Kansai train networks guide. How to move between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama. Make sure JR lines and non JR lines

Network of JR trains
2011.11.20
Kobe Harborland © Kobe Convention & Visitors Association/© JNTO
Kobe Harborland © Kobe Convention & Visitors Association/© JNTO

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.

Click to enlarge
Kansai train system map. Click to view large

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:

Click to enlarge.
JR conventional line shown in bold blue line and Shinkansen line shown in navy and white dotted line (click to view large)

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

Special Rapid Service operated by JR West 223 series.
Special Rapid Service dominates Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe-Himeji transfer.

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 the high speed train service in Japan. Shinkansen stops at Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishiakashi and Himeji in Kansai area.
Shinkansen stops at Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishiakashi and Himeji in Kansai area.

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.

What is Shinkansen?

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.

This map shows you only NON JR railways (private railway and subway). Click to enlarge.
This map shows you only NON JR railways (private railway and subway). Click to enlarge.

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:

Kansai Thru Pass user guide

Hankyu Railway

9300 series is mainly used for limited express on Kyoto line.
9300 series is mainly used for limited express on Kyoto line.

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.

This map shows you Hankyu Railway and Osaka Subway Sakaisuji line. Click to enlarge.
Hankyu Railway and Osaka Subway Sakaisuji line shown in bold brown line (Click to view large)

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 limited express has a by-level car in the train set.

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.

The map shows only Keihan Railway. Click to enlarge.
Keihan Railway shown in bold green line (Click to view large)
Keihan 8000 series have nice accommodation too. (C) Sonic Rail Garden
Keihan 8000 series have nice accommodation at no extra charge. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

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.

Seat layout is 2+1. It is 2+2 in other regular car.

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

This 9000 series and most of Hanshin Railway's train equip a bench seat only.
This 9000 series and most of Hanshin Railway’s train equip a bench seat only.

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 and Sanyo Railway are shown in the map. Click to enlarge.
Hanshin Railway and Sanyo Railway shown in bold red line (Click to view large)

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 Limited Express Koya
Nankai Railway Limited Express Koya


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 shown in navy bold line (Click to view large)
Nankai Railway shown in bold navy line. (Click to view large)

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 has the biggest limited express train network in all private railway companies.

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:

Ise access guide

Kintetsu Railway only is shown in the map above. Click to enlarge.
Kintetsu Railway shown in bold orange line (Click to view large)

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:

Kyoto train guide

How to choose the lines and trains to Kobe from Osaka

Find your hotels in 500 cities throughout Japan!!!

 

Hotels in Kobe (from US$62)
Hotels in Kyoto (from US$56)
Hotels in Osaka (from US$47)

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:

Osaka train guide

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:

Kobe train guide

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

  1. Michael says:
    January 20, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    Hi,
    What is the best way to go from Kobe ship terminal to Kyoto
    In the morning and come back to terminal before 10pm
    the same day?
    Thank you.

  2. Juan says:
    January 18, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I find your website is so informative! However i need your pointers. I bought a round trip ticket to tokyo and will be going to kyoto and osaka for 4d3n. I have booked my hotel in osaka and plan to travel to kyoto for 2 days before exploring Osaka and then back to tokyo. I’m staying at Hotel Richmond Namba Dai.

    May i have your advice if i should get a JR pass?

  3. Franz Gabriel says:
    November 14, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Hi

    We will be staying at 2-12-22 Minamisemba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka. Which train station do you recommend that we board going to Kyoto? As per your instructions above:
    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.

    I don’t know which area is our hotel.

  4. Ling says:
    October 19, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I’m planning a family trip for 5 person this coming 23th Dec till 2nd Jan. I have not yet buy flight tickets and book hotels yet, so i would love to seek your opinion before purchasing.

    This is my current plan of 10 days trip:
    Day 1 (23th Dec)- Arrive Osaka Kansai 8.25am –> Kobe
    23/24- Kobe
    25/26/27- Kyoto
    28/29- Takayama & Shirakawago
    30/31/1- Osaka
    2nd January- Flight at 11am Osaka Kansai

    1) Do you think the flight schedule is ok? I want to arrive early because i thought i could explore longer 🙂 (provided i can leave the luggage at hotel lobby)
    2) How would you recommend the transport? 🙂
    3) Do you think i should change the plan, and perhaps spend new year in Kyoto instead of Osaka?

    Thank you so much for your help.
    Very much appreciated 🙂

    Ling San

  5. Foli says:
    October 18, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Our family of 4 are visiting Japan next month – below is our draft itinerary which require your advise:->

    Day 1 – Arrived Tokyo -> transfer Hotel -> Rest
    Day 2 – Shinjuku, Shibuya etc..
    Day 3 – Planning to go Nikko
    Day 4 – Tokyo Haneda > Osaka Itami, visit Dotonbori
    Day 5 – Kyoto (Kiyomizudera, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji)
    Day 6 – Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine + Nara)
    Day 7 – Osaka
    Day 8 – USJ
    Day 9 – USJ (May replace with Hiroshima day trip Miyajima)
    Day 10 – Kobe/Himeji
    Day 11 – Flight Home

    Need some advise on some of the train passes and airport transfer.

    – What will be the best way to transfer from Osaka Itami Airport to Shin-Fukushima Station
    – Understand Kansai pass might be more suitable for my trip ?
    – Will i be able to buy the Kansai thru pass from any other location beside Osaka Kansai Airport?
    – Travelling to Nikko – i should purchasing Tobu All Nikko Pass for my family and i would like to check where could i find information with bus schedule, Lake Chuzenji boat ride schedule/cost as well as Akechidaira Ropeway schedule/cost?

    Thanks very much!

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 18, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Hi Foli san,

      – What will be the best way to transfer from Osaka Itami Airport to Shin-Fukushima Station
      Take a bus to Umeda and catch the train to Fukushima. You can choose Hanshin Railway or Osaka Kanjo line. Shin-Fukushima and Fukushima are almost same location.

      – Understand Kansai pass might be more suitable for my trip ?
      – Will i be able to buy the Kansai thru pass from any other location beside Osaka Kansai Airport?

      Kansai thru pass is the best choice. There is JR Kansai area pass too. Please be careful to mix up.
      Actually you can purchase Kansai thru pass at Itami airport too. You also can purchase it at Umeda.
      http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english02.html

      – Travelling to Nikko – i should purchasing Tobu All Nikko Pass for my family and i would like to check where could i find information with bus schedule, Lake Chuzenji boat ride schedule/cost as well as Akechidaira Ropeway schedule/cost?
      Please see the link below:
      http://www.tobu-bus.com/en/nikko/

      As far as I know, this is only info that is provided in English.
      http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3806.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Foli says:
        November 15, 2016 at 7:41 am

        Hi Takeshi-san,

        Thanks for your previous comments on my post.

        I have a final question, that is not really related to railway.

        Im wanted to buy USJ Tickets in advance (2 day pass), however im struggling to do it on the USJ Japanese website.

        Where in Japan (Tokyo/Osaka), i could purchase 2 days pass for USJ in advance?

        Can i do this directly at USJ itself, example going down on 25 Nov to buy for 1/2 Dec ?

        Regards
        Foli

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          November 15, 2016 at 12:51 pm

          Hi Foli san,

          Midori no Madoguchi (ticket reservation window) in major JR stations handle a ticket. But I have never bought USJ ticket at JR ticket window. I actually don’t know the details but USJ official site says they sell it.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Sophia says:
    October 17, 2016 at 12:36 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thanks a lot for the great guides!!! It’s a lot of help!
    I can’t decide between JR pass and Kansai Thru Pass, so I would like you to recommend the best pass for my coming trip in Kansai area next month.

    Arrive at KIX airport at night, go check in.
    (5 nights in Osaka, staying near Abeno Harukas)
    -Day trip to Himeji castle, if time allows, stop by Kobe on the way back
    -Day trip to Nara
    -Tour Osaka
    -Day trip to Kobe

    Also, what’s the best way to explore Nara?

    Osaka to Kyoto
    -From Osaka to Arashiyama -> Kinkakuji
    (1 night stay near Kinkakuji)
    -Other temples -> night stay near KIX Airport

    Take Nankai Line to Airport.

    Thanks in advance for your help!
    Best wishes.

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      October 17, 2016 at 6:28 am

      Hi Sophia,

      I recommend you to use Kansai area pass 4 days for trip to Himeji/Kobe, trip to Nara, trip to Kyoto from Osaka, and back to KIX from Kyoto.
      But you have to use this pass in 4 consecutive days. You have to do Osaka sightseeing before going to Himeji, Kobe and Nara. I think you can do Himeji and Kobe in one day.

      In Nara, most of places can be accessed by walk from the station. You can get Nara from Tennoji by JR train directly. And also you can take limited express Haruka to get Kyoto from Tennoji directly. Arashiayam can also be accessed by JR trains.

      On arrival day, if you are okay with taking rapid train, you can purchase a single ticket. If you want to take limited express Haruka to get Tennoji, you can use ICOCA and Haruka.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html

      ICOCA can be used for sightseeing in Osaka. Or you can purchase Haruka discount ticket (without ICOCA) and purchase city deal in Osaka. You can save ICOCA later to take local bus in Kyoto. And bus pass is available in Kyoto too. The choice is yours.

      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Sophia says:
        October 18, 2016 at 11:29 pm

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thank you very much for the fast reply and all the links. I’ve been trying to make sense of everything (very bad at math).

        Me and my family will be spending 6days in Kansai. I will get the ICOCA & Haruka round-trip to use from (and to) KIX.
        As you recommended, I will change my itinerary so that we visit Osaka castle and the aquarium on Day 1. I read the link you provided, and I think I’ll get the Osaka Kaiyu ticket.

        This leaves me with 5days.
        I checked the other link you provided, and I think on Day 2 I could get the Kansai Area Pass 4days for trip to Himeji/Kobe, trip to Nara, trip to Kobe (&free time), and trip to Kyoto from Osaka. Then on Day 6, I could get Kyoto Pass Card, and at night use Haruka to KIX.

        I have a different question for you. I’ve been reading your articles in details, and I realized that my family who’s visiting can purchase the Kansai Area Pass, but I live in Shikoku Japan. Are there any passes I could use?

        Thank you again!
        Best wishes.

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          October 19, 2016 at 6:21 am

          Hi Sophia,

          I did not expect that all of you visit Kobe twice. If you want to visit Kobe twice, go to Kobe only on day 2. And don’t use Kansai area pass for day 2 and use ICOCA to get Kobe. Start using Kansai area pass on day 3 and it will cover until the end of the trip. Don’t purchase round trip ICOCA and Haruka. One way is okay.

          Unfortunately there is no deals for residents in Japan. You have to use ICOCA or single ticket instead of Kansai area pass.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Ozchilli says:
    October 5, 2016 at 1:11 am

    Hi, i am going to japan leaving next week and it would be great if you can give me some tips/recommendation of what is the/cost effective pass to get. Many thanks.

    This is the itinerary for the trip (2 adults)
    14/10: Melb to Tokyo – Narita, stay in Narita airport hotel overnight. Hotel Narita Tobu

    15/10: Fly from Narita to Hokkaido – Sapporo (Chitose) with Jetstar, departs at 6.05am

    15 – 18/10: stay in Sapporo hotel – Dormy Inn Premium Sapporo HotSprings

    18/10: Fly from Sapporo to Osaka Kansai (KIX) airport. From Osaka airport catch train to hotel

    18 – 21/10: stay in Osaka hotel – Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande

    21/10: Catch train from hotel to Nagoya – haven’t planned anything from here yet.

    In summary, would like to know whether JR pass covers the express/bullet train from: (if not which pass are you recommending)

    – Osaka to Kyoto

    – Osaka to Nara

    – Osaka to Nagoya

    – Osaka to Tokyo

    – Kyoto to Nara

    – Kyoto to Nagoya

    – Kyoto to Tokyo

    – Nagoya to Tokyo
    Thanks,

  8. Cecilia Soh says:
    October 4, 2016 at 2:28 am

    hi Takeshi-san,

    We, a party of 4 is making a trip from 11 to 22 Nov 16. Need your expert advice 🙂
    Day 1 Arrive KIX airport at 930pm (intend to buy 2-way limousine ticket to/from Umeda Station)
    Day 2/3/4 – Osaka
    Day 5/6 – Kyoto
    Day 7/8 Hakone
    Day 9/10 Shinjuku
    Day 11 Back to Osaka
    Day 12 Home sweet home

    1)Planning to buy JR pass (7-day) to commute from Kyoto to Hakone then Shinjuku back to Osaka. 2)Need you to clarify which pass to buy =JR National pass? What is the difference with JR West or Central pass? 3)Plan to activate on Day 5 when we travel from Osaka to Kyoto so the 7-day pass will bring us back on Day 11 to Osaka. Can we use the JR pass for some travel in Kyoto/Shinjuku or nearby areas?
    4) Been reading about KYOTO & OSAKA Train systems, what is your recommendation on what additional pass to buy so we can save some costs while travelling in Osaka/Kyoto/ Kobe/Himeji/Nara/Namba etc… area – JR West Kansai Area pass; Kansai WIDE Area pass; Kansai Thru pass…?
    Thank you so much!
    Cecilia

  9. Lee says:
    September 21, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    Hi! I need your help.. I plan to stay at Shin-Osaka area and I see the location is near Kobe and Kyoto but is it easy to access as a JR pass holder?

    Also, from Shin-Osaka, can we travel to Tokyo via Shinkansen?

  10. Belle says:
    September 12, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    Need your help again pls. I’m checking on the Kansai thru pass, I understand that this can use on nankai electric railway as well but there are additional charges. May I know how much approximately? As I intend to use this pass when I arrive Kansai airport. I’m going to tengachaya station only to change to subway.

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