I have received many inquiries about Nagoya-Osaka or Kyoto trip. There are lots of travellers who arrive in Chubu (Nagoya) airport and depart from Kansai (Osaka) airport or reverse or arrive in/depart from Chubu. Even if you have round trip between Nagoya and Osaka, JR Pass is too expensive choice. And there is no options to cover both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto by JR. One way ticket from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen is very common choice. However JR is not only railway that connect Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. Kintetsu Railway that is the biggest private railway company operates many trains among these three cities, Nara, Ise and Yoshino. Kintetsu Railway has very useful deal for the travellers who want to travel in this area.
In this post, I would like to show you Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide.
What is Kintetsu Railway?
In Japan, there are many railway services. This is the biggest reason why you are very confused. Kintetsu Railway is NON JR and the biggest private railway company in Japan. Of course this railway service is not covered by any JR deals, such as JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass. Please see the map below to find Kintetsu Railway network.
Kintetsu Rail Pass covers all part of this network. As you see the map above, you can use this railway to get Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka (Namba, Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi), Nara, Yoshino and Ise. And this pass includes three vouchers to take Kintetsu Railway Limited Express. Kintetsu Railway Limited Express has very nice accommodation and have same level service as JR’s limited express train. I tell you about detail of this limited express train and coverage below.
You may know about Kansai Thru Pass. This pass covers Kintetsu Railway and other major private railways in Kansai area. But this pass does not include Nagoya and Ise. And it does not include Kintetsu Railway Limited Express train voucher. As long as you travel both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto, Kansai Thru Pass is not your first choice. Please find the detailed about Kansai Thru Pass at the link below:
How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
How good is Kintetsu Railway Limited Express?
Some of major private railway companies operate limited express as commute train without extra charge, such as Hankyu, Keihan and Hanshin. But Kintetsu operates limited express as special train. It has reserved seat only. You have to pay limited express surcharge on top of base fare and this limited express train has same level of interior as JR’s limited express train.
There are many kinds of fleets for limited express trains. But all fleets have 2+2 seat configuration and seat pitch is 1000 to 1050 mm. It is spacious and comfortable.
Especially if you travel between Nagoya and Osaka, trip time is more than 2 hours. The seat and interior are very important factor.
You can take limited express train up to three times by Kintetsu Rail Pass if you use it until the end of September, 2016. After 1st of October, 2016, you have to purchase a separate ticket to take limited express train.
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass. And Japanese who live in foreign country as permanent resident or who are married to a foreigner residing outside of Japan can purchase this deal as well.
Types and prices
A few types of pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass wide are available.
| Types | Purchase outside Japan | Purchase in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-day | 3,700 yen | 3,900 yen |
| Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus 5-day | 4,900 yen | 5,100 yen |
Child price is half amount of the adult price. It applies to child who is 6 to 11 years old. Adult price is applied to 12 years old and up.
5 year old or younger child is free. But when you take Limited Express train, all seats are reserved. You have to share your seat with your child. If you want to have a seat for your child, please purchase child pass for even 5 years old or younger child.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.
Sales location
If you want to purchase an exchange order before you leave, you can find the authorized travel agent list at the link below:
Kintetsu Rail Pass official site
They may ship the exchange order to you by mail. Please contact the nearest vendor. Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide can be purchased at both Chubu airport and Kansai airport. But Kintetsu Rail Pass can be purchased at Kansai airport only. You can find the sales location in the airport at the link above as well.
Coverage area and valid transportation
Both Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide covers all part of Kintetsu Railway network and include three limited express vouchers.
Kintetsu Rail Pass does not include limited express voucher. The separate ticket for taking limited express train is required.
Some of Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains have upper class seat. But this pass covers ordinary reserved seat only. And Kintetsu Railway operates Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze”. This train is not covered by this pass either.
If you do not want to pay any extra, you can take rapid express, express, semi express and local trains. These are commute trains. The interior is totally different from the limited express train.
When you take a train among Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, you can use these trains because of the short distance transfer.
Compare the pass and single fare
I would like to show you the fare table. Upper fare is base fare and lower is limited express surcharge.
| station | Osaka (Namba) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya | Ise (Toba) |
| Osaka (Namba) | – | 940 900 | 560 510 | 2360 1900 | 2040 1610 |
| Kyoto | 940 900 | – | 620 510 | 2590 1900 | 2280 1610 |
| Nara | 560 510 | 620 510 | – | 2250 1610 | 1940 1610 |
| Nagoya | 2360 1900 | 2590 1900 | 2250 1610 | – | 1710 1320 |
| Ise (Toba) | 2040 1610 | 2280 1610 | 1940 1610 | 1710 1320 | – |
| station | Osaka (Osaka-Abenobashi) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya |
| Yoshino | 970 510 | 1230 900 | 850 900 | 2390 2120 |
If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by limited express by 30th of September, it is higher than Kintetsu Rail Pass at 3800 yen. It is really good deal for the traveller who wants to travel from Nagoya to Kyoto or Osaka. If you go to Ise from Kyoto, Osaka or Nara, it is better deal than single fare too. But if you visit Ise, Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide may be better deal for you. Please see next chapter.
If you travel after 1st of October, limited express voucher will not be included. You must have at least one round trip between Kansai area (Osaka, Nara and Kyoto) and Nagoya or Ise.
Compare cost and trip time between the Shinkansen fare and Kintetsu Rail Pass
Shinkansen is most common way to get Kyoto and Osaka from Nagoya. It is much faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains. But Shinkansen is much more expensive too. Before you decide to go for Kintetsu Rail Pass, you should compare these trains by cost and time.
Nagoya – Namba
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express | 2 hrs 30 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) and Subway | 1 hr 20 mins | 6840 yen |
Shinkansen and subway combination is much faster but the cost is almost double. And Kintetsu Railway is direct access without any transfer. This is the strongest point.
Nagoya – Osaka (Umeda)
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and JR local train | 2 hrs 45 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 180 yen (JR) |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) and JR local train | 1 hr 10 mins | 6560 yen |
You have to transfer at Shin-Osaka to get Osaka by the Shinkansen. But it is same station and very easy to transfer from the Shinkansen to JR local train. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you can transfer at Tsuruhashi to JR Osaka Kanjo line. It is much easier than transfer at Namba to subway. Tsuruhashi station is much smaller than Namba. JR and Kintetsu stations are connected directly.
Nagoya – Shin-Osaka
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Subway | 3 hrs | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 280 yen (subway) |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 50 mins | 6560 yen |
Shin-Osaka is Shinkansen’s terminal station. Shinkansen is much more accessible than Kintetsu Railway. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you have to transfer at Namba to get subway. And subway fare is extra.
Nagoya – Kyoto
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 35 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 36 mins | 5800 yen |
Both Kintetsu Railway and Shinkansen are direct access to Kyoto. Shinkansen is 2 hours faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express.
Nagoya – Nara
| Trains | Trip time | Fare |
| Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Kintetsu local train Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 15 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) JR local train | 1 hr 30 mins | 6560 yen |
Shinkansen and JR trains are still faster than Kintetsu Railway. But the difference is smallest in all above cases.
Assessment
If you are really sensitive with cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is a good choice for even Nagoya to Osaka or reverse one way trip. If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka and visit Nara and Kyoto, this pass gives you a huge savings.
Even though the Shinkansen is much faster, this pass is one of my most recommended deals.
Comments
Hi Takeshi san,
Kindly please advise the appropriate tourist pass to use for the below itinerary:-
Day 1 – reach KIX in the early morning -> Kyoto.
Stay in Kyoto : 丸屋町245-1
京都市上京区, 京都府 602-8139
Places to visit : Kinkakuji -> Ryoanji -> Kitano Tenmangu -> Nijo Castle.
Day 2 – Kyoto
Places to visit : Kiyomizu-dera -> Kodai Ji Temple -> Yasaka Shrine -> Chio In -> Gion
Day 3 – Kyoto
Places to visit: Heian Temple -> Nanzen ji -> Path of Philosophy -> Ginkaku ji
Day 4 – Kyoto (Arashiyama & Sagano Area)
Day 5 – Fushimi Inari Shrine & Uji, night transfer to Osaka
Stay in Osaka: Nishi-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 550-0022
Day 6 – Osaka -> Nara -> Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka -> Kobe -> Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka -> Kobe -> Osaka
Day 9 – Osaka
Day 10 – Osaka -> KIX Airport
Thank you.
Hi Celest,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
I think you can use ICOCA and Haruka for KIX to Kyoto on day 1 and you can use ICOCA card for day 4 and day 5. You may add Kyoto city deal for day 1 after arrival Kyoto, day 2 and 3.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 6 to 8.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can pick up one of the deals at the link below for the last day of your trip:
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, i think Kintetsu rail pass suits my plan since i will be travelling from Osaka to Nagoya and Kyoto. But one thing worries me is that, is there a storage for big luggage on the train ?
Hi Yee,
Actually there is no spaces to store the big luggage on train. Please see the link below about handling the luggage in the train.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I hope anyone here could help me on my trip to Osaka in next 2 weeks time. I’m planning a trip to OSAKA for 7 days and a day trip to Kyoto. Currently, I’m confused about the train ticket and travel passes. Which one should i purchase? I’m going with a group of 10. I will travel from Osaka Kansai Internation Airport.
1) Osaka Amazing Pass
2) ICOCA
3) KINTETSU RAIL PASS
or any other Railway pass.
I’m looking forward for your kind and helpful suggestion.
Thank you and much appreciated
Hi Dennis,
Please see the link below. You will get some idea.
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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, I want to thank you for your advise on my trip last October for the Suzuka F1. It was indeed very helpful.
Now I need your advise again. I’ll be travelling to Japan with my wife and my son on Dec. 20 via Osaka. We will be staying in dekijima area until Dec. 29. We also want to go to Kyoto and also in Mt. Rokko in Kobe while we’re staying in Osaka.
Then on Dec.29, we’ll be heading to Tokyo to celebrate new year there. We want to go to Mt. Fuji, Nikko, yuzawa, disneyland and explore Tokyo as well. We’ll be flying out from Haneda airport on Jan. 5.
Hope you can advise me on what’s the best transportation pass that we can get.
Thanks again.
– Carlo
Hi Carlo,
You may use JR pass 7 days and some other local deals.
First of about JR pass 7 days, you may start using it on Dec 29, and it will cover Osaka to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, Yuzawa and Disneyland. Single fare is okay to get Haneda because it’s closed to Tokyo.
For staying in Osaka, you can use Kansai thru pass and some other local deals. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to check is the Takayama Hokuriku Pass is cover the local train in Nagoya like Meitetsu and Kintetsu?
Thank you.
Hi Celest,
Unfortunately it does not cover other than JR and Nohi bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
I’m Benz . My friends and I will visit Nagoya this December 2. Actually we plan to buy Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide for travelling from Nagoya to Osaka and from Osaka to Kyoto. As you said, the pass will be no longer available after 1st of October 2016, so I would like to know if I have Kintetsu Rail pass, I have to pay for 4,260 yens for Nagoya>Osaka limited express ticket or just only pay for limited express surcharge 1,900 yens as the pass already include base fare.
Your reply will be very helpful to us. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards
Benz
Hi Benz san,
You just need to pay limited express surcharge, 1900 yen only. Base fare is covered by the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’ve purchased air tickets for my family to fly in and out of Osaka in late May 2017. We are planning to visit Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto (& maybe nearby cities such as Nara etc) for 14 nights. I haven’t organised any accommodations yet as I’m not sure if I should do Osaka-Kyoto-Nagoya-Osaka OR Osaka-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka. I intend to stay 3 first and last 3 nights in Osaka but the rest is flexible.
Would you be kind enough to advise :
1. what are the options in terms of transportation between these cities and the cost for each option? and
2. what transportation is available between the Kansai Airport and Ofuka-Cho Kita-Ku, Osaka
Many thanks for your kind assistance in advance.
Kind Regards,
Judy
Hi Judy san,
1. At this point, it’s hard to estimate the cost. It depends how you travel among the cities and which places in each cities you go. For example, if you stay in Kyoto and visit many places in Kyoto, you may use Kyoto city deals, such as bus pass or subway/bus pass. But if you travel slow and visit only one or two places a day, single ticket is cheaper than day pass.
The following link shows you major deals in Kansai area. You may use one or more deals in this link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
You may other single ticket or Kintetsu rail pass to get Nagoya.
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
2. It’s located near JR Osaka/Umeda.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html#Osaka_Umeda
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 san,
How are you?
My name is Loh, I would like to invite Takeshi san to check my trip itinerary for most economical way on transportation. Please be advise that my itinerary for 5th – 8th Nov is still open for options either to make it for *Day Trip To Other City or can be *Shopping In Osaka;
1 Nov – Arrived KIX head to Kyoto immediately, check-in Hotel near Fukakusa station, Kyoto
2 Nov – Kyoto sightseeing
3 Nov – Depart from Fukakusa station, Kyoto to Nara, check-in Hotel near Nara station
4 Nov – Depart from Nara to Osaka, check-in Hotel near Shin-Osaka Station
5 Nov – *Osaka -> Day trip to Himeji & Kobe
6 Nov – *Osaka -> Day trip to Nagoya (Open Options, Takeshi san please suggest if is not worth to go Nagoya for day trip)
7 Nov – *Osaka Shopping, check-in Hotel near Nankai Namba Station
8 Nov – *Osaka Shopping
9 Nov – Check-out Hotel to KIX
Million appreciate if Takeshi san can advise -:) Loh
Hi Loh,
First of all, please make sure the location of your hotel in Kyoto. I believe your hotel is also closed to JR Inari station. It’s just 5 minutes away from Fukakusa station. If you can access to your hotel from Inari station, you can use ICOCA and Haruka one way to Kyoto.
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 may use ICOCA to get Kyoto station from Inari station or Gion-Shijo station from Fukakusa. It depends on which place you want to go in Kyoto. If you intend to visit a few places in Kyoto, you can use ICOCA to take any trains and buses in Kyoto. But if you visit many places in Kyoto, you should use Kyoto city deal.
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html#cvcrd
If you want to use these city deals, such as bus pass at 500 yen for one day, you should take JR train from Fushimi to get Kyoto. You may purchase city deal at Kyoto station.
For trip to Nara, Nara to Shin-Osaka, basically you may use ICOCA. When you go to Nara, take JR train from Inari station. It’s much easier to get Nara.
On day 5, use Kansai area pass one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You may use ICOCA for stay in Osaka but if you visit 3 or more places in Osaka, subway pass or other deals may be considerable:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
You also can use Haruka discount ticket from Shin-Osaka to KIX. You can find this info at the line of ICOCA and Haruka at the top of my reply.
At last, regarding trip to Nagoya, it’s hard to say. Some says love Nagoya, other says not. Honestly I’m not a big fan of Nagoya. But if you have some places where you really want to visit, you should go. That’s all I can say. Everybody has different taste and I cannot find it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Mr. Takeshi
My name is cha, me and my friends will visit Osaka for 5days (12-17th january 2017; arrive and depart from KIX)
I wish to visit Aichi (which is in Nagoya, if im not mistaken)
Will kintetsu rail pass be suitable for our group?
We wish to travel around Osaka, and outside Osaka, perhaps we only go to Aichi to visit Satsuke and Mei’s House (the one from My Neighbour Totoro).
In Osaka, we’ll be staying around Namba or Dotonbori area.
I hope you could suggest which pass we should buy.
Sorry if i give you too much trouble..
Thank you very much for your help.
Have a great day,
Cha
Hi Cha,
Kintetsu Rail Pass is most affordable deal to get Nagoya. If you have a plan to visit Nara, you can use this pass to get Nara. Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk from the station.
You can get Kyoto by this pass. But this pass does not offers any local transportation in Kyoto, such as city bus, subway. You need to add city deals on top of Kintetsu pass.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
In Osaka, it’s same. You have to add city deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
You may find the deal for access to/from KIX in 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 / JPRail.com
Hi, Mr. Takeshi
I’m sorry to trouble you again.. Thank you for the information, I’ve been following your writing for the last few months, and I found out about Shirakawa-go (I read it on your writing about Takayama Hokuriku Pass)
It’s a very beautiful place.
Previously I want to travel from KIX – Namba Area – Aichi – KIX, if I add Shirakawa-go, is Kintetsu Rail Pass still suitable for the route?
Or is there any pass which is more suitable for covering KIX (arrive and depart), within Osaka city, Aichi and Shirakawago?
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Rgds,
Cha
Hi Cha,
If you add Shirakawago, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is recommended. Your trip is like the following:
KIX – Namba – Osaka – Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama – Aichi (Nagoya) – Osaka
Please see the link below to find the info about this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
You can get Nagoya after visiting Shirakawago by this pass. If you can reach Nagoya in 5 days from KIX arrival, you can start using this pass from KIX.
But this pass does not cover Nagoya to Osaka route. Kintetsu rail pass is not a good choice for one way from Nagoya to Namba because base fare is only 2360 yen. You may purchase one way regular ticket for Nagoya to Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Mr. Takeshi,
~_~ After some talk with my group, it’s difficult to include Shirakawago and Aichi into our schedule, because it’s rather far..and our holiday time are rather short. 🙁 So we decided to replace Shirakawago with trip to Kyoto.
Our itinerary would be as follow:
12th January, 21.00 (9 PM) : Arrive at Kansai International Airport – then go straight to Kyoto (is this a wise choice? We haven’t book any hotel in Kyoto yet)
13th January : Kyoto; Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Golden pavilion, Ginkaku-ji, mount Kurama-yama, Kibune – then we go to Osaka
14th January: Osaka; Dotonbori, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Grand Front Osaka, National Art Museum Osaka, Osaka Castle (we will stay around Dotonbori area)
15th January: Osaka; Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Namba Walk, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Nipponbashi Den Den Town, Takashimaya, Umeda Building
16th January : (nothing yet)
17th January : depart from Kansai National Airport @ 9.30 AM
What do you think about the schedule?
We’re still worrying about whether to stay in Osaka first, then go to Kyoto. Or go straight to Kyoto after we arrive, but it’s going to be around midnight..
Or should we stay in the airport during the first night (if that possible)?
Should we break down 1 day trip in Kyoto into 2 days trip?
Or we could put Aichi/Shirakawa-go into our schedule?
Which pass should we buy, and what other ticket/pass should we add for local/in town transportation?
I’m really really sorry to trouble you this much, Takeshi-san. >_<
Thank you so much..
Rgds,
Cha
Hi Cha,
As you think, if you go to Kyoto on the day of arrival, you will be there around midnight. So it depends on how you like it. If you don’t mind late arrival, you can go for it. You can start sightseeing in the morning of 2nd day.
Otherwise go to Kyoto next day. You can stay all night long in KIX if you want. But you will spend 2 hours to get Kyoto from KIX. And you will be very tired.
You have to split your sightseeing in Kyoto into 2 days. It’s way too much for one day. So you don’t have any time to visit Shirakawago. Unfortunately but you have to give up.
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for 1st day and taking JR trains from Kyoto to Osaka and may be in Kyoto.
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
And you may add local deals for sightseeing in Kyoto, Osaka and trip back to KIX. 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-Kyoto.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I wanted to ask your input re our planned trip on January (3rd week of January). We’ll be spending 5 days (minus arrival and departure days). in total.
We will arrive in Nagoya and we intend to visit Osaka and/or Kyoto. Any recommended, cheaper route on how go to and from Osaka and/or Kyoto? I read about the Kintetsu Rail Pass, is the fare presented on the table is good for only 1 way?
Thank you!
Ann
Hi Ann,
Kintetsu rail pass is most economical option. The fares shown in the table is one way fare. So if you have round trip between Nagoya and Osaka, it will work. If you have Kintetsu rail pass, you can move from Osaka to Kyoto. But this pass does not cover any local transportation, such as subway and local bus. You have to pay extra single fare or local deals. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
There is no other deals to cover Nagoya-Kyoto/Osaka trip. If you don’t like to use Kintetsu rail pass, you need to pay single fare for taking Shinkansen. That costs 6500 yen for one way, Nagoya-Kyoto/Shin-Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Mr. Takeshi
I will be travelling to Japan on February 13-18. I’ll be arriving in Narita Airport. Here’s what I have in mind;
Tokyo Feb 13-14 (1.5 days Tokyo tour, 1 night hotel stay, 1 night via night bus to Osaka)
Osaka 15-17 ( 1 day osaka tour, 1 day kyoto tour, halfday Nara, then depart to Nagoya)
Nagoya 17-18(arrive Nagaoya in the evening, tour the next day & depart to Nagoya chubu centrair international)
Please give me an advice on my planned itinerary and the best mode of transportation that will suit my limited and budgeted schedule. I’ve researched on willer express(night bus for tokyo-osaka) but I’m very confused with Kintetsu Rail Pass and limited rail pass. It is ideal for Osaka-kyoto-nara-nagoya right? but is it still available for feb 2017? and aside from 3800Yen(5 days pass) what should I pay on top of it for limited express?I’ve also read that kyoto and osaka subways or other transportations are not included in the Kintetsu Rail pass. I deally what would be the cost for my osaka-kyoto, osaka-nara, osaka-nagoya fare. Hoping you coud help me clarify this inquiries. Please feel free to make better suggestions for my itinerary or desired schedule. Thank you so much.
Hi Xtin,
Your itinerary is feasible. You can keep your plan.
Kintetsu rail pass does not cover subway and other than Kintetsu in Osaka and Kyoto as you know. But this is the best choice still. You may need to add other deals. I think Kansai one pass is most convenient choice.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
This does not give you unlimited ride. But you can use this card to take any transportation, subway, city bus and other railways than Kintetsu. And also you can get discount at many attractions in Kansai area.
You need to add limited express fee on top of Kintetsu rail pass only when you get Nagoya. When you go to Kyoto and Nara by Kintetsu railway, ordinary train is fine. You can get Nara directly from Osaka and need to change trains at Yamato-Saidaiji station when you go to Kyoto from Osaka. It’s not hard and not a big issue.
Technically you can get Nagoya by ordinary train without any extra. But you sill spend extra 1 or 2 hours and you need to change the trains a few times. This is not realistic choice for oversea tourist. You can find limited express fee in the post above. Please refer it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com