I have received many inquiries about Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka one way trip. I always recommend to use a regular ticket for this one way long distance train ride, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Osaka to Tokyo. Because this one way trip is not enough to get the worth of JR Pass 7-day. I have written the post about the fare calculation before.
But I think this post was not enough to explain the fare rule. JR single ticket rule is very complicated for the tourists from oversea. But you do not need to know everything. If you understand some basic rules, single ticket is more useful and it gives you a trip at more affordable rate.
In this post, I will show you some basic rules of the regular ticket for the long distance train ride and how to use and purchase it.
How to purchase it
Simply you can purchase it at the station. If you make a short distance trip in the city or city to just outside city, you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine.
e.g.
Ueno to Tokyo (inside city)
Tokyo to Yokohama (city to just outside place)
Osaka to Universal City (inside city)
Osaka to Kyoto (city to outside place)
If you make a long distance trip, you still can buy a ticket at the vending machine. But the ticket window may be easier to purchase a long distance ticket for the foreign travelers. Especially if you intend to make a stopover on the way, you have to buy a ticket at the ticket window. Because you have to explain your trip plan.
If you want to take a limited express train, you have to purchase a limited express surcharge ticket too. Even if you want to take a non reserved seat on a limited express train, you have to purchase it. You can purchase both a reserved and a non reserved ticket for a limited express (the Shinkansen as well) at “Midori no Madoguchi”. Midori no Madoguchi is the name of JR reservation ticket window. You can purchase a base fare ticket at Midori no Madoguchi too. Please get the detail about reservation at the post below.
In the case of purchasing both base fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket, you can purchase it in advance. An express surcharge ticket is on sale one month prior to a departure date.
e.g.
Tokyo to Kyoto travel on Dec 1
You can purchase the tickets after Nov 1.
You also can purchase the tickets at any JR stations if you buy both base fare and limited express surcharge at same time. For example, if you start to travel from Tokyo station, you can purchase it at Narita airport station on the day of arrival.
Base fare ticket can be purchased at any JR stations where station staff is on duty. There are many station without station staffs in remote area. In major cities and major stations, there are station staff. Even if you take a train at the station without station staff, you can purchase it from the conductor in the train.
How to get a fare
You can use Hyperdia to get the fare quite easily.
As you see above capture image of Hyperdia, you can get base fare and seat fare (includes surcharge). In this image, total fare is the following:
Base fare – 9560 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) – 5740 yen (reserved seat)
Ltd Exp Haruka (Shin-Osaka – Kansai airport) – 820 yen (reserved seat)
Total – 16120 yen
*The above image was captured in 2013. The fare was raised in April l, 2014 because of consumer tax was increased to 8% from 5%. The actual fare is different from the fare in the image above.
The price of Japan Rail Pass 7 days ordinary is 28300 yen. (New price is 29110 yen.) Total single fare is more than 10000 yen cheaper than 7 days pass price. This is the reason why I recommend to use single fare for Tokyo – Osaka one way transfer.
Validity
Please see the above capture image of Hyperdia again. You also can find a distance at Hyperdia. This is a key to use single ticket. Actually long distance ticket can be used in multiple days.
Distance | Valid days |
---|---|
101 – 200 km | 2 days |
201 – 400 km | 3 days |
401 – 600 km | 4 days |
601 – 800 km | 5 days |
801 – 1000 km | 6 days |
- From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.
- If you travel more than 101 km but it is in Tokyo or Osaka zone only, ticket valid in one day only.
So in above capture image, distance is 613.4km. This ticket valid in 5 days.
Stopover
You can stopover as many as you want. Of course you cannot go back. Once you start to travel, you have to go forward. You have to care only one thing. When you depart/arrive to travel at the following areas, you cannot stopover in same areas.
- Sapporo
- Sendai
- Tokyo 23 wards
- Tokyo Yamanote line
- Yokohana
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Kitakyushu
- Fukuoka
These areas are same as city limit. I show you some examples.
1. Above ticket (Tokyo – Kansai Airport)
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards. For example, after you start to travel from Tokyo, you cannot stopover at Shinagawa.
You can – Stopover at Kyoto, Osaka and anywhere outside of Tokyo 23 wards.
By the way, you can start to travel from anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards.
2. Ticket from Narita airport to Osaka
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Osaka city. For example, you cannot stopover at Shin-Osaka. Once you exit at any stations in Osaka city, your ticket will be expired right away.
You can – Stopover at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and anywhere outside of Osaka city.
By the way, when you travel through Tokyo downtown core, ticket will be calculated by the shortest route. For example, most typical route from Narita to Osaka via Tokyo, via Tokyo station and Shinagawa station. But if you want to go to Osaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku, you can take this route and stopover.
But in case of using limited express, you have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket for each segments.
ex) Tokyo – Osaka trip, stopover at Nagoya.
You have to purchase two Shinkansen tickets, Tokyo – Nagoya Shinkansen surcharge ticket and Ngoya – Shin-Osaka surcharge ticket.
Sample ideas
Please see above capture image of Hyperdia again. If you use this ticket, you can do the following itinerary.
Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto (Stopover at Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto (no use single ticket)
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka (Stopover at Osaka)
Day 4 One day trip to Kobe (purchase another single ticket.)
Day 5 Osaka – Kansai airport
When you arrive in Tokyo, you can use other deals, such as Suica & N’ex. And you have 5 days after you finish to see Tokyo. If you add Suica & N’ex one way ticket, total amount is 19620 yen. It is about 9000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
I believe this is the perfect solution for Tokyo – Osaka one way travellers.
Comments
I appreciate the help. Do you recommend the JR pass or the single ticket?
March 26 – Fly into Osaka (KIX). Stay at Hyatt Regency Osaka or a hotel by the Shin-Osaka station.
March 27 – Leave to Kyoto.
March 29 – Leave for Kawaguchiko Station.
March 30 – Leave for Tokyo.
April 5 – Leave Tokyo at HND.
Can I make use of the stopovers and buy just 1 ticket from KIX to Tokyo, stopping over at Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, and Kawaguchiko Station before ending up in Tokyo?
Thanks!
Hi Lee,
JR pass does not work for your trip. I recommend you to use single fare and ICOCA and Haruka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
You can take Haruka if you go to Shin-Osaka. If you stay at Hyatt, I believe they have shuttle from JR Osaka station. You will take airport rapid train to get Osaka directly. Even if you take rapid, you can use ICOCA and Haruka.
ICOCA 1500 yen e-money can be used from access to Kyoto from either Shin-Osaka or Osaka.
Then you can take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Mishima. Actually you need to take a bus from Mishima to Lake Kawaguchi. You don’t need to go back to Mishima after staying at Lake Kawaguchi. Express bus takes you to Shinjuku in Tokyo directly. You may find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
So you need only one single ticket from Kyoto to Mishima. You don’t need to make any stopovers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I’ll be going Japan from 11-23jan 2016 and I am thinking if I should get a 7-days JR pass. My itinerary is as follows:
11-15: Tokyo
15-16: Hakone
16-18: Kyoto
18-19: Nara
19-22: Osaka
Based on the validity of the ticket, is it possible I purchase a single ticket on 16jan at Odawara station with end destination at Nara. Which means I can use the ticket to stopover at Kyoto and then Nara? Please advise me.
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim,
If you leave Japan from Osaka, JR Pass does not work. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
You can purchase single ticket to Nara at Odawara. And also you can purchase it at most of JR stations in Tokyo too in advance. It’s much easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Couple of things I needed help with as JR pass seems very expensive specially when I am not traveling too much around Japan. We are in Japan from 12th January to 19th January. Hotel booked around Disney at Hilton Tokyo Bay. I have one day which I haven’t booked anything but would love to go to Mount Fuji before we head for Osaka. Since I have young children doesn’t want to travel that far but wants to go for couple of hours rather than a whole day trip. Any recommendations for that as to where to go for a Mount Fuji view & which train to get? Also, is it possible to buy a one way ticket online for bullet train from Tokyo Station to Osaka? We have a booking at one of the Universal Studios hotels please recommend which station to get off and what kind of ticket would be required for 2 adults, 2 children & an infant.
Hi Zunaria,
I think the best place to see Mt. Fuji is Lake Kawaguchi. The easiest way to get there is express bus.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/5/#routemap
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6906.html
You cannot purchase a ticket online but you can purchase it at any major JR station. You may purchase it at Maihama station near Disneyland in advance. You need to purchase base fare ticket from Maihama to Universal City and surcharge ticket of Shinkansen for Tokyo to Shin-Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
I will be arriving in Haneda airport on 16/12/15 and plan to go straight to Osaka until 25/12/15 where I will go back to Tokyo. Do you think i can purchase the ticket to Osaka on the day I arrive? Will there be seats?
Hi Kayun,
It’s way easy. There are many Shinkansen trains between Osaka and Tokyo. It’s completely no problem.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I tried going to HyperDia to check the cost of my trip, but I couldn’t find the station for Kyoto. Would you mind giving me an advice on what sort of pass I should use if I were to travel from
Kansai Airport -> Kyoto -> Osaka -> Tokyo -> Haneda Aiport
It would be great if you could help me out. The information online on the different passes are really overwhelming.
Hi Sue,
You can refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You can use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day to get Kyoto. ICOCA money can be used for trip to Osaka. And follow the sample itinerary in the link above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Your advice is great. But can I ask for your help? My husband and I will be in Japan 12/24/15-1/1/1016.
12/24 arrive NRT
12/25 Tokyo Disneyland
12/26 leave for Kyoto
I think we will stay a day or two.
Then we also want to check out Osaka for a day. A friend suggested normal JR or Hankyu line to Osaka, then go back to Kyoto for the night. We still haven’t booked rooms, so we can either go back to Kyoto or stay in Osaka. Either one is fine, but I’m leaning towards staying in Osaka.
12/28 or 12/29 go back to Tokyo
1/1 leave Tokyo via NRT airport
I was looking at the 7day JR pass, but do you suggest single tickets? Is it more cost effective? And how would you travel by single ticket?
Thank you so much!
Jeannette
Hi Jeannette san,
I recommend JR pass. You may use the first 7 days or the last 7 days. But I think the last 7 days is better. Because there are lots of deals available for incoming passengers at Narita. But there is no deals to go to Narita.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
If you use the pass for the last 7 days, you may take Narita Express by JR pass. Single fare is okay to get Disney.
By the way, Tokyo Disneyland on Dec 25 will be super busy because of Christmas event. I strongly recommend you to purchase a ticket online in advance. They sometimes close the gate when too many visitors are there. But if you purchase the ticket in advance, you may get in even if they close the gate.
I recommend you to book a hotel either in Kyoto or Osaka right away. It’s very busy and hard to book in these days. I think the rate is not very attractive in this season. But you may not have many choices.
December 29th will be the busiest day because everybody go back to hometown to spend New Years holidays with family or friends. 28th is better to travel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san!
Can I have your advice for getting around?
12/24 – Arrive NRT, staying in Funabori in Edogawa
12/25 – Disney Sea
12/26 – leave Funabori (Edogawa) for Kyoto
Stay in Mibu Goshonouchichō,Kyōto-shi,Kyōto-fu,Japan
12/28 Osaka, stay in 2 Chome Nishishinsaibashi,Osaka
12/29 back to Tokyo, stay in 渋谷,Shibuya,Tokyo
1/1 Back to NRT
Thank you!!
Hi Jeannette san,
You may use JR pass for the last 7 days (12/26 to 1/1).
There are some deals available on arrival day.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Keisei skyliner and metro deal is recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I would like to ask recommendation for my next year trip to japan. I was thinking to buy 7days jr pass but after reading your post i am thinking to get single ticket. Once i reach in Nagoya Airport around 4pm and transfer to nagoya station, can i buy JR single ticket going to osaka the same day? Below are my itinerary.
Nagoya Airport to Osaka (March 30 – Same Day)
Osaka and day trip to Nara & Kobe (March 30 to April 4)
Osaka to Kyoto (April 4 to 7)
Kyoto to Nagoya Airport (April 7)
Thank you very much!
Jovelyn
Hi Jovelyn,
I recommend Kintetsu Rail Pass.
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
Even if you use this pass for Nagoya to Osaka (Namba), it’s paid off. There is Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide that includes Nagoya airport to Nagoya station ticket. But actually just adding single ticket on top of regular Kintetsu Rail Pass is cheaper. (single ticket 870 yen for one way)
You may use this ticket for access to Nara too.
Hanshin Rail Pass is the best to access to Kobe. You may add subway/bus pass in Osaka and Kyoto. Please find more info for these cities at the link below:
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
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
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
Single ticket is okay for access to Kyoto from Osaka and Kyoto to Nagoya. You can purchase it on the spot. But if you take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya, you can purchase it in advance at any JR stations.
You may get another Kintetsu pass for Kyoto to Nagoya. But there is no direct trains from Kyoto to Nagoya by Kintetsu. It’s cheaper than Shinkansen, but it takes much longer and not recommended highly. Find the Shinkansen fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I have read your article on JR single ticket with stopover.
I would like to ask what is the advantage of buying the single ticket with stopover. For example,
a) Tokyo, 7:20 –> Shinosaka, 10:15–> Kansai airport.
The total reserved fare = Y15,930.
You can stopover at different stations.
If i buy a single fare ticket separately for,
bi)Tokyo, 7:20 —> Shinosaka, 10:15 (Y14,250)
bii) Shinosaka, 10:15 —> Kansai airport. (Y2,650)
Total fare = Y16,900
Option a) is only Y970 cheaper that option b). But, there is a limitation on the no. of days stopover base on the travel distance.
Appreciate your guidance.
Hi Esther san,
If you stay in Osaka for a long time, you can purchase a ticket separately. But in this case, you can use Kansai area pass at 2200 yen.
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
It’s cheaper than single fare and you have unlimited ride of JR trains. If you have a time before going to KIX, that is a benefit.
If you want to save your cost as much as you can, you can take subway to Namba and take Nankai railway. Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is only 1000 yen.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San, We are visiting Japan as a family of 5 from Dec 22 2015 – Jan 17 2016. I have 2 plans for your advise:-
Osaka: We plan to spend 2 weeks in Osaka and visit Kobe (day trip), Kyoto (one over night trip), Nara (day trip from Kyoto) and Tenuji (day trip from Kyoto) and the rest of the time spent around Osaka, Would you recommend buying the 5 days Kansai Wide Rail Pass?
Tokyo: We plan to spend 7 days in Tokyo travelling from Osaka to Tokyo and while in Tokyo visit Mt Fuji, Disney Sea and the rest of the time around Tokyo and Shinjuku. Would you recommend the 7 days JR rail (mainly for Osaka to Tokyo one way, Mt Fuji day trip and Disney Day trip)?
Many Thanks
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy san,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is too much for your trip. Please see the following link. It shows you how to choose the deal and make an itinerary for staying in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Single ticket is okay for your trip from Osaka to Tokyo. JR Pass is too much for your trip. You can purchase a single ticket and Shinkansen ticket at any JR stations in Osaka. If you book the reserved seats, you can book and purchase in advance at any JR stations in Osaka.
In Tokyo, single ticket (to Disney) and subway pass (for exploring in Tokyo) are okay.
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
If you go to Lake Kawaguchi, you can take highway bus from Shinjuku. There is no deal for this bus. If you go to Hakone, you can take Odakyu railway from Shinjuku. Hakone free pass is recommended.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m traveling from 25 Dec’15 to 4 Jan’16 and below is my draft itinerary: Day 1-5 – Osaka, Day 6 – Kyoto, Day 7-11 – Tokyo
Based on my JR single ticket rule understanding, I can purchase the ticket on 28 Dec, making a stopover at Kyoto on 29 Dec, and carry on my journey to Tokyo on 30 Dec? Do you think it’s required for an advance booking based on the date?
Thanks,
Tan
Hi Tan san,
It will not be the busiest day but reservation is recommended. No online reservation is available so you have to book it at the station after arrive in Japan. You don’t need to show your passport. In most of JR stations, there is reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi”. You can purchase it there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi!
so my understanding of the single ticket rule is right?
Yes, Tan san. You are on the right track.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com