You may travel in Kansai area only and not travel throughout Japan. You may have one way trip from Osaka to Tokyo. For these travelers, Kansai One Pass/ICOCA and Haruka gives you a good deal for the transfer from Kansai airport to Osaka or Kyoto, and the local sightseeing in Kansai region.
This deal gives you access to Osaka or Kyoto by the limited express Haruka and some preloaded e-money in ICOCA or Kansai One Pass.
I will tell you what this deal is and how to use it in this post.
What is Haruka?
Haruka is the limited express train which offers you a direct transfer from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. This train does not stop at Osaka station (Umeda). But it is only one station away from Shin-Osaka. This is only direct train service to Kyoto from KIX. If you go to Kyoto, I highly recommend to take this train because this is the fastest, most convenient and most reliable choice. Please see the post, Limited Express Haruka to get more details.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
These are e-money IC card. This deals included 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA or 2,500 yen e-money if you choose Kansai One Pass.
You can use this e-money not only JR trains but also Osaka subway, Kyoto subway, most of private train companies (Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu and many more) and even city bus in major cities, like Kyoto. You can use it to shop in the kiosk in the station, the nationwide convenience store (Lawson, Family Mart, Seven Eleven) and even some of major electronics retail store.
If you go to other major cities, like Tokyo, Nagoya, Sapporo, Hakata, Hiroshima after staying in Kansai area, you still can use ICOCA. So you can take most of trains in the other areas by ICOCA, such as subway in Tokyo, JR train in Sapporo and many more.
What is the difference between ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Kansai One Pass is basically same type card as ICOCA. But Kansai One Pass is available for an overseas tourist only. And the preload amount is 1,000 yen more than ICOCA.
You can take any trains and most of bus services in Kansai area by this card. The way of using Kansai One Pass is exactly same as ICOCA. The biggest feature of this card is offering a discount at many attractions in Kansai area. ICOCA does not offer any discount at the attraction. If you intend to purchase ICOCA, you should purchase Kansai One Pass instead.
You might think that 2,500 yen e-money is too much for your trip. But as I mentioned, you can use this e-money to buy something eat and/or drink in the major convenience store. It is not hard to spend 2,500 yen. You can include Kansai One Pass in ICOCA and Haruka package instead of ICOCA.
Please see the link below to find the detailed information of Kansai One Pass:
Price
Actually you can get only Haruka discount ticket which is Haruka riding ticket portion of ICOCA and Haruka if you have already got ICOCA card or Kansai One Pass.
ICOCA and Haruka price table
Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
---|---|---|---|
Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,200 | 4,400 |
Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 3,600 | 5,200 |
Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 3,800 | 5,600 |
Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 3,700 | 5,400 |
Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 3,600 | 5,200 |
Haruka ticket only price table
Destination | Haruka service section | One way | Round trip |
---|---|---|---|
Osaka, Shin-Osaka | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,200 | 2,400 |
Tennoji, JR-Namba | KIX – Tennoji | 1,600 | 2,200 |
Kyoto, Saga-Arashiyama | KIX – Kyoto | 1,800 | 3,600 |
Nara | KIX – Tennoji | 1,700 | 2,400 |
Kobe, Sannomiya | KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1,600 | 3,200 |
- One way type ticket is only available both direction, such as KIX to Osaka and Osaka to KIX. But only the deal from KIX is available online. You cannot purchase the ticket to KIX online. You have to purchase it at the station after arrival.
- One way type ticket must be used on the day of purchase. Round trip ticket is valid for 14 days.
- ICOCA and Kansai One Pass can be used whenever you want. ICOCA and Kansai One Pass will be expires in case that you will not use these cards in 10 years at all. If you intend to come back to Japan in next 10 years, you still will be able to use same ICOCA or Kansai One Pass in next trip
- Haruka riding portion of this deal can allow you to use non reserved seat of Haruka or the other local and rapid train. You cannot take a reserved seat or the Green seat of Haruka and other limited express trains, such as the Shinkansen.
If your child is 5 years or younger, it is free of charge.
If you want to get only Haruka ticket without purchasing ICOCA or Kansai One Pass, you can buy a ticket at Klook:
Klook.comI will explain a price comparison later.
How about child deal
ICOCA and Haruka is not available for child. But if you travel between Kansai airport and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, Kansai Area Pass child rate is cheaper than a single fare.
If you want to compare the exact fare and the price of this pass, the single fare table can be found below. The child rate is applied to 6 years to 11 years old. 5 years old or younger child is free if you share your seat with your child. But when you take a train and there are lots of empty seat, you can give a seat to your child.
ICOCA can be purchased itself beside Kansai area pass. You cannot share your ICOCA Card with your child. Child ICOCA is available. But Please see the next chapter.
How to use ICOCA and Kansai One Pass
Most of you use ICOCA or Kansai One Pass to take a train. The biggest advantage of this card is that you do not have to purchase a ticket when you enter the station and take a train. All you have to do is touch your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at a ticket gate when you enter/exit station. It is automatically calculated and subtract a fare from your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can save your time when you take a train.
Even if you do not have enough fund in your ICOCA, you can still enter the station and take the trains. (But you must have minimum fares plus 500 yen deposit in this card.) You can add more fund before you enter/exit the station. You can add more fund in your ICOCA or Kansai One Pass at other major cities where other IC cards are available, such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Hakata.
Actually 2,000 yen e-money in ICOCA (2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass) that is included in this deal also includes 500 yen deposit. Therefore your fund in your ICOCA is 1,500 yen and 2,500 yen in Kansai One Pass. If you empty this card and do not use it any more, you can get this 500 yen deposit refund at the station. But if you want to keep ICOCA card itself for your souvenir, you cannot get refund. Especially ICOCA card for this deal is designed for the overseas tourist. It looks different from common ICOCA card. There are two versions available, Wind or Thunder God on the screen (National treasure) or No.1 world famous Japanese character ‘Hello Kitty!’.
If you go to other than Kansai area and want to get refund, complete to use this ICOCA when you stay in Kansai area and get refund. You cannot get any refund in the other cities, like Tokyo.
Child ICOCA is sold at 2,000 yen that is 1,500 yen e-money and 500 yen deposit. It has same value as adult ICOCA card. But if your child use Child ICOCA, child fare is deducted to take a train. Child fare is half amount of adult fare. So it takes longer to spend 1,500 yen e-money than using adult ICOCA.
Please see the following link to get some more information about other IC cards:
How to use this deal
This deal includes 1,500 yen ICOCA e-money or 2,500 yen e-money in the card if you choose Kansai One Pass, and one way/round trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe. You cannot use this deal to Himeji, Wakayama and other than Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
If you go to Sannomiya, Kobe and other stations between Kobe and Shin-Osaka, you have to take Haruka to Shin-Osaka and transfer local, rapid or Special Rapid Service at Shin-Osaka. Of course this ticket covers all part of this trip. However the airport limousine bus runs between Kansai airport and Kobe directly. If you go to Kobe, the airport limousine bus is better way. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Kobe
If you go to Nara, Haruka takes you Tennoji. And then you have to change to Yamatoji Rapid Service to get Nara. There is no direct train services to Nara either. This is same as access to Kobe. The airport limousine bus takes you to Nara directly. You can find limousine bus information at the link below:
Kansai airport limousine bus between Kansai airport and Nara
Price comparison to basic fare
Upper rate is basic fare and lower rate is non reserved seat limited express surcharge.
Adult (12 yrs and up) | Child (6-11 yrs) | |
---|---|---|
KIX – Tennoji | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
KIX – JR Namba | 1060 yen 650 yen | 530 yen 330 yen |
KIX – Shin-Osaka | 1360 yen 970 yen | 680 yen 480 yen |
KIX – Osaka (Umeda) | 1190 yen 970 yen | 590 yen 480 yen |
KIX – Kyoto | 1880 yen 970 yen | 940 yen 480 yen |
KIX – Sannomiya | 1710 yen 970 yen | 860 yen 480 yen |
This deal is cheaper for all destinations than the regular fares.
Compare to other deals, Nankai Railway deals, JR West Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass
If you travel to Shin-Imamiya or Namba, you can take Nankai Railway. The basic fare is only 930 yen if you take the airport express train. Nankai Namba station is located at central of Namba and it is much better location than JR Namba. Even if you want ICOCA, you can purchase only ICOCA or Kansai One Pass. You can buy one of these cards and start using to take the train from KIX right away.
If you go to somewhere in Osaka, like Shinsaibashi, Nihonbashi, Uehonmachi, by subway, Nankai Namba is much easier location to transfer to subway Namba station. If you have very tight budget, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket is sold at 1,020 yen. This includes Nankai Railway one way basic fare between Kansai airport and Namba and one way trip to/from any Osaka Metro stations. As I mentioned, basic fare from KIX to Namba by Nankai Railway is 930 yen. Osaka Metro fare is starting at 180 yen. If you have the shortest trip, like from Namba to Shinsaibashi, the total fare (Nankai plus Subway) is 1,110 yen. You can use this deal, Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket for the trip to Umeda where is same location as JR Osaka station. Osaka Metro Midosuji line can take you from Namba to Umeda. This is cheaper than JR basic fare 1,210 yen. If you want to get more information about Osaka Subway to Kansai int’l Airport ticket, please see Nankai Railways website.
If you go to Nara by the train after you arrive in KIX, you may consider to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass. Kintetsu Railway is better to access to Nara because Kintetsu Nara station is better location than JR Nara station. So I recommend you to use Nara Access Ticket or Kansai Thru Pass to get Nara. Please see the post, How to access to Nara.
If you go to Himeji, JR West Kansai Area Pass is the best and the fastest. Kansai Thru Pass can be used to get Himeji. But it is too many transfers and spend many hours. JR trains, Haruka and Special Rapid Service, are much faster.
I explained all deals for airport access at the link below. Please refer this post too.
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
I appreciate all your suggestions. I will try to read up some more on the links you sent. Yes we would be walking around Dotonburi area and probably just visit Kuromon fish market for a day. The other days would be spent going to NAMBA city.
Thank you so much!
No problem, Carol.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to go to Osaka on August 28 to September 1, that would mean three full days only in Osaka and the two days would be for travel to and from Japan. I was wondering if buying an ICOCA card would be advisable or economical since we would only be staying in Osaka the whole time.
We also plan to take the train from Kansai airport to our hotel which is Cross hotel near Dotonburi area.
Can we use the ICOCA card from the airport to our hotel and back? Secondly is the ICOCA card better than just buying a one day pass? We do not intend to go sightseeing but simply stay around. Shinsaibashi and Dotonburi area. We just intend to eat and shop.
What do you suggest? Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Carol,
I think Nankai Railway deal, Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket is the best choice for in and out KIX.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
Because Dotonbori is just a step away from Namba. Nankai Railway is the best choice to get Namba. You may use ICOCA to take Nankai Railway. But it does not give you any discount. You may purchase a single ticket when you need to take subway. I think that will be fine for your trip.
Or if the following deal is available in your country, it’s much cheaper.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/nambaRT.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I checked the links you sent. Unfortunately the second one is not available in our country the Philippines. I am assuming we would just be buying our tickets at the airport. I have checked Google Maps and it was also recommending we take Nankai Electric railways to get to Namba. I initially wanted to buy an ICOCA card to avoid the inconvenience of buying a ticket every time we use the train or subway. The first time we went to OSAKA, we bought the JR WEST pass. However we found out it cannot be used on all lines. That’s why I wanted to buy one card wherein I can use on all lines. Is that possible with ICOCA?
Hi Carol,
You can use ICOCA and it covers all trains, JR, Nankai, subway and other railways if you need.
But how many times you will take a train? If you stay in Dontonbori and walk around there. I don’t think you need to take a train at all. Of course you can purchase ICOCA but if you use ICOCA for just transfer between Namba and KIX, you don’t need to purchase ICOCA. If you purchase it, you have to pay 500 yen deposit. You can get refund if you make ICOCA empty and return to card.
I think all you need to purchase is Nankai railway deal for KIX-Namba. But if you intend to take subway, you may have ICOCA. Obviously ICOCA is better than subway pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Do you know if the Kansai WIDE area pass cover the Nankai line or the Kansai airport rapid service?
Also is the Haruka the same train as the Kansai airport rapid service?
Thanks!!
Hi Annie,
Kansai Wide Area Pass covers Kansai Airport Rapid and Haruka. Nankai Railway is not JR and it’s not covered by this pass. Haruka dn rapid re different. Please find more info at the link below.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for putting all this information together. This has been quite helpful. My plan is a little different than usual because I will be entering Japan through KIX, but exiting through HND in Tokyo a week later.
My intention is this:
Day 1 (evening) – Arrival at KIX, stay in Kyoto
Day 2 – Explore Kyoto
Day 3 – Explore Kyoto
Day 4 – Day trip to Osaka, go back to Kyoto in evening
Day 5 – Train to Tokyo, explore Tokyo
Day 6 – Explore Tokyo
Day 7 – Explore Tokyo, flight out of Tokyo late night
From what I have read here and in other websites the best deal to get from KIX to Kyoto (and then explore the city and surrounding areas) is to get the ICOCA+Haruka combo package. I was just wondering if my plan to then go to Tokyo changes anything. Is there a better deal that would also cover the Kyoto-Tokyo shinkansen as well as my subway trips within Tokyo? Or is my best option to get ICOCA+Haruka for the Kansai portion, and then get a separate ticket for the Kyoto-Tokyo shinkansen and another ICOCA for use within Tokyo?
Thanks so much for your help in advance!
Hi Mike,
Yes. ICOCA and Haruka is the best option for KIX-Kyoto of your trip. I think ICOCA should be used for trip to Osaka. You can use it in Kyoto but all day bus pass is only 500 yen. It give you unlimited ride in Kyoto. As long as you have this, you don’t need ICOCA.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Your itinerary is very similar to my sample.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
This above itinerary includes Fuji and Hakone. But basic plan is same. Your option for Kyoto-Tokyo is single ticket. In Tokyo, you may use subway pass or Tokunai pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
Single fare is okay to get Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Really appreciate that Takeshi!
One other thing, you mention that it might be better to save our ICOCA for our day trip to Osaka and get the all-day bus pass for our travels within Kyoto. We just might do this, but one question I had is whether you would recommend taking the bus-only pass within Kyoto, or getting the bus+subway day pass. We will probably be going to most popular tourist/dining spots during the two days we allocated for exploring Kyoto, since it will be our first time.
Is the bus pass convenient enough for our purpose? We’re relatively experienced travelers and don’t mind walking, but we don’t speak any Japanese at all.
Hi Mike,
Subway and Bus combo is better than bus only. In Kyoto, traffic is always heavy. Subway is much faster. Try to use subway as much as you can. And there are some private railways in Kyoto, like Hankyu, Keihan, Keifuku. You may take these trains by ICOCA if you want to save the time. You may find some more info 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi ,
I am going to Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara from July 04 till July 10, 2015. My hotel stay for 7 days will be at Shinkitano, Osaka, Japan. I see the nearest train station for me will be Juso Train Station from JR Osaka station in order to reach there. However, I am not sure how to transit from the train.
Can you advise me on this ? And, also help me to check if the below best option for me?
Day 1 – Arrive Kansai Airport to Shinkitano, Osaka, Japan – ICOCA and Haruka ticket round trip combo?
Where should I get down from the train? Do I need to buy another pass for Juso Train Station?
Day 2 – Kyoto – Kansai Thru Pass (Yen 4000 for 2 days)
from Juso Train Station – e.g. to Arashiyama, Where shall I take the train?
Day 3 – Kyoto – as per day 2
Day 4 – Nara – Kansai Thru Pass (Yen 4000 for 2 days)
Day 5 – Himeji and Kobe area – as per day 4
Day 6 – if to Universal Studio – Which line I need to take?
Day 7 – Dotonbori – unlimited ride pass at 800 yen for one day
At night – to Kansai Airport – (as per day 1 – ICOCA and Haruka ticket round trip combo)
Regards,
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka to get Osaka but Kansai airport rapid train is better than Haruka. Haruka is nicer train by rapid but rapid takes you Osaka directly. Haruka does not stop at Osaka and go straight to Shin-Osaka. If you take rapid, you can get Osaka directly. You can still use ICOCA and Haruka. This deal is still better than single fare for rapid.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Juso can be accessed by Hankyu. You can transfer to Hankyu from JR at Osaka. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
There are lots of trains at Hankyu Umeda station. But you can take any trains to Juso. All trains make a stop at Juso.
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 2 to 4. But for day 5, trip to Himeji and Kobe, I recommend you to use Kansai area pass 1 day. JR train is much much faster to get Himeji. Kansai thru pass does not cover JR train.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Hankyu train takes you to 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
You can go either Arashiyama or Gion by Hankyu. Kansai thru pass covers Hankyu and subway/bus in Kyoto.
For Nara, it’s a bit complicated. Take Hankyu to get Umeda, transfer to subway Midousuji line to Namba and then transfer to Kintetsu. Check Osaka station guide link above and see the link below about Namba station and trip to Nara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
For USJ, go to Umeda by Hankyu and take JR to Universal city.
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
You can use ICOCA when you will not use Kansai thru pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I would like to re-confirm for below to ensure my understanding is correct.
• Day 1 (straight to hotel) – I will choose Kansai airport rapid train to Osaka directly.
Day 7 (straight to Airport) From Juso to Osaka to Airport – to use Kansai airport rapid
(You can still use ICOCA and Haruka)
Question: So, I can buy ICOCA and Haruka ticket round trip combo for this best option?
Questions: Trains to Juso – I may use ICOCA right? Or buy single fare?
If to get combo, how much the value that I need to buy for this ICOCA?
• I will buy Kansai thru pass 3 days.
Questions: Can I use it for Juso as well? As I need to e.g. Arashiyama, Is it I need to transfer from Umeda by Hankyu Railway?
Regards,
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
Question: So, I can buy ICOCA and Haruka ticket round trip combo for this best option?
>Yes.
Questions: Trains to Juso – I may use ICOCA right? Or buy single fare?
If to get combo, how much the value that I need to buy for this ICOCA?
>1500 yen e-money is already preloaded. If you want to have more in the card, you can put more into your ICOCA card at JR station. (not Juso cause of not JR station. Osaka is okay.)
I will buy Kansai thru pass 3 days.
Questions: Can I use it for Juso as well? As I need to e.g. Arashiyama, Is it I need to transfer from Umeda by Hankyu Railway?
>You can use Kansai thru pass at Juso. You don’t need to go back to Umeda. You can take Hankyu train to Kawaramachi to Arashiyama at Juso. But when you go to Arashiyama, you may need to transfer at Katsura. Please see the maps at the links below again. You will find the coverage of Kansai thru pass and find the location of Juso.
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-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
May I confirm what time for the last Kansai airport rapid train to Osaka station?
I google search is 11.40pm. Is this correct?
As my flight landing time to Osaka at 10.30pm. I afraid cannot make it to take last train.
Any alternate option for me e.g. bus that I can take from airport to Shinkitano, Osaka (Juso station).
2nd Question:
If I online purchase ICOCA, where can i redeem the ICOCA card at airport? What time they close?
Hi Samantha,
As far as I know, that last one departs at 23:32. As you think, you may not take this. Please see the following post to get the info about late arrival at KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
You may get Osaka station anyway. But you have to take a taxi to Juso. It costs about 1000 to 2000 yen.
The window is closed at 23:00. I believe you cannot make it. Don’t purchase ICOCA and Haruka online. If you can catch the last train, you can purchase a ticket at vending machine. Even if your flight arrives early, you can be the ticket window by 23:00, you can purchase it on the spot.
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 / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for assisting. Based on your guidelines, I have planned for my itinerary as per below. I have some clarification on the train line. Also, need your help to check whether the train line and station name correctly stated.
Day 2 – KYOTO (Kansai Thru pass 3 days – 5300 Yen)
a) Arashiyama – I) Togetsu-Kyo Bridge and II) Bamboo groves
• To take Hankyu train to Kawaramachi to Arashiyama at Juso (to transfer at Katsura).
b) I) Ryoanji and II) Kinkaku-ji Temple
• From Randen (Arashiyama station) to Ryoanji (drop by Ryoanji temple) then to Kitano-Hakubaicho station (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
c) Nijo Castle – The nearest station is subway’s Nijojo station.
• From Kitano-Hakubaicho station –
Question: Which train line to take to Nijo Castle from Kitano-Hakubaicho station?
d) Dotonbori – Shinsaibashi station
• From Nijo Castle –
Question: Which train line to take to Dotonbori?
Day 3 – KYOTO (Kansai Thru pass 3 days – 5300 Yen)
a) I) Kiyomizudera II) Fushimi Inari III) Gion and IV) Nishiki-Koji Market
I) From Juso to take Hankyu train to Kawaramachi station then to change train (Keihan line) from Gion-Shijo to Kiyomizu-Gojo station (The distance is 1.7 km and takes about 20 minutes) to reach Kiyomizudera.
II) After that from Kiyomizu-Gojo station.
Question: Which train line to transit to Fushimi Inari?
III) From Inari station (Fushimi Inari) to go back to Gion-Shijo station to (Gion).
IV) Last, from Gion-Sijio station to Kawaramachi station to (Nishki Market).
Day 4 – Nara (Kansai Thru pass 3 days – 5300 Yen)
Todai-ji Temple
1) Take Hankyu to get Umeda, 2) transfer to subway Midousuji line to Namba 3) and then transfer to Kintetsu to Nara (Kintetsu Nara Station).
Day 5 – Himeji and Kobe (Kansai Area pass 1 day – 2060 Yen)
From Juso to take Hankyu train (need to use ICOCA as Kansai Area Pass is not covered) to Osaka station to transfer JR Kobe line to JR Himeji station. (20 minutes from JR Himeji station by walk to Himeji)
Regards,
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
Question: Which train line to take to Nijo Castle from Kitano-Hakubaicho station?
>Take Kyoto city bus. Kansai thru pass covers Kyoto city bus too. There are so many bus lines in Kyoto. I don’t even know all lines. Please find more info at the link below:
http://www.insidekyoto.com/kyoto-buses
Question: Which train line to take to Dotonbori?
>Take Keihan Railway to Yodoyabashi and change to subway Midousuji line.
Question: Which train line to transit to Fushimi Inari?
>Take Keihan Railway to Fushimi-Inari from Kiyomizu-Gojo. You don’t need to transfer.
You can take bus to Kiyomizu-dera. Of course you can walk.
By the way, you can purchase ICOCA only at Osaka station if you cannot make ICOCA and Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi Takeshi
good day to you. I really need your suggest.
i’ll have 4 days to stays in Osaka (Toyo Hostel) as my basecamp.
I’ll have roundtrip to kobe, kyoto, and nara in the next days (4 days) from osaka.
i’m not in from KIX, as i will use shinkansen from tokyo.
then i’ll out from KIX back to KL.
can you suggest if ICOCA suits with me? but as im not in from KIX, where should i buy ICOCA?
or do you have some idea for me?
thank you for your help.
Hi Sylvani,
I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass. ICOCA is good but it does not give you unlimited ride. It gives you just same value as cash. You may get some 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
When you go to KIX, you can find other deals at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Good day, Appreciate your advise on my following travel plan for 2 Adults in mid Oct 2015?
Day 1 Arrive at Kansai intl Airport ( Stay in Osaka near Osakauehommachi Train station)
Day 2 Nara ( Stay in Osaka)
Day 3 Tottori ( Stay in Misasa)
Day 4 Tottori ( Stay in Yonago)
Day 5 Kyoto (Stay in Kyoto)
Day 6 Kyoto (Stay in Kyoto)
Day 7 Arashiyama (Stay in Kyoto)
Day 8 Osaka (Stay in Osaka)
Day 9 Kobe ( Stay in Osaka)
Day 10 Osaka ( Stay in Osaka)
Day 11 Depart to Kansai Intl airport
Please advise what kind of tickets and passes we should buy to save some of our transportation and make our journey efficient?
Thank you so much
Cheers,
Sean
Hi Sean,
It is very tough to choose the deal.
The longest trip in your itinerary is to Tottori. The deal that covers Tottori is only Sanin Sanyo Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/sanyo-sanin-area-pass-it-is-much-better-deal-than-sanyo-area-pass.html
But this deal price, 19000 yen is way higher than round trip fare to Tottori around 14000 yen. But you will move in Tottori and you still have to use the pass in Kansai area too. So this pass is the best choice for you. But it does not give you a big saving. The cost will be almost equal or slightly cheaper than single fare in my rough estimation.
I recommend you to use this pass from day 3 to 9. You can find other deal for KIX-Uenhonmachi.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Nara can be accessed by Kintetsu railway directly from Uehonmachi by single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am going to Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara from June 6 to June 20. I will arrive from KIX and live near Shin Osaka station and depart from Kyoto. Should I get the ICOCA and Haruka ticket round trip combo? It says that the ticket last for 14 days. Do they count on the first day of use? Please inform or do you have better suggestions? Thx for your help.
Maggie
Hi Maggie,
As you are afraid, ICOCA and Haruka return is not your choice. The last day of your trip will be 15th day and you cannot use it.
ICOCA and Haruka one way deal is still the best option to get Shin-Osaka. ICOCA can be used for some trips in your trip. You may find more info about building your itinerary in Osaka, please see 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 trip to KIX from Kyoto, the only choice is Kansai area pass one day if you want to take Haruka directly to KIX.
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.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi. Im going to be spending 8 days in kansai area total. i was planning to go to kyoto at first then osaka. I have reserved hotels to both city. We are travelling in 6 persons group So which kind of tickets should i buy for us? We are all adults and we would like to visit the popular temples in kyoto at least and then i was planning us to go to the mountain in osaka in south.
Hi Niina,
You will find some idea at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
And the following link may help you to build Osaka portion of your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, if I have a ICOCA card, can I use it to travel on Midosuji line or any other lines in Osaka? Thank you!
Hi Sharon,
Yes, you can.
ICOCA can be used for any trains in downtown Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much!!