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
Hi Takeshi san,
I would greatly appreciate receiving your suggestions/advice on the best combination of rail passes for and any refinements to the following rough 12-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at KIX (around 8:00 p.m.)
– travel to and staying at Namba area (regular fare?)
Day 2: Whole day in Osaka
– Osaka sightseeing (Kaiyukan; Osaka Castla; Umeda Sky Building) /eating/shopping
Day 3: Whole day in Osaka
– More Osaka sightseeing (other places left-over from the above)/eating/shopping
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto (will be staying at Gion District)
– Sightseeing at and around Gion District
Day 5: Whole day in Kyoto
– Kinkakuji Temple
– Ryoanji Temple
– Yokai Street
– Nishiki Market
Day 6: Whole day in Kyoto
– Fushimi Inari
– Tofukuji Temple
– Uji
Day 7: Day trip to Himeji and Kobe OR Amanohashidate (no final decision yet); back to Kyoto
Day 8
– Arashiyama
– Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
– Back to Kyoto
Day 9: Travel to and stay at Naoshima Island
Day 10: Whole day at Naoshima Island
Day 11: Travel back to Kyoto; last minute sightseeing/eating/shopping
Day 12: Travel to KIX for flight home
Thank you!
Hi Ramon san,
Please see the following:
Day 1 Regular ticket
Day 2 and 2 Osaka Amazing Pass is more recommended. 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
Day 4 to 7
Get Kansai one pass for train and subway ride from Osaka to Kyoto and in Kyoto.
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 may get Kyoto city bus pass at 600 yen for one day unlimited bus ride. You can use Kansai one pass to ride the city bus but this deal is very affordable. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Please switch day 7 and 8. So you will stay in Kyoto on day 7 and trip to Himeji and Kobe (or Amanohashidate) on day 8.
You can use Kansai Wide Area Pass from day 8 to 12.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
You can get Uno by this pass but you have to pay for the ferry from Uno to Naoshima. This deal covers both Himeji and Amanohashidate. You can decide it in the last minutes if you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san, thank you very much for your helpful response.
Just to clarify, a Kansai Thru Pass (whether 2 or 3 days) is not recommended for the above itinerary?
Hi Ramon san,
I don’t think so. It’s too much and you cannot get the worth of it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much! Your website is quite helpful.
All the best!
Ramon
No worries, Ramon.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am travelling in a group of 3 but will be arriving in Nagoya.
I plan to spend half day in Nagoya then proceed to Osaka to stay for 6 nights.
My plan included
Day 1 (Sunday)
Nagoya to Osaka (Half day in Osaka)
Day 2 (Monday)
Osaka only
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Osaka to Kyoto
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Osaka to Nara
Day 5 (Thursday)
Universal Studio Japan
Day 6 (Friday)
Osaka to Kobe
Day 7 (Saturday)
Osaka back to Nagoya, around noon
I found that Kintetsu has a pass that allow free ride for 5 days between Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Nagoya, should I consider that pass? But I also saw your other post saying that Kintetsu wont be able to cover several places in Kyoto and Nara if not mistaken so it would be a waste as the pass would begin from Sunday onward to Thursday, which also will be wasted since I will be spending whole day in USJ. May I know is Kansai Thru Pass the best for my trip? or should I consider other passes, sorry if this is troublesome as I get too confused researching about these passes to fit my budget.
Also, I been to Tokyo before so I have Suica card with leftover money in it. And the Itinerary is adjustable such as I can visit USJ other day as long is Weekday.
Hi Ng Jia Sheng,
Kintetsu Rail Pass may be okay. Please see the link below to find the info about Nagoya-Osaka transfer:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-transfer-between-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto-by-train.html
If you are okay with Kintetsu, you can use Kintetsu rail pass but you have to add a limited express fee on top of Kintetsu rail pass. Please see the link below:
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
This is a perfect deal for Nara. But it’s doubtful for trip to Kyoto. You can get Kyoto by Kintetsu Rail Pass but that’s it. It does not cover any local transportation, such as city bus, subway, other trains. You have to add other deal, such as 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
In this case, you can use Suica for trip to Kobe. You can add more fund into your Suica at the vending machine at most of JR stations.
If you don’t use Kintetsu and prefer to take Shinkansen, you can use a regular fare ticket or Platt Kodama:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
And you can use Kansai thru pass for Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the reply, it helps me alot in my planning for the trip really appreciated! Looking forward to have a nice trip to Japan.
No worries, Ng Jia Sheng.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi sorry to bother you again, I have another confusion regarding Kintetsu Rail Pass for 5 days. According to the website, it connects Nagoya to Osaka, but there is another link saying to reserve a limited express ticket. Same with your article about the pass. I am trying to understand that if I buy the pass only, I cant sit on any train from Nagoya to Osaka? Means there is only a limited express train from Nagoya to Osaka, is that right? Or there are two types of train which is limited express and regular train. Is my first time researching about this kind of pass in Kansai area, so sorry for the confusion.
Hi NG JIA SHENG,
There are several types of trains running on Kintetsu lines. Seat fee will charged for limited express train. You can take other than limited express without any extra charge. But other trains are commute train. You cannot reserve a seat and you may have to be standing passengers. And also there is no direct trains between Nagoya and Osaka other than limited express train. You have to change trains a few times.
If you really want to save your cost, you can move between Nagoya and Osaka without extra charge but it’s not realistic for foreign travelers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is ICOCA ( Day 1-6) and 2-day JR West Pass ( Day 7-8) enough for our itinerary?
Day 1 – Arrival KIX, Check in near Nagahoribashi
Day 2 – Osaka Tour (Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Dotonbori, maybe Osaka Aquarium)
Day 3 – USJ
Day 4 – Osaka to Kyoto, Check in around Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower, Nishiki Market, Gion District, Kiyomizu
Day 5 – Arashiyama, Kinkakuji
Day 6 – Fushimi Inari, Philosopher’s path
Day 7 – Uji, Nara
Day 8 – Kyoto to KIX
Thank you!
Hi Arianne,
If you want most affordable deal for day 1, Nankai railway and subway deal is the best choice:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
But this deal allows you to change Nankai railway and subway at Namba station only. If you use this ticket, you have to change trains twice at Namba and Shinsaibashi (or Nippombashi). If you use a regular ticket (or using ICOCA), you can take Kansai airport – Tengachaya – Nagahoribashi. You can make only one train change at Tengachaya. And also train change at Tengachaya is much easier than change trains at Namba.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/tengachaya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-nankai-railway-and-subway-line.html
The fare is 160 yen higher than using Nankai and subway deal.
ICOCA is okay but I recommend you to use Kansai one pass instead. Both are basically same but Kansai one pass is available for foreign tourist only and you can get discount at many attractions by Kansai one pass:
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
For day 2, Osaka amazing pass may be considerable if you visit aquarium and one more major attraction.
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 other part of your trip, Kansai one pass and Kansai area pass are okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi!
To summarize:
Day 1 – Regular ticket
Day 2 – Osaka Amazing Pass (I’ll add the Living Museum)
Day 3 – 6 – Kansai One Pass
Day 7 – 8 – Kansai Area Pass (for Uji, Nara and Haruka)
Am I correct?
That’s right, Arianne.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is the Kansai One Pass can’t be used for Kansai airport – Tengachaya? BTW, I have PASMO card. Would it still be cheaper to buy Kansai One Pass?
Hi Arianne,
You can use either Kansai one pass or Pasmo for KIX to Tengachaya. If you use Pasmo, you can put some fund into your Pasmo card at the vending machine. If you use Kansai one pass, you can get the discount at many attractions. The cost is same by either Pasmo or Kansai one pass but Pasmo does not offer any discount at attractions.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can I used the pasmo card for Kyoto buses?
Regards,
Arianne
Hi Arianne,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshita-San,
I will visit Osaka in early December for 7days with my hubby & 3 kids (between 7 to 12 years old). We decide to station at Osaka so that we do not have to carry our big luggages to travel from place to place, our hotel is near to Shin-Osaka station. We would like to go around Osaka, USJ & do day trip to Kyoto, Kobe & Nara. Can you pls advice which card should we buy so that we can travel from Airport to our hotel and above areas that we would like to visit at lesser cost? Thanks a lot for your advice in advance.
Hi Felice san,
Please see the link below. You can find all info which you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
(not Takeshita :))
Hi Takeshi-san,
I have planned my trip on 9th to 19th Nov 2018.
Due to a mistake I’ve made in booking a hostel in Kyoto, I couldn’t change my dates so I am forced to spend the first 5 days in Osaka and next 5 days in Kyoto before I go to KIX for my flight home.
From my itinerary below, should I buy any rail/bus pass or does any pass actually pay off?
Aside from the Osaka Amazing Pass which I will fully maximise the 2 days with attractions entrance fees & subway.
My friend has also given me 2 Suica cards.
Day 1 (9 Nov Friday):
– arrive KIX about 7am
– go to Uniqlo in KIX
– go to Rinku Premium Outlet
– late afternoon check in hostel (10 minutes walk from Shinsaibashi subway station)
– walk to dotonbori, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade for dinner.
Day 2 (10 Nov Sat ): Sightseeing day – using Osaka Amazing Pass
Day 3 (11 Nov Sun ): Sightseeing day – using Osaka Amazing Pass
Day 4 (12 Nov Mon ): Shopping day – Shinsaibashi mall, Namba, Daiso, pharmacies, gyomu super
Day 5 (13 Nov Tue): Universal Studios Japan
Day 6 (14 Nov Wed):
– check out hostel at noon
– lunch
– take train to Kyoto
– check in hostel by 4pm (10 min walk from Kyoto train station)
– kyoto isetan
Day 7 (15 Nov thurs):
– Tenryuji Temple
– Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
– Sagano Romantic Train
– Ninnaji Temple
– Kinkakuji Temple
Day 8 (16 Nov Friday):
– Fushimi Inari
– Sanjusangendo Temple
– Kiyomizu-dera Temple (renting kimono)
– Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka
Day 9 (17 Nov Sat):
– Nishiki Market
– Gion Hanami-Koji(alley)
– Shimbashi street
– Nijo Castle
Day 10 (18 Nov Sunday ):
– Day trip to Nara, Todaiji
Day 11 (19 Nov mon):
– check out by 7am
– go to KIX
Hi Jessica san,
I don’t think you need any more train passes other than Osaka amazing pass. I recommend you to purchase Kansai one pass instead of purchase a ticket one by one.
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
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
I did some research on Kansai One Pass and its function is the same like Suica, except that it offers some discount at certain tourist attractions.
I will try to buy the pass at the airport but I read that it can be sold out fast.
From my itinerary above, do I need to get the ICOCA & Haruka package?
Lastly, for my 5 days in Kyoto itinerary, should I use the Kansai One Pass or buy the daily bus pass of 600 yen?
Thanks!!
Hi Jessica san,
You need only Kansai one pass. You don’t have any chances to take Haruka. You can use it and bus pass in Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi!
No worries, Jessica.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
I have a bit blur about all the Use of the Kansai thru Pass, Osaka Amazing Pass…….I plan to visit Osaka from 12 Dec 2018 to 18 Dec 2018. Below is my draft plan and may need your help to guide me for which pass I need to buy to save the cost.
My Plan :
Day 1 : Arrive KIX airport early in the morning and Go to Namba Area
Drop Luggage at Hotel (Nearby station from Hotel is Yodoyabashi station or kitahama Station)
Walk around at Namba, Shinsaibashi,Umeda area. (Yokoso Osaka Pass?)
Day 2 : Transfer to Kyoto in the morning time after check out from hotel.
Drop luggage at hotel first (Nearby station from Hotel is Kyoto station)
Can I travel to Uji or other place in half day time?
Day 3 : Visit Kinkakuji and nearby attraction if have.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and nearby attraction
Visit Arashiyama Light Event
Walk around at Kyoto station area
Day 4: Check out and Move to Ukyo-Ku area (Check in Bekkan)
May I know, before I transfer to Ukyo-Ku area, Is that still have enough time for me to go Outlet Park?
After drop luggage at Bekkan, walk around nearby attraction Arashiyama Takao Parkway,Jingoji Temple…
Day 5 : Transfer back to Osaka same Hotel (Yodoyabashi area) from Kyoto
Sightseeing and shopping in Osaka
Day 6: Transfer to KIX airport early in the morning ( Flight depart at 11am).
For Kyoto trip: I have been Kiyomizu-dera temple area and Arashiyama area last 2 year.So I skip these but now I have no idea where to visit in Kyoto area?
Appreciate that you can advise me for this Osaka Kyoto Trip.
Thanks a lot.
Regards
Evalyn
Hi Evalyn san,
I think you can use Yokoso Osaka Pass on arrival day. And you may use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2, 3 (or 4) and 5. Actually I don’t understand what “Bekkan” is. I understand you will stay in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. But Ukyo-ku is one of the biggest wards in Kyoto. So I cannot say which day you should use one of 3 days Kansai thru pass for day 3 or 4. And also you mentioned that you want to visit outlet park on day 4. But there is no outlet in Kyoto. I don’t understand which one you meant either.
Anyway you can use Kansai thru pass 3 days. You just need to decide which day you will use it for day 3 or 4.
You can visit Uji easily on day 2. Fushimi Inari is on the way to Uji. You may combine these two places. There are still lots of places to see in Kyoto. Please see the link below:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
If you still have an extra time in Kyoto, you may think about visiting Nara. Nara is one hour away from Kyoto. You can take Kintetsu railway to get there by Kansai thru pass. You can make a half day trip to Nara too if you like.
At the end, you can use subway and Nankai railway deal to get KIX on the last day.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Base on your suggestion, I have a some changes on my plan,
Day 1 : Remain the same. Use Yokoso Osaka Pass.
Day 2 : Transfer from Osaka to Kyoto
Fushimi Inari + Uji sightseeing (Use Kansai Thru Pass Day 1)
Day 3: Visit Kinkakuji and nearby attraction
Attend Arashiyama Light Event
(If Day 3, my plan is whole day in Kyoto sightseeing, should I use Kansai Thru Pass or I just need to decide to buy 1 day subway pass or 1 day bus pass)
(If I add Kibune and Kurama area, can I use Kansai Thru Pass for this day?)
Day 4 : Move to Umegaharamikyosaka-cho,Ukyo-Ku (Check in another hotel)
From the info to access this hotel is Take JR Sagano Line at Kyoto station to Hanazono Sation, hotel will provide shuttle at Hanazono station.
After check in this hotel, all nearby attraction is walking distance.
(For Day 4, can I just buy the single fare ticket?)
Day 5: Transfer back from Ukyo-Ku to Osaka
Sightseeing and shopping in Osaka (Kansai Thru Pass Day 3)
Day 6: Remain the same.
As mention before, Day 4 -before go to Ukyo-Ku, is that possible to go Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo.
(From Mitsui website, it show that can take direct bus from Kyoto station to outlet)
Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Regards
Evalyn
Hi Evalyn san,
You can use Kansai thru pass for day 2, 3 and 5. You may add just a regular fare ticket on day 4. You can visit outlet if you like on day 4.
Other part of trip looks good and ready to go.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
My flight arriving Kansai Airport at 9: 40pm at night, do you think I manage to catch for last train to Kyoto Station ( via Haruka Express). I plan to take bus in case I can’t catch the last train. Do I need to purchase bus ticket in advance or buy the bus ticket on the spot as I do not know what will be my exact arrival time. Your advice is appreciated.
Hi Hayley,
You cannot catch the last Haruka because it departs at 22:10. It’s impossible to get out the airport in 30 minutes.
You can purchase a bus ticket upon arrival.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
From the above sample itinerary, I’d like to know if the trip from Namba, Osaka to Nara, Kobe and Himeji can be done altogether in one day instead of two days? If it’s possible, then how to utilise the pass?
Looking forward to your reply as my trip to Japan will be in a couple of days from now. Thank you.
Hi Liana san,
It is not impossible but it is not recommended. And also how much you want to spend your time in each places. Usually half day is minimum for each places. So if you visit Kobe and Nara, it’s more realistic. But Himeji is still 40 minutes away from Kobe. You will spend at least 2 hours to see the castle. 3.5 hours is minimum for trip to Himeji from Kobe.
If you visit these three places in one day, you have to visit Nara first, and then visit Himeji, at the end, visit Kobe. But when you get Kobe, it will be evening. You can enjoy watching night view at harbour and enjoy your dinner there. But I don’t think you have many hours for sightseeing in Kobe.
By the way, another typhoon is approaching to Japan. It is moving at the east of Philippine. If it takes the most easterly route, it may hit western part of Japan in next weekend. Other typhoon has just moved through Japan in last weekend. At that time, most train operations were suspended almost whole day in this past Sunday. I hope it will not hit Japan but keep checking the weather forecast.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Well noted for the weather info and thank you for your reply, Takeshi san.
Here’s what I plan on my itinerary. Kindly have a look and do comment if any adjustment needed.
• Day 1 Arrive at KIX airport and go to Namba area (Yokoso! Osaka ticket for the train from the airport to Namba and next day sightseeing purpose)
• Day 2 Sightseeing in Osaka (Yokoso! Osaka ticket)
• Day 3 USJ
• Day 4 Namba to Kyoto (Kansai Thru Pass)
– Arashiyama
– Kinkaku-ji temple
Back to Namba or stay in Kyoto (either one)
• Day 5 Exploring Kyoto (unlimited Kyoto bus ride ticket)
– Fushimi Inari
– Uji
– Gion / Nishiki market
– Ginkaku-ji temple
Back to Namba (regular fare ticket???)
• Day 6 Namba to Nara (using Kintetsu Railway with Kansai Thru Pass)
Sightseeing in Nara then back to Namba
• Day 7 Namba to Himeji Castle (JR West Kansai Area Day Pass)
– Himeji Castle
– Kobe (half day)
Back to Namba
• Day 8 (optional) Trip to Amanohashidate or Koyasan
What do you think of it? Any suggestion or alternative idea will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Liana san,
You should use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 4, 6 and day 5 as well. It covers Kyoto city bus too and you don’t need bus pass.
But if you go to Koyasan, you may use Kansai thru pass for this trip instead of using the pass on day 5. In this case, you may use Kyoto city bus pass and regular fare ticket.
If you go to Amanohashidate, your pass selection is totally different. Because you must have Kansai Wide Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
You will use this pass for day 4 to 8. Kansai thru pass is not required. But this pass does not cover city bus and subway in Kyoto and Osaka. You have to make an adjustment for the route which you will take. Please see the link below to find the coverage of this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
How about if I want to go to Nachi Waterfall on Day 8? Does it require a whole day there? Kindly advise. Thank you, Takeshi san.
Hi Liana san,
You must spend one whole day. It takes 4.5 to 5 hours to get there. This is one way trip time, so you must spend one whole day. Kansai wide area pass is required for this trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi san. I’ve been monitoring the weather and so far it looks ok and hopefully it’ll stay the same during my trip to Japan.
Cheers,
Liana
No worries, Liana san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san, I’d like to know one more thing. I’m a bit confused about Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Day Pass. Which one should I get to cover my trip from day 4 to 7? Am I right to get both? Kindly advise me on this. Thank you.
Cheers,
Liana
Hi Liana san,
You can use Kansai thru pass for trip to Kyoto and Nara. And use Kansai area pass for trip to Himeji and Kobe. But you don’t go to Amanohashidate or Nachi falls? If you go one of those, as I mentioned, you will use Kansai wide area pass 5 days. In this case, you don’t need both Kansai thru pass and Kansai area pass. If you have not decided yet, you have to decide where you go on day 8.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san, thank you for your reply. I might be going to Tokyo instead from day 8 onwards. Thanks again for all the useful info and suggestion.
Cheers,
Liana
No worries, Liana san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is Osaka Suijyo Bus (Aqua-Liner) free when I purchase Amazing Osaka Pass during mth of sept?
Hi Wei Wei,
It’s not free in September. Please see the links below:
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/free
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/privilege
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Tyvm
No worries, Wei Wei.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi-san
I have question. I will be in Japan for spring 2019 around 14 days (26 mar – 6 April)
I am wondering if I use Jr pass or just buy JR Kansai west (that includes hiroshima)
option 1: buy shinkansen tokyo to osaka + jr west pass
Day 1 Tokyo
Day 2-4 Fuji Hakone (Odakyu pass)
Day 5 Kamakura Enoshima (Odakyu)
Day 6 & 7 Tokyo > shinkansen to Osaka
JR West Pass Kansai 5 days
Day 8 Osaka > Kobe > Mt Rokko (use pass)
Day 9 Kobe > Awaji / Himeji > Osaka
Day 10 Osaka > Kyoto
Day 11 Kyoto > Hiroshima
Day 12 Hiroshima > Osaka
Osaka Amazing Pass
Day 13 Osaka
Day 14 Osaka > KIX > Back home
Or
Switch Fuji and Hakone Trip to day 6 & 7, go to Osaka directly from Fuji > buy JR pass. > but if I am not mistaken, there will be some cost additional for Hakone pass. And I don’t know how long fuji > osaka trip will be.
1) Which one is more worth it?
JR West Pass Kansai + one trip shinkansen
Or
JR Pass
If JR Pass. Is it better Fuji > Kyoto or Fuji > Osaka?
How long the train trip will be?
Thanks
Hi Chen san,
Regular ticket and Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass 5 days are cheaper. JR Pass does not help to travel Fuji and Hakone area.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
If you go to Osaka from Hakone or Fuji, you will take Shinkansen from Mishima or Odawara. In this case, I recommend you to travel Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi area) first and then go to Hakone. Hakone is closer to Mishima or Odawara. There is direct bus running between Kawaguchiko and Mishima but this bus is not covered by Fuji Hakone Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you very much
No worries, Chen san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com