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
Hello Takeshi,
We will be travelling from Osaka to Kyoto (Arashiyama), Nara and Kinosaki.
Which rail pass will be the best value for us please?
Hi Eena,
Kansai Wide Area Pass is most affordable one to cover 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 / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Many thanks for posting a great read! I am planning my travel to Japan and I am finding it difficult to decide the best way to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (including the local sightseeing). My itinerary is as follows:-
1. Land at Narita Airport on 11th June
2. Sightseeing in Tokyo till 13th June
3. Travel from Tokyo to Osaka on 13th June
4. Visit Universal Studios on 14th
5. Leave for Kyoto on 14th night
6. Sightseeing in Kyoto till 16th
7. Leave for Tokyo Haneda airport on 16th night for an early morning flight on 17th
I am considering two options:-
1. Buying a JR pass for all the travel and buy additional local tickets in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto for local sightseeing
2. Buying local tickets in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto and use cheap flights between Narita and Kansai
Which option do you think I can go for considering cost and comfort? Also which local cards would you recommend me buying?
Thanks
Best Regards
Yatin
Hi Yatin,
If you find the round trip flight fare at less than 20,000 yen, you can go for flight+local deals. Otherwise JR pass is cheaper.
If you use JR pass, you can move downtown to downtown directly by Shinkansen (bullet train). Even though trip time by Shinkansen is much longer than flight (3 hours Shinkansen VS 1 hour flight), Shinkansen is faster because most of cheap flight depart and arrive at Narita and Kansai. You need to spend one hour each for move to airport from downtown at each cities. Shinkansen is much more convenient.
And also if you use JR pass, you may need to add some local deals because it does not cover subway. But it’s still easier to handle your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi.
I am getting the round trip ticket from Tokyo to Osaka at 12000 yen. So I guess I will go with the flight and buy local passes. Any recommendations on the local passes I can buy in Tokyo and the Kansai region? I will be in Tokyo for 2.5 days and in Knasai for 3.5 days. I am trying to look for passes that will include airport to and fro ticket as well.
Best
Yatin
Hi Yatin,
Please see the links below about staying in Tokyo:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
For staying in Osaka and Kyoto, see the link below. You will find sample itinerary and you can get some idea:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, thank you for this article.
My name is Fabio and I am going to travel throughout Japan for 24 days, from 07/11 until 8/03. I am in a doubt about purchasing or not the JR Pass and which one to buy.
I am going to arrive in Tokyo and stay there for about 5 days after that I’m going to Mt Fuji for a day. From Fuji to Kyoto, and in this moment I was thinking about activating the JR Pass. I thought about having the 7 days one. I’m going to stay in Kyoto for about 5 days as well, and I intend to visit places such as Arashiyjama for a day trip; KIbune/Kurama, and do some sightseeing. Then I’ll go to Hiroshima, Shimanami with a bike, and back to Hiroshima where I’ll have a flight to Okinawa. Then, Naha, see a few islands, Ishigaki and finally going back to Tokyo and after, fly back home.
Is it a good idea to purchase the 7 days Jr Pass to use it in Kyoto? Should I get the 14 days one? If I get the 7 days JR Pass, I’ll get the most of it using somewhere else? Because my understanding is that in Tokyo I can easily move around with public transportation or by foot/bike. It seems that I will take the Shinkansen only 2 times, but If I get the 7 days pass and activate it after Fuji, most likely I will use it on the Shinkansen one time only.
Could you please help me with some guidance on this matter?
Best Regards.
Hi Fabio,
If you use 7 days pass, you will use it for Fuji to Kyoto, sightseeing in Kyoto and Kyoto to Hiroshima, right? If so, JR pass does not work. Because total cost for two Shinkansen rides are around 23,000 yen. Kyoto is much smaller than Tokyo. You can get some places in Kyoto by JR pass. But most of places are not covered. 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
Actually regular ticket is the best choice for you. There is no deals to cover two Shinkansen rides. You may add local deal in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
But there is no better one than regular ticket. When you take Shinkansen to Kyoto, Mishima is the best place to catch.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for this article. I need some advice please. My family of 3 will be flying into Osaka next month. From there we will be heading straight to Kyoto for 5 days. All of our time will be spent in Kyoto, with the exception of a day trip back to Osaka for a concert, we will also be flying home from Osaka(which will require another trip back).
My question is do we need to purchase rail passes? From my understanding the rail pass is not valid in Kyoto. Will day bus passes be good enought for travel within Kyoto?
Thanks for any advice,
Cristal
Hi Cristal,
I recommend you to use Haruka discount ticket at 3,200 yen for KIX-Kyoto round 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
And also you may add Kansai one pass. It does not give you unlimited ride but you can take JR trains, Non JR trains, subway and city bus services. It also offers discount at many attractions:
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Basically you can use Kansai one pass for round trip to Osaka. In Kyoto, as you think, you can use all day bus pass at 500 yen for one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You can use Kansai one pass when you take trains or subways in Kyoto. Most of places can be accessed by city bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
My family will visit japan from may 29- june 2
Arriving at narita airport on may 29,2017…. Transfer to osaka by shinkansen
May 30….visit USJ
May 31… Kyoto
June 01…Nara/Kobe
We are staying in osaka for the whole trip
June 02…transfer to tokyo…visit Meiji Shrine n Shibuya
June 03…tsukiji market,tokyo tower,asakusa shrine,akihabara,odaiba
June 04…Disneyland
June 05…deparure for manila
Can you help us what places to visit,anu suggestions?
Is JR the pass we should purchase?
Thanks!!
Hi Del,
JR pass 7 days is your choice. Please see the link below. Especially I recommend you to read the chapter “How to use JR pass in major cities and tourist spots” in this link.
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 need to add single fare or may be deal to take train or bus to get Narita on the last day.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I need your help. My trip to kyoto-osaka for 6 days. We just wanted a laid back itinerary. What type of bus/train pass should i get?
Day 1 – from kansai airport to shijo-karasuma,kyoto/shops@kyoto station
Day 2- North/ South higashimaya area
Day 3- Arashiyama/ kyoto tower
Day 4- from kyoto to namba,osaka (dotondori…)
Day 5- ramen museum, around umeda sky bldg….
Day 6- Do you have any recommendation where to sightseeing and shop?
Day 7- namba to kansai airport.
Hi Marika,
You may use Haruka discount ticket to Kyoto (1,600 yen) and Kansai one pass on day 1.
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
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
Haruka discount ticket covers trip to Kyoto station. After that you need to take subway to get Shijo-Karasuma by Kansai one pass. Kansai one pass covers all trains and city bus but it gives you same value as cash payment. It gives you convenience. You don’t need to purchase a ticket one by one.
On day 2, Kyoto bus pass at 500 yen is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
When you need to take train or subway, you can use Kansai one pass. You can use Kansai one pass for bus ride but bus pass is only 500 yen and very affordable. 3 rides gives you the worth of this pass.
On day 3 and 4, you will use Kansai one pass. You don’t need bus pass on day 3. You can take Hankyu railway and subway to get Namba.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
For day 5 and 6, there are many deals but you should decide your plan on day 6 before choosing the deal. There are many many places to see in Osaka, such as Osaka castle, USJ, Kaiyukan aquarium. Please see the links below to find more info:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Please see the link below to find the info 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
Hi Takeshi,
I have made my transport plan for Japan and want to get your thought whether it make sense.
I will be traveling to Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Osaka (with side trip to Nara and Universal Studio).
Day 1-Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Hakone
Day 7-9: Kyoto
Day 10-14: Osaka (Day 12 to Nara and Day 13 to Universal Studio)
I plan to purchase 7 days JR pass and will activate it in Day 7 when traveling from Hakone to Kyoto. This way, I will be able to utilize the JR pass when traveling from Kyoto to Osaka as well as day trip from Osaka to Nara and Universal studio separately. I will then buy separate ticket in Day 14 to go to Kansai airport. I find that I will hardly use the JR pass when I am within Kyoto itself but I guess I can’t help it. Does this make sense to you or is there a better option?
Thanks
Hi Gary,
Actually JR pass does not work. You cannot get the worth of even 7 days pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
For your trip, I think you can use single ticket for only Odawara (Hakone) to Kyoto only. You don’t need to make a stopover. You may add Kansai thru pass for one of two days in Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and trip to Nara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You may follow my sample itinerary for other part of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
We will be in Japan this June for 7 days. We are planning to purchase a JR pass. Our base will be in Osaka. Is it possible to travel one day Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka and one day Osaka-Nara-Osaka using JR pass. Please advice. Thank you and regards.
Marivic
Hi Marivic,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thank you for all the information. I am still not very sure about all the various rail and bus systems in Japan. Please help.
My family of 3 from Singapore will be visiting Japan on 22 April to 5 May. My itinerary is as follows:
Tokyo to Asakusa (3 days in Asakusa)
How to get from Narita Airport to Asakusa plus visits to Tokyo tourist spots? Is the Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket the best option?
Tokyo to Osaka 4 days with day trips to Kyoto and Nara
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and within Osaka and Kyoto please? We want to visit the tourist spots in these 2 cities. Do we need the JR pass please or the kansai pass? Or Kyoto and Osaka day pass?
Your help is much appreciated as I have a headache from reading up too much about the different transport systems in Japan! I need the most economical way of enjoying Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with its tourist attractions.
Thank you!
Hi Julia,
For the trip to Asakusa, Skyliner goes to Ueno but some regular express train go to Asakusa directly. Please see the link below:
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/nrt_access/index.php
You may take this airport express train by single fare at 1,100 yen and use Tokyo subway ticket for sightseeing in Tokyo.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
If you leave from Osaka, JR pass is not your choice. You need one round trip between Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen. One way trip is not enough to use JR Pass. Single ticket (around 15000 yen for base fare and seat fee) or using Platt Kodama if you are okay with spending some extra time.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Kansai thru pass is the best option for Nara and Kyoto, and use local deals in 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Please see the link below if you leave from Kansai.
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.
Thank you very much for your reply and help.
Can you please tell me the airport access train and skyliner – they are different right? skyliner goes to ueno while airport access train goes directly to Asakusa? I need to go Asakusa. Where do I buy the airport access train of 1100 Yen please? I’m confused by the websites. Where do I buy the Kansai thru pass for 2 days, the Osaka Amazing pass and the Kyoto special pass please?
Thank you!
Hi Julia,
Access Express is different train from Skyliner. Access Express is a sort of commute train. Many of airport access trains do not go to Ueno but Asakusa and other station on subway line. It goes subway Asakusa line as well. You can purchase a ticket at the vending machine on the spot.
Please see the links below about purchase other passes.
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html#cvcrd
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
Thank you so much for your kind help. We really appreciate your help. We’ll be lost without your kindness.
I’ve followed your advice for the various transportation and passes. I noticed that the Access Express ticket and Tokyo metro subway pass can be purchased at the Narita Airport itself and the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Kyoto sightseeing pass can all be purchased in Japan train stations. Am I right?
Also, can you please advise how do I purchase the Nozomi train ticket oniine? Or do I buy it in Japan? Will there be enough seats on 24th April as I’ll be travelling from Tokyo to Osaka then?
Thank you again.
Regards,
Hi Julia,
You can purchase all passes in Japan as you know now.
You cannot buy Nozomi ticket online. You have to purchase it in Japan but you can purchase it at most of JR stations in advance.
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
Shinkansen ticket is not hard to book.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
We are visiting Japan for the first time. Below is our itinerary. Hope you can recommend the best train/bus pass. we are a group of 6 people.
April 7 – Kansai Airport – Kyoto
April 8 – Kyoto
April 9 – Kyoto-Nara
April 10 – Osaka-Kobe
April 11 – Osaka
April 12 – Osaka
Hi Cathy,
Please see the link below. You can find the info which you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com