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
Hi Takeshi San
I intend to use a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass and wonder if I could make all my JR train reservation on the day of arrival although I am only travelling Osaka/ Kanazawa/Takayama/Nagoya one week later. Is it necessary to reserve for travel in mid December. Can reservation be made online for the JR train and Nohi Buses for pass holders
For my transfer from Nagoya airport to Kyoto (hotel near Karasuma Station) please advise how to travel besides the shinkanzen. Is there any direct bus?
Thank you very much.
Hi Shirley,
You can book for all trains when you exchange your pass. You can exchange your pass upon arrival in advance. At that time, you can complete to book for all trains. Unfortunately there is no online booking available. But you can book all trains upon arrival. You don’t need to book a seat for trains but recommended.
And also you have to make a call to Nohi bus to book. No online booking is available either. This is required.
As far as I know, there is no direct access from Chubu airport to Kyoto. Shinkasnen is common option. But if you want to save your cost, you may use Kintetsu rail pass. You have to spend more hours but much cheaper.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
You may get Nara by this pass if you want when you are in Kyoto or Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San,
Below is my Itinerary. Can you please advise what pass is best to buy? Or if single fares are more suitable. Also if you can suggest any places we can also do as Day Trips during our stay in Osaka, that’ll be greatly appreciated.
Nov 15-19 : Tokyo
Nov 19-25 : Osaka (with Day Trips to Kyoto for 2 days)
Nov 25-27: Back to Tokyo
Thanks very much,
Joan
Hi Joan san,
You may use JR Pass 7 days for Nov 19 to 25.
You can visit Nara, Himeji and Kobe from Osaka as day trip.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.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
If you are okay to spend one full day, you may visit Hiroshima/Miyajima or Kanazawa as day trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
We stay in Shinsaibashi area (for 4 nights) and wish to visit Kyoto (Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market) and Kobe City Centre, Arima Onsen and Himeji Castle & Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. We will leave from Shinsaibashi to Kansai Airport. Should we buy the Kansai Area Pass or JR West Rail Pass? Please suggest the most suitable and time saving.
Many thanks.
Kate
Hi Kate san,
There are lots of choices. I think you can find the solution at the post below:
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
Hi Takeshi!
I am confused about which train pass to get, there are so many. Not sure if we should get Kansai JR pass only or ICOCA/Haruka or something else.
Basically, our plan is:
November 19, 2015 at night: arrive at Kansai Airport then go to Kyoto. Stay and go around Kyoto until November 22.
From November 22, 2015: we will transfer from Kyoto to Osaka. Stay in Osaka (and probably a daytrip to Nara) until November 25, 2015.
Which pass should we get? Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Nicole,
ICOCA and Haruka, and other local deals, like subway pass is your choice. The following link shows your which pass you need to get:
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,
We are 3 persones traveling on 27.10 from Kyoto to Kinosaki and on 28.10 from Kinosaki to Osaka Kansai airport to catch the flight back to Singapore in the evening.
Please advise the most economical kind of ticket we should be getting as well as the travel time we should be reserving.
Thank you and regards
Phong Nguyen
Hi Phong san,
I recommend Kansai Wide Area Pass. It covers whole part of your trip, Osaka-Kinosaki-Osaka-KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Travel time just less than 3 hours for Osaka to Kinosaki and another 1 hour to 1h15m for Osaka-KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thnak you for your reply. We have now bought the Kansai Wide Area Pass and are on the way to Kinosakiosen via Kyoto.
Checked schedule for the trip back tomorrow, I found that the most suitable and convenient time woud be at around 11am but realized that the train will be LTD. EXP KONOTORI 14.
I wonder, if we can use the pass for this train?
Please advise.
Thanks and regards
Phong
Yes, you can take it by this pass, Phong san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My trip will cover KIX->Kyoto->Osaka->KIX. I plan to buy the 1 way ICOCA and Haruka ticket that will cover me from KIX to kyoto. For the trip from Kyoto to Osaka, as i am staying near the GION area, it would seem like i should take the train from GION Shijo station, transfer at Yodoyabashi to the Namba station where my hotel is. Is the transfer at Yodoyabashi easy as i will be carrying heavy luggage? Are the train stations connected since they are different lines?
From Namba, i plan to take the Nankai Ltd express to KIX. I think this is the best route?
Appreciate your advise. Thanks Janice.
Hi Janice san,
Your plan is perfect. I don’t have any comments about your plan. 🙂
Both subway and Keihan stations at Yodoyabashi are connected by underground path. It is very busy place and lots of passengers there. But there are escalators and elevators. You can move with your luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPrail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I am so confused as to whether a JR pass is needed or not for my trip to Japan and advice you could give me is much appropriated. My itinerary is this –
20th Nov -23rd Nov — Osaka
23rd Nov – 28th Nov — Kyoto ( maybe a trip to Nara aswell)
28th Nov – 30th — Nagoya
30th leave japan from Kansai Airport, Osaka
10 days altogether.
Any help you can offer would be great
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
JR pass is too expensive. Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
It covers airport transfer between KIX and Namba, trip to Kyoto, Nara and Nagoya. You may add subway pass in Osaka as you need. This is most affordable choice.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I would appreciate if you can advise the best pass for our trip. Below is our itinerary:
Day 1 : KIX – Kyoto
– Buy ICOCA + (round-trip) Haruka tickets for KIX-Kyoto and Tennoji-KIX
* Can I use Kansai Thru pass for KIX – Kyoto and Tennoji – KIX?
Day 2 : Kyoto via trains
West : Arashiyama
Central: Nijo Castle + Nishiki + Pontoncho
Day 3 : Kyoto via bus pass
North: Kinkakuji
East: Kiyumisudera + Higashiyama District (Sannen-Zaka and Ninen-Zaka) + Gion
(Optional) Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) Philosopher’s Path Nanzenji Temple
Day 4 : Kyoto / Nara via train
South : Fushimi Inari + Tofukuji
Nara Park
* Transfer to Osaka (Tennoji)
Day 5 : Osaka via ICOCA
Osaka Castle + Osaka Museum of Housing & Living + Umeda Sky Bldg
Day 6 : Osaka (Shop & food trip around Shinsaibashi)
Day 7 : Tennoji to KIX via Haruka
Thank you!
Hi Vivi san,
ICOCA and Haruka is better choice for access to/from KIX. Kansai thru pass covers this segment. But there is no direct trains between KIX and Kyoto. You may have to transfer twice and all trains are commute trains. Haruka is direct and much more comfortable.
I have a sample itinerary that is almost same as your plan. I show about the deals for this itinerary. You will find more info about choosing the deals.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning to stay at Osaka for my 7 days trip. But which area is the most convenient for me to travel from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara?
Thanks
Hi Joey,
Namba or Umeda is most convenient. And Shin-Osaka is not bad to stay and hotel rate is cheaper than Umeda and Namba.
The following link will show you how to build your plan.
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
Hi Takeshi!
This is my itinerary:
Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Osaka -> Naoshima
-> Hakonae -> Tokyo
I feel like the JR pass is well worth it but does it stop by all the cities? Do I have to change trains often to reach each destination? I’ve been searching online but still confused and you seem to know quite a lot. Any information/advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Lucy,
You have to complete your trip from Tokyo to Tokyo in 7 days because 14 days pass is too much. You don’t need to include staying in Tokyo in this 7 days.
You can take Shinkansen for most of trip. Just need to local train for Kyoto to Osaka and Okayama to Uno and return. All train trips can be found at Hyperida:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
And also Shinkansen timetable can be found at the link below. You will take Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen lots.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
If you need more about Shinkansen, please check the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am confusing for the JR pass and Special Rapid Service as I’m planning to go Kobe. If JR pass doesn’t cover me to Kobe I may need to change plan to Hiroshima/Miyajima.
I would like to purchase 7days or 14days JR pass for my 1st time travel alone trip to Japan…Please see my itinerary as below:
Day 1 (16 Nov) – Arrive Tokyo
Day 2-4 (17-19Nov)- Kyoto
Day 5-6 (20-21Nov)- Kobe? Any extra charges or need to take different transportation? Or is much more convenient for me to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima and stay there for 2nights?
Day 7-10(22-25Nov)- Osaka
Day 11-12(26-28Nov)- Tokyo
I would really appreciate if you can advise me for all the transportation I need to take in Japan for my trip and should I buy 7 or 14days JR pass? Any other transport pass like subway I need to buy?
Besides that, don’t mind to share how to take the JR train from each location to another.
My apologies to trouble u as this is my last minute plan alone trip to Japan next month.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Stephy,
All JR trains trips in your plan are covered by JR pass. All you have to add is subway or local bus deal as you need. But if you want to use 14 days pass, you have to get Hiroshima. 7 days pass is even more expensive than round trip fare between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train).
You can get Hiroshima easily if you spend 2 days. So if you are interested in Hiroshima, I recommend you to visit there and use 14 days pass. Kobe can be made as day trip from Osaka.
If you remove Hiroshima, single ticket is cheaper because you will spend more than 7 days in Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. JR pass is much easier to use and stress free.
You can take Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Hiroshima and Shin-Osaka, and Shin-Osaka and Tokyo. You can take Special rapid if you want to move from Kyoto to Kobe.
I recommend you to read the following posts to understand Shinkansen and JR pass coverage in major cities.
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/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-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can do even day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto or Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your speedy reply!
Can u please elaborate more the below:
“If you remove Hiroshima, single ticket is cheaper because you will spend more than 7 days in Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. JR pass is much easier to use and stress free.”
Which means I don’t spent my 2days in Hiroshima, I will get more saving on the transport fee?
So I will only take 7days JR pass instead of 14days pass if I remove Hiroshima?
Please advise. Thanks
Hi Stephy san,
If you want to use 14 days pass, you have to go to Hiroshima because it will not be paid off. You can go there either day trip or overnight trip.
If you remove Hiroshima, even 7 days pass will not work. Because you will spend more than 7 days from leaving Tokyo to arriving Tokyo. You have to complete this portion in 7 days. Because 7 days pass is almost same as Tokyo-Osaka round trip fare. One way trip + local trips around Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe is not enough to use even 7 days pass.
If you keep your original itinerary and it doesn’t include Hiroshima, you have to use single fare ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com