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7 day trip: KIX-Kyoto-Osaka-KIX

Bioka
Bioka
almost 8 years ago
4 responses

Dear experts and fellow travelers,

My husband I will take our 5-year old son to visit Osaka and Kyoto. It will be our ever first trip to Japan; and admittedly I am a little overwhelmed by the complex JR/local passes they offer. I came up with a rough itinerary and the corresponding plan to buy JR or local pass, would GREATLY appreciate if you can help take a look. Your suggestion will make our trip:).

Day1: From KIX to Kyoto, lodging is very close to Kyoto station. (Take JR-HARUKA; should I buy one-day JR Kansai area pass for the trip from KIX to Kyoto?)
Day2-3: Sightseeing at Kyoto (Kyoto Bus and Subway 2-day Pass will do it?)
Day4: From Kyoto to Osaka, lodging is in the center of Osaka. (Should I buy JR Kansai Area Pass? or maybe 3-day Kansai Thru Pass (Surutto Kansai)?)
day 5-6: Sightseeing at Osaka (JR Kansai Area pass? or 3-day Kansai Thru Pass?)
Day 7: leaving KIX

Thank you very much!

Bioka

avatar
Daniel-san
18828 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Bioka,

Since most of your travel is within Kansai, my advise would be to buy an ICOCA + Haruka package and use it to Kyoto and use the ICOCA card to travel around Kyoto and Osaka, because local travel does not cost a lot.

Using a Kansai area pass only helps if you travel longer parts such as to Himeji or Wakayama.

In Kyoto however I do recommend buying a 500yen bus pass, which is good for 1 day of unlimited travel on all Kyoto buses.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Bioka
Bioka
4 posts
almost 8 years ago

Thank you so much Daniel-san, really appreciate your help!

One more question:

For ICOCA+Haruka, Do you recommend one-way type or round trip type (since we do need take transportation from Kyoto to Osaka on day 4).

Bioka

avatar
Daniel-san
18828 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Bioka,

I would just buy a one way Haruka Ticket.

From Osaka you can use the JR Rapid to Kansai Airport, which does not cost a lot.

Hope this helps too!
Daniel

Bioka
Bioka
4 posts
almost 8 years ago

What about from Kyoto station to the center of Osaka? Any suggestion? :)

avatar
Daniel-san
18828 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Just use the Shinkaizoku (JR Special rapid service) its only 560yen/one way and you can use th ICOCA card.

Bioka
Bioka
4 posts
almost 8 years ago

Thank you so much Daniel-san, you are simply Awesome! With your help I feel our first trip to Japan is off a great start. :D

Bioka


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