I wrote about train system in Kyoto before. But I have received many inquiries about Osaka too. I think it is very complicated for travellers from overseas. There are three types of railway, JR, Osaka Municipal Subway and Private company’s railways. Once you understand train system, you can find the best location to stay, the best deal for trains ride and the fastest way to visit that you want to see.
As probably you know, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Osaka Subway Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass. Each pass has different conditions. You must understand the coverage of your pass.
In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Osaka.
- Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals
- For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
- For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card
- JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass
- How to access to major spots in Osaka by train
Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals
Many deals are available in Kansai area. But each pass have different coverage. I tell you about major passes and deals.
For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
You can take all trains on the map above except Shinkansen. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer, like going to Kyoto or Kobe. Please see the post, How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines.
ICOCA does not cover Osaka city bus service too. But I don’t think you have many chances to take city bus in Osaka. You can go anywhere by train services. Train is much faster than bus.
For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card
Please see the map below:
Kansai Thru Pass is unlimited ride pass and Rainbow Card is pre-paid card for most of NON JR trains in Osaka.
The only place where you can’t go by these deals is USJ. But if you don’t care about riding city bus, you can catch the bus at Nishikujo station. Nishikujo can be accessed by Hanshin Railway that is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Even if you pay for JR train, the fare is 160 yen foe one way. It is not a big deal. I will explain about access to Universal Studion Japan later.
JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass
Please see the map below:
Many places can be accessed by JR Pass and other JR deals. I explained JR train network in the post below. Please refer it:
Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass
Please see the map below:
Enjoy Eco Card covers Osaka subway and city bus. Osaka Unlimited Pass includes unlimited ride of subway and bus, and free admission for major attractions in Osaka. There are one day and two day available. But coverage is a bit different. One day covers subway, bus and major private railways, like Hanshin, Nankai, Keihan and Kintetsu. It is very similar to Kansai Thru Pass. But two day pass covers subway and bus only. When you choose this deal, please make sure your itinerary and which train you need to get on.
As long as you can take subway, most of places can be reached by subway.
How to access to major spots in Osaka by train
Most of places in Osaka can be accessed by train. I would like to share the information of access to major spots with you.
Namba, Dotonbori, Houzenji and Shinsaibashi area
You can reach Namba by many ways.
- Namba station (Nankai Railways) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and Wakayama
- Namba station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line, Yotsubashi line and Sennichimae line) to/from Umeda, Nishi-Umeda, Tennoji
- Osaka-Namba station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
- Osaka-Namba station (Kintetsu Railways) to/from Nara, Ise and Nagoya
- JR Namba station (JR) to/from Tennoji, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kansai Airport (KIX
As I mentioned above, JR Namba station is not located in the core of Namba. JR Namba is closed to Subway Yotsubashi line Namba station and Sennichimae line’s Sakuragawa station is actually closer than Namba station.
View Namba in a larger map
Nankai Railways is the best way to get Namba from Kansai Airport. And also train runs to Mt. Koya.
Hanshin Railways and Kintetsu Railways trains go through each other. And their station is “Osaka-Namba” station. When you search on Hyperdia, you can find Osaka-Namba. It’s not Namba for these train companies but Osaka-Namba. If you stay in Namba and want to go to Nara or Kobe, you can use these train companies. You can go there directly from Namba.
If you go to Nara, you can catch Kintetsu Railway’s train at Osaka-Namba station. Please see the post below to learn more about access to Nara:
Shinsaibashi is one station away from Namba by subway. But Namba and Shinsaibashi are connected by shopping arcade. Dotonbori is located between Namba and Shinsaibashi. And also Shinsaibashi is connected with Yotsubashi and Nihonbashi by underground. So most of places in Namba can be accessed by walk.
Umeda
Umeda and Namba are two biggest downtown core in Osaka. There are many department stores and shopping complex in Umeda area. In Umeda area, only JR station is called “Osaka”. JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda station are located in same area.
There are many stations in Umeda.
- Osaka station (JR Kobe line, Kyoto line, Osaka Kanjo line) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, USJ, Tennoji
- Umeda station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line) to/from Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji
- Umeda station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
- Umeda station (Hankyu Railways) to/from Kawaramachi, Arashiyama, Shijo, Sannomiya, Takarazuka
- Higashi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Tanimachi line) to/from Uehonmachi/Tanimachi Kyuchome, Tennoji
- Nishi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Yotsubashi line) to/from Namba
- Kitashinchi station (JR Tozai line) to/from Namba
Please see the post below to get more detail about Osaka and Umeda station area:
Tenpozan, Kaiyukan
Osaka Subway Chuo line’s Osakako station is the nearest station. You can catch Chuo line’s train at Honmachi, Bentencho and many other places. If you stay in Umeda or Namba, simple take Midousuji line or Yotsubashi line train and transfer to Chuo line’s train at Honmachi. If you are JR Pass user, you can get Bentencho by Osaka Kanjo line from Osaka or Tennoji. You have to pay extra on top of your pass for taking subway from Bentencho.
USJ is located just across the river. But there is no direct train or bus. Please see next chapter to get USJ from Tenpozan.
Universal Studion Japan (USJ)
JR Yumesaki line’s Universal City station is the nearest station. There is no subway or private railway’s service available. If you are not JR train user, you can catch the pass to USJ at Nishikujo station.
If you want to access to Tenpozan/Kaiyukan from USJ, shuttle cruise service is the fastest and only direct way to connect both places.
Otherwise you have to take Universal City station – Nishikujo station – Bentencho station – Osakako station route. It is a big detour.
Osakajo (Osaka castle)
There are several stations around Osaka castle. You can access there from Tenmabashi station (Keihan Railway), Tanimachi-Yonchome station (Subway Tanimachi line), Osakajo-Koen station (JR), Osaka Business Park station (Subway Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi line), and Morinomiya station (JR). The nearest stations to access to the castle are Tenmabashi and Tanimachi-Yonchome. Other stations are okay, but these stations are closed to Osaka Castle Park.
Shinsekai, Tennoji zoo
Shinsekai is old town of Osaka. There is very traditional shopping arcade. Tsutenkaku tower is located in Shinsekai area. This area can be accessed from JR and Nankai Railway’s Shin-Imamiya station.
Tennoji Zoo is located between Tennoji station and Dobutsuenmae station. (Dobutsuenma means “in front of zoo”.)
Minoo falls
Minoo is located outside downtown Osaka. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover Minoo falls. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers this falls.
You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ishibashi. And then take another Hankyu Railway Minoo line train to Minoo. You can change trains at Ishibashi very easily. Trip time is around 35 minutes from Umeda to Minoo.
In the peak season, like fall foliage season, the direct train service runs between Umeda and Minoo.
Instant Ramen Museum
This museum is located outside downtown Osaka either. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover this attraction. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers the trip to Instant Ramen Museum.
You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ikeda. Trip time is around 20 minutes from Umeda to Ikeda.
Comments
Hi Takeshi San’
What is the best transfortation from Kansai goint to our place near Tsukamoto Statio. Thank you
Hi Gerald san,
You can take airport rapid to Osaka. And then transfer to local train to Tsukamoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Could you please tell me that with the JR Pass, what’s the best route from Shin-osaka to Arimaonsen ? Are there any discount passes between Kobe and Arimaonsen?
Cheese
Hi Joe san,
You can get Kobe by JR pass. But you have to take train or bus from Kobe. Those are not covered by JR pass. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html#JR_trains
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-san. I didn’t see it from your post, but is there a way one can take JR West Bus from either shin-Osaka (2/day) or Osaka(a few/day)directly to Arima onsen? It takes under 1 hr.
I read that from a Taiwainese bloc, not sure if it works.
Thanks again
Hi Joe san,
That bus runs between Osaka station and Arima via Shin-Osaka buy JR West Bus. But it’s not covered by JR pass. So if you want the easy access, this bus is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-San,
is the route from Kanazawa to Kagaonsen via LTD exp covered by JR Pass? Also a set of 4 express bus tickets(回数券?) for traveling between Shinjuku and Fuji kawaguchi-ko, can I buy it on site from Shinjuku Bus station or I have to pre-purchase on their website or agent’s website? for the latter are mostly Japanese only, is unconvenience for me to use.
Hi Joe san,
Kagaonsen is covered by JR pass.
I have never used the set of express bus ticket. I’m not sure 100% but I think you can purchase it on site only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-san
No problem, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I’m travelling to Osaka from 12 Oct to 17 Oct.
I will arrive Kansai Airport at 7.20 AM.
I will stay at Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, where is nearby JR loop line”Shin-Imamiya” Sta.
I will go to
12 Oct : Umeda Area
13 Oct : Kyoto (Arashiyama)
14 Oct : USJ
15 Oct : Kobe
16 Oct: Osaka Area?
Can I use Kansai Thru Pass and Kansai Area Pass?
Can I use these 2 Pass for JR loop line”Shin-Imamiya” Sta. ?
Thanks and regards,
Geo
Hi Geo san,
You can take JR loop line, subway and Nankai railway at Shin-Imamiya. But Kansai thru pass is better choice because Kansai area pass covers only JR trains.
Please see the link below to find more info about the deals in Osaka.
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 San,
What is the easiest way to travel from Osaka to Kyoto and Kobe?
I believe it will be to stay in Umeda over Namba and use the JVR?
Thanks!
Hi Brendan san,
You can take these railways.
To Kobe
JR, Hankyu and Hashin from Umeda
Hanshin from Namba
To Kyoto
JR, Hankyu from Umeda, Keihan from Yodoyabashi
Please see the link below to find some more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will travel to Japan for 12 days in December. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1-5 : Kyoto (One day trip each to Takayama and Nagoya) (stay in Higashiyama ward)
Day 5-8 : Tokyo (will stay near Shinjuku-Gyeonmae station)
Day 8-12 : Osaka (side trip to Nara) (stay near Nippombashi)
I would like to get advice from you on which JR pass should I get and as I’m planning the route, I found out that I might need to use private subways to travel from a place to another.
I’m planning to buy the Takayama-Hokuriku pass and activate on Day 1-4 and the 7 day national JR pass and activate on Day 5-11. Please kindly advise if i have to use private subways how to save on it like what are the passes I can get? Thanks in advance.
Hi Li Ling san,
You can use JR Pass 7 days and some local deals, like subway pass in Kyoto and Osaka.
If you start using JR pass on day 3, and make day trips to Takayama and Nagoya on day 3 and 4, JR Pass covers your trip until you get back to Osaka on day 8. Takayama Hokuriku Pass is not required. It’s not a good choice to get Nagoya anyway.
So you may add ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day.
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
Save ICOCA for trip to Nara from Osaka. You can take Kintetsu railway from Nippombashi to Nara by ICOCA.
In Kyoto and Osaka, there are some deals available. 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#Kyoto_area
JR pass covers many places in Tokyo, but you may need to add subway pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
My wife and I will be traveling to Japan on Aug for 1 mth. Here is our itinerary, we will use the JR 21-day pass for the first 21 days and 3 day subway pass in Tokyo.
1-4: Nareda Airport to Shin-osaka(4 N in shin-osaka ), one day trip to Kobe and another to Miyajima)
5-10: shin-osaka to Kyoto(6 N in Kyoto), day trip of 3 to Nara(can I aslo visit Uji and Fushimi-Inari in the same day?), Sagano Ransan and Kurashiki.
11: Kyoto-Tsumago via Nagoya(1 N)
12-14: Tsumago-Nagoya(3 N), 1 day trip to Gujohachima via Mino.
15-17: Nagoya-Takayama(3 N). Any spot for a good day trip on the JR line?
18-20: Takayama-Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa(3 N) one day trip to Kaga onsen.
21-22: Kanazawa-Kamakura(2 N)
23-25: Kamakura-Yokohama(3 N), one day trip to Fuji 5 lakes
26-30: Yokahama-Tokyo(5 N)
Could you please tell me does the route make sence with the pass ? Which trip seems too tight or unnecessary detour? Apart from 2 passes, what others shall we better to have?
Again, thank you so much for your help.
kind regards
Hi Joe san,
I have only one thing to mention about your route. Tokyo is easier to access to Fuji Five lakes than Yokohama. You may come to Shinjuku to get there even if you start from Yokohama. You can use JR pass but you need to pay extra for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. Otherwise use express bus to get there. It’s direct access.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Other part of your trip is no problem.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much. Takeshi-San.
Dear Takeshi-san
For accomondation in Tokyo, I’m looking for either shinjuku or Ueno, for sightseeing and transportation within the city or afeild, which one is more convience? Is there a third option?
Thanks
Hi Joe san,
Actually it’s not much different. Because there are many spots to see in all over Tokyo and you will visit many places in Tokyo. As long as you stay near station, it will be find.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San
I’m looking at a hotel near Tawaramachi Station and Asakusa station, is it easy to get around to other part of Tokyo , like Shinjuku or Haneda Airport? Can I use Subway in those stations?
Cheese
Hi Joe san,
Asakusa is better. You can get Haneda directly by subway-Keikyu direct train. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for all your quick responses. It’s the most helpful information for the first timer like me.
On the last part of my journey, I’ll be heading back to Tokyo from Yokohama and stay in Asakusa for the next 6 nights. Without a JR Pass, could you please tell me how do I travel from Yokohama to Asakusa?
Is it Asakusa Subway friendy if I use the 3 day pass to explore the Tokyo station area and Shinjuku district?
what’s the best package if I also want to make day trip to kawagoe and Fujikawaguchiko?
Thanks so much.
Hi Joe san,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Keihin Kyuko (Keikyu) train goes through subway line to Asakusa. Asakusa is nice place to see Tokyo.
Express bus is the easiest choice to get Fuji. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-San,
I still can’t decide where we will stay in Tokyo, either Shinjuku or Asakusa. I’ve been told Shinjuku is more convenient because of the JR connection, Asakusa has only subway to stroll around, but the accommodation is cheaper.
Could you please tell me just how essential of the JR or other transportation for my following itinerary?
Day1: trip to Kawagoe
Day2: trip to Fuji 5 lakes (optional, may go to Odaiba instead )
Day3: Shinjuku & Harajuku
Day4: Tokyo station & around
Day5: Asakusa, Ueno and Skytree
Takeshi-San, which location suits me better? Also I will most likely to explore those areas by foot, should I buy sigle ticket as I go or a subway pass is more economical .
Thanks again Takeshi-San
Hi Joe san,
Shinjuku is better because it’s more convenient for the first 3 days. You can use subway pass for day 5 only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your advice. Just a few more questions.
1)Is Asakusa more convenient to go to Haneda airport than Shinjuku? because I may want to stay in Asakusa for the last 2 days.
2)with the JR Pass, I ‘ll still buy the bus day pass to explore while in Kyoto, but how about within Oasaka, Kobe, Nara, Kurashiki and Nagoya? Are there any spots along the JR line or JR covered bus line in those cities? or they are easily explore by foot.
3)While in Kyoto I ‘ll do a day trip to Nara, is it handy to also visit Uji and Fushimi Inari-taisha in the same day?
cheese
Hi Joe san,
1. Asakusa is okay. There is direct train from Asakusa to Haneda by subway and Keihin Kyuko. (I think I mentioned before.)
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
2. You don’t need any other pass for Nara and Kurashiki. You can walk.
For other cities, it depends on which place you go. JR pass does not cover subway and local bus. For Osaka, please read the post above again.
For 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
For Nagoya, I think you need to have subway or bus pass.
http://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/access/getting_around_nagoya/subway.html
3. It will be very busy but not impossible. Both are located on the way to Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your advice, Takeshi-San.
Could you please tell me that are there any luggage lockers in shirakawa-go? I search it for a white but could not find the answer.
Cheese
Hi Joe san,
There is information center beside bus stop. There are lockers and info center will take care of it when it’s full.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-6-takaoka-to-shirakawago-via-himi-line-johana-line-and-shirakawago.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks again Takeshi- san
No worries, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
My family will be traveling to Japan in July for 8 days. Here is my itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive Kansai Airport (KIX) at 7 pm. We will stay at Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel (close to Tennoji train station) for 2 nights
Day 2: Visit Osaka. Which places should we visit? Which pass should we buy? Is one day enough for visiting Osaka?
Day 3: Go to Kyoto. Which train should we take? Should we go there in the morning or afternoon? We will stay at The Westin Miyako Kyoto for 2 nights
Day 4: Visit Kyoto. Which places should we visit? Is there a pass cover both Osaka and Kyoto?
Day 5: Go to Tokyo. Which train should we take? Can we also stop by Nagoya? We will stay at Tokyo Marriott Hotel (in Shinagawa-ku) for 3 nights.
Day 6: Visit Tokyo. Which places should we visit? Which pass should we buy? Is it convenient to go to Tokyo from our hotel in Shinagawa? Is the day pass coved this area?
Day 7: Visit Tokyo or One day trip to Fuji Mountain. Which is the best way to visit Fuji Mountain?
Day 8: Our flight is at 5:40 pm from Haneda Airport. Can we still visit Tokyo in the morning? At what time should we go to the Haneda Airport from our Hotel? What is the best way to go to the airport?
We would very much appreciate your advice and input. We can adjust our itinerary accordingly.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Nina
Hi Nina,
First of all, please see the link below. This link shows you the sample itinerary. It gives you many ideas to find the deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
About places to visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, there are many. And this is your choice. Please see Japan Guide to learn more and find where you want to visit.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
If you want to drop by Nagoya, you can do it. You can use one base fare ticket and make a stopover at Nagoya. But you will take Shinkansen as you read sample itinerary above. You need to have two separate seat fee ticket for Shin-Osaka to Nagoya and Nagoya to Tokyo. Please learn about single ticket at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
At last, about trip to Fuji, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
http://mtfuji-jp.com/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I going to Osaka on July 28 and will arrive at Kansai Airport (KIX) around 7 pm. I will stay in a hotel near Tennoji train station and visit Osaka for 2 days . Then I will go to Kyoto for 2 days. After I will go to Tokyo for 4 days.
I have read the info that you provided, but I am still not sure which pass or ticket should I buy
1) for transfer from KIX to Tennoji, Is Haruker+ICOCA good for me? How about Kansai One Pass?
2) for visiting Osaka and Kyoto, Should I just use ICOCA card or should I buy Kansai passport (for 4 days) or JR west Rail pass (for 4 days)
3) for visiting Tokyo, what kind of pass should I buy?
I would very much appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Please refer the link below. You will find the solution:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Im planning go to Japan on 21-29 November thru Kansai Airport with a plan :
21-24 : Go to Osaka Castle, Namba, Dotonbori, Fushimi Inari, USJ, Nara, Mie prefecture (if possible)
24-28 : Arrive at Tokyo from evening, go to Disneysea, Ueno & others
28 in the afternoon will go back to Osaka n sleep near KIX to catch up flight on 29 morning
I confuse when to use our 7 days JR Pass and where to stay in Osaka to maximize our JR as I read some locations in Osaka isn’t covered by JR.
Please advise. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Janet san,
You can use it from 22 Nov to 28 Nov. You can use other deal for arrival day.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
As you think, JR Pass does not cover subway and non JR trains, the place near JR station is recommended to stay, such as Shin-Osaka, Osaka (Umeda), Tennoji. You can stay in Namba but JR-Namba station is not located in center of Namba. Please see the link below:
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
Umeda is most convenient location but hotel rate is much higher than other places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I have been doing so many reading on books and websites and still cannot decide on to which option is my best to save money on rail pass, 14 day JR or 7 day region pass. Day 1-2 Tokyo/stay in Shinjuku (side to Hakone if weather is nice), Day 3-4 :Takayama, Day 5: Shirakawa-go, Day6-7: Kanazawa, Day 8-10: Hiroshima & Miyajima, Day 11-14 Osaka (side to Himeji, Nara & Kyoto), Day 14: Tokyo. My concern is whether I have enough time visiting Takayama and Kanazawa because of long train rides. My previous trip I spent 2 days in Tokyo and 2 days in Kyoto. I can’t seem to move things around to fit any region pass to save cost over 14 day JR pass and not to move around so much. I have to fly in and out of Narita as air ticket has already been purchased. I booked all of hotels already but all of them are free cancellation. The only accommodation that I don’t want to change is in Shirakawa-go as we are staying in the farm house and they are harder to find availability. In Osaka, I booked hotel in Namba, but don’t know if it is the best area to stay that fit my plan. Any suggestions on train pass and how to improve this itinerary.
Hi Pawaree,
As long as you arrive and depart at Narita and visit Hiroshima/Miyajiam by train, 14 days pass is your choice. Even if you remove Takayama and Kanazawa, 14 days pass is still your choice. There is no better choices available.
I think you have enough time to visit Takayama and Kanazawa. Actually I have done Takayama, Kanazawa and Shirakawago in 1 and 1/2 days in this past February. It was crazy and I don’t want anybody to copy my trip plan. But you will spend 5 days in this region. That is way enough to enjoy these places.
Your plan is good and I don’t see any issues.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello. Me and my family will be travelling to japan on june 10-13 osaka then 13-18 tokyo. Still thinking about the accmdation if would it be better if we will just stay for 3 nights near osakako station in tenpozan or we will just stay for 3 nights in namba area. Im trying to look at the train map but its really confusing. Our iterinary for 3 days will be the USJ, DOTONBORI, NARA PARK, OSAKA CASTLE , SHINSEKAI, UMEDA and if still possible KYOTO. On the 13 will take a plane in kansai going to tokyo. From narita airport we will be going to tokyo disneyland. We will be staying in uyarusa somewhere near disneyland area for 2 night then probably transfer to shinjuku. Im really confuse about what train pass are we going to buy for all of this places. we are a family of six and i hope u can tell me what ticket we really need for our trip and where we can buy it best. And is their any discounts for students and for children below 10 yrs.old. Thank you so much.
Hi Rayearth,
Namba is much better than Osakako. Namba is one of two downtown core in Osaka. It’s closed to Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Osaka castle. You can get Kobe and Nara from Namba directly. Please see the link below to find the train network in Kansai region.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
You can find some deals between KIX and Namba. Please see the links to get more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
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
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
Limousine bus is the best deal to get Disneyland from Narita. There is no deals available.
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/bus_services/narita/index
Single ticket is your choice from Disneyland to Shinjuku as well.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Child rate is half amount of adult fare and it applies to 11 years old and under. You can get the train fare at Hyperdia when you use single fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
My family is planning a self drive trip to Kyushu in November. We are planning to buy the 7 day JR pass on the last leg of our trip to go to ibusuki n Kagoshima before taking Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Can I use this to travel from downtown Tokyo to narita airport for free eg on NEX?
Hi Leighanne san,
Yes, you can take Nex to get Narita from Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your prompt reply. Is it free with the JR pass?
It’s fully covered, Leighanne.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com