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
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to ask your kind help to provide some advise on my itinerary. After all plannings and routes searched through goggle map, It seems that non of the passes [Hankyu Pass/ Kyoto sightseeing pass /kintetsu rail pass eg..] matches the rail routes ive gotten..To use for a i day trip to Nara & kyoto
Booked an apartment @ [ 3 Chome-9-7 Kawarayamachi]
24/12/17– Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station近鉄日本橋駅[Kintetsu-Nara Line]7 STOPS > Kintetsu-Nara Station近鉄奈良駅
Walk [950m 11min] >> YOSHIKI-EN GARDEN吉城園
* 3 GARDENS [a pond garden, a moss garden and a tea ceremony garden]
NANDAIMON GATE OF TODAIJI南大門
NARA PARK奈良公園
NIGATSU DO HALL二月堂
TODAIJI 東大寺
KASUGA TAISHA 春日大社
KOFUKUJI興福寺
SARUSAWA IKE 猿沢池
NARAMACHI 奈良町
Kintetsu-Nara Station近鉄奈良駅[Kintetsu-Nara Line]7 STOPS > Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station近鉄日本橋駅
Walk [800m 11min] >> HOTEL
25/12– Nippombashi Station[堺筋線 Sakaisuji Line ] 6 STOPS > Continue on [阪急千里線Hankyu-Senri Line]2 STOPS
> Awaji Station淡路駅[Hankyu-Kyoto Line] 4 STOPS > Katsura Station[Hankyu-Arashiyama Line] 3 STOPS > Arashiyama Station嵐山駅
2) Walk [1.6km 22min] //+230 YEN -Hankyuranzan Ekimae Bus Stop嵐山嵯峨野周遊シャトルバス> Nonomiya Bus Stop[500m 6min]
To>>ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE
TENRYU-JI天龍寺(Garden and pond)
3) Option A: By train: Walk [450m 6min]> Arashiyama Station嵐山駅[Keifuku Dentetsu-Arashiyama Line]5 STOPS > Katabiranotsuji Station帷子ノ辻駅
[Keifuku Dentetsu-Kitano Line] 4 STOPS > Utano Station宇多野駅> Walk 5min To 福王子ふくおうじ（バス）NO.59 ~ 7 STOPS > Kinkakujimae Bus Stop金閣寺前 バス停
Walk [350m 4 min] > Kinkaku-ji
Option B: BY TAXI: Front of Tenryu-ji >>> Kinkaku-ji [20mins]
From KINKAKU-JI金閣寺, Golden Pavilion
BY PT: 57min ; BY TAXI: 26min
4) FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA伏見稲荷大社
Walk [500m 6min] > Fushimi-Inari Station伏見稲荷駅[京阪本線Keihan Main Line]3 STOPS > Gion-Shijo Station祇園四条駅
Walk > 四条京阪前Shijo Keihan-mae（バス）[市営２０７乙] > 3 STOPS > 清水道Shimizumichi（バス）> Walk [850m 10min] >> kiyomizu dera
5) KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE 清水寺
Going back to Osaka:
Walk [900m 11min] > 清水道Shimizumichi（バス）[市営２０７乙] > 3 STOPS > 四条京阪前Shijo Keihan-mae（バス）
Walk To Gion-Shijo Station祇園四条駅[京阪本線Keihan Main Line]3 STOPS > Temmabashi Station天満橋駅[谷町線Tanimachi Line]3 STOPS > Tanimachi 9-chome Station谷町九丁目駅> Walk [750m 8 min] >> HOTEL
———————————————————————–
The next is questions regarding going to Tokyo from Osaka:
I’m planning to buy 2 X 72hours tokyo rail pass & 1 24hours rail pass- to use from 26/12- 2/1/2018. Think it is sufficient and convenient that way?
As for the transport from Osaka > Tokyo as below:
total cost: 14930 YEN
From Osaka apartment> Walk [700m 9min] > Nippombashi Station[千日前線Sen-Nichimae Line] non stop > Namba Station[Midosuji Line御堂筋線 各停 senrichuo]
7 STOPS Platform 2 > Shin-Osaka Station新大阪駅.
From Shin-Osaka Station新大阪駅[東海道新幹線Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen]Nozomi 122のぞみTokyo 5 STOPS > Tokyo Station
Walk up to 2nd Floor[Pass through Entrance / Exit] > Tokyo Train Station[山手線Yamanote Line] 11 STOPS (Platform 4)
> Otsuka Station大塚駅 > Walk [210m 3min] >> Airbnb [ Kitaōtsuka シャトレトーコー703 Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to 170-0004, Japan ]
Apologies for the long questions…hope to get your reply soon.. Thank you!
Hi Kelly,
You may consider to use Kansai thru pass 2 days for Kyoto and Nara. As you think, regular fare may be slightly cheaper. But Kansai thru pass covers most of trips. It covers Osaka subway, Hankyu, Keihan, Keifuku, Kyoto subway, Kyoto city bus and Kyoto bus. I’m not sure this covers 嵐山嵯峨野周遊シャトルバス. But probably it’s covered.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
And also you may take Osaka subway that means if you finish your trip earlier, you can explore Osaka. I don’t think you can complete trip to Kyoto earlier. But you may finish Nara earlier.
Tokyo subway ticket is okay but there is no subway stations in Otsuka. When you use subway ticket, you need to take JR Yamanote line to get Sugamo or Ikebukuro which is one station away.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi! Thanks lot for your advise!! You have a Great day!
No worries, Kelly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be going to osaka and kyoto, below is a rough plan. Just want to know if I combine osaka amazing pass (free admission to osaka castle and Umeda sky building) and Kyoto Sightseeing 2 days pass is it worth? Or should I just get kansai thru pass? Or just use the icoca card?
Osaka:
Dotonburi
Shinsaibashi
Osaka castle
Umeda sky building
Kyoto:
Arashiyama
Kinkaku ji
Kiyumizu dera
Gion corner
Fushimi inari-taisha
Nishiki market
Hi Esther,
You may use Osaka amazing pass. But I don’t think you need Kyoto sightseeing pass. Because you don’t have many chances to take subway. And you will take other trains, such as Keihan railway or JR (to Fushimi), Keifuku railway or JR (to Arashiyama). But these trains are not covered by Kyoto sightseeing pass. You may use only bus pass at 500 yen for 1 day. When you need to take trains, you can add single fare to take these trains. You can use Kansai one pass instead of single fare ticket.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation!
No worries, Esther.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I’m new to Osaka, need some advise. Thank you very much.
Staying at Sheraton Miyako, pls advice what is the easiest best route to travel to following place.
1. Day trip to Kyoto
a. Arashiyama bamboo grove
b. Fushimi Inari Shrine.
c. Can I buy scenic rail ticket when I arrive Kyoto or I should get it before arriving Kyoto ?
d. How to travel back to Sheraton Miyako from Kyoto ?
e. Will I be able to cover point a & b in 1 day ?
2. To Osaka Aquarium
Hi New,
First of all, please see the link below to understand the train route in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Your hotel is located at Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tanimachikyuchome (Tanimachi 9 chome).
When you go to Kyoto, first of all, take subway to get Umeda or Higashi-Umeda. The following map may help you to understand subway network too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can get either Umeda or Higashi-Umeda. These stations are located within walking distance to JR Osaka station. You can take JR train to get Kyoto. And then you will find the location of Fushimi-Inari and Saga Arashiyama in the post above. Both stations can be accessed from Kyoto station by JR trains.
You can buy Sagano train ticket at “Midori no madoguchi” which is the reservation window in JR major stations, such as Tennoji, JR-Namba, Tsuruhashi, Osaka, in advance. Sagano scenic train is very popular and advanced booking is highly recommended.
Osaka aquarium is located at subway Osakako station. You can find it in the subway map too.
Cheers,
TAkeshi
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks for your advice.
To get to Kyoto, is Hankyu railway the best (fastest and cheapest) option ?
Day 3 – going to Nara / Shinsaibaishi
Day 4 – going to Shinsaibaishi area, likely to make trip back to hotel and out again to Shinsaibaishi.
Day 5 – to Kyoto Bamboo Grove / Inari Shrine / Kiyomizudera Shrine.
Day 6 – Osaka Castle / Osaka Aquarium
Day 7 – Uemeda area
Day 8 – Kuromon
Can you advice if I should get Kansai Pass or which type of Pass should I get for Adult and Child.
Thanks.
Hi New san,
You can take Hankyu railway from Umeda to get Arashiyama. After than, you can take Hankyu and Keihan to visit Inari and Kiyomizudera. You can use Kansai thru pass for day 3 and 5. It covers all trains which you need to take.
jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
You may use other deal for the rest of day. 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
Hello Takeshi san
I plan to go to Japan this winter season with family of 5 (4 Adults & 1 Child), and I’m trying to see which is the most cost efficient when it comes to passes. I’m not sure whether to buy the JR Pass or Kansai thru pass. We’ll be in arriving at Japan KIX from Dec 1 -8. Here is our itinerary. Would much appreciate if you could help to advise.
1Dec – Arriving KIX at 05.40 am, to Kobe – Kitano Museum, Kobe Harborland & Nankinmachi, afternoon to Kyoto for Nishiki Market , Gion-Shijo , Kyoto Tower.
Overnight stay booking through Arbnb – Stay old kyo-machiya style house near Kinkakuji / Nijo-jo
2Dec – Kyoto
Fushimi Inari, Kiyumizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Kodaji Temple
Overnight stay booking through Arbnb – Stay old kyo-machiya style house near Kinkakuji / Nijo-jo
3Dec – Kyoto –Arashiyama, Saga Scenice Railway, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kinkakuji,Nijo Castle, Nara Park – Todai-ji – Kasuga Taisha Shrine – Osaka
Overnight star booking through Arbnb – Stay Namba OCT area
4Dec – Osaka –Using Osaka Amazing 2 Days Pass
5Dec – Osaka – Using Osaka Amazing 2 Days Pass
6Dec – Universe Studio Japan
7Dec –Shisabashi & Dotonbori Area
8Dec – Early morning Flight departure using Airport bus
D1-D3 – JR Pass or Kansai Thru Pass
D4-D5 – Osaka Amazing 2 Days Pass
D6-D8 – Icoca Card
Kind regards,
Chester
Hi Chester san,
Kansai thru pass is better choice for day 1 to 3 because it covers city bus, subway and non JR trains in Kyoto. Those transports are enough to see Kyoto. JR Kansai area pass covers only JR trains and not enough to cover it.
Other deals are good.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Thank you so much for the great works in detailing all the passes.
I’ll will visiting Kyoto, Nara & Osaka in Nov. Am undecided whether to buy Kansai Thru Pass/ICOCA for day 2 to 4.
My itinerary:
Day 1:Late arrival in KIX – 2100pm, stay in Nikko hotel KIX.
Day 2: To Kyoto – taking Haruka Express. Sightseeing Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Path of Philosophy, Kyoto Railway Museum, Gion.
Day 3: Arashiyama, Nishiki market
Day 4: Nara, Kiyomizura-dera
Day 5: Osaka Aquarium – use Kaiyu pass
Day 6: Osaka sightseeing Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi – use Osaka Visitor’s Ticket
Day 7: Shin-Osaka to KIX using Haruka Express
Thanks,
Phuah
Hi Phuah san,
Are you going to stay in Kyoto on day 2 to 4? I don’t think Kansai thru pass works for your trip. Please let me know which place you will stay from day 2 to 7.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Many thanks for your prompt reply Takeshi-san.
Yes, I’ll be staying in Kyoto between day 2 to 4, nearby Gojo station and Shin-Osaka in Osaka.
Thanks,
Phuah
Hi Phuah san,
ICOCA and Haruka is your choice for KIX to Kyoto and you may use ICOCA for trip to Nara and Kyoto to Shin-Osaka. You can add Haruka discount ticket for Shin-Osaka to KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
And you may add local deals, such as subway pass or bus pass or Kaiyu ticket as you think in Osaka and Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
Thank you for doing such a great job of helping people with determining best options for rail tickets.
I am traveling to Kyoto with my family of four. I have bought the round trip Tokyo->Kyoto->Tokyo unreserved Shinkansen travel package from JR Tokai. That includes 1-day Kyoto sightseeing pass. I will be staying in the Gion area.
My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive Kyoto in the morning and local sightseeing
Day 2: Travel to Nara and/or Himeji (May be tight if I do both but it’s possible)
Day 3: Local sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 4 (Sat): Leave for Koyasan overnight
Day 5 (Sunday): Come back from Koyasan to Kyoto and catch Shinkansen train to Tokyo (Have to come to Kyoto to catch Shinkansen because of JR Tokai package)
My options are:
Option 1: JR East 1-day pass on Day 2, 2-day Kansai Thru pass for Day 4 and 5
Option 2: JR East 1-day pass on Day 2, Koyasan Heritage pass for Day 4 and 5
Option 3: 3-day Kansai Thru Pass for Day 2, 4 and 5
Which combination would you recommend from convenience and cost perspective?
Also, how hard will it be to get a seat on Shinkansen in unreserved carriage around 3-4 PM from Kyoto-> Tokyo on Sunday?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Ashu,
First of all, switch day 3 and 2. So stay in Kyoto on day 2 and trip to Nara/Himeji on day 3,
And then you may use JR West Kansai area pass 3 days and Koyasan World Heritage Pass. Even if you have Koyasan World Heritage Pass, you need to pay single fare or pass for Kyoto-Osaka round trip. Kansai thru pass covers both Koyasan and Kyoto-Osaka. It’s cheaper choice but not convenience. Because you need to change trains at least twice between Osaka and Kyoto.
If you use Kansai area pass 3 days, you can take limited express Haruka between Tennoji and Kyoto. Shin-Imamiya station is just one station away from Tennoji and you can catch Nankai railway to get Koyasan.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-imamiya-station-guide-how-to-trasnsfer-jr-nankai-railway-and-subway-line.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/tennoji-station-guide-how-to-transfer-jr-kintetsu-railway-and-subway-lines.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Regarding non reserved seat, I think you can get a seat but you may not get a seat side by side if you travel with someone. Most of window side seat will be occupied first.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I’m Li Hong and am visiting Japan in early November 17 with my family. Could you advise what passes should we get for 4 people?
Below is my itinerary for the trip:
Day 1: Arrive at KIX at 9.30am and am staying near Imamiya Ebisu station. To visit Tsutenkaku Shinsekai area, Nipponbashi
Day 2: Sightseeing at Osaka Castle, Dotonburi, Sinshaibashi shopping street , Namba
Day 3: Transfer to Kyoto and will be staying at Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0853, Japan. Sightseeing at Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-Dera
Day 4: Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Tofukuji, Nijo Castle, Ginkakuji temple and Tetsugaku no michi
Day 5: Day trip to Arashiyama, ride on Sagano Scenic Railway, Kinkakuji Castle
Day 6: Day trip to Nara, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji temple, Nara park, Higashimuki Shopping district
Day 7: Transfer to Kanazawa – staying at Kanazawa downtown area, sightseeing at Kanazawa castle, Higashi geisha district , Kenrokuen Gardens, Myoryuji Ninja Temple
Day 8: Transfer to Shirakawago – staying for a night exploring the small town and Gokayama
Day 9: Transfer to Takayama, exploring Takayama town, Shinhotaka Ropeway, staying a night in between Shinhotaka Ropeway and Takayama (1 hr from Takayama)
Day 10: Transfer back to Osaka and flying back from KIX on day 11 at 11am.
I’m thinking of getting the 5-day Takayama-Hokuriku area tourist pass from day7-11. What do you think?
Thank you so much!
Hi Li Hong san,
You may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 1, 3 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
For day 2, you may use one of the deals 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-osaka.html
Single fare is okay for day 4 and 5.
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the choice after day 7 as you think. But it does not cover Shin-Hotaka. You need to add regular fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
would love to know your advice as to what pass should I purchase for 3 people.
Day 1: Reach KIX at 3.45 PM and will be staying in 京都市, 京都府 6008422 Japan area
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama
Day 3: Sightseeing in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari shrine, temples and shrine in Gion and Higashiyama area, such as Yasaka shrine, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Gion-shijo area, Ginkaku-ji temple
Day 4: Day trip to Hikone from Kyoto. Visiting: Hikone Castle, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine Maple Festival | If time permits: stop by at Nagahama for sightseeing | Go back to Kyoto
Day 5: Day trip to Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple,
Nara Park, Kofuuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine, Higashimuki Shopping Street and transfer to Namba Osaka from Kyoto | Will be staying at: Naniwa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 556-0011 Japan
Day 6: Trip to Kobe & Himeji from Osaka | Kobe: Arima Onsen Town, Zuijoji Park, Kobe Arboretum | Himeji: World Heritage Himeji Castle
Day 7: Sightseeing in Osaka: Dotonburi, Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
Day 8: Sightseeing in Osaka Half Day, then going to KIX.
Flight departs from KIX 5.25 PM
Hi Maria san,
For arrival day and train/subway in Kyoto
Kansai One Pass + Haruka
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
You may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. ICOCA and Kansai one pass are basically same but Kansai one pass gives you discount at many attractions:
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
All day bus pass for day 2 and 3
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Use Kansai one pass when you need to take train or subway.
Kansai area pass one day for day 4
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
Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 5, 6 and 8
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Osaka Kaiyu ticket for day 7
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much for your reply ^^
On my Day 1, do you recommend if I purchase just Haruka ticket only (one way) instead of ICOCA + Haruka? My hotel is near Shijo Station in Kyoto, so I will have to transfer from Kyoto Station. Will it be possible if I just pay single fare for the trip (Kyoto Station to Shijo station). On Day 1 I just plan to explore the surrounding area of my hotel by walking. Not really going anywhere after I checked in.
Thank you so much in advance.
Maria
Hi Maria san,
It’s totally up to you. If you don’t want to have either ICOCA or Kansai one pass, you can use Haruka discount ticket only.
I think you may use train or subway on day 2 and 3. Kansai one pass will give you convenience when you take a train or subway. You don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one. And you can get the discount at many attractions.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi!!
Is kyoto city bus covered by ICOCA? Is there a way going to arashimaya without taking the bus?
And is there a way I can buy tickets for sagano scenic train in advance?
Thanks!
Hi Jeffrey,
You can take a bus by ICOCA. You also can take JR train to Saga-Arahisyama, Hankyu railway to Arashiyama or Keifuku railway to Arashiyama.
You can book a seat for Sagano train at Midori no Madoguchi which is reservation window in most of JR stations in Kansai area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I am finalizing my Kyoto itinerary and came up with this..
Day 1: Higashiyama district – Ginkakuji, Nanzenji, Shoren-in, Maruyama park, Kodai-ji, and Kiyomizudera
– I understand these can be done by walking? My hotel is near Karawamachi station.
Day 2: Kinkakuji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, Arashiyama/Tenryuji
– I’ve been using google maps to check how to get around for this and most of the directions that come up are by Bus. I planned to buy Kansai one pass but now I don’t know if I shoud I get a Bus pass for Day 2? but I also read that the bus pass does not cover Arashiyama area, is this correct?
Day 3: Fushimi Inari and Tofuku-ji temple and then go to Osaka in the afternoon.
Thank you I really appreciate your help.
Hi Jeffrey,
You may use bus pass. You can get the worth by 3 rides. You can get Arashiyama by bus too.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
You may use Kansai one pass when you need to take trains. You can save your fund by bus pass.
On day 3, just use Kansai one pass to take trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I have read all comments here and I’m still confused as to what pass we’re going to get, either ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. We will be arriving in Osaka on Day 1 and will be staying in Namba. We will be going to Kyoto on our 2nd day and back to Osaka, then going to Nara on day 3 then back to Osaka.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1
KIX -> Namba
Day 2
(What will be riding from Namba to Kyoto?)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Gion
Day 3
Nara Park
Todai-ji Temple
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Is my itinerary okay? We will be doing just day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
A. Which travel pass will be the best for my trip?
B. What is the best price option or pass to purchase from Kansai airport to Osaka – Namba?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Franzl,
A. Kansai thru pass is the best option for day 2 and 3. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
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
B. 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