Kansai airport is the international airport in Osaka. It is the gateway to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Wakayama too. There are many ways to get downtown Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. In this post, I will explain about the terminal of Kansai airport, the access route to major places in Kansai region, and how to choose the deal which suits your trip plan.
- Expected time to clear immigration, custom and baggage pick up
- Kansai airport terminal arrival level
- Access route by train
- Access route by Kansai Airport Limousine
- Access route by Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle
- How to find the best way
- Osaka (Umeda)
- Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Namba (OCAT / JR-Namba)
- Tennoji
- Shinsaibashi, Hommachi, Yodoyabashi
- Nippombashi, Nagahoribashi, Ebisucho
- Tanimachi 9-chome (Uehommachi), Tanimachi 6-chome, Tanimachi 4-chome
- Tsuruhashi, Morinomiya, Osakajo-Kouen (Osaka Castle), Kyobashi (Osaka Kanjo line east side)
- Shin-Osaka
- Universal Studio Japan (Universal-City station)
- Kyoto
- Kobe
- Nara
- Late night arrival and early departure
Expected time to clear immigration, custom and baggage pick up
It is very important to know how long you will spend the time to clear custom, immigration and baggage pick up. Especially if you will arrive in Kansai airport after 22:00, you must make the detailed travel plan.
My estimated time required is the following:
5 minutes – getting off the airplane
10 minutes – from the gate to immigration
20 minutes – clear immigration
20 minutes – baggage pick up and clear custom
5 minutes – arrival lobby to the station, bus ticket window, or high speed ferry ticket window
It takes one hour to get the train station, the bus ticket window or the ferry ticket window. Of course this time schedule is varied. It depends on how busy immigration and custom are. And also if you exchange the train pass, you spend the time more. If the train station ticket window is busy, you might have to spend 30 minutes. Please do not plan very tight schedule.
Kansai airport terminal arrival level
At first, I would like to explain about the arrival level of Kansai airport. This is the first place to see after you complete the immigration, the baggage pick up and the custom. You may refer the map of Kansai Airport.
The arrival level is located at the ground floor of the terminal building. At this floor, there are Tourist Information Center, Travel Desk, Airport bus ticket window and High speed ferry service counter.
In the middle of this floor, there is Kansai Tourist Information Center.
Information Center is for general inquiries and sells many passes and deals for sightseeing in Kansai Area. It is open from 7:00 to 22:00.
But if you have an exchange order or book online for Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Nankai Railway train passes, you have to proceed JR or Nankai railway ticket office. These are located at the station. I will tell you later.
Access route by train
There are two railways from Kansai airport. Those are JR and Nankai Railway. The train network in Kansai area is very complicated. But you have to make sure which route the best way to your destination is.
Kansai airport station
You have to get Kansai airport station to take the train. I will show you how to get there from the terminal.
If you take a train, proceed to the second level and exit the terminal building. You will see Kansai airport station right away.
It is located just in front of airport terminal building. Overpass connects the terminal building and the station.
There are two railways, JR and Nankai Railway. These two railways have Kansai Airport station at exactly same location. Both ticket offices are located side by side.
If you intend to purchase or exchange JR deals, such as Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass or other JR West deals, you can purchase or exchange it at JR’s ticket office. The ticket office is located at the left side of the vending machines. It was not in the photo above. It is open from 5:30 to 23:00. You may get the map of the station in the link below:
Kansai Airport station map (JR West official site)
If you would like to purchase or exchange Nankai Railway’s deal, such as Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket or other Nankai Railway’s deals, you may purchase it at Nankai Railway’s ticket counter. It is open from 5:00 to 23:00. (first train to last train)
Ticket gates are located side by side.
And the platforms are located side by side too. But those two stations are not connected inside ticket gates. Please make sure which railway you will take, JR or Nankai railway.
Both railways has one platform each. It is very simple and find the track where you have to go easily.
Access to Osaka and Kyoto by JR
If you use JR deals, such as JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, ICOCA and Haruka, and other JR deal, you should take JR train from Kansai airport station. There are two trains running between Kansai airport and Osaka, Kyoto. Those are the limited express Haruka and Kansai airport rapid train.
Even if you do not use JR deals, JR train may be your choice. Please see the map below:
If you go to Tennoji, Nishikujo, Osaka (Umeda), Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, JR train is the best choice. And the you can choose the limited express Haruka or Kansai airport rapid train.
The limited express Haruka
All JR deals cover this train. Haruka takes you to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto directly. But this train does not stop at Osaka station (Umeda) because this train go through bypass line to Shin-Osaka and skip Osaka station. Therefore you have to change to a local train to Osaka at Shin-Osaka or Tennoji if you take Haruka from Kansai airport. It takes only 3 minutes to get Osaka from Shin-Osaka.
If you go to Kobe, Himeji and other cities to west from Osaka, you have to change to a local train at Shin-Osaka station too. If you go to Kobe and other cities to west from Osaka, Airport bus is better choice. I will explain you later in the post about Airport bus.
You can get some more information about the limited express Haruka in the link below:
Recommended deal – ICOCA / Kansai One Pass and Haruka
If you do not use JR Pass or any other JR train passes, this deal is recommended. This deal offers the discount ticket to take the limited express Haruka and IC card (ICOCA or Kansai One Pass). Please see the link below to get more information about this deal:
Recommended deal – Kansai Area Pass
This deal offers unlimited ride of Haruka and other JR local trains in Kansai area. If you arrive in Kansai airport early and make a day trip somewhere in Kansai area, Kansai Area Pass is better choice than ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka. Please see the link below to find more information:
Kansai Airport Rapid Service
If you want to use a train, but you want to save a fare, Rapid train “Kansai Airport Rapid Service” is your choice. The trip time to Osaka is around 70 minutes and the fare is around 1,200 yen. And Haruka does not go to Osaka directly but this train does. Please see the link below to find more information about this train:
This train is covered by any JR deals. You can take this train by ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka too.
Access to Osaka by Nankai Railway
Nankai Railway is one of major private railways. JR Pass and any other JR deals do not cover Nankai Railway trains.
Nankai Railway trains connects Kansai airport, Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba. You can change to many Osaka Metro lines at Namba and Tengachaya. Especially if you change Nankai Railway trains and Osaka Metro at Namba, there is a combo ticket deal. I will tell you later.
Nankai Railway Limited Express Rapi:t
“Rapi:t” is the limited express train and the fastest way to get Tengachaya, Shin-Imamiya and Namba.
Namba is one of the biggest downtown cores in Osaka. You can get Namba by JR trains. However JR-Namba station is a bit away from the centre of Nanba area. You can find all Namba station locations in the post below:
And also you have to change trains at Tennoji, Shin-Imamiya or Imamiya by JR trains. On the other hand, Nankai Railway takes you to Namba directly and the fastest “Rapi:t” takes you to Namba in 35 minutes. This is the fastest way in all trains of both JR and Nankai Railway.
Rapi:t has two types of seats. These are Regular seat and Super seat.
If you use Kansai Thru Pass, only base fare portion (920 yen) is covered. You have to add the limited express seat fee 510 yen (720 yen for Super seat) on top of Kansai Thru Pass. But there are some deals available to take the limited express Rapi:t.
RECOMMENDED DEAL – Kanku Webtoku Ticket, Yokoso! Osaka Ticket
Kanku Webtoku Ticket is a discount deal to take one way trip by Rapi:t. You may use either way from KIX or to KIX. The price is starting from 1,130 yen.
Yokoso! Osaka Ticket is the combo deal which includes one way trip from KIX by Rapi:t and one day Osaka Metro unlimited ride pass. It is sold at 1,500 yen.
I picked two deals here but there are more. Please see the link below to find more information:
Nankai Railway official site – Discount Train Ticket
Nankai Railway Airport Express
Airport Express is a sort of local train. You can take this train by a base fare ticket only. The fare is 930 yen for Kansai airport to Namba, Shin-Imamiya or Tengachaya. The travel time is 45 to 50 minutes to get Namba. Kansai Thru Pass also covers this train fully.
Recommended deal – Nankai Railway and subway combo
There is no deals available to cover only Kansai airport to/from Namba. But if you take subway before/after taking Nankai Railway, you may use this deal. You can change Nankai Railway and Osaka Metro at Namba station. This deal covers whole part of Osaka Metro network. You can get any Osaka Metro station at 1,000 yen. You may use this deal to KIX too. Please find more information in the link below:
Nankai Railway official site – Discount Train Ticket
Access route by Kansai Airport Limousine
Kansai Airport Limousine bus is the best way if you go to Nara or Kobe. Because there is no direct train accesses. I will show you High Speed Ferry service to Kobe later. But you have to take a train to get downtown Kobe after ferry arrive in the port. There are many routes from Kansai airport. Please see the official site to find all available routes:
Reservation is not required to take Airport Limousine from Kansai airport. But when you take the bus to Kansai airport, reservation is required on some lines. You may find the information in the official site as well.
How to ride Airport Limousine
All bus stops are located at the ground floor. You can simply exit the terminal building and find the bus stop. You can purchase a ticket at the counter in the terminal building or at the vending machine or the ticket window outside building. There are lots of signages. You can find the bus stop, map, timetable and fare easily.
Access route by Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle
Kobe Bay Shuttle is the high speed ferry service between Kansai airport and Kobe airport.
Trip time is 30 minutes from Kansai airport to Kobe airport. But you have to take the bus for 10 minutes to get the pier in Kansai airport. At Kobe airport, it takes 5 minutes between Kobe airport terminal and the pier by walk. You may take the train, “Kobe Portliner” to get Sannomiya which is the downtown Kobe. Total trip time between Kansai airport and Sannomiya is 1 hour 10 minutes. It is slightly faster than Airport Limousine bus.
How to ride Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle
The ticket counter is located at north end of the terminal building. When you exit from custom, turn right and walk to the end of the building.
The bus to the ferry pier departs at the bus stop #12. It is located just outside of the ticket window. The bus ride is included in the ferry fare.
You may find the timetable and the fare in the official site:
Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle official site
How to find the best way
There are many ways from Kansai airport. I will show you the best way to major destinations.
Osaka (Umeda)
You may take JR Kansai Airport Rapid train. It takes you to JR Osaka station directly. If you intend to buy ICOCA or Kansai One Pass, you may use ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka to Tennoji.
You can get Osaka by “Tennoji” version of ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka. This deal covers Haruka ride from Kansai airport to Tennoji. As long as you do not exit the station, you can go to any JR stations in downtown Osaka. You also can take Kansai Airport Rapid train from Kansai airport to Osaka or other JR stations in downtown Osaka. This deal is slightly cheaper than the base fare for Kansai airport to Osaka.
If you have lots of luggages, Airport Limousine bus is better choice. It is more expensive than the train. However you can store your luggage in the luggage room of the bus. And it takes you to Umeda directly.
If you want to save the cost, you may take Nankai railway to Namba and Osaka Metro from Namba to Umeda by Nankai Railway and Osaka Metro combo deal at 1,000 yen. This is most affordable way.
Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Namba (OCAT / JR-Namba)
I explained the way to these places from Kansai airport in the post below Please refer it:
Tennoji
You can take either Haruka or Kansai Airport Rapid. It is direct way to get there.
Shinsaibashi, Hommachi, Yodoyabashi
You can take Nankai Railway to Namba and change to Osaka Metro Midosuji line. You can use Nankai Railway and Osaka Metro deal.
Nippombashi, Nagahoribashi, Ebisucho
I have other post which tells you how to get Nippombashi, Nagahoribashi and Ebisucho. Please see the post below:
Tanimachi 9-chome (Uehommachi), Tanimachi 6-chome, Tanimachi 4-chome
I have other post which tells you how to get Nippombashi, Nagahoribashi and Ebisucho. Please see the post below:
Tsuruhashi, Morinomiya, Osakajo-Kouen (Osaka Castle), Kyobashi (Osaka Kanjo line east side)
JR lines is easier to get these locations. You can take Kansai Airport Rapid or Haruka to get Tennoji. And then transfer to Osaka Kanjo line Uchimawari line (train which go to counter clockwise direction).
Shin-Osaka
The Limited Express Haruka takes you there directly. If you want to save cost, you may use Nankai Railway and Osaka Metro combo deal. Take Nankai railway to get Namba and transfer to Osaka Metro Midosuji line. Shin-Osaka is located on Midousuji line too. But the trip time is much longer and must change trains at Namba.
Universal Studio Japan (Universal-City station)
Airport Limousine bus is the best way. It is only direct way to get there.
You also may Kansai Airport Rapid to Nishikujo on Osaka Kanjo line. And you have to change a train for JR Hanasaki line at Nishikujo. Universal-City station is two stations away from Nishikujo.
Kyoto
You may take the limited express Haruka or Airport Limousine bus. Both ways take you to Kyoto directly.
Nankai Railway offers Kyoto Access Pass at more affordable rate:
Nankai Railway official site – Discount Train Ticket
This is much cheaper than Airport Limousine and ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka deal. However if you use this deal, you have to change the trains at least twice.
Nankai railway for Kansai airport to Tengachaya
Osaka Metro Sakaisuji line for Tengachaya to Awaji
Hankyu Railway for Awaji to Hankyu Railway stations in Kyoto, such as Kyoto-Kawaramachi (near Gion Shijo), Karasuma, Omiya
All trains are commute trains and may be crowded. You cannot reserve your seat.
Kobe
Airport Limousine is the easiest way and this is only way to get Kobe Sannomiya directly.
If you get Kobe by a train, you have two routes:
Option 1 (JR trains)
The limited express Haruka to Shin-Osaka and transfer to Special Rapid Service
Option 2 (Nankai and Hanshin Railways)
Nankai Railway train to Namba and transfer to Hanshin Railway to Kobe-Sannomiya
Option 1 is covered by ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka, JR Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass and any other JR deals.
Option 2 is covered by Kansai Thru Pass and Kobe Access Ticket. You can find the information about Kobe Access Ticket in Nankai Railway official site:
Nankai Railway official site – Discount Train Ticket
High Speed Ferry service is also available.
Nara
Airport Limousine is the easiest way and this is only way to get Nara directly. The following link gives you some more information about the access to Nara:
If you get Nara by a train, you have two routes:
Option 1 (JR trains)
The limited express Haruka to Tennoji and transfer to Yamatoji Rapid Service
Option 2 (Nankai and Kintetsu Railways)
Nankai Railway train to Namba and transfer to Kintetsu Railway to Kintetsu Nara
Option 1 is covered by ICOCA/Kansai One Pass and Haruka, JR Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass and any other JR deals.
Option 2 is covered by Kansai Thru Pass and Nara Access Ticket. You can find the information about Nara Access Ticket in Nankai Railway official site:
Nankai Railway official site – Discount Train Ticket
Late night arrival and early departure
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, you spend one hour to get out the custom and immigration. And then, you have to manage the ticket to get Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe or other places to stay.
If you arrive in Kansai airport after 22:00, you may not be able to get the last train. The train schedule is varied by the day. But mostly, the last train to Osaka departs from Kansai airport before midnight. Please find the major train route for the late arrival in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
If you cannot catch the train, your choice is Airport Limousine bus. There are some buses running to Umeda or Namba after midnight. Please see the official site of Airport Limousine bus to find the timetable and the fare:
For the early morning departure, you may not be able to get on the train. You can find the early morning train schedule in the link above, JPRail.com PDF timetable. In this case, the limousine bus is your choice.
For either late arrival and early departure, you can catch the bus to/from Kansai airport. But the bus depart/arrive at Umeda and/or Namba only. You may have to take a taxi to/from Umeda or Namba. If you stay in other than Namba or Umeda, please expect the extra cost to take a taxi.
I gave you tons of information. I hope that you have found all information which you need for the arrival and the departure in Kansai airport.
Comments
Dear Takeshi / JP Rail,
Hi. I am visiting Osaka/Kyoto/Nara with my family for 9 days. We have 3 adults & 2 kids. Please advise which the cheapest & convenient way for us to travel within Osaka & Kyoto/Nara.
Places of interest to visit
Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium
National Bunraku Theatre
America mura
Kuramon Market
Kyoto
Nara
Himeji
We are travelling to/from Kansai Int Airport and We are staying at Best Western Fino Osaka. Which is the best method & cheapest to get there? Train or bus?.
Hi Jen,
First of all, you can access to your hotel by Nankai railway and subway. But you have to transfer twice.
KIX (Nankai) Namba (Subway midosuji line) Shinsaibashi (Subway Nagahori-Tsurumiryokuchi line) Nagahoribashi
You can use Kanku Chikatoku Kippu.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
If you don’t want transfer, simply take taxi from Namba. I don’t know about taxi fare. I estimate it will be 1000 to 2000 yen. But you have to take two taxis. One taxi cannot take all of your family member and baggage. Anyway I don’t think there is no direct way. Just in case, contact to your hotel and make sure.
As long as you stay in Osaka, you don’t need to purchase pass. Just purchase subway ticket daily basis.
Regarding Kyoto, Nara and Himeji, maybe Kansai Thru Pass will be fit. But it depends on how much you travel in Kyoto, Nara and Himeji. Please see the following link to get the details:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We are arriving at KIX on May 7, staying in Kyoto for 5 days before traveling onward. We will be making side trips from Kyoto, so Kansai Thru Pass seems to make sense. Would we be best off to purchase it at the airport and use it to get to our hotel (which is two short subway rides from Kyoto Station)? We could then use the 2nd day of our pass for a side trip. Is that correct?
Hi Eric,
It will work. But I don’t strongly recommend you to use Kansai Thru Pass to Kyoto from KIX. Because too many transfers and long travel time. Please see the following post to get more details.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
JR express train Haruka is the best way to get Kyoto. ICOCA and Haruka gives you a great deal. You can use ICOCA for Kyoto subway and bus too.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your reply. One look at the Hyperdia website and I understood. One more question. After arriving at the Kyoto station, in order to get to my hotel, I’ll need to take the Karasuma subway line to the Tozai line. It doesn’t appear that they are covered by the ICOCA card. Is that correct?
Hi Eric,
Those subways are covered by ICOCA. Especially in this past March, most of IC Card (like ICOCA) can be used each other. Subways and private lines are covered by other card PITATA. But now those can be used each other.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am visiting Japan in April 2013 for 10 days.
– Arriving and departing from Kansai-Osaka Airport and will be staying two nights in Osaka downtown city
– On the 3rd day, I will be traveling to Nara for a conference and I will be spending my time mostly in Nara. Can you please advise which ticket will best suit me?
Thanks,
Tenz
Hi Tenz,
If you take Haruka, ICOCA and Haruka is the best option.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
You can use ICOCA to get Nara.
Otherwise Kanku Chikatoku ticket and single fare to Nara from Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi,
My wife and I are arriving at KIX at 17.10 on October 24. We’re staying at Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto till November 13. We are then flying out of KIX at 23.40. Could you please tell me the most cost effective train ticket to get. We will be using the subway while we are in Kyoto.
Thanks.
Regards.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
First of all, I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka to get Kyoto.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
Haruka is the fastest way to get Kyoto from KIX. And this ticket includes 1500 yen e-money to use not only JR train but also subway.
Regarding subway in Kyoto, are you going to take subway at same section everyday? If so, commuter pass may be the cheapest. But you need to take the train at least one round trip everyday. If you use subway on different direction, single ticket or day pass will be your choice. If you take a train or bus more than 5 times a day, pass will be cheaper. Otherwise single ticket is only you choice.
If you don’t want to purchase whenever you take a train, you can use ICOCA. ICOCA is IC money card. You can charge your money as much as you want. As long as you have some money in your ICOCA, you can scan you card at the ticket gate. You don’t need to purchase your ticket to take a train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
1) If I book my nobi nobi seat for Sunrise Izumo/Seto on 9th Feb for 14th Feb travel to Tokyo (from Osaka), what are my chances to get the tickets since it is weekdays and winter period?
2) Can I ask someone in Japan to book for me by furnishing him with my passport details and JR pass particulars.?
3) Can I take the risk not to book a hotel in Osaka now but do so only on 9th Feb when it is confirmed that that I can’t get the overnight train?
4) If I failed to get the overnight Sunrise train , can I also try to get the overnight Sunrise Dream bus but I understand this is also difficult to book bcos even the JR staff are not sure about this?
Hi Ginger,
If you ask someone in Japan to book, it is not difficult. And you don’t need to tell any your personal information. The train ticket in Japan is completely different from flight ticket. There is no name shown on the ticket. So anyone can transfer the ticket with no restriction.
But if you ask someone in Japan to book Nobi Nobi, you have to pay limited express surcharge. This charge is covered by Japan Rail pass (if you use Japan Rail Pass). But you need to show your pass when you book it. Otherwise you have to pay surcharge. It costs 3660 yen. Basic fare is still covered. Because we can purchase only limited express surcharge.
I have no idea about Sunrise Dream Bus. Do you mean Dream bus between Osaka and Tokyo? If so, it will be hard if you book it after you arrive in Japan. You can ask to book to your friend in Japan. But it is same as above situation. You have to pay full charge. In this case, there is only basic charge. You cannot purchase seat fare.
Anyway, it is usually not hard to book on weekday in February. But nobody can guarantee it. If you really don’t want to take a risk, don’t take overnight service. We always have a risk.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi ,
my frens n i will be traveling to japan this nov . Reach at kansai airport on 1.nov.2012. and below are my question:
1. kansai airport to kobe , we are planing to use the high speed ferry. ( cos we plan to use our JR rail pass the next day as we will be staying for 9 days)
after dropping our baggage in kobe .. we plan to go to osaka for day tour.
–> what are the recommended transportation to use from kobe –> osaka ?
( as we plan only to use JR pass the next day )
2. from kobe to kyoto , what rail to use ?
3. from kyoto to tokyo , which rail ?
4. from tokyo to osaka , whic rail ?
5. most important , we plan to stay in osaka for our last night , near nanba, just wonder wic mode of transportation to use to kansai airport…?
appreciate the answer , thx..
Hi leeping,
Regarding transfer among Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka, please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
In regards to Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka transfer, take Tokaido Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/trains/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
At last, use Nankai railway to get Kansai airport from Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
[…] Kyoto" To make good use of a rail pass (local or national), I've found jprail.com to be handy https://jprail.com/destinations/how-t…-and-kobe.html Info on what a rail pass does/does not cover in Kyoto […]
Hi 🙂
I’m traveling to Osaka & Tokyo on May 9 to May 16 2012, arr & Depp from Kansai Airport. I have a question about using JP Rail Pass ( 7 Days Pass ):
1. I’m staying at Nanba Dotonbori Hotel. 09-11 May
– How to get to nanba area from Kansai, shoild i use my JP Rail Pass or nankai rapit ?
– How to get around in osaka area with JP raill pass ?
2. On May 11 I will traveling to Shinjuku Tokyo
– Can I use my JP Rail Pass to take shinkasen train, which one & how ?
3. I’ll be staying at Shinjuku area Hotel
– How to get around Tokyo famous area with JP rail Pass or other pass better?
– I’m going back to Osaka on May 14, again with shinkasen, how ? and I’m staying at Kansai Washington Hotel.
Thank You much for your help & answer 🙂
Hi alfred,
1. Rapi:t is easier and faster to get Namba than Japan Railway. But you can get Namba by JR too. Take Rapid train from Kansai airport to Tennoji and transfer train to JR Namba. Please see the following post about JR train in Osaka area:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-osaka.html
2. Yes. Take Tokaido Shinkansen. See the post below:
https://jprail.com/trains/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
3. See the post below to get the details about Tokyo by JR pass:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Limited Express Haruka:
This train takes you to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto directly. But this train go through Osaka station. You need to transfer to a local train to Osaka at Shin-Osaka station.
So, clearly:
Kansai airport -to- Kyoto
You must change train: Yes or No?
Hi Lost & bewildered,
No, you don’t need to change.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear sir,
We will be landing at Osaka and we planned to go to Hokkaido immediately so as to view the sakura blooming there. Can you please tell me how do I take a shinkansen from Osaka to Oomori and then from there to Hokkaido. Is the Shinkansen station in Osaka and a direct train journey to Oomori?
Thanking you in advance,
Choong
Hi choong,
There is no direct transfer to Aomori from Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-get-sapporo.html
Takeshi / JP Rail