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,
Can you advise which railway pass i should use?
here’s our itinerary:
Day 0- Arrive in Japan via Kansai Airport
Day 1 and 2 – Nagoya
Day 3 and 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 to 8 – Osaka
Day 9: Depart from Japan via Kansai Airport
Hi Evelyn,
You may use Kintetsu rail pass for day 1 to 4. But this pass does not cover any local transports in Kyoto. You may need to add extra fare or passes.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
In Osaka, there are many deals available.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We will be in Osaka from18th May till 25th May 2018.
In/out Osaka.
This is our planning hope you can give us some advice which pass should we consider to purchase.
Day 1 Osaka arrived evening 1815pm
Day 2 Osaka
Day 3 Osaka
Day 4 Nagoya – depart early morning.
Day 5 Nagoya -Takayama – Shirakawa – Kanazawa
Day 6 Kanazawa -Kyoto
DAY 7 Kyoto
DAY 8 Kyoto to Kansai Airport back home.
Shall we take Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus.
just for your information that we are travelling in a group of 9 person no children.
Thank you.
Hi Barbara,
First of all, Kitetsu rail pass does not work. It covers only Osaka to Nagoya trip. It does not cover any other part of your trip and you cannot get the worth.
For day 1 to 3, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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
For day 4, Platt Kodama is recommended:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
For day 5 to 8, you can use Takayama Hokuriku area 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
However this pass does not cover any local transports in Kyoto, such as subway and bus. You may need to add other deal:
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
Hi Takeshi-San,
We’ll be in Japan for 11 days, here’s our itinerary:
Day 1 – arrival Osaka airport at 1530hrs (stay at Shin osaka)
Day 2 and 3 – Kyoyo
Day 4 – Nara
Day 5 – Nagoya
Day 6 – Oaska
Day 7 – Osaka to Tokyo by Express bus (0700hrs to 1530hrs)
Day 8 to 11 – Tokyo
Do you thinks I should buy Kintetsu Railway 5 days pass ?
Thanks for your advice and help.
Thanks 😉
Hi Choon,
You may use Kintetsu rail pass but your location to stay in Shin-Osaka. Kintetsu rail pass is not very convenient actually. Whenever you use Kintetsu rail pass, you need to take subway to get Namba. You need to pay single fare for this subway trip. And then you can start using Kintetsu rail pass.
You can get Nara by this pass. It’s okay.
When you go to Nagoya, you should add limited express surcharge. Otherwise you need to change trains several times and trip time is much longer.
When you go to Kyoto, you can get Kyoto from Namba by Kintetsu rail pass. But you need to change trains at Yamato-Saidaiji. And Kintetsu rail pass does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto.
If you pay more, you can take Shinkansen to get Nagoya. Trip time is less than half of Kintetsu rail pass. Platt Kodama is most affordable deal:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
If you choose this choice, you don’t need Kintetsu rail pass. You can use JR Kansai area pass or Kansai thru pass for day 2 to 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
If you use Kansai area pass, you can get Kyoto directly. And you can take Yamatoji rapid train from Osaka to Nara. But this pass does not cover subway and city bus in Kyoto.
If you use Kansai thru pass, you need to change trains at Umeda to take Hankyu. But you can access to Gion area or Arashiyama directly. And this pass covers subway and city bus in Kyoto. This pass covers Kintetsu railway to get Nara. But this pass does not cover Nagoya.
In my opinion, Platt Kodama to Nagoya and Kansai thru pass 3 days are most convenient ways.
There are several deals for arrival day. 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be in Nagoya this coming Christmas. I would like to know how to get to Nara/Osaka using Kintetsu Rail Pass just with ordinary train? I know that its going to be a long ride but I dont have any other choice. Dont need to purchase Jr pass since I’ll be in Japan for 5 days only.
Please help! Thanks in advance!
Hi Thomas san,
You need to change trains several times. The location to change trains is varied. It depends on the departure time and train schedule. Please use hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You can search with some conditions. Just check “Private Railway” and “Ordinary train”. You will find how you need to change trains and trip time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We decided to add limited express with Kintetsu Rail Pass. How does it work? Do we present the Kintetsu rail pass at the counter and then inform them that we want to add limited express?
Hi Thomas,
You can show your pass at the reservation window. You can purchase only limited express ticket there.
By the way, even if you take limited express train, you still need to change trains at least once. Please see the link below to find limited express train network.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/limited_express/network.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks so much for the input. So based on the information you’ve provided, this is out route with/without limited express:
KINTETSUNAGOYA – ISENAKAGAWA – NABARI – YAMATOYAGI – YAMATOSAIDAIJI – KINTETSUNARA
or
KINTETSUNAGOYA – ISENAKAGAWA – NABARI – YAMATOYAGI – YAMATOSAIDAIJI – KINTETSUNARA
Hi Thomas san,
You have showed me exactly same trip plans. Does this mean anything?
Anyway if you take an ordinary trains only, you may need to take this train schedule. As long as you understand it, it’s fine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
I’m planning the transports for my upcoming trip to Japan.
Would appreciate if you could give some advise.
8 Nov: Kansai Airport (reach at night)
9 – 13 Nov: Kyoto and Osaka (staying in Osaka)
14 – 16 Nov: Takayama and Shirakawago
16 Nov: departing from Kansai Airport at late night
Not sure if I should buy any pass as I’m afraid I won’t be utilising them fully.
From Osaka to Takayama and then back to Kansai Airport for departure, which route would you recommend? and whether should I buy any pass.
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
ST
Dear Takeshi San
My family ( 04 members ) will be visited Japan for 08 days that arrive to Osaka then move to stay 04 nights at Nagoya after that will be back to Osaka for remaining 04 nights. We have intention to buy 05 days Kintestsu Railway from the started day then remaining days in Osaka will use common ticket.
Please kindly recommend and give us your advising.
Many thanks and appreciated.
Dong
Hi Dong san,
Kintetsu rail pass is the right choice for the first 5 days of your trip. I recommend you to add limited express surcharge on top of Kintetsu rail pass. You can get Nagoya directly from Osaka-Namba. If you don’t add it, you still can get Nagoya. But trip time is 1 to 2 hours longer and need to change trains several times. All trains are commuter’s trains.
There are many deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below and you can find the best one for your trip.
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
Dear Takeshi San
Many thanks for your advise and opinion. Please kindly give us more instruction in case we intend to visit Ise by using Kintetsu Rail Pass then how can we go?
MTKS
Dong
Hi Dong san,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/ise-access-guide-kintetsu-is-the-best-way-but-we-can-use-jr-pass-too.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
I’ll be visiting Nagoya, primarily to Kasugai in Aichi. Will I be able to use this Kintetsu Rail Pass from Chubu Airport to Kasugai? Can I use this from Kasugai to Nara/Kyoto?
Hi Jason san,
Kasugai station is JR and Meitetsu railway station. Both railways are not covered by Kintetsu rail pass. Kintetsu rail pass does not help at all fro Chubu to Kasugai and Kasugai to Nagoya. You need to start using this pass at Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
Thanks for the input. But will I be able to use the Kintetsu Pass from Chubu to Kanayama? Then will just purchase train pass from Kanayama to Kasugai.
Will it still be okay if I purchase the Kintetsu Pass since I’ll be travelling from Nagoya to Nara and Kyoto? Or do you have any other recommendation?
Hi Jason,
You cannot use Kintetsu rail pass from Chubu. That is Meitetsu railway. It’s not Kintetsu and not covered.
If you use Kintetsu rail pass from Nagoya to Nara and Nara to Kyoto, you cannot get the worth. Single ticket is cheaper. If you make some more tips by Kintetsu railway, you may get the worth. But there is on cheaper ways available.
If you can pay more, you can get the convenient way. You can take Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto. Platt Kodama is the best deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
And add regular fare from Kyoto to Nara. It costs around 700 yen one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Can I use the Kintetsu pass from Nagoya to Yamato-Saidaiji? Then just ride a train either to Kyoto or Nara?
Hi Jason,
Of course you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Does Kintetsu Rail pass also cover the local trains in Nagoya? Is it available at the Nagoya airport in the evening? I’m worried since we’ll be arriving 8pm.
Hi Mallows san,
Kintetsu rail pass covers Kintetsu railway trains only. It does not cover local train on other lines, such as JR., Meitetsu. It does not cover subway in Nagoya either.
You can purchase Kintetsu rail pass at travel plaza. It’s open until 22:00.
http://www.centrair.jp/en/travelplaza/
Cheers.
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If I purchase kintetsu railpass at Kansai airport when I arrive, and my route namba to Nagoya use limited express train, can I pay the additional fee at the sales counter or do I have to make an online payment before ?
Thanks
Hi Wuri,
You need to book and pay for limited express fee online or at Osaka-Namba station. You cannot book and purchase it at Kansai airport. You can purchase and receive Kintetsu rail pass only at the airport.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san, 4 of us travelling from November 8 to 18 and we wish to use the Kintetsu system to plan our travel for savings:
I hope to buy the Kintetsu Rail Pass for use Day 6 to 10.
Is this ok? Appreciate your advice for us. Thank you for all your good advice given to travellers.
Day 1 Arrived Kansei Airport to go to Umeda Osaka 11pm
Day 2 in Osaka
Day 3 Depart Osaka to Kyoto /Hira Station
Day 4 Day 5 Kyoto
Day 6 Leave Kyoto/Hira Station to Nabari
Day 7 Nabari
Day 8 Leave Nabari to Nagoya stay for 4 days
Day 11 Leave Nagoya to Chuba Airport, to Tokyo Narita, connect to Haneda ,
Hi Dennis san,
How do you plan to use Kintetsu rail pass when you are in Nagoya? Because you cannot get the worth of Kintetsu rail pass by two trips, Kyoto to Nabari and Nabari to Nagoya. You need to use this pass for some more trip if you want to use Kintetsu rail pass. Otherwise single ticket is cheaper.
You can get the info about the deal for day 1 to 5 in the link below:
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
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/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
Dear Takeshi san,
thanks very much for your advice and the information for late arrivals in Osaka is very useful. Your insights and concerns are extremely helpful to all of us.
As we will arrive at 2130 at KIX, our travel plan is now depending on the limousine bus service from KIX , and how to travel in Kyoto using Kosei Line day 3 to 6.
Please kindly advise us.
Day 1 – take airport limousine bus to Umeda area, walk to hotel approx 8 minutes. ¥1550
Day 2 – buy Osaka Visitors’ Ticket ¥550
Day 3 – travel to Kyoto single trip. I think we will use the JR Kyoto Line for single trip ¥560
at Kyoto, we will use Kosei Line mostly from Hira Station… and hope we can find an inexpensive travel plan.
Day 3,4,5 Hope to learn of a travel plan about this period.
Day 6 leave Kyoto to go Nabari — single trip approx ¥1,260 (Kintetsu)
Day 8 leave Nabari to Nagoya –single trip approx ¥1,680
Day 11 leave Nagoya Station to Nagoya Airport, single trip approx ¥870
Many thanks to you,
Dennis
Hi Dennis san,
The only pass which covers Hira station is Kansai area pass.
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
But I don’t think you can get the worth. If you go to Hira from Osaka, it costs around 1200 yen. From Hira to Kyoto, it costs around 700 yen. And Kansai area pass does not cover city bus, subway and non JR trains in Kyoto. You can use this pass to access to Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi Inari and Uji only. It may be hard to get the worth of 4 days Kansai area pass. Single ticket + bus pass in Kyoto may be the best option for your stay in Hira.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You may use Kansai one pass instead of single fare to take train in Kyoto and Kyoto-Hira.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning Takeshi san,
thank you very much for your help and advice.
On my first trip in 2010, we were not well prepared and this second trip, we hope to improve our travel plans.
We are looking forward to enjoy the sights and sounds of weekend travel and the peaceful nature of Hira when we complete each day. So we will have to travel out of Hira in the morning and back in afternoons.
So I should buy the 3 day Kansai Area Pass at 5300 yen and used it on Friday for Osaka to Kyoto/Hira and Saturday/Sunday to travel Hira/Tsuruga, Hira/Kyoto and also visit Himeji.
On Monday in Hira, we will just buy single trips ticket to Kyoto and then board the Kintetsu train to Nabari.
From our calculations, I am very happy to be able to optimise our travel costs with your insights and advice that you share generously with all travellers.
Thank you very much, Takeshi san.
Peace, Love and Joy
Dennis
No worries, Dennis san.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
We’ll be in Japan for 5 days, here’s our itinerary:
Day 1 and 2 – Nagoya
Day 3 – Nara
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 – Nagoya
Please take note that in all 5 days, our hotel will be based in Nagoya. Based on my search, the cheapest pass for those 5 days is Kintetsu Rail Pass, is this correct? Will that cover Nagoya to Nara and Nagoya to Kyoto?
What will be the best router without purchasing a limited express ticket and just using the Kintetsu Rail Pass? I don’t mind transferring trains in between.
Hi Joy san,
Kintetsu Rail Pass is the best choice anyway. Actually even if you take Limited Express train, you cannot get Kyoto and Nara directly. Please see the link below:
Using Limited Express train
Nagoya – Yamato Yagi (or Ise Nakagawa) – Kyoto
Nagoya – Yamato Yagi (or Ise Nakagawa) – Yamato Saidaiji – Nara
*Taking local train between Yamato Saidaiji and Kintetsu Nara
Using ordinary train
Nagoya – Ise Nakagawa – Yamato Yagi – (may need to change trains at Yamato Saidaiji) – Kyoto
Nagoya – Ise Nakagawa) – Yamato Yagi – Yamato Saidaiji – Nara
Trip time is much longer if you take ordinary train. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours by Limited Express to Kyoto and 4 to 4.5 hours to get Kyoto. Trip time is 15 minutes shorter to get Nara than Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com