As you probably have already known, the train system in Japan is very complicated. Especially in the major cities, there are lots of railways. You might not understand the difference between Japan Railways (JR), subways and private railways.
In Kansai area, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and Wakayama, many trains runs among these cities. You may be overwhelmed. But it is very important to understand the train system. This is a key to make a trip much more smoothly and save your trip time.
I would like to explain about JR lines and the private railway companies in Kansai area in this post. You may find which train line is the best for your trip.
Overview of train system in Kansai area
Please find the map below. It looks very complicated. I will explain you one by one.
I tried to make this map as simple as possible. But it still shows you many train lines. This map actually does not show all stations and all train lines. It shows you only major stations, major lines, transfer points and the station where is near popular sightseeing spot.
You have to pick one of those lines. It is complicated but I would like to explain you these train lines one by one.
JR trains
JR used to be Japanese National Railway. It has lines throughout Japan. In Kansai area, JR network has the biggest train network. I would like to show you only JR lines in Kansai area at the map below:
You can catch JR train right after you arrive in Kansai airport. You can go almost anywhere in Kansai area, like Osaka (both Umeda and Namba), Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama and Himeji.
If you use JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass or other JR deal, try to use JR train as much as you can. JR has two kinds of railways, Shinkansen and conventional lines.
Conventional line’s trains in Kansai area
There are many train services on the conventional line network.
- Limited Express, such as Haruka (Kansai airport – Shin Osaka – Kyoto)
- Rapid
- Local
Most of you take a rapid train service. This is a sort of commute train but it stops at major stations only. This train service offers you a high speed transfer among cities.
Especially if you want to move among Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji, Special Rapid Service is the fastest and most convenient train service on the conventional line. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka / Sannomiya (Kobe) — 22 minutes
- Osaka / Kyoto — 28 minutes
- Sannomiya / Kyoto — 50 minutes
- Osaka / Himeji– 1 hour 10 minutes
Please see the link below to find more information about Special Rapid Service train:
JR Special Rapid Service train between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and HImeji
There are many more rapid train services in Kansai area, such as Nara, Kansai airport and Wakayama. Please see the link below to get more information about rapid train services in Kansai area:
Kansai area JR rapid train network
The Shinkansen (a.k.a. Bullet Train)
Shinkansen is a high speed train service as you probably know. It is much faster than any trains on conventional lines. Shinkansen usually used for long distance transfer, such as Tokyo to Osaka.
But it can be used for short distance, like Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. It connects Shin-Osaka and Kyoto in 13 minutes, and Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe in 15 minutes. This is so fast. But if you leave from Umeda or other stations in Osaka, you may have to add some extra time to transfer at Shin-Osaka. Because Shin-Osaka is one station away from Osaka (Umeda). Let’s compare trip time for Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto between Shinkansen and Special Rapid Service.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 28 minutes – Kyoto
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 13 minutes – Kyoto
It may take 25 minutes even if you take high speed train, Shinkansen.
Shinkansen is not much faster than Special Rapid Service.
How about trip to Kobe by Shinkansen? In my opinion, it is not a good idea if you think about using Shinkansen from Osaka. It is same situation as trip to Kyoto. You have to move to Shin-Osaka to catch Shinkansen. And also Shin-Kobe station is one station away from Sannomiya by subway.
By Special Rapid Service
Osaka – 22 minutes – Sannomiya
By Shinkansen
Osaka – 4 minutes – Shin Osaka (5 to 10 minutes for transfer) – 15 minutes – Shin Kobe (5 to 10 minutes transfer) – 2 minutes – Sannomiya
View Downtown Kobe in a larger map
In this case, Shinkansen is slower than Special Rapid Service.
If you use JR pass, you can take Shinkansen for this short transfer because it is fully covered by JR pass. It is not worth taking Shinkansen for these short transfers by single fare.
Private Railways in Kansai area
There are many private company’s railways (=NON JR) in Kansai area. Actually these train companies offers more convenient train service than JR trains on many segments. I would like to show you all major company’s lines in Kansai area.
Kansai Thru Pass is very popular deal to travel in Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan and Wakayama. This pass covers these Non JR train services. If you make lots of trips by these private train services, you may use Kansai Thru Pass. Please see the link below to find more information about Kansai Thru Pass:
Hankyu Railway
Hankyu Railway runs Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Takarazuka.
In Osaka, Umeda is the terminal station. Umeda is same location as JR Osaka station. All trains depart from Umeda to all destinations. In Kyoto, you can reach Kawaramachi (near Gion) and Arashiyama. This train service takes you to Sannomiya in Kobe.
There is no direct scheduled trains between Kyoto and Kobe. You have to change the trains at either Juso or Umeda. Juso is the junction of Kobe line, Kyoto line, and Takarazuka line. This station is only two stations away from Umeda. In the peak period, like spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, the direct train service to Arashiyama from Umeda and/or sometimes from Kobe-Sannomiya are available. But you have to change the trains at Katsura usually when you go to Arashiyama by Hankyu Railway.
Hankyu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But an express supplement is not required for taking any trains, even limited express. It is same category as JR’s Special Rapid Service.
The trip times for major segments are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 27 minutes
- Umeda / Kawaramachi — 43 minutes
- Umeda / Arashiyama — 45 minutes
I show you Osaka Subway Sakaisuji line in the map above. Because this subway train go through Hankyu Railway line. You may get Kyoto by direct service from many places in downtown Osaka.
Keihan Railway
Keihan Railway is another way to get Kyoto from Osaka.
At Osaka, Yodoyabashi and Nakanoshima are the terminal stations. But the primary station is Yodoyabashi. Most of express trains depart from Yodoyabashi. And this station is connected with Umeda and Namba by Osaka Subway Midousuji line.You can also take this railway at Kyobashi. You can transfer from JR Osaka Kanjo line at Kyobashi. In Kyoto, Gion-Shijo, Sanjo and Demachiyanagi are the terminal stations. Keihan Railway is most accessible way to visit Higashiyama area directly.
Keihan Railway also runs to Uji. You can transfer the trains at Chushojima.
Keihan Railway operates many category of trains, such as limited express, express, semi-express, local. Limited express train has one by-level car in each train set. It also has “Premium car” in each train set. It has much bigger and more comfortable seat.
Additional fare is 400 or 500 yen required to take a seat in Premium car. The fare is varied by the distance.
You can take all trains without any surcharge other than Premium car seat. This limited express train is same type of service as JR’s Special Rapid Service as well.
The trip time on major sections are the following:
- Yodoyabashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 50 minutes
- Kyobashi / Gion-Shijo or Sanjo — 45 minutes
Hanshin Railway
Hanshin Railway connect Osaka and Kobe.
Hanshin has two terminals at two biggest downtown cores in Osaka, Umeda and Namba. At Kobe side, Kobe-Sannomiya and Motomachi are the primary stations.
Hanshin Railway lines are very short but this railway connects with other railways at both end. In Kobe, Hanshin is connected with Sanyo Railway. Many express trains go through Himeji via Sanyo Railway. At the other side, Hanshin is connected with Kintetsu Railway at Osaka-Namba station. Many of trains go through Nara from Motomachi or Kobe-Sannomiya via Kintetsu Railway. This is only way to get Nara from Kobe directly. Major direct train services and trip time are the following:
- Umeda / Sannomiya — 30 minutes
- Osaka-Namba / Sannomiya — 45-50 minutes
- Umeda – (Hanshin) – Motomachi – (Sanyo) – Himeji — 95 to 100 minutes
- Nara – (Kintetsu) – Osaka-Namba – (Hanshin) – Motomachi — 80 minutes
Hanshin Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. But no extra charge is required to take any trains.
Nankai Railway
Nankai Railway is one of major ways to get Osaka from Kansai airport. It also takes you to Wakayama and Gokurakubashi that is the gateway to Koyasan (Mt. Koya).
Koyasan (Mt. Koya) access guide
Nankai Railway has a huge terminal station in Namba, Osaka. Most of trains depart and arrive at this station.
Nankai Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. The name of limited express train and the trip time for major segments are the following:
- Limited Express “Southern” (Osaka-Namba / Wakayamashi) — 1 hour
- Limited Express “Rapi:t” (Osaka-Namba / Kansai Airport) — 45 to 55 minutes
- Limited Express “Koya” (Osaka-Namba / Gokurakubashi) — 80 minutes
- Limited Express “Rinkan” (Osaka-Namba / Hashimoto) — 45 minutes
There are express trains and local trains if you want to avoid paying extra. Actually trip time is not so much different. It depends on the distance. In most of cases, you will spend 10 to 15 minutes extra. But interior is very different. Your seat is reserved if you take limited express and very comfortable. If you take express without surcharge, it is a commute train. You may not be able to get a seat.
*Only limited express “Southern” has two types of seats, limited express seat and commuter car seat. Commute car seat is same as other commute train. This is non reserved seat and express surcharge is not required to take this.
Kintetsu Railway
Kintetsu Railway operates a train service in the biggest private railway network in Japan. It connects Osaka, Nara, Yoshino, Kyoto, Nagoya and Ise.
In this post, I would like to tell you about Kintetsu Railway network in Kansai area only. If you want the information about trip to Ise / Shima area, please refer the post below:
In Osaka, Kintetsu Railway has two terminal stations, such as Osaka-Namba and Osaka-Abenobashi. As I mentioned at the chapter of Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway is connected with Hanshin Railway at Osaka-Namba. You can take direct train service between Kobe and Nara by Hanshin and Kintetsu. You may take Kintetsu Railway train at Tsuruhashi. You can change to JR Osaka Kanjo line at this station.
Kintetsu is also major way to get Nara from Kyoto. Kintetsu Kyoto station is same location as JR Kyoto station. You can transfer from JR and Kyoto subway at Kyoto station very easily. But Kintetsu Railway is connected to Kyoto subway at Takeda station. Some trains go through Kyoto subway Karasuma line.
You can use Kintetsu Railway for Osaka-Kyoto transfer. But it is a detour and there is no direct train services provided between Osaka and Kyoto by Kintetsu Railway. You have to change the trains at Yamato-Saidaiji. If you really want to use Kintetsu Railway, you can take this route. Otherwise it is wasting time and money.
Kintetsu Railway is only way to get Yoshino which is very popular to see cherry blossom. There is a direct train service from Osaka-Abenobashi. If you access to Yoshino from Kyoto, Nara, you have to transfer the trains at least once at Kashihara-Jingumae station.
Kintetsu Railway operates several kinds of trains, like limited express, rapid express, express, local. Express train surcharge is required to take limited express trains. Kintetsu Railway has a big limited express train network. But if you take Kintetsu Railway to get Nara from Osaka or Kyoto, you may not use limited express train because it is such a short ride. If you visit Yoshino, limited express may be your choice. The trip time for major segments are the following:
- Osaka-Namba / Kintetsu Nara — 40 minutes
- Kyoto / Kintetsu Nara — 45 minutes
- Osaka-Abenobashi / Yoshino — 85 minutes (75 minutes by limited express)
How to choose the lines and trains to Kyoto from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
Where are you going to stay in Osaka? If you will stay in Umeda area, Hankyu and Japan Railway may be your choice. If you stay near Yodoyabashi, Tenmabashi or Kyobashi, Keihan is more accessible. If you stay in Namba or other location in Osaka, you need to take subway line or JR Osaka loop line anyway. Think about arrival station in Kyoto.
View Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe in a larger map
You can find the train network map at the post, Guide to take trains in Osaka. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Arrival station in Kyoto
Which part of Kyoto do you want to go? JR Special Rapid Service train is the fastest way to get Kyoto.
JR Special Rapid / Osaka – Kyoto 28 minutes
Hankyu Railway Limited Express / Umeda – Kawaramachi 45 minutes
Keihan Railway Limited Express / Yodoyabashi – Gion-Shijo 50 minutes
But most tourist spots in Kyoto are away from JR Kyoto station. You have to take a bus or subway to get there, such as Kinkakuji temple, Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine. Only Arashiyama and Nijo castle is accessible by JR trains.
If you want to go to Higashiyama or Gion, such as Kiyomizudera temple, Yasaka Jinja shrine, Philosopher’s Walk, Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway are more convenient than Japan Railway.
If you are looking for information about all trains in Kyoto, please refer the post below:
How to choose the lines and trains to Kobe from Osaka
Departure station in Osaka
You have two options, Umeda (JR Osaka) or Namba. If you stay around Umeda area, you can choose from Japan Railway, Hankyu or Hanshin. Hankyu and Hanshin are cheaper than JR but JR is faster.
If you will stay in Namba area, Hanshin Railway is the best choice.
You can find the train network map of Osaka in the post below:
Arrival station in Kobe
Which part of Kobe do you want to go? You can go anywhere in Kobe by Japan Railway and Hanshin Electric Railway. Most of trains of Hankyu Railway go to Sannomiya only. If you are looking for the transfer to other area in Kobe, think about JR or Hanshin.
But Kobe is smaller than Kyoto. So it is not much different among JR, Hanshin and Hankyu.
You can find the train network map of Kobe in the post below:
How to choose a train service between Kobe and Kyoto
Only JR Special Rapid Service offers you a direct train service. It is the fastest and maybe faster than even Shinkansen. But as I mentioned to you above, JR Kyoto station is away from most tourist spots. On the other hand, Hankyu Railway can take you to Kyoto from Kobe. Hankyu do not offer any scheduled train on this section. But Kawaramachi station is located near Gion and Higashiyama. JR and Hankyu’s trip time are the following.
Sannomiya / JR Kyoto — 50 minutes
Sannomiya / Hankyu Kawaramachi — 65 minutes (change the trains at Juso)
Hankyu is slower. And you have to think about the location in Kyoto. If you stay around JR Kyoto station, JR is the best way. But if you stay in other area, such as Gion, you may spend another 15-20 minutes get JR Kyoto station. Hankyu may be better choice. If you go to Arashiyama in Kyoto, it is same story. Hankyu is better as well.
Assessment
There are many train services and it makes you confused. Please make sure the station where you want to depart from and arrive in before you go. And then, you can find which train you should take.
Comments
Dear Sir,
I am going to kyoto and Kanazawa next month for 8 days as below:
Day 1: Kansai Airport to Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto to Kanazawa
Day 3: Kanazawa
Day 4: back to Kyoto from Kanazawa
Days 5 -8: Kyoto
May I know if I can use Kansai Area Pass (4 days) plus Hokuriku Area Pass (4 days) to cover the transportation of my first four days trip as I will only stay in Kyoto for the rest of the days in this trip? Or should I buy the 7-day Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass instead?
Many thanks.
Jan
Hi Jan,
Kansai Area Pass and Hokuriku Pass covers your trip. But this combination covers only first 4 days of your trip. And Kansai Area Pass does not cover any express trains other than Haruka. So you have to take local or rapid train to get Tsuruga. Those trains are commute trains. It takes a long time and not very convenient.
Even though Kansai Hokuriku Pass is more expensive than this combination, it covers limited express train. You can take limited express Thunderbird from Kyoto to Kanazawa directly. It’s faster, more convenient and more comfortable. And also, if you intend to make trip outside Kyoto after day 5, you still can use this pass to get Nara, Kobe, Osaka and even Kinosaki, Okayama, Shingu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi, our last days will be in kyoto,we plan to go to nara and kobe and finally to KIX, is one day kansai thru pass a good idea ? thanks
Hi,
I will be going to Osaka for 7days 6 nights and will be staying in Flora Inn Namba (should be near to some train station). Till now, I am still confuse on the transport system in Japan.Hope you are able to provide some info on it. I am using Osaka as base. thks
1. what passes do I need if I am sight seeing in Osaka (4days)
2. I will be going to Kyoto for 2 days (will return to Namba every night), what type of passes is useful.
Hi Robin,
You can find all solutions at 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
The following links may be useful for you too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I will be arriving at Tokyo on 22nd May with family
Below is my itinerary :
Day 1 – Tokyo (Arrived late at night)
Day 2 – Tokyo
Day 3 – Tokyo
Day 4 – Disneyland
Day 5 – Mt Fuji
Day 6 – Tokyo
Day 7 – Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 8 – Kyoto
Day 9 – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 10- Osaka
Day 11 – Osaka depart from Kansai airport
Should I go for Kansai Thru pass for? What will be the pass to buy in order to travel in osaka and to Kansai airport. Thanks!
Hi Theresa,
Your trip is very similar to my sample itinerary. Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
You may use highway bus if you go to Lake Kawaguchi side of Mt. Fuji instead of Hakone.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Kansai thru pass may not work for your trip. Local deals in Osaka, Kyoto and to KIX are the best option.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Mr Takeshi,
My wife and I are going to Kyoto on May 2015. We are arriving Kansai 9:05 PM and will immediately proceed to Kyoto in Higashiyama area. May I know what is the best way to take ?
Kind regards,
Raul
Hi Raul,
Limited Express Haruka is the best way to Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
But you may not take this last train. The last one depart at 22:16. It may be tight to catch this train.
You also can take limousine bus to Kyoto.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_kyoto_tt.html#from
You have to take taxi from Kyoto station to your accommodation anyway by either Haruka or bus. Taxi fare will be 1500 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi,
Thank you for your early reply on 3 /4/2015. Please advise me on the day pass or tickets for my itinenary.
Day1: staying at Nikko hotel @ Kansai airport
Day2:
Kansai Airport – kyoto station ( use ICOCA & Haruka)
Kyoto station – fushimi inari – Kiyomizu-dera Temple – kinkakuji / Yasaka shrine – Gion area – Nishiki mkt – kyoto station ( use all day sightseeing pass @1200yen)
Day3: Kyoto station – Miho musuem – Todaiji / Nara Park – Higashimuki Shopping Street – Kyoto station ( use JR kansai area pass 1 day @ 2300 yen )
Day4: Kyoto station – Kiyomizudera temple – Nishiki mkt – Gion (use sightseeing city bus all day @ 500yen or ICOCA + haruka pass 4060 yen)
Day5:
To stay in Osaka
Kyoto station to Dobutsuenmae Station – hakutsuru sake museum – Kikumasamune sake museum – mosaic mall – kobe harborland ( use Hanshin 1 day pass @500yen)
Day6
Shinimamiya Station – Osaka Aquarium Japan – Osaka Castle – Osaka Namba Yasaka Shrine – Shinsaibashi – shensaikai – Dotonbori – Tsutenkaku ( osaka amazing pass 2 day @ 3000yen -day6 & day7 )
Day7
Dobutsuenmae Station – Instant ramen musuem (midosuji & Hankyu Takarazuka Line ) – Osaka Castle – Osaka musuem – Osaka Floating Garden – Hepfive Ferris Wheel ( osaka amazing pass 2 day @ 3000yen
Day8
Shinimamiya Station – Universal Studio ( use ICOCA + haruka pass 4060 )
Day 9
Dobutsuenmae Station – Shinsaibashi area – shensaikai (use ICOCA + haruka pass 4060)
Day 10
Dobutsuenmae station – KIX airport ( use ICOCA + haruka pass 4060 )
Q1: Day3 – I would like to take JR Tokaido from Kyoto station to Ishiyama Station , is this route covered by both ICOCA & Haruka card and JR Kansai area pass?
Q2: Day3 – In order to reach Miho Museum , I need to take Teisan bus ( near Ishiyama station), is this covered by ICOCA & Haruka card? If not, please advise.
Q3: Day 3 – From Miho museum to Nara, is it advisable to use ICOCA & Haruka card @ 4060yen or JR Kansai area pass (1 day) @ 2300yen?
Q4: Day3 – At the end of day trip, I will travel back to Kyoto from Higashimuki Shopping Street, Nara. Can I use ICOCA & Haruka card or JR Kansai area pass for Kintetsu Nara & Kyoto line? If not, please advise.
Q5: Day 4 -Should I use ICOCA & Haruka card or City bus all day pass (500yen) for the convenience?
Q6: Day 5 – from Kyoto station to Dobutsuenmae Station, Osaka, is it advisable to use ICOCA & Haruka card. From Dobutsuenmae Station to Kobe, Will Hanshin day pass 500yen be more convenient?
Q7: Day7 – Does ICOCA & Haruka card or Osaka amazing pass have the coverage for Midosuji & Hankyu Takarazuka Line?
Regards,
Susan
Hi Susan,
Q1: Day3 – I would like to take JR Tokaido from Kyoto station to Ishiyama Station , is this route covered by both ICOCA & Haruka card and JR Kansai area pass?
Yes.
Q2: Day3 – In order to reach Miho Museum , I need to take Teisan bus ( near Ishiyama station), is this covered by ICOCA & Haruka card? If not, please advise.
I don’t think so. Just pay single fare.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7027.html
Q3: Day 3 – From Miho museum to Nara, is it advisable to use ICOCA & Haruka card @ 4060yen or JR Kansai area pass (1 day) @ 2300yen?
Single fare is cheaper than Kansai Area Pass. You may use ICOCA to get JR train.
Q4: Day3 – At the end of day trip, I will travel back to Kyoto from Higashimuki Shopping Street, Nara. Can I use ICOCA & Haruka card or JR Kansai area pass for Kintetsu Nara & Kyoto line? If not, please advise.
ICOCA can be used for Kintetsu, but Kansai area pass does not cover Kintetsu. But single fare is cheaper than pass anyway.
Q5: Day 4 -Should I use ICOCA & Haruka card or City bus all day pass (500yen) for the convenience?
Bus pass is better. You can add more fund into ICOCA but you have only 1500 yen in ICOCA. If you use ICOCA for Nara, your ICOCA will be empty. If you continue to use ICOCA, add more fund into ICOCA at JR station’s ticket vending machine. You can add from 1000 yen.
Q6: Day 5 – from Kyoto station to Dobutsuenmae Station, Osaka, is it advisable to use ICOCA & Haruka card. From Dobutsuenmae Station to Kobe, Will Hanshin day pass 500yen be more convenient?
Hanashin pass is convenient but you have to get Osaka-Namba from Dobutsuenmae by subway.
Q7: Day7 – Does ICOCA & Haruka card or Osaka amazing pass have the coverage for Midosuji & Hankyu Takarazuka Line?
Amazing pass covers in Osaka area only. Please find the detailed info at the link below:
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/kukan/kukan_1day.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/kukan/kukan_2day.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
My family and I are planning on a 7 day trip to japan and i came up with the following itinerary:
Day 0: arrive KIX at 8:55pm transfer to osaka namba station
day 1: osaka
Day 2: kyoto (night bus to tokyo)
Day 3: arrive AM in tokyo
Day 4: tokyo
Day 5: mt fuji
Day 6-7: tokyo
leave thru NRT.
What would you suggest to be the cost efficient way we can travel? Will we be able to maximize the JR pass or should we go for one day pass per city? Hope you can help me with this. Thank you!
Hi Lanie,
JR pass does not work for your trip. You will use overnight bus to Tokyo. So you can use local deals in each cities. Please find the info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi!
I will have 2 weeks (16-29 May) travel to japan and am gonna visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Mt. Fuji, and back to Tokyo.
I need your suggestion on whether i should buy JR Pass or not, because from some of the articles i’ve read, JR Pass is not gonna too convenient in terms of money and time for exploring Kansai area.
Here’s my initinerary :
Day 1 – Tokyo (Arrived late at night)
Day 2 – Tokyo
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Tohoku
Day 5 – Osaka
Day 6 – Kobe
Day 7 – Nara
Day 8 – Mt. Fuji
Day 9-13 – Tokyo (All cool downtown and sideseeing area)
Day 14 – Yokohama
I will be staying at kamata from day 1-2, near Demachiyanagi station from day 3-7 and would be staying at itabashi from day 9-14.
Would appreciate your insight on should i purchase JR Pass or not.
Please help!
Thanks bunch!
Fifi
Hi Fichan,
You can use 7 days JR pass for day 3 to 9.
As you mentioned, JR pass is not most convenient choice in Kansai area. But you can visit Nara and Kobe by JR pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
Even in Osaka and Kyoto, JR pass may cover your trip in these cities.
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you use single fare, it may be slightly cheaper than JR pass. But you have to purchase a ticket one by one. You may be overwhelmed. Even if JR pass is equal to or even a bit higher than single fare, it makes your trip be much easier. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi!
This may be odd but I will be travelling to Osaka soon.
I was thinking of staying in Osaka and doing day trips to Nara, Minoo Park and Kyoto.
Where in Osaka I should stay to make the travelling to these places most convenient? E.g. Near Umeda? Namba?
Or should I just stay in Osaka and Kyoto?
Thanks!
Hi Christina,
I recommend you to stay in Umeda. All places can be accessed from Umeda directly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Congrats for this useful website.
I would like to ask you what you suggested to 6 days trip starting in Osaka but would like to see Kyoto and Nara and finally Tokyo.
Can I see Kyoto and Nara based in Osaka?
What type of train ticket you suggest to buy?
our idea is to be in Osaka (Kyoto+Nara) 2/3 days then 3 days in Tokyo.
Kindly appreciate your help.
Hi Munuel,
You can visit Kyoto and Nara form Osaka. For your stay in Osaka, please find more info at 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
There is no deal for Osaka to Tokyo. Single ticket is your choice.
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
In Tokyo, you can use single fare, subway pass or Tokunai pass as you need.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
There is no deal for both Haneda and Narita on your departure day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail