I have made two sample itineraries of Osaka and Kyoto before. The first one is staying in Kyoto and them moving to Osaka.
Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary
Another one is staying in Osaka first and then moving to Kyoto.
Visit Osaka and Kyoto for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary
But I have received some inquiries about Osaka to Kyoto, and go back to Osaka again. I would like to show you this type of itinerary and think about most effective deal.
Day 1, Kansai to Namba, Osaka
There are many choices for Kansai airport to Osaka. Before choosing a deal or a ticket, you have to decide where you stay. Roughly speaking, these following three choices are most common:
- Nankai Railway regular ticket
For staying near Namba, Shin-Imamiya or other stations on Nankai Railway between Kansai airport and Namba - ICOCA and Haruka
For staying near Tennoji, Shin-Osaka or other JR stations in downtown Osaka - Nankai Railway and subway combo ticket (a.k.a. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket)
For staying near Osaka subway stations other than Namba, Tennoji and Dobutsuenmae (Shin-Imamiya)
There are many more deals available. Please see the link below to find the information about the deal:
Sample itinerary
In this sample, I picked Namba as the place to stay. Regular fare ticket is most affordable choice.
Kansai airport (Nankai Railway Rapid train) Namba
Day 2, sightseeing in Osaka
These three deals are very common:
- Osaka Amazing Pass
If you intend to visit three or more attractions on the list of this pass - Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
If you want to visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium - Osaka subway deal (Osaka Visitors Ticket or Osaka Eco Card)
For staying near Osaka subway stations other than Namba, Tennoji and Dobutsuenmae (Shin-Imamiya)
If you spend whole day in Universal Studio Japan, no deal is required. Just pay regular fare as you go. You may find the detailed information about the deal of Osaka in the link below:
Sample itinerary
Using Osaka Amazing Pass
Namba (Subway Midousuji line / 10 mimutes) Tennoji
– 1 hours at Shitenoji temple (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass)
Tennoji (Subway Tanimachi line / 10 minutes) Tanimachi-4chome
– 2 hours at Osaka Castle (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass)
Tanimachi-4chome (Subway Chuo line / 15 minutes) Osakako
– LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass)
– Tenpozan Giant Ferris Wheel (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass)
– Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium (discount by Osaka Amazing Pass)
* Total 4 hours for these three above attractions.
Osakako (Subway Chuo line / 10 minutes) Hommachi (Subway Midousuji line / 5 minutes) Umeda
– Umeda Sky Building (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass until 18:00)
* If your schedule is tight, pick up one or two facilities of LEGOLAND, Tenpozan Giant Ferris Wheel and/or Kaiyukan. 4 hours may be too short for these three places, especially if you travel with seniors and/or small children. You have to keep in mind that after 18:00, Osaka Amazing Pass does not cover Umeda Sky Building at all.
Umeda (Subway Midousuji line / 15 minutes) Namba
Day 3, Namba, Osaka to Kyoto, and sightseeing in Kyoto after arrival
You may use one day of Kansai Thru Pass 3 days. Kansai Thru Pass is most useful pass to go around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama and Koyasan.
This pass covers subway, city bus and most of major privates railway lines, such as Hankyu Railway, Keihan Railway, Kintetsu Railway. You can take subway and one of these railways to get Kyoto by Kansai thru pass. After arrival in Kyoto, you can use Kansai thru pass to take trains, subways and city bus lines to visit many places in Kyoto.
Sample itinerary
Namba (Kintetsu Railway / 30 mins) Yamato-Saidaiji (Kintetsu Railway / 40 mins) Kyoto
– Check in hotel and drop off baggage
Kyoto (Subway Karasuma line / 5 mins) Karasuma-Oike (Subway Tozai line / 10 mins) Uzumasa-Tenjingawa / Randen-Tenjingawa (Randen Arashiyama line / 15 mins) Arashiyama
– Half day at Arashiyama
Arashiyama (Randen Arashiyama line / 10 mins) Katabiranotsuji (Randen Kitano line / 10 mins) Kitano-Hakubaicho (Kyoto city bus / 5 mins) Kinkakuji-michi
– 2 hours at Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden pavilion)
Kinkakuji-michi (Kyoto city bus / 10 mins) Kitaoji (Subway Karasuma line / 15 mins) Kyoto
You will take various trains and buses but all trips are covered by Kansai Thru Pass.
Day 4, Kyoto
On this day, you do not make any trips by subway. You may have only Kyoto city bus pass. It costs only 600 yen for one day bus unlimited ride. Do not use Kansai Thru Pass on this day. That is not a good idea to use the pass for a few short trips.
Sample itinerary
Kyoto station (Kyoto city bus / 10 mins) Inaritaisha-mae
– 2 hours at Fushimi-Inari shrine
Fushimi-Inari (Keihan Railway / 10 mins) Gion-Shijo
* Regular fare ticket payment is required to take Keihan Railway.
– 3 hours at Gion / Nishiki Market with lunch time
Gion (Kyoto city bus / 20 mins) Ginakakuji-mae
– 1 hour at Ginkaku-ji temple
Ginkakuji-mae (Kyoto city bus / 25 mins) Kiyomizu-michi (walk 15 mins) Kiyomizu-dera temple
– 2 hours at Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kiyomizu-dera temple (walk 15 mins) Kiyomizu-michi (Kyoto city bus / 20 mins) Kyoto station
I also recommend to walk from Gion to Kiyomizu-dera temple. There are lots of temples, such as Yasaka shrine, Kodai-ji temple, Hokan-ji temple (a.k.a. Yasaka Pagoda). And also there are lots of shops along this route. But Kiyomizu-dera temple usually close at 18:00. It is open until 21:00 only during special night event. You have to be Kiyomizu-dera temple by 17:00 at latest in most of seasons. If you walk from Gion, I recommend to skip Ginkaku-ji temple or shrink your time in Gion and/or Fushimi-Inari to make 2 hours.
Day 5, Kyoto to Nara to Namba, Osaka
You take almost same route as day 3. On day 3, you change the trains at Yamato-Saidaiji. This station is actually a few stations away from Nara. There are lots of coin lockers in Kintetsu Railway Nara station. You can store your luggage and walk in Nara.
You use second day of Kansai Thru Pass 3 days.
Sample itinerary
Kyoto (Kintetsu Railway / 45 mins) Kintetsu Nara
– 5 hours to visit tourists spots in Nara, such as Todai-ji temple (Big Buddha), Kasuga Taisha shrine, Nara Park (Deer Park) and have a lunch time.
Kintetsu Nara (Kintetsu Railway / 40 mins) Osaka-Namba
You may add some small trips in Osaka and/or Kyoto before/after trip to Nara. The above trip schedule is less than 7 hours. You can add some more. Please remember that Kansai Thru Pass covers subway and city bus in both Osaka and Kyoto. Try to maximize using this pass.
Day 6, Trip to Kobe and Himeji
On this day, Kansai area pass one day is your choice. Kansai Area Pass covers only JR trains. Kansai Thru Pass covers other than JR trains. Do not mix up these two passes. JR train is faster to Himeji than non JR trains.
Do not use Kansai Thru Pass and save the last one day for trip to Mt. Koya on next day.
Sample itinerary
Using Kansai Area Pass
JR-Namba (local or rapid / 5 mins) Shin-Imamiya or Imamiya (local or rapid / 15 mins) Osaka (Special Rapid / 1 hour) Himeji
– 3 hours at Himeji to visit Himeji castle
Himeji (Special Rapid / 40 mins) Kobe
– Stay in Kobe for the rest of day
Kobe or Sannomiya (Special Rapid / 20 mins) Osaka (local or rapid / 15 mins) Shin-Imamiya or Imamiya (local or rapid / 5 mins) JR-Namba
Shinkansen is the fastest way to get Himeji but Kansai Area Pass does not cover Shinkansen. Special Rapid is the best way to get there.
You may find the information about Kobe and Himeji in the links below:
Day 7, Trip to Koyasan
On day 7, you make a day trip to Koyasan (Mt. Koya). You may use the last day of Kansai Thru Pass 3 days. This pass covers Nankai Railway and Cable Car to Koyasan and bus on Mt. Koya. All trips are covered fully unless you take Limited Express train between Namba and Gokurakubashi.
I had a day trip to Mt. Koya from Namba in October, 2017. You may use my trip report to build your itinerary.
Day 8, Osaka, Namba to Kansai
You may use a regular fare ticket to get Kansai airport from Namba.
In this sample itinerary, the places to stay overnight are Namba and Kyoto station area. But you may use other locations if you like. Basically you can same deals other than Kansai airport to/from Osaka. As I explained in day 1, there are many deals available. Single ticket is the best option for Kansai airport to/from Namba. But if you stay other area, you may use one of many deals.
I hope this sample gives you an idea to build your trip plan!
Comments
Dear Takeshi San,
Thanks for this informative blog. Really very helpful to first timer like us. I will be in Kyoto for 3 days but the itinerary that I plan doesn’t seems need to have Kansai Thru Pass. May I have ur feedback to confirm on the travel pass with the following itinerary in Kyoto?
D1 – D3 Osaka
D4 – Osaka to kyoto – Plan to go Arashiyama ( use ICOCA)
D5 – East side of Kyoto – Kiyomizudera , Hanamikojidori, Ninenzaka & etc. ( use ICOCA as well since all the attractions are nearby )
D6 – Fushimi Inari & Kyoto Imperial Palace ( use ICOCA + Haruka pass )
Sincerely thanks and have a good day.
Hi Chong Wei Pei san,
You are right. Kansai thru pass is too expensive for your trip. You may use Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Kansai One Pass is basically same as ICOCA. But Kansai One Pass offers a discount at many attractions. It is better than ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your advice. Very helpful.
Have a good day.
No worries, Chong wei pei san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will be going to Osaka and Kyoto this November. After referring to your sample itineraries, I have adjusted it as such. Would like to ask for your advice on whether my pass used is correct, and whether the plan is feasible since sunsets early at around 4.45pm each day.
Day 1: (use regular ticket)
Arrive at Osaka Kansai at night: check in at rinkutown.
Day 2: (use Haruka, Kansai one pass)
Kansai airport (Haruka) Kyoto station (JR) Arashiyama (randen&subway) Nijo Castle (subway&JR) Fushimi Inari for sunset (JR) Check in near Kyoto station.
Day 3: (use subway&bus one-day pass, kansai one pass)
Kyoto station (JR) Fushimi inari (JR) Kyoto station (raku bus) Kinkaku-ji (raku bus) Ginkakuji (walk) Philosopher’s path (walk) maruyama park & yasaka shrine & Hanamikoji street (walk) kiyomizu-dera (raku bus & subway) nishiki market (walk) gion (raku bus) Kyoto station
Day 4: (use regular ticket)
Kyoto (Kintetsu) Nara station (walk) kofukuji temple, nara park, today-ji, isuien garden, kasuga taisha, mt wakakusa, higashimuki shotengai (Kintetsu) Imazato Kintetsu nearest station to room in Osaka
Day 5: (use hanshin tourist pass & kansai one pass)
Imazato Kintetsu (Kintetsu & hanshin) Kobe-sannomiya (subway) shin-kobe (subway) sannomiya for lunch (hanshin) sake brewery (hanshin) meriken park, kobe harborland, kobe mosaic (hanshin) Osaka (JR loop line & Kintetsu) imazato Kintetsu
Day 6: (use JR West Rail Pass 1day)
Imazato Kintetsu (Kintetsu, Osaka loop line, JR) Himeji castle, kokoen garden (bus) Shoshazan engyo-ji temple (bus) Himeji (JR) Osaka (subway) dotonburi (walk) hozenji yokocho (Kintetsu) imazato Kintetsu
Day 7: (use Osaka Amazing Pass & Kansai One Pass)
Imazato subway (subway) Osaka castle (subway) kaiyukan aquarium, tenpozan giant ferris wheel, legoland (subway) shinsekai (subway) kuromon ichiba (Kintetsu) imazato Kintetsu
Day 8: (use Osaka Amazing Pass & Kansai One Pass & regular ticket)
Imazato Kintetsu (Kintetsu & subway) Shitenoji temple (subway) Umeda sky building (subway) shinsaibashi suji (walk) dotonburi (Kintetsu) imazato Kintetsu (Kintetsu, Osaka loop line, JR) kansai airport for evening flight.
Would really appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have. Thanks in advance.
Hi Lim,
You have researched very well and you have picked the right deals. I have two small suggestion for you.
At first, on day 3 in Kyoto, I think city bus pass (600 yen for one day) is okay. Because you don’t have many chances to take subway. City bus pass and Kansai one pass are okay for this day.
On day 4 for trip to Nara, you can use Kansai one pass to take Kintetsu.
Your trip plan is feasible and I don’t have any more suggestions.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much. Really appreciate your advice. Have a nice day!^.^
No worries, Lim.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I would like your advise on the kind of travel pass to buy as I am very confused with all the different passes – mind boggling actually
July 2 morning – leave KIX airport for Kyoto
July 2 to July 6 (4 nights) Sightseeing around Kyoto and etc
July 6 – leave Kyoto for Osaka
July 6-12 will be sightseeing around Osaka and neighbouring places
Would really appreciate if you can help plan my itinerary with the different rail passes as travelling in Japan quite be very confusing.
And also would you be able to recommend any nearby public golf courses either in Kyoto or Osaka ?
Thank you
Lilian
Hi Lilian san,
You may use Kansai One Pass 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
You can use Kansai one pass to take train, subway and bus in Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka. But if you intend to take a bus more than 3 rides a day, city bus pass is cheaper. It’s sold at 600 yen.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
In Osaka, please find 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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
But if you intend to visit outside Osaka, such as Nara, Kobe, you may use Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
I don’t play golf, so I don’t have any idea about golf course at all.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My question is, if I am planning on getting the Osaka amazing pass, should I also get a Kansai one pass or is a ICOCA card okay? Also if I am staying in Kyoto for 3 days (maybe with some day trip into Shiga) what is my best option for transportation?
Hi Tony san,
I don’t think you need ICOCA or Kansai one pass in Osaka. Because Osaka amazing pass covers Osaka subway. Osaka subway covers most part of downtown Osaka.
But in Kyoto, I recommend you to use Kansai one pass to take train and subway. It covers city bus too. But one day bus pass is sold at only 600 yen. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides of bus. So use both bus pass and Kansai one pass in Kyoto. This is the best combination. There is no deals to cover just trip to Shiga. Please use Kansai one pass too if you go there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for the reply Takeshi san!!
Follow up question: I planned to get the Osaka Amazing pass because I have 3 days in Osaka, one at USJ, and two exploring the city. If I should get Kansai one pass for Kyoto anyways, should I not get the Osaka Amazing pass for the two days exploring Osaka?
Hi Tony san,
If you intend to visit many attractions which is listed on Osaka amazing pass, you should get it. Kansai one pass does not include any attractions and it does not give you unlimited subway ride. It gives you only convenience.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Can I have you feedback on what rail passes to buy for the below itinerary pls.
Osaka — Kobe — Nara — Kyoto — Hakone — Tokyo
24/3 Osaka – kansai airport to cross hotel osaka (Castle / Dotombori)
25/3 Osaka (60mins) – Himeiji (4hrs + 30mins) – Kobe (dinner + 30mins) – Osaka
26/3 Osaka (39mins) – Nara – Osaka
27/3 Osaka (15/24mins) – Kyoto (Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto) (Arashiyama Bamboo grove / tenryu-ji temple)
28/3 Kyoto (Fushimi Inari shrine / Gion)
29/3 Kyoto
30/3 Kyoto (3hrs) – Hakone (Yoshiike Ryokan) (Hakone shrine & torii gate 1.5hrs / Ancient Cedar Avenue 30mins / Hakone Old Checkpoint Museum / Lake Ashinoko via cruise 60mins rd trip / ryokan)
31/3 Hakone (Owakudani — Valley of Hell via ropeway 2hrs / Odawara Chirashi for lunch) (85mins) – Tokyo (Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku)
1/4 Tokyo (Meiji shrine / Harajuku / Shinjuku)
2/4 Tokyo (Disneysea)
3/4 Tokyo (Tsukji fish market / Asakusa / Ginza)
4/4 Tokyo
5/4 Tokyo (Haneda airport)
Hi Sharon san,
Please see the following:
For arrival day
Yokoso Osaka ticket
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
For Himeji, Kobe, Nara and Osaka to Kyoto
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
Regular fare or city bus pass in Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Regular fare for Kyoto to Odawara (JR Shinkansen)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Hakone Free Pass for Odawara-Hakone-Odawara, and regular fare for Odakyu railway from Odawara to Shinjuku.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Tokyo subway ticket for sightseeing in Tokyo but regular fare when you go to Disneyland. Subway does not cover Disney resort.
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
Regular fare for Tokyo to Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I would like to first comment on the very good and informative blog. I’m already a fan of yours. Below are is my Quick reference itinerary for my 10 day trip to Osaka (3days) and Kyoto (7days)with my wife for honeymoon. I have not booked specific hotels yet since this transportation research is making me dizzy so I need to clarify with you before I make any further planning of hotel booking. After doing research on your blogs here is what I can come up with and would like to verify with you if I need correction.
Day 1. Arrive KIX 11am Claim, (purchase Yokoso and Amazing Osaka 1 day)
Travel to Hotel somewhere in Namba. Use Yokoso to shop around and eat/Dotonburi, Bic Camera etc.
Day 2. Travel to universal studio 1 day (direct purchase of tickets use Icoca)
Day 3. Activate Amazing Osaka Card (Use your Osaka sample Itenerary above).
Day 4. Check out Osaka Hotel Travel to Kyoto Station (Purchase Kansai Thru Pass?)
– Check in to Kyoto Hotel Do some tourist sights
Day 5-7: Travel around Kyoto (Purchase 2 day Kyoto Subway and Bus Passes)
Day 8: Travel to Kobe and back to Kyoto Hotel (Use Kasai Thru Pass Day 2)
Day 9: Travel to Nara and Back to Kyoto Hotel(Use Kasai Thru pass day 3)
Day 10: Checkout Hotel Travel from Kyoto To Kix (Purchase 1 way Haruka)
Let me know if you have any correction and advice? Do I need to purchase the Icoca/Haruka combo card for the return trip from Kyoto to KIX?
Thank You very much
Zandy Tan
Hi Zandy san,
If you can extend one more night in Osaka, you can make a trip to Kobe from Osaka. Osaka is closer to Kobe than Kyoto. Osaka is just located middle of Kyoto and Kobe. You can go to Kobe from Kyoto but if you go there, you can save your travel time. Even if you go to Kobe from Osaka, you can still use Kansai thru pass 3 days for Osaka to Kyoto with sightseeing in Kyoto, trip to Nara and trip to Kobe.
You can get Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. Basically those are same but Kansai one pass offers discount at many attractions.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
You can use Kansai one pass for USJ and train/subway ride in Kyoto. You don’t need subway and bus pass in Kyoto but I recommend you to use city bus pass. Bus pass is 600 yen for one day and you can get the worth by 3 rides. When you need to take train or subway, you can use Kansai one pass.
You can get Haruka discount ticket for Kyoto to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thank you very much for the great advice! Can you confirm below the passes I need to buy for a 10 day trip to Osaka/Kyoto as my base hotel. We will take an extra day in Osaka to go to Kobe as advised by you to save travel time.
1. Yokoso pass (1500 Yen) (Arrival Use to get to Osaka)
2. Amazing Osaka Pass 1day(2500 Yen)
3. Kansai One Pass (3000 yen) For USJ part of the trip and subways
4. Kansai Thru pass 3day (5200 Yen) (Osaka->Kobe->Osaka->Kyoto->Nara->Kyoto Trip)
5. Kyoto Bus passes (600 Yen/per day)
6. Haruka express (1600 with Kasai One pass discount) (Departure from Kyoto to KIX)
Thank you very much!
Zandy
Hi Zandy san,
It looks good. You can use these deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Can I have you feedback on what rail passes to buy for the below itinerary for me and my son. It will be great if you could suggest the place of attraction too.
Osaka – Kyoto- Nara – Osaka
01/November Osaka – kansai airport to Kyoto
02- 05/November- Stay Kyoto ( will pick day trip to Nara)
5-6/November – Osaka (checkin in Candeo Osaka Namba)
6-8/November – Osaka Universal Hotel
8-09/November – Osaka (checkin in Candeo Osaka Namba)
10 November – Kansai Airport
Many thanks.
Hi Emmie san,
You may follow my other sample itinerary. Please see the link below. It’s almost same as your trip plan:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
You can use Kansai one pass to go to Nara as day trip by Kintetsu railway. And remove Kobe and Himeji from the sample.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com