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
Hi Takeshi San,
I still not sure whether I should have another Day tour at Kyoto (Day 3) before going to Osaka.
Q1. What is the best combination for me on my 7 Days?
Q2. Any pass to get
Thanks in advance.
Mikel
Day 1- Touched down Osaka KIX AT 7AM, train to Kyoto. FUSHMI INARI + Kiyomizu temple. Stay near Kyoto Station. [ICOCA and Haruka single trip pass]
Day 2- Kyoto Arashiyama + Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) + Nijo castle. (Stay near Nijo castle) [What Pass?]
Day 3- Kyoto > Nara Day Trip > Osaka. Stay near Namba
Day 4- Osaka
Day 5- Osaka > Kobe Day trip > Osaka
Day 6- Osaka
Day 7- KIX 11am fight to KL
My main objective this trip to cover Kyoto, Osaka.
Nara and Kobe is optional.
Hi Mikel,
You may use just ICOCA for day 2 and 3. You can use Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For day 4 and 6, you may choose the deal 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
For day 5, Hanshin tourist pass is your choice:
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/
You can use single ticket for Namba to KIX at 920 yen for taking Nankai railway ordinary train on day 7. Or if you want to take limited express train, you can use the deal in the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
This is the first time my family and I are going for F&E trip to Japan. We have done research and read through some of your readers comments and gotten some idea. We would also like to seek for your kind advise and suggestion on which transportation passes should we get for the current planned itinerary as below.
Note: Our Airport in Osaka is at ITM
Day 1 – Check in Kyoto Airbnb → Dinner at Ichiran Kyoto Kawaramachi → Pontocho Alley → Shirakawa-Minami Dori → Hanamikoji Street → Back to Airbnb
Day 2 – Breakfast to buy from convenience stores → Saga-Arashiyama Station → Arashiyama, Path of Bamboo → Nonomiya Shrine → Tenryu-ji Temple → Togetsukyo Bridge → Jojakko-ji Temple → Arashiyama Station → Dinner at Kichi Kichi ザ・洋食屋 キチキチ → Walk around Gion Streets → Back to Airbnb
Day 3 – Breakfast @ Nishiki Market → Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping District → Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Jishu Shrine → Higashiyama District → Shijo Dori District → Back to Airbnb
Day 4 – Fushimi Inari Shrine → Check-out kyoto Airbnb → Reached Kyoto Station → Reached Shin-Osaka Station → Check in Osaka Airbnb → Sumiyoshi Taisha → Dotonbori → Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade → Back to Airbnb
Day 5 – Breakfast to buy from convenience stores → Take train to Kintetsu Nara Station → Kofuku-ji Temple → Todaiji Temple → Nara Park → Naramachi OR Higashimuki Shopping Street → Train back to Osaka → Back to Airbnb
Day 6 – USJ → Shinsekai → Back to Airbnb
Day 7 – We are still in the midst of considering if we should continue to explore Osaka OR perhaps do a day trip to other cities. Any kind suggestion from you?
Thank you.
Cheers,
Clara O
Hi Clara san,
Only limousine bus is available to/from Itami by regular fare.
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/index2.html
You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2, 4, 5.
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 3, All day bus pass is okay.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Single ticket is okay for day 6, and you may think about trip to Kobe and/or Himeji.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
For Day 3 : You mentioned to get the all-day bus pass. So do I buy single ticket to Nishiki Market, and then take bus from Higashiyama Sanjo Bus Stop, Take Bus 206 to Shimizumichi Bus Stop and walk about 10mins to Kiyomizu-dera Temple?
After that, I will walk thru Jishu Shrine and Higashiyama District. From there, I will walk about 2mins to Shimizumichi Bus Stop, Take either Bus 80, 83A, 84, 207 to Shijokeihan (Gionshijoeki Bus Stop) and walk about 6mins to Kichi Kichi Omurice?
For Day 7 : We have decided to do a day trip to Kobe. Thanks for your kind suggestion! We plan to cover Kuromon Ichiba Market in the Morning then Nankinmachi, Shin-Kobe Ropeway followed by Nunobiki Watefall then Nunobiki Herb Garden and back to Osaka. Does this sounds do-able or will it be too rush?
Day 8 : We would like to do a day trip to Hakone as well. Upon reading your post, we will get the 2D Hakone Freepass.
1) For the romancecar, I understand we have to +890yen. Is this a one-way price or round-trip? We thought of taking the Odakyu Express Train TO Hakone and then take Romancecar BACK. How will you advise?
2) Is there enough time to visit both Hakone-Machi and Moto-Hakone? Our main agenda to visit Hakone is to see Mt.Fuji & Torii Gates. Our plan for this day will be : Reached Shinjuku Station → Purchase 2-days Hakone Freepass → Board the train at Shinjuku → Odawara Station → Change to Odakyu Express Train (Hakone Tozan Train) → Gora Station → Take the Hakone Cablecar → Koen-Kami Station → About 3mins walk → Return back to Gora Station → Board on the same Cablecar → Sounzan Station → Trasfer to Hakone Ropeway → Owakudani → Back to Owakudani → Board on the same ropeway → Togendai Station → Hakone-Machi → Moto-Hakone.
3) Kindly advise if this directions is correct to return? : From Moto-Hakone, walk over to → From Motohakone Bus Stop → Hakoneyumotoeki → Walk about 1min, 79m (35mins, 960yen) → From Hakone-Yumoto Station → Board the Odakyu Express Train → Odawara Station (1~1.5hrs) → From Odawara Station → Shinjuku Station.
4) We are afraid there isn’t enough time for us to eat breakfast, so we thought of buying it from convenience stores and eat it later in the train. May I know which train allows us to eat on board?
Thank you.
Cheers,
Clara O
Hi Clara san,
You can get any places in Kyoto by bus. I don’t think you need to add any single ticket. Please see the link below to find the route map of the bus in Kyoto.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/img/pdf/ENG160319(map).pdf
Day 7 plan is fesible.
890 yen is one way fee to take romancecar.
Hakone plan is okay.
Romancecar runs between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto. You don’t need to change trains at Odawara. Your route from Motohakone to Hakone-Yumoto is okay.
If you take romancecar, it’s no problem. In other trains, it’s allowed but not recommended. Even if you try, you will not be comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
1) After checking the google map, it seems that all-day bus pass is good enough for our itinerary for Day 3 as per your suggestion! Thank you.
2) Day 7 – Kobe day trip. I am not sure if I can ask you this. Appreciate your help!
– Do I have to take the Ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station and the Ropeway will lead us all the way to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens?
– Next, to get to Kitano Street it will be a 10 minutes walk from Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens?
If above are correct, how do we get down from Kitano Street back to Shin-Kobe Station? Do we either :
2a) Hike down (Does it make sense?)
2b) Walk back to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens and take the Ropeway back to Shin-Kobe Station (It seems that it closes at 5.15PM)
3) Day 5 – Nara day trip. I am not sure if I can ask you this too. Appreciate your help!
– I would like to ask how does the Nara Kotsu 1-day bus pass works? I understand that we are required to buy the ticket from Kintetsu Nara Bus Information Center. After buying, head out a few mins walk to the Bus Stop.
We plan to do it this way : Todaiji Temple → Nara Park → Kasuga Taisha Shrine → Kofukuji Temple → Gangou-ji Temple → Higashimuki Shopping Street
3a) Do we take the bus outside Kintetsu Nara Bus Stop → Todaiji Temple then after touring finish, take the same bus from the same bus stop → Nara Park → ” → ” → ” → Higashimuki Shopping Street? I have see the bus route map but I don’t understand how to “see” or take what bus.
Thank you very much.
Cheers,
Clara O
Hi Clara,
You should take ropeway to go down and walk to Kitano. You can hike down but it’s a long walk. Even if you walk from Ropeway base station to Kitano, it takes 30 minutes. But my memory is very old. It may be a bit shorter or longer.
In Nara, you can walk all places from the station. Even Kasuga Taisha shrine is 30 minutes away. Other spots are much closer to the station:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4102.html
I have never taken the bus in Nara, so I have no idea either to use the bus in Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
its me again, if we plan to go in mid Dec, will this 7 days Osaka~Kyoto still the same plan?
Hi Karen san,
It’s same. Winter climate is not severe in this area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail,com
Hi Takeshi san,
I plan to follow exactly the itinerary you posted here. But I plan to add one more day in Kyoto (so the first 4 nights in Kyoto, and 3 other nights in Namba). But other than that I plan to keep my itinerary the same like what you suggested. My question is: does that slight change affect which pass I should/should not get based on what you laid out on your article? Should I get ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket or just one way? Is ICOCA and Haruka pass also has 7 days validity just like Japan Rail Pass?
Hi Maria san,
You can choose same passes in the sample itinerary. You can add a deal in Kyoto for one more day, such as Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You may use ICOCA and Haruka only one way to Kyoto. Because there are lots of other deals available for Osaka to KIX. Even if you want to use Haruka, you can use only one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto. And you can add Haruka discount ticket for Osaka to KIX. This combination is cheaper than round trip ICOCA and Haruka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
And I want to give you one more tip. You can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. This is same type of card as ICOCA. But it has 2500 yen fund in the card. And it gives you a discount at many attractions in Kansai area.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
This is more recommended than ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I am planning an 8 days trip in Kansai area in next week. Below is my planned itinerary
Day 1 – Kansai International Airport to Osaka Namba using the Himeji Tourist Pass, which includes a one way ticket from airport to Osaka Namba
http://www.sanyo-railway.co.jp/global/en/touristpass.html
Day 2 – Osaka Namba to Kobe Sannomiya via Hanshin Electric Railway by purchasing single ticket.
And, we need to change to train at Amagasaki, right ?
Sightseeing at Kobe
Day 3 – A day trip between Kobe and Himeji using the Himeji Tourist Pass by taking the Sanyo Electric Railway.
If we have time, we plan to visit the Mitsui Outlet at Tarumi on the way back to Kobe using the pass
Day 4 – Sightseeing Kobe and go back to Osaka Namba using Hanshin Electric Railway single ticket
Day 5 – Osaka Sightseeing using Osaka Visitor’s Ticket which we plan to take the subway for multiple places in Osaka, including Osaka Castle, Umeda, Shinsaishibashi, Tenmabshi, … etc
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/plan/practical_information/travel_passes/osaka_visitors_ticket.html
Day 6 – A day trip between Osaka Namba and Nara using the Kintetsu Nara Line Rapid Express for KinetsuNara by using single ticket (from and back to Osaka)
Day 7 – Osaka Sightseeing
Day 8 – Osaka Namba to Kansai International Airport using Nankai Airport Express single journey ticket.
Question 1 – is there any other pass or deal which I should use to save the transportation cost?
Question 2 – for the trip from Osaka Namba to Kobe Sannomiya using Hashin Electric Railway. I read many post on Internet, some people said no need to change train at Amagasaki but some said need to change train. I am confused. Am I right that some train from Namba only stop at Amagasaki but some train from Namba can arrive Kobe Sannomiya without change train?
Question 3 – We will travel in a group of 7 people. Will there be any discount in general for a group? Something like group ticket?
Thanks for your help.
Hong
Hi Hong san,
1. You have picked the right deal. Actually I didn’t know Himeji Tourist Pass. That is very good deal.
You may have Kansai One Pass instead of cash payment.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
It gives you convenience and discount at many attractions.
2. It depends on the train. Many trains runs between Kintetsu-Nara and Kobe-Sannomiya. If you take this train, you don’t need to change. But some trains runs between Amagasaki and Osaka-Namba (or Kintetsu-Nara). Before boarding, check the direction. You can find it on the train or at the departure information board at the platform.
3. Unfortunately not available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thanks for advice.
Cheers
Hong
No worries, Hong san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Would love to have your advice for this itinerary I’m planning. We are staying near Nippombashi station for the whole trip except for 1 night in Nagoya (near Nagoya station). I’m wondering which is better for me- Kansai Thru Pass 3 days or JR Kansai area pass for 1 day. If it is the latter, I presume I can use the Kansai One Pass for the other trips that occurred during Day 7 to 9.
Day 1: Nippombashi->Shinsaibashi Shoppping Street->Dotonbori->Nippombashi
Day 2: Nippombashi->Arashiyama->Nippombashi
Day 3 [Kintetsu Rail Pass]: Nippombashi->Nara(Todaiji Temple, Isui-en Garden, Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Nara Park)->Nippombashi
Day 4 [Kintetsu Rail Pass]: Nippombashi->Nagoya (Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima / Yuami no Shima / Nabana no Sato)->Nagoya
Day 5 [Kintetsu Rail Pass]: Nagoya->Nara Park->Nippombashi
Day 6: Nippombashi-> USJ
Day 7 [Kansai Thru Pass]: Nippombashi->Himeji->Umeda->Nippombashi
Day 8 [Kansai Thru Pass]: Nippombashi->Nishiki Market->Kinkakuji->Toei Movie Land->Nippombashi
Day 9 [Kansai Thru Pass]: Nippombashi-> Kiyomizudera->Nippombashi
Day 10: Nippombashi->Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum->Nippombashi
Thank you very much.
Hi Nikita san,
You can use Kintetsu rail pass from day 2. You can get Kyoto station by Kintetsu rail pass. After arriving Kyoto, take JR train to Saga-Arashiyama. JR train is not covered by Kintetsu rail pass but extra fare is around 200 yen.
When you go to Nagoya, you should add limited express seat fee on top of Kintetsu rail pass. There is no direct trains to Nagoya from Osaka other than limited express train. It’s too complicated to get Nagoya by ordinary trains only for overseas tourist.
When you go to Nara after Nagoya, you should take limited express train again to Osaka. There is no direct train to Nara from Nagoya. Just go back to Osaka and get Nara. It’s more convenient and faster.
If you can switch day 6 (USJ) and day 8 (Kyoto), you can use Kintetsu rail pass to get Kyoto again. It’s same way as day 2. You may add Kyoto city deal after arriving Kyoto. 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-kyoto.html
And then you can use Kansai thru pass for day 7 (Himeji), day 9 (Kyoto) and day 10 (ramen museum).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
By Kyoto deal, are you referring to Kyoto sightseeing pass?
Thanks for your advice. I will be getting the limited express train ticket to Nagoya. Can I get it at the station or should I get the ticket online?
Hi Nikita,
I think you use Kintetsu rail pass and all day bus pass for trip to Kyomizudera, and use Kansai thru pass for other day in Kyoto. If you are sure to visit Kiyomizudera only, single bus fare is okay. But if you visit one more place, bus pass is better because you can get the worth by 3 rides of bus.
You may book and purchase a limited express ticket when you exchange your Kintetsu rail pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Do you have any recommend driver and local guide (can speak english or chinese) to use.
As we are planning our family trip in Dec 2017 to Osaka/Kyoto for 8days, and having 18paxs (including 2 Old, and 6kids).
So we thought if there is driver and guide for us will be better for us to explore at our own time.
Thank you very much in advance for your kind help and advise.
Regards,
Karen
Hi Karen san,
Unfortunately I have no idea about it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planned for 12 days trip from tokyo > kyoto > osaka. Would like to get your advice on the type of pass or transport shall I take? Where to buy pass as I reach airport a bit late night? Below is the itenary:-
Day 1: Tokyo – Narita airport > KEIO TAMAGAWA
Day 2: Tokyo – KEIO Tamagawa > DisneySea
Day 3: Tokyo – Keio tamagawa > Senso-ji>Roppongi Hills > Shinjuku> take overnight bus to kyoto (already bought bus ticket)
Day 4: Kyoto – Kyoto station > Nijo > Nijo castle> The Kyoto Imperial Palace > Seimei Shrine> Shimogamo Shrine >four kawaramachi >nishiki shijyo> nijo
Day 5: Kyoto – Nijo> Arashiyama> Sagano Romantic train> Tenryu-ji>Kinkaku-ji>Ryoanji> nijo
Day 6: Kyoto – Kiyomizu-dera temple>Jishu shrine>Sannenzaka Ninenzaka>Yasaka Shrine >Fushimi inari shrine>Ujigami jinja> Nijo
Day 7: From Kyoto to Osaka – Sakuragawa (Osaka) station> Shitenno-ji>Tsutenkaku>namba parks>dotonbori
Day 8: Nara (Day trip from Osaka (Sakuragawa station) to Nara)
Day 9: Kobe (Day trip from Osaka (Sakuragawa station) to Kobe)
Day 10: Osaka – Sakuragawa (Osaka) station > Osaka Castle Park > Osaka Castle> Grand front Osaka > Hep Five > Sakuragawa (Osaka) station
Day 11: Osaka – Sakuragawa (Osaka) station > Kuromon ichiba market > Shinsaibaishi
Day 12: Osaka – Kansai airport
Looking forward to your advice soon.
Thanks!
Yau San
Hi Yau San,
1. Narita to Tamagawa
You may use Limousine and subway combo.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html#anc02
You can get Shinjuku by Limousine bus and use subway ticket for day 3
Take Keio line to Tamagawa. Please check the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
2. Disney
Single ticket is your choice. Take Keio line to Shinjuku and then take JR to get Maihama.
3. For day 3
Use single fare to get Shinjuku and use subway ticket of Limousine bus and subway ticket combo.
4. Kyoto
Use city 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-kyoto.html
5. For day 7 to 9
Use Kansai thru pass 3 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
6. Osaka
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
7. To KIX
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
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for the suggestions. From narita to tamagawa, is it using Skyliner Discount Ticket faster than limousine bus?
Regards,
Yau San
Hi Yau san,
I don’t think so. Because Skyliner takes you to Ueno or Nippori. You need to take Yamanote line or subway to Shinjuku and then change to Keio line. You have to change one more time than Limousine bus and spend extra minutes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good day, I’m from Malaysia, planning on a family trip to osaka and Kyoto for 7days 6nights (15th to 21st may). I’m planning to follow your itinerary since it seems to cover everything.
May I know if I’m booking for accommodation, would it be more convenient to get it near JR Kyoto station in Kyoto and JR namba station in osaka?
For day trip in Nara before we transfer to Namba, does Japan have any facilities to drop off luggage for convenience?
Thanks for your enlightening.
Hi Janice san,
Kyoto station is the best place to stay. In Osaka, Namba is okay. It’s the biggest downtown core. But Shin-Osaka is also recommended. Shin-Osaka is very accessible from Kyoto. Just hop on rapid train and it takes less than 30 minutes and it’s direct. And also you can reach KIX by limited express Haruka directly too. Hotel rate is also more reasonable than Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thanks for your reply. I would to ask more questions.
1. I plan to travel to JR Kyoto on day 1, settle down at hotel then have day trip to fushimi inari. Day 2 and 3 trip in kyoto. Day 4 travel from Kyoto to nara then JR Namba or shin-osaka. Do you recommend ICOCA or haruka pass only? Can I purchase round trip ICOCA pass if my destination is different on day 1 and 4? (Cos I’m not going back to airport from Kyoto on day 4)
2. I realised most of the point of travel in your itinerary is from JR Namba, will it be a problem if I stay at shin-osaka?
3. Which pass do you recommend if I travel from shin-osaka to kansai airport on last day?
4. May I know if I need to purchase any other pass to move around in Nara?
Thanks.
Regards,
Janice
Hi Janice san,
1. You can purchase one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto. Don’t buy round trip because one way to Kyoto and one way from Shin-Osaka is cheaper. If you stay in Namba, Nankai railway is better and ICOCA and Haruka is not a right choice.
You can use ICOCA for trip to Nara and other pass in Kyoto as my instruction in the post above.
2. You cannot get Shin-Osaka from Nara directly. You can take Kintetsu railway to Namba and then take subway to Shin-Osaka.
If you want to get direct transfer, Namba is better.
3. Haruka discount ticket is the best.
4. No. Walking is fine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Good day to you.
I am planning a 2 weeks trip to Japan covering Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Mt. Fuji.
As I have not confirmed which day to cover which places, I will write an overview on the places I plan to cover.
3 Days in KYOTO covering:
Nishiki Market
Gion District – Ishibe Alley
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple – Arashiyama – Nonomiya Shrine
Jōjakukō-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple
3 Days in OSAKA covering:
Shinsaibashi Dotonbori Shopping Street
Shitennoji Temple
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Osaka Castle
Shinsekai
USJ
Day trip to NARA covering:
Kofuku-ji Temple
Sika Deer in Nara Park
Higashimuki Shopping Street
Day trip to KOBE covering:
TBC
1 Night in Mt.Fuji covering:
TBC
6 Nights in Tokyo covering (May be adding more)
Shinjuku
Seria
Piss Alley
Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple)
Tokyo Skytree
Nakamise Shopping Street
Ueno Park / Zoo
Ameyoko Market
Tokyo Disneyland
Ginza – Hachikō Statue
T’s TanTan Tokyostation
TOKYO RAMEN STREET@ At First Avenue Tokyo Station
Shibuya
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya 109
Harajuku
Kura Sushi Japan
Question here!
1) Based on the attractions as mentioned above covering the Kansai area, what train pass is the best suitable for me? Desperately need advise on this
2) Based on the attractions as mentioned above covering in Tokyo, what train pass is the best suitable for me? Desperately need advise on this
3) As mentioned above that I will be covering Mt.Fuji as well, I am planning to stay for a night. However, my international and domestic flight will be as follow: SG > Osaka > Tokyo > SG. Thus, do you recommend me to go straight to Mt.Fuji once I touched down at Tokyo or probably stay a few nights before heading to Mt.Fuji for a night and then back to Tokyo again?
Thank you so so much!
Hi Zan san,
1. For trips in Kyoto and Osaka, please see the links 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For trips to Nara and Kobe, Kansai thru pass is recommended:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
2. Subway pass is most recommended. Please see the links below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
But you may need to add some fares to take other than subway. Please see the link below:
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
3. It depends on your arrival time and arrival place in Tokyo. If you arrive in Haneda in the morning or early afternoon, you can go to Mt. Fuji. But if you arrive in late afternoon in Haneda or afternoon in Narita, I recommend you to stay in Tokyo first.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your kind patience and prompt reply.
Day 1- Touched down Osaka, train to Kyoto
Day 2- Kyoto
Day 3- Kyoto
Day 4- Train back to Osaka
Day 5- Kobe, Day trip (Or should I give it a pass?) If I pass Kobe, I will either have this extra day at Osaka or Toyko.
Day 6- Nara, Day trip
Day 7- USJ
Day 8- Osaka
Day 9- Flight from Osaka to Tokyo
Day 10- Mt.Fuji, Overnight
Day 11- Tokyo
Day 12- Disneyland
Day 13- Tokyo
Day 14- Tokyo
Day 15- Back to SG
After reading and if my plans are as above, kindly advise if my understanding is correct:-
1) I will be touching down Osaka and head over to Kyoto first to stay for 3 nights. Does it means that I should just buy a single fare pass to travel from Osaka to Kyoto and then buy 1 one-day pass and 1 two-day pass to travel around Kyoto?
2) For Day 4, will buy a single fare pass to travel back from Kyoto to Osaka.
3) For Day 4 and 8, I will then buy the one-day unlimited eco card on daily basis to travel around Osaka.
4) For Day 7, I will then buy the a single fare pass to travel to USJ from Osaka. (Since I doubt we will be spending almost whole day at USJ)
5) For Day 5 and 6, if I am heading to Kobe and Nara, both will be day trip from Osaka. I will get a 2-days Kansai thru pass. If I skip Kobe, then I will just get the 1-day Kansai thru pass. But is it more worth or getting single fare better?
6) For Day 9, I am intending to get the 12.30PM flight which will allows me to touch down Haneda at around 2.30PM after immgration and all. I have yet to book my tickets yet, thus I still can book an earlier flight if you recommend! I can get the 10.30AM or 11.30AM one too. However, just to check will it be a hassle to carry our luggages directly? We are a family of four and I believe we should be carrying one 24~28″ luggage each!
7) For Day 11, I will buy a 24-hour tokyo subway ticket.
8) For Day 12, I will buy a single fare pass to travel to Disneyland.
9) For Day 13 and 14, I will a 48-hour subway ticket
I’m sorry for the long post as I still get very very confused on the train passes. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Thanks for your kind patience once again!
Regards,
Zan
Hi Zan san,
1) If you arrive in KIX, 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
2) You may purchase Kansai thru pass 3 days and use one of three days for day 4.
3) You need one day pass for day 8 only.
4) Okay.
5) So you can use 2 days or 3 days.
6) I recommend you to stay in Tokyo anyway. If you stay in same hotel before/after Fuji in Tokyo, you can leave most of luggage at hotel and pack small for trip to Fuji. It’s easier.
7) Okay.
8) Okay.
9) Okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Good day.
1) I see that both ICOCA and Haruka gives direct to Osaka and Kyoto. However I will be arriving at ITM instead. It don’t works for my case right? 🙁
2) Kansai thru pass is utilized once I started using it on my day 4 and thus it will be activated for Day 5 and 6 right?
3) Okay noted! On my return trip back from Osaka to Tokyo, that day itself I will stay at Tokyo for a night and the next day will head over to Mt.Fuji. Anyway, will you recommend me to go on a F&E or should I go for a half day guided tour?
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Zan
Hi Zan san,
1. No unfortunately. Your choice is only limousine bus by regular fare.
http://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/
2. You can use Kansai thru pass in any three days. You can use it in unconsecutive days, for example day 4, 6 and 8.
3. I have no idea about guided tour. So I cannot compare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
1. So from ITM Airport North Terminal No.5 (We are taking Japan Airlines) to K1 – Kyoto Station?
Just to confirm we are following this right? http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/timetable/itm/t_kyt.html
2. Since I am no longer taking the train, do I still buy the ICOCA to travel around Kyoto for Day 1 to 3?
3. ICOCA is like subway pass that allows us to hold a certain amount and deduct accordingly depending on the stations and distance right? Whereas I have to pay 2,000yen and top-up accordingly whenever I need to?
Day 4- I will be buying Kansai thru 3-days pass. So I will utilise this day for travelling back from Kyoto to Osaka and tour around Osaka for this day.
Day 5- I will be utilising another day Kansai thru 3-days pass to Nara trip.
Day 6- I will be using ICOCA (If my conclusion of Q2 is correct) to travel to USJ on my day 6.
Day 7 – Still thinking whether if I should skip the idea of Kobe day trip instead to staying at Osaka. However either both Kobe or Osaka, I will still utilise my last day of the Kansai thru 3-days pass to travel around.
Day 8 – I will be taking between 10.30am to 12.30pm domestic flight from ITM to Haneda. This day, I will take the same Limo bus back to ITM airport. Upon arrival in Toyko, I will then buy the 24-hour Tokyo subway ticket to travel in Tokyo and put our luggage at the hotel (for next day Mt.Fuji).
Day 9- We will be just taking one-way trip to Shinjuku. I am thinking of taking between 9.15AM to 10.45AM bus.
Upon reaching Kawaguchiko Station, we will then purchase bus ride to Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway. Or should we just miss this and then buy the Retro bus to follow the bus route and travel the whole day?
Is Mt. Kachi Kachi the same as Mt.Fuji 5th Station? Kinda confused on this part too.
Which train pass should we get to travel from our hotel’s nearest stop to Shinjuku? Since getting the 24-hour Tokyo subway ticket is not worth it.
P.s: We have yet to decide which airbnb/hotel to stay yet.
Day 10 to 14 onwards, I will follow as per your recommendation in previous few posts.
By the way, we will be travelling during this coming mid May.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Zan
Hi Zan san,
1. That’s right.
2. I don’t think so. All day bus pass is better.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
3. You can add more fund at the vending machine in JR station. Minimum is 1000 yen and you can add by 1000 yen, like 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 4000 yen…
>Upon reaching Kawaguchiko Station, we will then purchase bus ride to Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway. Or should we just miss this and then buy the Retro bus to follow the bus route and travel the whole day?
It’s up to you. Actually you can walk to Kachikachiyama from Lake Kawaguchi station.
>Is Mt. Kachi Kachi the same as Mt.Fuji 5th Station? Kinda confused on this part too.
It’s completely different place. 5th station is located in the middle of Mt. Fuji. Kachikachiyama is one of the small mountains around Lake Kawaguchi.
>Which train pass should we get to travel from our hotel’s nearest stop to Shinjuku? Since getting the 24-hour Tokyo subway ticket is not worth it.
Just purchase a single ticket. Or you can keep ICOCA and use it. You can use ICOCA in Tokyo too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you so so much for your prompt reply.
With regards to Q2, I am thinking of going to Arashiyama, Nonomiya Shrine, Pontocho Alley, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple Gion District, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and etc.
Are we still able to access these places one to another just by buying the bus pass?
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Zan
Hi Zan san,
You can get anywhere by bus in Kyoto. But trains and subways are much faster. If you want to save your time, try to use trains and subways as much as you can. Traffic in Kyoto is very heavy always. You may use ICOCA or just buy single ticket as you need for taking trains and subways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
1) I just realized ITM don’t sell the Kansai thru 3-days pass. In that case, how should we go back to Osaka from Kyoto Station? 🙁
2) From Kyoto station, I have to get back to Osaka. By using Kansai thru pass, it drops me exactly at Osaka station or Shin-Osaka station?
3) Also, I have been planning for very long, and I am still very very confused with different train lines despite reading so many resources.
Which colour line does Kansai thru pass actually cover from this train map? https://www.osaka-info.jp/en/area/map/railway.pdf
I have read the Kansai thru pass website and it shows lots of train lines that I cannot find in the earlier link? http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
4) Which colour line should I look at, if I want the same line as Kyoto – Osaka – Nara – Kobe? I am trying to book an accommodation along the route back from Kyoto so I do not have to change train (If not I think it is so confused!) https://www.osaka-info.jp/en/area/map/railway.pdf
Thank you so much for your help and patience! 🙂
Hi Zan san,
You can purchase it at Kyoto station.
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english02.html
Regarding coverage, please see the link below. All lines shown in the map are covered.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
In the map of Osaka that you gave me, black and white dotted lines are JR and not covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com