I think many travellers prefer to stay in one place and visit surrounding areas as day trip. I have received many inquiries about Osaka stay and visit surrounding areas, like Kyoto, Kobe, Nara as day trip. I understand that it’s quite easy to stay in one place and enjoy the trip with luggage free.
But many of you struggle to plan and choose the deals. In this post, I show you 5 days Osaka stay sample itinerary. You will learn how to choose the deals for your trip. Of course you can extend to stay, like 6 days, 7 days, as many as you want.
Day 1 / KIX (Kansai airport) to Osaka
Before you choose the deals, you have to make sure these things:
- Location to stay
- Plan after arrival your accommodation
There are several deals available.
- ICOCA and Haruka
- Kansai Area Pass
- Kansai Thru Pass
- Yokoso Osaka Ticket
- Kanku Chikatoku Ticket
- Namba Access Rapi:t Ticket
- Kanku Webtoku Ticket
Let’s see which deal is the best by location.
Shin-Osaka
ICOCA and Haruka is most recommended. It includes one way or round trip between any JR stations in Osaka and Kansai airport by limited express Haruka non reserved seat, and 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA. This e-money can be used for any trains in Kansai area.
Limited Express Haruka is most comfortable way to get Shin-Osaka. But if you are very sensitive with the cost, Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is the best. It is sold at 1000 yen only. Even though you have to transfer at Namba from Nankai Railway to Osaka Subway Midousuji line, the cost is cheaper than Haruka Discount Ticket at 1,300 yen.
If you arrive early and intend to visit somewhere in Osaka after arrival hotel, there are some options. If you choose ICOCA and Haruka, it gives you 1500 yen e-money to take any trains. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket gives you only airport access. But you can purchase Enjoy Eco Card (Osaka Subway and Bus unlimited travel pass) or Osaka Visitors Ticket. You know that subway fare for Shin-Osaka to Umeda is 240 yen and Shin-Osaka to Namba is 280 yen. Please see the link below to find more information about deals
And also Kansai Thru Pass is considerable too. This pass covers any “NON JR” trains. You can get almost anywhere in Kansai area. Especially if you intend to visit somewhere outside of Osaka after arrival, Kansai Thru Pass is a good choice. Be careful that Kansai Thru Pass does not cover Haruka by JR. This pass does not give you any direct access to Shin-Osaka. If you want to have comfortable way, ICOCA and Haruka is still the best choice.
At last, Yokoso Osaka Ticket gives you a great value. It includes Nankai railway’s limited express train “Rapi:t” from KIX to Namaba and unlimited ride of Osaka subway. This is one day subway pass portion of this deal can be used on next day.
Namba
Most affordable way is just taking Nankai Railway rapid train. You can take this train by base fare only which is 920 yen.
But Namba Access Rapi:t ticket is most recommended. But if you intend to drop by somewhere on the way back to the airport, such as Rinku town, Kanku Tokuwai Rapi:t Ticket is your choice. “Rapi:t” is Nankai Railway’s direct limited express train between KIX and Namba. It gives you most comfortable way to get Osaka beside JR’s limited express “Haruka”.
Namba Access Rapi:t Ticket
Kanku Webtoku Ticket
Namba Access Rapi:t Ticket is almost same price as Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. Even Kanku Webtoku Ticket is only 130 yen higher than Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. But Kanku Chikatoku Ticket does not include Rapi:t Express surcharge at 510 yen.
ICOCA and Haruka can be used for access to Namba. But you have to transfer at Tennoji from Haruka to local train to JR Namba. And JR Namba station is a bit away from the center of Namba area. If you want to have ICOCA, it’s not a bad choice. But please keep in in mind JR Namba station location and transfer at Tennoji.
Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Namba. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.
JR Osaka / Umeda
There are several options to get Umeda/JR Osaka station area. JR Kansai Airport Rapid is only direct train service from KIX to Osaka. This is most recommended way.
You can use a single fare if you use this train. However you can use ICOCA and Haruka for this train if you want to have ICOCA. Because single fare is 1190 yen for taking this rapid train. If you purchase ICOCA card only, it is sold at 2000 yen (1500 yen preload e-money and 500 yen deposit). So total cost is 3190 yen (1190 + 2000). But ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket to Tennoji is sold at 3,100 yen. This deal can take you to any JR stations in downtown Osaka. It means that this deal covers Haruka only to Tennoji. It does not mean you can get only Tennoji. So you can use Tennoji version of ICOCA and Haruka to get Osaka.
Remember that ICOCA can be used for any trains. It includes even non JR trains, like subway. And also you can pay by ICOCA to shop in the convenience store. ICOCA does not give you any discount. But it is very convenient and gives you ticket free trip. In case that you use ICOCA and Haruka, you can take Haruka to Shin-Osaka or Tennoji and transfer to local train to get Osaka if you like.
If you are very sensitive a cost, Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is your choice. It is sold at 1000 yen. You have to transfer the train at Namba from Nankai Railway to Subway Midousuji line. But it is 190 yen cheaper than JR single fare.
And Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Osaka/Umeda. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.
Other places near subway stations
Your first choice is Kanku Chikatoku Ticket. If you intend to make some trips after arrival, Kansai Thru Pass may be your choice.
Yokoso Osaka ticket and Kansai Thru Pass may be considerable too if you make some more trips after arrival in Namba. It is same reason as staying in Shin-Osaka. Please see the above.
Other places near JR stations
As long as you stay on Osaka Kanjo line, such as Tennoji, Kyobashi, Nishikujo, single fare is the best option. It is same thing as staying in Osaka/Umeda area. And many places can be accessed by Osaka subway. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is your choice if you are very sensitive with the cost. Please see the map in the link below to find more information about location in Osaka.
Day 2 / Day trip to Kyoto
I put Kyoto on day 2 in this sample itinerary. But you can switch any trips. You can stay in Osaka, visit Kobe, Nara or other spots. This is just sample.
The key is how many times you will take a train. So you have to find where you go in Kyoto before you pick up the pass. First of all, please see the following post:
Kyoto can be accessed by three railways, JR (Osaka – Shin-Osaka – Kyoto), Hankyu Railway (Umeda – Kawaramachi/Arashiyama), and Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi – Kyobashi – Kiyomizu-Gojo – Shijo – Sanjo). So make sure where you will stay in Osaka and where you go in Kyoto.
In Kyoto, there are four different areas, West (Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji temple), Central (Nijo castle), East (Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Yasaka shrine, Ginkaku-ji) and South (Fushimi Inari, Uji). In my opinion, it is not impossible to visit all four places in one day, but not realistic. I recommend you to spend 2 days or at least 1.5 days. If you complete West, Central and East, you can combine South area with Nara. Because Fushimi and Uji are located between Nara and Kyoto.
If you do this above one full day Kyoto and Kyoto+Nara in one day, the best choice fis Kansai Thru Pass. Only this pass cover round trip to Kyoto by both Hankyu and Keihan, and subway, bus and railway other than JR in Kyoto. I explain this trip at the following link:
If you don’t want rush and have easy slow trip, single fare and/or Kyoto all day bus pass may be better. For example, if you want to visit just Arashiyama, one way fare to Arashiyama from Umeda by Hankyu Railway is 400 yen. If you stay in other than Umeda, you will take subway or JR train to get Umeda. You will spend approximately 500 to 600 yen for round trip to Umeda. But Kansai Thru Pass 2 days pass is sold at 4000 yen. So you have to make 2000 yen worth in one day. Trip to only Arashiyama is not enough to use Kansai Thru Pass.
If you visit one more place beside Arashiyama, how about it? In Kyoto, All day bus pass (Kyoto bus unlimited train) is sold at 500 yen. If you stay in Umeda, total cost is 1300 yen. It is way cheaper Kansai Thru Pass. But All day bus pass does not cover any train services in Kyoto. If you want to take subway in Kyoto, you have to purchase Kyoto city sightseeing card at 1200 yen. But total cost is 2000 yen. It is same cost as Kansai Thru Pass. In this case, Kansai Thru Pass is better.
Even you intend to visit only Arashiyama, you may take subway for evening in Osaka for eat or shop. Remember that one way subway fare for Umeda-Namba is 240 yen. You will spend about 500 yen for this trip.
If you are very sensitive about the cost, you have to calculate very exactly. But if you have Kansai Thru Pass, it is very flexible.
By the way, you can get Kyoto by JR train. Especially Special Rapid train is the fastest train to get Kyoto from Osaka.
Single fare
Shin-Osaka or Osaka – Kyoto 560 yen
When you use JR trains, the problem is that most of popular sites are not located around JR Kyoto station. You have to take subway or bus. JR has Kansai Area Pass at 2060 yen. But single fare is way cheaper than this deal. So if you have ICOCA and enough fund in ICOCA, you can use JR train to get Kyoto and purchase All day bus pass or Kyoto city sightseeing card.
If you do half Nara and half Kyoto in one day by JR trains, total cost (Osaka-Nara-Kyoto-Osaka) is more than 2000 yen. In this case, you can use Kansai Area Pass instead of Kansai Thru Pass.
Day 3 / Day trip to Nara
As I mentioned above, you can make half Nara and half Kyoto in one day. But some of you want to visit Nara only. Let’s see it.
Nara can be accessed by JR and Kintetsu Railway (Osaka-Namba – Kintetsu-Nara). The post below shows you about trip to Nara by JR pass basically. But you can get some information about access to Nara:
Most of popular spots in Nara are located within walking distance from Nara station. So you will get a chance to use the pass to take the train to Nara only. You may not have many chances to use the pass after arrival in Nara.
Single fare for Kintetsu Railway
Osaka-Namba – Kintetsu-Nara 560 yen.
If you stay in other than Namba, you will spend 500 to 600 yen for round trip to Namba by subway. The total cost is very close to the worth of Kansai thru Pass. So if you make some more trips by subway in Osaka or other trains before/after trip to Nara, Kansai Thru Pass can be the choice. Otherwise single fare is cheaper.
On the other hand, Nara can be accessed by JR train too. Especially if you stay in Osaka/Umeda, you can take Yamatoji Rapid train to get Nara directly.
Single fare
Osaka – Nara 800 yen
Shin-Osaka – Nara 920 yen
Kansai Thru Pass does not cover any JR trains. JR has Kansai Area Pass at 2060 yen. But if you have round trip to Nara from even Shin-Osaka, single fare is still cheaper. And also Kansai Area Pass covers only JR trains. In my opinion, it is not very useful for exploring in Osaka before/after trip to Nara. I believe that Kansai Thru Pass is more useful.
Day 4 / Day trip to Kobe or Kobe and Himeji
Kobe is closer than Kyoto and Nara from Osaka. Let’s see the single fare.
Single fare for Hankyu or Hanshin Railway
Umeda – Sannomiya 320 yen
You will have some chances to take a bus in Kobe. If you use Kansai Thru Pass, Kobe city bus and subway are covered. But single bus fare is 210 yen. If you take a subway, you can get most of places by base fare ticket at 210 yen. So actually it is quite hard to get the worth to use Kansai Thru Pass. If you use ICOCA and Haruka, it is a good idea to use ICOCA e-money for this trip.
But if you intend to make some more trips in Osaka before/after trip to Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass may work. It is same situation as trip to Nara. And also one of famous Onsen, Arima Onsen is closed to Kobe. If you want to have something different, try to visit Kobe and Arima in one day. Kansai Thru Pass does work for this trip.
If you visit both Himeji and Kobe in one day, it is different story. Please see the posts in the link below:
Kansai Thru Pass work for Kobe and Himeji trip. However JR’s Special Rapid train is way faster than Hanshin/Sanyo railways that are covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the following post:
If you want to have quick access to Himeji by JR Special Rapid, use Kansai Area Pass at 2,060 yen for one day. It is cheaper than single fare.
Day 5 / Sightseeing in Osaka
When you stay in Osaka, don’t think about using Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Area Pass. You can get most of places by Osaka subway. Please see the map in the link below:
As you see, only USJ cannot be accessed by subway. But if you will visit USJ, you will spend one whole day there. So single fare is fine.
There are many deals available in Osaka, such as subway pass, Amazing Pass, Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. Please see the link below to find the detailed information:
Day 6 / Trip to Mt. Koya
Mt. Koya (Koya san) is very popular for the tourists from overseas. You can use Kansai Thru Pass for this day trip.
Single fare for Nankai Railway
Namba – Gokurakubashi – Koyasan 1260 yen
As you see, if you have round trip to Mt. Koya from Namba, total cost is 2520 yen. Kansai Thru Pass is way cheaper.
But if you will stay overnight in Mt. Koya, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket may be better choice.
It is valid for 2 days. If you purchase it for Namba – Mt. Koya ticket, the ticket is 3,710 yen. This includes round trip fare to Koyasan from Namba, Nankai Rinkan bus and discount for some attractions and souvenir shop.
You can use Kansai Thru Pass for overnight trip to Koyasan too. The coverage is not much differnet. But Kansai Thru Pass can be used for other destinations, such as Kobe, Kyoto and Nara. If you want to use Kansai Thru Pass 3 days for these destinations, and need another deals to get Koyasan, Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket is your choice.
Day 7 / Back to KIX
Please refer the above at “Day 1”. You can use same deal as arrival day.
Some of you are thinking about drop by Rinku Town on the way to KIX. If you get off at Rinku Town, you cannot use any deal. Single fare is your choice.
For the trip to outside of Kansai area
Kinosaki onsen, Kurashiki, Okayama and even Hiroshima can be accessed as day trip. I recommend you the following deals if you will visit outside of Kansai area.
For the trip to Kinosaki onsen, Kurashiki and Okayama, Kansai Wide Area Pass is recommended:
For the trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is recommended:
Comments
Hi Takeshi, this is my itinerary and the passes I plan to use based on what I read on you blog (Thanks!) Can you comment if this is the most efficient and cheapest plan and if there are improvements that can be made? Thank you!
DAY 1: KIX to Namba (Kanku Tokawari Rap:t ticket/Airport Express);
Osaka Sightseeing (Osaka Amazing pass)
DAY 2: Osaka sightseeing (Osaka amazing pass)
DAY 3: Osaka to Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Higashiyama) (Kansai Thru Pass)
DAY 4: Osaka tpKyoto (Hushimi Inari; Uji) to Nara (Kansai Thru Pass)
DAY 5: Universal Studios
DAY 6: Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium (Osaka Kaiyu Ticket)
Day 7: Osaka free day(Probably single journey going to Umeda and back to namba?);
Namba to KIX (Kanku Tokawari Rap:t ticket/Airport express)
Hi Dan,
It’s perfect. I have nothing to mention to you. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the quick response Takeshi. I needed to alter my itinerary to be shorter so here is the new one.
May 7 sat: KIX to Namba (Kanku Tokuwari Rap:t ticket) – arrival is at night
May 8 sun: Osaka Sightseeing (Osaka Amazing pass)
May 9 mon: Universal Studios
May 10 tues: Osaka to Kyoto (Fushimi Inari; Uji) to Nara OR
Osaka to Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ryoanji) to Nara
May 11 wed: Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium (Osaka Kaiyu Ticket)
May 12 thurs: Namba to KIX (Kanku Tokuwari Rap:t ticket) – departure is in the morning
I cannot use the Kansai Pass thru pass anymore since we will be travelling to Kyoto/Nara only for a day. Could you suggest any pass we could use (we are going to stay in Nankai-Namba) for May 10 ? Or should we just buy single journey tickets? or ICOCA? Also, can you help me out with the best combo for kyoto and namba in a day? Thank you. 🙂
Hi Dan,
I still recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 2 days. You may use it for trip to Kyoto/Nara and one of departure or arrival day instead of Rapi:t ticket. When you take rapi:t by kansai thru pass, you need to add limited express surcharge around 300 yen. But you will spend at least 3000 yen if you use single ticket for Kyoto and Nara. So in total, Kansai thru pass is better deal.
If you may take subway in arrival or departure day for quick and easy trip, you can use Kansai thru pass too. You may choose either departure or arrival day for Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
I am going to Osaka on 8/3/2016 for 6 days then 14/3/2016 to Tokyo. and my trip will follow the sample itinerary that you have created. Kindly help me for below questions
1) I am traveling alone and prefer stay at budget hotel and convenient to save cost, any website you can recommend to plan my accommodation? or any budget hotel you know?
2) For these 7 days trip, Where is the best location I should book my hotel? Osaka or Kyoto?
3) Plan on 14/3/2016 travel from Osaka / Kyoto to Tokyo, what type of rail you recommend?
Day 1 / KIX (Kansai airport) to Osaka
1.1 Shin-Osaka
1.2 Namba
1.3 JR Osaka / Umeda
1.4 Other places near subway stations
1.5 Other places near JR stations
2 Day 2 / Day trip to Kyoto
3 Day 3 / Day trip to Nara
4 Day 4 / Day trip to Kobe or Kobe and Himeji
5 Day 5 / Sightseeing in Osaka
6 Day 6 / Trip to Mt. Koya
7 Day 7 / Back to Tokyo
Thank you
Hi Meng,
1. You can compare many hotels at hotel combined.
2. Osaka is better.
3. Shinkansen is most convenient but there is no deals available for one way trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi! We will be in Japan From Dec 18 to Jan 1. We will be in Kansai area from Dec 18 to Dec 24. We will be going to Tokyo on the 25th. For our Kansai Area, is this itinerary okay or what would you suggest?
Day 1: Dec 18
KIX to Osaka via Kanku Chikatoku ticket
-Our hotel is Courtyard Shin-Osaka Station. Address is 1-2-70 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 5320003 Japan . Can we use the Kanku Chikatoku ticket to get to our hotel? We will ride the train from Kansai Airport Station to Namba Station via the Nankai Railway, then we get down at Namba. Then we transfer to Subway Midousuji Line where we can take the Osaka Subway and get down at Shin-Osaka station. Is this right? Is it possible to do this? Also, the 1,000 yen fare, does it cover both the train to Namba and the subway to Shin-Osaka?
Day 2: Dec. 19
Universal Studios Japan
-Planning to take the JR train which is 160 yen, one way. From our hotel , how do I get to the nearest JR station? Also, do you know how much is entrance fee to USJ and if they do have a package that includes transportation? If I don’t take the train and I take the bus at Nishikujo station, where is this station and how do I get there from our hotel?
Day 3 and 4: Dec 20-21
Explore Osaka
-For this we plan to buy the Osaka Amazing 2-day pass at 3,000 yen. This includes unlimited access to trains and buses around Osaka, am I right? Does it include subway?
-We plan to visit Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi street for the first day.
-Planning to visit Namba and Shinsekai on the second day.
-What else can you suggest so that we make use of our Osaka Amazing pass efficiently? Does the Osaka Amazing Pass include the Osaka-Shin station?
-How do you suggest we go around Osaka?
Day 5-7: Dec 22-24
We plan to Visit Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
-Is it good to use the Kansai Area Pass?
-For Dec 22, we plan to explore Central, West, and East Kyoto. Planning to go to the places that you suggested which are: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizudera, Higashimaya, Yasaka Shrine and Ginakaku-ji. How do you suggest we go around Kyoto and in what order?
-For Dec 23, we plan to go to South Kyoto and Nara as I read in one of your posts. So we plan to go to Uji, Fushimi-Inari, and Nara. For Nara, where can we go? Also, where is Gion?
For Dec 24, we plan to go to Kobe and Himeji. Can we still use the Kansai Area pass? How do we go around Kobe and where do we go there?
-Was wondering if what would be better, Kansai Area Pass or the Kansai Thru pass for our itinerary.
Would really appreciate your suggestions. You can also change our itinerary since it is flexible. If you think that we shouldn’t avail of the Osaka Amazing 2-Day Pass and just avail of the Kansai Thru Pass, we will just follow that. Thank you very much, Takeshi!
Day 1: Dec 18
You made a right choice.
Day 2: Dec. 19
Single ticket is 220 yen. Please find the location 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
Please check official site of USJ about entrance fee. Sorry but it’s out of topics.
Day 3 and 4: Dec 20-21
You can use Osaka Amazing Pass for these two days. It covers subway too.
Please find more info about Osaka’s attraction at Japan Guide.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
Day 5-7: Dec 22-24
Kansai thru pass is better choice because it covers subway and many railways other than JR. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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 / JPRail.com
Thank you very much, Takeshi!
1.Just wondering, is there a bus from the airport to go to Shin-Osaka? If yes, do you know around how much it will cost us?
2. For the JR line to USJ, I saw that the JR Yumesaki Line passes by Osaka station. If we will be coming from Shin-Osaka, how to we get to USJ? Will the single journey fare still be 220?
3. We plan to go to Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, and Kobe. 2 days for Kyoto and Nara, and 1 day for Himeji and Kobe.
For Kyoto what is a better deal if we are coming from Shin-Osaka
1st option: Go to Kyoto via train (what train do I take and how much will it cost?) then take the all day bus pass to go around Central, West, and East Kyoto for the first day. For the second day we plan to go to South Kyoto and Nara. How do you suggest we go around?
2nd option: Take the 3 day Kansai Thru Pass to go around Central west, and east kyoto for the first day, South Kyoto and Nara for the 2nd Day, and Himeji and Kobe for the 3rd day. Is it possible to use Kansai Thru pass to go to Kobe, Himeji and Nara?
Thank you So much, Takeshi-san!
Hi Kathleen san,
1. There is no direct bus to Shin-Osaka. All bus info from KIX can be found at the link below:
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/bus/index.html
2. You need to transfer at least once or may be twice.
Shin-Osaka (JR Kyoto line local, rapid or Special rapid) Osaka (Osaka Kanjo line (loop line)) Nishikujo (Yumesaki line) Universal city
Some train run directly from Osaka to Universal city via Nishikujo. The fare is 220 yen. You can find the timetable and exact fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
3. Kansai thru pass is better choice. I covers all places where you want to go.
All info can be found at the links that I gave you in the previous reply.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much, Takeshi! Will follow your itinerary for the Kansai Thru Pass. I just have some more questions. For the Kansai Chikatoku Ticket, can I buy that from KIX Information Center? For the JR line single trip, can i buy them from vending machine? Also, for the Kansai Thru Pass, where can I buy that?
Hi Kathleen,
All info can be found at the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
O Genki desu ka? We (me, my husband and 15 years old son) are planning our second trip to Japan Apr 2016. Ths is my second time as well I write to you for asking for your advice. My itinerary will be:
Day 1 Apr 12 Arrive Tokyo. Will stay at Htl Metropolitan Tokyo ikebukuro
Day 2 Apr 13 Tokyo
Day 3 Apr 14 Start using my JR pass. Day trip to Kawaguchi lake to view Mt Fuji
Day 4 Apr 15 Day trip to Nikko
Day 5 Apr 16 Day trip to Kamakura
Day 6 Apr 17 Tokyo – Matsumoto (will visit Matsumoto Castle) then Toyama.
Stay 2 nights at Toyama Manten Hotel
Day 7 Apr 18 Day trip to Murodo (Snow Corridor), we will not walk to Kurobe Dam.
From Murodo, we go back to Toyama.
Day 8 Apr 19 Toyama to Osaka. Stay 4 nights at Swissotel Osaka Nankai htl.
Before check in to the htl, we will go to Kurashiki.
Day 9 Apr 20 Day trip to Kobe – Uji – Kyoto – Osaka (last day of my JR Pass)
Day 10 Apr 21 Day trip to Ise Shrine
Day 11 Apr 22 Day trip to Koya San
Day 12 Apr 23 My flight back to Syd at 11.30 pm
My questions are as follows:
1. Pls advise if there is JR Office in JR Ikebukuro Station for my exchange order of my JR pass and for my JR train seat reservation.
2. On Day 3, day trip to Lake Kawaguchi. From Ikebukuro-Shinjuku-Otsuki (covered by JR), then transfer to the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko, as ths is not covered by JR. Buy the ticket at transfer gate. Do I have enough time to buy the ticket at transfer gate to catch the connecting train. Or Shall I ride “Holiday Rapid Mt. Fuji” or “Holiday Rapid View Yamanashi”. Does JR pass cover those two lines?
Do you think I have enough time to go to Lake Saiko from Lake Kawaguchi to visit SAiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba.. Is there any bus time table?
3..Day 10, pls advise me the best way to go to Ise Shrine.. Intend to see Outer and
Inner Shrine. If time permits, short visit to see Futamigawa beach (the two
Rocks)
3. I plan to buy 7 days JR Pass. Pls advise me if I have to buy any other Pass for Ise Shrine and Koya san as well as train ride from my hotel to Kansai Airport. The hotel information said that there is a direct train access from htl to Kansai Apt.
4. On my last day in Osaka, during the day, I just stroll around shinsabashi and dotonbori. I might only need to ride local subway ride from Shin Osaka to my htl on Day 19, 20, 21 and 22. Is there any local subway pass or local card that you can recommend.
Takeshi san, I am happy to change this itinerary if necessary.
Thanking you in advance for such long questions.
Kind regards.
Jane
Hi Jane,
1. Yes. You can exchange JR pass at Ikebukuro station. And also you can book it too. Actually in Tokyo, you can book it at any JR station.
2. It depends on connecting time. I have done transfer and purchasing a ticket at transfer gate in 5 minutes. Actually it’s easy and Fuji Kyuko staff knows how to handle connecting passengers. You don’t need to take Holiday rapid unless you really want to take.
Actually I have no idea about bus to Saiko.
3. Kintetsu Rail Pass is the best choice to get Ise. Even if you use this pass for round trip to Ise only, it’s paid off.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Koyasan World Heritage pass is the best choice for Mt. Koya.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
4. You may use Suica or ICOCA.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you for yr quick reply.
Just to confirm that I can buy Kintetsu Rail Pass 5 days to Ise Shrine in Kansai Tourist Info Centre in Osaka Shinsaibashi.
For ICOCA card, can I buy it at the JR office in Shin Osaka.
Rgds and have a great weekend.
Jane
Hi Jane,
You can purchase it at Shinasaibashi. And then you can go to Kintetsu Railway Osaka-Namba station and make a reservation. You can reserve your seat in advance.
ICOCA card can be purchased at any JR major stations in Kansai area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I will reach Kansai airport at 11pm this saturday night and i have booked Hotel Olive Sakai. May i know any other transport i can use to reach my hotel other than train? As the train depart from kansai airport is 11.40pm.
Thank you
Hi Elvin san,
I don’t think there is no way to get Sakai from KIX other than train. Limousine bus used to run but it was discontinued in last year. There are some midnight bus from KIX. But these go to Umeda or Namba. I think taxi is only way to get Sakai if you miss the last train. KIX official site says taxi fare is 12000 yen to get Sakai. If you still can cancel your hotel, cancel it and find other hotel at the airport or Umeda or Namba. Sakai is closer to KIX than Umeda and Namba. But it’s hard to get there in midnight.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your reply. Appreciate so much if you can help to advise my itinerary as below and my hotel will be based in sakai during the trip. I will reach late in 12/12 and will be back late night on 19/12
Day 1 from sakai to :
1. Shinsekai
2. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
3. Namba City Shopping centre
4. Namba Park
5. Tombori River Cruise
6. Dotombori
7. Hozenji Yokocho
8. Sennichimae Doguya-Suji
9. Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden
10. Osaka Zoo
11. Nagai Botanical Garden
12. Sakuya Konohana Kan
13. back to sakai
Day 2 from sakai
1. Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
2. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
3. Osaka Castle (600 yen per person)
4. Osaka Tower
5. Shitennoji
6. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
7. Cruise Ship Santa Maria
8. Captain Line
9. Aquarium
10. Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory
11. back to sakai
For Day 1 & Day 2 itinerary, what kind pass you suggest me to use, Osaka Amazing Pass or Kansai Thru Pass??
Day 3 from sakai to :
1. Universal Studio
2. Stay Hotel Universal Port (check in time : 3pm)
What pass should i use for Day3 to travel from Sakai to Universal Studio? JR Pass?
Day 4 from Universal Port Hotel(check out 12pm) to:
1. Namba
2. back to sakai
Or any other area that u can suggest me to go around?
Day 5 from sakai to kyoto (Day trip)
1. Arashiyama / Kinkaku-ji temple
2. Kiyomizu Temple Kiyomizudera /
3. Higashiyama District
4. Nijo Castle
5. Kyoto Imperial Palace
6. Takashimaya and Daimaru Department Store
7. Kyoto Station
8. back to sakai
Day 6 from Sakai to Kyoto (south area) and Nara. Also a day trip
1. Fushimi Inari and Uji
2. Nara Park
3. Isuien Garden
4. Yoshikien Garden
5. Kofukuji Temple
6. back to Sakai
For Day 5 & Day 6 fro Sakai to Kyotoand Nara, what kind of pass Takeshi san suggest me to use? Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass??
Day 7 from Sakai (I need to be at KIX by 9pm as my flight back will be on 11pm)
1. Kuromon Ichiba
2. Nippombashi
Takeshi San, above was my itinerary, do you think that i still have time to travel to Kobe, if yes, possible to advise me ?
Sorry to trouble you and looking forward for your reply.
Thanks.
Hi Elvin san,
Day 1 and 2 Amazing Pass
But you need to add single fare to get Namba from Sakai by Nankai
Day 3 and 4 Single ticket
I think you can squeeze Kobe on day 4. If you go to Kobe on day 4, Kansai thru pass is recommended.
Day 5 and 6 Kansai thru pass
Day 7 single ticket to Namba and KIX deal from Namba to KIX
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
On my last day, I would like to do a morning trip to Nara which i would like to visit the Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. My flight will be at 4.55pm that day and im staying near Shin Imamiya station of Nankai and Dobutsuen-mae station of Subway Midosuji. I would like to know whether is it doable which i plan to leave there in early morning and back to hotel to grab luggage around 1pm?
Thank you
Hi Shauny,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello Takeshi san,
thank u very much for all the useful info in this site.
what are your advices if we would like to stay in kyoto and travel to osaka daily for 3 consequtive days? we are couple travelling with two young toddlers for 10days (rough plan is 3days osaka,4days kyoto nara, 2 days ohara)
which area should we stay in kyoto so that we can easily get to osaka (prefer the Special Rapid Transit to save time) and also convenient to visit around kyoto, nara and ohara?
any travel deal or pass that is useful for this plan?
Thank u in advance.
Hi Swee san,
JR Kyoto station is the best place to visit all spots where you line to visit. Try to book your accommodation as close as Kyoto station.
You can take JR train, special rapid to Osaka.
You may use JR Kansai area pass 3 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
But if you use this pass to move between Osaka and Kyoto, single ticket is cheaper. And also this pass does not cover subway in Osaka. You may take subway in Osaka to visit several places. At this point, your plan is rough and hard to find the perfect deal for you. I usually recommend Kansai thru pass to travel to Osaka because it covers Osaka subway too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
But it does not cover JR trains, such as special rapid. If you care about cost, Kansai thru pass is better choice than Kansai area pass. But for your convenience, JR train is better choice.
You can use ICOCA and Haruka to get Kyoto if you arrive in Kansai airport.
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
You can use ICOCA to take subway in Osaka.
Single fare is the best choice to get Nara too. You can take both JR and Kintetsu to get Nara at Kyoto station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/kyoto-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
But Kintetsu Nara station is closer to popular spots in Nara. You also can use ICOCA to get Kintetsu train.
Only bus can take you to Ohara. I have never taken the bus to Ohara. But I have heard bus is busy in weekend and takes 1.5 hour because of heavy traffic. I have no idea how different between weekday and weekend. But if you travel there in fall or spring, it’s busy anyway. It may be very tough to travel with toddler by bus. Taxi is the best way but I have no idea about the fare and it may take at least one hour anyway because of traffic.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I will be arriving next sat in KIX at 845am. I will be going to my acccomdation at Shin-Osaka Station. Will be in Osaka until Monday and will head to Kyoto. Will be in Kyoto until Thur. Leaving Kyoto to KIX for my flight at 11am.
1) What kind of rail package do you recommend for my itinerary
2) Do I need to take any rail pass for my stay in Osaka and Kyoto? I will only be visiting places within Osaka and Kyoto.
Thanks in advance for your recommendation.
Hi Jack san,
I have just made sample itinerary for staying in Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
Thank you so much. Your itinerary came just in time for my trip.
No problem, Jack san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am arriving in Osaka in May 2016 at 9.30 P.M. Intend to purchase ICOCA and Haruka Express to Kyoto. I will stay Kyoto at Hotel Granvia for 3 nights. Intend to purchase Kyoto Sightseeing Pass and use them in Kyoto. Will be visiting Kobe but will check in Arima Onsen Tosen Goshobo Hotel first for 2 nights. Let me know how to get to the hotel by train from Granvia Hotel at Kyoto. then will be visiting Mt Himeiji and Rokko. Can you tell me the best way to get there and return to Arima Onsen. Next two days I will be going to Namba and will be staying at Richmond Hotel Namba Daikokucho. Tell me how yo get there by train.
Hi Ronnie,
If you arrive in KIX at 21:30, you cannot get the last Haruka to Kyoto. The last departure of Haruka is 22:16. You cannot make it after complete custom and immigration. You still can purchase ICOCA and Haruka but you have to take Kansai airport rapid to Osaka and transfer to special rapid to Kyoto. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-kansai-area.html
ICOCA and Haruka is still cheaper than single fare to get Kyoto by rapid trains.
As you see the link above, you can get Kobe by special rapid from Kyoto directly. Arima Onsen can be accessed by bus from Sannomiya.
Regarding Himeji and Rokko, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/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 , we going Osaka from 25feb to 3mar 2016 . We wanted to go Kansai area and Nagoya . Could you advice us the intinerary . We reach kansai airport 9pm .
Thanks
Hi Lin,
As I mentioned above comment section, I don’t make an itinerary personally. If you make it and show me, I can give you some advise.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com