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
Hello Takeshi-San,
I found your site and the posts very interesting. However, since the available information and the options are quite extensive, it is difficult to do much without expert help from someone like you. I am scheduled to visit Kyoto/Tokyo for two weeks with my wife starting from 14 September 2019 landing at Narita at about 7.35 AM. We plan to buy a JR Pass for two weeks. On arrival in Tokyo, I intend to get or JR Passes activated and rush to Kyoto by Hikari Shinkansen Train. I am booked a Hotel Kuu not far from Kyoto station.I shall be busy with official work on 15 Sept 2019 but would like to spend rest of the time as follows:
14 Sept A/N To be decided
15 Sept Busy
16 Sept Morning busy, A/N Visit to Nara – half day.
17 Sept Planning to visit Bamboo Forest, Kinaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari
ShrineSaiho-ji Temple, Nijo castle or as suggested
18 Sept Day trip – Osaka, visit Mt. Manaitaishi, Takagiyama hill, Mt Koyasan etc. or
as suggested
19 Sept Day trip to Hiroshima, to visit Himeji Castle on return
20 Sept To Tokyo by Shinkansen – to stay in Hotel sun Members: explore Shibuya
Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, gardens nearby
21 Sept Tokyo local such as Asakusa, Sensoji temple, Tokyo Museums, Imperial
Palace, Yoyogi, Ueno or as suggested
22 Sept To be decided
23 Sept Day trip to Day Nikko
24 Sept Day trip to Disneyland
25 Sept Tokyo local – to be decided
26 Sept to Narita and disembark in the morning 11.20 hrs.
I would like you to advise, if we are okay with 14 day JR Pass for each of us or we manage with 7-day JR Pass for the week in Kyoto and manage the week in Tokyo with local buses. Also kindly suggest how can be bset use our time visiting all important attaractions. Also kindly note that we are both senior citizens above 70 years.
Looking forward to hearing from you with sane advice.
Rajendra
Hi Rajendra,
First of all, you may use 7-day JR pass for the first 7 days in Kyoto. And then you may use Tokyo subway ticket and Tokyo Wide Pass:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
I recommend you to use Tokyo Wide Pass 3-day for the last 3 days of your trip. And I recommend you to switch the itinerary and use this pass for the trip to Nikko, Disneyland and to Narita airport. You may take the limited express Nikko which takes you from Shinjuku to Nikko directly. Tokyo Wide Pass covers this but JR Pass doesn’t. You can take JR local train to Disneyland. And you can take Narita Express to Narita from Shinjuku.
Other places in Tokyo will be covered by Tokyo subway ticket.
Regarding your trip plan, it will be very tight on some days in your trip.
On 18th Sep, if you visit Koyasan, you should spend all day there. These three places are not very closed each other. Please see my trip report to Koyasan and you can find how much time you should spend there.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2017-fall-mt-koya-and-wakayama/two-days-trip-to-koyasan-mt-koya-and-wakayama-from-osaka-part-1-namba-to-koyasan.html
On 19th Sep, you should not combine Hiroshima and Himeji. You don’t have any extra time to visit Himeji on the way back. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thank you for your kind and detailed response o my query on 21 August 2019. I have now been able to finalize my itinerary as best as I could and the same is given below.
14-Sep Arrive Narita and depart for Kyoto by earliest Shinkansen Hikari
15-Sep Visit Arishayama early morning; remaining day – workshop
16-Sep Visit Inaugural Session of conference; day trip to Nara between 10-5
17-Sep Local visits by JR Bus Pass: Kyoto Station to Nijo Castle. Kinkakuji
Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in Temple, Ninenzaka and San Nenzaka,
Kiyomuzu temple
18-Sep Day trip to Hiroshima
19-Sep Day trip to Osaka Castle + Himeji castle
20-Sep Depart for Tokyo by Hikari; a/n half-day trip to Hitachi Seaside Park
21-Sep Local attractions: HamaRikyu Garden, Tokyo tower, Mori Art Museum,
Jingu Mae, Shibuya
22-Sep Local attractions: Sensoji Temple, Tokyo National Museum, Museum of
Nature & Sc, Ueno Park, Akihabara
23-Sep Local attractions: Imperial Palace / Garden, Ota=Memorial, Edo-Tokyo
Museum, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tokyo Solamochi, Tokyo Skytree
24-Sep Local attractions: Oidaba, Meiji Jingu Sh, National Art Centre, Harajuku,
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Govt. Office
25-Sep Day trip to Nikko
25-Sep Depart to Narita and disembark at 11.20 hrs
We have now dropped Disney and picked up Odaiba in its place based on our interests. We are staying in hotels next to Kyoto station in Kyoto and Shinjuku station in Tokyo We understand all our train/bus trips in Kyoto are covered by JR Pass of 1 week duration. We understand that our trip to HitachiSeaside Park on 20 Sept is also covered with JR Pass. Our local trips in Tokyo on 21,22 23 and 24 Sept are based on VisitaCity advice.
As per your advice, we hope that our travel needs for 21, 23, and 24 Sept can be met with 72-hr Tokyo subway Pass. Kindly advise if we may buy Tokyo Wide Pass for the last three days i.e. 24, 25 and 26 Sept. or some other combination.
Also kindly advise if our planned trip to Hitachi Seaside Park is fully covered by our One-week JR Pass or we need to pay anything extra e.g., a brief bus-ride in between. Would you also advise us to buy SUICA cards for such payments?
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Rajendra
Hi Rajendra,
You may use JR pass 7-day for the first 7 days. It covers the trip to Hitachi Seaside Park. But I have to mention a few things. In Kyoto, you will take a bus to see around Kyoto. You will take Kyoto city bus mostly and this is NOT covered by JR pass. You have to add Kyoto city bus pass one day at 600 yen:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
JR Pass covers JR train and JR Bus. JR bus runs in Kyoto but it runs on only one route for Kyoto to Takao. This is not the route which you travel. You can get Nijo by JR train. But for other places, you have to take Kyoto city bus which is not covered.
When you go to Hitachi Seaside Park. JR pass covers the train trip to Katsuta. Katsuta is the nearest JR station. You have to take the bus or bus/Hitachinaka Seaside Railway. After Hitachi, both train and bus are not covered by JR pass.
https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/access/train-bus.html
For other trips, JR pass covers these.
In Tokyo, most places can be accessed by subway. Tokyo subway ticket is okay.
For Nikko, Odaiba and the trip to Narita, you may use Tokyo Wide Pass. Subway does not go to Odaiba but Tokyo Wide Pass covers the Rinkai line to Odaiba:
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-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
I don’t think you need Suica.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Alliet here again, Mr. Takeshi, I didn’t reread my question, so sorry.
I meant that “we CANNOT ride the Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto”. My apologies for not editing my query. Thank you for your kind understanding.
Hi Alliet,
Unfortunately you cannot take the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. This pass covers the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima only. You have to take the train on the conventional line between Osaka and Kyoto. But you can take other express trains, such as Haruka, Thunderbird if you want to avoid the busy commuter trains.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%e9%9b%b7%e9%b3%a5.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
I have been reading so many info and I am getting so confused. I have once asked for your kind help and I would like to ask it again, if you do not mind, kind sir. We are buying JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass. As I was plotting out IT for Kyoto, I know that we can use the pass on the Tokaido Shinkansen, but upon researching on Hyperdia, there are Shinkansen Hikari and Nozomi from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. Can our JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass valid for this? I pray that it will be, as it will be so convenient riding this trains as we shall visit Kyoto twice from Osaka before we go the other way down to Hiroshima. Thank you so much for your generous time. God bless you, kind sir.
Hi, Takeshi!
I am truly grateful to come across this website. It helped me adjust my upcoming trip to Osaka. I will be visiting Osaka and Kyoto this coming May 26, 2019.
I have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Hankyu Rail Pass. I planned on this itenerary:
Day 1 – Tour Osaka using the Pass
Day 2 – Trip to Kyoto to use Hankyu Rail Pass. Explore areas where I can maximize the
said Pass. Should I get another Pass that can cover other areas of Kyoto?
Day 3 – Explore Osaka again mostly car accessory shops
Day 4 – Universal Studios
Day 5 – Rinku Outlet then Kansai Airport
Hi Christine,
I recommend you to buy one day city 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
Hankyu pass covers Gion area and Arashiyama only. If you visit other places, such as Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden pavilion), Nijo, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto station area, city bus covers most part of Kyoto. You can get the worth by only 3 rides of the bus. So it’s easy to get the worth.
If you visit many places in Osaka on day 3, you may use subway pass:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Regular fare is okay for day 4.
On day 5, you may use the deal in the link below:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/rinkuPOST.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi
Day 1
From Karaksa Spring Hotel Kansai Air Gate to Kyoto Shichijo station.
Day 2
Fushimi-Inari, Gion Ginkakuji, Nishiki market
Day 3
Arashiyama Bamboo, Kinkakuji, kyoto station
Day 4
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka Tengachaya station, Dondoburi
Day 5
Aquarium, osaka castle
Day 6
Sightseeing in Osaka
Day 7
Nara half day trip
Day 8
Osaka city
I have bought 2-Day Osaka Amazing Pass.
What is the best way to travel from Karaksa hotel (osaka) to Kyoto Shichijo station?
Should I buy:
1-Day Kyoto Sightseeing pass for Day 2 in Kyoto. Then buy 2-Day kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass for the rest of the day (travel from kyoto to Osaka may need it too).
I will be using 2-Day Osaka Amazing Pass in osaka.
Big group of us, 11 pax with children.
Thank you in advance
Hi Leong,
>What is the best way to travel from Karaksa hotel (osaka) to Kyoto Shichijo station?
The following route is the easiest and the fastest way:
Hagurazaki (Nankai railway sub express) Tengachaya (subway Sakaisuji line) Kitahama (Keihan railway limited express) Shichijo
I recommend you to buy Kansai thru pass 3-day for day 1, 4 and 7.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
I don’t recommend you to use Kyoto city sightseeing pass. Because this pass covers only subway and city bus. But in your trip plan, you will take Hankyu railway and Keihan railway too. I recommend you to use Kansai one pass to take all trains, bus and subway in Kyoto:
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
This card does not give you unlimited ride but you can take any bus and train in Kyoto and even Osaka too. But if you intend to take city bus more than 3 times a day, you can use city bus pass in Kyoto. You can get the worth of it by 3 rides.
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
Hello,
We are planning to go in Kyoto on the month of May. What route would you suggest if we are coming from Daikokucho Station ? and what do you think will be the best pass should get (JY Pass/ Hankyu Pass/Keihan Pass or Icoca) if are itinerary is Arashimaya Bamboo Grove – Kinkakuji Temple – Kiyomizudera Temple then last stop is Gion.
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Matet,
Do not use any passes. ICOCA or Kansai one pass is better choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
These card are basically same but Kansai one pass gives you a discount at many attractions. These cards do not offer unlimited ride but you can use this for any train and bus rides.
Hankyu railway is the best choice to get Arashiyama and Keihan railway is the best choice for Gion to Osaka. That is why any deals are not enough to cover your choice.
You can get Umeda by subway to take Hankyu. And you can take Keihan to Yodoyabashi and then take subway to get Daikokucho.
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
I do not show Daikokucho in the map of the link above. But it’s located one station away from Namba on Midosuji line.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Its a big help!
No worries, Matet san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Your blog is a great help in my plans for my upcoming Japan trip to Kyoto and Osaka in May. However, I am still not sure what pass I should get with my plans.
My draft itinerary is as below:
Day 1 – arrive 1pm at KIX airport and stay near Namba/Umeda station + free and easy at Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Day 2 – USJ –> We think we are purchasing a 1-time ride using JR Sakurajima (180 yen)
Day 3 – 1 day trip to Kobe
Day 4 – Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, Osaka castle (maybe some other attractions, have not decided yet) + night we are going to Kyoto (staying near Gojo subway station)
Day 5,6 – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, Gion District, Golden Pavillion, Nijo Castle, (maybe some other attractions, have not decided yet) → Do you think this is too many attractions for 2 days? We might give Kobe a miss if 2 days is not enough for Kyoto main attractions.
Day 7 – Day Trip to Nara
Day 8 – Any other Kyoto attractions (have not decided) + Catch flight at KTX 7pm (will leave hotel at 3pm for buffer time)
What we plan to do is purchase train tickets to our hotel on Day 1 and purchase the JR tickets to USJ on Day 2. Then, we will get Kansai Thru Pass for Day 3-8, so 5 days in total, is that a good plan? Also, is 2 days (Day 5 and 6) enough for Kyoto? We are thinking of giving Kobe a skip if it’s not! Thank you for the help you have provided readers (:
Hi Elvira san,
I think you may use Kansai thru pass 3-day for day 3, 4 and 7. You can use Kansai one pass instead of using a regular fare ticket on day 1 and 2.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
And you can use this when you take a train or subway in Kyoto on day 5 and 6. But do not use this to take a city bus in Kyoto. Because city bus pass 1-day is sold at only 600 yen. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For day 8, you can add Haruka discount ticket.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the quick response! It has helped me clear some doubts 🙂
I have another question, may i ask why do you recommend 3 day kansai thru pass for day trip to Nara , Kobe? Is it not worth it to use the Kansai One pass instead for these 2 days?
Thank you so much!
Hi Elvira,
I don’t think you cannot get the worth of 2-day Kansai thru pass at 4,000 yen. Average train/subway fare is around 200 yen per ride. City bus fare is 230 yen per ride. But as I mentioned, you can get unlimited bus pass at 600 yen for one day. I don’t think you can get 2,000 yen worth to do sightseeing in Kyoto city only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Your blog is great and detail but i still confused which is the best transport / pass i should get for my 10 days trip in Japan..
My draft itinerary is as below:
Day 1 – arrive late night 10pm at KIX airport and stay near Namba station (Nankai line) => taking Airport Express or Rapi’t express?
Day 2 – free and easy at Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Day 3 – free and easy at Kuromon & Tsutenkaku => is it advisable to go Osaka kaiyukan Aquarium on that day? and what subway ticket/pass i should buy for this?
Day 4 & 5- sight-seeing several places in Osaka => Osaka amazing pass for 2 days
Day 6 – USJ => what transport/ ticket to purchase to head to USJ?
Day 7 , 8, 9 – Go to Kyoto (1.5 days did not fix which places to visit), Nara (0.5days), Kobe (0.5 days ) (everyday travel back & stay in Namba) => which pass is advisable? Kansai Thru Pass is it worth for 3 days? or other Pass?
Day 10 – Go to Kix airport (5pm) , before that to Rinku outlet (is there any locker to put luggage)? what ticket/pass is worth to?
Thanks in advance if I can get your help on my itinerary. Thanks a lot..=)
Hi Fanne san,
There is no deals to cover day 1, 6 and 10. Just pay as you go. You can use Kansai one pass instead of purchasing a ticket one by one.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
You can visit Kaiyukan aquarium on either day 2 and 3. You may use Osaka Kaiyu Ticket if you go there.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
If you don’t go, regular ticket is okay.
Osaka amazing pass is okay for day 4 and 5. Kansai thru pass is a good choice for Nara, Kyoto and Kobe.
When you go to Rinku town, you should go to Kansai airport first and store the luggage at the lockers in the airport. You can take a shuttle bus.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/SKYB
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your prompt response! Your help and reply is much appreciated.
By the way, for day 1 & 10 , which train i should take?Airport Express or Rapi’t express?
Can I purchase Kansai One Pass through online such as Klook? or must be purchased in airport / subway?
Hi Fanne san,
You cannot take Rapi:t on arrival day because of late arrival. You will take airport express.
On day 10, if you want faster and more comfortable way, you can take Rapi:t. If you want to take Rapi:t, you can use Rapi:t deal:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
This is true day 1 is late arrival but is 10pm. The ticket office will be opened till 12am?
I saw the website showing that the last departure time of Limited Exp. Rapi:t is 23:00. Or do you think from luggage taking -> ticket purchase -> platform to take the train is hard to achieve / not achievable?
Hi Fanne san,
I think one hour is too tight to complete everything. I expect you will spend 1.5 hour at least. And also your flight may be late. Even 10-15 minutes delay affects your trip plan. So please do not expect that you can take the last Rapi:t.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Alright, thanks for your kindness and reminder in detail.. =)
Thanks a lot for all the comments and suggestion which helps me to be more organised in my planning. Thanks~ Cheers! =)
No worries, Fanne san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Our itinerary will be as below :
16/4 to 20/4 we already purchased Takayama Hokuriku Pass (which cover Our first 5 days KIX – Osaka – Kanazawa – Kyoto)
21/4 Kyoto – Wisteria Discover in Byodoin, Uji
22/4 Osaka Namba – Dotonburi – KIX
May I know which railway / train pass is more suitable for our last 2 days in Kyoto and Osaka, which cover the journey from Kyoto to Osaka?
Thanks.
Hi Shine san,
Where are you going to staying on the last 2 days? Is it just Kyoto or staying in Kyoto and Osaka?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
20/4 we will staying at nearby Kyoto Station and 21/4 staying at nearby Osaka Namba Station. 22/4 exploring Dotonburi.
Hi Shine san,
Regular fare ticket is the best choice on 21st. You may find the deal for Namba to Kansai in 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
Great! Many thanks Takeshi-san for your speedy reply
No worries, Shine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
May i ask what’s the best train pass that suit my itinerary?
Day 1 – Osaka Umeda, USJ, stay near Shitennojimaeyuhigaoka Station.
Day 2 – Kyoto Day trip, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Pagoda, back to Osaka
Day 3 – from Osaka Half day trip near Kyoto Station, Strolling around Dotonburi, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Umeda
I’m planning to use Suica card for Day 1 and Kansai Thru Pass on Day 2 & 3, but i calculated the fare it’s not worth the price. Should i insert half day trip to Nara instead of Kyoto if i intend to use Kansai Thru Pass?
Thank you in advance, takeshi-san.
Hi Dessy san,
If you make a round trip to somewhere in Kyoto, such as Fushimiinari from Shitennojimaeyuhigaoka, it costs around 600 to 700 yen one way. And you will take bus, subway and or train in Kyoto a few times. You may not be able to get the worth of it but total fare will be closed to the pass price. Kansai thru pass gives you flexibility. If you finish your trip early, you can add some more places easier. I think you can get Kansai thru pass anyway even if you don’t add Nara.
Suica is okay for day 1.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com