How to use JR Pass in downtown Kyoto. Find how much you can use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto.

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
There are a big number of Torii at Fushimi Inari shrine. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO
2011.02.24
Kyoto Imperial Palace ©Akira Okada/©JNTO
Kyoto Imperial Palace ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

Kyoto is most popular destination in Japan. You may visit Kyoto by JR Pass and other JR West Rail Passes. You may be wondering how much you can use your pass to explore Kyoto?

In this post, I explain you about the coverage of JR Pass and other rail passes in Kyoto.

Explaination by movie

You may watch same content as this post in the movie below as well.

Overview

First of all, please see the map below. I put train routes, a bus route and the name of the tourist spots in the map.

Click to view large.

These are covered by JR Pass. And also these following other regional JR deal have same coverage:

Kansai Area Pass does not cover West Japan JR Bus line but it covers Kyoto subway and some part of Keihan railway. Please find more information in the post below:

How to use JR West Kansai Area Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
This posts explains you how to use Kansai Area Pass. It is one of JR West rail passes and it covers whole part of Kansai area.
jprail.com
2012.10.19

Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass can take you to Kyoto. But it does not cover any modes of transportation after arrival in Kyoto.

How to get Kyoto by JR Pass and JR regional passes

There are many ways to get Kyoto.

The Tokaido Shinkansen

You can get Kyoto by the Shinkansen from Tokyo, Yokohama, Odawara (near Hakone), Nagoya, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata and many more stations. Please find more information of the Shinkansen in the link below:

The Tokaido, the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen (Bullet Train) train ride guide. Most popular train between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata and Kagoshima.
This Shinkansen ride guide gives you all information about the Shinkansen between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima in this post.
jprail.com
2014.05.27

The limited express Haruka

If you arrive in Kansai airport and move to Kyoto right after, you may take Haruka. It takes you to Kyoto directly.

Limited Express Haruka from KIX is covered.

You may use this train for Tennoji to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Kyoto instead of taking a local train.

Special Rapid train

Special Rapid Service operated by JR West 223 series.
Special Rapid Service is the fastest commute train between Himeji, Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto

Special Rapid train runs every 15 minutes day time. It offers very frequent and very fast service. It takes just 30 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto. The trip time is same as other limited express train. The Shinkansen is fast but you have to change trains at Shin-Osaka. If you travel from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto. This train is the best choice.

From Kanazawa, Amanohashidate, Kinosaki, Nara

Kyoto is connected with these cities as well. You can get Kyoto from Kanazawa by the limited express Thunderbird. From Amanohashidate, you can take the limited express Hashidate. The limited express Kinosaki connects Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen. And Nara and Kyoto are connected by JR Nara line. You can get Kyoto from Nara by a local train or a rapid train.

The coverage of JR Pass and JR regional passes

There are tree routes are covered.

JR Sagano line

Sagano line is shown in a pink line. You can get these following places by this line:

  • Kyoto Railway Museum (from Umekoji -Kyotonishi station)
  • Kyoto Aquarium (from Umekoji-Kyotonishi station)
  • Nijo castle (from Nijo station)
  • Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (from Uzumasa station)
  • Arashiyama (from Saga-Arashiyama station)
  • Sagano Scenic Railway, a.k.a. Torokko train (from Saga-Arashiyama station)

A local train and a rapid train runs every 15 minutes in daytime.

Sagano Scenic Railway departs from JR Saga-Arashiyama station but this train is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.

Nara line

This line is shown in a brown line. This line connects Kyoto and Nara. These following places can be accessed by Nara line:

  • Tofuku-ji temple (from Tofukuji station)
  • Fushimi Inari shrine (from Inari station)
  • Uji (from Uji station)

I did not put any stations on the map between Uji and Inari. But there are many stations. It take 5 to 10 minutes to get Tofukuji and Inari from Kyoto. But it takes 30 minutes from Kyoto station to Uji. Uji is located in the middle of Kyoto and Nara.

A local train and a rapid train runs every 10 to 15 minutes in daytime.

West Japan JR bus

There are huge number of bus routes in Kyoto. You can get almost anywhere in Kyoto by a bus. Most bus routes are operated by Kyoto city bus which is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. But there is only one route which is operated by West Japan JR Bus. This is covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.

This route connects Kyoto station and Takao. There are some tourist spots on the route of this bus service:

  • Kitano Tenmangu shrine (from Kitano bus stop)
  • Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. Golden Pavillion (from Wara Tenjin bus stop)
  • Ryoan-ji temple (from Ryoanji bus stop)

This bus runs every 15 minutes between 8:00 and 18:00.

Around Kyoto station

JR Kyoto station is the biggest shopping area in Kyoto. There are some shopping buildings around the station. And Kyoto tower is located in front of the station.

The places which are not covered

JR Pass Kyoto uncovered places

Eastern and northern Kyoto are not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. These following popular places cannot be accessed by JR Pass and JR regional deals:

  • Kiyomizu-dera temple
  • Yasaka shrine
  • Gion
  • Nishiki Market
  • Imperial Palace
  • Ginkaku-ji temple
  • Kurama
  • Kifune shrine
  • Hieizan

You have to take Keihan Railway, Hankyu Railway, Kyoto city subway, Kyoto city bus and/or Eizan Railway to get these places. Please refer the post below to find all trains information:

Kyoto train route guide. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Kyoto. This post shows you the train network in Kyoto. You can learn how to get the major places in Kyoto.
jprail.com
2013.09.22

I hope you have foud how to maximize using JR Pass in Kyoto. Enjoy your trip to Kyoto.

Comments

  1. Wen kao says:
    November 14, 2015 at 6:48 am

    Hi, Takeshi
    Please help me to find out which pass is better for me
    I am planning to go Kyoto, Nara, Arima onsen and Oasaka for a 8 days tour from Taiwan on 9/12 to 16/12. I will be staying in Kyoto for 3 days two nights then move to Arima onsen for 1 night after that staying Oasaka for 4 nights. In kyoto, I would like to visit Arashimaya, plus Kyoto city and Nara. After that move on to Kobe and stay 1 night at Arima Onsen. Then move on to stay in Osaka city to do our shopping tour and visiting Universal Studio and Oasaka Aquarium.
    I would be very appreciated if you can tell me what are the passes I should use during my 8 days trip in the above places. Thank you
    Wen

  2. Kelly says:
    November 11, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Hi Takeshi San,

    We are staying near Kiyomizu-gojo station (Keihan private line). We are going to Arashiyama and I wanted to use my Kansai Wide Area pass to fully utilize it. From hyperdia, I need to do a transfer at Tofukuji. For this part of the journey, Kiyo-Tofukuji, Can I pay using ICOCA?

    Then do I exit Tofukuji station & re-enter the station again using my Kansai Wide Area Pass in order to continue my journey to Arashiyama via JR Nara local & JR Sagano?

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      November 11, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Kelly san,

      As Hyperdia shows you, you have to change from Keihan to JR at Tofukuji station. These two stations are located at same location but different stations. So you have to exit Keihan Tofukuji station and enter JR Tofukuji station with Kansai Wide Area Pass. I think you understand that Keihan is not covered by Kansai Wide Area Pass. You have to purchase a single fare for Kiyomizu-Gojo to Tofukuji.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Pierre says:
    October 28, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Hi Takeshi!

    I love your blog and it has really helped me a lot for an upcoming trip to Osaka. Pardon me if this was already answered.

    I am doing a trip to Osaka for 10 days in November. I plan to stay in Osaka as a base for 9 of those days (1 in Nara). Out of those 9 days I will be doing 2-4 days trips to Kyoto from Osaka, 1 to Himeji, 1 to Kobe with the rest in Osaka.

    Should I be buying a Kansai Thru Pass, a JP Kansai Area rail pass, or a combination of both during the trip, along with an ICOCA card?

    Thanks!

  4. veronica says:
    October 27, 2015 at 7:18 am

    Hi Takeshi!
    I am travelling to Japan for the 1st time in Jan 2016. I will arrive in Narita and plan to activate my JR Pass straight away to go to Kyoto. I’ll stay in Kyoto for 4 nights, making day trips to Osaka while I’m there. Then I’ll be staying for 4 nights in Tokyo before going back through Narita.
    I plan to buy Icoca Pass to travel within kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Is that the most convenient IC card to buy that covers all 3 cities? Is it valid for buses too?
    What is the cheapest way to travel back to Narita from Shinjuku? (My JR Pass would already expire by the time of my departure)

    Your insights are highly appreciated!

  5. Filip says:
    September 29, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Hi Takeshi!

    Maybe you could give me your point of view – I’m totally lost after hours of comparing various passes :).

    I will spend 12 days in Japan. My plans are as follows – I decided not to buy Japan Rail Pass:
    1) I arrive in Nagoya (evening), from where in the next morning I’ll go to Takayama and chosen Onsen (RT trip by bus to Takayama and further to Hirayu Onsen)
    2) After a day I’ll go back to Nagoya and catch Shinkansen to Tokyo (I want to try it, since in Japan)
    3) I’ll spend three days in Tokio (3day Tokio Pass)
    4) after that I’ll catch a day/night bus to Kyoto
    5) I’ll spend 1-2 days in Kioto and surrounding sights (as many as I can)
    6) after that I want to do a 1day trip to Kobe
    7) from where I’ll move to Osaka and spend there ca. 3 days waiting for my flight

    As you can see, I have only two long trips, that’s why I’m not convinced about the JR Pass. What do YOU think? Would you still consider buying it?

    Beside that, what would you suggest for Kansai? I can see two options:
    1. Kansai Pass which will cover Kyoto, Kobe and Transfer to Osaka (I won’t be able to squeeze more into 3days)
    2. Separate pass for each of these three stops: Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka.

    I’m on a trip around the world, so it’s not a surprise I want to save as much as possible :).

    Thank you very VERY much for your help :))

    Filip

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      September 29, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      Hi Filip,

      First of all, we need to compare single fare and JR Pass 7 days at this point.

      You will have two longs, Nagoya – Takayama RT and Nagoya to Tokyo by Shinkansen. It costs around 22,000 yen. It’s about 7000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.

      And you will take overnight bus to Kyoto. How much do you spend? And how much do you save for your accommodation? Probably single fare + overnight bus – accommodation is still cheaper than JR pass. Because you need to have accommodation if you use JR pass and take day time train to Kyoto. However, you can get free JR train ride in Tokyo and you may get Kobe and Osaka by JR train. It may be cheaper than single fare and overnight bus. And it gives you flexibility.

      If you want to save your cost for accommodation, you may stay outside major cities, like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. If you have JR pass, you can get out of Tokyo very easily. And if you take the earliest or the last train to Kyoto from Tokyo, you will not lose much time.

      So I recommend you to use JR pass. But if you want to go for your original plan, you have to have separate pass, like subway pass in each cities and pay single fare for each segments.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. kate says:
    September 27, 2015 at 12:43 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    I am travelling with my family next march/april for two weeks. arriving and flying out of Osaka. I understand I will need the JR pass ask I will be going to Tokyo but I am wondering if I am better to get a pass for just Osaka for the first couple of days and then get a 7 day pass and do most of my big traveling in that time and then arrive in Kyoto on the last of the 7 days and then spend the rest of my time there and just buy a train ticket back to Osaka. Or am I best just to get the 14 day rail pass.

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      September 27, 2015 at 8:24 am

      Hi Kate,

      If you don’t intend to have a long trip when you are in Osaka and Kyoto, 7 days pass + local deals in Osaka/Kyoto is better than 14 days pass. But if you will make a big day trip, such as day trip to Hiroshima, 14 days pass is better.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

    • Kate says:
      March 8, 2016 at 12:50 am

      Hi Takeshi
      Think i finally nearly have this worked out.
      Day 1 arrive in Osaka (staying in Namba so will take the Nankai)
      Day 2 start the 7day jr pass travel to Nikko
      Day 3 travel to Tokyo
      Day 4 around Tokyo
      Day 5 around Tokyo
      Day 6 travel to Hakone (but think it is easier just to get Hakone thru pass. Do I need three day? Although im only there 48 hours it is over three days. I have booked a seat on romance car to get there)
      Day 7 around Hakone
      Day 8 travel to kyoto this will be last day to use the pass.
      Day 9 – day 12 based in kyoto
      Day 13 travel to Osaka
      Day 14 based in Osaka might travel out of City
      Day 15 go to airport in evening
      Should I get the Kansai pass for some of this? We might do a couple of longer trips like Nara and himeji
      Thanks
      Kate

      Day 7

  7. Celine says:
    September 17, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    Hi there,

    I would like to know which would be a better option for my 2 days Osaka – 3 days Kyoto trip:

    For Osaka, I plan to just get the Osaka Amazing Pass for the 2 days.

    However, for Kyoto, can you please advise if it’s better to invest in a 3 day Kansai Thru Pass or would a Kyoto SightSeeing Card be a better choice? Does both passes covers the train ride to Arashiyama as well?

    Much appreciate your help 🙂

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      September 17, 2015 at 10:52 pm

      Hi Celine,

      If you make day trip to Kyoto from Osaka everyday, Kansai thru pass suits your trip. But if you stay in Kyoto and sightseeing, Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass is your choice. Kansai thru pass is too expensive.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Jason says:
    August 11, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    Thank you so much for all the time you invest in posting so much valuable information, Takeshi-San!
    My wife and I plan to visit Tokyo in September, with at least a day-trip (maybe 2 days) in Kyoto. Without your help it would be very difficult for me to plan the itinerary successfully.

    I think we will try Sunrise-Seto, Nobi-Nobi sleep to Himeji and then JR Special Rapid Service back to Osaka and Kyoto. If no seat is available on Sunrise-Seto, we will probably take the 5am Hikari Shinkansen to Kyoto directly instead. What do you think?

    So exciting for us two Canadians!
    I look forward to seeing the bamboo forest in Arashiyama.

    I can’t say thank you enough for your posts! You are the best!
    Jason

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      August 11, 2015 at 9:09 pm

      Hi Jason,

      I’m very happy to hear that my website helps you to build your plan!

      As long as you are okay to arrange your accommodation on the spot if you cannot make Sunrise, you can go for it. You can use JR pass anyway. As you probably know, Nobi Nobi seat on Sunrise is fully covered by JR pass. I hope you can make it!

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Jason says:
        August 13, 2015 at 8:26 am

        Thanks again!
        Do you have any tips for making arrangements at a Ryokan on the spot? Or am I perhaps being too optimistic about the possibility for vacancy on short notice? I don’t know how busy it can be in September.
        Best,
        Jason

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          August 13, 2015 at 1:02 pm

          Hi Jason,

          I don’t have any tips to book the hotel in last minutes. If I need to do it, just access to internet and find it. Otherwise just step in the nearest hotel and find the room.

          If you look for it in Tokyo, it’s easy. If you want to have something different, try to use this.
          http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/en/top/
          http://www.laqua.jp/pages/en/index.html

          Those are not real hotel but you can stay overnight.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Jason says:
            August 14, 2015 at 10:59 am

            Thank you again for the helpful suggestions.
            Our lodging in Tokyo is already booked, and we found a nice Ryokan in Kyoto to stay for one night. Before, I was worried to book anything in advance, not knowing how to get anywhere by train. Now, it was easy.
            If ever you plan to visit Canada, maybe we can repay you for your great help! 🙂

            • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
              August 14, 2015 at 12:59 pm

              Hi Jason,

              I’m happy to hear that!
              By the way, no worries about trip to Canada. I’m a Vancouverite. 🙂

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • Jason says:
                August 16, 2015 at 5:35 am

                Oh haha… well then Montreal is still almost half-a-world away! Our subway system is pretty simple to understand. But I’m sure there are some other hidden secrets to discover here 😉

                Best,
                Jason

  9. Sylvia says:
    July 25, 2015 at 1:33 am

    Hello, I will be heading to Japan next year in March.

    Day 1: Tokyo (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Tokyo Sky Tree)
    Day 2: Tokyo (Tsukiji, Meji Shrine, Asakusa)
    Day 3: Kyoto (Ginkakuji, Kiyomizudera etc)
    Day 4: Kyoto > Nara > Kyoto
    Day 5: Osaka (Osaka Castle, Ootobori)
    dAY 6: Tokyo

    Is it worth it to get the unlimited JR Pass or what other passes am I able to get?

    Thanks!

  10. Janie says:
    March 26, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    Hi!

    1.will be going to kyoto from Osaka, want to know how to go to Kiyomizu temple, kodaiji temple, Yasaka shrine and Marayuma park using the JR Pass

    2.then going back to kyoto from Osaka – Arashiyama and Sagano walking tour, Fushimi Inari shirne

    Thank you

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