Kyoto is most popular destination in Japan. You may visit Kyoto by JR Pass and other JR West Rail Passes. You may be wondering how much you can use your pass to explore Kyoto?
In this post, I explain you about the coverage of JR Pass and other rail passes in Kyoto.
Explaination by movie
You may watch same content as this post in the movie below as well.
Overview
First of all, please see the map below. I put train routes, a bus route and the name of the tourist spots in the map.
These are covered by JR Pass. And also these following other regional JR deal have same coverage:
Kansai Area Pass does not cover West Japan JR Bus line but it covers Kyoto subway and some part of Keihan railway. Please find more information in the post below:
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass can take you to Kyoto. But it does not cover any modes of transportation after arrival in Kyoto.
How to get Kyoto by JR Pass and JR regional passes
There are many ways to get Kyoto.
The Tokaido Shinkansen
You can get Kyoto by the Shinkansen from Tokyo, Yokohama, Odawara (near Hakone), Nagoya, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata and many more stations. Please find more information of the Shinkansen in the link below:
The limited express Haruka
If you arrive in Kansai airport and move to Kyoto right after, you may take Haruka. It takes you to Kyoto directly.
You may use this train for Tennoji to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Kyoto instead of taking a local train.
Special Rapid train
Special Rapid train runs every 15 minutes day time. It offers very frequent and very fast service. It takes just 30 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto. The trip time is same as other limited express train. The Shinkansen is fast but you have to change trains at Shin-Osaka. If you travel from Osaka (Umeda) to Kyoto. This train is the best choice.
From Kanazawa, Amanohashidate, Kinosaki, Nara
Kyoto is connected with these cities as well. You can get Kyoto from Kanazawa by the limited express Thunderbird. From Amanohashidate, you can take the limited express Hashidate. The limited express Kinosaki connects Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen. And Nara and Kyoto are connected by JR Nara line. You can get Kyoto from Nara by a local train or a rapid train.
The coverage of JR Pass and JR regional passes
There are tree routes are covered.
JR Sagano line
Sagano line is shown in a pink line. You can get these following places by this line:
- Kyoto Railway Museum (from Umekoji -Kyotonishi station)
- Kyoto Aquarium (from Umekoji-Kyotonishi station)
- Nijo castle (from Nijo station)
- Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (from Uzumasa station)
- Arashiyama (from Saga-Arashiyama station)
- Sagano Scenic Railway, a.k.a. Torokko train (from Saga-Arashiyama station)
A local train and a rapid train runs every 15 minutes in daytime.
Sagano Scenic Railway departs from JR Saga-Arashiyama station but this train is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.
Nara line
This line is shown in a brown line. This line connects Kyoto and Nara. These following places can be accessed by Nara line:
- Tofuku-ji temple (from Tofukuji station)
- Fushimi Inari shrine (from Inari station)
- Uji (from Uji station)
I did not put any stations on the map between Uji and Inari. But there are many stations. It take 5 to 10 minutes to get Tofukuji and Inari from Kyoto. But it takes 30 minutes from Kyoto station to Uji. Uji is located in the middle of Kyoto and Nara.
A local train and a rapid train runs every 10 to 15 minutes in daytime.
West Japan JR bus
There are huge number of bus routes in Kyoto. You can get almost anywhere in Kyoto by a bus. Most bus routes are operated by Kyoto city bus which is not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. But there is only one route which is operated by West Japan JR Bus. This is covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals.
This route connects Kyoto station and Takao. There are some tourist spots on the route of this bus service:
- Kitano Tenmangu shrine (from Kitano bus stop)
- Kinkaku-ji temple, a.k.a. Golden Pavillion (from Wara Tenjin bus stop)
- Ryoan-ji temple (from Ryoanji bus stop)
This bus runs every 15 minutes between 8:00 and 18:00.
Around Kyoto station
JR Kyoto station is the biggest shopping area in Kyoto. There are some shopping buildings around the station. And Kyoto tower is located in front of the station.
The places which are not covered
Eastern and northern Kyoto are not covered by JR Pass and JR regional deals. These following popular places cannot be accessed by JR Pass and JR regional deals:
- Kiyomizu-dera temple
- Yasaka shrine
- Gion
- Nishiki Market
- Imperial Palace
- Ginkaku-ji temple
- Kurama
- Kifune shrine
- Hieizan
You have to take Keihan Railway, Hankyu Railway, Kyoto city subway, Kyoto city bus and/or Eizan Railway to get these places. Please refer the post below to find all trains information:
I hope you have foud how to maximize using JR Pass in Kyoto. Enjoy your trip to Kyoto.
Comments
Hi Takeshi. Thank you so much for your effort in maintaining this website; I have used it a lot in planning my Japan trip!
The following is my planned itinerary during the cherry blossom season this year:
3/4 – 5/4 Narita & Tokyo
5/4 – 7/4 Osaka (hotel in Esaka)
7/4 – 9/4 Day trips to Kyoto from Osaka (hotel in Tennoji, because I couldn’t find a place to stay in Kyoto)
9/4 – 10/4 Hakone area
10/4 – 11/4 Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko area)
11/4 – 12/4 Return to Tokyo
12/4 – 13/4 Narita (early morning flight on the 13th)
If you could help me with a few questions, I would be so grateful!
My questions:
1) Is my planned itinerary feasible? I plan to purchase a 7-day JR Pass. I am thinking of starting using the pass from 5th onwards.
2) I understand that if I start using the pass on the 5th in the morning, it will expire on the 11th 11.59pm. Is this correct? I could still use the pass to explore Tokyo on the 11th without having to spend anymore on JR tickets? And I could just purchase the discounted N’EX return trip ticket for Narita-Tokyo-Narita. Is this okay?
3) Are day trips to Kyoto from Osaka advisable? I mean, going out to Kyoto in the morning and returning to Osaka later in the day. I couldn’t find any place to stay in Kyoto for 7/4-9/4. Trains from Kyoto-Osaka run until the evening, don’t they?
4) If day trips are feasible, just using JR Pass is enough right for the going and coming back from Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka?
5) Is the train trip from Osaka to Hakone going to be difficult? My research tells me that I have several ways to reach Hakone, but with luggage in tow, switching between shinkansen and bus at Mishima/Atami/Yugawara station is going to be quite difficult. My hotel is nearby Hakone-Yumoto, thus Odawara is the best transit stop for me. Is this correct?
6) Do you have any ideas on ways to make my itinerary better i.e. less rushed, maximize use of JR Pass etc (apart from extending my stay hehe)? I would very much appreciate your input.
Thank you in advance for your help, Takeshi.
Best regards from Malaysia,
Dinie
Hi Dinie,
1) Yes. You are on the right way to use 7 days JR pass.
2) It’s midnight to midnight. You can use N’ex Round trip ticket as you think.
3) It runs 5:00 am to midnight. It’s easy to make it.
4) You can use it, but you have to add subway or bus pass in Kyoto.
5) Odawara is the best place to transfer from Shinkansen to Hakone Tozan Railway. Please find the info at 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for this helpful site. I’d like to check if we are making the right choice of what to buy for the subway.
Here is our IT
We will be staying in Osaka
Day 1 :Kyoto + Nara (if time permits)
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Nara if in we can’t go there during Day 1, in case we get that covered on Day 1 then we might go to Kobe
would the JR West Kansai Area Pass be enough? or JR West Kansai Area Pass +Kansai thru pass?
Thanks,
Regards,
Macon
Hi Macon,
Please see the link below. I show how to build the itinerary and choose the pass. We need to make sure the location to stay and detail itinerary before we choose the pass. Anyway I think you will find the solutions at this link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, thank you so much for taking time to maintain your website with such usefull informations. I would appreciate to have your advise regarding the card or pass to purchase about my trip as following :
Arrival in Tokyo 28.03 – staying 5 nights in Tokyo
Dep. to Kyoto 02.04 – staying 6 nights in Otsu
03.04 KYOTO
04.04 KYOTO
05.04 KYOTO
06.04 Himeji / Nara
07.04 KOBE / OSAKA
08.04 travelling back to Tokyo
09.04 Last day in Tokyo , Visit Yokohama & Kamakura
10.04 fly back to home
So what would be the best for our 5 nights stay in Tokyo if we want to move around?
And then travel to Kyoto , what would you recommend ?
Many thanks for your feedback.
Kind regards
Hi Tom,
I’m happy to hear that my website help you to build your plan.
First, JR Pass 7 days for your trip to Otsu for 6 nights.
In Tokyo, there are lots of options. But sometimes single ticket may be best. Single fare stars from around 100 yen. So it depends on how many trips you make a day. I usually recommend subway pass or Tokunai pass. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
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
If you arrive in Narita, you may find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Single fare is okay if you arrive in Haneda.
For Yokohama and Kamakura, you can find some deals at the links below. But single ticket may be okay.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I was wondering which card should we get for our 10 day itinerary on Apr. 2 – 11, 2015:
Apr 2 (Thursday) – 8pm: Travel from Kansai Airport to Hotel in Kyoto
Apr 3 (Friday): Kyoto: Day 1
Ginkakuji
Philosopher’s Path.
Nanzenji
Keage Incline
Heian Shrine
Yasaka Shrine
Kodaiji
Higashiyama Street
Kiyomizudera
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Gion
Apr 4 (Saturday): Kyoto: Day 2
Monkey Park
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tenryuji
Bamboo Groves
Jojakkoji
Gioji
Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
Otagi Nenbutsuji
Daikakuji
Ryoanji
Kinkakuji
Ninnaji Temple
Pontocho Alley
Apr 5 (Sunday): Himeji + Nara: Day 3
Himeji Castle
Nara
Walk to Kofukuji (5-storey pagoda)
Great Buddha
Kasuga Shrine
Board train going to Tokyo
Apr 6 (Monday): Tokyo: Day 4
Meiji Shrine
Takeshita Dori
Omotesandoo
Shibuya
Shinjuku
NHK Studio Park
Yoyogi Park
Omoide Yokocho
Evening:
Kabukicho
Golden Gai
Apr 7 (Tuesday): Tokyo: Day 5
Kaminarimon
Nakamise Dori
Sensoji Temple
old-fashioned neighborhoods around Asakusa
Sumida River Boat Ride
Hama Rikyu
Aquacity and Decks
Palette Town
Diver City
Miraikan
Oedo Onsen
Optional additions:
Tokyo Skytree
Walk across Rainbow Bridge
Apr 8 (Wednesday): Yokohama: Day 6
Yokohama
Kirin Beer Village
Tulips in Yokohama park
Then go back to Tokyo
Apr 9 (Thursday): Tokyo: Day 7
Training session at a sumo stable
Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market
Imperial East Garden
Outer Park
Ginza
Marunouchi
Board train going to Nagoya
Apr 10 (Friday): Nagoya: Day 8
Morning: Cherry blossoms at Osu Kannon
Afternoon: Tokugawa Garden
After dark: City views from Nagoya Station
Apr 11 (Saturday): Nagoya: Day 9
Morning: Nagoya Castle
Afternoon: Last minute shopping
Go to Nagoya airport
Thank you in advance.
Hi Jaymee,
You may use JR pass 7 days for Apr 5 (Himeji and Nara, then Tokyo) to the end at Nagoya. Roughly total fares will not much different from 7 days pass price. But JR Pass is much easier to use. If you arrange single tickets for all segments in your trip, it makes you be headache.
You may add ICOCA and Haruka deal for arrival day:
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
You can take direct train to Kyoto and get 1500 e-money. This e-money can be used for non JR trains, like subway in Kyoto and even Tokyo. But in Kyoto, you can get better deal, like bus pass or subway pass.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You have to pay separate fare to get Nagoya airport by Meitetsu Railway. It’s not covered by JR pass but you can use ICOCA e-money to get this train.
http://www.centrair.jp/en/to_and_from/access/train.html
However ICOCA and Haruka deal includes 500 yen deposit. If you get this 500 yen refund, you have to complete to use this card before you leave Kansai area. You can’t get refund in Tokyo and Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your prompt response, Takeshi!
No problem, Jaymee.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Planning a day trip to Awaji Island on 4 Nov 14. I’m not able to find English transport information at the island. Only transport i found, Kotsu website is in Japanese. Hope you able to provide more detail and suggestion. We have 5 adults, not driving and staying at Osaka Namba area.
Hi Li,
Unfortunately I could not find any English info either. How about using Google translate?
http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.awaji-kotsu.co.jp%2F
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi, as i mentioned earlier, i’m planning a day trip to Kyoto.
Could you advise me my route in term of cost effective ways?
1. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
2. Fushimi-Inari Shrine
3. Kiyomizu-dera –
Thank you.
Hi Gigi,
Kansai thru pass is the best solution. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
It covers Esaka-Umeda subway too.
But two day pass is the minimum if you use Kansai thru pass. You need to have one more day trip to Kyoto or Nara. If you use this pass for trip to Kobe, you may not have many chances to use this pass.
If you don’t have any chances to use this pass other than day trip to Kyoto, single fare to Kyoto and use All day bus pass in Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
Thank you very much for this website and your efforts.
Any suggestions for my upcoming itinerary:
25-Sept Arrival at Kansai Airport at 16:30, then going directly to Kyoto
26-Sept Kyoto
27-Sept Kyoto
28-Sept Kyoto
29-Sept Kyoto
30-Sept Leaving Kyoto to Nara, then going to stay in Osaka overnight
01-Oct Flying out of Kansai Airport at 12:30
Hi Mike,
I think you can use ICOCA and Haruka for your trip.
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
You can use Haruka to get Kyoto from KIX directly. ICOCA e-money can be used for Kyoto-Nara-Osaka trip. At last you can take Haruka to get KIX.
When you stay in Kyoto, you can use bus pass or subway pass as you need.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am visiting Japan from 18 Oct – 26 Okt 2014 with my husband and my 17 months old son. We will arrive at Kyoto on 23 Oct around 12am and go back to KL from Osaka Kansai Airport on 26 Oct 2014 at 04:50 pm. I just wonder what public transport card would be best for Kyoto city exploring – one day in Nara – and the way to Kansai Airport.
Do you have any advice for us?
Thank you so much and greeting from Penang / Malaysia!
Silke
Hi Silke
In Kyoto, you can use either Kyoto city sightseeing card or Al day bus pass for exploring Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
For the trip to Nara, single ticket is the best choice. There is no deals available.
At last, you can use JR West Kansai Area Pass to get KIX. You can take direct express train Haruka from Kyoto to KIX. This is only direct service 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,
I am visiing Japan from 14 Nov – 29 Nov 2014, arriving Kansai a/port arround 8.25 am and heading to Kyoto , stay 5 nights there , 2 nights Takayama,1 N Kyoto (may be change to Oaka), 2 N Hiroshima, 5 N Osaka,
1. KIX to Kyoto – ICOCA/Haruka pass
2. explore Kyoto 15/11 – 19/11/2014
3. JR pass – activate 19/11 – 25/11/2014
4. Kansai Thru pass 4 days pass 26/11 – 29/11/2014
Please advise thank you
Hi June,
I’m wondering Kansai thru pass is the best choice for your stay in Osaka. Kansai thru pass is too much if you visit the places in Osaka, It’s too expensive for even day trips to Nara or Kobe. And also Kansai thru pass has only 2 days or 3 days.
If you intend to visit the places in city of Osaka, Eco card or Osaka Amazing pass is better choice.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
I will be visiting Kyoto this coming October and as a side trip I am going to Kinosaki Onsen for a couple of nights,then returning to Kyoto.
Either on the way to Kinosaki from Kyoto or on the way back to Kyoto I would like to take a train ride along the coast of the Sea of Japan.
For scenery from the train, would you recommend taking the JR Sanin line towards Takeno and then west, or should I consider a ride on the Kitakinki Tango line from Toyooka?
I’ve spent a fair amount of time reading all the wonderful articles you have posted and very much look forward to my visit to Japan. Thanks for your time.
Maggie S.
Hi Maggie,
Both lines are good. But if you have a time, I recommend you to take a train to Hamasaki. The train passes on Amarube bridge. This is one of the best in Japan.
http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/201111/05/80/d0171080_1642859.jpg
This bridge is located between Yoroi and Amarube.
https://goo.gl/maps/jOiqq
Of course, you will be able to see Sea of Japan on the way to Amarube bridge.
Actually Kitakinki Tango Railway is a good choice too. It’s very hard to choose one of these. If you have extra time, take both.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks so much for your reply and the fantastic pic of Amarube bridge. Since I plan on getting the JR Kansai 4 day pass, I will take your great advice and take both trains. I am also very much looking forward to riding on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
You have an awesome and incredibly informative website. Thanks again.
Warm regards from Toronto
Maggie
No problem, Maggie.
Enjoy your trip. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail