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,
I’m staying in Kyoto for 3 nights and will be making day trips to Osaka, Nara and USJ. Which card(s) in your opinion will give us the best value ?
Thanks
Maysia
Hi Maysia,
If you reach Kyoto from Kansai airport, you can use ICOCA and 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
If not, just purchase ICOCA card only. You can purchase it at Kyoto or any other major JR stations in Kansai area.
Use this for your trip. This card does not give you any discount. But single ticket is the best choice for your trip. ICOCA card makes your trip be easier.
If you take subway more than 4 times a day, you may purchase Eco card.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Great thanks Takeshi. I have decided not to buy the JR Pass after reading your blog. Thanks again.
Maysia
Hi Takeshi,
Another qn. Is the Kyoto Sightseeing card worth it ? Also can the ICOCA now be used on the bus ? I read that you mentioned sometimes in 2014.
Thanks
Maysia
Hi Maysia,
It depends on your trip. If you are really sure to use subway more than 4 times a day, it will be worth using. But all day bus pass is sold at 500 yen. You can go anywhere by bus. If you use 4 rides, it pay off.
ICOCA can be used for Kyoto city bus after December 24. But all day bus pass is more useful.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
thanks for the information , I would like to know if it is a good idea to get a 7 day JR pass for this itinerary :
day 1 ;travel from Osaka to Hiroshima (return)
day 2 from Osaka to Kyoto
day 3 from Kyoto to Nara(return)
day 4 from Kyoto to hakone (return)
day 5 from Kyoto to Tokyo.
I would like to visit more places in the surrounding of tokyo would a 15 days pass be better?
THANKS
Hi Sam,
You can use 7 days pass for this itinerary. But why are you going back to Kyoto after Hakone? Hakone is much closer to Tokyo. If you want to make a day trip to Hakone, trip from Tokyo is much easier.
If you use 14 days pass, you have to make several long trip from Tokyo. If you go to Nikko, it will be 11000 yen. You will spend 6000 yen worth if you go to Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji. So as long as you don’t get out from downtown Tokyo, 14 days pass is not a smart choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your response. Agreed with you in terms of convienience.
One and half week more and I will be there. 🙂
Oh one more question – how far is the walking distance from Kansai airport arrival hall(international) to the train station? I saw the map like we need to cross the road…
Thanks.
SK.
Hi SK,
It takes just 5 minutes. As you mentioned, it’s just cross road.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
It is me again. I just need some advise from you on the option from Osaka to Arashimaya and Nara.
I saw there is this Hankyu Tourist Day Pass 700 yen. This pass can be used to travel from Umeda (I am staying here) to Arashimaya unlimited ride (also to Kyoto). And on another day, I will travel from Osaka to Nara(including Fushimi Inari) which only choice is to go via JR pass.
Will you recommend a two day pass for JR pass or Kansai Thru pass or the above work fine? Reason being is I did not see any much recommendation on the Hankyu Tourist pass but I thought it is very value for money (huge saving).
Please advise if hankyu tourist day pass is good enough. Thank you.
Hi SK,
Kansai Thru Pass is most recommended. Hankyu pass is not a bad choice for Arashiyama and Shijo. But as you think, you need to have another deal for next day, Fushimi and Nara. Kansai Area Pass is not a bad choice either. But it does not cover any local bus, but Kansai thru pass does. Especially when you travel in Kyoto, this pass is more flexible. You can change your plan on the spot if you have Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have 2 silly questions to ask. Hope you can bear with me. 🙂
1. Do we need to need to reserve seats for train rides within kyoto (for example JR sagano and nara lines, and kintetsu line)?
2. I have a 3 yr old child which i understand she does not need to pay for rides. But will she be able to get a seat when i take the Kansai Airport Express “Haruka” (from KIX to Kyoto)? How about the the Nankai Airport Rapid Train “Kanku Webtoku Ticket” from Namba to KIX?
and lastly..
3. What is the ways to go from Kiyomizudera Temple to Nara?
Thank you.
Regards,
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin,
1. No. Commute trains run on these lines.
2. Strictly she can’t. But if you use non reserved seat and there are lots of empty seats, she can have a seat. But Rapi:t has only reserved seat. If you want to give her own seat, you have to pay child fare for your daughter.
3. Take a bus to Kyoto station and transfer to the train to Nara. Or catch Keihan railway train at Kiyomizu-Gojo station and transfer to Kintetsu railway train at Tanbabashi station. I think bus to train at Kyoto station is easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
I have planned a 8 days trip for Kyoto & Osaka in reference of your sample itinerary.. Appreciate your advice on the trains/ subway i should be taking, as well as any pass i can use.
1. Day 1 – KIX to Kyoto Station – ICOCA Card (single way)
2. Day 1 – Gion for shopping and dinner – Kyoto Stn to Gion Shijo Stn using JR Nara and Keihan Line.
3. Day 2 – Fushima Inari Shrine – Kyoto Stn to Inari Station via JR Nara line using ICOCA.
4. Day 2 – Back to Kyoto
5. Day 3 – Arashiyama – a) Take JR Sanin Line to SagaArashiyama Stn. Take the Romantic Train from Torokko Saga Stn to Torokko Kameoka. Return back to Kyoto.
6. Day 4 – Nara day trip
7. Day 5 – Kyoto Station to Osaka Namba (Nankai) Stn. JR Kyoto line to JR ShinOsaka Stn, Take subway Midosuji Line to Namba Osakashiei Stn and walk to Namba (Nankai) Stn.
7. Day 6 – USJ – From Namba (Nankai) Stn, tkae Nankai Line to Shin Imamiya, then take JR Kansai Line to Nushi Kujo Stn, then take JR Sakurajima Line to Universal City Stn.
8. Day 7 – Osaka Aquarium + Osaka Castle – (discount package for aquarium entrance fee plus direct to Osaka Castle via Chuo Line at 2,300 yen.
9. Day 8 – KIX Airport…
Hi Kelvin,
Your plan is so detailed and organized. I don’t have many things to tell you. 🙂
On day 1, you may use all day bus pass at 500 yen.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
There are lots of bus services in Kyoto. If you use 3 rides, it pays off. (single fare 230 yen)
If you take a train, you have to spend ICOCA money. I think bus pass is better deal.
on day 2, Fushimi Inari is located on the way to Nara. I don’t know how long you will stay in Fushimi and Nara. These spots may be combined. Both Fushimi and Nara can be accessed by JR Nara line. You can use ICOCA.
On last day, you can use Kanku tokuwari rapi:t ticket at 1130 yen. It is fast and direct service to KIX from Namba.
You may use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket. But if you use this, you have to transfer at Tennoji. Kanku tokuwari rapi:t is better deal in my opinion.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have made some changes to my plans.
1. As i will reach my hotel around lunch time and the check in is 3pm. I decided to visit Fushimi Inari temple in the evening on Day 1 instead. Is that a good idea?
2. I plan to go Kiyomizudera on Day 2 morning. Where else can i proceed from here? How do i get to Gion? any recommendation?
3. Should i get the Kyoto Sightseeing 2 day pass for my Day 2 and 3 since i am taking the buses and the subways (Tozai line on Day 3 on my return from Arashiyama to Sanjo Keihan Stn?
Regards,
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin,
1. Yes. That’s a good idea. You can use your time for other place.
2. There are lots of places to see in Higashiyama area, like Yasaka shrine, Philosopher’s Path, Heian shrine and many more.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158_east.html
3. If you go to Higashiyama area only, bus pass at 500 yen is enough. I don’t think you have many chances to take subway. Of course you can purchase 2 days pass at 2000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have another question on Osaka. I noticed that they have a Osaka Kaiyu Ticket (Nankai Railway Version). It indicates that for 3,010 yen, it covers the entrance fee for the aquarium (2,300 yen) and unlimited 1 day subway rides, and Nankai Railway. If i plan on going to the aquarium (osakako) from Namba and back, before going to KIX airport. Does this ticket includes the Nankai airport limited express Rapid (Kanku Webtoku Ticket)? If it also includes, i think it is a very good deal.
Can you advise? Thank you very much.
Regards,
Hi Kelvin,
It includes base fare only. If you want to take Rapi:t, you have to add express surcharge (510 yen) on top of this deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
If I used over the values of the Kyoto Sightseeing card 1 or 2 days, do I need to pay for the extra fares?
Rgds,
Alex
Hi Alex,
Kyoto sightseeing card gives you unlimited travel. It’s a “Pass”.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San,
Good afternoon to you, I want to ask is the private railway – Keihan, Hankyu or Keifuku also covered Kyoto Sightseeing Card 1 or 2 days card?
Thanks.
Hi Alex,
No. It covers Kyoto subway and bus only. You have to use Kansai Thru Pass to take these trains without extra.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
How about the Surutto Kansai Miyako Card ? Is this card covered the private railway – Keihan, Hankyu or Keifuku?
Rgds,
Alex
Hi Alex,
You can take these trains by Miyako card. But this card is not a pass and it does not give you any discount either. So it will be more convenient than single ticket one by one. But the cost is same and you can’t get any refund even if you have some fund in the card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
1) So if I bought Kansai Thru Pass will it covered when I take Keifuku Kitano Line from Arashiyama to Ryoanji Temple?
2) This Kansai Thru Pass also covered the Kyoto Bus when I take bus to Ohara area?
Rgds,
Alex.
Hi Alex,
Both are covered fully. Please see the map in this post above carefully and see the link below.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi!
Your post helps me a lot in my planning as I am totally lost in Japan’s various transportation type and I am in a tight budget (still a student).
I know that Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide can use for transportation for a round trip from kansai airport to town or nagoya airport to town. But it is available if i use a trip from nagoya airport to town and another trip from namba station to kansai airport? I will be arriving at Nagoya and leaving at Kansai Airport so i wondering if i can use this pass this way. Hope you can answer my question.
Thank you. Cheers!
Hi JC,
Unfortunately I have never heard using Kintetsu Wide Area Pass like that. As I researched, you may be able to use like that. But I’m not 100% sure.
Even if you can’t, this pass is still best deal for your trip. In case that you can’t, you have to pay extra 890 yen to get KIX from Namba by Nankai. Base fare is 890 yen. You can take any train other than limited express Rapi:t from Namba to KIX.
So you may be able to save this 890 yen.
If you stay in other places of Osaka, you can use Kanku Chikatoku ticket. It includes Nankai train and subway in Osaka.
Sorry. That’s all I can say.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We are book for kansai airport and stay in osaka this coming June to attend a seminar but we also want to visit some tourist destination in kyoto, kobe and Tokyo. Do we need to put have a 7 day jrpass? We are going to arrives 8pm in the evening and to travel in kyoto a whole day visit then the next day proceed to kobe for a tour. After a day in kobe proceed to osaka and stay there for 4 days for a conference and after the conference we would like to go to Tokyo and visit tourist spot.
Is it also possible to go see Mt. Fuji?
I hope you can help me decide whether to buy a 7 day Jr pas. Thanks
Hi Joey,
If you make a trip between Osaka and Tokyo in 7 days, You can use 7 days pass. Mt. Fuji can be accessed from Tokyo. Please see the following posts:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
I wrote about JR Pass at the following page. You will find the info about purchasing:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail