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,
My family will be reaching Osaka (Kansai airport) at about 8pm,
our hotel is located at Sakaisuji Hommachi.
We are planning to go to these places:
– Day 1: Arrive at Kansai Airport > To Sakaisuji Hommachi
– Day 2: Kyoto (Day trip)
-Day 3: Nara (Day trip)
-Day 4: Osaka
-Day 5: Osaka > Back to Kansai Airport
After reading your blog, is it right that I buy:
Kansai Thru pass for Day 2 and 3.
Kintetsu Rail pass (one day) for the 4th day to Nara.
Then should I get a pass for Day 1 and 5?
Thank you in advance for your help!!:)
Hi Yu,
Kansai Rail Pass for day 2 (Kyoto) and day 3 (Nara) is the best choice. Please find more info at 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
okay! Thank you very much for your help! 🙂
No problem, Yu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Thank you in advance for your advice on my upcoming trip to Japan.
12/19 arrive KIX at 6pm, staying close to Nagahoribashi station in Osaka.
12/20 tour Osaka area ( Osaka Amazing 2 day pass)
12/21 tour Osaka area (using day 2 of Amazing pass)
12/22 Osaka to Hemeji ( one day trip)
12/23 Osaka to Kyoto ( stay in Kyoto for 4 nights)
12/24 Kyoto area
12/25 Nara/ Kobe
12/26 Kyoto area
12/27 Kyoto to Tokyo
12/27-1/1 Tokyo area
1. Which transportation pass should I get?
2. Do I need a 7 dat JR pass vs JR Kansai pass?
Hi Annie,
If you want to make your trip be easier, JR Pass is recommended. But JR Pass may be a bit higher than single ticket+local deal. It depends on how much you will use JR Pass.
If you go for JR pass, you can start using on 12/22. You can take Shinkansen to get Himeji and it’s much faster and more comfortable. If you don’t use JR pass, Kansai area pass one day is your choice for Himeji but you cannot take Shinkansen by this pass. This is one of the benefit by JR pass.
JR pass will cover your trip until 12/28. You have one more day of JR pass after you arrive in Tokyo. If you intend to visit somewhere outside Tokyo, like Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, make this trip by JR pass and it will be paid off.
JR Pass covers Nara, Kobe and some part of Kyoto. But you have to add subway/bus deal in Kyoto.
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/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
The following links may help you to get info for the rest of your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is LTD EXP Hamakaze part of the JR pass from Osaka to Himeji?
Hi Annie,
Yes. You can take it by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San …
Need your advise as our family of 5 will be arriving at Narita Airport on 20th Dec at about 2.30pm.
I plan to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and have book a hotel from 20th till 23rd Dec.Would need your suggestion for the tours to go to in the 3 days we are in Kyoto and our main interest is to explore the food and nature.
Will it be better to travel from Kyoto to Yokohama (because we will need to be at Narita for our departure on 28th 4pm) or are there any outskirts area which we can can find lodging and explore the road less travelled!
Otherwise , plan is to stay in Yokohama and travel to Tokyo (cos unable to find suitable lodging in Tokyo during the peak period)
Appreciate your input….JK
Hi Josephine san,
1. Kyoto
There are too many places to visit in Kyoto. I cannot find what you want to go. Please refer Japan Guide.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
2. Yokohama
It’s nice place to access to Narita. You can take Narita Express and it can take you there directly.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
But you have to pay single fare whenever you get Tokyo. However you can use JR pass 7 days for the first 7 days of your trip. You can take Narita Express and Shinkansen to get Kyoto on arrival day. And it covers until Dec 26. You may use JR trains to get Tokyo and explore in Tokyo by JR Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi San…just to confirm that if I purchase the 7 days JR pass online I can use it to travel on the Shinkansen from Narita airport direct to kyoto station upon my arrival ?
Hi Josephine san,
You have to take two trains,
Narita Express (Narita airport to Shinagawa)
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
Shinkansen (Shinagawa to Kyoto)
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shinagawa-station-guide-transfer-among-shinkansen-keihin-kyuko-to-haneda-narita-express.html
Both trains are covered by JR Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We would like to seek advise about our itinerary and which pass is suit for us. We are planning to Kyoto-Osaka in January 2016.
Day 1
arrive Kansai Airport (10.25pm)
Day 2 (Kyoto)
*buy 2days Osaka Pass
sightseeing Kyoto
Day 3 (Kyoto-Nara)
sightseeing Kyoto and Nara
Day 4 (Osaka)
sightseeing Osaka
go to airport at night
Day 5
flight depart from Kansai Airport at 11am
is it possible for us to go to Takayama & Shirakawago on day 2? is it too expensive? we want to see snow 😀
Hi Nur,
On arrival day, you arrive so late and you may have to take midnight bus. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
I think you need to use Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 3.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Shirakawago can be accessed as day trip. But you have to access there from Kanazawa. Takyama cannot be accessed as day trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi.we need your help.we are travelling on april 9-16.this is our plan:
9-10:kansai-wakayama,staying at wakayama
11-12: osaka,kyoto,nara,staying in nara.
13-15:tokyo,plan to have a day trip to mt.fugi,visit disneyland.
16-flight from narita to sg
Can help us with an itenerary and the most economical passes we can purchase?thanks
Hi Hannah,
Single ticket is only choice for Kansai airport to Wakayama. You may choose either Nankai or JR. Please see the link below to find the train network in Kansai area.
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
Kansai thru pass may be the best choice for Wakayama-Nara/Osaka/Kyoto.
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 at this point, your itinerary is rough. Maybe other deal is better.
Single ticket is only choice to get Tokyo.
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
There are a few spots to see Mt. Fuji, like Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. You have to make sure which you go.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
There is no deal to get Narita. But budget bus is available.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teenagers aged 13 &14 years old. We will be travelling to Osaka next month. I have read through numerous sites plus reading through all your suggestions and other commenters suggestions as well over the past two weeks and came up with the following. Note we will not be visiting Kyoto this round as we had been to Kyoto last year. Our current planned itinerary :
Day 1: Arrival in KIX at 6:50am. Will pick up the Kansai Hiroshima Pass (5days) which will be ordered online to take advantage of the discounted fare. We will also buy the 2 days Osaka Amazing Pass to be activated later. Then take the 8:50 train to Kinosaki (Route will be KIX-Shin Osaka-Kinosaki) for 2 days
Day 2: Kinosaki
Day 3: Kinosaki- Osaka. In Osaka, our apartment is in Nishishinsaibashi area. Afternoon explore surrounding area.
Day 4: Hiroshima and Miyama
Day 5: Kobe & Himeji
Day 6: Universal Studios Japan ( individual day trip)
Day 7: Explore Osaka with the Osaka Amazing Pass. Hoped to visit Osaka Science Museum, Osaka Castle, Umeda, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Temples etc
Day 8: Continue from Day 7 to fully utilise the pass
Day 9: If family up to it, buy individual return train tickets to Nara. Otherwise, explore Osaka shopping on foot (???)
Day 10: Buy single ticket to KIX airport. Most likely to take Nankai line. Flight departing at 11:00am.
Your advise is greatly appreciated in commenting on my choices of passes in view of the fact that I had to take into consideration several places being closed at from Dec 28 onwards. For eg, the ramen museum is closed from 26 Dec onwards.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Kindest regards,
SookHan
Hi SookHan san,
You have done great job!
Actually I have nothing to tell you about your plan. It’s perfect and I don’t want to change any part of your trip plan.
I have only one tip for travel by Kansai Hiroshima Pass. As you know, this pass does not allow you to book a seat. You have to take non reserved seat car. That meany it’s first come first serve. When you go to Kinosaki, train runs between Shin-Osaka and Kinosaki. So you may find seat easily. But when you go to Hiroshima, there are many trains and many of them come from Tokyo. That means many seats many be occupied. But there are many trains that depart from Shin-Osaka too, such as Sakura. So pick up these Shin-Osaka departure trains. It’s way easier to get four seats together. The following links shows you Shinkansen timetable. When you go back to Osaka, you can find some Hiroshima departure trains and pick up these trains.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh thank you so much for your comments, Takeshi-san!!! Looking forward to our trip in one month’s time!!!
No problem Sook Han san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
my family of 4 is planning a 7 day trip to Kyoto-Kobe-Osaka-Nara next month and your sample itinerary fits us perfectly!
Would you advise us on
1. if this itinerary is too ambitious for December winter season and
2. where would you recommend we stay to minimise travelling?
Arigato!
Hi JayKay,
1. In Kansai region, it’s very rare to see the snow. Season is not an issue.
2. Near Kyoto station in Kyoto and Umeda (JR Osaka), Shin-Osaka or Namba in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If we want to see snow from Nov 21 – 28, where should we go and how could we get there from Kansai area?
Thanks,
Tisha
Hi Tisha,
I don’t think you can see the snow around Kansai area. Of course it’s mother nature and nobody expect it. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello:
We are planning the following 3-day trip in Osaka/Kyoto:
Nov 13: Arrive KIX at 19:20, travel to hotel near Tennoji Station
Nov 14: Local travel around Osaka to see sights from Tennoji Station
Nov 15: Take train from Tennoji Station to Kyoto Station, then traveling to Kibune and returning from Kurama to Kyoto, local travel to Guin
Nov 16: Local travel with Kyoto, then 2 of us will take the train to Tokyo and 1 of us will take the train back to KIX.
Can you recommend a rail pass? Is it better to take the limo bus to the hotel in Osaka, then use ICOCA cards to do local travel and purchase single tickets for longer travel? Or do the Haruka express and ICOCA pass?
Thanks so much for any guidance you can provide.
Hi Sandra,
ICOCA and Haruka is recommended for arrival and departure to/from KIX.
You can use subway pass for travelling in Osaka on day 2. Don’t use ICOCA card for this and save it for day 3.
ICOCA e-money can cover the trip to Kyoto and exploring in Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My family of six are planning for a 7D6N trip to Kyoto-Nara-Osaka in February 2017. I would appreciate it if you could advise us on the transportation that is most suitable for us.
Thank you.
Lailing
Day 1 (Kansai – Kyoto)
Arrival Kansai International Airport at 10:30pm;
To go to Ryokan Ishicho, Kyoto.
Day 2 (Kyoto)
Kinkakuji Temple;
Toei Kyoto Studio Park;
Manga Museum;
Gion;
Nishiki Market
Hotel Sunlight Kyoto Gion Shijo
Day 3 (Kyoto-Nara-Osaka)
Deer Park;
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitahama
Umeda Floating Garden Observatory;
Tempozan Ferris Wheel;
Naniwa Food Theme Park;
Dotonbori
Day 4 (Osaka)
Osaka Castle;
Aqua Liner;
Shinsaibashi;
Electric Den Den Town
Day 5 (Osaka)
Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku Tower);
Pokemon Center;
Osaka aquarium Kaikuyan
Day 6 (Osaka)
Universal Studio
Day 7 (Osaka-Kansai)
Return flight at 11:00am
Hi Lai san,
Your plan is almost same as my sample itinerary. Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
But your arrival time is quite late. Your choice is only limousine bus to Kyoto station.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
As you see the link above, the last bus depart at 23:40. It’s very tight. If immigration and custom is very busy, you will miss this bus. If it happens, your choice is taxi only. But it’s super expensive and average fare is 32000 yen per taxi.
If you want to avoid any risks, I recommend you to stay near airport.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your advise. Will adjust our itinerary accordingly.
Regards,
Lailing
No problem, Lailing san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Would like to seek your advise on which pass should I buy, I’m still confuse as there are many passes available.
Day 1 (Sat)
Reach KIX at noon
Check in Dotonbori Hotel (Namba station) and spent the rest of the day at nearby area
Day 2
Osaka shopping and sightseeing
Day 3
Breakfast at Kuromon market then depart to Kobe
Kobe beef lunch at Oriental Avenue
Some sightseeing and back to Osaka
Day 4
Osaka-Kyoto
Kurama temple by Eizan railway
Arashiyama by Sagano Scenic railway (Hozugawa River Cruises optional)
Nishiki market
Pontocho old street
Back to Osaka
Day 5
Osaka shopping and sightseeing
Day 6
USS
Day 7
Flight depart from KIX at 7pm
Thanks!
Regards,
Priscella
Hi Priscella,
You may find all info at 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