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!
Will be visiting Japan soon! Below our itinerary;
Day 1- arrival at chubu airport and will go directly to Kyoto
Day 2 kyoto
Day 3 osaka
Day 4 osaka USJ
Day 5 to 7 back to Nagoya
What pass should we get in this trip.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Anna,
Kintetsu rail pass is most affordable choice. You can move among Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka by this pass.
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
But this pass does not cover Chubu airport to Nagoya. Extra single fare is required.
And you may need to add other deals in Osaka and Kyoto because this pass does not cover subway, city bus and trains other than Kintetsu. Please see the links below to find the deals in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
Will appreciate if you could advise if I can purchase a train ticket from Kyoto to Kansai International airport with a stopover in Kobe and 1 night in Osaka? We intend to leave Kyoto on Saturday morning, travel to Kobe for lunch and then travel to Osaka in the afternoon and stay 1 night in Osaka and leave for KIX the next morning Sunday. Can the ticket from Kyoto to KIX allow these stopovers?
Thanks
Doreen
Hi Doreen,
No, you cannot use one ticket for this route, First Kobe is not on the way to Kansai. Second the distance is too short. Therefore single ticket is your choice for Kyoto to Kobe and Kobe to Osaka. You may be able to use Hankyu tourist pass for this tip.
http://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/tickets/information/index.html#ticket01
You can find the deal for Osaka to KIX in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
can you advise me what train should I take from Osaka to :
Nara on July 2
KObe on July 3?
thanks
Hi Yohana,
There are several choices. For Nara, you can take either JR or Kintetsu railway.
For Kobe, you can take JR, Hankyu or Hanshi railway.
It depends on the departure point in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning to travel in Kansai next month with my friends but I have to say that the transportation is really make me confuse whether deal is the most saving and effective for my itinerary. It would be nice if you can get me through. Here is my itinerary:
Day 1: arrive to KIX and then go to Kyoto to visit Central Kyoto ( Nijo Castle,Toji Temple, Kiyomizudera temple,Kinkakuji, Nishiki Market, Gion)
Day 2: Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari, Fushimi sake district
Day 3: Kyoto-Mie (if it’s possible )
Day 4: Kyoto-Nara
Day 5 : Kyoto- Kobe for day trip and then go to Osaka (dotonbori,Shinsaibashi
Day 6: Osaka (osaka castle,…)
Day 7: Osaka – KIX
With this itinerary, is it Ok if I using JR Kansai Pass? ( will purchase single fare in day 3 to go to Mie) . Or if any deals better, please help me to revise.
Many thanks Takeshi
Hi Sebastian,
I recommend you to purchase Haruka discount ticket for KIX to Kyoto at 1,600 yen and Kansai one pass.
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
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can use Kansai one pass for day 2. But for day 1 after arrival in Kyoto, all day bus pass is more effective.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For day 3, Kintetsu rail pass is recommended. You can use it for trip to Nara too.
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
Kintetsu rail pass can be used for day 5. But you need to take Kintetsu railway to Osaka-Namba. And then take Hanshin railway from Osaka-Namba to Kobe-Sannomiya. You can use Hanshin tourist pass for Osaka-Namba to/from Kobe-Sannomiya.
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/
You must get this pass at Kansai airport. You cannot purchase this in Kyoto. Kintetsu railway and Hanshin railway are different train companies but these trains companies go through each other. Kintetsu railway train goes through Hanshin railway to Kobe. But you have to exit at Osaka-Namba station by Kintetsu rail pass and then re-enter Osaka-Namba station by Hanshin tourist pass. Otherwise Hanshi tourist pass is not valid.
For day 6 and 7, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
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 Takeshi-san,
My family of 6 adults + 1 year old toddler will be travelling to Osaka in 2 weeks time. Our roughly planned itinerary is as below:
24.05: 4 adults + 1 year old toddler will arrive KIX at 3:25PM, stay at airbnb apartment near Nipponbashi station –> take Nankai line to Tengachaya st, then change to subway Sakaisuji line?
25.05: Apartment – Osaka Castle – Tenmangu Shrine – Dotonbori – Apartment –> use subway?
26.05: Another 2 adults arriving KIX at 8:25AM will be joining us. Starting from our apartment – Kuromon market (by foot) – Shitennoji temple – Namba – apartment –> use subway?
27.05: From apartment – Aquarium kayukan – Tempozan – Shinsaibashi – apartment –> use subway?
28.05: Apartment – Kobe – Arima Onsen –> use???
29.05: Apartment – Kyoto (wish to cover Ginkaku-ji temple, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kinkakuji temple, Arashiyama, Fushimi-Inari) – apartment –> use???
30.05: Apartment – Kobe Sanda Premium outlets – apartment –> use???
31:05: Check-out from apartment at 10am – KIX – flight home –> use subway to Tengachaya st, then take Nankai line to KIX?
I am very confused with all the subway/train services and passes in Japan (despite having read your post). So I hope you can advise:
(1) Is hiring minivan a good idea for this itinerary, taking into consideration that there are 2 adults aged 65 & 70 with knee problems and a 1yr old toddler (we will bring a stroller too) but also consider that we are with tight budget. If the cost of hiring a car is >40% that of taking public transport, then we will use public transport.
(2) What is most cost effective public transportation mode and passes for us?
(3) Maybe you can suggest if to take subway or railway (or maybe hiring car) on day to day basis based on the itinerary.
Feel free also to comment on my itinerary if you think it was not planned wisely.
Thank you in advance on your advice. Really appreciate it.
Hi Ester san,
First of all, I have no idea about the cost of hire car. So I cannot compare train passes and hire car. I just tell you the recommended deals.
For arrival and departure days, your route is right. Single ticket is only available. If you want to save your cost, you can take Nankai railway + subway deal. But you need to change trains at Namba.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
For staying in Osaka, subway pass is primary deal. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Kansai thru pass is the best deals for Kobe/Arima and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
You can take direct bus to outlet from Namba.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/kobesanda/access/access_bus.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much for your fast reply and valuable information. I hope you can help further with below questions.
1. If I take Nankai railway + subway deal, I need to change train at Namba station. Does it requires a long walk to change from Nankai Electric Railway to Subwya Sennichimae Line? We have 2 elderly, 1 infant and many luggage.
2. We plan to visit Osaka Castle and Tenmangu Shrine from Nipponbashi (our apartment) on a weekday. Which deal is more cost effective: One-day unlimited Pass, Enjoy Eco Card or Osaka Visitor’s Ticket?
– One-day pass is 800 yen and Osaka Castle admission is 500 yen
– Osaka Visitor’s Ticket is 550 yen and Osaka Castle admission is 540 yen
3. For Osaka Visitor’s Ticket, if we purchase at KIX airport on our arrival day, can we use it on other days?
4. We will visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Best deal is Osaka Kaiyu Ticket?
– We have 2 elderly (aged 65 and 70). Their ticket are cheaper at 2000 yen, right? Should they buy ticket at Kaiyukan separately or use also the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket?
5. Lastly, for infant aged 1 year old, does he has to pay also for subway, Kaiyukan and Osaka Castle?
Thank you again.
Hi Ester sa,
1. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
2. I think Vistior’s ticket is same. Don’t you think so?
3. Yes, you can.
4. Subway fare will be 560 yen for round trip between Nippombashi and Osakako. Kaiyu ticket is 2550 yen. So Kaiyu ticket is cheaper.
5. One year old is free of charge.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Again, thank you so much for your replies. I have only 2 further questions, hope you can help again.
1. I don’t understand what you mean with the Osaka Visitor’s Ticket (OVT) vs Eco Card. For visiting Osaka on a weekday, OVT is more worth?
2. If we are arriving KIX in the morning, check-in to apartment at Nipponbashi and then use subway to explore Osaka city, which pass is most cost saving? If I understand correctly, the Osaka City Subway to KIX deal can only be used once on subway?
Thank you!
Hi Ester san,
1. Osaka Visitors Ticket is 250 yen cheaper than Eco card. Both card have same coverage.
2. Yokoso Osaka ticket is most recommended. It includes Nankai railway to Namba from KIX by limited express train “Rapi:t” and suwbay one day unlimited ride.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Or single ticket to Namba (920 yen) and use Osaka visitors ticket (550 yen). This combination is slightly cheaper than Yokoso Osaka ticket but this combination do not include limited express trains. I think Yokoso Osaka ticket is more attractive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
My family of 5 wants to travel to Osaka (2 days + 1 day Aquarium Kaiyukan), Kyoto (2 days), Kobe (1 day) and Takayama (2 days).
Will like to hear your advise on –
(1) the best and most worthy Pass for us
(2) Which area should we stay in?
Currently thinking to stay in Osaka throughout the whole trip. But pls advise if we should also stay in Takayama on the days we are there.
Thank you.
xx
Ling
Hi Ling san,
I think you should stay in Takayama at least one night. It takes 3.5 hours at least by train for one way. It’s too far to make a day trip. You an visit Kyoto and Kobe from Osaka as day trip.
At this point, I cannot say which deal is the best for your trip. You have to decide which area you stay in first. And also you also need to make sure your plan in Takayama. Are you staying in Takayama only. Do you intend to visit Shirakawago and/or Kanazawa? Which airport are you going to arrive and depart?
Please make sure these things before choosing the deals. But Takayama Hokurku area pass seems to be good for your trip.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My cousin and I intends to visit this June and we’ll be staying in Nara and I have a few questions concerning JR Pass.
1.)Is it possible for us to commute from Nara to Osaka within the day?
2.) From Nara to Kyoto within the day?
Thanks a lot. 🙂
Hi Kirs san,
You can access to both places from Nara very easily. Trip time is less than one hour for one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
We (6 adults) will be traveling to Japan in November for 8 days.
We intend to visit Kyoto & Osaka.
Our itinerary:-
Day 1 – Day 4 : KIX to Kyoto
Day 5 – Day 8 : Kyoto to Osaka (Namba)
My questions :-
1) From KIX to Kyoto – Out of 6 adults, 3 of them have the Icoca card, so we intend to buy the Haruka 1 way ticket to Kyoto (1600 Yen x 6). As for those without the Icoca card, can they purchase the card separately from the ticket machine?
With the Icoca card in hand, is it necessary for us to get other pass as well? Which pass would you suggest and what is the charges?
2) Kyoto to Osaka (Hotel in Namba area) – Which railway should we take?
3) Namba to Osaka Castle
Namba to Minoo Park
Which is the best /easiest way to get to the above destination?
4 Namba to KIX – Our flight is 11 am, which train option do you suggest?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Annie,
1. You can purchase ICOCA when you purchar Haruka discount ticket. Three of you can also purchase Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. It’s same type of card as ICOCA, but it offers discount at many attractions:
http://kansaionepass.com/en/
2. JR from Kyoto to ShinOsaka, Subway Midousuji line from Umeda to Namba
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
3. Namba (subway) Hommachi (subway) Tanimachi Yonchome > Osaka castle
Namba (subway) Umeda (Hankyu railway) Minoo
4. Nankai railway
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-san. If we purchase the ‘ordinary’ JR pass, can we reserve for bullet train seats on the Tokyo-Osaka/Osaka-Tokyo trips and pay the fare difference only for those trips? Is it possible and/or advisable?
Hi Maria,
JR Pass covers reserved ordinary seat on Shinkansen fully. Only Nozomo is not covered on Shinkansen line by JR pass. But you can take Hikari and Kodama. Please see 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
Hello Takeshi-san,
I’ve sent you a question couple of minutes ago. Please consider this question instead. I added more details so you can help me better.
We’re a family of 7 going to japan this May: 5 adults, 2 kids (9 and 11). We’re staying in Tokyo for 3 nights, then off to Osaka for 3 nights – but taking day trips to Kyoto and Kobe from Osaka.
May 26 – arrive Narita airport; take train to Shinjuku
stay in hotel around Shinjuku until May 29
May 27 -Tsukiji fish market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Akihabara, Ginza
May 28 – to mt Fuji
May 29 – take bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka;
stay somewhere near Namba
go to Dotonbori
May 30 – go to Kyoto
Fushima Inari shrine
Bamboo groove
Kiyomizudera temple
May 31 – go to Kobe
Shin-Kobe Ropeway, Nunobiki waterfall
June1 – bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo
last minute shopping around Tokyo
June2 – fly out of Japan from Haneda airport
Please advise the most cost-effective train option for us. Thank you.
Hi Maria,
JR pass 7 days is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You may use single ticket to get Haneda on the last day of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com