As you probably have already known, the train system in Japan is very complicated. Especially in the major cities, there are lots of railways. You might not understand the difference between Japan Railways (JR), subways and private railways.
In Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and Wakayama, many trains runs among these cities. You may be overwhelmed. But it is very important to understand the train system. This is a key to make a trip much more smoothly and save your trip time.
I would like to explain about JR lines and the private railway companies in Kansai area in this post. You may find which train line is the best for your trip.
Overview of train system in Kansai area
Please find the map below. It looks very complicated. I will explain you one by one.
I tried to make this map as simple as possible. But it still shows you many train lines. This map actually does not show all stations and all train lines. It shows you only major stations, major lines, transfer points and the station where is near popular sightseeing spot.
You have to pick one of those lines. It is complicated but I would like to explain you these train lines one by one.
JR trains
JR used to be Japanese National Railway. It has lines throughout Japan. In Kansai area, JR network has the biggest train network. I would like to show you only JR lines in Kansai area at the map below:
You can catch JR train right after you arrive in Kansai airport. You can go almost anywhere in Kansai area, like Osaka (both Umeda and Namba), Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama and Himeji.
If you use JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass or other JR deal, try to use JR train as much as you can. JR has two kinds of railways, Shinkansen and conventional lines.
Conventional line’s trains in Kansai area
There are many train services on the conventional line network.
- Limited Express, such as Haruka (Kansai airport – Shin Osaka – Kyoto)
- Rapid
- Local
Most of you take a rapid train service. This is a sort of commute train but it stops at major stations only. This train service offers you a high speed transfer among cities.
Especially if you want to move among Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji, Special Rapid Service is the fastest and most convenient train service on the conventional line. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka / Sannomiya (Kobe) — 22 minutes
- Osaka / Kyoto — 28 minutes
- Sannomiya / Kyoto — 50 minutes
- Osaka / Himeji– 1 hour 10 minutes
Please see the link below to find more information about Special Rapid Service train:
JR Special Rapid Service train between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and HImeji
There are many more rapid train services in Kansai area, such as Nara, Kansai airport and Wakayama. Please see the link below to get more information about rapid train services in Kansai area:
Kansai area JR rapid train network
The Shinkansen (a.k.a. Bullet Train)
Shinkansen is a high speed train service as you probably know. It is much faster than any trains on conventional lines. Shinkansen usually used for long distance transfer, such as Tokyo to Osaka.
But it can be used for short distance, like Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. It connects Shin-Osaka and Kyoto in 13 minutes, and Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe in 15 minutes. This is so fast. But if you leave from Umeda or other stations in Osaka, you may have to add some extra time to transfer at Shin-Osaka. Because Shin-Osaka is one station away from Osaka (Umeda). Let’s compare trip time for Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto between Shinkansen and Special Rapid Service.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 28 minutes – Kyoto
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 13 minutes – Kyoto
It may take 25 minutes even if you take high speed train, Shinkansen.
Shinkansen is not much faster than Special Rapid Service.
How about trip to Kobe by Shinkansen? In my opinion, it is not a good idea if you think about using Shinkansen from Osaka. It is same situation as trip to Kyoto. You have to move to Shin-Osaka to catch Shinkansen. And also Shin-Kobe station is one station away from Sannomiya by subway.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 22 minutes – Sannomiya
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 15 minutes – Shin Kobe (5 to 10 minutes transfer) – 2 minutes – Sannomiya
View Downtown Kobe in a larger map
In this case, Shinkansen is slower than Special Rapid Service.
If you use JR pass, you can take Shinkansen for this short transfer because it is fully covered by JR pass. It is not worth taking Shinkansen for these short transfers by single fare.
Private Railways in Kansai area
There are many private company’s railways (=NON JR) in Kansai area. Actually these train companies offers more convenient train service than JR trains on many segments. I would like to show you all major company’s lines in Kansai area.
Kansai Thru Pass is very popular deal to travel in Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan and Wakayama. This pass covers these Non JR train services. If you make lots of trips by these private train services, you may use Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find more information about Kansai Thru Pass:
Hankyu Railway
Hankyu Railway runs Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Takarazuka.
In Osaka, Umeda is the terminal station. Umeda is same location as JR Osaka station. All trains depart from Umeda to all destinations. In Kyoto, you can reach Kawaramachi (near Gion) and Arashiyama. This train service takes you to Sannomiya in Kobe.
There is no direct scheduled trains between Kyoto and Kobe. You have to change the trains at either Juso or Umeda. Juso is the junction of Kobe line, Kyoto line, and Takarazuka line. This station is only two stations away from Umeda. In the peak period, like spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, the direct train service to Arashiyama from Umeda and/or sometimes from Kobe-Sannomiya are available. But you have to change the trains at Katsura usually when you go to Arashiyama by Hankyu Railway.
Hankyu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But an express supplement is not required for taking any trains, even limited express. It is same category as JR’s Special Rapid Service.
The trip times for major segments are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 27 minutes
- Umeda / Kawaramachi — 43 minutes
- Umeda / Arashiyama — 45 minutes
I show you Osaka Subway Sakaisuji line in the map above. Because this subway train go through Hankyu Railway line. You may get Kyoto by direct service from many places in downtown Osaka.
Keihan Railway
Keihan Railway is another way to get Kyoto from Osaka.
At Osaka, Yodoyabashi and Nakanoshima are the terminal stations. But the primary station is Yodoyabashi. Most of express trains depart from Yodoyabashi. And this station is connected with Umeda and Namba by Osaka Subway Midousuji line.You can also take this railway at Kyobashi. You can transfer from JR Osaka Kanjo line at Kyobashi. In Kyoto, Gion-Shijo, Sanjo and Demachiyanagi are the terminal stations. Keihan Railway is most accessible way to visit Higashiyama area directly.
Keihan Railway also runs to Uji. You can transfer the trains at Chushojima.
Keihan Railway operates many category of trains, such as limited express, express, semi-express, local. Limited express train has one by-level car in each train set. It also has “Premium car” in each train set. It has much bigger and more comfortable seat.
Additional fare is 400 or 500 yen required to take a seat in Premium car. The fare is varied by the distance.
You can take all trains without any surcharge other than Premium car seat. This limited express train is same type of service as JR’s Special Rapid Service as well.
The trip time on major sections are the following:
- Yodoyabashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 50 minutes
- Kyobashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 45 minutes
Hanshin Railway
Hanshin Railway connect Osaka and Kobe.
Hanshin has two terminals at two biggest downtown cores in Osaka, Umeda and Namba. At Kobe side, Kobe-Sannomiya and Motomachi are the primary stations.
Hanshin Railway lines are very short but this railway connects with other railways at both end. In Kobe, Hanshin is connected with Sanyo Railway. Many express trains go through Himeji via Sanyo Railway. At the other side, Hanshin is connected with Kintetsu Railway at Osaka-Namba station. Many of trains go through Nara from Motomachi or Kobe-Sannomiya via Kintetsu Railway. This is only way to get Nara from Kobe directly. Major direct train services and trip time are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 30 minutes
- Osaka-Namba / Sannomiya — 45-50 minutes
- Umeda – (Hanshin) – Motomachi – (Sanyo) – Himeji — 95 to 100 minutes
- Nara – (Kintetsu) – Osaka-Namba – (Hanshin) – Motomachi — 80 minutes
Hanshin Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But no extra charge is required to take any trains.
Nankai Railway
Nankai Railway is one of major ways to get Osaka from Kansai airport. It also takes you to Wakayama and Gokurakubashi that is the gateway to Koyasan (Mt. Koya).
Koyasan (Mt. Koya) access guide
Nankai Railway has a huge terminal station in Namba, Osaka. Most of trains depart and arrive at this station.
Nankai Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. The name of limited express train and the trip time for major segments are the following:
- Limited Express “Southern” (Osaka-Namba / Wakayamashi) — 1 hour
- Limited Express “Rapi:t” (Osaka-Namba / Kansai Airport) — 45 to 55 minutes
- Limited Express “Koya” (Osaka-Namba / Gokurakubashi) — 80 minutes
- Limited Express “Rinkan” (Osaka-Namba / Hashimoto) — 45 minutes
There are express trains and local trains if you want to avoid paying extra. Actually trip time is not so much different. It depends on the distance. In most of cases, you will spend 10 to 15 minutes extra. But interior is very different. Your seat is reserved if you take limited express and very comfortable. If you take express without surcharge, it is a commute train. You may not be able to get a seat.
*Only limited express “Southern” has two types of seats, limited express seat and commuter car seat. Commute car seat is same as other commute train. This is non reserved seat and express surcharge is not required to take this.
Kintetsu Railway
Kintetsu Railway operates a train service in the biggest private railway network in Japan. It connects Osaka, Nara, Yoshino, Kyoto, Nagoya and Ise.
In this post, I would like to tell you about Kintetsu Railway network in Kansai area only. If you want the information about trip to Ise / Shima area, please refer the post below:
In Osaka, Kintetsu Railway has two terminal stations, such as Osaka-Namba and Osaka-Abenobashi. As I mentioned at the chapter of Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway is connected with Hanshin Railway at Osaka-Namba. You can take direct train service between Kobe and Nara by Hanshin and Kintetsu. You may take Kintetsu Railway train at Tsuruhashi. You can change to JR Osaka Kanjo line at this station.
Kintetsu is also major way to get Nara from Kyoto. Kintetsu Kyoto station is same location as JR Kyoto station. You can transfer from JR and Kyoto subway at Kyoto station very easily. But Kintetsu Railway is connected to Kyoto subway at Takeda station. Some trains go through Kyoto subway Karasuma line.
You can use Kintetsu Railway for Osaka-Kyoto transfer. But it is a detour and there is no direct train services provided between Osaka and Kyoto by Kintetsu Railway. You have to change the trains at Yamato-Saidaiji. If you really want to use Kintetsu Railway, you can take this route. Otherwise it is wasting time and money.
Kintetsu Railway is only way to get Yoshino which is very popular to see cherry blossom. There is a direct train service from Osaka-Abenobashi. If you access to Yoshino from Kyoto, Nara, you have to transfer the trains at least once at Kashihara-Jingumae station.
Kintetsu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, rapid express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. Kintetsu Railway has a big limited express train network. But if you take Kintetsu Railway to get Nara from Osaka or Kyoto, you may not use limited express train because it is such a short ride. If you visit Yoshino, limited express may be your choice. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka-Namba / Kintetsu Nara — 40 minutes
- Kyoto / Kintetsu Nara — 45 minutes
- Osaka-Abenobashi / Yoshino — 85 minutes (75 minutes by limited express)
How to choose the lines and trains to Kyoto from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
Where are you going to stay in Osaka? If you will stay in Umeda area, Hankyu and Japan Railway may be your choice. If you stay near Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi or Kyobashi, Keihan is more accessible. If you stay in Namba or other location in Osaka, you need to take subway line or JR Osaka loop line anyway. Think about arrival station in Kyoto.
View Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe in a larger map
You can find the train network map at the post, Guide to take trains in Osaka. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Arrival station in Kyoto
Which part of Kyoto do you want to go? JR Special Rapid Service train is the fastest way to get Kyoto.
JR Special Rapid / Osaka – Kyoto 28 minutes
Hankyu Railway Limited Express / Umeda – Kawaramachi 45 minutes
Keihan Railway Limited Express / Yodoyabashi – Gion-Shijo 50 minutes
But most tourist spots in Kyoto are away from JR Kyoto station. You have to take a bus or subway to get there, such as Kinkakuji temple, Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine. Only Arashiyama and Nijo castle is accessible by JR trains.
If you want to go to Higashiyama or Gion, such as Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine, Philosopher’s Walk, Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway are more convenient than Japan Railway.
If you are looking for information about all trains in Kyoto, please refer the post below:
How to choose the lines and trains to Kobe from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
You have two options, Umeda (JR Osaka) or Namba. If you stay around Umeda area, you can choose from Japan Railway, Hankyu or Hanshin. Hankyu and Hanshin are cheaper than JR but JR is faster.
If you will stay in Namba area, Hanshin Railway is the best choice.
You can find the train network map of Osaka in the post below:
Arrival station in Kobe
Which part of Kobe do you want to go? You can go anywhere in Kobe by Japan Railway and Hanshin Electric Railway. Most of trains of Hankyu Railway go to Sannomiya only. If you are looking for the transfer to other area in Kobe, think about JR or Hanshin.
But Kobe is smaller than Kyoto. So it is not much different among JR, Hanshin and Hankyu.
You can find the train network map of Kobe in the post below:
How to choose a train service between Kobe and Kyoto
Only JR Special Rapid Service offers you a direct train service. It is the fastest and maybe faster than even Shinkansen. But as I mentioned to you above, JR Kyoto station is away from most tourist spots. On the other hand, Hankyu Railway can take you to Kyoto from Kobe. Hankyu do not offer any scheduled train on this section. But Kawaramachi station is located near Gion and Higashiyama. JR and Hankyu’s trip time are the following.
Sannomiya / JR Kyoto — 50 minutes
Sannomiya / Hankyu Kawaramachi — 65 minutes (change the trains at Juso)
Hankyu is slower. And you have to think about the location in Kyoto. If you stay around JR Kyoto station, JR is the best way. But if you stay in other area, such as Gion, you may spend another 15-20 minutes get JR Kyoto station. Hankyu may be better choice. If you go to Arashiyama in Kyoto, it is same story. Hankyu is better as well.
Assessment
There are many train services and it makes you confused. Please make sure the station where you want to depart from and arrive in before you go. And then, you can find which train you should take.
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
I made lot of research on prices regarding my next trip, and I think that in my case the single fares will be cheaper than passes.
I would appreciate your opinion, please find below my planning:
2/10 April – Tokyo (arrival in the evening at Haneda Airport).
In Haneda I will probably buy: Tokyo Subway 3-Day Ticket – Adult: 1,500 yen.
And then I would like to visit Ashikaga Flower Park and Kamakura.
10/12 April – Yokohama
12/15 April – Kyoto (with excursion to Arashiyama)
15/19 April – Osaka (with excursion to Nara and maybe Kobe)
19 april, leaving in the afternoon from Kansai International Airport
My question is: from the 12th when arriving in Kyoto, to the 19th when I will be leaving from Kansai Airport, is it better to use the Kansai Thru Pass?
Is it possible to buy it twice? for example to use it for 3+3 non consecutive days?
I hope everything is clear.
Thank you so much and kind regards,
Stella
Hi Takeshi,
Me and my friends and going to stay in Osaka from March30- April5 and will do days trips to Kyoto for 2 days and 1 day to Nara. Then we go to Hakone for 2 nights and then to Tokyo for 6 nights and back to Osaka for 1 night. What would be the best way to travel those days. Very confused on which rail pass or local pass to purchase. Is it cheaper to buy daily passes or the the 2 week JR rail pass ? Thanks
Hi Eileen,
Your choice is only JR pass. But Osaka-Tokyo round trip fare is almost same as 7 days pass price. But you will spend 2 nights in Hakone and 6 nights in Tokyo. 7 days pass is not enough. But 14 days pass is too expensive for this segment.
At this point, single ticket is your choice for Osaka-Odawara (Hakone), Odawara-Tokyo, and Tokyo-Osaka. You may add local passes on the spot, like Hakone Free pass, subway pass. Please find more info at the links below:
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/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html‘
When you stay in Osaka, you may use one of my sample itinerary.
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,
What is the best way to get from Itami airport to East Shinsaibashi, Osaka and also best way to take a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Thanks
Hi Eileen,
Itami (Limousine bus) Namba (subway) Shinsaibashi
This is the best way.
http://osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/
Please see the link below to get the info about trip to Hiroshima.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi.
I am a bit confused when choosing the most economical pass and would like to ask your advise.
my plan is:
11 Apr reach kyoto by shinkansen.
12 Apr go to Nara and back to kyoto on the same day.
13 Apr from kyoto to osaka.
14 Apr from osaka to yoshinoyama, and then back to osaka the same day.
15 Apr from osaka to kobe and back to osaka.
16-17 Apr osaka
18 Apr Kansai Airport
I not yet book the accommodation because I haven’t decide stayed near to which station and the itinerary can be changed according to the pass I am going to buy. So, in your opinion, which pass is suitable to the itinerary? Or do I need to change the itinerary? Truly appreciate your reply. Thank you.
Hi Xin,
Can you tell me which airport you arrive on day 1?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi, I reach in tokyo (haneda airport) first and then go to hakone. From Hakone, take shinkansen to kyoto on 11 Apr.
Hi Xin,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
So you need to use single fare ticket from Odawara to Osaka via Kyoto. You can make a stopover.
You can use Kansai thru pass for Nara, Kobe and Yoshino.
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 Yoshino is a bit away from coverage area. You need to add some additional fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html#Yoshino_Recommended_for_cherry_blossom_season
At last, you may use one of many deals to get KIX from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much, Takeshi.
Your articles are written in details. Now I know what to do. 🙂
No problem, Xin.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I will be arrive at Itami Airport. Can I use JR rail to Namba station?
Hi Catherine,
Limousine bus is your choice. There is no direct train service.
http://osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/f
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I am visiting Japan for the first time. I’m will be in Japan for 12days. 3 days in Osaka, 3 days in Kyoto and 6 days in Tokyo. I will need to commute in subway and private railway daily from where I stay.
Can you advice me on the pass to get? Thank you
Hi Angela san,
Please refer the link below. You will find the deals and tickets that you need for this trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
It’s 7 days itinerary but you can extend as much as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Helli, Takeshi-san, I will be travelling from Koya-san to Kyoto on Dunday, 21 February and have to be in Kyoto not later that at 1 p.m. What is the quickest way to choose (also considering transfers with a suitcase)? What would you advice?
Best regards
Olga
Hi Olga san,
I’ve already replied to you yesterday at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-get-mt-koya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day Takeshi-san. My friends and I will be visiting Japan in 3 days, and we will be staying at a friend’s condo, in Sakaemachi-dori, Kobe. It is quite close to Motomachi. We would like to visit Den Den town in Osaka, but we don’t know which train line to ride. We would appreciate it if you give us a guide in which way to go.
Thanks.
Hi Frances san,
You can take Hanshin Railway to Osaka-Namba. It’s within walking distance from Osaka-Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My family, 2adults & 2kids, plan to land at night time flight to Kansai airport on 28/7/2016, and depart from Narita airport on 4/8/2016. Just want to check with you if we can visit Osaka, Hokkaido and Tokyo during 29/7 ~ 3/8. Much appreciate if you can help to advise the best option on transportation and sample itineraries for a tour 7 days only.
Thank you very much
Regards/Uyen
Hi Uyen san,
How about this?
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/kyoto-and-hokkaido-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san, Thanks a lot of for your prompt reply. I’ll check it out.
Uyen
No problem, Uyen san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
greetings, Takeshi-san. We (4 adults) are going to osaka again in summer,2016 & will be staying in namba for 7 days. Pls help me on my itinerary; we want to visit hiroshima & miyajima in one day. Kyoto only on another day coz we already went to nara last summer. We would like to see the golden temple, have lunch at nishiki market, tori gates, & gion. is this possible for 1 day in kyoto? Do you recommend JR pass west, if yes for how many days pls? Thank you very much.
Hi Fay,
You may use Kansai Hirorshima Area Pass for trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
You can access to Kyoto by this pass but subway and bus are not covered. You have to add city deal in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You can complete these places in Kyoto in one day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your help, Takeshi-san. You made our trip stress-free for me.
More power & blessings for you.
Cheers!
No problem, Fay san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Greetings Takeshi-san,
I forgot to ask if we can use our Kansai Hiroshima area pass from namba station going to shin-osaka & namba going to kyoto? what train/subway to take on both destinations?
Thank you very much.
cheers, fay
Hi Fay san,
Kansai Hiroshima pass covers only JR trains. You cannot take subway or other non JR trains. Please see “JR trains” in the post above. That is covered by this pass. You can get Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. But it’s a bit detour.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you again, Takeshi san for your help. Can’t wait to visit Japan again.
Cheers,
fay
No problem, Fay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Just want to ask for your advice if we should buy unlimited JRpass or just a single journey ticket. We will be on Japan on Jan 1 to 7, basically we will arrive in Narita airport then go to tokyo then to kyoto then osaka. Appreciate your response.
Thank you
Ails
Hi Ails,
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, JR Pass 7 days suits your trip. If you leave from Osaka, single ticket is better. You can find some more info about one way trip at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com