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
Dear Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan for the first time as a solo traveler. I will be arriving in Tokyo on the 15 August where I intend to stay until 23 from after which I will fly to Sapporo and stay there till the 28 of August. My entire holiday last till the 12 of September where from Tokyo I will start my return home to Malta. From Sapporo I intend to fly to Honshu where I would like to visit Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe with obviously day trips in between. From there I would like to go on to Fukoka and spend the last days of my holiday there from where I will return to Tokyo to start my way home on the 12 September departing at 2200 from Narita airport. While in Fukoka I still intend to make day trips to neighboring places. Could you please suggest how to go from one place to the other and to which place should I fly from Sapporo to continue my stay in Honshu. And please could you suggest how it is best to split my days in every place which will allow enough time to visit other places on day trips where possible. My visit is almost for a month and I would like to enjoy the beauty of Japan as much as possible. Thanks for your kind suggestions and information I truly appreciate what ever information and suggestion you can give me.
Evelyn from Malta
Hi Evelyn,
Some places cannot be visited from major cities, like Tokyo and Osaka. These following places are recommended and very popular for the tourist from oversea.
Takayama
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
Shirakawago
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
Kanazawa
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
These above three places can be combined, like Osaka-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama-Nagoya-Osaka.
Hiroshima and Miyajima are very popular too. If you take Shinkansen train from Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka), you can drop by. But you will spend at least one day. It takes 2 hours from Osaka to Hiroshima. And another one hour to get Miyajiama. You will spend 1 to 1.5 hour to get Hakata from Hiroshima. I recommned you to stay one night there.
Before you make an itinerary, please find where you want to see and visit. Japan Guide will help you to get more idea.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
You will stay one month and you will have a big baggage. So if you can stay in one place and visit other places as day trip, it will be easier. I understand that. But you can make a few night trips from major cities. You can leave most part of your baggage and come back to same places. I think that way will work.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
First of all thank you very much for this very detailed and helpful guide.
I have been trying for weeks now to find the best ticket for our trip to the Kansai region and Tokio. It will be the first trip to Japan for my wife and me and I am still not sure, whether to buy the Kansai Thru Pass, the ICOCA, the ICOCA & Haruka or the Pass you mentioned which is valid for both JR and the private lines.
Hence, I was wondering whether you could kindly help us with the decision.
We will arrive at Kansai airport on Day 1 and have to transfer to Osaka station or Umeda (our hotel is very near to these stations).
We will stay in our hotel in Osaka for 4 days and are planning to spend 1 day sightseeing in Osaka, 2 days in Kyoto and probably 1 day in Kobe.
Then we will transfer to Tokio where we will spend 5 days in the city and then we will fly back from Tokio to Germany.
Could you please kindly advise what would be the best choice of railway tickets for this trip?
Thank you very much in advance. Any help is highly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Robert
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
First of all, you can use ICOCA and Haruka. ICOCA can be used transfer to Kyoto, Kobe or subway in Osaka for sightseeing. If it’s not enough, you can add some more fund into ICOCA.
For sightseeing in Kyoto, you can use all day bus pass. If you intend to take subway in Kyoto, Kyoto sightseeing card is better. So it depends on your wish list of Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
For trip to Tokyo, single ticket is your choice. JR pass is not your choice. It’s much more expensive than single ticket. You must have round trip between Osaka and Tokyo for JR Pass.
Before leaving Tokyo, try to make ICOCA empty. If you return it to JR station, you can get 500 refund. Because ICOCA includes 500 yen deposit. If you don’t care about deposit, you can keep ICOCA and can use it in Tokyo as well.
In Tokyo, you can purchase subway pass as you need.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your help.
I’ve just learned from your post about the late arrival at Kansai Airport (again very helpful!) that it would probably be best for us to take the bus to Osaka station/Umeda since our estimated arrival is 9.30pm. So it is my understanding that we won’t need ICOCA + Haruka. But we will probably use ICOCA for Osaka, Kobe and for the transfer to Kyoto. Apart from that, we will follow your kind recommendation.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
Robert
No problem, Robert.
ICOCA can be purchased at most of JR stations in Kansai area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We (4 of us) will be arriving through a Cruiseship at Kobe on April 21, 2014. We have a hotel reservation at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel in Uehonmachi 5430001 Osaka.
1) What kind of transportation will we take. How much will it cost.
2) What is the distance.
Your prompt answer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Greg
Hi Greg,
I don’t know which station is the nearest from the port. Because I’m not familiar with cruise ship.
Anyway you may be able to catch Hanshin Railway in Kosoku-Kobe, Motomachi or Sannomiya. Some of Hanshin train go directly to Uehonmachi. You might have to transfer at Amagasaki. It costs 550 yen and takes about 1 hour.
http://www.hanshin.co.jp/global/en/
If you need more info about fare and timetable, try to find it at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP rail
Greetings Takeshi,
It is my first time with my wife to tour Japan for few days due to leave constraint.
Can you advise me the best way to get from the SWISSOTEL HOTEL in Osaka to Kansai Airport and is the Swissotel centrally located.
How early should I leave the hotel in Osaka for a flight departing from Kansai at 1400 Hrs.
Many thanks Takeshi
Nick
Hi Nick,
Actually Swiss hotel is located at Nankai Railway Namba station. So take Nankai train is the best way.
Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket is the best deal. It takes 40 minutes to get KIX.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
You will find the timetable at the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/railway/kansai-airport/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
thank you for this very useful and detailed guide.
I’m planning to go to Japan in May for 2 weeks and I start to have some doubts if it’s worthy to get a rail pass.
The plan is as it follows:
Arrive at Haneda Airport > Tokyo ( with suica car/monorail )
Stay in Tokyo 2 days and move to Kyoto ( rail pass)
I will spend 6 days in Kyoto.
during these 6 days I’d like to have 1 day trip to:
Nara
Kobe
and maybe mt.Koya.
after Kyoto, I’ll move back to Tokyo and surroundings for 6 days (using the Suica card)
is it worthy to get a rail pass?
Also what would be the best route to get to Kobe and mt.Koya from Kyoto with a rail pass?
I still have a lot to read and planning to do for this trip and your input would definetely be a great help!
Many Thanks!
Andrea.
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for your comment about my website. 🙂
I think you will have Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo in 7 days. In this case, JR Pass 7 days will work.
1) To Kobe
You can use JR pass to Kobe by Special Rapid Express. You will find it above.
2) To Mt. Koya
You can use JR Pass partially to get Mt. Koya. You will get Special Rapid to Osaka. And transfer to Osaka Kanjo line to get Shin-Imamiya. JR Pass will cover until getting Shin-Imamiya. And then take Nankai Railway from Shin-Imamiya to Mt. Koya. You can find more info at the following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-get-mt-koya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
this is my first time to Osaka Kyoto with my parent . We are all first timers to Japan.
I will very much appreciate it if you can advise what kind of pass we should use in order to have some savings on transportation, also a more efficient line to use to save time.
Please let me know if my planning route can be improved further .
Day 1 reach Kansai airport at 10pm , stay at airport hotel.
Day 2 Kyoto ( kiyomizu-dera, ninenzake, Yasaka jinks, Gio, shijo kawaramachi, Kyoto tower) overnight at Kyoto
Day 3 Kyoto (Arashiyama, kinkoku ji, ginkoku ji, Kyoto imperial park)
Overnight at Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto (Fushima Inary Taisha, sanjusangen do, nijo castle)overnight at Kyoto
Day 5 Osaka ( osaka castle , shinsaibashi, osaka aquarium) overnight at Osaka
Day 6 Nara ( Nara koen, kofuku Ji,Todai ji) overnight at osaka
Day 7 Shirahama,wakayama overnight at Shirahama cho
Day 8 Osaka (Dotonbori, Houzenji) overnight at Osaka
Day 9 Osaka ( Rinku Premium outlet , Kansai intl airport ) leaving Osaka 10pm
Thank you in advance .
Cheers,
Sean
Hi Sean,
I recommend you the following:
ICOCA and Haruka one way
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
It covers trip to Kyoto from KIX.
Kyoto all day bus pass for day 2 and Kyoto sightseeing card for day 3
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Use ICOCA e-money of ICOCA and Haruka ticket for day 4 and day 5
Kansai Wide Area Pass for the rest of your trip.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there;
I am really confused about all this and will really need your expert advice.
I am going to Tokyo and Kyoto next August.
I will stay in Tokyo for 6 days and in Kyoto 4. I intend to travel by train from the airport in Tokyo (Narita) and from Tolyo to Kyoto. I will also use the train to go to Osaka airport on the last day of teh trip.
I still do not know whether the train is the best option or if I have to buy the Japan Rail Pass (JRP).
Is it better by train or bus?
Is is wothwhile to buy the JRP or single “regular” tickets?
Does the JRP includes subways and other metropolitan means of transportation or do I have to buy day tickets for those? (city buese, trams and subway)
Is there something like a “Sightseing bus”? How much is it?
Thank you for your expert advice
Hi Maria,
First of all, JR pass is not your choice. If you use JR Pass, you must have round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto. One way trip is not enough even if you use the pass in Tokyo and Narita-Tokyo or Kyoto-KIX. So forget about JR Pass.
For the trip from Narita to Tokyo, you can use Suica and N’ex.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
I show other way to get Tokyo from Narita at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
In Tokyo, you can use subway pass if you visit many places by yourself.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Regarding sightseeing bus, there are lots in both Tokyo and Kyoto. If you google “Tokyo bus sightseeing” and “Kyoto, sightseeing bus”, you will find tons of info. And also Japan-guide.com will help you too.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
From Tokyo to Kyoto, single ticket is your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
There is a bus service between Tokyo and Kyoto.
http://willerexpress.com/en/?mid=157&gclid=COC3qpTYl7wCFeZ7Qgodt3cAVA
But I’m not very familiar with bus. So I don’t know how good or bad this is.
In Kyoto, there are some deals available:
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
At last, you can use Kansai Area Pass one day to get KIX from Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
What is the best option and quickest way to get from KIX airport to Osaka central then to Kyoto central for 3 people?
Thank you!
Yaniz
Hi Yaniz,
I think the following route is the best:
KIX-(Nankai)-Namba-(subway)-Yodoyabashi-(Keihan)- GionShijo
You can find the locations and routes at the following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your prompt reply!
No problem, Yaniz.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
It is my first time visiting Japan end of this month.
Sorry to say that I am really confusing on the numerous lines (different type of trains) and pass (sight visit, one day etc), and the travelling date is getting nearer and nearer.
Hence, really appreciate if you could advise me further on the transport matters. If possible, anymore tourist spot along the itinerary.
My itinerary as follow:
1-Feb-14 (Sat) Reach KIX at 22.05 –> Night at Airport?
2-Feb-14 (Sun) Kyoto (Nijo Castle; Kyoto Imperial Palace; Kiyomizudera; Otowa Waterfall –> Night at Kyoto.
3-Feb-14 (Mon) Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji Temple; Saga-Toriimoto preserved Street, Gion, Otagi Nenbutsuji –> Night at Kyoto.
4-Feb-14 (Tue) Osaka (Osaka Castle, Minami (Namba), Dotonbori, Amerikamura –> Night at Osaka.
5-Feb-14 (Wed) Kobe (Arima Onsen; Mount Rokko; Kobe Harbourland, Sakae Museum –> Night at Kobe.
6-Feb-14 (Thurs) Kobe / Osaka (Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) –> Night at Osaka
7-Feb-14 (Fri) Nagoya (Toyota; Nagoya Castle; Sciece Museum; Osu Kannon Temple; Nagoya TV Tower; Nagoya Port Area) –> Night at Osaka
8-Feb-14 (Sat) Nara / Osaka (Todaji Temple; Nara Deer Park; Kasuga Grand Shrine; Nara Nagomikan –> Back to KIX Airport leaving at 23.35
Hi Chong,
I put my comment for your itinerary below:
1-Feb-14 (Sat) Reach KIX at 22.05 –> Night at Airport?
> That’s better. You can get Osaka but can’t get Kyoto on arrival day anyway.
2-Feb-14 (Sun) Kyoto (Nijo Castle; Kyoto Imperial Palace; Kiyomizudera; Otowa Waterfall –> Night at Kyoto.
>Use ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket from KIX to Kyoto.
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
Save ICOCA e-money for transfer from Kyoto to Kobe and Kobe to Osaka.
Use Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass for Kyoto sightseeing.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
3-Feb-14 (Mon) Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji Temple; Saga-Toriimoto preserved Street, Gion, Otagi Nenbutsuji –> Night at Kyoto.
>Same as above
4-Feb-14 (Tue) Osaka (Osaka Castle, Minami (Namba), Dotonbori, Amerikamura –> Night at Osaka.
>Use ICOCA to get Osaka. If you want, you can use ICOCA for taking subway in Osaka.
5-Feb-14 (Wed) Kobe (Arima Onsen; Mount Rokko; Kobe Harbourland, Sakae Museum –> Night at Kobe.
>Use ICOCA or pay simply single fare. ICOCA is issued by JR but you can use to take most of train trips in Kansai area. You can use ICOCA for this day’s trip. You can deposit some more fund into ICOCA at most of JR stations.
6-Feb-14 (Thurs) Kobe / Osaka (Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown) –> Night at Osaka
>Use ICOCA
7-Feb-14 (Fri) Nagoya (Toyota; Nagoya Castle; Sciece Museum; Osu Kannon Temple; Nagoya TV Tower; Nagoya Port Area) –> Night at Osaka
>If you stay around Namba area, Kintetsu pass is the best and the cheapest choice.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-3.html
You can take limited express train to get Nagoya. This ticket can be purchased at Kansai Airport only in Japan. Don’t forget to purchase it before leaving airport.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-1.html#2
8-Feb-14 (Sat) Nara / Osaka (Todaji Temple; Nara Deer Park; Kasuga Grand Shrine; Nara Nagomikan –> Back to KIX Airport leaving at 23.35
Kintetsu rail pass can be used for getting Nara and back to Namba. Once you get Namba, move to JR Namba station. You can get Limited Express Haruka at Tennoji to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will travel to Japan next month and arrive at Kansai International airport around 4.00 pm and will spend 11 days in Japan, intend to buy JR pass for 7 days to visit Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Toyohashi, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.Is JR train stop at Mt Fuji and Toyohashi or Hamamatsu?
Hi Michelle,
You can get Shinkansen to visit Toyohashi or Hamamatsu.
https://jprail.com/trains/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Regarding Mt. Fuji, please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail