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,
Thank You for the very useful guide.
I really hope u can help to suggest the best public transport for my coming trip.
I am planning to get the JR Pass
Arrive at Narita. Take Bullet Train to Osaka
(4 nights in Osaka, staying near Namba)
-Tour Osaka
-Day trip to Kobe
-Day trip to Nara
Should i take the Osaka Amazing pass and what’s the best way to explore Kobe & Nara?
Osaka to Kyoto by Bullet Train
(2 nights stay near Kyoto Station)
Whats the best way to explore the city?
Kyoto to Tokyo
(4 nights stay at Shinjuku)
The best way to explore city? and which train to take to Disney SEA
Hi Izry,
>Should i take the Osaka Amazing pass and what’s the best way to explore Kobe & Nara?
If you want to visit many attractions in Osaka, it may be okay. But you have JR pass. You can take JR trains in Osaka and can access most of places. Please see the below to find the coverage in Osaka.
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
About trip to Kobe and Nara, please see the chapter of “JR trains” in the post above. These are covered by JR pass. And also you can find some more info at the links 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
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
About trip to Kyoto, 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
At last, please see the following link to get info about train in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takaeshi, im planning to go to Osaka – Kobe – Nara – Kyoto – Shirinkawago – Nagoya. Will fly back from Nagoya airport. Is it advisable to buy JR pass for my trip?
Hi Bibiey,
JR pass is too expensive for your travel. Most recommended deal is Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
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
This pass does not cover Kobe and Nara. You have to add single fare or other deals. There are some deals available but you have to fix your detailed itinerary first. It’s impossible to compare deals and single fare without the location to stay.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
And also you need to access Shirakawago from Kanazawa side. But it covers train and bus to Shirakawago. It covers from Kyoto to Shirakawago and Shirakawago to Nagoya. This is the best deal anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, thank you very much for your post that has explained quite a lot of things that I had no idea before. Japan train systems are indeed so complicated and I’m so confused no matter how many times I tried to read over and over again.
If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you more detail about Kyoto and Osaka. I’m planning to have a honeymoon trip to Japan in December. The plan is arriving in Kansai Airport at 21st Dec morning and probably stay for one night in Osaka and then move to Kyoto on the 22nd Dec. i’ll probably stay in Kyoto for two nights before travelling to Tokyo on the 24th Dec and stay until the rest of my trip leaving Japan from Haneda airport on the 28th Dec.
My first question is do you think it is better for me to buy Japan Rail Pass for 7days or just buy everything seperately like using ICOCA card + Haruka promotion ticket to travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka Station and the rest just top up my ICOCA card money? I’m planning to just travel around osaka city like osaka castle, museum of housing and living and on th night time go to namba/ dontonburi area. Can we use Japan Rail Pass in Osaka city and also for Kyoto city and Tokyo city? Is it incuding Haruka train fee as well?
If using ICOCA card, I understand that I can use special rapid train to kyoto for 560 yen from shin osaka and then another extra travel fee when i’m going to tokyo by shinkansen nozomi for 14,000 yen. Can I use ICOCA card inside kyoto and also inside Tokyo for travelling? Or is ICOCA card only limited to Osaka and there is another similar card in Tokyo?
Also how about from Tokyo city centre to Haneda Airport? How much money do I have to spend if I don’t have Japan Rail Pass? How much money in average I have to spend for one day if I just travel around city centre not using shinkansen?In Tokyo, I’m planning to go to Disneyland, Shibuya, Harajuku and Tokyo Tower are the main things on my list. I haven’t booked the hotel yet because I’m trying to find the best spot where I have to stay for accessibility for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Last question is I tried really hard to find the distance from osaka castle to house of museum and living however I couldn’t find it. Is it far to go from osaka castle to the museum? I’m trying to see whether I can do it in one day after arriving in Osaka.
I’d like to apologise for the number of questions that I ask. Thank you very much for your kind attention.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Hi Maria,
First of all, please refer the link below. You will find the solution for most of your questions.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
When you explore in Osaka downtown, trip time is less than 30 minutes. Usually it takes 15-20 minutes. You don’t need to calculate very very exactly.
It’s hard to say where the best location to stay is for your trip. But Namba is most recommended in Osaka and JR Kyoto station is most recommended in Kyoto. But you can stay in other places. You also may think about budget. Hotel is not very affordable in these places.
In Tokyo, I recommend you to stay near Yamanote line stations, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Ueno. But it’s hard to decide because you will visit many places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your reply. I really appreciate it.
You have helped me to sort my confusion 🙂
I have also read your post regarding Kansai Thru Pass, do you think it’s a good idea for me to buy this pass since i’ll be staying in osaka and kyoto for total 3 days?
From my understanding is I can take all subway and trains in Osaka and Kyoto except a few exception that will not really affect me because I’m just gonna stay in downtown Osaka for Osaka Castle, Namba/Dontonburi and museum of housing and leaving. In Kyoto, I haven’t really made my itinerary yet but most likely will be Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Downtown Gion Shijyo, and Arashiyama.
My hotel in Osaka will be in Sakaisuji Hommachi area which is 15 mins walk from osaka castle and the one in Kyoto will be near Karawamachi Station. Do you think it’s better for me to buy this thru pass ticket for 3 day? Osaka subway line is covered by this pass isn’t it?
Thank you once again for your help 🙂
Cheers,
Maria
Hi Maria,
If you visit Kyoto from Osaka as day trip, Kansai thru pass is recommended. But you will move to Kyoto and that means you need only one way trip. In this case, Kansai thru pass is too expensive. That is reason why I don’t use this in my sample itinerary that I showed in previous link. City deals are better than Kansai thru pass in cost. Single ticket is your choice from Osaka to Kyoto. Please read my sample itinerary again and you will find which deal you need.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
Um, regarding the yokoso ticket, can I buy it inside Japan in Kansai Airport?
Therefore, the plan will be using Yokoso ticket for day 1 to travel around osaka city including the transfer from airport to Namba. 1500 yen
How about day 2?
I’m planning to stay in Osaka until midday before transferring to Kyoto in Shijo Station for my hotel. what is the best ticket that I can use for this day to travel from osaka to kyoto including travelling around the city of osaka and kyoto?
Day 3 will be using Kyoto Amazing Pass 1 day so I don’t have a problem with it 🙂 1200 yen
Then on day 4 I have to buy shinkansen ticket to tokyo in the morning.
Thank you very much once again Takeshi. I might need your help again later once I’m done with my tokyo itinerary 🙂
Kind Regards,
Maria
Hi Maria,
Yokoso Osaka ticket cannot be purchased in Japan. Kansai thru pass is the best option for day 2, but this pass is available from 2 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
So you may use 2 days pass for day 1 and 2. It covers trip to Namba from KIX and all part of Osaka subway. Kansai thru pass does not give you a huge saving. In my rough calculation, total fares will be almost same as 2 days pass price. But it gives you convenience. I think it’s not a bad choice if you cannot purchase Yokoso Osaka ticket. Kansai thru pass can be purchased at Travel Desk in Kansai airport station.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! Thank you for this. So helpful.
We will be arriving at Kansai Airport on May 25th and planning to leave for Tokyo on 28th. Will be spending 3 nights only in Osaka.
Do you know how I can reserve a train tickets going to Tokyo? I’m really, really, really confused about everything, especially the train system. Please tell me if we still need to reserve or if we can go directly on travel date (May 28th). We are not going to get JR Pass though. If it still needs a reservation, Do you know where I could reserve online? And can you explain just simply how can we get to Tokyo. I’m really confused. Thank you so much.
Hi Angela,
You cannot reserve a ticket online but you can book it at any major JR stations in advance. The following link shows how to book a train ticket by JR pass. But you can use same way for just single ticket trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we’re visiting Japan for 1 week in June and are looking at staying in Osaka, while having day trips to Kyoto and Nara. Which area would you recommend to stay in for convenience (i.e. station name)? Thank you in advance!
Hi Dazzle,
I recommend Namba, Umeda (JR Osaka) or Shin-Osaka. Shin-Osaka has most attractive price range of hotels. But it is less accessible than Umeda and Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
We need to transfer from Kyoto Station to Namba Oriental Hotel with luggages and 2 seniors and 2 people with health concerns. May I get some advise on the easiest and best possible route to take where we won’t need to do a lot of transfers and walking? We are willing to spend a little bit more for the convenience of less or no transfers from Kyoto to the nearest station to our Hotel in Namba.
Thank you very nuch!
Best regards,
Ron
Hi Ron,
I recommend you to take JR train Special Rapid from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka. And then transfer to Subway Midousuji line to Namba.
You can transfer from JR to subway at Osaka (Umeda) too. But Shin-Osaka is easier to transfer.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-shinkansen-haruka-thunderbird-and-local-train-access-to-osaka-umeda-and-namba.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi.
Thank you for your very useful information. With no doubt this is the best guide regarding this topic I’ve found until now.
I’m going to spend 2-3 months in Osaka for study and I was planning to use my weekends to travel all around Kansai region, especially in order to visit Nara, Kobe and Kyoto (I guess I will go to Kyoto many times).
I don’t think that some kind of pass would suit me, since I wouldn’t be able to use it for the whole week but only during the weekend.
Provided that it’s cheaper, I was considering to buy tickets for travelling during the weekends whenever i need them. As far as I’ve understand, for this purpose private railways are better choices, right?
Maybe, I could buy one week rail passes when I think I’m gonna be able to travel multiple times during the week (for example during holidays or if I decide to visit Tokyo) and just use single fares for travelling during the weekends.
Does it sound a reasonable plan to you?
Thank you very much for your help,
Regards.
Alfredo
Hi Alfredo,
I think you mean that week pass is “JR pass”. But I’m wondering if you can use it or not because of your status.
If you enter Japan as student, you cannot use most of deal. But if you enter Japan as short term visitor, you can use it. You can use JR pass if you go to Tokyo as long as your status meets. If you cannot, you may think about using express bus. It may be better for you because there are many overnight bus runs.
https://willerexpress.com/en/
For your trip in Kansai area, Kansai thru pass is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If you enter Japan as short term visitor, you can use the pass in unconsecutive days. That means you can use one of two days in the weekend and other one day can be used for next weekend. Especially this pass is very effective for trip to Kyoto because you need to take many trains and buses when you are in Kyoto. This pass covers all other than JR trains.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you don’t need to have a pass, you can use ICOCA. It does not give you any discount but it’s very convenient. You should have this card even if you use the pass.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
In Japan, everybody has this kind of card in these days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi, thank you for your kind information. Sorry for not replying sooner but I missed the notification for this post.
Firstly, I would have a short-term visitor so I would be able to use the pass.
Kansai Thru pass is definitely the best way to travel around Kansai, and the JR pass is arguably the most convenient way to travel to Tokyo (for example) if i will decide to go there during a holiday week.
For moving around Osaka using subway, I was wondering if there is a better system than paying for every single fare. I guess I’m gonna use the subway at least 4 times a day and if the fare is 200 yen (or more) I risk to pay like 900 yen each day. Maybe I should buy use day tickets but I wonder if there is somthing more convenient. What kind of ticket Osaka-jin usually buy if they have to take the subway multiple times during the day?
Hi Alfredo,
Eco card (unlimited ride subway pass) is always ordinary choice for even local in Osaka. But if you visit many attractions, Osaka amazing pass is considerable.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
If you visit Kaiyukan Aquarium, Kaiyu pass is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Those passes includes subway unlimited ride too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you again for your quick answer. I don’t know about Osaka Amazing Pass as I will have enough time to see the different attractions in different days, but Kaiyu pass is definitely very interesting.
As for the eco card, I think I’m gonna use it a lot, but is it only for a day? Are there like 1 month passes for Osaka subway only?
Hi Alfredo,
There is no monthly unlimited ride pass available. If you want to have unlimited ride, 1 day pass is only choice.
Otherwise you can use ICOCA.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
It does not give you any discount. It gives you exactly same value as cash. But if you have this card, you don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one. It can used for taking any trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi :
We have finalized our trip to Japan as follow :
Mar 25 Arriving Tokyo Haneda Airport and staying at the Shinjuku New City Hotel
Mar 26-28 – City tour in Japan
Mar 29 Shinjuku to Osaka and staying at 601 Osaka-Shi Osaka- Fu
Mar 30-31 Osaka to Kyoto
Apr 1 – Osaka to Kobe
Apr 2 – 4 City tour in Osaka
Apr 5 – 6 Osaka to Wakayama and staying at the Wakayama Daichi Fuji Hotel
Apr 7 Wakayama to Osaka Kansai Airpot
Will be appreciated if you can advise us how to makes the best use of Japan railway system in an most cost effective manner.
Thanks
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
Actually you cannot use many deals. JR Pass is most ordinary choice to travel both Osaka and Tokyo. But even 7 days pass requires round trip between Tokyo and Osaka. Even if you use the pass to travel around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Wakayama, it’s not enough to use 7 days pass unfortunatley.
First, you can find the deals for staying in Tokyo at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Single ticket is only choice for Tokyo to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
The following link shows you how to build the itinerary in Osaka. Please refer from day 2 in the link below for trip to Kyoto and Kobe.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Single ticket is your choice again from Osaka-Wakayama-Kansai airport.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i’m planning a trip to kyoto, nara and osaka. What pass would you recommend me to buy?
Hi Rachel,
Kansai thru pass is more recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
But you need to make the detailed itinerary and fix the location to stay before choosing the right deal.
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 planning to be in Japan this March. I will arrive in Tokyio Haneda and departs from Tokyo Narita. Including arrival day I will be 4 days in Tokyo, 1 day Osaka, 1 day Kobe, 1 Day Nara and 1 day Kyoto. Total from arrival to departure will be 9 days. I will like from you recommendations about if make sense to buy 7 days Japan Rail Pass and activate it on 3rd day until 9th day (7 days). Most attractions in Tokyo should be covered by Jamanote Line (included on JR), but not sure if other cities accept JR. Another thing is, now sure how works JR using those lines, mean, need to get a ticket before boarding each train? need reservations? Thanks a lot
Hi Juan,
I think that is the right way to use JR Pass 7 days. It will cover until you get Narita. You may take Narita Express on the last day to reach airport.
Haneda is much closer than Narita. There are several deals available if you want.
http://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/info/discountticket.html
You can take JR trains in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara too. In the post above, you can find JR trains in Kansai area. All trains are covered by JR pass.
You don’t need to make a reservation for the trains in cities. But reservation is recommended for Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto when you take Shinkansen (bullet train).
Reserved seat fee is included. You can book it anytime after you exchange your JR Pass. Most of JR stations have reservation window that is called Midori no Madogucuhi. You can book it in advance so if you want, you can complete all bookings when you exchange your JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot
No problem, Juan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
sorry Takeshi, It’s again Stella writing…I just discovered the KINTETSU RAIL PASS wide.
How to chose between that and Kansai Thru Pass?
Thank you
Hi Stella,
Kintetsu rail pass is way too much for your trip. It’s the choice for trip to Nagoya or Ise.
Kansai thru pass may be okay. But actually Kansai thru pass is even more expensive than round trip to Nara or Kobe. If you have a trip to Nara and take sub way in Osaka after trip to Nara, such as excursion Osaka in the evening, Kansai thru pass is a good choice. It’s same to trip to Kobe.
So even if you purchase Kansai thru pass, at this point, 2 days is enough. It’s not a good idea to use this pass for exploring in Osaka. Subway pass, Eco card or Amazing pass or Kaiyu ticket is okay in Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/obj_con02.pdf
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
In Kyoto, it’s same. Subway or bus pass is okay.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com