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,
I have several question about the pass, can you help me?
Day 1 : Osaka, From Kansai Airport will buy ICOCA + Haruka for transport to Shin Osaka, then use Osaka Amazing Pass for 1 Day
Day 2 : USJ with ICOCA
Day 3 : Kyoto + Nara
Day 4 : Shirakawa Go
Day 5 : Kyoto half day – go to tokyo
Day 6 : Odaiba-Tsukiji, Gala Yuzawa , shinjuku, all around Tokyo
Day 7 : Disneyland
Day 8 : Disney sea
Day 9 : Mt Fuji, Shibazakura Festival, Gotemba , airport (Plane 11.45 pm from haneda)
At Day 3 until 9 I want use JR Pass 7 days, but when I search about Gala Yuzawa, some articles tells about JR Tokyo Wide Pass can use for 3 days
Is JR Pass with JR Tokyo Wide Pass have same benefit when use at Gala Yuzawa? bcoz with JR Tokyo Wide Pass have some discount
Now Which one better? Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass mix with JR Tokyo wide Pass, or just JR Pass?
And I have some option about change Shirakawa Go at day 5 then go to tokyo, which one better? Is any bus or train suitable?
Already check the nohi bus, is that bus From Kanazawa-Shirakawa Go have stop at Takayama ?
Shall I change the destination? About the weather, today I check and have some change for april, when the weather forecast can tell the fix weather?
Thank you very much
Hi Eve,
You can get Gala Yuzawa by JR pass but you cannot get any discount there. But both Takayama Hokuriku area pass and Tokyo wide pass does not cover Shinkansen between Kyoto and Tokyo. It costs about 14000 yen. JR Pass 7 day is 29100 yen. Tokyo Wide Pass (10000 yen), Takayama Hokuriku area pass (14000 yen) and single fare (14000 yen) will be 38,000 yen. Even though JR pass does not give you discount, I think JR pass is still cheaper.
As long as you have a trip from Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen, JR pass is the best choice in my opinion.
If you go to Shirakawago on day 5, you should not go back to Kyoto. You can get Kanazawa form Kyoto and then take bus to Shirakawago. And you go back to Kanazawa and take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Tokyo. You don’t need to go to Takayama.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html
In this case, your choice is still JR pass. If you want to change your schedule, you can do. You can do whichever you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi- san,
Very pleasure you want to reply my post soon, thank you
From your comment before, you said that kyoto-tokyo is 14.000 yen, I think Shinkansen between kyoto-tokyo one way is 8210 yen, and i’m not go back to osaka/kyoto, my plane back is from haneda
Can you explain that takeshi-san ?
Thanks
Hi Eve san,
Unfortunately you misunderstood the fare. 8210 yen is only base fare. You have to pay seat fee on top of that. Seat fee is 5400 yen for Kyoto to Tokyo.
If you use only base fare ticket, you cannot take Shinkansen. If you take only local trains, you will spend more than 8 hour with many transfers by commute trains. It’s not totally realistic for travelers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I understand now, that for reserved seat,thanks for your explain Takeshi-san
Is every single fare using jr pass i must make reserve ? One day before make the reserve is necessary? Bcoz some fare i don’t make the exact time, just if in there we like it, we will have more time
For nohi bus, i want make reserve seat, but in there must be write the telp number, i dont know what number i will use when in japan, what should i do?
Then i want make a trip kanazawa-shirakawa with nohi bus, then go to takayama, what bus should i used? Bcoz at nohi no fare from shirakawa-takayama, then for go back to kanazawa, which bus i must book?
Then will more comfortable if i make shirakawa trip at day 4 or 5 ?
And at mt fuji, i just make resever for jr, and for the bus go to kawaguchi or 5 th station, when i buy it? And for shibazakura festival is the same bus?
Thank you for your help Takeshi-san
Hi Eve san,
You don’t need to book your seat because most of train have non reserved seat. You can take any unoccupied seats in non reserved seat cars. But if you travel with someone, you may not get seats side by side. So I recommend you to book your seat. Actually you can book your seat even 10 minutes before departure time. If you can book it in advance, that’s easier. But if you want to have some flexibility, you can book it in the last minutes.
If you want to take a bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and from Shirakawago to Takayama, you will pay the fare in the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You can find the phone number and online address. You can book it online too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, in what area should i stay in osaka where jr rail station is accessible? I will get a JR pass before going to japan and i will be coming from tokyo.
Hi Istee,
Shin-Osaka is recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much! You really are of help to everyone. Bless you!
No worries, Istee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I need your advise please. My first trip to Japan by myself. Have already planned as follows:
4/4 TOKYO Haneda
5/4-7/4 OSAKA
8/4-9/4 NARA
10/4-11/4 KOYASAN
12/4-13/4 HIROSHIMA
14/4-18/4 KYOTO
19/4-21/4 AMANOHASHIDATE
22/4 NAGOYA
23/4-24/4 MAGOME
25/4-30/4 HAKONE
1/5-2/5 MATSUSHIMA
3/5-7/5 TOKYO
Which JR Pass duration to choose please?
I appreciate your help
Nadia
Thank
Hi Nadia,
It is very very hard to choose the deal for your trip. I usually recommend JR pass. But it may not suit your plan.
First of all, single ticket is only choice from Haneda to Osaka.
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
For staying in Osaka, see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Single ticket or Kansai one pass for trip to Nara
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Koyasan world heritage ticket for trip to Mt Koya
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
After this, it’s hard to choose the deal. If you use 21 days JR pass, it’s expired when you are in Matsushima.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
There is other deals for trip to Hiroshima that is Kansai Hiroshima area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Now 14 days JR pass is considerable but if you start this when you leave for Amanohashidate on 19th, it will be expired on 2nd when you are in Matsushima. You can use other pass for the trip to Amanohashidate which is Kansai wide area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
But Amanohashidate is covered by Kansai Hiroshima area pass too. But it will be expired when you are in Kyoto.
And also either 14 days and 21 days do not covet Matsushima to Tokyo. You cannot get the worth of 14 days or 21 days pass without trip from Matsushima to Tokyo. So at this point, only single ticket your choice after complete the trip to Amanohashidate. You may use Hakone free pass in Hakone. But that’s all you can use the pass after 22nd April.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
If you can go to Hiroshima one day earlier or come back to Tokyo one day earlier, JR Pass is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I want ask you about my plan, bcoz im little bit confuse :
Day 1 : Osaka
Day 2 : USJ ??? Bcoz its rainy day
Day 3 : Kyoto + Nara, bcoz its last day for see hanami, at Kyoto is better going fushimi inari or arashimaya ? Bcoz half day
Day 4 : Shirakawa Go
Day 5 : Kyoto half day – tokyo
Day 6 : Odaiba-Tsukiji, shinjuku, all around Tokyo
Day 7 : Disneyland
Day 8 : Disney sea
Day 9 : Mt Fuji, Gotemba , airport
I already check about the weather and will be rainy at osaka, kyoto n shirakawa-go at my day 2, so which one will be better for setting my plan at day 2 ? Is USJ or which one better?
At day 7 sd 9, I change, bcoz browsing and people said will be so crowded at sat-sunday, so I change disneysea at monday and tuesday go to mount fuji and i want go to shibazakura festival which is will be crowded, so i want make it at my last day at day 9,bcoz its tuesday, is it better ? At what time i must come go to airport? Bcoz my plane at 11.45 pm, and from what station? Its to tied?
For Nohi bus ( Shirakawa Go),when i must reserve? Is bus Shirakawa-Takayama right?Also for Mount fuji with JR pass is must reserved first? When? About go to shibazakura festival can reserve?
Is my new itienary better ?
How about using the pass? JR Pass at day 3 ? First day and second day using what is better ?
at tokyo from this 3 place, which one the good deal for stay ?
1. Ikebukuro
2. Higashi-ginza
3. Hamacho
Thank you so much
Eve
Hi Eve,
Weather is important in any places, USJ, Shirakawgo, Kyoto. So which one is most important and which is not? Just avoid to visit most important place in day 2.
I think Disney is much busier than Fuji. I think you should go Disney on day 8 and 9, and visit Fuji on day 7. You have to be airport 3 hours before your departure time which is 20:45. I don’t know which airport you go, Haneda or Narita. Please see the link below:
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/
When you exchange JR pass, try to book all train ticket at same time.
When you book Nohi bus, you have to book for Kanazawa-Shirakawago, not Takayama-Shirakawago. You should book as soon as possible.
If you go to Shirakawago on day 2, you have to start using it on day 3. Trip to Shirakawago must be covered by JR pass.
I think you mean Hamamatsucho, not Hamacho. If so, Hamamatsucho or Ikebukuro is better for JR pass user because these are JR station. Higashi-Ginza is subway station and subway is not covered by JR pass. It’s not convenient for JR pass user. I don’t know about average hotel rate. I cannot compare by price.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply
Day 1: Osaka ( Osaka castle, umeda sky building, FERRIS) is useful make it with Osaka Amazing pass ? Or just ICOCA ?
Day 2 : Shirakawa Go with Takayama Hokuriku Area pass, nori bus must be served? How to served it? on that day can’t make it? How about not with Takayama Hokuriku Pass, another pass more suitable bcoz we just go for 1 day and go back to osaka
Day 3: USJ – Takayama Hokuriku Area pass
Day 4: Kyoto (fushimi inari, kiyomizudera temple) + Nara ( Yoshino) with Takayama pass just at kyoto station ( has any suggestion if go to shirakawaga with other pass ? OR buy hankyu pass for 2 days in kyoto ? how about explore Kyoto + nara, what pass is suitable? Buss pass ¥500 for one day ? Can I explore all? Or any suggest?
Day 5 :Kyoto ( Arashiyama, togetsuka bridge, tenryuji temple, bamboo grove, ryoanji temple, nijo castle) – what pass is suitable?
Go back osaka ? Or i get my luggage and put in kyoto station? Bcoz after that going tokyo
Day 6 : Mt Fuji,Gotemba, buy fuji buss pass, buy SUICA
Day 7 : Disneyland, with SUICA
Day 8 : Disneysea, with SUICA
Day 9 : around tokyo,go to airport at 20:30 , for flight 23:00
Is my ittenary OK ? Or shirakawa go must correction?
Any suggestion in what area is comfortable for hotel in tokyo ?
Thanks
Hi Eve,
Day 1
Amazing pass is the best choice.
Day 2
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the best choice even if you use it for just one day. There is no better deals.
You need to make a call to reserve your seat. Reservation is highly recommended. The bus is very busy in all season because Shirakawago is super popular. Please find the phone number in the link below. You will find online site to book a seat in the link but Takayama Hokuriku area pass user cannot use it. It’s only for regular ticket user.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Day 4 and 5
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is not very useful for these days. Forget about this pass and use Kansai thru pass 2 days. You just need to pay some extra to get Yoshino but most part of your trip is covered by this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Other part of your trip is okay. I recommend to stay in Ueno. It’s convenient and hotel rate is reasonable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have change a little bit my plan:
Day 1: Osaka ( Osaka castle, umeda sky building, FERRIS) is useful make it with Osaka amazing pass, this pass can used for kansai airport KIX to shin osaka? Or what kind of pass can i used? Takayama hokuriku can used ?
Day 2: Kyoto (fushimi inari, kiyomizudera temple, yakaza shrine,kodaiji temple,matsugama, GION) + Nara ( Yoshino) with kansai thru pass, this pass can use for free ticket ? Or just the train/ bus?
Day 3 : USJ, use takayama hokuriku
Day 4 : Shirakawa Go with Takayama Hokuriku Area pass
Day 5 :Kyoto ( Arashiyama, togetsuka bridge, tenryuji temple, bamboo grove, ryoanji temple, nijo castle) half day use kansai thru pass and go to tokyo, can use takayama hokuriku area pass to tokyo? And this pass can use in tokyo ?
At tokyo go to shibuya, harajuku, ginza
Day 6 : Mt Fuji,Gotemba, buy fuji buss pass, buy SUICA
Day 7 : Disneyland
Day 8 : Disneysea
Day 9 : around tokyo ( tsukiji market, odaiba) go to airport at 20:30 , for flight 23:00
*Day 6 sd 9 what pass can i use?
*Hotel in around tokyo station or shinjuku is ok ? Bcoz at ueno at airbnb i can’t the suitable one
*At osaka is useful if i buy ICOCA or just at tokyo i buy SUICA ?
Thanks
Hi Eve,
If you take Shinkansen to Tokyo from Kyoto, you need JR pass 7 days. You can use 7 days pass from day 3.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Only JR pass covers Kyoto-Tokyo trip. Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover it. But JR pass does not cover the bus for Kanazawa-Shirkaawago. You have to pay but you can book it online now. Because online booking is for regular fare passengers only.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You may use JR pass for the part of trip to Fuji. You may find more info at 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
You can use JR pass in Tokyo but some places, like Odaiba, Tsukiji are not covers. 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
You can stay any places near JR station. Tokyo or Shinjuku is okay.
At last for the first 2 days before you start using JR pass, you can use 2 days Kansai thru pass. Amazing pass does not cover KIX-Osaka. But Kansai thru pass is not like amazing pass. You have to pay to enter attractions. But you can get some discount at many attractions.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_facilities.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will go to Osaka at april,
Day 1 : At Osaka sightseeing, my plane is at around 10 am landing
Day 2: Go to Shirakawa Go
Day 3 : Go to USJ
Day 4 : Go to Kyoto+ Nara
Day 5 : Go to Kyoto and go back osaka to go tokyo
I want to ask you, I make day 1-5 is OK like that? or any suggest? what Pass is suitable for me ?
Hotel is good at Shin osaka or namba ?
I want to make 5 days sleep at osaka and same place, so we no need for move the luggages
Thanks
Hi Eve,
Your itinerary is okay. Shin-Osaka is better because average hotel rate is cheaper.
If you need to take train to Tokyo, JR pass is recommended but if you don’t Takayama Hokuriku Area pass is your primary choice.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply
Day 1: Osaka ( Osaka castle, umeda sky building, FERRIS) is useful make it with Osaka Amazing pass ? Or just ICOCA ?
Day 2 : Shirakawa Go with Takayama Hokuriku Area pass, nori bus must be served? How to served it? on that day can’t make it?
Day 3: USJ – Takayama Hokuriku Area pass
Day 4: Kyoto (fushimi inari, kiyomizudera temple) + Nara ( Yoshino) with Takayama pass just at kyoto station ( has any suggestion if go to shirakawaga with other pass ? OR buy hankyu pass for 2 days in kyoto ? how about explore Kyoto + nara, what pass is suitable? Buss pass ¥500 for one day ? Can I explore all? Or any suggest?
Day 5 :Kyoto ( Arashiyama, togetsuka bridge, tenryuji temple, bamboo grove, ryoanji temple, nijo castle) – what pass is suitable?
Go back osaka ? Or i get my luggage and put in kyoto station? Bcoz after that going tokyo
Day 6 : Mt Fuji,Gotemba, buy fuji buss pass, buy SUICA
Day 7 : Disneyland, SUICA
Day 8 : Disneysea, SUICA
Day 9 : around tokyo,go to airport at 20:30 , for flight 23:00
Is my ittenary OK ? Or shirakawa go must correction?
Thanks
Takeshi san,
I will travel with my family , 4 adults and 2 kids (4 years old and 2 years old) to Osaka on 20th Oct-26th Oct.
My flight arrive at 22:00, is quite late for me travel with kids, big luggage and stroller. My first plan is travel to Kyoto just after i have landed at Osaka, but i worry on the time of the last train from KIX to Kyoto.
First plan:
20th Oct — Travel from KIX to Kyoto (please advise is it too late to travel)
21st-24th Oct — Travel around Kyoto
24th-26th Oct– Travel around Osaka
Second plan:
20th Oct –Stay in Osaka (but i don’t know where is the best place to stay for food convenience place and easy access to Kyoto by train) Is Namba a good choice?
21st-24th Oct – which is the best train travel from Osaka to Kyoto Station (my home stay is nearby Kyoto Station) Maybe Keihan Railway is a good choice?
Thank you.
Hi Low YY san,
You can reach Kyoto on arrival day. But it will be very late. Arrival time in Kyoto is around 1:20 am. Please see 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#Access_to_Kyoto
So it’s totally up to you that you will accept this arrival time or not. And also if your hotel is really closed to Kyoto station, you can access to your place quickly but if not, you have to take taxi and pay much more. There is no buses and train around 1:00 am from Kyoto station.
Even if you go to Namba, you will spend 45 minutes. And also you may spend 1 hour to clear custom and immigration. Arrival in Namba will be so late anyway.
If you cannot accept this, try to book your hotel near airport.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi! Our trip to Osaka is on Oct 8-14. I’m still searching for a place to stay as i want it to be accessible and very convenient to the places that we plan to visit. Cheaper fares too. Any suggestion please?
Here are the places we want to visit.
USJ 2 days
Dotonbori
Kyoto
Namba
Osaka Castle
And other nearby tourist spots
Hi MaryAnne,
Shin-Osaka is recommended. You can take Midousuji line to get Namba, Dotonbori. It’s connected with Kyoto and Osaka (Umeda) directly by JR train.
Average hotel price is cheaper than other downtown core, such as Umeda or Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Noted on that. Thank you!
No worry, Mary Anne.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! We will visit osaka from feb 24 to 28 arriving at Kansai airport and we included kyoto, nara, kobe, USJ and a full day trip around osaka to see some must see tourist destination. And if lucky we also want to visit biwako valley ski resort if time permits.
What train deal should we can? Something that is cost friendly thank you. Hope to hear from you
Hi Michael,
You will use Kansai thru pass mostly. I explain how to choose the deal and how to build the itinerary in 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Lastly we will stay in ebisucho. Im not sure is we are in a good place or if we are too far from everything. Will Kansai thru pass still a good choice going around osaka or should we condsider getting something on top of that? Or KTP will do? Thank you so much Takeshi!
Hi Michael,
Ebisuchoi is not such a bad location. It’s very close to Namba. Actually you can walk to Namba from Ebisucho. Kansai thru pass is a good choice because Ebisucho is subway station and subway is covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, please advise on which is the best way for us to get around. We are staying about 5 mins from Namba Station.
Below is our itinerary.
23 Feb : Universal Studios
24 Feb : Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market & Central Kyoto)
25 Feb : Kobe (Earthquake Museum, Harbourland & Shin-Kobe Ropeway)
26 Feb : Around Osaka (Bay Area, Umeda…etc)
For days we are visiting Kyoto and Kobe, we will returning to Osaka at night.
This is our first time in Japan so apologies if the above looks messy. Do let us know the best way to maximise our time and money.
Hi Samuel,
You can use Kansai thru pass for outside Osaka and city deals in Osaka. Please see the link below and find the info about deals and how to build your plan 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, I will be staying near Namba station. My rough itinerary for Osaka is as below
21 Feb – Yamazaki Distillery, Osaka Castle in the afternoon
22 Feb – Osaka Aquarium, sightseeing around town after that.
23 Feb – Kobe, Arima Onsen
24 Feb – Endo Sushi followed by trip to Nara
Any advice on what passes to buy or how I can rearrange the itinerary to maximise value?
Hi Caleb,
Kansai thru pass for 21, 23 and 24
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket for 22
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
You can keep this itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks!
No worries, Calab.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com