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
Takeshi san
We will go to Japan on 8/10-16/10, our trip as below. Please give us some comment
1) 8/10 arrive Tokyo in evening
2) 9/10 from Tokyo travel to Osaka by JR pass
3) 10/10 from Osaka to Kyoto
4) 11/10 stay at Kyoto
5) 12/10 from Kyoto to Nagoya
6) 13/10 from Nagoya to Tokyo
7) 14/10-16/10 stay at Tokyo
Is this schedule alright? In Tokyo which station shall we go to take Shinkansen to Osaka?
Hi Alex,
Your schedule is okay. You can make all cities.
What do you want to see in Nagoya? Nagoya is one hour away from Kyoto and less than 2 hours away from Tokyo. You can drop by there/ You may not stay overnight there because Kyoto and Tokyo may be more attractive.
You can take Shinkansen at either Tokyo or Shinagawa. You can choose closer station to your hotel.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Those transferring to a subway line at Namba Station should consider the “Kanku Chikatoku Ticket” which combines the Nankai train ride from Kansai Airport to Namba Station and a subway journey from Namba Station to any subway station within Osaka for only 1000 yen one way.
Hi Marcos,
Thanks for adding info. You are right. Kanku Chikatoku gives us a great saving if we travel between Osaka and KIX. I recommend this deal at the following post:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
The following is my itinerary
1. Day 1 kansai airport – kyoto (haruka plus icoca)
2. Day 2 kyoto – single fare ICOCA
3. Day 3 kyoto to osaka – kansai thru pass
4. Day 4 usj – single fare ICOCA
5. Day 5 and 6 osaka city – osaka amazing pass 2 days
6. Day 7 – osaka aquarium and the ferris wheel and market nearby – osaka kaiyu ticket if not enough will use ICOCA
7. Day 8 and 9 – kobe, nara and himeji (kansai thru pass)
8. Osaka back to kansai airport. Using the haruka plus icoca round trip package that i buy earlier.
Just wondering is it cheaper to get kansai thru pass for 3 days. As the first time i plan to use the pass is for me to travel from KYOTO station to Nankai Namba. My accomodation near nankai namba central gate exit. Then the subsequent usage for KTP is for kobe and nara.
Thanks
Hi Sabrina,
My idea is a bit different for Kyoto and Nara.
2. Day 2 kyoto – Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass
7. Day 8 and 9 – kobe, nara and himeji – kansai thru pass for Kobe and Himeji, ICOCA for Nara.
But it depends on how many trips you will make in Kyoto. Even though you visit a few places, you still can use all day bus pass. It costs only 500 yen. If you take bus three time, it’s paid off.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Fro the trip to Nara, KTP is okay but not requried. As long as you visit the places surrounding Nara station, you can visit there by walk from the station. Single fare may be cheaper. But if you intend to visit other places in Nara, KTP is better. In this case, keep your original plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi.
How about the day 3 trip from kyoto to osaka? The half day in the morning ill do my last round of visits in kyoto then only depart to osaka during noon. Just wondering should i use KTP for only the single trip from kyoto to osaka (namba) or just pay for the single fare.
If using KTP, then i would need to purchase 3 days of KTP. One day for this and the remaining days for the day 8 and 9 trip.
Hi Sabrina,
KTP is okay for day 3. If you visit a few places in Kyoto and move to Namba, single ticket may be cheaper. But if you have KTP, you can visit some places in Osaka after you arrive in Osaka because KTP covers subway in Osaka. Small extra payment gives you more flexibility. I recommend you to go for KTP on day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your help.
No problem, Sabrina.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
thanks for the v useful info here, we are travelling below places in August, appreciate suggestions on travel mode, thanks!
1) Reach KIX (Osaka)
2) Travel to Kobe (Arima Onsen)
3) Travel to Kyoto (Kyoto Station)
4) Travel to Osaka (Namba Staton)
5) Back to KIX
thanks!
Hi Rachel,
I think Kansai thru pass is the best choice for your trip on day 2, 3 and 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
And you may choose some deals for KIX-Osaka at the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, we will go to Japan from august 7th (arriving 9pm to Osaka) to august 24th (departing 11am from Tokyo). we don’t know if JR pass for 7 days or 14 days and when to start it. What do you recommend? This is our estimated itinerary:
07-Aug Osaka (9pm)
08-Aug Koyasan
09-Aug Koyasan-Kioto
10-Aug Kioto
11-Aug Kioto
12-Aug Osaka
13-Aug Hiroshima-Miyajima
14-Aug Okayama-Kioto
15-Aug Kioto-Kanazawa
16-Aug Kioto-Nara
17-Aug ??
18-Aug ??
19-Aug Tokio-Nikko
20-Aug Tokio
21-Aug Tokio-Kamakura
22-Aug Tokio
23-Aug Tokio
24-Aug Tokio (11am)
Any suggestions?
Hi Fernando,
If you move to Hiroshima on Aug 13, you can start to use JR pass 7 days on Aug 13.
There are some deals available for KIX-Osaka and Koyasan.
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/how-to-get-mt-koya.html
Single fare or subway pass in cities are fine for the rest of you plan.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi-kun,
Your website gives an excellent breakdown of the various train systems in Japan. Nevertheless, I would like to ask you for some advice for my upcoming trip.
I am going to Japan for 9 days from 11 July to 20 July.
I am planning to travel with the following itinerary.
11 july – Arrive at Kansai INT Airport at 4.30pm. Have to make my way to USJ Osaka.Hotel is near there. (How to?)
12 – 14 July- Explore Osaka
15 – 17 July – Make my way to Kyoto from Osaka. I have to get to Kyoto Station as hotel is near there. (How to?) Explore Kyoto.
18th – 19th July – Probably travel to Kobe from Kyoto (day trip)
20th July – Take a Limousine bus back to Kansai Airport from Kyoto Station. (early flight, will need to reach the airport by 8am).
I am unsure if I should get the JR PASS. What would you recommend?
thank you
Hi Brian san,
You can get USJ from KIX by limousine bus.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_usj_tt.html
Subway pass or single fare ticket is okay for Osaka
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
But you need to pay single fare to the nearest station from Universal city because this is not subway station.
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
As you see the post above, you can take JR train to get Kyoto from Universal city. Single fare ticket is okay.
In Kyoto, you may use bus or subway deal.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Single ticket is okay for trip to Kobe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
thank you for the information! As I will be touching down at the airport around 1620. The nearest bus timing would be 1910. Would you suggest that I wait for the Limo Bus till 1910, or should just take a train down to my hotel?
thank you
Hi Brian,
It depends on your arrival time (on time, early or delayed) and immigration / custom. You may spend many minutes to clear there.
So you can decide it upon arrival. If you take a train, you can take Kansai airport rapid train and local train, You can transfer rapid to local at Nishikujo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
If you take a train, you may use ICOCA and Haruka even though you don’t take limited express Haruka.
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
ICOCA can be used for any trains. When you use subway pass in Osaka, you can use this to take JR train to the nearest subway station. And you may use this when you go to Kyoto by train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much Takeshi!!
No problem, Brian.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,Takeshi-kun.
I’m going on my first trip to Japan for 8 days during end of July.
The trip is planned like this:
Osaka(Airport Arrival) >Kyoto >Kobe> Osaka(Airport Departure)
Day 1- Arrive KIX During Midnight
Day 2- Osaka
Day 3- Osaka > Kyoto
Day 4- Kyoto
Day 5- Kyoto > Kobe > Osaka
Day 6- Osaka
Day 7- Osaka
Day 8- Osaka to KIX
Is JR Green Pass a good choice for me? Because I plan to buy “Japan Rail 1-Day Pass” + “7 days JR Green Pass”.
Thank you ^_^
Hi Phyllis san,
JR pass is much much more expensive than even single fare. I have sample itinerary that is very similar to your plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
I estimate your cost will be less than 10000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for all those useful information. It has cleared many of my confusions.
Sorry to bother you again with some more questions. I’m going with a group of 4 people, 2 people suggest to use ICOCA+HARUKA and the other 2 support to hire cab ^^”.
Would you mind to give some suggestions,Takeshi-kun ?
Hi Phyllis san,
Are you going to use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day? What time are you going to arrive. The window is closed at 11:00pm and the last train to Osaka departs at 11:32. Do you have enough time to buy it?
If you have a time, this deal might be your choice. But there are many more deals from KIX to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Taxi is not cheap.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/taxi/index.html
And most of cab cannot take 4 big luggage. Some of cab are like mini van. But I don’t know you can catch this type of cab or not.
Cheers,
P.S. “Kun” is used for men who are younger or the same age as you. And usually it’s used for classmate or friend who is very close relationship. I understand you don’t mean anything. If you use this phrase, you may be careful. Just for your info.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Once again thank you so much Takeshi for the transport guide and the Japanese lesson ^_^ I’ve learnt a lot.
Sorry again for the mis-usage of honorifics.
Hi Takeshi!
Me and my partner will be making our first trip to Japan in September 🙂 My friends have recommended to buy a Green(?) JR pass however, I am still uncertain about purchasing it and unsure if it’s worth the cost. Please have a look at our itinerary below:
SEPT 3 – 15
Day 1 – Arrive at Narita Airport >> Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo >> Mt Fuji (need to get to Kawaguchiko Train Station)
Day 3 – Mt Fuji >> Osaka
Day 3 to Day 6 – Osaka, we will travelling around Osaka to the main tourist spots (eg, Osaka Castle, Umeda, Dotonburi etc)
Day 6 – Osaka >> Kobe
Day 7 – Kobe >> Kyoto (accommodation is near Kyoto station)
Day 7 to Day 10 – Kyoto; sightseeing, travelling to temples and other tourist attractions
Day 10 – Kyoto >> Tokyo
Day 10 to Day 13 – Tokyo
Day 13 – Tokyo >> Narita Airport
We are so excited about visiting Japan! Thank you so much! Appreciate your help 🙂
Deanne
Hi Deanne,
It’s very hard to decide to go for JR Pass or not. At this point, single fare is cheaper. Because 14 days pass is too expensive for your trip. But if you use 7 days pass, you have to squeeze Fuji-Osaka/Kyoto-Tokyo in 7 days. But you will spend 8 days for this segment of your trip.
If you want to save your cost as much as you can, try to squeeze Kyoto and Osaka in 7 days. If you don’t want to squeeze, single fare is cheaper. Single fare is cheaper but not easy to handle because JR Pass gives you unlimited ride. You have to prepare tickets for every segments.
Or you can use 14 days pass and visit many more places when you will be in Tokyo (or Osaka). If you just stay in Tokyo and visit the places in downtown Tokyo, 14 days pass is way more expensive. But if you add one or more long day trip(s), it will work.
For example, you may visit Hiroshima as day trip from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Day trip to Himeji from Osaka (but only this trip is too short to use 14 days pass)
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Day trip to Nikko
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Actually you can visit Kanazawa by newly open Shinkansen from Tokyo as day trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
If you go for JR pass, Green pass is worth using.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/worthwhile-buying-green-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi,
Me and my parents are going to japan on july and the plan goes like this..
Day 1-4 tokyo
day 5 tokyo to osaka
Day 6-7 osaka
day 8 osaka to kyoto
day 8-9 kyoto
day 10 kyoto to hiroshima (whole day there) to tokyo
Day 11-12 tokyo
day 13 back home
I got a few questions..
1 is it paying off to take the 7 days pass or not?
2 how much time does it take from osaka to kyoto by train and how.much does it cost?
And do you think the plan is smartly planned or whould you plan it outherwise and am i missing some stops.that.i should visit or not so much..
we are not looking just for temples we want to see cool places and shop..
thanx
Roee.
Hi Rose,
JR Pass 7 days will work. The price of 7 days pass is almost same as round trip between Osaka and Tokyo. You will go to Hiroshima and you will have many more chances to use the pass when you are in Osaka and Kyoto. It gives you a huge saving.
You may find the detailed info about Kyoto-Osaka transfer and more info about both cities at the links below:
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/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
You can use JR pass for transfer among these cities.
Kyoto-Hiroshima-Tokyo in one day is not impossible, but it’s very tight. I have day trip sample itinerary from Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
If you go back to Tokyo, you have to spend another 2.5 hours on top of the sample itinerary above. You may be able to do it but not recommended. If you can switch Kyoto and Osaka, it will be easier. Because Osaka is slightly closer to Hiroshima than Kyoto. Or if you stay in Kyoto or Osaka one more night and go back to Tokyo on day 11, it will be easier. You will start to use JR Pass 7 days on day 5. Day 11 will be still covered by JR Pass.
If you are okay to spend one more whole day, you can take Osaka/Kyoto – Kanazawa – Tokyo route when you go back to Tokyo. Even though it will be a big detour, Kanazawa is a beautiful old city and worth visiting. You can drop by there on the way to Tokyo
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2167.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear sir,
We have 8 members planning to visit japan at the end of Now. i came up with the following itinerary:
Day 1 Visit Tokyo
Day 2 To Hakodate
Day 3 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
Day 4 Otaru pass through Sapporo
Day 5 Sapporo to Fuurano
Day 6 Sapporo
Day 7 Flight back to Tokyo
Day 8 To Hakone
Day 9 Takayama
Day 10 Shirakawa-go, then go to Kyoto
Day 11 Kyoto then to Nara
Day 12 Nara then to Osaka
Day 13 Osaka
Day 14 To Kansai airport
Will we be able to use JR 7 days pass with the maximize use or should we go for one day pass per city? As you told me before there is no more overnight from Tokyo to Hakodate. Could you please suggest what is the cheapest way and save time way for us to go to Hakodate on the second day?Hope you can help me with this. Thank you!
Hi Chua,
Simply 14 days JR pass is the best choice. If you don’t take a flight but take a train from Sapporo to Tokyo on day 7, it gives you the great value.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Chua,
Will be going to Japan for 17 days in Sept. Looks like you have ur trip well planned. Am having a headache planning a trip, your trip looks like a dream to me. If you could share the sights you plan to see in your itinerary it will save me a lot of research.
Additionally if you could also advise your proposed hotels on the way, it will save endless hours trolling booking.com and Agoda.
Thanks
wgchin