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-san, thanks for your blogs, I am finding the railway system more complex than expected.
I am coming from KIX airport and staying in Namba for 5 days, and doing separate day trips from Namba to Kyoto, Himeji and Kobe. I have purchased a 3day Kansai Thru Pass but still have a couple of questions.
1) If I first use the Pass when I arrive to take the Nankai train from KIX to my hotel in Namba, does this already count as 1 of my 3 days?
2) In Kyoto if I want to visit Philosopher’s Path and Heian Shrine, what is the best station to get off at?
Thank you in advance!
-Cyd
Hi Cyd,
1. Yes. It costs only 920 yen. It’s not a good idea to spend one day for this trip only.
2. Take Keihan railway to Sanjo station and then take subway to Higashiyama. It’s the nearest station to Heian Jingu. You can walk after that.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san, thanks very much for your quick reply 🙂
One last question if you have time, should I go via the Hankyu-Kobe Line to get to Himeji Castle from Namba/Umeda station using the Kansai Thru Pass? I am not sure where to transfer after getting off at Kobe-Sannomiya station?
Thanks again for your help,
Cyd
Hi Cyd,
Many of Sanyo railway train come to Hankyu railway Kobe-Sannomiya station. You can transfer trains at Kobe-Sannomiya. But you will stay in Namba and you can catch Hanshin railway train at Osaka-Namba station. You can take Hanshin railway train to Amagasaki and then take limited express train to Himeji directly from Amagasaki. It’s faster.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you again, Takeshi-san! 😀
-Cyd
No worries, Cyd san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I have found your blogs the most helpful in planning our trip to Japan. Thank you.
We are reaching Kansai Airport on March 29th at 9 AM. I plan to purchase JR Kansai Area pass for one day (March 29) Please advise regarding the following.
1) Please confirm that I can use this pass to go from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto Station where my hotel is located, using the Limited Express Haruka .
2) Can I use the same pass to go to Himeji in the afternoon from Kyoto Station and return to Kyoto Station using JR special rapid service for Himeji trains? I understand this pass is not valid on Shinkansen Hikari trains or any limited express trains other than Limited Express Haruka?
3) Is the cost for the one day pass still 2200 yen if purchased abroad and 2300 yen if purchased in Japan?
Thank you in advance.
Alex
Hi Alex,
I say Yes for all your inquiries.
You have understand Kansai area pass completely. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi.
We are in Kyoto for three additional days and will be staying in the Kyoto Station area hotels. Would buying “Daily bus pass” (500 Yen) and combining it with “Daily subway pass” (600 yen) during the three days cover most of the important tourist attractions in Kyoto and vicinity including Arashiyama? My apologies if you have covered this particular topic before.
Best,
Alex
Hi Alex,
You can use this combination for one day only because Kyoto sightseeing card 2 days is 2000 yen for 2 days. It covers both subway and bus, and it’s cheaper.
And also you can use only bus pass and whenever you need to take trains and subway, you can use other IC cards, such as Kansai one pass.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
This card does not give you unlimited ride and gives you same value as regular ticket. But you don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one. And also you can use this card to take any trains, JR, Keihan, Hankyu, Keifuku and Kyoto subway. This may be useful choice for your trip. And also this card gives you discount at many attractions too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank youTakeshi. I know that you cover mostly JR Rail matters, but knowing that you are an area expert, may I bother you with another question with regards to the Kyoto daily bus pass?
Read somewhere that the one day bus pass for 500 yen is now also valid for travel to the Saga and Arashiyama areas without any surcharge. Is that information correct? From Kyoto Station, the Bus #28 (and also “s 72 and 73) get you to Arashiyama, but would you please recommend the stop to disembark, to be close enough to the Bamboo forest and other sights? Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Alex
Hi Alex,
You can get Arashiyama by bus and it’s covered by bus pass. Please see the map in the link below to find the coverage area:
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
I think Arashiyama Tenryujimae bus stop is the closest to Bamboo forest. But you can get off the bus at Keifuku Arashiyama station bus stop too. It’s closer to river and Togetsukyo bridge. You can find the direction easily because it’s very touristy spot.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much … just a quick note to acknowledge all of your help and also for the link to Navi Bus route map.
Cheers,
Alex
No worries, Alex.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
You mentioned under
Kansai Thru Pass:
You can get direct access from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto station. Uji, Fushimi-Inari, Nijo castle and Arashiyama can be accessed by JR trains. But it is very inconvenient to access to Higashiyama area, such as Kiyomizudera, Gion, Sanjo and Kifune.
Does this mean with Kansai thru pass I CANNOT go to Higashiyama area, such as Kiyomizudera, Gion, Sanjo and Kifune?
If I cannot with Kansai thru pass, what can I use to go to Higashiyama area, such as Kiyomizudera, Gion, Sanjo and Kifune then?
And I also understand that I can go to Kyoto from Namba by Nankai Line? Is this included in Kansai thru pass?
Thank you for your help!
Hi Ling,
In that paragraph, I explain about Kansai area pass not Kansai thru pass. If you use Kansai thru pass, you can get Higashiyama area. It covers Keihan railway and most of places are located along Keihan line. And Kyoto city bus is covered too.
Nankai railway is covered too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi, so sorry for misreading.
May I know if I choose to use kyoto sightseeing two-day pass instead, can I still use it to go to Fushimi-Inari, Nijo castle and Arashiyama and Higashiyama area, such as Kiyomizudera, Gion, Sanjo and Kifune by train? ( as I understand bus is not that good during peak season due to heavy traffic)
Can this kyoto sightseeing two-day pass allow me to go to the place to take the sagano scenic railway too?
Thank you!
Hi Ling,
This pass covers only subway. You cannot get Fushimi-Inari and Arashiyama by subway only. You must take a bus. Some places can be accessed by subway, such as Nanzen-ji, Heian Jingu shrine. But it covers northern part of Higashiyama area only. If you take train, you need to take Keihan, Hankyu and/or Keifuku railways. And those are not covered by Kyoto sightseeing card.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI Takeshi thank you for your explanation on your blog! I was having a hard time to understand. Even though I am not still sure about it. I would like to know your option of my travel route with JR west area pass. Will it be good when I travel from
Day 1 Kansai international airport to namba station.
Day 2 From Osaka station to kyoto station. From here can I use ICOCA & Haruka for subway or buses?
Day 3 From Osaka station to Himeiji. Then travel to Arashiyama whole day
Day 4 enjoy Osaka
Day 5 travel back to Kansai international airport.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Hi millie,
For arrival and departure days, Nankai railway is the best way to get Namba. Single ticket is 920 yen for ordinary train. If you want to take faster and more luxury limited express train, “Rapi:t”, the deal in the link below is the recommended:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
In some countries, better deal is available:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/nambaRT.html
For day 2 and 3, you can use Kansai thru pass:
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 4, you can add 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you for your reply. I am currently reading up to the links that you have given. Unfortunately there is no better deals for my country but still your advise is very much appreciated. Can i ask you just one more question. If i get the limited express api:t therefore i don’t need haruka but i can still get lcoca card. Am i rite?
Hi millie,
You don’t need ICOCA and Haruka deal to take Nankai railway “Rapi:t”. But you can purchase only ICOCA. But if you want to get ICOCA, Kansai One Pass is more recommended. It’s same type of card but you can get a discount at many attractions by this card.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI Takeshi thank you for the advise. I’m not worry about traveling anymore. Thank you and God bless
No worries, millie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Your blog posts are so helpful! I was trying to find a similar itinerary in your comments but haven’t found one that could work for me. I’m currently in Tokyo and looking to take a 5 day 4 night trip to Osaka and Kyoto (Nara day trip for dinner reservations). Do you mind suggesting an itinerary that is most economical and makes sense? I mostly would like to visit the major attractions (as many as I can). Also I’m thinking of purchasing the 7 day JR pass since I have to come back to Tokyo. Any comments or links would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Anna,
Sorry but I cannot make an itinerary personally as per I mentioned above comment section. If I do, many of readers ask me and it’s too much for me.
JR pass 7 days is the best choice anyway for round trip between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Great article and you are very responsive and helpful to all the inquiries! I have the following itinerary and really appreciate if you could help me on what transport pass to use since this is our first trip to Japan.
Day 1: Arrival at Kansai International Airport then heading to Namba
Day 2: Will have a day trip at Kyoto
Places to visit: (Arashima, Golden Temple and Fushimi Inari)
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: Depart from Osaka and Arrive at Tokyo
Day 6: Tokyo
Day 7: Tokyo
I am thinking of getting a 3-day Kansai Thru Pass:
1. Is the Kansai Thru Pass will get us to Kyoto from Namba?
2. During our day trip at Kyoto, what pass/passes should I get to visit (Arashima, Golden Temple and Fushimi Inari)?
3. Going to Tokyo from Osaka, is the JR single ticket (Shinkansen) is the best to use?
4. What is the best pass should I get during our 3day trip at Tokyo?
Apologies for the long list of questions and appreciated much your help!
Best regards,
Happy
Hi Happy,
1,2. Kansai thru pass covers the trip to Kyoto and trip in the Kyoto. You can find some sample itineraries of Kansai thru pass in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
But this pass is too expensive to go around in Osaka. If you want to use this pass, you have to add one more trip outside Osaka, like Nara or Kyoto and use 2 days pass. If you explore Osaka on day 1 after arrival in Namba, 2 days pass may work. But single fare by Nankai railway from KIX to Namba is only 920 yen. Kansai thru pass 2 days is sold at 4,000 yen. You have to take more trains on arrival day.
If you visit Nara or Kobe, it can be done in half day. If you want to keep your time in Osaka as much as you can, you can spend half day in one of Kobe or Nara, and spend 1.5 days in Osaka. In this case, you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 2 and day 3.
For sightseeing in Osaka, you can add other deals. 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
3. Trip to Tokyo from Osaka by Shinkansen is around 15,000 yen. If you want to save your cost, try to use Platt Kodama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
4. Tokyo Subway Ticket is the best choice.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt feedback! Appreciated much! However, just a clarification regarding on the following:
1,2. Since we will not be able to add one more trip outside Osaka other than Kyoto, and will just stay at Osaka, is the 2-Day Kansai Thru Pass is still worth to buy? Planning to use it just for our Osaka Tour on Day 1 since we will be arriving at 8am at Namba then on Day 2 for our Kyoto trip. But I am also thinking of getting Osaka Amazing Pass based on your given link since it will also covers the entrance of some of the Attraction sites.
For nos 3 and 4, will use Platt Kodama and Tokyo Subway Tickets. Great savings indeed! Your links are very helpful and informative!
Thanks a lot, Takeshi!
Best regards,
Happy
Hi Happy,
You can use Kansai thru pass on day 1 and 2. Because you can use it for sightseeing in Osaka on day 1. But you will use Osaka amazing pass later on your trip. So on day 1, try to visit other than attractions, like shopping complex, temples, market. You can visit most of attractions in Osaka by Osaka amazing pass later.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Cool! Thanks a lot, Takeshi! Such a great help on our upcoming Japan tour!
No worries, Happy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
i would like go to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
for that day i am travel from Kyoto station with JR rail pass.
Question is, can i drop off at Torokko Arashiyama Station instead of Saga Arashiyama Station.
thanks.
Hi Kamal san,
You cannot. Because it’s not JR stations and any JR trains do not stop at Torokko Arashiyama station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Thanks for your answer
i just done some research for that station ” Torokko Arashiyama station” it for Sagano Scenic Railway if i not mistaken.
if i buy ticket for Sagano Scenic Railway and i drop at Torokko Arashiyama station and go for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest then i go back to Torokko Saga then i jump in again for Sagano Scenic Railway.
1-can i use same ticket for repeated trip Sagano Scenic Railway or i need to buy another ticket.
Hi Kamal san,
Sagano scenic railway’s fare is 620 yen. It’s flat rate. So if you take train from Saga to Arashiyama and then take train from Arahiyama again, you have to pay 1240 yen. You cannot stopover at Arashiyama by one ticket. This train is very popular and if you do this, you have to book for two trains and it’s not realistic. Just walk from Saga station to Bamboo forest and catch train from Arashiyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Thank you very much, you just answered my confusions.
if i buy ticket first then go to Bamboo forest and catch train from Arashiyama. its possible that seat will be full, or it have limit how many person can board on that train as per train schedule.
thanks
Hi Kamal san,
No. If you buy a ticket, that means your seat is reserved. Nobody can take this train without reservation. When you buy a ticket, you have to choose the departure time.
It’s sometimes very crowded to purchase a ticket on the day of board. You can book and purchase a ticket at JR station’s reservation window in Kansai area that is called “Midori no Madoguchi” in advance.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Advanced reservation is highly recommended. This train is very very popular.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to confirm that all JR line is not cover in Kyoto sightseeing pass?
Thank you.
Zoelyn
Hi Zoelyn,
No. It covers Kyoto city subway and city bus only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
First of all, apologies for the long list of questions, as this is our first trip to Japan and despite a lot of web browsing there area still a lot of questions which we would appreciate your feedback.
We are planning a 24-day holiday to Japan, out itinerary is as follow:
Day 1 – arrive at Kansai Airport and take JR to Kyoto
Day 1 to 5 stay and tour around in Kyoto seeing the east Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi-Inari, Arashiyama, Kyoto Imperial palace & Nijō Castle, 元離宮二条城. Heian Shrine, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, the Path of Philosophy, Nanzen-ji and of course the Gion district.
Day 6 – Kyoto To Osaka using JR
Day 6 to 10 – Stay at Osaka with side trips to Nara for the Nara deer park, Taito-Ji & Otaimatsu. We will be spending time within Osaka area for shopping and sightseeing.
Day 11 – Osaka to Tokyo using JR
Day 11 to 15 stay at Tokyo and wandering around at Tokyo, it is not planned to do any side trip, except might be a trip to Yokohama.
Day 16 – Tokyo to Hakodate using JR
Day 16 & 17 – Hakodate and surround
Day 18 – Hakodate to Noboribetsu using JR and staying at the onsen ryokan at Noboribetsu
Day 19 – Noboribetsu to Sapporo using JR
Day 19 to 24 – stay around Sapporo with day trips to Otaru, Niseku, Asahigawa.
We are thinking of getting a 4-day Kansai Pass for/ the first 4 days the a 21-day national JR pass.
1) Could you please advise if this is an economical option.
2) Would a 4 day Kansai Wide pass be better.
3) Could the JR pass be usable within Tokyo or within Osaka or will additional rail / bus / tram / subway passes be required.
4) Is there a direct bullet train from Tokyo to Hakodate? could this bullet train be taken using the 21-day JR pass?
5) Could the 21-day JR pass be used on the trams and buses at Hakodate.
6) Could the JR pass be used on the Otaru – Kuchan – Niseku line.
7) if the 21-day JR pass is not able to be used widely in Osaka / Tokyo, will this still be beneficial.
much appreciate your feedback
To Ly
Hi To Ly san,
1. 21 days JR pass is okay but you don’t need to have Kansai area pass. You can use Haruka discount ticket from KIX to Kyoto and add subway/bus pass in Kyoto as you need.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
2. No. It’s too expensive.
3. You can take local JR lines and can visit many places. But JR Pass does not cover subway, tram and city bus. Please see the link below to find the coverage:
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
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/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
4. Yes. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-hokkaido/hakodate-shin-hakodate-hokuto/direct-access-to-hokkaido-from-tokyo-hokkaido-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
5. No
6. Yes
7. JR Pass 21 days is required anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Could you kindly confirm that the Kyoto Sightseeing (One/Two Day) Pass also includes the Arashiyama area? I’ve been reading conflicting information all around the internet – some says that the pass only cover the two subway lines (Karasuma and Tozai) and city buses. However to get to Arashiyama station from Higashiyama station, I understand that I will need to change from subway (Tozai line) to tram (Keifuku Dentetsu-Arashiyama Line) right? Or at least that’s what Google Maps is telling me…
So will the Kyoto sightseeing pass cover Keifuku Randen Line?
I’ve read that there are tourist discounts for certain museums etc that comes together with the purchase of the Kyoto Sightseeing Pass, however I couldn’t find a list of what discounts are included. Do you have any idea where I can find that information?
Thank you very much!
Hi Susan,
Keifuku railway is not covered by Kyoto sightseeing pass because it’s not under Kyoto city municipality transportation. But you can get Arashiyama. Please see the link below to find the all bus route in Kyoto.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
You may take subway to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa and then take Kyoto city bus. These trips are covered by this pass.
Sorry but I have no idea about discount by this pass. I have never heard it before and official website does not mention anything.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply and clarification!
Best regards,
Susan
No worries, Susan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com