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
Sorry to bother you again, Takeshi-san. I have tried to group my trips to take best advantage of the passes I am planning to buy.
10/16 From KIX take Osaka Airport Limo to Umeda area
10/17 Kobe, single fare
10/18 Osaka, use Kansai Wide Area Pass (overkill but need to use for 4 of the 5 days)
10/19 Kyoto, use Kansai Wide Area Pass (again, overkill)
10/20 Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki – Kansai Wide Area Pass, this should pay for the pass by itself
10/21 Nara – Kansai Wide Area Pass (overkill)
10/22 Kokadera – Kansai Thru Pass
10/23 Koyasan – Kansai Thru Pass
10/24 Kyoto – Kansai Thru Pass
10/25 – Kanazawa, single fare (Thunderbird)
10/26 Kyoto – single fare
10/27 Osaka
10/28 Kobe, single fare, then airport shuttle to Kix
Does that make any sense?
Arigato!
Hi Anne san,
It’s not a good idea to use single fare to get Kanazawa. Single fare with limited express charge is about 9000 yen one way. I recommend you to use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-to-kansai-kanazawa-and-toyama.html
This covers Okayama, Himeji and Kuraski too.
Even though this pass does not cover subway and local bus too. It’s same as Kansai wide area pass. But you can get Kyoto, Nara, Kobe from Osaka by this pass. Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk and Kobe too.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You need to take bus and subway very often in Kyoto only. So try to make a trips to Nara, Kobe, Kanazawa, Himeji, Kurashiki and Okayama in 7 days of Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass. You may access to Arashiyma and Fushimi Inari by JR train in Kyoto. So you will spend 3 days for Kyoto. Try to gather the places where JR trains can take you. And you may use Kansai thru pass for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Again, thank you for your prompt reply and your good advice. I will switch the days for Koyasan and Kanazawa; that way the Kansai-Hokuriku pass and the Kansai Thru pass should take care of almost everything.
Looking forward to a good trip to Japan, thanks to a lot of help from you. You provide a wonderful service.
No problem, Anne. Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
thank you for your information 🙂
I am travelling in late november to osaka and kyoto and this is my plan:
20 Nov.: arrive and stay in osaka
21 Nov. : leave osaka to kyoto
22 Nov.:kyoto
23 Nov.:kyoto
24 Nov.:leave kyoto to osaka
25 Nov.:osaka and leaving japan in the evening
I really dont have any idea how far is kyoto from osaka, and i have not reserved any accommodation yet!!! Is it applicble and wise to stay in osaka for all my trip and go to kyoto for three days from osaka to kyoto with train as the hotels in kyoto are really expensive?
Hi Helly,
Some travellers do not want to move among cities and settle one place to make day trips. So you can stay in Osaka and make multiple day trips to Kyoto. It takes about 45 minutes average from Osaka to Kyoto. It depends on where you stay in Osaka and which part of Kyoto you want to go.
The most convenient place in Osaka is Umeda (JR Osaka station). You can take Hankyu Railway to get Shijo and Arashiyama. You may take JR train to Kyoto. Namba in Osaka is very popular. It’s the biggest downtown core in Osaka.
On the other hand, some want to stay in Kyoto because of atmosphere. The following links shows you two sample itineraries. You may compare and decide which way is better for you.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your very helpful website. Though I’ve started my own research already, I’d like to seek your advice on how my IT could be further optimized (perhaps, some of the attractions need to be re-arranged?) and which passes to avail of so we can save on transportation time and costs. We are a group of 6 pax (3 of which are 60-63 years old), and traveling on Nov. 15-22, 2015.
Day 1 – Arrive in Osaka
Arrival at Kansai Airport by 8 pm.
To check-in at Weekly Green In Namba (3 min. walking distance to Daikokucho Stn.)
*Planning to take Airport shuttle/bus to Namba OCAT, then take taxi to Weekly Green. Should we take train instead?
Day 2 – Kyoto day trip
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizu Temple
Higashimaya District
Marayuma-Koen Park
Yasaka Shrine
Gion
Day 3 – Kyoto day trip
Nijo Castle
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Sagano Scenic Railway
Bamboo Groves
Togetsukyo Bridge
Day 4 – Osaka city tour
Kuromon Ichiba
Osaka Castle
Umeda: Osaka Station City & Umeda Sky Bldg.
Namba: Dotonbori & Shinshaibaishi
Day 5 – USJ
Day 6 – Nara day trip + Namba at night
Todaiji Temple
Isuien Garden
Nara Deer Park
Kofukuji Temple
Namba: Dotonbori & Shinshaibaishi
Day 7 – Kobe day trip
Meriken Park / Kobe Harborland
Kitano
Kobe Beef Lunch
Mt. Rokko Cable Car
Mt. Maya night viewing
Day 8 – Osaka city tour / Depart from Osaka by evening
Kuromon Ichiba
Namba: Dotonbori & Shinshaibaishi
Hope you could help me with above. Thank you very much!
Hi Alistair,
You can take a train if you save your cost to get Daikokucho. Train runs between 5:30 and midnight. But taxi fare is not very expensive because it’s a short ride. Probably it cost around 1000 yen.
Kansai thru pass is recommended for most of your trip. You will get the solution at the link below. I explained about choosing the pass and how to build your itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We will be in Japan in October. We will be spending 12 nights in Osaka. We will be visiting my brother in Kobe 3 or 4 times. We plan to go to Nara, Himenji, Koyasan, Okayama, perhaps Kanazawa, and plan to spend at least 4 days exploring Kyoto. I am confused about the best rail pass to buy! The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass looks tempting, especially if we group our trips that use the pass into a five day period (can I buy two five day passes each?). Thanks for any advice!
Hi Anne,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is a good choice for Okayama and Himeji. But it’s too much for Kobe. If you just go to Kobe from Osaka, single fare or Hanshin Tourist Pass is a good choice. Regarding Kobe, please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For day trip to Nara and Kyoto from Osaka, Kansai thru pass is the best choice. You can use Kansai Wide Area Pass for Kyoto and Nara. But Kansai thru pass covers subway in Kyoto and Kansai wide area pass doesn’t. It’s a big difference because you need to take bus and subway lots in Kyoto. JR trains are not very convenient:
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/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
But these passes (Kansai wide area pass and kansai thru pass) do not cover Kanazawa. You need to use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass or Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass to get Kanazawa.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-to-kansai-kanazawa-and-toyama.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
I understand it’s too many choices and you may be overwhelmed. But you cannot choose the pass without your fixed itinerary. These above deals are recommended. But you have to decide where you go and when you go. And then you will be able to choose the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We are headed to Japan for our honeymoon in November, and would love to get your recommendation on what pass to get and where to stay as a home base (especially the Kansai region)!
Below is our draft itinerary
31 Oct – Arrive in Narita
1 Nov – Tokyo
2 Nov – Tokyo
3 Nov – Tokyo
4 Nov – Tokyo to Shibu Onsen
5 Nov – Shibu Onsen to Kyoto
6 Nov – Kyoto
7 Nov – Day trip to Uji
8 Nov – Kyoto
9 Nov – Day trip to Nara, stay in Kyoto
10 Nov – Kyoto to Osaka
11 Nov – Day trip to Kobe
12 Nov – Day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima
13 Nov – Day trip to Himeji
14 Nov – Osaka to Narita airport
Your advice is much appreciated
Many thanks
Cat
Hi Cat,
I recommend you to use JR pass 14 days from 1st Nov to the end of your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You may find the deal for the first day at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
JR Pass does not cover subway and local bus. Please find more info the link below. You may add subway pass or single ticket as you need.
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/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-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-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.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
I recommend you to stay near JR station, like Ueno, Shinjuku, Shinagawa in Tokyo, Kyoto station, Umeda or Shin-Osaka in Osaka. If you stay away from JR station, you always have to pay single fare for subway or other transportation. If you stay near JR station, you can use JR train by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I need advise for my 1st trip to Japan. Here is my itinerary.
6/12=Reach Narita Airport at 8am, will go Osaka directly. Stay near Osaka Castle-4nights
7/12=Osaka (Stay in Osaka)
8/12=Kyoto (Stay in Osaka)
9/12=Nara (Stay in Osaka)
10/12=Osaka & back to Tokyo. Stay near Yoyogi, Shibuya-5nights
11/12=Tokyo
12/12= Tokyo
13/12=Tokyo
14/12=Yokohama
15/12=Will leave Japan at night. Haneda Airport.
**From Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo..is it better to take flight(flypeach) instead of 7days JR pass? I plan to buy Osaka amazing pass…such area pass to cover my daily transport. Travel in 2 with 1 big luggage.
THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Hi Kim,
I think JR Pass is better. Round trip fare of Peach is probably cheaper than JR Pass. Bus you need to add return fare between airport and downtown at the both end. And also you need to add local deals in Osaka. JR pass does not cover subway and local bus. But it covers many places. Please see the link below:
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/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/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
And also, if you think about trip time between airport and airport. Shinkansen is faster than flight. Because you will spend one hour each at both end. Total trip time will be more than 3 hours. It’s 30 minutes later than Shinkansen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
It’ll be greatly appreciated if you can suggest what type of transit passes I should use for my below itinerary. I have a bit of a weird Itinerary because I need to go back and forth to meet my friends.
Nov 23 2015: Arrive into KIX airport to Osaka
Nov 24: Day Trip to Nara and Kobe (is this possible? or too tight?)
Nov 25: Osaka
Nov 26: Osaka to Tokyo
Nov 27: Tokyo
Nov 28: Day Trip to Kamakura
Nov 29: Tokyo to Hakone
Nov 30: Hakone to Kyoto
Dec 1: Kyoto
Dec 2: Kyoto to Osaka
Dec 3: Osaka to Tokyo
Dec 4: Tokyo
Dec 5: Depart from Haneda Airport
Any insight, suggestions of changes or help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Joan
Hi Joan,
JR Pass 14 days is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Actually it does not give you a huge savings but you can start using pass right after you arrive in KIX and it will cover whole part of your trip. You don’t need to purchase single ticket one by one and it’s so much easier than using single tickets or other deals combination.
You still need to add some other deals and single fare because JR Pass does not cover subway, local bus and most of transportation in Hakone. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/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-kyoto-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-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
My family & I would like to spend our holiday at Kyoto City, Osaka & Tokyo. We might be arriving on the 14th at Narita Airport in the morning. Seeking your help for the train & transportation during our stay in Japan. Below is our itinerary:
14th oct: arrived at Narita to Kyoto
15th oct :Kyoto to Osaka universal studios
16th oct : visit Kyoto attractions
17th oct: Kyoto to Tokyo
18th oct: visit Tokyo attractions
19th oct: Tokyo Disneyland
20th oct: Tokyo to Narita airport
At the moment, we still struggling to decide our hotel in those 2 cities.
Your feedback is highly appreciated
Thanks
Azran
Hi Azran,
You can simply use JR Pass 7 days. It covers whole part of your trip.
You can take Narita Express to get Shinagawa and transfer to Shinkansen to get Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
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/basic-informations/station-information/shinagawa-station-guide-transfer-among-shinkansen-keihin-kyuko-to-haneda-narita-express.html
You may find the timetable at the following links:
Narita express http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
Tokaido Shinkansen http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
For other trains, use hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
first of all, your website is amazing! Thank you so much for all this information!
Could you have a look on our plan (me and girlfriend)?
28. Dec – Early Arrive Osaka (KIX)
28. Dec – Rest of Day Osaka
29. Dec – Daytrip Kobe
30. Dec – Daytrip Nara
31. Dec – Osaka
1. Jan – Osaka
2. Jan – Osaka
3. Jan – Osaka
4. Jan – Daytrip Wakayama
5. Jan – Leave 🙁
So what I thought was a Kansai Thru Pass (3Days) that should cover Wakayama, Nara and Kobe. (But we wont save that much cause single fare ist rougly the same I think)
At the Airport we would get the ICOCA & HARUKA return pass. So we can use this pass to get away from airport and back and still have some yen left for local transport inside of Osaka.
Can you tell me if everything makes sense this way?
Thank you so much in advance!
All the best from Germany,
Finn
Hi Finn,
As you think, Kansai thru pass may not be a good choice. But it depends on what you will do after these day trips. Do you take subway to explore Osaka in night time. If you take subway twice, you will spend about 400 to 500 yen. So when you calculate your daily transportation cost, you have to consider after/before trips.
The following link shows you these idea.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
And if you stay in Namba area, you can hop on Kintetsu railway train to Nara and Hanshin Railway train to Kobe. But if you stay other area in Osaka, you may take subway to get Namba or other terminal. You will spend another a few hundred yen to get subway.
If you just focus the cost for day trips, Kansai thru pass is more expensive but if you think about these additional cost. Kansai thru pass may be better. And it gives you flexibility.
But as I took a look, you picked right choice and your planning is very organized. 🙂
At last. Osaka Amazing Pass may be considerable if you visit many sites.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
thank you a lot for your fast answer!
This was really helpful.
I think Kansai Thru Pass will be great for us because we will visit Mt. Koya on the Wakayama Day Trip, too! So this really pays off.
Also we will stay in Higashiosaka Area. So we can use the Pass to get to the Namba or Umeda for easier travel and save on that too!
Really looking forward to Japan, thank you again so much!
All the best,
Finn
Sorry, I meant we are staying in Hirano-ku! Close to Hirano Station! 🙂
Hi Finn,
I agree that you will use Kansai thru pass.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
We (A family of 5 pax) are planning a 6 day trip to Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara in Dec this year.
We will arrive at Kobe airport and fly off from Kobe. We hope to visit Wakayama and Koyasan.
Is it better to travel by car since we have an elderly with us? We would like to stay in one hotel during the whole journey. Where do you think is the most convenient place? Osaka or Kyoto?
If traveling by train is better, do you have any recommendation of routes?
Thank you so much!
cheers,
Fanny
Hi Fanny san,
Osaka is the best spot to stay because it’s located in the middle of all places.
I think drive is easier because if you take a train, you have to transfer several times. And there are lots of up and down. Even if you use elevator or escalator, it’s still challenging in some cases.
But I don’t live in Japan now and haven’t driven in Japan for the last 10 years. So I cannot say anything about driving in Japan. My memory is not updated.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail