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, first of all i thank you warmly for helping the travelers
I have myself some questions and above all if you don t mind i want to know your opinion regarding my itinerary
We ll be in japan from April 26 til May 8
Landing at HND ans staying at the hotel airport
27 til 28 tokyo
28 til may 1st yamanouchi shibu onsen yudanaka
may 1st til may 3 takayama
may 3 til 5, kyoto
may 5 til 7 kanazawa
of course we purchased the 14 days JRpass
Plz let me know what do you think?
Much appreciated
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
My suggested itinerary is the following:
27 til 28 tokyo
28 til may 1st yamanouchi shibu onsen yudanaka
may 1st til may 3 Kanazawa
may 3 til 5, Takayama
may 5 til 7 Kyoto
The reason why I make some change is accessibility.
From Nagano (Yudanaka) to Takayama is not very accessible. There are several way. But if you use JR pass, you have to take Shinkansen to get Toyama and then transfer to Takayama line to Takayama. The segment between Takayama and Toyama is not very convenient. Train does not run very frequent. On the other hand, you can get Kanazawa directly from Nagano by Shinkansen.
Takayama and Kanazawa are connected by Nohi bus. This bus is not covered by JR Pass. But popular World Heritage Site, “Shirakawago” is located between Kanazawa and Takayama. I have maps and information at the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
It’s not a good thing but I just want to let you know. 14 days pass is more expensive than single fare. In my rough estimation, total fares for JR trains are less than 40,000 yen.
But if you trip by your plan, total fares will be equal to 14 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Hope you well.
Please advise whether a week @ Kyoto will that be too long?
Hi Ming,
For me, it’s too long. But you may have different taste so I’m not sure.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi!
Would you advise the transportation for our (5 of us) itinerary as follows please:-
24/3 arrive Osaka(Kansai Int Airport). Our lodging is at Osaka.
25-27/3 Shinagawa/Takayama. Lodging at Takayama.
27-30/3 Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe. Lodging at Osaka.
30-31/3. Tokyo. Lodging at Tokyo
31-2/4 . Mount Fuji area. Lodging at Fujikawaguchiko.
2-4/4. Tokyo. Lodging at Tokyo.
4/4 Departing home country from Narita Int Airport.
We have to adjust the itinerary according to the accommodation places as we couldnt get reasonable priced accommodation if want to arrange for better routes itinerary.
Would a 14 day JR pass better than 7-day pass with different day passes or you have better advice?
Thanks.
Hi Liza,
I think you go to Shriakawago when you go to Takayama. Shinagawa is one of terminal station in Tokyo.
So if you go to Takayama and Shirakawago, you can use Takayama Hokuriku tourist pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-tourist-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
If you need to go to Shinagawa in Tokyo before you go to Takayama, JR pass is better than the deal above.
If you go for Takayama Hokuriku Tourist pass, single fare is your choice for Osaka to Tokyo.
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
You can find more info about staying in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Highway bus is the best choice to get Lake Kawaguchi. Find info at the below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
In Tokyo, the following link shows you the deals.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.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
The following links shows you about access to Narita.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for your advice Takeshi.
Can the 5-day Takayama Hokuriku tourist pass be used within Osaka or Kyoto or Kobe ? (As we will start off the pass on 25/5 to Takayama/Shirakawago and back to Osaka on 27th , we have 2 days to use the pass for Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe?)
Thank you.
Hi Takeshi,
I already study your blog regarding trip Osaka-Kyoto. I will not buy JR Pass 7 days because it is not worth.
I already make itinerary Osaka-Kyoto as below :
Day 1 : arr Kansai – going to Osaka Castle – Aqua Bus – stay at Shinsaibashi area
Day 2 : going to universal studio and some place in Osaka (minami, shinsekai, tennoji)
Day 3 : in the morning going to Kyoto Station (stay there) – will going to Fushimi Inari – Tofukuji Temple – Kiyomizudera Temple – Gion – back to Kyoto Station area in the night
Day 4 : i will take tour package in Kyoto
*Could you advise the best train from Shinsaibashi to Kyoto Station ? and
*Do i need to buy Kansai Pass or Kyoto Sightseeing One Day Pass Card? I already read this blog, but i am so sorry i am still confuse about train in Japan due to so many train.
Thank you in advance in your attention. I need your help.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Don’t worry. I help you. 🙂
>*Could you advise the best train from Shinsaibashi to Kyoto Station ? and
Please take Osaka Subway Midousuji line from Shinsaibashi to Umeda. And transfer to JR train at Osaka. Osaka and Umeda are different name but same location. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
*Do i need to buy Kansai Pass or Kyoto Sightseeing One Day Pass Card? I already read this blog, but i am so sorry i am still confuse about train in Japan due to so many train.
Kyoto sightseeing card one day is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick reply.
If Kyoto One Day card worth for my half day trip in Kyoto, I will buy it. How much is it and where can I buy this ticket?
May I know all the route for Kyoto One Day Card for bus and train?
For Osaka to Kyoto, I will learn more from your blog.
Thank you in advance for your help.
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Please find more info at the link below:
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi!
We will be traveling to Japan in 10 days! we have our JR Pass, and have planned our trip as follows.
March 13-16 Tokyo (fish market, Ghibli Museum)
March 16-18 Fuji (cup of noodles factory in Yokohama on the way)
March 18-23 Kyoto (Imperial place, Fushimi inari, day trips to Nara, Kobe)
March 23-26 Nozawaonsen
March 26-27 Tokyo
Are there any suggestions you might have for easy travel, quickest routes, things to see?
We will be traveling with our two sons aged 8.
Hi Janice,
I don’t see any issues on your itinerary.
If you want, you can drop by Kanazawa or Toyama on the way to Nozawaonsen from Kyoto. Because the fastest route is limited express Thunderbird (Kyoto-Kanazawa) and Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa-Iiyama). Nozawaonsen can be accessed from Iiyama by local train. Of course all trains are covered by JR pass.
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-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much for your help.
We (5 adults) will be in Japan from 26/3/2015 to 05/04/2015 during Cherry Blossom time. Briefly our itininery is as follows:
1. 26/3/15 – 31/3/2015 will be in Tokyo and staying in the Chuo Ward, sightseeing all the tourist places. On 31/3/2015 will travel from Tokyo to Osaka by train)
2. 31/3/2015 – 04/04/2015 will be sightseeing in Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Himeji, Nara and 3 days in Kyoto (visiting all the tourist places) and our accommodation is in Osaka so that means travelling everyday by train??? to all the other places from Osaka. Then on 4/4/2015 will travel back to Tokyo for another night in Tokyo. Our flight back to Australia is at night on 05/04/2015 so we have another half day in Tokyo.
We were advised to purchase the 14 day JR pass and ‘suika’ card. Is this the right decision or can you provide any other option. Are you able to provide suggestion of what type of train and from what station and any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Gin,
Actually 14 days pass is wrong choice and 7 days pass is right choice.
The reason why I recommend you 7 days is coverage in Tokyo. You will take JR trains when you stay in Tokyo. However it is a short distance and costs about 150 to 200 yen per trip. And also subway is sometimes more convenient. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
So you can purchase single ticket, Tokunai pass or subway pass for your sightseeing in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.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
Suica car is also good. But it does not give you any discount. It gives you same value as cash. If you travel lots, maybe 5 trips per day, subway pass is better.
You can use 7 days pass from 30 Mar to the end.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for maintaining this site which is very helpful to people who is planning to go Japan.
I will be traveling to Japan soon and below is my itinerary.
Day1: Hiroshima – Miyajima Island
Day2: Hiroshima – Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kiyomizu-dera temple – GION – Nishiki Market
Day3: Hiroshima – Kyoto – Nijo Castle – Arashiyama – Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) – Ryoanji
Day4: Hiroshima – Kyoto – Kibune Shrine – Kurama Onsen – Ginkakuji – Philosopher’s Path
Day5: Hiroshima – Nara – Kobe(Dinner)
Day6: Hiroshima – Osaka – Shinsaibashi – Dontobori – Hozenji Yokocho Alley – Shinsekai
Day7: Hiroshima – Osaka- Yodobashi Umeda – Osaka Castle(Osakajokoen) – Osaka lighting
Day8: Hiroshima – Kyoto – Miyama
Day9: Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park
Throughout my trip, I will be staying in Hiroshima. Which means I will travel from Hiroshima and back to Hiroshima for overnight every day.
I have purchased 7 Days JR pass which I will activate from Day 2 to Day 8.
May I know is my itinerary ok?
Is there any additional pass which can help me to save money?
Do I need to purchase ICOCA pass? For ICOCA pass, if I use up all the amount in the pass, do I have to pay for the 220 yen handling fee when I return the card?
Thanks,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
I think you understand it takes about 2 hour one way to get Kyoto by Shinkansen. As long as you are okay with it, this itinerary is okay. But probably it will be tight to get Miyama. Do you know how to get there? Actually I have never been there before, but it’s quite complicated to get there. You may have seen this link but I leave it just in case.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3985.html
ICOCA is okay but not highly recommended. It does not give you any discount and same value as cash. It makes your trip be easier but not give you any discount. In Kyoto and Osaka, you can add subway or pass as you need.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
You can find the coverage by JR pass at the link below.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I are planning a trip for me and 1 friend. Our current plan is as follows:
Apr 09 – 11: Tokyo to Kyoto (please recommend place to visit using JR pass)
Apr 11 – 13: Osaka to Nagano (please recommend place to visit using JR pass)
Apr 14 – 16: Shirawaka to mt Fuji (please recommend place to visit using JR pass)
Currently we are planning to buy 7 days JR rail pass. Can i know what is “ICOCA & HARUKA”? Is this same with 7 days JR rail pass? What is the difference with 7 days JR rail pass and “ICOCA & HARUKA”? Can you please help streamline this itinerary so that we do not miss any close by must-visit places.
Many Thanks,
Doreen Lee
HI Doreen,
ICOCA and Haruka is combination of Haruka limited express ticket and ICOCA e-money. It does not give you unlimited ride. If you arrive in Kansai airport, this pass may be suitable for you. Otherwise it’s not. Please see the details at the link below:
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 you visit these places, my suggested itinerary is the follows:
Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto
Day 2 Kyoto
Day 3 Kyoto – Kanazawa
Day 4 Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 5 Takayama – Nagano
Day 6 Nagano – Matsumoto – Lake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji)
Day 7 Lake Kawaguchi – Tokyo
You can get more info about each location at the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Cheers,
Hi takeshi,
I would like to know. What will be the best train to take from shin-osaka station to kyoto station, and vice versa. I was thinking to take JR Special Rapid Service (23mins $5.60). Is that the best option? Thank u 🙂
Hi Nlovita,
Yes. That is the fastest.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
First of all thank you very much for hosting this great site which has helped countless travellers.
Now, here is my question:
We are planning a trip for my family of 4 with two kids aged 16 and 11. Our current plan is as follows:
Dec 15 – 17: Tokyo to Kyoto
Dec 18 – 19: Hiroshima & Miyajima
And return to Tokyo on Dec 19 late night. We will be staying at friends place in Tokyo.
Dec 20 – Day trip from Tokyo (please recommend place to visit using JR pass)
Dec 21 – Day trip from Tokyo (please recommend place to visit using JR pass)
We then plan to spend another 10 days in Tokyo at a friend’s place going around Tokyo.
Currently we are planning to buy 1 week JR rail pass. Can you please help streamline this itinerary so that we do not miss any close by must-visit places. Since we will still have 2 more days remaining in our rail pass (Dec 20 and 21), please let us know where else do you think we can squeeze in our itinerary. Ideally we would like to take day trip from Tokyo on those two days.
Many Thanks,
Brandon
Hi Brandon,
Your itinerary is okay. But if you can make a stop somewhere on the way back to Tokyo, the trip is more comfortable. Because Tokyo-Hiroshima by Shinkansen is about 5 hours trip. There are many direct trains, “Nozomi”, but JR Pass does not cover this train. You have to take “Hikari” or “Sakura”. I put the link of Shinkansen timetable below. You can find which train you can take.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
The easiest way is stop at Osaka and have dinner time there. And you can take later Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo.
From Tokyo, there are some places can be accessed as day trip. Most popular is Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Hakone is a good place and you can see Mt. Fuji too. But you have to pay lots of extra on top of JR pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
Nikko is very interesting spot. But it may be similar to Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Matsumoto or Nagano can be accessed too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6050.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6000.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail