There is no subway or private railway’s service available. If you are not JR train user, you can catch the pass to USJ at Nishikujo station.
If you want to access to Tenpozan/Kaiyukan from USJ, shuttle cruise service is the fastest and only direct way to connect both places.
Otherwise you have to take Universal City station – Nishikujo station – Bentencho station – Osakako station route. It is a big detour.
Osakajo (Osaka castle)
There are several stations around Osaka castle. You can access there from Tenmabashi station (Keihan Railway), Tanimachi-Yonchome station (Subway Tanimachi line), Osakajo-Koen station (JR), Osaka Business Park station (Subway Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi line), and Morinomiya station (JR). The nearest stations to access to the castle are Tenmabashi and Tanimachi-Yonchome. Other stations are okay, but these stations are closed to Osaka Castle Park.
Shinsekai, Tennoji zoo
Shinsekai is old town of Osaka. There is very traditional shopping arcade. Tsutenkaku tower is located in Shinsekai area. This area can be accessed from JR and Nankai Railway’s Shin-Imamiya station.
Tennoji Zoo is located between Tennoji station and Dobutsuenmae station. (Dobutsuenma means “in front of zoo”.)
Minoo falls
Minoo is located outside downtown Osaka. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover Minoo falls. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers this falls.
You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ishibashi. And then take another Hankyu Railway Minoo line train to Minoo. You can change trains at Ishibashi very easily. Trip time is around 35 minutes from Umeda to Minoo.
In the peak season, like fall foliage season, the direct train service runs between Umeda and Minoo.
Instant Ramen Museum
This museum is located outside downtown Osaka either. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover this attraction. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers the trip to Instant Ramen Museum.
You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ikeda. Trip time is around 20 minutes from Umeda to Ikeda.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
My family of 5 is travelling to Tokyo & Osaka/Kyoto in Dec.
Our flights arrive and depart from Tokyo, Narita Airport.
We plan to take Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto and spend 6 days 5 nights there before travelling directly to Narita Airport on the last day of our trip.
Can you please advise:
1) Should we take Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Narita Airport OR
Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Narita Airport route?
2) As we will have about 4-5 moderately big luggages, we hope to stay in a central location that requires less walking and easy access of our luggages. In Osaka, can you please advise if we should stay at Osaka/Umeda Station or Namba station? We enjoy shopping, dining and will visit Universal Studios, Osaka Castle etc.
3) We plan to visit Kyoto for about 2-3 days. Should we stay put in Osaka and commute to Kyoto or stay 2 nights in Kyoto?
4) Is it correct that the fastest route back to Narita Airport would be to take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa station and then switch to NEX?
5) Lastly, would purchasing the JR 7-day pass be the most economical way for us?
6) While in Osaka, what other passes should we purchase please?
Thank you for your kind assistance!
Hi Seed san,
1. Actually it doesn’t matter. Just try to visit USJ on weekday.
2. You can pick either places. Both places are downtown cores in Osaka and very accessible to other places in Osaka. But for access to Kyoto, Osaka is better place. You also think about staying in Shin-Osaka. It’s just one station away from Osaka. Though JR pass does not cover subway, Namba can be accessed by subway from Shin-Osaka. Lastly it’s Shinkansen station and very easy to access from Tokyo. This is the biggest reason why Shin-Osaka may be the best place to stay.
3. Osaka and Shin-Osaka are more accessible to Kyoto than Namba. If you want to avoid moving with luggage, stay in Osaka and make day trip.
4,5. That’s right.
6. As you read the post above, JR Pass covers many places. But if you stay in Namba, you should have other deals, such as subway pass. Please see the link below to find the deal in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Osaka-Takayama(Shirakawago)-Tokyo in 8 days for 12 adults (January).
Planning to stay 3 nights in Osaka, 2 nights in Takayama and 2 nights in Tokyo. And planning to using JRpass to travel around.
Is JR pass cover transportation in Osaka including day trip to Kyoto and Nara?
From Osaka we can use Limited Express Wide View Hida to Takayama and it is including in jrpass right?
From Takayama, which Shinkansen we can use to travel to Tokyo?
Appreciate your advise.
Hi WK,
You can take JR local trains among Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Please see the link below to find the coverage:
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
Trip to Takayama is covered by JR pass too. You can take either way, Takayama-Toyama-Tokyo or Takayama-Nagoya-Tokyo. Trip tme is not much different and both routes are covered by JR pass. Train on Nagoya route run more frequently.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I need your expert advise to which passes to take. Il travel to Osaka Japan on November 25, 2017 to December 02, 2015 and arriving to KIX. Iteneraries as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival to KIX
Day 2 and Day 3- Travel around OSAKA
Day 4 and Day 5 – Travel around KYOTO
Day 6 and Day 7- Travel to NARA and KOBE
Are the unlimited passes like OSAKA Amazing passes, KANSAI passes and JR passes worth it?
Thanks
Hi Meanne,
Please see the link below. You will find which pass you need in your plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan this Dec and might need your advice on what passes to get and is the itinerary trip plan ok?
Reach Kansai Airport – 9.40PM straight to Kyoto By Bus.
Day 2 to Day 5 – Kyoto and Nara Half Day Trip
Day 5 to Day 6 – Kanazawa and Shirakawago
Day 6 to Day 8 – Nagoya
Day 8 to Day 13 – Osaka
Really appreciated for the help.
Hi Daphny,
You can choose city deal for sightseeing in Kyoto in 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
Single fare is only choice for trip to Nara.
For trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago, Takayama Hokuriku area pass is recommended. But when you go to Nagoya, you need to go through Takayama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Otherwise there is no deals to cover this part of your trip.
In Nagoya, subway pass or single ticket is your choice.
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
When you go back to Osaka from Nagoya, you may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass if you are okay to take same route when you get Kanazawa from Kyoto and Nagoya from Kanazawa. If you want to go back to Osaka directly, you need to add Platt Kodama.
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
For sightseeing in Osaka, 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-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is it better to stay 1 night in Kanazawa from Kyoto and the next morning take the earliest nohi bus to Shirakawago and in the afternoon go to Takayama and transfer to Nagoya?
Or Second Choice- reach Kanazawa from Kyoto in the morning and straight take the nohi bus to Shirakawago in the afternoon and back to Kanazawa. The next morning go to Nagoya via Takayama?
Which one is more suitable?
And thanks for the last reply, is help me alot. Really appreciated it.
Hi Daphny,
The first choice is better and more time efficient. Because Shirakawago is located on the way to Takayama from Kanazawa.
You may find some more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I no need to purchase Japan Rail Pass in my trip unless I travel to Tokyo from Osaka roundtrip right? Since Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover any of subway in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto.
Hi Daphny,
JR pass does not work as you think.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the reply. Appreciated it. Thanks again.
No worries, Daphny.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi. Travelling to Japan tomorrow and need your advice on what passes to get. Already have my accomodation in Osaka booked for first two nights so they are fixed.
Day 1 – KIX to Osaka Namba
Day 2 – Travelling around Osaka
Day 3 – Nara day trip and night in Kyoto
Day 4 – Travelling around Kyoto
Day 5 – Himeiji day trip for Aioi Peron Festival. Night in Kyoto
Day 6 – Travelling around Kyoto
Day 7 – Travelling around Kyoto, sleeper bus to Tokyo
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 – Travelling around Tokyo
Hi Chime,
Please see the following links:
For day 1
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For day 2
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For day 3
Single ticket or using Kansai one pass instead
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For day 4,6 and 7
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For day 5
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
In Tokyo
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
May i ask you which place is better to stay between Namba and shin-osaka?
We plan to visit USJ (2days), Nara, Kyoto and Dotonbori area.
Thanks,
Anne
Hi Anne,
Namba is better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ok. Thank you!
No worries, Mary Anne.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San
Sorry if i keep on asking you. Biut when you say Namba is better than osaka shin, doesnit mean it is more accessible when it comes to riding of trains and buses?
Regards, Anne
Hi Anne san,
Actually both locations are very convenient and accessible to take trains. But Namba is located in downtown core. Shin-Osaka is Shinkansen terminal station but not in downtown. Namba is more accessible for tourist spots, like Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi.
So if you want to have easy access to the spots, Namba is better location. Regarding train connections, both stations are good.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for this very helpful info.
Cheers!
Anne
No worries, Anne san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Your information is really helpful. Japan has so much to see yet we have so little time to explore.
Below is my brief itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive at KIX at 4pm. Staying at Osaka area and explore nearby area.
Day 2:
Universal studio
Day 3:
Go Tokyo. Explore Shinjuku / Ginza area.
Day 4:
Disneyland
Day 5 & 6:
Back to Osaka. Explore Nara / Himeji / Kobe.
Day 7:
Flight from KIX back home at 11am.
Can you please advice which pass to get for the best deal?
Thank you very much.
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
JR Pass 7 days is required for your trip. Please find the info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi! Could you please give me your advice about the best passes for my family trip including 3 people: my husband, a 4 year old boy and I.
Day 1-2: stay in Osaka
Day 1
KIX- Universal studios Japan
Osaka Castle
Kuromon Ichiba Market, Don Quijote Dotonbori
Day 2
Ikeda, Instant Ramen Museum
Shinsaibashi, Abeno Harukas
Day 3: Osaka-Nara- Osaka
Nakanoshima Park, Yodoyabashi
Nara
Day 4-5: stay in Kyoto
Day 4:
Kyoto, Nijo-jo Castle
Golden Pavilion
Ginkajuki, Silver Temple.
Day 5
Gion Fukyzumi, Nishiki Food Market
Day 6: From Kyoto to Himeji and Kobe.
Day 7: back to Osaka
Osaka-KIX
Thank you and i am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Hi Moon,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 3, 4 and 6.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
But you should switch day 3 and 6. So you will visit Himeji and Kobe on day 3 from Osaka, and visit Nara from Kyoto on day 6. Nara can be visited from either Kyoto or Osaka. Trip time is almost same. But Himeji and Kobe is much closer to Osaka than Kyoto.
Haruka discount ticket to Tennoji (1,100 yen) and Knasai one pass covers day 1, 2 and 5.
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
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Haruka discount ticket covers express Haruka to Tennoji and local train to Universal city. After that you will use Kansai one pass. Kansai one pass covers trips in day 2 and 5 too.
I think day 1 is very very tight. You may not have enough time to see USJ. Most of travelers spend whole day in USJ. But it’s totally up to you.
For day 7, please see the link below:
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! I would like to ask the best passes to use for our trip.
Day 1
KIX-Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nishiki Market
Pontocho, Gion
Day 2
Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji
Arashiyama
Nijo Castle
Day 3
USJ
Day 4
Kiyomizudera
Higashiyama District
Kodaiji
Travel to Osaka late in the afternoon til evening for Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
Day 5
Kyoto-KIX
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Kay,
You can use Haruka discount ticket round trip between Kyoto and KIX at 3,200 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
And you may add Kansai one pass to take trains in Kyoto and taking subway and JR in Osaka.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Kyoto-Osaka sightseeing pass 2 day is recommended for day 2 and 4 but you need to use Kansai one pass too because you need to take subway and JR trains in Osaka and it’s not covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Can you advise me on the best travel pass to buy if I’m travelling from haneda airport to meguro station and then shopping at shinjuku/ shibuya area for a day or 3 day pass (visiting shimokitazawa, harajuku, etc) and back to haneda on day 3? Thank you!
Hi Leighanne san,
Please see the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello takeshi. Your replies and insights are very helpful. Can you help me with our trip and train rides? We are a family of 5 adults and 2 kids spending 6 days in japan (3days tokyo,3 days osaka/kyoto)..
1.) we will be arriving tokyo thru narita may19 to 22.
2.) Transfer hotel from tokyo to osaka. Spend the whole day there.
3.) One day trip to kyoto then go back to osaka at night. (May 23)
4.) Universal studios then leave osaka(may 24)….
What is the most practical train or pass system that we can use? is it worth to take the 7day pass of jrpass? Thank you.
Hi Annie,
JR Pass does not work.
The following deals are recommended.
Narita to Tokyo, sightseeing in Tokyo
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Tokyo to Osaka
Single ticket or Platt Kodama
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
Day trip to Kyoto
Kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass and all day bus
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
USJ
single ticket
Sightseeing in Osaka and trip to KIX
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
Hi would like to know your opinion as to which passes to get per day…
Day 1 kix to kyoto
Day 2 kyoto
Day 3 kyoto to osaka
Day 4 usj
Day 5 osaka
Day 6 osaka to kix
Wanted to go to kobe & nara too… May i also ask where is the best time to insert it…
Looking forward for a positive response..
Thank you…
Hi Sherry,
You can find the sample itinerary in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
As you read, you can squeeze Nara between Kyoto and Osaka on day 3. If you go to Kobe, you can do in half day but you will lose half day in Osaka on day 5.
In the sample itinerary, Kobe and Himeji are included by Kansai area pass one day. If you do Kobe only, you can use Hanshin tourist pass instead of kansai area pass.
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com