How to Get to Kyoto & Osaka from Tokyo without JR Pass, TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Here are your options for traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka Japan: Shinkansen (bullet train), airplane, car rental, overnight bus, or private tour. Everything you need to know including price estimates, time, and our recommendations. We appreciate when you purchase Shinkansen train tickets through our affiliate link: geni.us/shinkansen
00:00 How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto
00:21 Travel by Shinkansen ( bullet train )
02:46 Domestic flights
06:35 Overnight Bus
08:56 Rent a car
10:55 Guided Tour
11:27 Our recommendations for best transport
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Aloha! We are a worldschooling family with three young kids. Our home base is the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. We've been living a nomadic lifestyle for the past 15 years. We hope to inspire you to begin your own quest!
We appreciate when you purchase Shinkansen train tickets through our affiliate link: kenshoquest.com/recommends/japan-train-tickets/
Having done both plane and train options in the past, my preferred method is to fly to Osaka directly without stopping in Tokyo, and then train back to Tokyo at the end of the trip.
I feel like you miss so much riding the Shinkansen. Everything is a blur because you're traveling so fast. I've rented a car the last 2 times I was there and I'm so glad I did. I'm planning to drive from Tokyo to Nagoya and Kyoto, and then drive back 6 days later. My experience is you see so much more driving. If you have the time, try to skip the toll roads and you'll experience the most scenic views.
Hi, thanks for sharing your experiences! We also like to drive when we have time. It is another great way to see Japan. We'll make a video at some point about renting a car in Japan :)
I'm just going to assume my American drivers license is no good in Japan 😅
All you need is an international driving permit, and it's really easy to get from AAA. I had them take my picture, and I think it was around $35. It's good for a year, and you can select the date you want it to start. I was able to use my last permit twice in the last year. I recommend watching some of the driving in Japan videos because some things are a different, like their stop signs are a triangle. The most confusing thing to me was the paid parking, which I think I've finally figured out. Rental cars are much more expensive than in the US, but I think it's well worth the experience. I'm already planning a 9 day drive from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama in a few months.
great guide
thanks.. very helpful
Interesting and clear explanation. Thank you.
Thank you for the amazing videos!
Thanks for watching!
This video answers every question I tried looking up in Google! Thank you!!
Awesome, thank you!
Can you do a video on the Tokyo 24, 48, 72 hour pass? Or give suggestions on how to use it
Hi, can you provide more information about what your plans? Then we can give you a better suggestion. We have videos of these on our list to make ;)
Can you do a video on hotels or areas to stay in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka? We stayed at Mimaru with 2 kids in all 3 cities and find them spacious and comfortable at a decent price. Thanks! Love your videos!
HI, thanks for watching and for the suggestion. We are working on it :)
You can also use regional train passes, possibly at a cheaper price - Hokuriku Arch Pass
Absolutely correct, thanks for sharing. Here is a video on the Hokuriku Arch Pass: th-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/w-d-xo.html
Hi. For the Shinkansen to Kyoto , does the Nozomo train an option if we have JR pass? thank you again for this helpful video.
Hi, With the JR Pass you can pay an additional fee of 4,960 Yen to ride the Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto. Please see: japanrailpass.net/en/use/special-ticket/ We have a separate video about going from Tokyo to Kyoto WITH the JR Pass: th-cam.com/video/TQYemOXavAA/w-d-xo.html
My family and I have been following your videos for a recent trip that we have coming up in Osaka, Japan! With our concern, our flight back to the US at Kobe Airport is very early in the morning. Is there a taxi service that will be available around 3 AM that will take us from our hotel in Osaka to Kobe Airport. Thank you for these amazing videos! They have been very helpful in planning out!
Hi, so glad to know that our videos have been helpful for your trip! You shouldn't have a problem getting a taxi as long as you book one in advance. I suggest you ask your hotel to book one for you. There will be a surcharge since you will be traveling off hours, around 20%. Have a great trip and let us know if you have further questions.
Night bus for deep sleepers
What’s the luggage situation when riding the Shinkansen? Great channel and videos!
Hi, if you are taking the Tokaido shinkansen, which is trains from Tokyo south onwards to Fukuoka then the max size ( L +W+D) is 160cm and max weight of 30Kg. We have a series of videos on riding shinkansens. this video goes over the rules: th-cam.com/video/TQYemOXavAA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eXOm-rFNYiM4CJ1m
Hi, thanks for the video! Super helpful. I'll be flying to Osaka and then day trips to Kyoto/Nara, and then seeing Tokyo for some days before returning back to Osaka. What trains would you recommend? I hear the Hokuriku pass is also good for this journey. Or do you recommend just buying individual tickets : Osaka > Kyoto (individual) / Kyoto > Tokyo (shincansen) Tokyo > Osaka (shincansen)?
Hi, the Hokuriku Arch Pass is a great option only if you plan to visit the Hokuriku Area, such as Kanazawa, Nagano, Fukui and others. Otherwise, if you just want to get to Tokyo you will save a lot if purchasing individual shinkansen tickets. I recommend purchasing single journey tickets on the Tokaido Shinkansen as you have mentioned.
You can buy individual shinkansen tickets on klook ( aff link ): geni.us/shinkansen
We have an overview video of the Hokuriku Arch Pass here: th-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for this informative video!
I actually bought Hurukiru Arch Pass from Klook from your other videos. I will be arriving at Narita Aiport and then going straight to Osaka > Kyoto and then Tokyo before flying back home. Is this recommended? Thank you.
Hi, yes the Hokuriku arch pass is great for your route especially if you want to visit places like Kanazawa. Just keep in mind that you have 7 days
Thank you! Much appreciated
Great videos! Precise advice and helpful tips. I have a couple questions please: Loaded digital SUICA card on my iPhone Wallet and preloaded some yen to it to avoid carrying too much cash. I know that one cannot use SUICA card to ride the Shinkansen; but wanted to know if one can use the SUICA to purchase the tickets (for Shinkansen)? Also, as our cases are less then 160, do I need to reserve seats? If not, we have them with us at the unreserved seats?
Hi, so glad to know our videos are helpful :)
Yes, you can use your SUICA to purchase shinkanse tickets but it is a bit complicated as you will need to purchase a base fare as well as the super limited express ticket (shinkansen).
You do not need to reserve special seats since your luggage is under weight. And yes, you can keep with your at your seat or above. If you are riding the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu shinkansens there are no luggage racks unless reserved.
Thanks@@KenshoQuest
Klook is a page for USA. Do you maybe know one for Europe ? I’m in Norway . Thanks
Hi, up at the top of the page there is a world icon where you can change the language, but Norwegian is not an option :(. But next to that there is another dropdown where you can change the currency and Krone is an option. I hope this helps.
Hi, Thank you for this super helpful video. We'll be doing Kyoto and Osaka and back to Tokyo to fly home. Can we use the Suica card for the Haruka express from Kansai to Kyoto and if we need to book in advance? We'll be flying straight to Osaka after landing in Narita.
HI, so glad the video is helpful! You might be able to use the SUICA for the base fare but you will still need to purchase the express portion of the fare. Therefore, it is much easier to just purchase the Haruka Express separately from either the ticketing machine or at the office. The office is easiest and they will help you choose your reserved seats. No need to book in advance.
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for such an informative video! We are going to Japan in April for the first time (of many to come) and am trying to compare getting a JR pass vs individual tickets. We want to to travel on SHINKANSEN NOZOMI Green car or similar. Our trip includes: Tokyo - Kyoto, day trip to Nara & Kobe, Kyoto to Hakone then back to Tokyo. Do you know of any websites that help with cost comparisons?
We're doing a similar route in April too. Interested in this
Hi, this is the most popular route and with the current price of the JR Pass we don't recommend it to anyone unless convenience and flexibility is your top priority. The JR Pass costs significantly more than purchasing individual shinkansen tickets and if you want to ride the Nozomi there is an extra fee.
Also, the Nozomi and Green car, all your seats need to be reserved so take that into consideration as well.
For the most accurate price calculations please check out the JR East reservation site, you will need to make an account first: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/
For your route purchasing individual shinkansen tickets in conjunction with an IC card and possibly a regional pass will serve you well.
You might find this video helpful: th-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/w-d-xo.html
We will make a video on calculating costs of trains as this is the big question that everyone wants to know :)
Thanks. Yes, cost calculations & comparison to the JR Pass is has been one of the biggest challenges to figure out! @@KenshoQuest
Thank you for the information .
Planning to go in April .
I have 2 kids, plan to go Tokyo to kyoto then to osaka then from osaka back to Tokyo .
Is buying ticket individually for sinkhansen will be cheaper than jr pass? Will kids get discount if buying individually ?
Hi, Yes. In your case purchasing individual shinkansen tickets will be the cheaper way to go. Your kids if between ages 6-11 are 50% of the adult ticket. May I ask your plans for Osaka? Have a great trip!
@@KenshoQuest thanks for your swift response , osaka most likely universal studio, datonburi, the aquarium ,not sure what else I should visit.
@@KenshoQuestgreat content. I'll travel with my family (spouse and 2 children) and I was wondering about any of the suica-type cards, do I have to buy one card per person or can I buy one for the entire family and charge all the money to it ?
Thanks
HI @@user-vw2fd8fe9e , you will need to purchase one for each person 6 and older. The reason each person needs their own card is because once a person uses a card to enter a train platform it is expected to also leave the gate, so each card is assigned to one person.
@KenshoQuest I appreciate your quick reply, I watched the video you did with your son about the child suica card and learned many useful things from it.Thanks a lot!
We (family of 4) plan to take the Nozomi to Osaka (no JR Passes) as soon we land at Haneda (Sunday @ 3:30pm). Will it be better to take it from Shinagawa or Tokyo Station? Do we need to reserve seats, and how much time should we allow for clearing customs & immigration, retrieving our checked luggages, getting to the station, etc.? Thank you for any help.
Hi, yes Shinagawa is the right choice. Expect an hour to clear immigration and customs if you have prefilled all the entry forms.
You might be riding during peak hours so you might want to reserve in advance. For reference, I just rode that route last week at 15:30 and there were available seats in nonreserved.
Thanks for your video. a lot to learn from you:). Will Tokyo Shinkansen (Kyoto) stop at Nagoya? What train from Kyoto to Osaka and Nagoya ? I heard the JR Pass in 7 days, is JR pass worth it for my trip to all these cities? Thanks!!
Hi, yes the Tokaido shinkansen which travels from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka does stop in Nagoya. I recommend that you watch this video as it will help determine whether or not the whole JR Pass will be worth it for your itinerary as you will be able to calculate based on places you want to stop including Nagoya. th-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugwubd35_dtgBYS7JOl4AaABAg
nice vid. however i try to book the night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto, the cost were JPY 6,000 to 7,000?
Hi, really? That sounds very high. Have you tried Kosoku Bus? Here are some prices starting at 2500 yen. www.kosokubus.com/en/special/tokyo_kyoto.html
Are you able to advise if we can still get an Suica child IC card and collect from Narita. We are travelling next week. We have loaded Suica on our Apple wallet but we have a 6 year old. He doesn’t have a phone. How do we buy a child Suica?
Hi, if the JR ticketing office is open upon your arrival at NRT you should still be able to purchase a childe suica. Just present your childs passport and fill out a short form. We have a video on this. The child suica is currently not affected by the shortage. th-cam.com/video/BbvQurJdOnc/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I'm planning first time family vacation to Japan. We fly in Tokyo, stay few days and then to Kyoto. Do you recommend should we fly out Kyoto to our next destination, Ha Noi Vietnam, or travel back to Tokyo? It's our first Asian trip w/ 2 kids so we are a bit anxious. Any tips/recommendations I would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
If you can fly out of Osaka (KIX) that would be easier than going back to Tokyo. That way you can take a one way Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Then Osaka is nearby. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest Thank you so much for your response❤
Hi I just booked my Shinkansen tickets with Klook, I am from Canada, unfortunately they won’t allow me to use your code for discounts since I am not from US😮. Anyway, I did book my return tickets through them, and got confirmation pretty quick. My question is, we are group of 3, for the outbound train, we are all separated in the same car, is there any chance to change reserved seats so we can be together. I think you may have mentioned in one of the video.
HI, yes you can change the reserved seats once you pickup your tickets. You can do this at the ticketing machine or at the JR ticketing office.
What is the best way to take from Osaka Station to KiX? Thanks
Hi, you have many options! If you want the fastest way then take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station, you will be there in 15 minutes. The next best option is to take an express train such as the Haruka or Thunderbird. From Shin-Osaka station it will take about 30 minutes. You can also board from Osaka station.
Hi Sir, what would you recommend for our itinerary which will be OSAKA-KYOTO-TOKYO-OSAKA, transport wise? Sorry to be a pain. We hope you could help us. Thank you 🙏🏼
Hi, for your route, you do not need any pass. Instead, the best option is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen in both directions. Please watch this video for more information about purchasing shinkansen tickets: th-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/w-d-xo.html&lc=UgzkH14Y_VfVDW9sL3h4AaABAg
For travel within cities, please purchase an IC card upon arrival at the airport. If you are arriving at Kansai then you can purchase an ICOCA IC card and use it all over Japan for trains, subways and many buses.
Do they have day light bus ? I did many trip with Shinkansen but since the price now up 70% so bus is more economy but I rather have day bus so I can enjoy the scenery along the way .
Hi, yes, there are day options but only a few, please check carefully: www.kosokubus.com/
Can you advise how much cash a family of four should bring per day?
Hi. We use credit card as much as possible and don’t spend cash very often, other than to top up our IC cards. I withdraw 50,000 Yen and just use that as long as it lasts us. Here’s our video that talks about how we pay for things in Japan: th-cam.com/video/J6AziGwySZo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sIsQbeEM7wfOSEhf
What is the best way to get from Haneda Airport to the correct station to catch the fast train to Kyoto?
Hi, you want to take the Keikyu Airport Line from HND terminal 3 to Shinagawa Station. From Shinagawa, you can catch the Tokaido Shinkansen which will take you directly to Kyoto. The Keikyu Airport Line leaves about every 15 minutes from HND.
can I use JR pass for noomi train? Thanks.
You can now ride the Nozomi with the JR Pass, but only if you pay an additional fee above the price of the JR Pass.
Is it advisable to buy shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto and thereafter Kyoto to Osaka on the day of transfer or better book them in advance?
If you’d like to reserve a seat it’s best to book at least a day in advance. If it’s a very busy time of year, then even more in advance. If you don’t mind riding unreserved then you could buy tickets the day of your travel. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you for the advice
As there are trains at frequent intervals i prefer to buy tickets on the day as i will be staying near Tokyo station 😊
Hello, how many days in Osaka and Kyoto is recommended? Will stay in Tokyo for a week.
That's really up to you! I would want to visit Kyoto for at least two days and Osaka for at least one.
@@KenshoQuest thank you! Can day trips be done to Kyoto from Osaka
@@Nadya-El-B Yes, Kyoto is close enough for day trips from Osaka.
Is it better to buy the one way tickets online now ahead of time or can I purchase them at the Tokyo train station the day of traveling? Not sure what time I’ll arrive to the station after landing in narita that’s why
Hi, are you traveling to Kyoto/Osaka? As long as it is not a holiday, weekend or peak periods it shouldn't be a problem. Even then, there are so many daily shinkansens that you will be able to get one...
Can I buy bullet train ticket there or online first?
Hi, yes you can do either.
Is ist 13000 for ride to Kyoto and back or is it 13000 each so 26000 in total ?
Hi, the price is each way at around 13,000 so yes, total is 26,000 yen.
If we get the JR Pass can we booked the Nozomi Line?
You can ride the Nozomi if you pay an additional supplemental fee above the price of the JR Pass. Here’s more information:
global.jr-central.co.jp/en/onlinebooking/contents/jrp_nozomi/
@@KenshoQuest Thank You for the links
Do you know how much it cost to ride on NEX from Narita airport to Shinjuku?
great video! I do have clear that JR with their new price increase is a no-go...quick question though: I´ll stay in Tokio 5 days, for internal Tokio only transport, is it limited to not have the JR lines tickets? I´m planning going to day trip to Disney and Fuji (separate days)... looks to be the same to have the other 2 cards right?
then Kyoto, Nara and Osaka thanks to your video I do have it clear now I need Nozomi Shinkansen.... no need to get it before my trip right? can be the same day no issues?
Gracias! For your Tokyo stay you might consider getting the Tokyo Wide Pass. This pass will cover transportation to Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko station as well as local transportation on JR lines within Tokyo and surrounding areas. Or, you can also get a SUICA or PASMO IC card for use on all trains JR and non JR lines within the Tokyo area. You can charge your IC card when it runs low at the stations. (aff link ) geni.us/tokyowidepass
For your trip to Kyoto/Osaka/Nara you can purchase right before your trip. But if you are traveling during a holiday or peak hours then consider buying in advance to ensure you will have a seat. Otherwise, it might be standing room only.
Once again thanks so much!!! Amazing info appreciated! Never heard about that local Tokio option before.. Only pasmo and suica which seems to have no difference then ... We are going there from May 9th to 21st right after golden week on purpose to avoid crowds so will follow your advise.
Pura vida!!!
I did Tokyo -> osaka -> kyoto -> tokyo.
Is the JR pass still worth it if:
Tokyo - 2 days
Kanazawa -1 day
Takayama - 1 day
Kyoto - 3 days
Nara - 1/2 day
Osaka - 3 days
Tokyo
You might want to consider the Hokuriku Arch Pass for that route. Here’s our video about it: th-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Z5A1cFsDjsfU7ZbD
Thank you for your quick response. I do need some clarifications.
1. When should we purchase the pass? Three weeks before we go to Japan? How fast they deliver the exchange order to a house?
2. Since we are planning to stay in Tokyo for the first two days, can we activate the jr pass on the third day?
3. We are planning to visit for a day to Kamakura and yokohama on the 2nd day and back to Tokyo. Does the pass cover these lines? Or better to use the suica?
Thank you very much for your help.
@@animegirl13x 1. Three weeks. before your trip is a good time. It takes around 5 days to receive the Exchange Order.
2. Yes, when you swap the Exchange Order for the actual pass you can set the activation date.
3. No, I don't think Kamakura or Yokohama are covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass. You could use an IC card. There's a pass for visiting Kamakura, but it doesn't cover Yokohama: www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/enoshima_kamakura/
It was good until you used the airport initials 😢it got confusing
Sorry! Thanks for letting us know!
NRT = Narita ( Tokyo )
HND = Haneda ( Tokyo )
KIX = Kansai ( Osaka )
ITM = Itami ( Osaka )
Hi I just booked my Shinkansen tickets with Klook, I am from Canada, unfortunately they won’t allow me to use your code for discounts since I am not from US😮. Anyway, I did book my return tickets through them, and got confirmation pretty quick. My question is, we are group of 3, for the outbound train, we are all separated in the same car, is there any chance to change reserved seats so we can be together. I think you may have mentioned in one of the video.
Hi, yes if you purchased reserved seats then once you get your tickets you can change your seats to get them together as long as they are available. You can do this from the ticket machine or from the ticket office