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
My family of 3 plan to visit Osaka on 31st May. We will be staying 5 nights in osaka and 2 nights in kyoto. Arriving kansai airport 6pm, plan to travel by Nankai Airport Exp. for NAMBA to hotel in Namba. Can I check whether can I still purchase Haruka discount ticket for my trip from Kyoto (hotel at Omiya) to Kansai Airport (flight depart 4:30pm on 7thJune)
We need to buy the ICOCA card in order to buy discount ticket right. Which means we have to buy Icoca card at KIX airport then buy the Haruka discount ticket (¥1600) from Kyoto?
Hi Grace,
That’s right. You may purchase Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. Both are actually same card but Kansai one pass is designed for tourists and it offers discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can purchase Haruka discount ticket with Kansai one pass too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
we are planning to make a trip in March/April from Osaka to Tokyo and make a day trips in the area. Please advise us on the best solution since I understand the JP pass is not recomendable in this (one-way) case scenario.
Day 1: Kansai Airport – hotel in Osaka – around Osaka
Day 2: daytrip to Nara
Day 3: daytrip to Himeji (maybe Kobe)
Day 4: transfer to Kyoto – hotel in Kyoto – around Kyoto
Day 5: around Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera…)
Day 6: Kyoto – Hakone – hotel in Hakone, Gora (overnight)
Day 7: Hakone – Tokyo, hotel in Tokyo, afternoon around Tokyo
Day 8, 9, 10, 11 : Tokyo
Day 12: depart from Haneda
I will appreciate your answer, thank you ahead, sincerely, Marina Kota
Hi Marina,
JR pass 7 days may be okay for your trip if you are really sure to take these following routes/trains.
Ride Haruka from Kansai airport to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka
Round trip by Shinkansen (bullet train) between Shin-Osaka and Himeji
One way trip by Shinkansen from Kyoto to Odawara on the way to Hakone
One way trip by Shinkansen from Odaawara to Tokyo
If you take these above routes, total fare is almost equal to 7 days JR pass price. And you can take JR local trains in Nara, Osaka and Kyoto. So you may get the worth of 7 days pass. Especially round trip by Shinkansen to Himeji gives you 8000 yen value. This is required to get the worth.
If you visit only Kobe (not Himeji), you may not get the worth. In this case, you need to use local deal in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, and use single ticket for other part of your trip. The following link shows you Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo one way trip sample. You may add Hakone on this itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You may use subway pass in Tokyo anyway.
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
Dear Takeshi san,
May I seek your advice on transportation in my coming trip to Japan in April?
My 10 days itinerary is below:
1) 16 Apr (12:55): Arrive at Osaka Kansai Int’l airport
2) 16 Apr: Osaka Kansai Int’l airport to Shirahama
3) 17 Apr: Shirahama to Wakayama
4) 17 Apr – 19 Apr: Wakayama
5) 19 Apr: Wakayama to Kyoto
6) 19 Apr – 21 Apr: Kyoto
7) 21 Apr: Kyoto to Osaka
8) 22 Apr: Osaka to Kobe (day trip)
9) 23 Apr – 25 Apr: Osaka
10) 25 Apr (18:00): Departure from Osaka Kansai Int’l airport
Thanks in advance.
Hi Phyl san,
You may use Kansai wide area pass for the first 5 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Single fare is the choice for 21st.
Hanshin tourist pass for 22nd.
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/tourist/
Please see the link below to find the deal for Osaka.
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
Hi Takeshi san,
Will be travelling with my parents to Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe 12-21 May 2018.
Please advise best passes to get for various dates with sample Itenary below ?
12-17 May: Stay at Hotel UNIZO Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
12 May (Arrive Osaka Kix 9.05am) – Kansai Airport trsf to Kyoto, Drop Bag than go either Nijo Castle/Kyoto Imperial, Dinner Nishiki Market ?
13 May: Southern Higashiya. Downtown Kyoto/Nishiki Market, Fushimi-Inari, Gion Shimbashi
14 May: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji/Daitoku-ji (Maybe), Dinner Downtown, Stroll Pontocho Alley
15 May: Kurama+Kibune, Lunch @ Hyakumamben(Demachiyanagi station), Ginkaku-ji Temple, Path of Philosophy/Honen-In temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Dinner downtown
16 May: Nara – Isui-en Garden/Yoshiki-en, Todaiji Temple, Nigatsu-do Hall, Lunch, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, Naramachi
17-21 May: New Osaka Hotel Shisaibashi
17 May (Travel Kyoto to Osaka/Kobe) – What is best way for this travel ?
17 May Dinner Kuromon Market
18 May: 1 Day trip to Kobe for beef
19 May: Explore Minami, Dontombori + Lunch, Hozenji Yokochu (traditional Alley), Doguyasuji Arcade, Den-Den Town/Shisaibashi-Shji Shopping, Dinner Minami
20 May: Osaka Bay – Osaka Aquarium, Lunch @ Tempozan Market Place, Kita District, Osaka Castle, Dinner somewhere?
21 May: Kansai Airport Trsf back
Thank You
Hi Michelle san,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day and add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
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
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
In Kyoto, use one day bus pass basically. When you need to take train or subway, use Kansai one pass except for 15th May.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
In Osaka, you may use Kansai one pass except for 20th May. You can use Osaka Kaiyu ticket for this day.
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/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days is your choice for Kyoto (15th May), Nara and Kobe.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Please see the link below to find the deal for Osaka to KIX:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san 🙂
No worries, Michelle san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’ll travelling to Japan in end of April with my friend (total 6 person) around the Kansai Region. We would like to seek your advice on the type of transportation suitable for us. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
DAY 1 (23/4/2018)
– Departure from Malaysia
– Reached Osaka airport (KIX)
(stay at Nishishinsaibashi near Dontonburi)
– Free & easy
DAY 2 (24/4/2018)
– Day trip to Kyoto
– Kinkakuji Temple
– Nishiki Market
– Kiyomizu-dera ,
– Gion District (Travel to Keihan Gion Shijo Station)
– Fushimi Inari Shrine
Day 3 (25/4/2018)
– Day trip to Kyoto
– Arashiyama :- Nison-in Temple, Nonomiya Shrine, bamboo groves,
– Tenryuji Temple
– Daikaku- Ji Temple
Day 4 (26/4/2018)
– Day trip to Nara
– Nara Deer Park
– Todaiji Temple
– Kasuga Grand Shrine
– Toshodaiji Temple
Day 5 (27/4/2018)
– Full day @ Universal Studio
Day 6 (28/4/2018)
– Travel around Osaka
*Osaka Castle, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine,
Nakanoshima Park, Shitennoji Temple,
Minami Ward area , Tennoji Park”
Day 7 (29/4/2018)
– Travel around Osaka
* Tempozan Ferris wheel , Umeda Tower, Instant Ramen
museum , Tsūtenkaku
Day 8 (30/4/2018) – LAST DAY
– Flight depart from KIX airport
Hi Menyee san,
You may find the deal/ticket for KIX – Osaka in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass is recommended for day 2 to 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Regular ticket for day 5
Osaka amazing pass for day 6 and 7
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/
*Ramen museum is outside coverage area and need to pay single fare for Umeda to/from Ikeda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi -san
No worries, Menyee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Just to check is JR Pass is recommended for my trip
Fly to Tokyo & back from Osaka
Day 1 – 2 Tokyo
Day 3 Hakone
Day 4 – 5 Kyoto
Day 6 – 8 Osaka (day trip to Kobe)
Thank you so much
Hi Gina san,
One way trip from Tokyo to Osaka is not enough to use JR pass. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I would like to ask for tips. A bit irrelevant in this topic but I only remember this page last time and it is very helpful when I visited Osaka Kyoto last year. Thank you very much.
My question;
I want to visit Tokyo this time.
I need help for which pass is the best if I want to visit:
– Fuji
– Kamakura
– Kawagoe
– Hakone
I have searched and wonder if JR Tokyo Wide can afford all (including trip from narita to tokyo)
Please help for advise.
Thanks
Hi Chen,
Tokyo Wide Pass is the nice choice. But it does not cover Hakone. You can get Odawara by this pass but you need to add Hakone Free Pass for sightseeing in Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
If you intend to spend one day each for these places, you will spend 4 days. So you can use Tokyo wide pass for other than Hakone and use Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you. I tried to look on the JR Wide Pass map and somehow still confused , can you help me to confirm if the pass usable from
1. Narita to Shinjuku (yes/no)
2. Sightseeing inside tokyo (is it only yamanote line?)
3. Shinjuku to Fuji (shinkansen? Which line? I saw the drop off in kawaguchiko
4. Shinjuku to Kamakura (what line? Where is the stop station? I try to look on map. Hardly found kamakura station)
5. Shinjuku to Kawagoe
6. Shinjuku to hakone (I saw you said odawara and hakone pass. Thanks for the info)
Since tokyo subs more complicated than osaka kyoto and the pass is not all you can ride. I need help in more detail.
Thank you very much
Hi Chen,
>1. Narita to Shinjuku (yes/no)
Yes. You can take Narita Express.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
>2. Sightseeing inside tokyo (is it only yamanote line?)
Please see 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
>3. Shinjuku to Fuji (shinkansen? Which line? I saw the drop off in kawaguchiko
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
>4. Shinjuku to Kamakura (what line? Where is the stop station? I try to look on map. Hardly found kamakura station)
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
>5. Shinjuku to Kawagoe
You can take JR Saikyo line and JR Kawagoe line. Tobu railway and Seibu railway go to Kawagoe too but these lines are not covered.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6505.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, we are a family of four people travelling to Japan in early Jan, around the Kansai Region. We would like to seek your advice on the type of transportation suitable for us. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
1st Day (2nd Jan) : Osaka
Arrival in Japan: 5.30pm
Travel from KIX Airport to Miyakojima station (staying around the station)
Walk around Miyakojima, dinner and rest.
(Which are the ideal transport passes I should get at the airport? I have read that some passes are only available in the airport and certain locations. Could you kindly advise?)
2nd Day (3rd Jan) : Osaka
Osaka Castle
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Nakanoshima Park
Umeda Area (Sky Observatory)
3rd Day (4th Jan): Osaka
Shitennoji Temple
Minami Ward area
Tennoji Park
Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Dotonbori
4th Day (5th Jan): Kyoto
Tenryu-ji Temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Groves
Kameyama-Koen Park
(Area around Arashiyama and the temples around there)
5th Day (6th Jan): Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Travel to JR Inari station or Keihan Fushimi Inari station)
Sanjusangendo Temple (Travel to Keihan Shichijo station)
Gion District (Travel to Keihan Gion Shijo Station)
Yasaka Shrine
6th Day (7th Jan): Nara
Todaiji
Nara Deer Park
Heijio Palace
7th Day (8th Jan): Kobe
Shin-Kobe Ropeway (can give it a miss)
Sake Museum
Chinatown
Kobe Haborland
8th Day (9th Jan): Osaka
Leaving Japan.
Hi Megan,
Basically you may follow my sample itinerary in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Nankai and subway deal is your choice for arrival and departure days.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Kansai thru pass is the best choice for outside Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
And use one of the deals in the link below for sightseeing in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san!
No worries, Megan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Can I know which pass best to take if I have a 8 days 7 nights itinerary as below?
Day 1: KIX @ 7.30pm – transfer to Kyoto (will it be better to buy Haruka pass?)
Day 2: Kyoto Day trip (planned to buy kyoto day pass @ Y500, my places to visit will be Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto City Zoo, Fushimi Inari Shrine & Kyoto Station shopping mall).
Day 3: Kyoto – Nagoya – Takayama (via Wide View Hida) – Shirakawago – Takayama (Nohi bus)
Day 4: Takayama – Osaka (stay near to Nippombashi station)
Day 5: Osaka day Trip (Osaka Castle, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Tempozan Lunch, Kids Plaza Osaka, Minami & Dotombori (planned to buy kaiyukan ticket)
Day 6: Nara half day tour, USJ
Day 7: USJ
Day 8: KIX (flight home)
Hi Kai Yin san,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass if you are okay to get Takayama via Kanazawa and Toyama (or Shirakawago).
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
If you use this, you can take Haruka from KIX to Kyoto. You still need to buy Kyoto bus pass but this is most cost-effective way. If you want to get Takayama via Nagoya, you still can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass. But you need to pay for Kyoto to Nagoya which is not covered. It’s about 6000 yen extra for one way by Shinkansen.
You can use Osaka Kaiyu ticket even if you use Takayama Hokuriku area pass. This pass covers JR trains in Osaka but you still need to take subway which is not covered. Osaka Kaiyu ticket covers subway and admission. It’s a good choice.
Single ticket is okay for day 6 and 7. You can use subway and Nankai railway deal to get KIX on the last day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m planning to make a trip from Tokyo to Osaka and make a day trips in the area.
Day 1 – Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka
Day 3 – Nara
I’ve been researching on all the passes but it’s still very confusing to me so I thought I’d just ask you directly. Will JR Pass cover all these trips? Does JR pass work within each of these cities? I know it will not in Kyoto. I might fly there from Tokyo instead, so if I do not get the JR pass, is there another subway pass that I can buy to save money or will it be better to pay for fare as I go?
Hi Carmen san,
JR pass covers it but Kansai thru pass is most convenient choice for you if you look for the deal for these three trips:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com