It takes about 15 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto on the shinkansen and about 30-50 minutes on the train; it takes roughly an hour and a half by bus or taxi. Let's look at the characteristics of each mode of travel.
Discount TicketsThe Japan Rail Pass does not cover the Kyoto Municipal Subway however discount passes are available. These are as follows: The Kyoto Municipal Subway One-day Pass gives unlimited travel on the Karasuma and Tozai subway lines.
Osaka to Kyoto and backJust take the already well-known Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes, traveling at a speed of 320km/h (199 mph). Find out more detailed information in our article: Osaka to Kyoto: How to travel.
Tokyo and Kyoto are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours.
It's the cultural and historical heart of the country. It's the best place in all Japan to experience traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha, shops, restaurants and festivals. In short, Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in all of Japan and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary.
Travel costThe most economical way of using the Shinkansen bullet trains is with a JR Pass as the individual tickets are relatively expensive. The travel between Tokyo and Osaka, a one-way ticket costs around 14,500 yen on a Nozomi train or 13,500 yen on a Hikari train.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on the JR Express Trains, all Rapid and Local trains along the JR lines, JR local buses, the JR Miyajima ferry, as well as airport transfers like the Narita express and the Haruka express. All the shinkansen bullet trains are also included with the exception of the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
From Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka StationWhile the shinkansen trains do not travel to Osaka Station or on the Osaka Loop Line, you can reach downtown Osaka station by a Rapid Express JR train from Shin-Osaka. This is included in your Japan Rail Pass.
The Japan Rail Pass and JR Tokyo Wide Pass are valid only on JR trains and the Tokyo Monorail. They cannot be used on subways or any other non-JR train.
What is included in the Japan Rail Pass?
- The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO.
- The JR Pass is valid on some local JR bus lines such as: JR Hokkaido Bus.
- You may use your Japan Rail on the JR-West Miyajima ferry services.
The Japan Rail Pass can be bought maximum 90 days before the exchange date which refers to the day you trade your voucher when you arrive to Japan. If the Japan Rail Pass is bought more than 3 months in advance, the traveler won't be able to trade it anymore.
How to Maximize Your Japan Rail Pass
- Plan your trips online. Use the website HyperDia to plot your route so you won't waste time figuring it out at train stations and getting lost along the way.
- Claim your pass in advance.
- Choose the activation date wisely.
- Ride bullet trains frequently.
- Take the first and last trains.
The Takeaway
- Subways and trains are the best way to get around Osaka.
- A prepaid Icoca card is the BEST way to pay for transport (but a Suica or Pasmo card from Tokyo will also work just fine).
- Taxis are excellent but expensive.
- Buses aren't recommended for short-term visitors.
- See below for full details.
It costs 2000 yen/ 1 day, 4000 yen/ 2 days, 5000 yen/ 3 days, or 6000 yen/ 4 days; children half price-as with most public transportation. It is available at major JR stations, such as JR Kansai Airport, JR Kyoto, JR Shin-Osaka, JR Osaka, and JR Sannomiya, among others.
The Japan Rail Pass can save you a LOT of money. See below for details. The Japan Rail Pass is cheaper when purchased outside of Japan. If you just make one round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto on the shinkansen (bullet train) and use the pass to travel between Narita and Tokyo, you've already saved money with the pass.
Standard pass: ¥29,110 ($269 USD) for 7 days, ¥46,390 ($428 USD) for 14 days, ¥59,350 ($549 USD) for 21 days. Green pass (first class): ¥38,880 ($360 USD) for 7 days, ¥62,950 ($581 USD) for 14 days, ¥81,870 ($756 USD) for 21 days.
around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Passes can be purchased at both Haneda and Narita Airport on arrival, or from major JR East stations. Note: JR East passes have the same eligibility requirements as the main JR Pass, so you'll need to show that you're a tourist on a (maximum) 90-day visitor visa to buy and activate your pass.
You can use Suica on JR, subways, and private rail. You should be using Suica wherever/whenever you don't have a valid rail pass that covers your journey so you don't have to keep buying tickets. Even though Suica offers no savings, it offers plenty of convenience.
To get to the Fuji Five Lakes:
- Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) to Otsuki Station (Azusa trains, covered by the JR Pass).
- Once at Otsuki, take Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station (not covered by the JR Pass).
Things to KnowDay trips to Kyoto from Osaka can last between six and 13 hours, depending on the option you choose. Focus your day trip on Kyoto, or visit nearby Nara and Kobe as well. Visit Kyoto by bus, private vehicle, or bullet train from JR Osaka Station.
The distance between Kyoto and Osaka is 43 km. The road distance is 56.1 km.
The best way to get from Namba Station to Kyoto is to train which takes 1h 13m and costs ¥600 - ¥750. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs ¥900 and takes 1h 33m.
Local JR lines in Kyoto include the Sagano Line and the Nara Line.
- JR Nara line.
- JR Sagano line.
- Kyoto Metro system.
- Other rail lines.
- Kyoto train and subway map.
- Buses in Kyoto. 6.1 JR buses. 6.2 City buses. 6.3 Raku buses.
- Taxis in Kyoto.
- Walking and biking.
The best way to get from JR Namba to Kyoto is to train which takes 1h 21m and costs ¥600 - ¥750. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs ¥900 and takes 1h 25m.
For the best of Osaka food and nightlife stay in NambaIn Minami, Namba is where to stay to experience all the qualities Osaka is known for – delicious street food, wacky and hilarious entertainment, and wild partying.
