Train system in Kyoto may be complicated for you. There are three types of railway, JR, Kyoto City Subway and Private company’s railways. Actually it’s a key to travel in Kyoto smoothly and avoid wasting your valuable time. Of course city of Kyoto has city wide bus service. But during peak season, bus service runs behind the schedule sometimes due to traffic congestion.
And also, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kyoto city pass. Each pass has different conditions. You have to understand which train system is covered by your pass.
In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Kyoto.
- Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass 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
- JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card and Kyoto subway pass
- How to access to major spots in Kyoto by train
Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass 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 and Sagano Scenic Railway. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer. Please see the post below to find more information:
Regarding Sagano Scenic Railway, it is not a public transportation but an attraction. This is the reason why it is not covered by any rail pass.
By the way, ICOCA does not cover Kyoto city bus service either. In sometimes 2014, Kyoto city bus will accept ICOCA.
For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass
Please see the map below:
You can go anywhere in city of Kyoto. Most of places can be accessed by train. And this pass covers Kyoto City Bus too. Bus services cover all part of city of Kyoto. If you access from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto station, you cannot get a direct transfer by this pass. This is only things that you may care.
JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
Please see the map below:
I wrote another post which focus on JR Pass and JR regional deals in the link below. You may find how much you can use JR Pass and JR regional deals in Kyoto. You can learn how to maximize using these passes:
Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card and Kyoto subway pass
Please see the map below:
These deals cover Kyoto city subway lines. Kyoto city bus and Kyoto Bus (private bus company) are also covered by Kyoto Sightseeing one day and two day cards. If you will take bus, you can go almost anywhere in city of Kyoto. Only place where is not covered by this pass is Uji.
How to access to major spots in Kyoto by train
As I mentioned above, sometimes bus services are affected by heavy traffic. And there are too many lines of bus in city of Kyoto. You may be confused by too many choices. Therefore I recommend you to use train service as much as you can.
If you need more info about bus, you may be able to find it at Japan-Guide.com
Gion
You can get there by both Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway. Hankyu’s Kawaramachi station is located 5 minutes away from Keihan’s Gion-Shijo staiton. There is Kamo river between these two stations. One of most popular market, Nishiki market is located bear Kawaramachi station. This area is one of the busiest area in Kyoto.
If you access from Osaka, take Hankyu if you stay in Umeda (JR Osaka station) and take Keihan if you stay in Namba or Shinsaibashi area. Yodoyabashi is connected by Osaka subway Midousuji line.
Kiyomizudera
Actually it’s a bit away from the station. But you can get there from Keihan’s Kiyomizu-Gojo station. The distance is 1.7 km and takes about 20 minutes.
Arashiyama
There are three stations, Hankyu, Randen and JR. Randen’s Arashiyama station is located in the heart of Arashiyama. But you will be okay with other two stations. JR’s Saga-Arashiyama station is about 15 minutes away from Randen’s Arashiyama station. Hankyu’s Arashiyama station is located at other side of Katsura river. Togetsu bridge connects these two stations.
If you get Arashiyama from Umeda, obviously Hankyu Railway is the best choice. But there is no direct train service from Umeda to Arashiyama. You have to transfer at Katsura.
If you get Arashiyama from Kyoto station or using JR deals, JR Sagano line is the best choice.
If you get Arashiyama from Gion and Kawaramachi area, I recommend you to take Hankyu to Omiya and transfer to Randen. Randen is not very well known. This rail service is like street car and it runs on the street at some part of this line. This 20 minutes ride will be nice experience in your Kyoto visit. Hankyu’s Omiya station is located underground and Randen’s Shijo-Omiya station is on the ground. But it’s just cross the road and only 3 minutes away.
If you stay in Sanjo area and get Arashiyama, take subway to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa station and transfer to Randen. Randen-Tenjingawa station is located on the ground and subway’s station is underground. But it’s same place.
Kinkakji (Golden Pavilion)
It can be accessed from randen’s Kitano-Hakubaicho station on foot. It takes about 20 nminutes. Of course you can catch the bus at Kitano-Hakubaicho station. It is three bus stops away from Kinkakuji and takes about 5 minutes.
If you access there from Arashiyama, Randen is a good choice. But if you get there from Gion, Kyoto station and other places, Randen is considerable. You have to change the train at Katabiranotsuji. It takes about 30 minutes from both Shijo-Omiya and Arashiyama. But Kinakakuji can be accessed by direct bus from many places in Kyoto. Even though I consider traffic, bus service may be faster than Randen. And also Kinkakuji can be accessed from subway’s Kitaoji staion by bus. If you get there from Kyoto station and Gion, this route is the fastest.
Nijo castle
The nearest station is subway’s Nijojo staton. But you can access there from JR Nijo station too. So you can choose the trains by you pass/deal.
Fushimi Inari
It can be accessed by both JR and Keihan. JR’s Inari station is the nearest station. But Keihan’s station is only 5 minutes away from the shrine. You can choose it by your pass/deals.
If you combine this place with Nara, JR’s Inari station is on the way to Nara.
Uji
It is not located in city of Kyoto. So you cannot get there by city bus.
Both JR and Keihan can take you there. The biggest spot, Byodoin is located between JR Uji and Keihan’s Uji stations. It take about 10 minutes from both stations.
If you get there from Osaka, Keihan Railway is the best choice. But there is no direct train to Uji from Yodoyambashi. You have to change the trains at Chushojima.
Kyoto subway line goes to Rokujizo station. This is located at same place as JR’s Rokujizo station. You can change the trains very easily there. But Keihan’s Rokujizo station is a bit away from subway/JR stations. So if you access there from the heart of Kyoto, subway and JR combination is a good choice too.
Comments
My family and I will be visiting Japan in November. We plan to visit Kyoto, Himeji and Takayama. Can you advise us if we should take JR or other rail?
Hi Dawn,
Basically you can visit all places by JR trains. Takayama Hokuriku area pass is most affordable option to visit 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
But this pass does not cover Himeji and any local transportation in Kyoto. You may need to add other deal or tickets.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m going to visit Japan (Kyoto,Uji,Nara,Kobe,Osaka) for 8 days 7 night.
1)May i know which passes are suitable for my trip? Kansai one pass and one day bus pass for sightseeing at Kyoto?
2) Would it be better to travel around Kyoto by bus or trains?
I’m going to stay at Gion, Kyoto for 3 days and 4 days in Osaka. Nara, Uji, Kobe most likely will be day trip. Hope it’s enough time for me to visit.
Kindly assist. First time here 🙂
Hi Freya,
Please see the link below. It will show you the sample itinerary which is almost same as your trip plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like your recommendation on the fastest transportation (aside from using taxi for the whole day) and what pass should I get, my itinerary as follows:
(1) From Osaka (Namba station) to Kyoto
(2) Kyoto station to Arashiyama
(3) From Arashiyama to Higashiyama / Kiyomizudera Temple
(4) Hana Kitcho in Gino for lunch
(5) From Gino to Fushimi-Inari-Taisha
(6) From Fushimi-Inari – Taisha to Pontocho
Many thanks for your advice!
Warm regards,
Tiffany
Hi Tiffany,
1. Namba (subway) Umeda/JR Osaka (JR Special rapid) Kyoto
2. Kyoto (JR local train) Saga-Arashima
3. Arashiyama (Keifuku railway) Shijo-Omiya (Hankyu railway) Kawaramachi/Gion
*Need to take a bus to get Kiyomizudera from Gion-Shijo.
5. Gion-Shijo (Keihan railway) Fushimi-Inari
6. Same route as 5
There is no deals to cover all part of this trip. Single fare is your choice, otherwise use Kansai one pass instead.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Need advise..
Travelling in Oct with a 2yr old. Would like advise pass that are more convenient and comfortable rides.
1st day – Kansai to Kyoto. Stay Kyoto Station area.
2nd day – Sightseeing Kyoto.
3rd day sightseeing at kyoto and travel to osaka Namba.
4th to 6th day- osaka ( nissin musuem, Osaka Castle ,osaka bay area)
6th day – night flight 11pm at Kansai Airport
Kindly help.
1)Should I just get ICOCA/Kansai One Pass + Haruka deal 1 way or round trip?
2) 2nd day- Sightseeing pass better?
2) 3rd day- abit of sightseeing at kyoto (morning) and travel to osaka Namba accommodation for 4pm check in (with luggage + kids) What will be a better pass?
3) 4th to 5day- general osaka sightseeing..do I use ICOCA or is there a better pass with good deals?
4) 6thday – Check out Namba 11am and I have a full day to night flight at Kansai airport 11pm. Might end up at Rinku/seacle area. Use ICOCA as well? ICOCA/Kansai One Pass + Haruka Round trip will not work?
Hi Ink san,
Basically you can follow my 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
You may get Kansai one pass. As you probably know, it’s same type of card as ICOCA but it offers discount at many attraction:
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1d
You can take Nankai railway train from Namba to KIX by Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I’m planning to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara this August for 7 days. Is JR Pass accessible to the places I want to visit? And may I ask what is the nearest stations to the places I wanted to visit. Thank you so much.
Hi Teressa,
If you depart and arrive in same airport, like Tokyo in/out or Osaka in/out, you can use JR pass 7 days. But if you arrive at Tokyo and depart from Osaka (or versa), JR pass does not work. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-make-the-itinerary-of-tokyo-osaka-one-way-trip.html
Please see the link below to find the location map:
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I first want to thank you for this very useful website. I am planning to travel to Japan next year and will visit Tokyo/Hakone/Kyoto/Osaka, which is the same as your sample itinerary. What I have gathered is that I would not need to purchase a JR Pass since I am not making any round trips. I would appreciate any additional tips on transportation that you may have for any city.
Hi Grace,
You may get some more info about each city’s deals in the links below:
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
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
i’m travel with 2 young kids for 5days:
kansai airport – osaka (4nights stay)
then travel to kyoto
osaka – kyoto (2nights)
what kind of pass should i get?
with the pass in osaka, manage to do day trip to nearby places?
Hi Kai,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
dear takeshi,
thanks for the link.
could you please summarise it?
i read all your post yet still confusing about the train and which ticket should i purchase.
my plan to go around osaka & kyoto as well.
KIX-sakuragawa station (accommodation 4nights)
Osaka to Kyoto station
(accommodation 2 nights)
Kyoto – KIX
thanks a lot!
Hi Kai,
You can use Nankai + subway deal for KIX to Sakuragawa.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
And Haruka discount ticket at 1600 yen for the last day.
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
That’s all I can say at this point. As I give you the links about the deal in Osaka and Kyoto, there are lots of deals. But you have to decide the detailed itinerary. Are you going to stay in Osaka and Kyoto. Or do you have any trips to outside cities, like Kobe or Osaka? Do you have sightseeing plan in Osaka or/and Kyoto when you move to Kyoto from Osaka? I recommend you to make sure these things before choosing the deals. And then please see the links which I gave you in the previous reply. I believe you can find the best one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hii takeshi,
I am travelling to japan from 18th to 26th of may. My travel itinerary is
1st day travel from tokyo to osaka
2nd day travel from osaka to kyoto and sight seeing at kyoto
3rd day sightseeing at kyoto and travel to osaka
4th day travel from osaka to tokyo
remaining days i plan to stay at tokyo and do local sightseeing and also plan to go to takasaki from tokyo for a day trip.
What kind of pass should i go for?
Kindly help
Hi Zenia,
JR pass 7 days is recommended and try to have day trip to Takasaki in 7 days period.
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
You can use Tokyo subway ticket after JR pass expires.
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
Hi Takeshi,
My name is amy…I have read through your article but I’m still a bit confused. I’m planning to travel to Osaka in early of July. I’m planning to get the JAPAN RAIL PASS for 7 day. During my stay at Osaka i would like to visit Kyoto for 1 -2 days, Nara for 1 day, Kobe for 1 day and the rest i will stay at Osaka.
I bought package hotel and flight ticket so i need to stay at the same hotel even i travel to other cities in japan for 7 day. This the reason why i need to do a day trip to each city.
The nearest train station at my hotel will be Shonai Station
My questions are:
1) Can i use JR PASS at Shonai Station?
2) How can i recognize JR or local train that can’t used the JR pass?
3) If i travel from Shonai Station to KOBE/NARA & KYOTO , can i use my JR 7 days Pass? or i need to bought another train pass for each city?
4) Do i need to buy all the train pass before i arrived at kansai airport?
i hope you can help me with give some advise for my trip to japan because this is my first holiday at Japan
Hi Amy,
First of all, JR pass is not required. Actually it’s too expensive for your trip. You should use Kansai thru pass for Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. And use city deal in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.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
Shonai station is on Hankyu railway which is not JR. Please see the link below to find JR, Non JR and subway. Basically you will take Non JR trains and subways.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
For Kansai airport to Shonai, the easiest way is taking JR Kansai airport rapid to Osaka and take Hankyu railway to Shonai from Umeda. JR Osaka and Umeda are same location.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
But there is no deals for this route. You can use single fare ticket or use Kansai one pass instead.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
When you use Kansai thru pass, you can start using the pass at Shonai. But when you use city deal in Osaka, such as subway pass, you have to pay single fare from Shonai to Umeda by Hankyu railway. You can use Kansai one pass for this trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have read through the article but I’m still a bit confused. I’m planning to travel to Osaka with a day tour to Kyoto in the middle of May. I’m planning to get the ICOCA/Kansai One Pass + Haruka deal. My questions are:
– will I be able to use my Kansai One Pass going to Kyoto from Osaka Station?
– will I be able to use the Kansai One Pass going around Kyoto? or should I buy a One Day Bus Pass & a Kyoto sightseeing One day pass ?
I plan on going to Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Nijo castle, Kiyomizudera & Gion in one day before going back to Osaka.
Thankyou in advance.
Hi Ali,
You can get Kyoto from Osaka by Kansai one pass. You can take any trains, like JR, Hankyu or Keihan railways to get Kyoto. It also covers subway and city bus in Osaka and Kyoto. But I recommend you to add all day bus pass at 500 yen 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
I don’t think you need Kyoto sightseeing card. You may use Kansai one pass when you take trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I will be going over to Japan (Tokyo,kyoto,Osaka,Tokyo) from 15th may to 23rd may.
Do you suggest we get the unlimited Jr pass for this itinerary?
15th may :
– nissin musuem @yokohama
– Tokyo tower
17th may :
– Tsukji fish market
– travel to kyoto (Kinkakuji temple)
– Nishiki market
18th may :
– Fushimi inari shrine
– Arashiyama bamboo grove
– tenryuji temple
19th may : (travel to Osaka)
– kumoron ichiba market
– dotonbori
20th may :
– tempozan ferries wheel
– Osaka ramen musuem
Please help. Im in the midst of planning my itinerary now.
Thank you in advance
Hi Cassandra,
Your trip will be one way from Tokyo to Osaka via Kyoto, right? If so, JR pass is not your choice. Please see the link below to find the detailed info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hmmm. So which passes is suitable for our trip?
Hi Cassandra,
Basically you will use local deals in each cities. And you need to use single fare ticket from Tokyo to Osaka.
As I mentioned in the link which I gave you, there are some deals from airport to Tokyo. Please see the link again and see the chapter of “day 1”. You can find the subway pass and airport access deal at the link below too:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Yokohama is not in the coverage area of subway pass. You need to add single fare.
You can use bus pass 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
You will find the deals in Osaka at 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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If I wanna go to kinkakuji temple via bus no 205, nishiki market via train stopping at shijokaramachi station I can get the Kyoto sightseeing one or two day passes right? For fushimi inari, bamboo groves ion can just get the individual Jr line passes?
By the way how do I get from Tokyo (shinjuku station) to Kyoto. Which kind of train pass should I get?
Hi Cassandra,
Yes, you can. You may find the bus route map in the link below:
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
Train is better way to get Arashiyama (bamboo groove) and Fushimi Inari. But you can take bus to get there. You may find the route in the route map.
I think I mentioned you about Tokyo-Kyoto. You need to use single ticket.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
If you are okay to spend more hours, Platt Kodama is considerable.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com