Nara is the former capital city in Japan and it is older than Kyoto. Many shrines, temples and districts are listed on UNESCO World Heritage, National Heritage and/or National Treasure. When you travel in Kansai region, you may think about visiting or staying in Nara. If you go to Osaka or Kyoto from other cities, such as Tokyo, you can get there by Shinkansen. But when you go to Nara, there are several routes and options. The trip route to Nara is varied by your trip plan and/or the deal which you intend to use.
In this post, I would like to share the information about access to Nara by train and bus.
Overview
Please see the route map below:
Osaka and Kyoto are the gateways to Nara. JR and Kintetsu railway connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. And Nara Kotsu bus runs between Nara and Kansai airport.
Locations of JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations
Before I start to explain about the access routes, I would like to show you the locations of Nara stations. This may be reason why you choose Kintetsu railway. Please see the map below.
View Nara station in a larger map
Kintetsu Nara station is just a step away from many tourist spots, such as Kofuku-ji temple. Nara Park (Deer Park), Todai-ji temple (big statues of Buddha) and Kasuga Taisha shrine. These are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station.
JR Nara station is about 1 km away from Kintetsu Nara station. It is acceptable and still within walking distance. If you take Sanjo Dori (三条通/dark brown line in the map above), there are lots of shops along the street. You can enjoy this 1 km walking from the station to Sarusawa pond and Kofukuji temple. But if you travel with a senior or small child, you want to minimize to walk. Before choosing the route, please consider the location of the station in Nara.
Access from Kyoto
You can take either JR or Kintetsu. Kintetsu railway Kyoto station and JR Kyoto station are exactly same location.
But if you intend to use JR Pass or JR West rail passes (such as Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass), JR trains are covered and your choice is JR.
If you use Kansai Thru Pass, Kintetsu railway is covered fully. If you do not intend to use any deals, take Kintetsu railway because Kintetsu Nara station is better location.
I show you the fastest train on each Kintetsu and JR lines.
Miyakoji Rapid Service on JR Nara line
There are three kinds of train running on JR Nara line between Kyoto and Nara. These are local, rapid and Miyakoji Rapid train. Miyakoji Rapid is the fastest JR train which connects Nara and Kyoto. The trip time is around 45 to 50 minutes. This train runs every 30 minutes in daytime. Please see the post below to find more information:
Access to Nara from Kyoto by Japan Railways, Miyakoji Rapid Service
Express and Limited Express on Kintetsu railway Kyoto line
There are four kinds of trains running on Kintetsu Kyoto line between Kyoto and Kintetsu-Nara. These are local, semi express, express and limited express. Express is the fastest train which can be taken by only a base fare ticket. The trip time is almost same as JR Miyakoji Rapid train but as I mentioned, Kintetsu Nara station is closer to the tourist spots. Kintetsu railway is faster way to get there.
However if you pay 510 yen extra, you can take limited express train. The trip time is 30 minutes and accommodation is much nicer than express and JR Miyakoji Rapid train. Please see the link below to find the train route of Kintetsu railway Kyoto line. It does not show “Nara” or “Kintetsu-Nara” station on the map in this link. But many trains from Kyoto go to Kintetsu Nara station via Yamato-Saidaiji. The segment between Yamato-Saidaiji and Kintetsu-Nara belongs to Kintetsu railway Nara-Namba line.
Kintetsu railway Kyoto-Kashihara line map
Kyoto Subway Karasuma line and Kintetsu Kyoto line inter-connected through service
If you take Kyoto city subway Karasuma line to get Kyoto station, you may stay on the subway train after Kyoto station. Because many subway trains go through Kintetsu Kyoto line. A few trains go directly to Nara. Please see the link below to find the information in Kyoto city subway official site:
Kyoto city subway Karasuma line route map
Access from Osaka
There are JR Yamatoji line and Kintetsu Nara line. But the departure station is different. You may choose the route by the pass or the departure station.
Yamatoji Rapid Service on JR Yamatoji line
If you intend to use JR Pass or JR West rail passes (such as Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass) for the trip to Nara, Yamatoji Rapid Service is fully covered and the fastest train to get Nara from Osaka.
This rapid train depart from Tennoji. But this runs to counterclockwise direction on Osaka Kanjo line (loop line) from Tennoji to Tsuruhashi, Kyobashi, Osaka, Nishikujo, Bentencho. This train comes back to Tennoji again and then goes to Nara. So you can catch this train Osaka (Umeda area) and most of major stations on Osaka Kanjo line. This train is operated very frequently. In day time, it runs every 15 minutes. Trip time to Nara is 55 minutes from Osaka and 35 minutes from Tennoji. If you cannot take this train, you can take rapid or local train. But you may have to change trains on the way.
Please see the details about this train in the link below.
Rapid Express on Kintetsu railway Nara line
If you intend to use JR Pass or other JR deals, Kintetsu is not covered. You should take JR Yamatoji Rapid train to get Nara. But if you use Kansai Thru Pass, it’s fully covered. If you do not use any passes, Kintetsu railway is better choice because of fare, frequency and location of Nara station.
In Osaka, Kintetsu has three terminal stations, Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Namba is one of the biggest downtown cores in Osaka. JR has JR-Namba station too. But JR-Namba station is a bit away from the center of Namba. Please see the link below to find more information:
If you take JR train from JR-Namba, you have to change to Yamatoji Rapid Service at Shin-Imamiya or Tennoji. On the other hand, Kintetsu takes you to Nara directly.
Osaka-Uehonmachi is located at same location as Osaka Subway Tanimachi line Tanimachi 9-chome station. You can transfer easily there. And you can transfer easily from JR Osaka Kanjo line (loop line) at Tsuruhashi.
There are 6 kinds of trains running on Kintetsu railway Nara line, such as Limited Express, Rapid Express, Express, Semi Express, Suburban Semi Express and Local. Limited Express is the fastest but you have add a seat fee on top of a base fare. And this is a commute line and Limited Express does not run very frequently. The fastest and most convenient choice is Rapid Express. This is a sort of the commute train. Please do not expect a comfortable seat and interior. You may have to stand up in the train.
The travel times from major terminal stations to Kintetsu Nara station are the following:
Osaka-Namba or Osaka-Uehonmachi -> Kintetsu Nara : 40 minutes by Rapid Express
Tsuruhashi -> Kintetsu Nara : 30 minutes by Rapid Express
Please see the link below in Kintetsu railway official site to find the Kintetsu railway Namba-Nara line route map:
Kintetsu railway official site (English)
Trip time is not much different between Kintetsu railway Rapid Express and JR Yamatoji Rapid. However Kintetsu Nara station is better location. Just keep it in your mind.
Access from Kobe
If you access to Nara from Kobe, you have to go through Osaka. There are two ways to get Nara as well. These are JR and Hanshin-Kintetsu Railways.
JR Special Rapid and JR Yamatoji Rapid Services
This is the way for the traveler who wants to use JR Pass or other JR deals. You may take Special Rapid train from Kobe to Osaka. After arrival in Osaka, you can take same way that is Yamatoji Rapid train. There is no direct JR trains from Kobe to Nara.
Hanshin Railway and Kintetsu Nara line
Hanshin Railway is other private railway company and it connects Umeda/Namba and Kobe (Sannomiya). Hanshin railway and Kintetsu railway are connected each other at Osaka-Namba station. Many trains go through each other. Some Rapid Express run between Kobe-Sannomiya and Nara directly. It is operated every 20 to 30 minutes during daytime and travel time is 75 to 80 minutes.
This is only direct train service. It is the easiest and the fastest way to get Nara from Kobe.
If you use Kansai Thru Pass, both Hanshin and Kintetsu railways are covered fully. If you do not use any deals, this is the best choice as well.
Access from Kansai airport
There are three ways, Nara Kotsu bus, JR and Nankai-Kintetsu railways.
Nara Kotsu airport limousine bus
This is only direct transportation from Kansai airport to Nara. Please see the link below to find the timetable and the faretable:
Kansai airport limousine bus official site (English)
If you do not use any train passes, this is the best way to get Nara from Kansai airport.
JR Limited Express Haruka and Yamatoji Rapid Service
This is the way for the traveler who want to use JR Pass or other JR deals.
Kansai airport (Limited Express Haruka) Tennoji (Yamatoji Rapid) Nara
The travel time is around 1 hour 15 minutes. All trips are covered by any JR deals.
Nankai railway and Kintetsu railway
This route is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And Nara Access Ticket is the deal to cover this route. This is most affordable way to get Nara from Kansai airport.
Nara Access Ticket (Nankai railway official site)
The travel time is not much different from JR Haruka and Yamatoji Rapid combination.
Comments
Hi Takeshi!
I am currently planning a trip to Japan during the first half of July. a rough plan of my itinerary would be like this:
Day 1: Arrive at Osaka, stay at Namba
2: Explore Osaka
3: Explore Osaka
3: Trip to Kobe (overnight)
4: Trip to Nara (overnight)
5: Go to Kyoto (overnight)
6: explore Kyoto and take train to Tokyo
7: purchase Hakone free pass and head to hakone and then to kawaguchiko
8: explore kawaguchiko and head back to Tokyo in the evening.
9: Explore Tokyo
10: Explore Tokyo
11: Explore Tokyo
12: Aiport for departure
Would purchasing the nationwide JR pass be too expensive as i would only be taking one shinkansen trip from Kyoto to Tokyo?
Also, what pass would you suggest me to get to make my expenses cheaper? Or should I get a pass at all?
Thank you!!!
Hi Ian,
As you think, JR Pass is not your choice. Single fare is okay for Kyoto to Tokyo.
You may use subway or/and bus pass in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Single ticket is also your choice for the rest of your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your reply Takeshi! I really appreciate it. I have another question. What if I want to extend my trip to include hokkaido? Since it is the summer I would like to go see the flowers in Furano and Biei, as well as Lake Toya. Maybe do a hike in Shiretoko too!
In this case if I were to extend my trip to include Hokkaido, should I buy a pass? If so, what pass should I buy?
Hi Ian,
If you go to Hokkaido by train, JR pass is your choice. But Hokkaido is quite far. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
As you see, even if you just visit Sapporo, it takes 8 hours. Furano is at least 2 hours away from Sapporo. Shiretoko is very very far. You need to spend one day to get there from Sapporo.
So if you add Hokkaido, your plan is drastically different. You have to add at least 5 days.
The following link shows you sample itinerary that include Hokkaido. I made this sample a long time ago. So train connection is now better than this itinerary because of Hokkaido Shinkansen open. But it gives you some idea to make a plan to Hokkaido.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/hokkaido-tohoku-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I see. In this case, if I plan to alter my plan to go Osaka then spend a night at Tokyo before heading to Hokkaido then coming back to finish up my Tokyo segment before departing at Narita, will it be cheaper to purchase the Hokkaido East South rail pass instead of the nationwide pass?
Hi Ian,
I cannot say anything about it at this point. It depends on how many days you will spend at each places. I recommend you to make a plan first before choosing the deal.
And also JR East-South Hokkaido Pass does not cover Furano, Biei and Shiretoko. It covers Lake Toya only on your wish list in Hokkaido.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to make a day trip from Osaka (Namba) to Mount Yoshino and Nara. My plan is to go to Mount Yoshino early in the morning and proceed to Nara at around noon.
Previously, you suggested to me to get the Kintetsu pass one day. You mentioned that “But Yoshino is outside coverage area. You can take Kintetsu train from Nara to access Yoshino. So you need to add extra fare when you exit Yoshino station.”
If I’m going to Yoshino first before going to Nara, how will the fare work? Do I still need to go to Nara to access Yoshino? I believe that this would be a much longer route than if I travelled direct from Namba to Yoshino.
From Hyperdia, this are the few suggested routes.
1) From OSAKA-Namba, take Kintetsu Nara Line Local for HYOTANYAMA.
Transfer at TSURUHASHI, and take the Kintetsu Ltd. Exp. to YAMATOYAGI .
At YAMATOYAGI, take Kintetsu Kashihara Line Local for KASHIHARAJINGUMAE.
Thereafter, take Kintetsu Yoshino Line Local for YOSHINO.
2) From NAMBA (subway) , take Osaka City Subway Midosuji Line for NAKAMOZU.
Alight at TENNOJI and walk to OSAKAABENOBASHI.
Take Kintetsu Minami-osaka/Yoshino Line Exp. for YOSHINO.
May I know which will be a better route if I use the Kintetsu One Day pass? I understand that the pass does not cover limited express train. If I choose to take option no 1, how much extra would I have to pay on top of the pass?
For my trip from Yoshino to Nara, am I right to say that the pass will not cover any part of the trip and I will have to pay the full fare depending on which train I take?
Thank you for your kind advice.
Hi Winnie,
Route 1 is covered very small part of the trip to Yoshino. Only between Tsurubashi and Fuse are covered.
Route 2 are not covered at all.
If you have another trip after this trip, you may consider Kansai thru pass. This pass covers much more than Kintetsu. However there are 2 days or 3 days pass only. So you need to have one more day to go outside Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html#Yoshino_Recommended_for_cherry_blossom_season
Both Kintetsu pass and Kansai thru pass do not cover Kintetsu limited express. When you check the timetable at Hyperdia. you will see “Seat fee”. That is an extra cost on top of the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: KIX to Namba
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Namba to Yoshino and Nara then back to Namba
Day 5: Namba to Miyajima and Iwakuni (overnight at Miyajima)
Day 6: Miyajima to Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto to Shiga then back to Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto to KIX
Previous, you suggested that I get 1 way Haruka and ICOCA. Then get the 1 day Kintetsu rail pass for day 4. Then day 5 use the 5 days Kansai Hiroshima Pass on day 5 onwards.
So since the pass only cover a small part of route 1 and don’t cover route 2 at all, should j still get the 1 day Kintetsu rail pass still? Or will there be any more cost saving pass to get?
Thanks.
Hi Winnie,
Now you can use Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 1 and 4. Kintetsu rail pass does not work. You don’t need to have ICOCA and Haruka. You can take Nankai railway from KIX to Namba by Kansai thru pass. Of course you can purchase Kansai thru pass in KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for all your kind advice.
You mentioned earlier that the Kansai thru pass does not cover Kintetsu limited express so I have to pay the extra seat fee. How do I pay for this seat fee?
Another thing is how do I reserve the seats?
Sorry to ask so many questions.
Thank you.
Hi Winnie,
You have to book limited express reserved seat at any major Kintetsu station, such as Namba, Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi, Osaka-Abenobashi.
You cannot take limited express without reservation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Like Winnie, I’m going to Yoshino from Osaka and the next day I will be going from Osaka to KIX.
Can I check that the Kansai Thru Pass will still be worth it for me to purchase?
Thanks!
Hi Cherry,
Yes, it does. This is only choice for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the prompt reply!
I was checking the prices, from osaka shinsaibashi to yoshino is ¥1210, from yoshino to kintetsunara ¥850, and kintetsunara back to osaka is ¥560.
The next day from Shinsaibashi to KIX will cost ¥1100. If I do not take limited express at all my total will only be ¥3720.
Does this mean that I will only be getting the convenience with the Kansai Thru Pass as I wont need to buy multiple tix, but I will not be saving any money?
Thanks!
HI Cheery,
You are right. Sorry, I made a mistake to calculate.
If you are sure that you will make only these trips, single fare is better idea.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Should I buy a JR pass or different tickets/passes as my trip is 11 days? Or activate the JR pass later?
I don’t know which journey JR Pass can be used- could you also please indicate in my itinerary.
Thu 17 Mar 2016 (Day 1 Osaka)
Arrival in Osaka’s Kansai airport around 8:45am
Hotel somewhere in betwee Kitahama Station & Osaka Station
Visit Umeda Sky Tower
Visit Osaka Castle
Walk around the Ebisu Bridge
Fri 18th March (Day 2 Osaka-Himeji-Nara-Osaka)
Take train to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle
Take train from Himeji to Nara (visit Deer Park)
Take train from Nara to go back to Osaka by 5pm
Sat 19th March (Day 3 Osaka-Kyoto)
Check-out to take train to Kyoto
Check-in hotel near Kyoto station
Explore Gion area
Sun 20th March (Day 4 Kyoto)
Travel to Philosopher’s Walk and nearby temples
Ginkakuji
Mon 21st March (Day 5 Kyoto)
Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and nearby area
Kinkakuji
Tue 22nd March (Day 6 Kyoto)
Imperial Palace
Nijo Castle
Other temples (maybe Southern Kyoto’s temples)
Wed 23rd March (Day 7 Kyoto-Tokyo)
Nishiki Market
Check-out Hotel
Take train to Tokyo
Check-in Tokyo (somewhere Chiyoda-ku)
Imperial Palace
Yasukuni Shrine
Shibuya Cross
Thu 24th March (Day 8 Tokyo)
Take train to Hakone for day-trip
Back to Tokyo at night
Fri 25th March (Day 9 Tokyo)
Check-out Change Hotel in Tokyo (somewhere Shinjuku)
Visit Shinjuku
Sat 26th March (Day 10 Tokyo)
Visit some shrines and temples
Sun 27th March (Day 11 Haneda Airport)
Check-out Hotel
Relax around Hotel
Go to airport
My trip starts on 17th March but should I activate JR Pass from 18th to 24th March? Or is there other better ways?
Thanks
Amy
Hi Amy san,
JR Pass does not work. Basically you can follow my sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
I recommend you to use Kansai area pass one day for Himeji and Nara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can use same deals in the sample itinerary above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi Takeshi,
This is Kristoffer. I’m planning for an Osaka (w/ Nara)> Kyoto > Tokyo (with Hakone) trip. I’ll arrive at KIX at 11:40am on Mar 26, 2016 and depart from Narita at 11:00am on April 3, 2016.
Osaka (Mar 26-28)
– I’ll stay near Dotonbori area
– On Mar 26, i’ll go to Aquarium, USJ (just outside for picture :p), Shinshaibashi
– On March 27, i’ll go to Osaka Castle, Umeda, Nara (after lunch), then go back to Osaka
– I’ll depart for Kyoto early morning of Mar 28
Kyoto (Mar 28-Mar 31)
– I’ll stay near Kyoto Station
– On March 28, i’ll go to Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, more temples…
– On March 29, i’ll go to Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion area, cherry blossoms sighting…
– On March 30, I’ll go to parks, more temples…
– I’ll depart for Tokyo on March 31, early morning ~6-7am
Tokyo (Mar 31-Apr 3)
– No definite places to go yet in March 31
– On Apr 1, i plan to go to Hakone/near Mt. Fuji (do we need full day for this? or can it be half-day)
– On Apr 2, explore more of Tokyo, cherry blossoms sighting…
– My flight is at 11:00am at Narita
What would you recommend for the passes that i need to have? Do you have any suggestions that i should add or take out from my trip? is it too congested? By the way, i’ll travel with my wife who will be 5 months pregnant by then and my sister.
Thank you!
Hi Kristoffer,
Please see the link below to find the sample itinerary that is almost same as your trip:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Hakone free pass is recommended for the trip to Hakone. You need to spend full day at least.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much for your response Takeshi-san! The itinerary is quite useful. I now think that i shouldn’t buy the JR Pass and start to get familiar with all of the passes mentioned in the itinerary.
No problem, Kristoffer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i’ll be travelling to japan from 12-25 oct. arrival kate night and departure from tokyo haneda airport. May i know which itinerary fit the best? I plan to visit tokyo, kyoto, osaka, kobe, nara. (If possible hirojima n miyajima).
Shoud i explore tokyo first or toklyo at last. Thankss
Hi Jess,
If you arrive Haneda late night, you have to stay in Tokyo at first night anyway. And if you leave Haneda early, you have to stay in Tokyo at last night. It takes at least 3 hours to get Haneda from Osaka/Kyoto. You can stay in Tokyo either first or last. It depends on your departure schedule.
All places except Tokyo can be accessed from Osaka as day trip. Even Hiroshima and Miyajiama can be visited as day trip. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
I have many sample itineraries at the link below. It may help you to build your plan.
https://jprail.com/category/sample-itineraries
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
my flight were both late night. Arrive at 22.30 and leave at 23.45. And i plan to stay at the airport for the first night, because its late night already. And means that i have 13 days full for the trip. So which one the best?
If i use JR7dayspass, it will be 6 days at tokyo and 7 days for kyoto kobe nara osaka.
Should i stay at kyoto or osaka?
Is that too many days for tokyo? Any idea where to go?
Thanks
Hi Jess,
You can use 7 days JR Pass anyway for 6 nights in Tokyo. It’s hard to say 6 nights is too much or not. It depends on your plan and where you want to see in Tokyo. Some say yes, other say no.
Many people stay in Osaka only and make day trips to other places, such as Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. But if you want to feel different atmosphere, you may stay both.
You may find more info at Japan-Guide.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
Everybody has different taste. You may find what you want to see by yourself.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the information.
Is that worth it if i buy JR 14 days pass?
Hi Jess,
Not at this point. You need to have another long trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
You may get Hiroshima or Kanazawa from either Osaka or Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
You need to have this type of trip if you want to use 14 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
We will be travelling to Japan this coming November and plan to go to Osaka-Nara-Kyoto-Tokyo. The trip will be more or less a week. Is it best to buy the unlimited JR pass for 7 days since we plan to get around each city. Thanks for your advice!
Hi Katrina,
JR Pass 7 days is almost same cost as Tokyo-Osaka round trip by Shinkansen. So if you arrive Osaka and leave from Tokyo, JR pass may not work for your trip.
The following sample itinerary shows you the cost for Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo and Hakone. You don’t intend to get Hakone. But total fare is not much different from your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
If you want to get an exact cost and compare JR pass and other deals/single fare, you have to make the detailed itinerary. We need the location to stay and detailed trip route. Otherwise it’s hard to find the best deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi
Need some advice from you please,
I’m going osaka for 4day 3 night trip. Will be arrive to Kansai in the morning
I’m staying in tennoji ward. Near osakauehonmachi stantion.
My plan as bellow
I’m not too sure should I get Kansai thru pass or amazing pass or single fare.
Day1.
Osaka- namba, dhoti nori, baron, kuromon market , umeda sky building
Day 2
osaka to Nara ( todaiji temple )
Nara to Kyoto ( kenninji temple and hanami-koji
Kyoto back to osaka
Day 3
osaka ( osaka castle, osaka acquarium , tempo zhan Ferris wheel)
Day 4
To airport
Is it possible to do a day trip for osaka-nara-kyoto-osaka?
What is the best pass I should get ?
Hope to hear from you.
Thanks very much
Hi Jesslyn,
You can use Kansai thru pass for day 1 and 2. It’s very tight to visit Nara and Kyoto in one day. But it’s not impossible.
For day 3, you can use Osaka Kaiyu Ticket.
http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/kaiyu.html
If you visit more attractions in one day, Amazing pass is better. At this point, Kaiyu ticket is the best choice.
On last day, if you go straight to airport, Kanku Chikatoku ticket is the best price. But if you want to take Limited Express to KIX, Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket is the best.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
If you intend visit some places in day 4, you can purchase Kansai thru pass 3 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi,
We’ll be going to Japan for 6days/6nights. Our route includes Osaka (for april19-22 which includes trips to Nara& Kobe)-Kyoto (overnight, april22-23)-Osaka (april 23-25. Kindly help us what is the best pass to travel these areas? Is it IC Card?JR Kansai Pass? Or Kansai Thru Pass?
Thank you
Regards,
Patrick
Hi Patick,
For the part of your stay in Osaka, please find the 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
For the trip to Kyoto, mostly single fare to Kyoto and Kyoto city deals are the best option.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
If you use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day, you can use this to get Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello, I would appreciate your advice.
I am based in Kobe and would like to do a day trip to Yoshino.
Is this possible in terms of travel time?
I have a 3 day Kansai Thru Pass.
Please could you tell me which lines I could use to get to Nara, and then connect to Yoshino.
I understand that my pass only covers me as far as Nara.
I read somewhere that the Special Rapid Service connects Kobe directly to Nara. Is this still valid and can I use this service on my pass?
Thank you
Hi Ayesha,
It’s tight but not impossible.
Special Rapid is JR train and it’s not covered by Kansai thru pass. You cannot take this train. And this train does not take you Nara from Kobe anyway.
You can take Hanshin railway at Sannomiya, Motomachi. Some of trains go directly to Kintetsu line via Osaka-Namba and take you Kintetsu Nara station directly. Please find the map at the link below:
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
After that, you can take Kintetsu Nara line to Yamato-Saidaiji, Kashiwara line to Kashiwarajingu-Mae, and then take Yoshino line. The map does not show Yoshino and shows Yoshino line to Tsubosakayama. Kansai thru pass covers to this point, Tsunosakayama. You can add for Tsubosakayama to Yoshino only and 430 yen for one way. You can pay this fare when you exit at Yoshino station with showing your pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
I’ll be travelling to Japan in September.
I plan to visit Himeji, Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. What would be the best option in my situation.
The plan is to stay two days in Osaka, then a day trip to Himeji, then two days Nara, then four days in Kyoto and then one last day in Osaka.
If you need more information on my itinerary please ask.
Hi PJVH,
Before choosing the deal, you have to find the location to stay. For example, there are some deals from KIX to Osaka. It’s easy to pick after you decide the place to stay. Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
And then, you may think about the plan on arrival day and next day. You can find the idea 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
As long as you stay in Osaka or Kyoto and sightseeing in the city, subway pass or bus pass is okay. But if you go outside city, like trip to Himeji from Osaka, you have to think about other deal. And also you have to think about the plan before and after Himeji. Because some passes have to be used in consecutive days.
Anyway, find the location to stay in Osaka. And then you can think about the deals that you need.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Already thank you for the information.
I have now already a better plan. Maybe you can help me better now.
From the 21(arrival)-25 september, I’ll be staying in Osaka.
Two days Osaka are meant for making daytrips to Nara, Kobe or Himeji.
From 26 to 29 september, I’ll be staying in Kyoto.
The 30 september would also be a daytrip, leaving from Kyoto, but returning to Osaka.
1-2 oktober (departure day) I’ll be staying in Osaka.