
There are JR lines and lots of private railway lines, such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu and Keihan in Kansai area. There are so many kinds of ticket or passes as well. It makes you confused to choose it.
In this post, I would like to share the information about the discount tickets and passes that cover Kansai area.
- Kansai Thru Pass
- JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass
- Hankyu Tourist Pass one day and two days
- Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass one day and two days
- Kintetsu Rail Pass one day and two days
- Hanshin Tourist Pass
- Kansai Wide Area Pass
- ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
- For traveler who use national or regional pass
- For the traveler who stay in Kyoto or Osaka and visit inside city only
Kansai Thru Pass
- Online purchasing price (2-day) – Adult : 4,300 yen / Child : 2,150 yen
- Online purchasing price (3-day) – Adult : 5,300 yen / Child : 2,650 yen
- Coverage – All Non JR lines, subway lines and city bus in whole part of Kansai area
- Valid period – 2 or 3 days (not required using in consecutive days)
This is the most recommend one. This pass includes all major private lines and subway lines, such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, Nankai, Osaka Metro and Kyoto Subway. You can access Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya, Kansai airport, Wakayama and many more place. This pass is sold at 5,300 yen for 3-days and 4,300 yen for 2 days. It gives you the greatest value in any railway pass of Kansai area. But if you think about only round trip between Kyoto and Osaka, the regular fare may be cheaper. Please see the details at the post in the link below:
JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 2,200 yen / Child : 1,100 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 4,300 yen / Child : 2,150 yen
- Price (3-day) – Adult : 5,300 yen / Child : 2,650 yen
- Price (4-day) – Adult : 6,300 yen / Child : 3,150 yen
- Coverage – All JR railway lines in whole part of Kansai area
- Valid period – 1 to 4 days (midnight to midnight)
This pass includes most of JR lines in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and Kansai airport. But the Shinkansen and all express trains are not covered except Kansai airport express “Haruka”. Please see the details about this pass in the link below:
Hankyu Tourist Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 700 yen / Child:Not available
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 1,200 yen / Child:not available
- Coverage – All Hankyu railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
Hankyu Railway operates trains among Umeda (Osaka), Takarazuka, Kawaramachi (Kyoto near Gion), Arashiyama (Kyoto) and Kobe (Sannomiya). The price of this deal is very attractive to cover three cities, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. If you access to Kobe-Sannomiya from Umeda, single fare is 320 yen. If you access to Kyoto-Kawaramachi from Umeda, single fare is 400 yen. You can get the worth of one day pass by one round trip to Kyoto-Kawaramachi from Umeda. If you look for deal to access to just Kobe, Arashiyama and Gion area, this is a good choice.
But if you want to visit all part of Kyoto and many places in Kobe, Kansai Thru Pass is better choice. Because you have to take other train or bus than Hankyu Railway. Kansai Thru Pass covers all.
Please see the link below to find more information:
Hankyu Railway official site- Hankyu Tourist Pass
Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 700 yen / Child : 350 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 1,000 yen / Child : 700 yen
- Coverage – All Keihan railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
Keihan Railway connects Yodoyabashi (Osaka) and Demachiyanagi (Kyoto). It covers Kyoto and Osaka only but the price is cheaper than Hankyu Tourist Pass. And many places in Kyoto are located along Keihan Railway. Fushimi Inari shrine, Uji, Kiyomizu-dera temple and many places in Higashiyama area can be accessed from Keihan Railway stations.
This pass has same issue as Hankyu Tourist Pass. You may have to take subway to get Keihan Railway station in Osaka, such as Yodoyabashi, Nakanoshima, Kitahama, Temmabashi and Kyobashi. And when you visit western part of Kyoto, such as Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji temple, you have to pay extra to access this place. Kansai Thru Pass may be better choice if you have another trip(s).
Please see the link below to find more information about Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass:
Keihan Railway official site – Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Kintetsu Rail Pass one day and two days
- Price (1-day) – Adult : 1,500 yen / Child : 750 yen
- Price (2-day) – Adult : 2,500 yen / Child : 1,250 yen
- Coverage – All Keihan railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight) and two days (must be used in consecutive days)
This deals covers Kintetsu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
In Nara, many of places can be accessed by walk from the station. But this deal can take you to Kyoto station only You cannot use this deal to access to most of places in Kyoto.
Please see the link below to find more information about Kintetsu Rail Pass:
Kintetsu Railway official site – Kintetsu Rail Pass
Hanshin Tourist Pass
- Price – Adult:700 yen / Child:Not available
- Coverage – All Hanshin railway lines
- Valid period – one day (midnight to midnight)
Hanshin Railway operate trains among Umeda (Osaka), Osaka-Namba, Kousoku-Kobe and Kobe (Sannomiya). The price of this deal is very attractive. If you access to Kobe-Sannomiya from Osaka-Nmaba, single fare is 410 yen. It is paid off by just one round trip. If you look for deal to access to just Kobe, this is the one for your trip.
However if you access to Arima-Onsen and/or Himeji, Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass may be better choice.
Please see the link below to find more information about Hanshin Tourist Pass:
Hanshin Railway official site – Hanshin Tourist Pass
Kansai Wide Area Pass
If you may travel both inside and outside of Kansai area, Kansai Wide Area Pass is the best choice. You can get same coverage as Kansai area pass in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Wakayama. And also this pass covers Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, Kii-Katsuura, Shingu, Okayama, Kurashiki and even Takamatsu in Shikoku. You can take non reserved seat on limited express trains and Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Please find more information in the post below:
ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
You may use these cards to take any trains and buses in all Kansai area. 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 ride.
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.
However if you have day trip to other cities, such as day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass is better choice in most of cases.
Kansai One Pass
This is same type of card as ICOCA. You can use this pass by same way as ICOCA. But this card is designed for overseas tourist. Preload amount is 2,500 yen (plus 500 yen deposit and sold at 3,000 yen) and you can get 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.
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 Kansai area is covered. You may have same or better coverage than Kansai Wide Area Pass. If you use these passes, please try to use this pass as much as you can. I think you may add only city deal, such as bus pass in Kyoto.
For the traveler who stay in Kyoto or Osaka and visit inside city only
These above deals are too much for the city sightseeing only. You may find the deals in the links below:
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Kyoto
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka
I hope you get the best deal in this post and enjoy your trip in Kansai area.
Comments
Hello Takeshi-san
I will be traveling to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka in Nov 2018; total 12 travel days. Would greatly appreciate your help in deciding which JR pass to purchase? Also, is it worth it to get first class JR pass vs. Green class?
Day 1 : arrival Tokyo-Narita, travel within Tokyo city
Day 2-4: Tokyo city
Day 5 : Hakone
Day 6 – 8: Kyoto
Day 9 – 11: Osaka
Day 12: Osaka to Tokyo-Narita
Within each city, we would prefer to travel by train/ subway across different lines.
Thank you very much for your help!
Best regards,
Laine O
Hi Laine san,
You may use JR pass 7 days for day 6 to the end of your trip.
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 use whichever you like, either ordinary or green.
You may use other deal for day 1 to 4.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Regular fare ticket is only choice for Tokyo to Hakone. After arrival in Hakone, you can add Hakone Free Pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi san,
You’ve been so very helpful!
Best wishes,
Laine
No worries, Laine san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Please advise which Pass to purchase based on the following itinerary:
Day 1: KIX – Kyoto Station – Kinkaku-ji Temple – Arashiyama – Kyoto Station
Day 2: Kyoto Station – Fushimi-Inari Shrine – Nara (Todai-ji Temple, Deer Park, Naramachi) – Kyoto Station
Day 3: Kyoto Station – Kiyomizudera Temple – Nishiki market – Teramachi Arcade & Shinkyogoku Arcade – Kyoto Station
Day 4: Kyoto Station – Namba, Osaka (my hotel is near Namba Station on the Midosuji Subway Line) – Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Dotonbori
Day 5: Namba Station – Okayama (Okayama Castle, Omote-cho Shopping Street, Kurashiki) -Namba Station
Day 6: Namba Station – Kobe (Kobe Harborland, Nankinmachi, Sannomiya, Rokko Cable Car) – Namba Station
Day 7: Namba Station – Kuromon Market – Osaka Castle – Umeda Sky Building – Namba Station
Day 8: Namba Station – Rinku Premium Outlet – Namba Station
Day 9: Namba Station – KIX
Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Eileen,
You can use Kansai Wide Area Pass for the first 5 days. But this pass does not cover Kyoto city bus. You may need to add city bus pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For the sightseeing in Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For the trip to Kobe, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
No deals is available for trip to Rinku. Use a regular ticket.
Please see the link below for Namba to KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I need your help in deciding what passes we will need to get with our itinerary below:
26 Dec : KIK – Umeda
27 Dec : We booked travel One way tour from Osaka to Takayama
28 Dec : Takayama to Kyoto prefer using bus
29 Dec : Kyoto
Arashimaya, Gion, Fushimi Inari, Nishiki
30 Dec : Kyoto – Kobe – Himeji – Kyoto
31 Dec: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
1-2 Jan: we plan using 2 D Osaka Amazing Pass
3-4 Jan: Dotonburi and Shinsabashi area
5 Jan : Umeda – KIX
Hoping you can help us in this.
Thank you
Regards
Ros
Hi Ros,
You may find some deal in the link below for KIX to/from Umeda.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For Dec 30 and 31, you can use Kansai area pass.
You don’t need any deals for Jan 3 and 4.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi
Thank you for your reply and suggestion.
For my trip on 29 Dec 2018 we will spend whole day at Kyoto (Gion, Arashimaya, Fushimi Inari and Nishiki) which pass we can use.
Regards
Ros
Hi Ros,
You may use Kyoto Sightseeing One Pass Card (subway and bus pass).
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for your help and information
Ros
No worries, Ros.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’m visiting Kyoto and Osaka next week, and I plan to use ICOCA card for most of my trip. However, I would like to know if ICOCA can be used on Keihan Main Line Limited Express which I plan to take from Kyoto to Osaka, or if I need to purchase extra ticket for the ride.
Thank you!
Hi Gloria,
If you want to take a reserved seat on premium car, you have to pay extra for seat fee. ICOCA covers only base fare.
https://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/premium-car/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
That’s really good to know. I’ll look into it. Thank you so much!
Regards,
Gloria
No worries, Gloria.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ,
Need your kind advice which is the rail pass suitable for my trip .
I booked a place to stay at Kyobashi area , all 7 nights to stay at Osaka .
My planning itinerary :
Day 1 – arrival
Day 2 – osaka – kyoto – osaka
Day 3 – osaka – nara – osaka
Day 4 – osaka – Kobe – osaka
Day 5 – Explore Osaka town – consider 2 days amazing pass
Day 6 – Explore Osaka town
Day 7 – Explore Osaka town
Day 8 – Departure
Do you think i need to buy JR Kansai West Pass or Thru Pass ?\
If i purchase a ICOCA + HARUKA (ROUNDTRIP)so i can use it for
Day 1 arrival (airport – town)and Day 8 departure (town to airport) ?
Thanks for your kind assistance in advance .
Regards
Ginny
Hi Ginny,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka for day 1 and 8 as you think. You can use ICOCA and Haruka Tennoji version because you can take Haruka between KIX and Tennoji and a local train between Tennoji and Kyobashi. It covers Kyobashi too.
For day 2 to 4, it’s hard to say which one is better Kansai area pass or Kansai thru pass.
Kansai area pass
Pros
You can take Haruka from Tennoji to Kyoto.
You can take JR trains from Kyobashi. When you go to Nara, take rapid train from Tennoji. When you go to Kobe, take rapid train from Osaka.
Cons
It does not cover subway, city bus and non JR trains, such as Keihan railway, Kintetsu railway, Hanshin railway. Especially in Kyoto, you need to take city bus. JR trains do not cover all.
Kansai thru pass
Pros
It covers subway, city bus and non JR trains. In Kyoto, this covers all. You can take Keihan railway to Gion from Kyobashi directly.
You can take Kintetsu railway to get Nara. Kintetsu Nara station is better location than JR Nara station.
Cons
When you take Kintetsu railway, you have to change two subways to get Kintetsu railway station. Otherwise use ICOCA or pay a regular fare to take JR train to get Tsuruhashi from Kyobashi.
When you go to Kobe, you have to change trains at least twice.
If I were you, I go for Kansai thru pass. But the choice is yours. You can use Osaka amazing pass for day 5 and 6. You can use ICOCA for day 7.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshita,
I need your help in deciding what passes we will need to get with our itinerary below:
Day 1: Arrive in KIX – Hotel in Shinsaibashi Area
Day 2: Osaka to Kyoto (overnight) – What is the best pass to go around Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto to Kobe then back to Osaka by 7pm
Day 4: Sigthseeing and shopping around Dotonburi area
Day 5: Universal Studios
Day 6: Osaka Castle and other areas near by
Day 7: Shopping and exploring other places in Osaka.
Do you think we should get both the Kansai Thru Pass and the JR West Kansai Pass? Or should we just get the ICOCA card?
Hoping you can help us in this.
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer,
You may use Subway and Nankai railway deal for KIX-Shinksaibashi.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
But if you travel to Osaka soon, you cannot take a train to Osaka from KIX. As you probably know, most part of KIX was damaged by typhoon and it opens partially now. International flights will be back to normal in a week or 2 weeks. But train lines will be fixed in next month. You may need to take a bus to get Osaka and you cannot use any deals for KIX to/from Osaka.
I recommend you to use Kansai one pass (same as ICOCA) for day 2 and 3. But you may add city bus pass in Kyoto. It gives you unlimited bus ride at 600 yen. You can get the worth by only 3 rides.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html#Kansai_One_Pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For sightseeing in Osaka, you may find the deals in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
(not Takeshita)
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your repose. It was very helpful. And we are actually arriving in Osaka on Oct 5. Do you have any news if the trains will be working by then?
Thank you again.
Hi Jennifer,
According to a local news, train bridge will be fixed by the end of this month. I will update info in the link below when it’s ready.
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I find your article very useful and Id like to get some suggestions for my trip this December.
day 1- 3: Osaka:
– we will stay near yodoyabashi station
dec 3-5: Kyoto
dec 6-9: tokyo
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Carleen,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
need some light from you, my travel plan as below
Day 1 # KIX – Osaka & Osaka – Himeji – Osaka
Day 2 # Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 3 # Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 4 # Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Day 5 # Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Osaka
Day 6 # Osaka (City Tour)
Day 7 # Osaka – KIV (Morning flight)
Should i go for JR West Kansia Wide Hiroshima Area (5days) or JR West Sany-Sanin Area (7days) or any other better option avaiable
Accommodation based at Osaka, two mid senior citizen who find it trouble-some to move hostel from one place to other place
I understand that JR line basically of not much used inside Kyoto & Osaka, as such – Kyoto sigh-seeing will take the subway & bus day pass
Appreciated your help
Hi Chris san,
You can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for the first 5 days. You can add other deal in day 6 and 7. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
I don’t think you need to add subway and bus pass in Kyoto. Only bus pass is fine because you can get Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi Inari, Uji by JR trains which are covered by Kansai Hiroshima area pass. Subway is not very convenient 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
Just try to use Kansai Hiroshima area pass as much as you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
This would be my third time going to Japan (Kansai area) and also the third time asking for your advice again. Thanks in advance!
Below is by far my brief itinerary and hope you could advice on the mode of transport (hope to get the most efficient route) via hyperdia.com and places where I could visit.
I will be staying in Kyoto near Saiin station and Osaka near Kujo station for 5 nights each.
“Day 1 (22nd) April Friday”
KIX to Kyoto
Hagashimaya (Kiyomizu, Kodaiji temple, Nishiki (Daimaru, Takashimaya) Gion,shinkyogoku shopping district, Pontocho Alley via kyoto bus pass
“Day 2 (23rd) Saturday”
Kyoto
Arashimaya (Bammboo, Tenryuji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Park) via kyoto bus pass
“Day 3 (24rd) Sunday”
Kyoto
Fushimi Inari and more to be added via kyoto bus pass
“Day 4 (25th) Monday”
Kyoto
Yamazaki and Hagashimaya (Philosopher path, Ginkakuji, Yasaka, Maruyama Park) via subway and kyoto bus pass
“Day 5 (26th) Tuesday”
Kyoto – to be added, thinking of renting a car to get move around, thought of shirahige shrine and shirakawago (but google say 3.5 hours)
“Day 6 (27th) Wednesday”
Kyoto to Osaka
Osaka amazing pass day 1
“Day 7 (28th) Thursday”
Osaka
Osaka amazing pass day 2
“Day 8 (29th) Friday”
Nara
Nara Park, Todaiji temple via kintetsu rail pass day 1
any other places in Nara?
“Day 9 (30th) Saturday”
Yoshino – Mt. Yoshino via kintetsu rail pass day 2
any other places in Yoshino?
“Day 10 (31st) Sunday”
Osaka
Umeda and more to be added. want it to be an free and easy last day
“Day 11 (1st) Monday”
Osaka to KIX
I have earlier planned to purchase Kansai Thru Pass (3 day) but determine that it might not worth, unless we need to travel to somewhere further.
So far I also feel there is extra time in Day 3, 5 and Day 10 and thinking where can I go.
Thinking to rent a car ( there is total of 7 of us) in Kyoto and visit places like Shirahige shrine and Shirakawago village (but google say 3.5hours, it is too far)
Hi CN san,
Welcome back to my site. I’m glad you go back again.
You may use Kyoto access ticket for day 1 to get Saiin.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/kyoto.html
I recommend you to purchase Kansai one pass.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You will stay in Saiin. You will take Hankyu railway to get the center of Kyoto. And also you may think about using Kyoto city bus pass. Bus pass is not a bad idea. But in these days, Kyoto city bus is always crowded and behind the schedule. I recommend you to take trains and/or subways as much as you can to save your travel time. You can use Kansai one pass to take these trains. And add bus pass to save your fund in Kansai one pass. You may use bus pass because you can get the worth by only 3 rides.
As you think, Shirakawago is quite far. Shirahige shrine is okay. It is much closer. But you don’t need rent-a-car for just visiting Shirahige shrine.
If you expect to see cherry blossom in Yoshino, it’s too late. Even if you visit there in the beginning of your trip, it will be late. Usually mid April is peak season to see it.
Nara has many more places to see. And you may visit Asuka and Sakurai area too.
https://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1228.html
If you don’t want to go to Yoshino, you may visit other places, such as Kobe, Himeji, Mt. Koya.
Please check your itinerary again and rearrange it if need. We will talk about choosing the deal after you finalize your trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your reply and advice.
Sorry that I did not specific that my travel period is 22th March to 1st of April, hopefully that is a nice period to enjoy the sakura season.
I am actually more concerned on the transport for (1) from airport to Saiin, Kyoto and (2) from Saiin, Kyoto to Kujo, Osaka as my parents will be with me, and I dont want them to trouble moving luggage while travelling.
Would it be very expensive to take a taxi for a short distance? For example, I plan to take Haruka Express to Kyoto Station from Kansai Airport, and take a taxi from Kyoto Station to my stay near Saiin Station. I checked online and it estimate about 1500 yen per taxi, and I would need 3 taxi for 7 pax of us.
Please see my latest itinerary for your reference :
“Day 1 (22nd) Friday”
KIX to Kyoto
Hagashimaya, Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji temple, Yasaka shrine, Maruyama Park and Gion
“Day 2 (23rd) Saturday”
Kyoto
Arashiyama: Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Park, 龜岡 七谷川和らぎの道, Nishiki market / gion area
“Day 3 (24rd) Sunday”
Kyoto
Fushimi Inari and Kamo-gawa river, Yawatashi station to Kizugawamiyuki bridge, sewaritei, Nishiki market / gion area
“Day 4 (25th) Monday”
Kyoto
“Keage Incline, Murin-an temple, Nanzenji temple & Suirokaku, Philosoper Path/walk, Ginkakuji, 十石舟遊船 – okazaki canal -jikkokubune boat ride, Heian Shrine, Nishiki market / gion area”
“Day 5 (26th) Tuesday”
Kyoto
“Yamazaki distillery, Kyoto botanical garden, nakaragi path, kamogawa park, Kinkakuji temple, Nishiki market / gion area”
“Day 6 (27th) Wednesday”
Kyoto to Osaka
Osaka Amazing Pass day 1
“Day 7(28th) Thursday”
Osaka
Osaka Amazing Pass day 2
“Day 8(29th) Friday” – Kintetsu Rail Pass day 1
Nara
Nara Park, Todaiji temple, Takadashi station > Onaka park
“Day 9 (30th) Saturday” – Kintetsu Rail Pass day 2
Yoshino
Mt. Yoshino
“Day 10
(31st) Sunday”
Osaka
“Free & Easy, Umeda area”
“Day 11
(1st) Monday”
Osaka to KIX
Hi cn san,
You may use taxi from Kyoto to Saiin. Taxi fare may be slightly more that. But it will be around 2000 yen per taxi.
You can take taxi in other days in Kyoto. Especially the bus in Kyoto is always busy and packed. You will be Kyoto in very busy season. The bus is much busier. It’s not hard to find a taxi at each locations.
You will take subway lots in Osaka but it is much easier than bus in Kyoto. Some lines are very busy but it is acceptable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Would like to have your advice on the train pass.
I will be visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Universal studio
I am staying 4min fr Nishiohasi station for 8 days.
I will be arriving late at Kansai airport 10pm.
Thanks
Hi Lily,
Kansai thru pass is your choice for Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. And you may use Nankai and subway deal for arrival and departure days, and use a local deal for Osaka, such as Osaka amazing pass or subway pass. Please find more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com