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
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick reply.
If I used this ticket as suggested :-
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
Can I use chikatoku for the below:-
KIX to Tengachaya (Nankai)
Take subway to Nagahoribashi
Pls advise.
Regard,
Mimi
Hi Mimi,
You have to transfer at Namba. Only Namba station is allowed to transfer from Nankai to subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
What is the best rail pass to purchase for the following routes:-
KIX to Nagahoribashi Station
Nagahoribashi Station to Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station to Tokyo
Pls advise.
Thank you.
Hi mimi,
You can use Kanku Chikatoku Ticket on arrival day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
There is no option for the rest of your trip other than single ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
This is my planned itinerary and not sure which pass is best for me. Appreciate your advise
Day 1. Kyoto (Staying in Kyoto)
Day 2. Kyoto (Staying in Kyoto)
Day 3. Nara (Staying in Osaka)
Day 4. Osaka (Staying in Osaka)
Day 5. Osaka (Staying in Osaka)
Day 6. Kobe (Staying in Osaka)
Thank you.
Hi Aki san,
Are you going to Kyoto from KIX? If so, you can use ICOCA and Haruka round trip type:
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
Actually there is no option to cover all part of your trip. You can use All day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card when you stay in Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
And you also can use Eco card or Osaka Amazing Pass in Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Single ticket is okay for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your advice!
The round trip ticket for ICOCA and Haruka is valid only for 14 days right? We are also travelling to Tokyo and will not make it back by the deadline.
Your information helps a lot!
Thank you very much.
Hi Aki san,
You are right. Even one way type gives you a great deal. ICOCA can be used in Tokyo too.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
The following is my hotel address:
Hotel Name: Hotel IL Cuore Namba
Address: 1-15-15 Nambanaka Naniwa
Area / City / Country: Namba / Shinsaibashi/Osaka/Japan
May I know the best way to get to the hotel as I’m confused about the different trains?
Thanks!
Hi Charlene,
Namba/Shinsaibashi can be accessed by Osaka subway Midousuji line. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry, my question was not clear. If I’m going from Kansai International airport to my hotel, do I take Nankai Railway Limited Express rapi:t or does the Osaka subway Midousuji line runs from the airport?
How much would the cost be if I’m taking the Osaka subway Midousuji line?
Thanks,
Charlene
Hi Charlene,
Osaka subway runs in city area only. You can’t use this for KIX. So Nankai is the best option.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your reply. If I were to take the Nankai Railway Limited Express rapi:t to Namba, do I still need to continue taking the subway to my hotel? The following link is the map of my hotel.
http://www.ilcuore-namba.com/en/access/index.html
Thank you very much for your advice.
Hi Charlene,
Your hotel is a few steps away from Nankai Namba station. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry to bother you again. As advised by you, I would need to take the Nankai Railway Limited Express rapi:t to my hotel in Namba. Hence, do I take the Nankai Railway Limited Express rapi:t if I were to go back to the Kansai International airport? Would the fare be the same as what you have indicated on your website? I just want to ensure that the train service runs back to the airport.
Thank you very much for your advice.
Hi Charlene,
Yes. It’s exactly same.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I would like to know what pass should I buy during my stay. (9 days)
I’ll be arriving Kansai Airport around 6am and head to Kyoto. We’ll be staying in the Gion area, since we’ll not be able to do early check in so I was planning to do sightseeing on the arrival day as well.
2nd day – (maybe)day trip to Kobe
3rd day – stay in Kyoto
4th day – depart at morning from Kyoto to Osaka(staying at hotel near shinsaibashi)
5th day – day trip to Nara
6th day – stay in Osaka
7th day – stay in Osaka
8th day – depart from Osaka to Kansai Airport Hotel early morning, leave bags and day trip to Wakayama(maybe)
9th day – Flight at 9am
Thank you very much
Hi Jacqueline,
First of all, ICOCA and Haruka can be suitable for arrival day and departure 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
Haruka ticket will cover both way to/from KIX. And ICOCA 1500 e-money can be used for trip to Kobe, Wakayama or Nara. 1500 yen is not enough for these trips But you can add some more fund into this ICOCA card.
When you stay in Kyoto, you can use all day bus pass.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
You also can use Enjoy Eco Card in Osaka if you visit several places in one day.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
But there is no suitable pass for other trips. As I mentioned above, using ICOCA or single fare will be your choice. ICOCA is IC card so you can’t get any discount. But you can tap the card to go through ticket gate. Once you have enough fund, you don’t need to purchase single fare ticket one by one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Would like to know what is the best rail pass should I buy. Arriving Kansai Airport in the evening and will straight to hotel (located near Shinsaibashi Subway Station).
1. Next morning will head to Kobe and back to Osaka on the same day
2. Next day, visit Himeji and back to Osaka
3. Spend time in Osaka on 3rd day
4. Depart Osaka to Kyoto early in the morning. And then go to Arashimaya
5. Next day, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion
6. Kyoto to Nara
7. Depart from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport
Thank you.
Hi Mimi,
I recommend you the following:
Kanku Chikatoku Ticket for arrival day
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
Kansai Thru Pass 3 days for trip to Himeji, Osaka to Kyoto/Arashiyama, trip to Nara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
All day bus pass Kyoto for sightseeing in Kyoto on 6th day. (Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu, etc)
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
JR West Kansai Area Pass one day for departure day
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can take Haruka express to KIX. This is only direct train service from Kyoto to KIX.
In Osaka, you can purchase subway one day pass. But it depends one your plan. Single ticket may be cheaper.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I’m in doubt about the best way to go to Osaka Toyoko Inn Noda Ekimae.
Limousine bus stops at Herbis hotel, and it seems I would heve to take the subway..
Thanks for helping.
Cheers,
Ely
Hi Ely,
There are two Noda station, JR and Hanshin. Please see the link below. You will find the location and base route.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Herbis Osaka is closed to subway Nishi-Umeda, Hanshin-Umeda or JR Osaka station can be accessed on foot.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I will be traveling with 3 other people (2 of which are over 60 years old) and would like to know what is the best way to travel around Japan. I will be arriving at Kansai Airport with my first stop at Osaka for two days. I will then head out to Kyoto for 3 days. Afterwards, we will head out to Kobe for 2 days and stopping at Arima Onsen along the way. Is it better to hire car service/taxi or better to travel via train or bus? Thank you!
Hi Dana,
First of all, you can choose these following deals on arrival day.
To Namba http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
To any Osaka subway stations http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/chikatoku.html
To Osaka (Umeda), Shin-Osaka or other JR stations 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
Single ticket will be your choice for Osaka-Kyoto, Kyoto-Kobe, and maybe Kobe-Arima.
In Osaka, you can use ICOCA if you use ICOCA and Haruka deal. Otherwise single ticket or Eco card will be your choice.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
In Kyoto, you can use Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass will be your choice.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Arima Onsen can be accessed by train from Kobe. But you have to transfer twice. You can find sample itinerary at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
If you want to have comfortable trip, taxi or hire car is better. But I’m not familiar with these services. So I have no idea about price.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am the same Linda who posted above…
If I managed to catch the last airport express to JR Namba, do i need to change to connecting train at Tenoji? Is it difficult to find the connecting train? When i reach JR Namba is the hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka easy to find within walking distance?
Or if i have to catch the limousine bus to nankai namba station, what’s the best way to get to the hotel from there? Should i walk or take a taxi? Sorry for having so many questions. Just that i am a bit nervous as i will be alone and reaching there after midnight.
Hi Linda,
The first link that you gave me is broken. Anyway second link is correct.
So your first option is 23:29 departure train. I think you mixed up JR train with Nankai train. 23:29 departure train is Nankai train and go straight to Namba. You don’t need to worry about transfer.
JR train depart 3 minutes after Nankai train at 23:32. If you take this, you have to transfer at Tennoji. There are lots of signs in English. You can’t miss it.
Your hotel is located between Nankai and JR Namba. It’s walking distance. You can ask station staff. Most of station staffs are not very fluent to speak English. But they will be able to communicate. If you can prepare your hotel name in Japanese (just print out hotel website page), it will be easier.
If you miss these trains, you have to take limousine bus. The first option is 23:45 dep bus to Nankai Namba.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_namba.html
If you miss it, 0:45 dep bus to Umeda is your last option. But this bus does not go to Namba. You have to take taxi to get your hotel. I don’t have exact fare for taxi. But I estimate it will cost at least 2000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
I will be arriving Kansai airport on 9 Dec (Mon) at 22.25pm. I will be staying at Monterey Grasmere Osaka. I read through the comments above and understood that my best bet for catching a train would be the Airport Express Rapid last train departing 23.29. If i fail to catch that i can take limousine bus. Is that correct? However i am confused by these two links which seem to be airport limousine bus but has different departure timings?
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/morning-
midnight/index.html#midnight
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_osaka_sta_tt.html#from
are they both airport limousine bus? Which one should i be looking out for? Thanks for advice!