I have received inquiries about the trip to Kansai area many times. So I make a basic itinerary that includes Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara only. This is 7 days itinerary. But you can shorten or extend as you can.
Now I would like to tell you the best route and most economical deals about this trip.
Day 1 – Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto
Kansai One Pass and Haruka one way trip to Kyoto at 4,600 yen.
Overnight around JR Kyoto station
If you arrive in Kyoto early, you can visit somewhere around Kyoto station. Fushimi Inari is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto station. Kyoto Tower is just located in front of Kyoto station. You can use Kansai One Pass to get there.
Day 2 and 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto
There are several deals available. I recommend you to use both Kansai One Pass and Kyoto City Bus Pass. Kansai One Pass covers city bus too but Kansai One Pass does not give you unlimited travel. It offers only convenience. On the other hand, Kyoto City Bus Pass is sold at 600 yen for one day. You can take a bus as many as you want. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides. You can use Kansai One Pass only for taking a train and/or a subway.
Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass (Kyoto Sightseeing Card) is also available. But this does not cover other railways, such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan railways. You will take various trains in Kyoto. Please see the link below to find the train route in Kyoto:
You can get anywhere in downtown Kyoto by bus. It is possible to visit all places only by city bus. However city bus is always crowded and the traffic in Kyoto has been very heavy in these days. I recommend you to take a train or a subway as much as you can.
Kansai One Pass and Bus Pass are the best combination for sightseeing in Kyoto, in my opinion.
Day 4 – Trip to Nara and transfer to Osaka
Visit Nara on the way to Namba, Osaka from Kyoto.
You can take either Kintetsu Railway or JR to get Nara. Both trains depart from Kyoto station. But Kintetsu railway’s Nara station is better location. It is 1 km closer to most of tourist spots in Nara than JR Nara station.
After Nara, you can take either JR or Kintetsu to get Osaka. Please see the link below to find the route to Nara:
Day 5 – Trip to Kobe and Himeji from Osaka
You may use JR Kansai Area Pass one day at 2,200 yen if you book it online in advance. If you buy it online, you have to exchange the pass at Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.
You can purchase this pass at many major stations in downtown Osaka but the price is a bit higher. There is other trains to Kobe and Himeji, like Hanshin railway. But JR is the fastest to get Himeji. Please see the post, How to access to Himeji and Kobe from Osaka to get the details.
Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka
There are lots of deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the deal:
How to choose the pass for sightseeing in Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX)
If you want to take Haruka again, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket. This discount ticket is available for overseas tourist who has ICOCA or Kansai One Pass only.
ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka
Otherwise you can choose other deal in the link below:
How to choose the deal for trip to/from KIX
I hope this sample helps you to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi!
This coming November, my wife and I will visit Kansai and plan to visit Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji in 6 days. Here is our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kansai Airport around 8am and purchase ICOCA+Haruka round way tickets, then travel to Kyoto Station.Plan to visit Kiyomizu dera, Yasaka shrine and Gion. Is is possible to slot in Fushimi Inari trip here? Stay at Piece Hostel Sanjo.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Nijo Castle, Arashisyama, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nishiki market, Pontocho.
Day 3: Checkout then visit Fushimi Inari then back to Kyoto for luggages. Travel to Nara in the afternoon. Visit Todaiji Temple and Isuien Garden in Nara. Then travel to Osaka and check-in somewhere in Tennoji Station.
Day 4: Travel to Himeji (Himeji Castle) using Shinkansen (a must try for me) from Shin-Osaka. Travel to Kobe using rapid train and do sightseeing in Kobe until evening (Kitano Ijinkan, Chinatown, port Kobe, mount rokko possible?). Then travel back to Osaka.
Day 5: Buy Osaka Amazing pass for 2 days and enjoy Osaka.
Day 6: Use Osaka Amazing pass and enjoy Osaka. Checkout and en-route to KIX via Tennoji in the evening for the midnight flight (return).
Given this itinerary, what is our best pass to use especially in day 4 (Himeji & Kobe trip)? I am thinking of Kansai Surutto Pass but it doesn’t cover Shinkansen. I never ride shinkansen before, therefore I want to give it a try for one way trip to Himeji but return using rapid train. How about my plan for Kyoto visit, I hope it is possible to do.
Thanks for feedback.
regards,
Mac
Hi Mac,
Your itinerary is okay. I think you can make Fushimi on arrival day too.
You should use one way ICOCA and Haruka to Kyoto and then purchase another Haruka discount ticket at Tennoji for trip back to KIX. That is cheaper.
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
For trip to Himeji, there is no deal to cover one way Shinkansen and one way rapid. There is many deals to cover Kansai region. But all deals are too expensive or do not cover Shinkansen. Single ticket is only choice for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m Soozys,
Very appreciate about all your blog and the guide about Japan, really helpful to me for make itinerary !
I and a friend will be travelling to Osaka by 19/10-1/11 and this is our first time visit Japan. Below are my planned itinerary and us hostel just stay at Sembayashi Omiya (nearby the station and subway) for the whole travel, so we are day trip every day. Kindly advise me whether there is more suitable pass that we can use or an easy route. Thank you!
Day 01: Reach KIX around 4pm, night hang around Namba and Sembayashi.
Day 02: Explore Kobe city. To Kobe Sannomiya station with icoca, using Kobe City Loop Pass at Koke town.
Day 03: Explore Mount Rokko. To Rokko station by icoca, and buy Rokkosan Tourist Pass.
Day 04: Explore Himeji city. to Himeji station by KTP.
Day 05: Explore Kyoto city. to Kyoto station by icoca, hang around Kyoto station, Shijo, Gion, Sanjyo and Kiyomizutera Area. (I’m not sure need buy any tourist pass or coupon not)
Day 06: Koyto, visit Nijyojyo castle, Nisijin, Kinkakuji and Kitanon by icoca. (I’m not sure need buy any tourist pass or coupon not)
Day 07: Kyoto, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Uji by icoca.
Day 08: Kyoto, visit Arashiyama by take Sagano station line, use KTP.
Day 09: Nara, use Nara 1Day Pass of Keihan Line.
Day 10: Osaka, visit Umeda and Osaka castle area by Osaka Amazing Pass 2Day.
Day 11: Osaka, visit Namba, Shitennōji, Osakako by Osaka Amazing Pass 2Day.
Day 12: Osaka, visit Shinsaibashi and Nippombashi by icoca.
Day 13: Hang around Osaka and Namba by icoca.
Day 14: Byebye Japan!
I arrange the most far away destination to be first and Namba,Osaka to be last, cause I think we will be tired between day 8 – 10.
Many thanks!
Hi Soozys,
First of all, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for the trip to outside Osaka in most cases. You will stay in Sembayashi-Omiya. You will take subway Tanimachi line from Sembayashi Omiya everyday. You have to go to Umeda, Namba or Yodoyabashi to take other trains to get other cities, like Kyoto and Kobe. It costs 240 yen one way from Sembayashi Omiya to Higashiumeda. Higashiumeda is same location as Umeda and JR Osaka. Kansai thru pass covers this cost but other deals do not.
I mentioned “after trip” in Osaka in the link above. If you go to Nara, you may come back a bit earlier. You may go to other spots in Osaka. Kansai thru pass covers this situation.
As I checked your plan, Kasnai thru pass is the best choice for day 2, and from day 5 to 9. You can purchase Hanshin railway rokko pass at Hanshin railway Umeda station. That covers the trip to Kobe from Umeda too.
For the trip to Himeji, Kansai area pass is better than Kansai thru pass. Kansai area pass covers JR train that is much faster than trains that is covered by Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
ICOCA gives you convenience but it does not give you unlimited travel. It is not a good idea to use ICOCA for the trip to outside Osaka.
These tips are written in the first link in this reply. Please refer it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I have read many of your post and the comment but I’m still confused.
Should I buy a ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket or one way if my travel plans is
Kix – Kyoto – Osaka – kix
Because I’m not too sure if you said that it Will be cheaper if buy separately.
Thank you
Hi Eleen,
You may purchase ICOCA and Haruka one way to Kyoto. You may also purchase Haruka discount ticket to KIX from Osaka. But there are many other deals. Especially if you stay in Namba or nearby subway stations, you can use Nankai railway’s deal. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi! It will be my family’s first time to travel to Japan next week and already, I am feeling intimated and confused by the many transport options that I have been reading in several travel blogs. Here is our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kansai Airport, then enroute to Kyoto Station.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, Arashisyama)
Day 3: Kyoto to Nara Park, then back to Kyoto for luggages.
Kyoto to JR Namba Station in late afternoon.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Osaka (Dotonburi, Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market)
Day 5: Mitsui Outlet Store, then back to hotel for luggages
Enroute to Kansai Airport from JR Namba.
Given this itinerary, what is our best transport option. Will the Kansai Area Pass serve our requirements? How about the Nankai Thru Pass? Please help.
Did we miss any other “must-see” tourist spots.
Thanks for feedback.
Hi Jose,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for the arrival day.
Kyoto sightseeing card for day 2.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You may use Kansai area pass for day 3.
You don’t need any passes on day 4 because all places on your list are within walking distance. However if you visit more, such as Osaka castle, Umeda Sky Building, you may use Amazing pass.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
And use ICOCA e-money for your trip on the last day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will arrive Kansai Airport aroudn noon on 26th Aug and plan to base myself in Kyoto for 3-4 nights to visit Golden Pavillion, Arashimyaya, and Nara deer park. Do you recommend staying near Kyoto station or in the city itself? (I am afraid there are no restaurants around Kyoto station). Which is the best transport option?
Next, I will move to Osaka to do Universal Studios for a full day and another day for sight seeing in Osaka (last day as plane departs 6pm). Do I stay near Osaka station too?
Hi Tan,
You can stay either Kyoto station or other area, like Gion.
There are lots of restaurants around Kyoto station in these days. At Karasuma side of Kyoto station (north side), there is Isetan department. This department has lots of restaurants. And also Kyoto station area is most convenient to visit all places in Kyoto.
In Osaka, you can stay near Osaka station. Namba is also recommended. But hotel rate in both places are most expensive probably. Shin-Osaka has hotel at better rate. It’s only one station away from Osaka. You can use Shin-Osaka as just the place to sleep. Shin-Osaka is not bad choice to visit sightseeing spots in Osaka too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takashi; We will be leaving for Japan shortly. I have purchased the JR Pass (green car) coupon, will activate on Day 4, and have the following itinerary:
Day 1 -Arrive NRT at 8 PM ( private transport to Conrad Hilton)
Day 2 and 3 – Site seeing in Tokyo
Day 4 – Possible day trip to Kamakura or more of Tokyo
Day 5 – Mid morning Shinkansen to Osaka (stay at Osaka Intercontinental)
Day 6 – Osaka site seeing
Day 7 – Day trip to Kyoto
Day 8 – Day trip to Kyoto and Nara
Day 9 – Day trip to Hiroshima
Day 10 – Afternoon Shinkansen back to Yokohama. Stay at Yokohama IC.
We will be on a cruise departing Yokohama and returning. Transport back to NRT at end is included. Questions are, is this itinerary doable and, what else do I need to purchase once in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto to fill in travel needs etc.
Many thanks
One more comment: We will have three 65cm luggage bags with us and will need to take them with us on the Shinkansen to/from Osaka. Can do?
Hi Ken,
Your itinerary is doable. I don’t see any issues.
You may need to add city deal in the cities. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
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
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
Regarding luggage, please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takashi
I will be going to kyoto,nara ,uji n osaka thru kansai airport in november 2016 for 9 days. Kindly advise me on d cheaper way to travel along d way.
Tq
Hi Joanne,
If you stay in Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
If not, please let me know your detailed plan day by day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takeshi,
Arrived in kansai airport i will direct chk in to Kyoto atay near to Tofukuji station for 4 nites & osaka 4 nites near to nipponbashi. Will visit fushimi inari, kiyomizu, kinkakuji , gion area, nishiki market, araashiyama n sagano scenic railway in kyoto.
Frm kyoto bck to osaka will stop by Nara n Uji.
In osaka will go Dotonbori. ICHIBA MARKET.osaka castle. Umeda floating market n momofuku ramen museum.
Kindly advise what type of pass shd i use
Thanks
Hi Joanne,
Basically you can use same deals as the post above. Just remove day 5 schedule in the sample itienrary above and add some more Kyoto city deal and Osaka city deal as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am from Singapore.
I will be traveling to Tokyo in Sept 9 to 19.
In between we would also like to visit Kyoto and Osaka for 4 to 5 days before going back to Tokyo.
Just wondering should we buy JR pass but I was told it is not valid for Nozomi train.
Please advise.
Thanks!
Thank you
Hi Suying,
JR Pass 7 days is recommended. Nozomi is not covered but you can take Hikari. Hikari is okay to travel to Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo. Please see the link below to find the info about Hikari.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, thank you for your prompt reply on previous message. I have further read the link that you provided about Kobe. I would like to explore spots nearby sannomiya stations only so I think it is better for me to use Hanshin Tourist Pass (which only 500 yen/1 day)? If I use ICOCA without the pass, the round trip from Umeda to Kobe sannomiya already costs 640 yen.
And the offical webpage of Hanshin Tourist Pass stated that it can be used on Kobe Rapid Transit Railway lines as well. Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you
Cheers,
Gen
Hi Gen,
You have understood how to use Hanshin Tourist Pass correctly. This is the best deal and you can take Kobe Rapid Railway. Actually many of Hanshin Railway trains go through this railway. You may not find the difference between Hanshin and Kobe rapid.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Below is my planned itinerary based on your recommendations. Kindly advise me whether there is more appropriate pass to use instead. Thank you
Day 1:
Reach KIX 4pm. From KIX to Kyoto (use ICOCA
2000yen+Haruka 1600yen)
Day 2: Explore Kyoto using ALL DAY CITY BUS PASS 500yen
Places to visit: Nishiki market, Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion District (the bus pass does cover all these areas?)
OR you recommend to use KYOTO SIGHTSEEING PASS that includes bus/subways 1200yen?
Day 3: Kyoto to Nara using KINTETSU KYOTO LINE 620yen (can I use ICOCA for Kintetsu?)
In Nara, would you recommend to buy Nara Bus Pass (500yen) as I checked the visiting spots are mostly within walking distance
From Nara to hotel near Osaka Kitakagaya Station (change station at Tennoji 470yen + change station at Daikoducho 240yen) – use ICOCA
Day 4: Osaka Kitakagaya station use HANSHIN LINE to Kobe-Sanomiya (round trip 1200yen using ICOCA)
In Kobe, do you recommend walking distance visiting spots or A-DAY PASS 660yen?
Day 5 and Day 6-plan to explore OSAKA using 2-DAY AMAZING OSAKA PASS 3000yen (since one day is 2300yen, if use ENJOY ECO CARD also wont be much different in price)
Day 7: From Osaka Kitakagaya Station to KIX
Go to Namba 240yen, change NANKAI 920yen
(can I use ICOCA here for NANKAI?)
Hi Gen,
Your choice of deals are right. You are ready to go now.
ICOCA can be used for any trains, such as JR, Kintetsu, Hanshi, Nankai, subways in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. So it’s no problem to use those trains.
In Kyoto, traffic is always heavy. Subway is much faster and more solid. If you have a budget, Kyoto sightseeing card is better. All places are covered by this pass. But you can take JR from Kyoto station or Keihan railway Gion-Shijo station to get Fushimi Inari. Train is faster and it’s more recommended.
I don’t think you need to use the pass in Nara. In Kobe, it depends on your plan. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
i going to Osaka & Kyoto & Nara, but planning to stay in Namba only for whole trip..which pass should i get?
Thanks
Hi Jorine,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com