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,
There’s so much information on your website, my head can’t keep track of all the information! I just can’t decide which passes to buy to minimize the transportation cost. Is it worth it to have Osaka Amazing Pass AND Kansai Through Pass?
Day 1: KIX -> Hotel (Kitahama station approximate arrival at 2pm) -> Arima onsen -> Namba -> Hotel
Day 2: Osaka Amazing Pass -> Osaka Castle -> HEP Five -> Umeda Sky building -> Tombori River Cruise
Day 3: Osaka Amazing Pass -> Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel -> Legoland -> Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory -> Natural Open-air hot spring spa suminoe ->Redhorse Osaka Wheel -> Kitamaha station
Day 4: Kitamaha station -> Nara -> Kitamaha station
Day 5: Kitamaha station -> Asahi suita breweries (Suita station) -> Kuromon -> Namba
Day 6: Kitamaha station -> Kobe station -> Sake museum, Motomachi shopping, Kobe Chinatown, Kobe Harbor land
Day 7: Kobe station -> KIX
Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
As you think, you can use Kansai thru pass and Osaka amazing pass. You can use 3 days Kansai thru pass for day 1, 4 and 5. You can use it for day 6 instead of day 5. In my rough calculation, it’s not much different.
You can take bus or ferry on day 7.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KB
https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/ferry
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My family and I would be travelling in Japan for 8 days, touching down at Kansai Airport. I need some help from you in some areas.
Our planned itinerary is as follows:
Day 1
KIX-Kobe- Himeiji-Osaka (after touching down, we will put our luggage at our hotel near Namba area and then make a day trip to both Kobe and Himeiji.)
Day 2
Osaka-Kinosaki (spend a night in one of the ryokans in Kinosaki)
Day 3
Kinosaki-Kyoto (leave Kinosaki early in the morning to Kyoto)
Day 4
Kyoto full day
Day 5
Kyoto-Nara-Osaka-Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Day 6
USJ full day
Day 7 and 8
We are planning to explore Osaka using the 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass.
1. Is the itinerary practical? Are there any recommendations to make it better?
2. Which pass will be the best for us based on the itinerary as above? (my initial plan was to buy the JR-Kansai wide pass for 5 days)
3. What suggestions will you give, for us to get around Osaka from Day 6-8 (if we were to use the 5 day JR Kansai Wide pass)? Do we need to get another pass or will the single fare be more worth it?
Thank you so much for your time! Really appreciate it.
Hi Jaevonne san,
1. Are you arriving in early morning? If so, day 1 is okay. Please remember that you might spend 3 hours to get hotel in Osaka. And then you will go to Kobe and Himeji. It may be tight.
2. Kansai wide area pass is the best choice.
3. Single ticket is okay for day 6. If you intend to visit many attractions, Osaka amazing pass is a good choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi! Your page is very informative and need some advise from you since im still confuse on passes/train tickets. We will be travelling on April 11th-19th April 2018. Below my plans so far :
Day 1 : Reach Kansai Airport > Check in to Hotel (tennoji)
Day 2 : Osaka – OAP PASS
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Osaka Castle
Umeda Skybulding
Umeda yodobashi
Tenpozan ferris Wheel
Dotonburi & River Cruise
Day 3 : Osaka – Nara – Osaka *KTP
Namba station to Nara Park
city tour bus
nara deer park
Day 4 :Osaka- Kyoto-Osaka*KTP
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Toei kyoto studio park
arashiyama- bamboo grove & togetsukyo bridge
Kinkaku-ji (golden pavillion)
Nishiki Market
Kyoto Tower
Day 5 : Osaka-Kobe-Osaka*KTP
Day 6 : Osaka Free & Easy
– Americamura
-Dotonbori
Day 7 : Osaka Area
Day 8 : Shinshaibashi
Day 9 : Osaka- Kansai Airport
Thank you!
Hi chameni,
Your plan looks good. Kansai thru pass and Osaka amazing pass are good choices. You may think about using 2 days Osaka amazing pass for day 2 and 3, and visit Nara on day 6. It’s only 800 yen difference between 1 day and 2 days Osaka amazing pass. It gives you the flexibility. Of course you don’t need to.
You also think about using ICOCA and Haruka. Kansai one pass can be added instead of ICOCA.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Kansai one pass makes your trip be easier when you sightsee in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thank you so much, will check on the other passes as your recommendation.
Have a good day!
No worries, chameni.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, this is my first time travelling to Japan and I’m pretty confused about the trains in Osaka. Would appreciate if you can advise which pass should I get.
Day 1: arrive at Kansai International Airport Terminal 1
Day 2: osaka
Day 3: kyoto
Day 4: kyoto
Day 5: osaka
Day 6: nara
Day 7: osaka
Day 8: osaka, depart at Kansai International Airport Terminal 1
Thanks very much!
Hi Alice,
If you stay in Osaka only and make day trip every day, please see 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
If you stay in each cities, you may use Kansai thru pass for Osaka to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Osaka to Nara. You may add single fare for Nara to Osaka and subway pass or bus pass in Kyoto and Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
This is my first-time travel to Japan with my daughter
I have been headache with buy which pass(budget pass) is suitable for me.
I hope you may help me with below itinerary.
Day 1: Kansai airport – Osaka – whcih pass?
10.45am reach Kansai Airport
Plan to book hotel near universal studio. next day will visit universal studio.
KUROMON ICHIBAN
Denden Town
Shinsaibashi follow by Dotonburi
Day 2: OSAKA – Universal studio
Day 3: Osaka – Kyoto station – nishiki market -Gion→Yasaka
Shrine →Maruyama Park →Ginkaku-ji temple
Kiyomizu -dera temple & Fushimi Inari
Philosopher’s path
Day 4: Western Kyoto – Arashiyama Full Day
Day 5: Nara – Full day
Day 6: Kobe – Miyajima islan
Day 7: Kyoto – Osaka
Day 8: Osaka – Kansai airport
Thank you very much
Hi Jeslyn,
Before I give you a suggestion, I would like to make sure a few thing:
1. Are you staying near USJ from day 1 to 8? Or are you going to stay in Kyoto too? If so, which part of Kyoto are you going to stay?
2. Is Miyajima islan means Miyajima island near Hiroshima? If so, you should access there from Osaka. It’s closer.
Please let me know these things.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I’ll be staying in Shin Imamiya area. The owner has advise me to use Nankai line as it direct and reach the place easily. However i have bought Kansai day pass and intend to use it. I hv read some review about JR line and Nankai line and it seem that both line reach Shin Imamiya. Is it possible I use JR line instead of Nankai line?
Hi Shirley,
You can take JR trains to Shin-Imamiya. If you take Kansai airport rapid train, you can get Shin-Imamiya from KIX directly. If you take Haruka, you need to change trains at Tennoji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello – TY in advance for your advice! My wife and I are traveling to Japan and learning in Kansai Int. in May and planning to head directly to Osaka for two nights. Then we are heading to Kyoto and staying there for 3/4 nights. Finally we will be heading to Tokyo before disembarking else where.
What do you advise we should take to each location and if we should consider certain passes that can save us some $$$?
Hi Simon,
Please see the link below. It shows you the sample itinerary that is almost same as your plan. You will find which pass you need to get.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
My question might be pretty stupid, but I just want to know in details. We will travel to Japan and we will go to Osaka first then Tokyo. I have been reading a lot if you have JR Pas you can take this train, that train, etc. But what if I don’t buy JR Pass, what are my options? Can I still take the train? What kind of train? Can I take Haruka or those fast train from KIX to Namba or Shin-Osaka if I don’t have JR Pass?
See …. Been google-ing a lot and I just couldn’t find info for those who didn’t buy the pass. Like … What happen?!
Thanks in advance 🙂
Dee
Hi Dee,
Of course you can take any trains as long as you pay regular fare. I explain about JR single ticket rule and other info in 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
But if you travel in short distance, like Kansai airport to Osaka or Kyoto, just buy normal ticket at the vending machine. There are lots of deals available for Kansai airport to Osaka/Kyoto too.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
My friends and I made a very last minute decision to visit Kyoto/Osaka next week. It is our first trip, 5 of us. The following is our proposed itinerary:
25th 9.30am arrival at KIX
To Kyoto where we will be staying near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae station. Am told we can take the subway from Kyoto Station.
26th morning half day tour of Kyoto. Evening to Gion.
27th Depart to Osaka. We will stay at Minamihorie.
Afternoon plan to visit Osaka Castle, and evening to Aquarium.
28th One day to Universal studios. Evening/night to Dotonbori
29th Shinshaibashi and DenDen town/Nipponbashi areas
1pm depart to KIX for 4.30pm flight
Hope you are able to advise. I have read a lot of your advice, it is very detailed with many options. Perhaps because it is my first time travelling to Japan, I am facing difficulty. Thank you in advance for your patience and assistance.
Cheers
Sivadas
Hi Sivadas,
Please see the following link. It shows you sample itinerary. You can remove Nara and Kobe portion from this sample to use for your trip plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Apologies for late reply. Thank you for your advise.
My friends and I did out first trip to Kyoto and Osaka. It was a wonderful experience. The trains and subways were so punctual, convenient and easy to use. And the staff at the stations were so very helpful when we needed advise. Hope to return to visit Tokyo next at year end.
Thank you again. Regards
Sivadas
Hi Sivadas,
I’m really happy to hear that.
Hope you will visit Japan again near future. Japan has many more things.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This is my first-time travel to Japan alone.
I have been headache with buy which pass(budget pass) is suitable for me.
I hope you may help me with below itinerary.
Day 1: Kansai airport – Osaka
10.25am reach Kansai.
my hotel will be near around shin-immamiya station.
Maybe I will go around.
Day 2: OSAKA – which pass? 🙂
I will start to explore around Osaka. But not keen about museum and ride the boat or wheel.
Day 3: Osaka – Kyoto
Day 4: Nara – Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto All Day
Day 6: Kyoto – Tokyo I will purchase a JR ticket(not 7days, thats only one trip)
but may I know do I need to purchase in advance one day?
And which station will be arrived in tokyo..?
Day 7: Tokyo
Day 8: Tokyo Disneyland ( how to go..?)
Day 9: Tokyo – Haneda Airport
Ard 12am I need to go Haneda airport. because my flight is depart at 5.50AM.
Thank you!
Hi Louis,
Yokoso Osaka ticket is the best choice for day 1.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
For day 2, you may find the deal in 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
I think Kansai One Pass is okay for day 3 and 4. You may add city deal in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You may purchase a ticket for Tokyo from Kyoto at any major JR stations. You can purchase either departure day or in advance. It’s up to you. If you take Shinkansen (bullet train), you will arrive at Shinagawa or Tokyo. You can choose it for nearer station to your hotel in Tokyo. Please see the link below to find the train system info in Tokyo. You will find the info about access to Disneyland too.
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