I have received inquiries about the trip to Kansai area many times. So I make a basic itinerary that includes Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara only. This is 7 days itinerary. But you can shorten or extend as you can.
Now I would like to tell you the best route and most economical deals about this trip.
Day 1 – Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto
Kansai One Pass and Haruka one way trip to Kyoto at 4,600 yen.
Overnight around JR Kyoto station
If you arrive in Kyoto early, you can visit somewhere around Kyoto station. Fushimi Inari is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto station. Kyoto Tower is just located in front of Kyoto station. You can use Kansai One Pass to get there.
Day 2 and 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto
There are several deals available. I recommend you to use both Kansai One Pass and Kyoto City Bus Pass. Kansai One Pass covers city bus too but Kansai One Pass does not give you unlimited travel. It offers only convenience. On the other hand, Kyoto City Bus Pass is sold at 600 yen for one day. You can take a bus as many as you want. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides. You can use Kansai One Pass only for taking a train and/or a subway.
Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass (Kyoto Sightseeing Card) is also available. But this does not cover other railways, such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan railways. You will take various trains in Kyoto. Please see the link below to find the train route in Kyoto:
You can get anywhere in downtown Kyoto by bus. It is possible to visit all places only by city bus. However city bus is always crowded and the traffic in Kyoto has been very heavy in these days. I recommend you to take a train or a subway as much as you can.
Kansai One Pass and Bus Pass are the best combination for sightseeing in Kyoto, in my opinion.
Day 4 – Trip to Nara and transfer to Osaka
Visit Nara on the way to Namba, Osaka from Kyoto.
You can take either Kintetsu Railway or JR to get Nara. Both trains depart from Kyoto station. But Kintetsu railway’s Nara station is better location. It is 1 km closer to most of tourist spots in Nara than JR Nara station.
After Nara, you can take either JR or Kintetsu to get Osaka. Please see the link below to find the route to Nara:
Day 5 – Trip to Kobe and Himeji from Osaka
You may use JR Kansai Area Pass one day at 2,200 yen if you book it online in advance. If you buy it online, you have to exchange the pass at Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.
You can purchase this pass at many major stations in downtown Osaka but the price is a bit higher. There is other trains to Kobe and Himeji, like Hanshin railway. But JR is the fastest to get Himeji. Please see the post, How to access to Himeji and Kobe from Osaka to get the details.
Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka
There are lots of deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the deal:
How to choose the pass for sightseeing in Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX)
If you want to take Haruka again, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket. This discount ticket is available for overseas tourist who has ICOCA or Kansai One Pass only.
ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka
Otherwise you can choose other deal in the link below:
How to choose the deal for trip to/from KIX
I hope this sample helps you to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hello Takeshi
I saw your website and find it useful.
Grateful for your advice on our outline itinerary later this month on what to do, which passes to buy and maybe places to eat?
Day 1: Kansai Airport to Kyoto for the whole day
Day 2: Kyoto for the whole day
Day 3: Travel from Kyoto to Osaka, approximately half day there
Day 4: Osaka for the whole day
Day 5: Universal Studios
Day 6: Day trip to Nara or Kobe?
Day 7: Half day in Osaka – any suggestions welcome
Hi Bruce,
Basically you can use same deals as I suggested in the post above.
If you want, you can visit Nara in half day. So you can visit there on day 7. If you have many places in Osaka to see and visit, of course you can use your time on day 7 for Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Hope you are having a fine day.
Can you comment on my itinerary? Its still a work in progress. Which pass/deal would be the best? We plan to go to Hiroshima, Kobe, Himeji for day trips but stay in Osaka .
day1 KIX to hotel around Nippombashi station area
– (home base)
– Arrive late afternoon
– Do we get the Kansai-Hiroshima Area 5day Pass? Should we start using it for airport to Hotel since it is only 5day pass?
– Can we use the pass from Kix airport to Nippombashi station? Or get an additional deal?
day2 Himeji and Kobe
– Can we use the Kansai-Hiroshima Area 5day pass here?
day3 Hiroshima and Miyajima
– Can we us the pass for the ferry?
day4 (still open)
– Kindly suggest other places of interest available with the Kansai – Hiroshima pass? we’ve been to Tokyo, Osaka, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto and Narra before,
– We used also the Osaka Amazing Pass before.
day5 Universal Studios Harry Potter
day6 (still open for suggestions)
day7 shopping (aside from the stores nearby hotel any other outlet stores?)
day8 depart hotel Nippombashi area to KIX
– what pass can we use to return to Kix airport?
Thank you,
Joey
Hi Joey,
Before talking about which day you start using pass, I want to recommend several places. Those places are covered by Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
Kurashiki and Okayama
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5700.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
Kinosaki Onsen
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3525.html
Takamatsu (Shikoku island)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5400.html
If you spend two days (day 4 and 6) to visit these places, you can start using pass on day 2. Otherwise you may start using it on day 1.
But JR trains is not the best way to access to Nippombashi. The easiest way is Nankai railway and subway. If you take limited express train on Nankai line to Namba, the following deal is recommended. But you need to add single fare to get subway.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
If you take ordinary train or regular rapid train on Nankai line, you can use the following deal. Whole part of trip to Nippombashi is covered.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
You can choose same deals when you go back to KIX. Kansai hiroshima pass covers ferry to Miyajima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the quick reply and suggestions. I made some adjustments, please comment.
day1 KIX to hotel around Nippombashi station area
– (home base)
– Arrive late afternoon
– Chikatoku ticket, Osaka City Subway to Kansai int’l Airport – will this ticket bring us all the way to Nippombashi station? Do we have to change trains? Do they have round trip discount? if i use it on Day1 and Day8?
day2 Himeji and Kobe
– Can we use the Kansai-Hiroshima Area 5day pass here?
day3 Hiroshima and Miyajima
– (use Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass)
day4 Okayama and Kurashiki
– (use Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass)
day5 Takamatsu, Onomichi, Iwanuki
-(use Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass)
– ( is this too hectic?)
day6 Universal Studios Harry Potter
-(use Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass)
day7 shopping (aside from the stores nearby hotel any other outlet stores?)
day8 depart hotel Nippombashi area to KIX
– Chikatoku ticket, Osaka City Subway to Kansai int’l Airport – will this ticket bring us all the way to Nippombashi station? Do we have to change trains? Do they have round trip discount? if i use it on Day1 and Day8?
– Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket, if we use this ticket, we have to take a subway from Nippombashi station to Nankai-Namba and vice versa? Do they have round trip fare for use on day1 and day8?
– For the local area travels each day, can i use ICOCA, ECO for all areas? or other deals?
Thank you,
Joey
Hi Joey,
You have to take subway from Namba to Nippombashi anyway. Either rapi:t and ordinary train of Nankai railway take you to Namba. So you have to change the trains at Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
There is no discount for round trip. But Chikatoku will cover subway and Nankai so you don’t need to pay any extra.
Takamatsu, Onomichi, Iwanuki in one day is too much. But you can change combination to make it easier.
Day 4 Okayama and Takamatsu
Day 5 Kurashiki, Onomichi and Iwakuni
These combinations are easier to visit.
I don’t any outlet in downtown Osaka. I think Rinku Premium Outlet near KIX is closest.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your suggestions. It really helps a lot and there is always something new to see so we can keep going back for more.
Btw, one more thing, for the local transportation in each city, Is Icoca deal accepted or better just to pay single travel each time?
Regards,
Joey
Hi Joey,
I think single fare is okay because you will use Kansai Hiroshima Pass for most part of your trip. And even if you use ICOCA, it does not give your any discount. It just give you convenience.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I plan to visit Osaka next year, however I only have 5 days. Which place do u recommend me? ( Kyoto/Osaka/Nara)?
Thanks!!!!
Regards,
Phoebe
Hi Phoebe,
It’s hard to say. Some like Osaka and other like Kyoto. It depends on what you want to see. But 5 days is enough to see Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
First of all, thank you for such a detailed post here. I have learnt a lot from you guidance. Upon doing my research and everything, I have come up with the following for my one week trip to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. I will be arriving and departing from Kansai Int Airport. I was wondering if you could give me your advice on the following transportation itinerary:
Day 1: Kansai Int Airport to Kyoto (Icoca & Haruka one way ticket) + Kinkakuji (subway + bus paid by Icoca) + Kyoto Botanical Garden + Fushimi Inari-taisha (taking JR Nara Line). I will stay near Shijo station and Karasuma station in Kyoto.
Day 2: Arashiyama (Hankyu Tourist pass)
Day 3: Nishiki Market + Toji+ Eikando + Kiyomizudera + Sanjusangendo + Gion (Walk + Bus Pass for all the places)
Additional trip to Mt. Kumara in any of the days if time allows (what do you think? Am I able to squeeze this in somewhere?)
Day 4: Kyoto to Osaka (JR Kyoto Line (28 minutes for 560 Yen)) + Kaiyukan (Osaka Kaiyu Ticket). I will be staying near the Tanimachi 4 chome station and the Temmabashi station in Osaka.
Day 5 : Osaka to Nara (Kintetsu Nara Line: Y540, 40 minutes, departs from Kintetsu Namba Station in Osaka and arrives at Kintetsu Nara Station in Nara)
Day 6 + Day 7: Amazing Pass 2 Days (I will opt for 1 Day pass if I decide to visit USS Osaka instead in one of the days)
Day 8: Osaka to Kansai Int Airport (this is the part where wish to seek your advise. How would you recommend me to travel to Kansai Int Airport? I am open to getting the Icoca & Haruka round trip instead of a one-way, but I am not sure if that is cost effective or if there are other methods which you would recommend).
Upon reading my itinerary, I would deeply appreciate any tips or guidance from you! Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Norman
Hi Norman,
Your itinerary is feasible. I don’t see any issues and you are ready to go!
I think you can squeeze Kurama on day 2. By the way, Hankyu Tourist Pass is too expensive. Single fare is cheaper. You may use ICOCA but you will use ICOCA on other days. You can add some more fund into ICOCA at JR stations.
On day 4, you can take Hankyu Railway to get Umeda where is same place as JR Osaka. You will stay in Karasuma. You can get Umeda directly from Karasuma. If you take JR, you need to take subway to get Kyoto station. It’s more expensive and slower.
On day 8, you can use subway+Nankai railway deal.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
This is most cost efficient choice. But you have to change trains twice at Honmachi and Namba (or Tanimachi-Kyuchome and Namba). There is no direct way anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for your prompt reply and advice. I wouldn’t have known all these if not for you!
I would take your advice on squeezing Kumara in on day 2. I will be travelling with my parents, so I want to make sure they are comfortable and get to enjoy themselves instead of rushing from one place to another. So if I were to travel to Arashiyama and Kumara on day 2, what is your recommendation to get to Kumara from Arashiyama?
About day 4 — thanks! I didn’t know Umeda is the same as JR Osaka. A question about this. There seem to be many types of Hankyu Railway here (http://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/common/pdf/station_guide/timetable/KARASUMA__KYOTO_UMEDA_WEEDDAY.pdf) and I am unable to find the cost of the ticket to get to Umeda. I would appreciate some guidance here, for example, which type to choose. Also, if the cost from Karasuma to Umeda is more than 700 Yen, I would most likely choose the Hankyu 1 Day Pass instead.
About day 8 — thanks for that! Changing twice is not a problem for us. I was looking at some many types of tickets that I wasn’t really sure which would be better. I will choose the subway + Nankai railway deal. I have a question about this deal. Is this Nankai railway a limited express rapid type or airport express type? I looked up the train schedule and I am a little confused which is the correct type for the Nankai railway deal (http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/railway/kix/tokix/timetable.html#kix).
I apologize for asking so many questions, Takeshi-san!
Regards,
Chee Peng
Hi Chee Peng,
The reason why I chose day 2 for squeezing Kurama is easier than day 3. Actually it depends on how much you spend in Arashiyama. And also it depends on your parents. So if you can make Arashiyama in the morning, you can go to Kurama. Otherwise you should give up Kurama. It may be hard for your parents.
The fare to Umeda is less than 700 yen. Forget about Hankyu rail pass. You can get exact fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You can take any kinds of Hankyu trains by base fare. Limited express is of course the fastest.
I recommend you to read the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
Nankai subway deal does not cover Rapi:t. It covers ordinary express only. If you want to take rapi:t, you should buy single ticket for taking subway and purchase rapi:t deal. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Namba_Access_Rapit_Ticket
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Exactly, and that is why I will only decide if I want to squeeze Kumara in on day 2. We shall see how it goes!
Thank you once again. Now everything is much clearer. I can’t thank you enough!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Regards,
Chee Peng
No problem, Chee Peng.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I hope you are well. I have one more question.
On day 4, as you may recall, I plan to purchase the Kaiyu ticket once I arrive at Umeda (heading to the Kaiyukan in the afternoon). I was thinking of reaching Nippombashi through the Midosuji line to Namba, and transferring to the Sennichimae line 1 stop to Nippombashi. Is that the fastest and most efficient way?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
Chee Peng
Hi Chee Peng,
Yes. That is the best way. You may find some more info about Namba station at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
If you don’t have a luggage, you can walk Namba – Nippombashi. These are connected by underground shopping arcade. Just for your info.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Oh my god! I have totally forgotten about luggage, but it’s good to know they’re actually connect. Now you’ve mentioned luggage, do you think I’d have problems with my luggage when I am traveling from Kansai Int Airport (day 1), Kumara to Umeda to Nippombashi (day 4), and taking the Subway+Nankai Railway Deal (day 8)?
Regards,
Chee Peng
Hi Chee Peng,
It depends on how big your luggage is. Please see the link below to find the info about traveling with luggage.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Splendid! I can’t thank you enough.
Take care and have a wonderful rest of the week.
Norman
No worries, Norman.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’m really impressed by the way you have given advice and help to people like us who are confused about all the passes. I would like to ask for your advice to see which passes I should get, here’s my itinerary
DAY 1
Osaka, Kansai airport to Kyoto
• Kyoto Tower
DAY 2
• Kiyomizu-Dera
• Nanzen-ji
• Eikan-dozenrin-ji
• Shinnyo-do
• Kodai-ji
DAY 3
• Tofukuji
• Imakumano Kannonji
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
• Kiyomizuzaka
DAY 4
• Kibune Shrine
• Kurama-dera
• Shimogamo Shrine
• Kamogawa River
• Gion
• Hanamikoji
DAY 5
• Arashiyama
• Tenryu-ji
• Jojakuko-ji
• Nison-in
• Daikaku-ji
• Hogonin
DAY 6
• Kinkakuji
• Kitano Tenman Gu
• Nijo Castle
DAY 7
• Takao
• Jingo-ji
• Saimyo-ji
• Kozan-ji
DAY 8
Kyoto to Osaka, Namba
• Osaka Castle Park
• Osaka Castle Museum
• Shintennoji Temple
• Tsutenkaku
DAY 9
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Dontobori
• Shinsaibashi
• Umeda Sky Building
• Hep Five
DAY 10
Osaka to Nara
• Kohfukuji
• Nara Park
• Todaiji
• Todaiji Nigatsudo
• Kasuga Taisha
• Toshodaiji Temple
DAY 11
Universal Studio JPN
DAY 12
Namba to Kansai Airport
Kindly advice your recommendation and your thoughts on which passes to buy, thank you.
Hi Takeshi
Amazing to see your detailed advice. I need some advice also. I am just starting to put our plan together for 4 persons travelling first time to Japan for 16 days in December.
We start from and end in Tokyo, and in between would like to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka (Harry Potter!), Nara and also thinking about Himeji/Miyajima/Hiroshima in addition. Any recommendation for best use of time is appreciated.
What’s the best transport pass(es) we should consider that can cover our needs economically and conveniently? We haven’t worked out the exact sites yet but intend to use train/bus as taxis are too costly in our view.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Shim
Hi Shim,
You may find some idea from one of my sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-tokyo-to-osaka-in-just-7-days-by-japan-rail-pass-7-days.html
You can put Hakone instead of Fuji. It’s day trip in the itinerary. But you can stay there if you want.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
You may add one more day for Nara. And also you can extend to stay in Kyoto and Osaka as you need. Himeji can be squeezed between Osaka and Hiroshima if you stay in Hiroshima. Otherwise you can get two day trips each for Hiroshima/Miyajiama and Himeji.
You can use 14 days JR pass.
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
There are some deals for access to/from airport and deal in Tokyo. You can pick these for two day that are not covered by 14 days pass.
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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
You highly recommended ICOCA & Haruka for around Kansai. What if we arrive Japan from Tokyo to Kansai area for 6-7 days, then back to Tokyo? What transport pass should we purchase or combine?
Hi Sofia,
JR pass 7 days is the best choice.
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
JR pass is only deal to cover Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto. But you need to add local deals, such as subway because JR pass does not cover subway, city bus and other Non JR railways. Please see the link below:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Your blog has been very informative and helpful to my friends and I. Our vacation in Japan is next month and we’re currently planning our itinerary. Could you please advise us the best passes to purchase given our itinerary below:
Day 1: KIK – Kyoto (From your blog, it seems you are highly recommending ICOCA + Haruka)
Day 2: Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 3: Day trip to Nara and Kyoto Sightseeing
Day 4: Kyoto Sightseeing in the morning then Kyoto – Namba
Day 5: Whole day in Universal Studios
Day 6: Osaka Sightseeing
Kindly give us your recommendation and your thoughts about our itinerary.
Hi Kath,
Actually you can follow my sample itinerary. It’s almost same.
You can use ICOCA and Haruka, and use ICOCA for day trip to Nara and trip to Osaka from Kyoto. In Kyoto and Osaka, I show day pass in the post above. You may follow it.
But for day 5, single ticket is okay. You may use ICOCA too but your ICOCA will be empty when you get Osaka. You can add some more fund into ICOCA. But it’s minimum 1000 yen and can be charged by 1000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for replying to my comment. I didn’t know that you can add more fund into ICOCA. Can you tell us in what station we can reload ICOCA? Also, I read about Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Area Pass in your other posts. Do you recommend them to us given our itinerary?
Cheers,
Kath
Hi Kath,
You can add more at the vending machine in any JR stations.
I don’t think you need either Kansai thru pass or Kansai area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
You’ve been very helpful. Arigatou gozaimashita!
Kath
Hi Takeshi san,
Hajimemashite.
Thank you for providing us with transport information.
I will be travelling to Kansai area in October and here are my itineraries with the pass I plan to get
Day 1 : KIX – Kyoto (stay around Kyoto Station) – Haruka single trip ticket
Day 2 – 4: Kyoto – Kyoto Sightseeing Pass Card
Day 5: Kyoto -> Osaka (yet to decide where to stay) – ICOCA
Day 6: Explore Osaka – ICOCA / Kansai Wide Area Pass for 5 days?
Day 7: Osaka -> Himeji , Kobe ( day trip)
Day 8: Osaka -> Okayama, Kurashiki (day Trip)
Day 9: Osaka -> Nara (day trip – optional)
Day 10: Osaka -> KIX – Haruka using Kansai Wide Area Pass?
Please give me your opinion and guidance.
Also, do you have any suggestion for place to stay in Osaka?
Thank you.
Hi Vin san,
You have picked the right deals and itinerary is okay.
I recommend you to stay around Shin-Osaka. It’s just one station away from Osaka (Umeda). You can catch Shinkansen to Himeji, Okayama. And also you can get there from Kyoto by special rapid directly in 25 minutes. When you go to Nara, you can go to Osaka and transfer to Yamatoji rapid train. And hotel rate is much more affordable than Umeda area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for your reply and comment.
Cheers,
Vin
No problem, Vin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi =)
I will be landing in Kansai Airport next month. I found your blog very interesting, and perhaps you could advise me on my planned itinerary , that would be appreciated.
Day 1: KIK – Kyoto (I understand from your blog that it is wise to take the ICOCA + HARUKA)
Day 2-4: Explore Kyoto (Here I am confused, do I use the ICOCA card or should I get any day passes?)
Day 5: Kyoto – Osaka (Understand that there are many railways available, what is the best you would advise?)
Day 6: Travel whole day in Osaka (Here can we use ICOCA or day pass?)
Day 7: Osaka – Nara (day trip)
Day 8: Osaka – KIK (Here can I take the Haruka trail to airport again? )
Hence, should I get a return pass from the start or should I buy separately since I will be returning to KIK, thanks and I really do appreciate if you would reply me 🙂
Hi Calvin,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka but don’t use ICOCA for sightseeing in Kyoto and Osaka. You can use all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
ICOCA can be used for Kyoto to Osaka and trip to Nara. Please see the link below to find the route among cities in Kansai area.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
You can take any trains by ICOCA in Kansai area.
You can take Haruka to get back to KIX. But there are some more deals available. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com