How to choose the best train and bus pass for sightseeing in Kyoto

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
It is Must-See spot in Kyoto. ©Sue Ann Simon/©JNTO
Toji temple is just 10 minutes away from Kyoto station. © Q.Sawami/© JNTO

There are several deals for sightseeing in Kyoto. I would like to show you the deals for the tourist who stays in Kyoto and want to visit the places there. I believe you will find most suitable for your trip.

By the way, if you intend to have a day trip to Kyoto from other cities, such as day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, from Kobe, Kansai thru pass and other deals are available. Please find the detailed information about the deal that covers Kyoto and other cities in the link below:

How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area

Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass

Kyoto city bus
Kyoto city bus
  • Price – Adult:600 yen / Child:300 yen
  • Coverage – Kyoto city bus and Kyoto bus in allocated area
  • Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight)

This pass is most affordable deal in Kyoto. It covers the bus lines in most part of Kyoto city. It does not cover any trains and subway lines. Please see the link below to find the bus route map. You will find the allocated area.

Kyoto city bus route map

The single fare of bus ride is 230 yen. If you make three trips by bus, it is paid off. It is quite easy and this deal is so reasonable.

However the traffic in Kyoto is heavy and Kyoto is very popular city. The bus is stuck by traffic and is behind the schedule very often. Especially when Kyoto hold an event or festival, the bus is very crowded. If you want to visit many places in one day and have very tight schedule, I recommend you to take a train and/or a subway as much as you can. The train is much faster and much more reliable.

Subway, Bus One-day and Two-day Pass

Kyoto station platform (C) もんじゃ (own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Kyoto station platform (C) もんじゃ (own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Price of one day pass – Adult:900 yen / Child:450 yen
  • Price of two days pass – Adult:1,700 yen / Child:850 yen
  • Coverage – All Kyoto subway lines, Kyoto city bus and Kyoto bus in allocated area
  • Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) or two consecutive days

This deal covers both bus and subway in Kyoto. The subway lines run from west to east and from south to north. This deal gives you more convenience than Kyoto city bus pass and gives you more smooth movement.

If you pay a single fare, it costs 210 to 340 yen to take the subway and 230 yen to take the bus. So if you take a bus or subway more than 4 times a day, this pass is worth the price. Even if you are not sure how many times you make trips in one day, I recommend you to purchase this pass. It is not such a bad deal. You will get more convenient and save your time to calculate the fare at the station.

Please see the links below to find the subway route map and all trains system map in Kyoto.

Kyoto subway route map

You also can find the train network in Kyoto in the link below:

Kyoto City Subway One-day Pass

  • Price – Adult:600 yen / Child:300 yen
  • Coverage – All Kyoto subway lines
  • Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight)

This deal covers only subway lines in Kyoto. The price is cheaper than Subway, Bus one day pass but the price difference is only 200 yen. And the coverage of subway pass is very limited. You cannot visit many places in Kyoto by subway only. This pass is not very useful in my opinion.

ICOCA, Kansai One Pass and other IC cards

ICOCA is most popular IC card in Kansai area. (C) タンジェント (own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
ICOCA is most popular IC card in Kansai area. (C) タンジェント (own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

You may use these cards to take any trains and buses in Kyoto. You can use even other area’s card, such as Suica, Pasmo too. These cards give you convenience. You can avoid to purchase a ticket whenever you make a train trip. You can take any kinds of trains, such as JR, subway and Non JR trains. However these cards do not give you any discount and unlimited travel.

If you meet these following things, IC card is your choice.

  1. You intend to visit a few places in a day.
  2. You need to take several kinds of trains and buses, like subway, Hankyu, Keihan, JR.
  3. You cannot fix your plan and want to have some flexibility.

If you visit three places in bus coverage area, you may need to take a bus at least 4 times. It costs around 800 yen that is much more than Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass.

Please see the link below to find more information about IC card in the link below:

Kansai One Pass

This is same type of IC card as ICOCA. You can use this pass by same way as ICOCA. But this card is designed for overseas tourist. The preload amount is 2,500 yen (plus 500 yen deposit and sold at 3,000 yen) and you can get a discount at many attractions. ICOCA is sold at any JR stations throughout Kansai area. But Kansai One Pass is sold in the designated stations only. Please see the link below to find the detailed information at official site.

Kansai One Pass official site

For traveler who visit Osaka and other cities in same day

As I mentioned at the top of this article, there are some deals available, such as Kansai Thru Pass. But if you move other city after sightseeing in Osaka, Kansai Thru Pass and other deals may not be suitable.

e.g.
Sightseeing in Kyoto, move to Osaka and stay (no sightseeing in Osaka)

In this case, the combination of one of the deals in Osaka and single fare between Osaka and Kyoto is usually cheaper than Kansai Thru Pass or other pass. But if you do sightseeing in two cities, Kansai Thru Pass is your choice.

e.g.
Sightseeing in Kyoto, move to Osaka and sightseeing in Osaka

But sightseeing in two cities in one day is very tight and not very recommended.

For traveler who use national or regional pass

If you use JR pass (national pass) or other regional deal, such as Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, JR train network in Kyoto is covered. You may visit some places by these passes, such as Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi. You may not have any other passes beside these deals if you intend to visit these places. Please see the link below to find the coverage of these national and regional deals in Kyoto.

I hope this post helps you to find the best deal in Kyoto.

Comments

  1. Wendy says:

    dear Takeshi San,

    I am planning to japan for 15 days from 9/4/18 to 23/4/18 (4 adults). Below is my itinerary, pls advice it is workable and the pass that I need.

    I will stay at Osaka (7 nights), Hakone 1 night, Tokyo ( 6 nights)

    Day 1, reach Osaka Itami airport around 6pm, check in to hotel near Daikokucho station.

    Day 2, Osaka to Kyoto ( Arashiyama, Nino Castle, Kinkaku-ji),

    Day 3, Osaka to Kyoto ( Fushimi Taisyi shrine, nishiki market, Kiyomizu-Dera temple, Gino)

    Day 4, Osaka ( USJ, tempozan market place)

    Day 5, Osaka castle, Osaka to Nara half day tour

    Day 6, Osaka to Kobe day trip

    Day 7, Osaka to Hiroshima, Miyajima

    Day 8, Osaka to odawara, Hakone day trip, stay at Hakone

    Day 9, Mt Fuji day trip, evening time, from odawara to shinjuku, check in near Higashi-Shinjuku

    Day 10, day trip to Tateyama Alpine

    Day 11 to 14 Tokyo sightseeing (asakusa, akihabara, imperial place, tsukiji market, Tokyo sky tree, Tokyo tower, Ginza, harajuku, Meiji-jingu, karuizawa prince shopping plaza

    Day 15, 5pm at narita airport

    Thanks

    • Hi Wendy san,

      Your itinerary is okay. The following deal is recommended:

      Regular fare for day 1, 4 and 15.

      Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2, 3 and 5.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html

      Hanshin tourist pass for day 6.
      http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/

      JR pass 7 days for day 7 to 14.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html

      Fuji Hakone Pass for day 8 and 9 (JR pass dose not cover)
      http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/

      Tateyama Kurobe option ticket (It may sell again in this year. JR Pass does not cover)
      http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/

      And you may need to add subway ticket in Tokyo. See the link 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

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Wendy says:

        Dear Takeshi San,

        Thank you very much for your reply.

        I have made some amendments on my itinerary, and I would appreciate if you could help me to go through my itinerary and pass required again.

        Day 1, reach Osaka Itami airport around 6pm, check in to hotel near Daikokucho station. ( can I buy sagano romantic train ticket at this airport?)

        Day 2, Osaka to Kyoto ( Fushimi Taisyi shrine, nishiki market, Kiyomizu-Dera temple, Gion)

        Day 3, Osaka to Kyoto ( Arashiyama – sagano romantic train, Nino Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto tower)

        Day 4, Nara half day tour and Osaka ( kuromon ichiba, cup noodle museum, shisaibashi, dontombori)

        Day 5, Osaka ( USJ, tempozan market place, ferris wheel)

        Day 6, Osaka city tour ( Osaka castle, shi-sekai, tsutenkaku tower, yodobashi shopping, umeda sky building)

        Day 7, Osaka to Hiroshima, Miyajima

        Day 8, Osaka to odawara, Hakone day trip, stay at Hakone

        Day 9, Mt Fuji day trip, evening time, from odawara to shinjuku, check in near Higashi-Shinjuku

        Day 10, Tokyo to Shirakawago day trip, will stay near Nagano station (easy for next day trip)

        Day 11, Nagano day trip to Tateyama Alpine, back to Tokyo from Toyama station

        Day 12 to 14 Tokyo sightseeing (asakusa, akihabara, imperial place, tsukiji market, Tokyo sky tree, Tokyo tower, Ginza, harajuku, Meiji-jingu, karuizawa prince shopping plaza)

        Day 15, 5pm at narita airport

        Should I do a day trip to Shirakwago from Osaka or Tokyo? If from Osaka, ( day 6), I will cut down the itinerary for Osaka city tour. Whereas for day 10, I will visit Nagano ( snow monkey…)
        Or should I follow the above planning? (Day 10)

        Thank you very much.

        • Hi Wendy san,

          I recommend you to switch day 2/3/4 and day day 5/. So you will stay in Osaka on day 2 and 3, and go to Kyoto on day 4 and 5, and then go to Nara on day 6.

          You can use Osaka amazing pass on day 2 and 3.
          https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/

          Kyoto Osaka sightseeing pass one day for day 4 to Kyoto (Fushimi, Gion)
          http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
          You need to add regular subway fare for Daikokucho to Yodoyabashi.

          JR pass 7 days will cover your trip from day 5 (Arashiyama), day 6 (Nara) and until day 11. Daikokucho is subway station and JR pass does not cover subway but JR Imamiya station is within walking distance.
          https://goo.gl/maps/o8Sq1G6Nr9D2

          JR pass does not cover Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Shirakawago. Please find more info in the link below:
          https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html

          You can visit Shirakawago either from Osaka or Tokyo. Trip time is not much different. If you keep this itinerary, you may stay in Toyama after Shirakawago. You can go through alpine route from Toyama to Nagano. It’s easier. In late April, you may not see snow in Snow Monkey Park. You can see monkey in any season but you will not see monkey in the hot spring.

          About the deal for Tokyo, it’s same as previous reply.

          You cannot purchase and book Sagano railway at Itami. You have to go to JR station ticket reservation window. In downtown Osaka, you can find it at most of JR stations.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Wendy says:

            Thanks for your reply.

            1) My itinerary start from Kyoto due to cherry blossoms, if I change my D2 & D3 to D4 & D5, can I still able to see cherry blossoms?

            2) Regarding Tateyama Alpine & Shirakawago, I have a few questions:
            a) I think in mid April, the Tateyama Alpine is a super peak period, there might be a long queue, it is better to start from Ogisawa?

            b) Which planning is better? (Convenient and more accessible, Toyama have lesser bus trip to Shirakawago?)
            – Tokyo to Kanazawa –> Shirakawago, back to Kanazawa then to Nagano overnight . Next day, from Nagano –>Tateyama Alpine –>Toyama to Tokyo

            – Tokyo to Toyama –> Shirakawago, back to Toyama overnight, next day from Toyama –> Tateyama Alpine to Nagano to Tokyo

            – Tokyo to Kanazawa –> Shirakawago to Toyama overnight, next day from Toyama –> Tateyama Alpine to Nagano to Tokyo

            – or you have any better suggestion?

            c) Tateyama Alpine open from 15/4/18, my visit day is on 19/4, is there any likely hood that the opening date will be delayed?

            3) which prepaid card can use from D1 to D15? ICOCA, SUICA or PASMO?

            Thank you

            • Hi Wendy,

              1. It’s hard to say about cherry blossom. It’s mother nature. But a few days difference does not matter. If you make a week difference, it’s will be a big difference.

              2. Usually the route from Toyama is busier because many of tourist want to see Snow Wall at Murodo. It’s closer to Toyama. The route from Ogisawa is usually slower.

              If you want to see Kanazawa, you can drop by there and catch the bus from Kanazawa. If you don’t mind Kanazawa, take a bus from Toyama. And if you want to avoid the crowd, go to Nagano and then start from Ogisawa from next day.

              3. Usually it’s open on 15th.

              4. It doesn’t matter. There cards can be used in same area and same coverage.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail

  2. Angela says:

    I will be travel between Osaka, Kyoto & Nara on 17/12 to 26/12, 17/12 staying in Osaka, 18/12 to 20/12 in Kyoto, 21/12 head to Nara and back to Osaka till 26/12. We will travel a lot of places for sightseeing, wonder which pass to purchase. Can you recommend which pass to purchase base on the above stated. Thank You

  3. Maria Jemilyn C Refran says:

    Hi Takeshi san, can we use our Kansai One Pass to Saga-Arashiyama station (JR sagano line)?

  4. Anna Rachel says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    A good day to you.
    I am real sorry to bother you.
    I hope you can kindly advice on the passes that I should get for my itinerary.
    As a first time traveller to Japan, the train lines really seems very confusing.
    I hope what you can kindly assist me.
    Thank you so much for your precious time.

    I am trying plan the itinerary for a 10 days trip of Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara and Otsu for Feb 2018.

    Travel Size : 2 adult + 1 child (5yrs old)
    Total of days : 10

    Day 1 – 8/2/18 (Thurs)
    Flight Arrival 9:30pm
    * most likely the HIS counter will be closed after we clear custom and collect of luggage.
    Check in The Park Front Hotel @ Universal Studio Japan (Universal-City)

    Day 2 – 9/2/18 (Fri)
    Breakfast @ hotel
    Universal studio Japan
    Universal City Walk

    Day 3 – 10/2/18 (Sat) Child’s birthday
    Breakfast @ Hotel
    Check out hotel
    *I am not so sure which option is more workable
    Option 1
    Leave luggage at concierge
    Go to Momofuku Ando Instant Noodle Museum (Ikea)
    Head back to hotel to collect luggage
    Check in AirBnb (Nipponbashi)
    Nakanoshima Gyoko fishing port (Awaza)
    Explore Namba Area / Dontombori / Shinshabashi / Ebisu Bridge
    Option 2
    Check out with luggages
    Take Ferry Captain Line to Tempozan
    Keep luggage at locker
    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    Check in to Airbnb (Nipponashi)
    Nakanoshima Gyoko Fishing port (Awaza)
    Explore Namba Area / Dontombori/ Shishabashi/Ebisu Bridge

    Day 4 – 11/2/18 (Sun)
    Breakfast @ Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market (Daikokucho)
    Head to Kobe
    Go Mt. Rokko (Milage)
    Rokko Snow Park + Rokko International Musical Box Musuem
    Go to Kobe Animal Kingdom (K Computer Mae)
    Go to Harborland for Concerto Cruise (Dinner7:30pm-9:30pm on Cruise)
    Head back to Nipponbashi

    Day 5 – 12/2/18 (Mon)
    Breakfast @ Kuromo Ichiba Market
    *Depends on Day 3 option chosen
    Momofuku Ando Instant Noodle Museum / Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    Mari Car (Nodahanshi)
    Cart Ride Timing : 4-6pm
    Umeda Sky Building
    Hep Five Ferris Wheel
    Head back to Nipponbashi

    Day 6 – 13/2/18 (Tue)
    Check out Airbnb
    Go to Kyoto
    Check in New Miyako Hotel (opposite Kyoto station)
    Brunch @ Nishiki Market (Gion-Shijo)
    Go to Nijo Castle (Nijo)
    Go to Kyoto Imperial Palace (Marutamachi)
    Go Gion + Ponto Cho
    Head back to hotel

    Day 7 – 14/2/17 (Wed)
    Breakfast @ Kyoto Station
    Go to Arashiyama
    Kimono Rental @ 10:30am
    Ebisuya Rickshaw Ride
    Arashiyama Monkey Park
    Go to Toei Kyoto Studio Park
    Go to Kinkakuji Temple (Imadegawa)

    Day 8 – 15/2/18 (Thurs)
    Breakfast @ Kyoto Station
    Head to Biwako Valley
    Head Back to hotel

    Day 9 – 16/2/18 (Fri)
    Breakfast @ Kyoto Station
    Go to Fushimi Inari Shrine
    Go to Nara
    Nara Deer Park
    Todai-ji Temple
    Sushi Making Class @ Nara JR station
    Head back to Kyoto

    Day 10 – 17/2/18 (Sat)
    Check out Hotel
    Brunch @ Nishiki Market
    Kaleidoscope museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike)
    Shosei-en Garden
    Head back to hotel to pick up luggage
    Head to Airport
    Flight depart 11:30pm

    Please kindly assist and advice.
    Thank you very much

    • Hi Anna san,

      Your itinerary is okay. On day 3, option 1 is better. Sometimes it’s hard to find a large size locker. Option 1 is easier.

      The following deals are recommended.
      Single ticket on day 1. Due to late arrival, there is no choices. You need to take a rapid train to Nishikujo and change a local train to Universal city.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html

      You may have Kansai one pass instead of single ticket.
      https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1

      5 year old is free of charge. No ticket is required to take trains and buses.

      On day 3, use Kansai one pass.

      On day 4, Rokko Maya Leisure ticket
      http://rail.hanshin.co.jp/ticket/otoku/pdf/ticket_en.pdf

      On day 5, use Kaiyu tikcet.
      https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html

      From day 6 to 9, use Kansai one pass. Or use Kansai thru pass 3 days for 4, 6 and 9. Kansai thru pass is cheaper choice but it does not cover Rokko. And also you need to take Kintetsu railway to get Nara. Kintetsu Nara station is closed to tourist spot but need to walk to get JR Nara station. You may choose convenience or affordable price.

      You also may add Kyoto city bus pass at 500 yen. You can use Kansai one pass to take a bus. But Kansai one pass does not give you unlimited ride. If you intend to take a bus three or more times a day, bus pass is better choice.

      At last, you can take Haruka to get KIX by Haruka discount ticket:
      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

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Anna Rachel says:

        Dear Takeshi-san,

        Thank you so much for you prompt reply and advices.
        Will try to figure it out.
        Thank you once again

        Best Regards
        Anna

      • Anna Rachel says:

        Dear Takeshi-san
        A happy New Year to you~
        sorry to bother you again
        I need to seek your advice if my Day 4 (Rokko Maya Leisure ticket) and Day 5(Kaiyu ticket) suits the change below workable :
        Day 4 –
        Breakfast Kuromo Ichiba Market (Nippombashi)
        Head to Kobe – Mt Rokko (Milage)
        Rokko Snow Park + Rokko International Musical Box Museum
        Check in Hotel : Hotel Okura Kobe (Motomachi)
        Kobe Sanda Premium Outlet (Sanda)
        Concerto Cruise & Dinner (7:30-9:30pm) (Kobe)
        Return to Hotel

        Day 5
        Kobe Animal Kingdom (k computer Mae)
        Check out hotel (Motomachi)
        Mari Car Osaka (Nodahanshin) (4:00pm-6:00pm)
        Umeda – Umeda sky building / Hep five shopping mall
        Return to Airbnb (nippombashi)

        Thank you very much
        Best Regards
        Anna

        • Hi Anna san,

          I checked the valid date for Rokko Maya leisure ticket and I found it’s no longer available. So your choice is single ticket for train and bus. You can get Rokko Cable + Rokko mountain bus Music box combo ticket at 1870 yen. You can purchase this at Rokko cable station. There is no English info available. I put Japanese link just in case.
          https://www.rokkosan.com/ticket/

          You have to pay the bus fare to get outlet. Even if you have Kobe Maya ticket, it’s not covered.
          http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/kobesanda/access/access_bus.html

          For day 5, Kaiyu ticket is wrong choice. If you go to Kaiyukan aquarium, it’s a right choice but you don’t go. There is no deals available.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Anna Rachel Tang says:

            Dear Takeshi San,

            Good Day to you.
            Sorry to bother you once again.
            May I check with you, do I need to get child ticket for 6yrs old?
            I was looking at the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket (city version) child pass is 7-12 years old.
            As my girl will turn 6yrs old during the trip so not sure if I need to get her train tickets.
            Please kindly assist and advice.
            Thank you

    • Anna Rachel Tang says:

      Dear Mr Takeshi-san,

      A good day to you~
      I was trying to digest the information that you had guided me but not sure if I am on the right track.
      Can you kindly assist and advice me if I got it right ?
      Thank you very much

      Day 1 – 8/2/2018 (Thurs)
      Flight arrival 9:30pm
      *Buy Rapid single ticket to Universal City

      Day 2 – 9/2/2018 (Fri)
      Universal Studio & Universal city walk
      Bring luggage to AirBnb (Nippombashi)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai One pass
      Universal City (JR) to Nishikujo (JR) transfer to Osaka loop
      Nishikujo (Osaka Loop) to Noda transfer to Osaka Subway
      Tamagawa to Nippombashi
      And same route to return to Hotel (Universal City)

      Day 3 – 10/2/2018 (Sat) Girl turn 6 yrs old
      *Buy Osaka Kaiyu (City Version) Ticket
      Momofuku Ando Cup Museum (Ikeda)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Universal City (JR) to Nishikujo (JR) transfer to Osaka loop
      Nishikujo (Osaka Loop) to Osaka transfer to Umeda (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
      Umeda to Ikeda
      Or should I take OKK bus to Osaka Itami Airport instead?
      Osaka Itami Airport to Hotarugaike to Ikeda
      Which one do you recommend?

      Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (Osakako)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Ikeda to Umeda transfer to Osaka Loop
      Osaka (Osaka Loop) to Bentencho to Osakako

      Shinsaibashi / Dontombori / Ebisu Bridge / Namba
      *Use Osaka Kaiyu pass
      Osakako to Hommachi transfer to Yotsubashi Line to Yotsubashi

      Nakanoshima Gyoko Fishing Port (Awaza)
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass? or I can continue to use the Osaka Kaiyu pass?
      Namba to Hommachi transfer to Subway Chuo Line to Awaza

      Back to Airbnb (Nippombashi)
      *Use Osaka Kaiyu pass?/ICOCA kansai one pass?
      Awaza to Nippombashi

      Day 4 – 11/2/2018 (Sun)
      *Buy Kansai Thru Pass (3days)
      *Buy Rokkosan Tourist Pass
      *Buy Rokkosan Cable car + musical museum pass
      Breakfast @ Kuromon Ichiba Market
      Head to Kobe (Mt Rokko / Rokko Snow park/ Rokko international musical box museum)
      *Use Kansai Thru Pass (3day)
      Kintetsu-Nippombashi to Amagasaki (Hanshin Namba Line) transfer to Hanshin Main Line to Mikage
      Take Kobe City bus #16 to Rokko Cable Shita station to Rokko Sanjo Station
      Or should I take the JR as below?
      Namba to Nishi-Umeda transfer to Osaka (JR) to Rokkomichi
      Which one do you recommend?

      Check-in Hotel Okuka Kobe (Motomachi)
      *Use Kansai thru pass (3day)
      Mikage to Sannomiya
      Take hotel shutter bus

      Kobe Sandra Premium Outlet
      Take Shinki Bus from Sannomiya

      Back to hotel
      Take Shinki Bus to Sannomiya
      Take hotel shutter bus

      Day 5 – 12/2/2018 (Mon)
      Kobe Animal Kingdom (K Computer Mae)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Sannomiya to K computer Mae (porter liner)

      Mari Car Osaka (Nodahanshin)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Sannimiya (Hanshin Main Line) to Noda walk to Nodahanshin

      Umeda Ski Building / Hep Five Ferris Wheel
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Nodahanshin walk to Noda to Umeda

      Back to AirBnb (Nippombashi)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Umeda to Namba to Nippombashi

      Day 6 – 13/2/2018 (Tue)
      Breakfast @ Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market (Daikokucho)
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Nippombashi to Namba to Daikokucho

      Back to Nippombashi pick up luggage
      Head to Kyoto
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Nippombashi to Namba to Shin-Osaka
      *Use Kansai Thru Pass (3days)
      Shin-Osaka to Kyoto

      Kyoto Railway Musuem
      Should I get the Kyoto city bus pass?

      Lunch @ Nishiki Market (Kawaramachi)
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Kyoto to Shijo Transfer to Karasuma to Kawaramachi

      Kaleidoscope museum of Kyoto (Karasuma oike)
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Kawaramachi to Karasuma transfer to shijo to Karasuma Oike

      Dinner @ Kyoto Station / Porta Dining underground
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Karasuma Oike to Kyoto

      Day 7 – 14/2/2018 (Wed)
      Breakfast @ Kyoto station
      Head to Saga-Arashiyama / kimono rental / rickshaw Ride / Monkey Park Iwatayama
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Kyoto (JR) to Saga-Arashiyama(JR)

      Ysaka Shrine / Starbuck Coffee Kyoto / Gion / Ponto-cho
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Saga-Arashiyama to Nijyo transfer to Nijo(Tozai Line) to Higashiyama

      Head Back to hotel New Miyako Hotel
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Gion-Shijo to Kyoto

      Day 8 – 15/2/2018 (Thurs)
      Breakfast @ Kyoto station
      Head to Biwako Valley
      *Use ICOCA Kansai one pass
      Kyoto (JR) to Shiga (JR)
      Take bus #68 to Mt Hourai and take ropeway

      Head back hotel
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Shiga (JR) to Kyoto (JR)

      Day 9 – 16/2/2018 (Fri)
      Fushimi Inari Shrine
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Kyoto(JR) to Inari (JR)

      Head to Nara
      *Use Kansai Thru Pass
      Fukakusa to Tambabashi transfer to Kintstsu- Tambabashi to Yamatosaidaji to Shinomiya

      Back to hotel
      *Use Kansai Thru Pass
      Shinomiya to Kyoto

      Day 10 – 17/2/2018 (Sat)
      *Buy discount Haruka to kansai airport
      Return flight @ 11:30pm

      Shosei-en Garden (Shichijo)
      Any bus to take from Kyoto station?

      Breakfast @ Nishiki Market(Kawaramachi)
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Shichijo to Gion-Shijo transfer to kawaramachi

      Kyoto Imperial Palace (Imadegawa)
      *Use ICOCA kansai one pass
      Kawaramachi to Karasuma transfer to Shijo to Imadegawa

      Kinkakuji Temple
      Any bus from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kinkakuji temple?

      Head back to hotel to pick up luggage
      Any bus from Kinkakuji temple to Kyoto station?

      Head to Kansai Airport
      *Use ICOCA discount Haruka Ltd Exp ticket
      Kyoto to Aiport

      Beat Regards
      Anna

      • Hi Anna san,

        You have chosen the pass and the route almost correctly.

        On day 3, “Universal City (JR) to Nishikujo (JR) transfer to Osaka loop
        Nishikujo (Osaka Loop) to Osaka transfer to Umeda (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
        Umeda to Ikeda” is better route than bus.
        On the way back, you should take subway in Umeda because you have Osaka Kaiyu ticket. This pass gives you one day subway unlimited ride. Try to take subway as much as you can and avoid taking other trains.

        When you use Kansai thru pass, do not take JR because it’s not covered. For Nippombashi to Kyoto, don’t go to Shin-Osaka because you need to take JR. You can take Kintetsu railway from Nippombashi to Yamato-Saidaiji, Yamato-Saidaiji to Kyoto. This route is covered fully.

        You don’t need any pass on arrival day in Kyoto because Kansai thru pass covers city bus too.

        You should use all day bus pass when you are in Kyoto other than arrival day in Kyoto. You can get the worth by only 3 rides.

        Other part of the trip is good.

        Cheers,

        Takeshi / JPRail.com

  5. Jia Li says:

    Hi,

    I would like to check if raku bus covered under Kyoto city one day pass?

  6. Denise says:

    Hi Takeshi

    I am planning to visit Kyoto and Nara in 2 days . And I have already purchased the JR pass .

    We wish to visit the Nara dear park,Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari
    Nishiki Market, Gion.

    Please suggest the best pass to purchase.

    Appreciate your help very much

    Thank you

    Denise

  7. Chow says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I will be travelling to Osaka in Dec. Listed below is my itineraries and please help to suggest the best and cheapest pass to use.

    Day 1 – arrival at KIX at 21.15 & stay at Chisun-Inn Osaka (Nagahoribashi St). Any late train/bus?
    Day2 & 3 – Osaka Castle, Universal Studio & Umeda Sky Building
    Day 4 & 5 – sight seeing and shopping in Kyoto
    Day 6 – Hokodateyama Ski Park
    Day 7 & 8 – Tottoiri
    Day 9 & 11 – Kurashiki, Okayama
    Day 12 – Okayama to KIX

  8. Diyana says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I will be travelling to osaka next month and stay in osaka near to tanimachi station.
    my itenerary as below:
    Dai 1 & 2- kyoto -arashiyama district
    -fushimi inari, kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji,
    hagashiyama district, nishiki market,
    philosopher’s path.
    Day 3 – kobe -mount rokko, earth quake memorial museum,
    kobe port tower
    Day 4,5&6 Osaka – USJ, Osaka museum house and living,
    sumiyoshi taisha shrine, shitennoji temple,
    umeda sky building, Dotonbori

    I plan to purchase icoca & haruka card for round trip but i’m still not sure either this is the best option.
    Kindly advise me on this matter.

    Really appreciate your suggestion 🙂

    Thank You

  9. Anita says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I will be travelling from Kitahama, Osaka to Kyoto for day trip. Do you recommend getting Kyoto Osaka Sightseeing 1 Day pass?

    01/11
    Kitahama to Fushimi-Inari with Keihan Main Line Express -> Kiyomizu Gojo -> Gion -> Back to Osaka, Namba -> Back to Hotel, Kitahama

    Really appreciate your assistance & advise.

    Best Regards,
    Anita

  10. Kay says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    We’re going to Japan on the end week of Sept. Here is our final (hopefully) itinerary. Pls suggest the best pass to use.

    Day 1
    KIX to Kyoto
    Fushimi Inari
    Nishiki Market, Gion

    Day 2
    Kinkakuji
    Arashiyama
    Nijo Castle

    Day 3
    USJ
    Dotonbori
    *How do we get back to Kyoto from Dotonbori?

    Day 4
    Kiyomizudera
    Nara
    *Days 3 and 4 can be interchanged

    Day 5
    Kyoto to KIX

    I was thinking of purchasing an ICOCA or Kansai One Pass for JR Lines. Haruka for airport transfers. In Kyoto, would you suggest Kyoto Sightseeing? What pass to use for Randen tram? Thanks!

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