How to Get Around Kansai by Train - Osaka, Kyoto, Nara Explained!

There are A LOT of trains to get around the Kansai area, but which ones SHOULD you actually take? This video talks about all the trains that go between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara so that you will understand which to choose for your trip.
00:00 Intro
01:21 Between Osaka and Kyoto
06:27 Between Kyoto and Nara
08:19 Between Osaka and Nara

[@aetherstarry4966]

I've been binge watching your videos to survive in my upcoming 10 days trip. You're a life saver man thanks for these comprehensible guides

[@tmwbadh]

These vids are so damn useful and so damn entertaining. If there's any justice on this website your channel is gonna blow up.

[@Will_Zhao]

Haha thanks!🤣

[@ccccc541]

im so glad you made this video! im only 3 mins in and i already feel 10x more knowledgeable than 3mins ago. you lay out your info so well in such a short amount of time, no filler and a lot of tips and comparisons

[@after-thirtyblog6181]

really love your content! very well researched and packed with info!

[@YaShah13]

He's officially the best japan vlogger ❤🎉

[@lejennybeans]

Very helpful, Will! Thank you so much for your hard work. Can’t wait to finally travel to Japan next month 🥹🫶🏼

[@aldillars]

your video is very helpful and very fun to watch at the same time. All the meme & video inserts and editing made it super fun. thank you!

[@isa-wt2lb]

Just made my planning sooo much easier, thank you sm!! Keep up the good work 🫡

[@patricetan]

Please keep making these! So so useful, I was very anxious as this is my first time solo traveling plus I've never been to Japan before. Thanks a lot!!

[@dataprojectsviz6081]

Amazing!! You did it again !!!

[@Jintsoo]

Just what I needed, thanks so much!!!

[@2393034]

holy smoke you are the best in explaining these!. Respect! Love your videos!

[@nastap10]

First of all: THANK YOU! 🙌Just found your channel (and instantly subscribed) and let me just say: what a breath of fresh air! It's full of actual relevant information and not just the usual "buy a JR pass" or "get an IC card". And you actually make it fun to watch with your 11/10 editing. Been doing research for (longer than I actually want to say) for a first trip to Japan for spring/2024 and I did find some of the passes you talk about in your videos during my search... But you explaining it is a whole another level. Incredible work truly! I was wondering if you could help me out on this small leg of my trip. So currently it's looking like: 3 full days in Osaka + 1 Day trip to Nara + 1 Day trip to USJ, then going to Hiroshima, spending the night there, during the day visit Miyajima, then go to Kyoto and spend 4 days there + 1 Day Trip to Arashiyama. Nara Trip could be moved to when I'm in Kyoto of course. What's your opinion about getting the JR Kansai + Hiroshima Pass (after price increase 17,000 yen for 5 days) for a a portion of this trip. The question is if it's worth it to have this specific pass because of the 2 days in Hiroshima/Miyajima (pass does include the ferry boat to Miyajima) and still take advantage of the remaining 3 days for the Kyoto or Osaka or even Arashiyama bit. I also found the Fuji Hakone Pass (for Fujikawaguchiko and Hakone) for 3 days but that's a whole another story 😮‍💨 Thank you in advance! Hope you keep up the uploads 😄

[@Will_Zhao]

First, peculiar itinerary, Oppenheimer? Second, I don't see the kansai pass in your trip, the pass is 2400 yen for 1 day, which means you need to do at least 1.5 shinkansen rides a day everyday for it to be worth it. The longer variants are a bit better compared but still hard to justify. The hiroshima pass is probably worth it tho since the round trip from osaka/Kyoto to hiroshima is already more expensive than the pass.

[@nastap10]

@Will_Zhao thank you for answering! Peculiar why? Do you have a more pratical way to add Hiroshima to the itinerary? Please tell me as I've been cracking my head up 😂 after kyoto we're going to fujikawaguchiko, hakone and finishing with tokyo of course. I did watch oppenheimer but me and my boyfriend like history and we're interested in visiting Hiroshima for quite a few years actually 😅 no time for Nagasaki though unfortunately. The hiroshima pass is bought with the kansai pass for that price so I'm guessing the answer is yes, it's completely worth it 😁

[@user-sm2cw2xp4r]

Man, you've done such a great job 👏 thank you so much

[@beccaclarke2546]

This video is AMAZING and so perfect. Thank you thank you! You’ve alleviated so much stress already

[@bellrrs]

Your video was very informative and super helpful! Thank you so much :)

[@Chrisgonal]

Your videos are amazing and so informative :D It’s really good to know that google maps doesn’t always show the best routes first.

[@mysu0211]

Appreciate the editing and information hah!

[@meowbabymeow]

Thank you so much! Love the info and cool vid :D

[@kkiki5741]

i like your editing style, thanks bro

[@neverbeaten]

Best vid on trains. Tysm makes more sense now

[@ebotebot5]

Thank you for the details.

[@darkdiamond573]

We just love you!!! thanks so much 🥰

[@partykidsm4011]

Loving your channel! Hoping you can feature going around other lesser known places as well. Like amanohashidate😊. Big fan here.

[@uryllaneaquines8671]

Planning a trip to Japan is so stressful. Glad I found your channel!

[@jaimejadore7967]

Thank you for this video. It's going to make my travel from Osaka to Kyoto easier and reach my hotel with only one transportation.

[@shermanlee4152]

Your video is such a lifesaver! I am planning to go to Japan for the first time during January of next year, covering Kyoto (4D3N), Osaka(3D2N), Nara(1 day) and possibly Kobe (if time permits). The first destination for the trip will be Kyoto, then Osaka to Nara and back to Osaka. Just from planning the itinerary, the inter-city travel was giving me a huge headache as there were so many options available and I did not know which was the best one. Google was giving me some really long-winded travelling route and certain websites that I had researched online were not very specific about the details. Your video has definitely made it so much easier :)

[@Will_Zhao]

Glad I helped😄

[@emmah3]

This is so helpful thank you.

[@didinime7984]

I love your videos!

[@AoDk673]

Thanks man! Im subscribing 😁

[@notdaniu]

I just came back from a 13 day long trip from Japan. Covered Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo and I must sayyy ALLL your videos helped me a lot!!! seriously, ALL your videos!! Gonna share your channel to all my friends who are looking to visit japan!! 😆😆😆😆

[@notdaniu]

Thank you Will 😊

[@Will_Zhao]

Makes me so happy to see my videos are actually helping people with their holidays. Cheers! 😉

[@yoru489]

Can you tell me your itinerary for that 13 days?

[@Panda.Shogun]

Thanx for restoring my faith in humanity😂😂 and keep doing the good work man😂👍 extremely helpful video

[@smongkvlog]

Thank you! Perfetto!

[@YunusHasan]

You sir are a national treasure.

[@efrendomdom748]

Damn, your videos are like the best out there 💯 thank you good sir 🫡

[@JohnnyDriggs]

There is also Keihan service between Osaka and Kyoto for ¥420 that takes around 40 minutes, but since that starts in Kyobashi and ends in Demachiyanagi, that's going to be less relevant for most tourists. At least on the Kyoto side, the line runs parallel to a decent amount of attractions on the east side of the city.

[@normangale3159]

So glad someone else has revealed this rather pleasant ride, going past the orange gate thingy place also and leaves you within a ten minute walk to the Old Imperial Palace. So this Dunderhead train Will is probably a most welcome option you had no intention of telling people about.

[@normangale3159]

And who could forget about being ‘dumped’ at the beginning of one of the nicest rides using the Eizan Line train up to Kurama. Will, I think you need to get out more

[@normangale3159]

The orange gate thingys attract a lot of tourists so please don’t discount the Keihan line as being practical for tourists.

[@bigdreamerx]

Your edits are amazing, entertaining yet very informative! Makes things easier to digest. Thanks a lot!

[@cherylsun8378]

I LOVE YOU! after watching hundreds of videos and still feel confusing and hopeless, your videos brought light to my trip planning!!!

[@tsktsktimtim]

Thanksss!! ❤❤❤

[@jaydenku5689]

Bro I have a question. For the kintetsu line from kyoto to Nara. I heard that the express train (regardless of regular train or limited expess) is abit diff from others, after entering the gate by using suica/icoca card, you still need to purchase an extra ticket for the express train.

[@rainlois5403]

i hope you also make a guide about traveling from osaka to kobe... it seems pretty straightforward but google maps is now giving me trust issues thanks to this video 🙏

[@Lilypup0930]

Finally found something I need. Any guide from Osaka to Kobe and from Kobe to Kyoto? Thanks. I am also confused over the Hanshin and Hankyu pass.

[@rainlois5403]

hoping more travellers will be able to find your videos

[@KwokThoongTan]

y ur guides so gud

[@KwokThoongTan]

Hey Will! Thanks for the great guide! Wish to ask, does the kintetsu 1 day pass cover for the kintetsu limited express as well?

[@brendaarijanto30]

love your vids! how about a trip to kobe from osaka? is it worth it?

[@Mongkeh_1]

Saw the Baldur's Gate joke --> Instant Subscribe

[@stockrsi]

Thank you

[@vanessa.stolke]

This is soooo helpful for my trip! Do you have information about how to get cheap from Tokio to Kyoto? I think the cheapest option is a bus. 🤔

[@JMBalabis]

Thank you subscribed

[@snarkypuppy6459]

Fantastic tip about the one day pass for Nara! I've been looking at flights from Haneda (our arrival airport) to Osaka and it looks like a lot of them are suggesting ITM. Any experience with this airport?

[@Will_Zhao]

Sorry I didn't even know this airport existed before🤣

[@rizzamanila1251]

Hi - my family and I are travelling next month.. we’ll be staying in Osaka but travelling for a day to Kyoto and Nara. May I know if I should get the ICOCA card only or both ICOCA and west kansai thru pass? i’m kinda confused on the difference of ICOCA and west kansai thru pass.. Thanks in advance!

[@joyjoyz778]

I'm going to Osaka and I don't know where to stay yet I kind of want to stay as close to dotonbori as possible since my trip will be very short (5 days) but I have to go to Orix theatre too and then the airport might be KIX. It's my first time going to Japan and I'll be alone so I've been nervous about it cause I have a tendency to get lost 😂 But your videos have been very helpful, things dont seem as scary to me now lol

[@ammelinecool]

Nice video! Was so confused how to get from Osaka to Kyoto but your video helped. Hope you can clarify this but I saw a video that kintetsu limited express line is available from Osaka to Nara?

[@Will_Zhao]

I'm quite certain there isn't a separate line. Even if there is a limited express train, it would just make fewer stops on the same line.

[@ammelinecool]

@@Will_Zhao ohh I see thanks for responding!

[@jennyc1905]

Thank you so much Will Zhao! You are the best. Can I use Suica card in Osaka? or any store or food market?

[@Will_Zhao]

You can use Suica anywhere that accepts IC cards.

[@notdaniu]

Hello Will! Thank you for your videos. They’re super informative~ I’m wondering if it’s okay to buy the ticket from Osaka to Kyoto at their stations? Not sure if I should buy from klook earlier (but its also pricier) or if it’s okay to buy later when I reach Osaka 😅

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes you can buy the ticket at the station.

[@joanafigueira4548]

Let me see if I understand. I saw all your videos and the best option to travel in Japan (Arrive in Osaka and stay there, then Kyoto, day trip to Nara and all the way to Tokyo) is buying one day passes in all citys right? If I buy the one day pass in Osaka I can use transportation there and buy a ticket to Kyoto. Then use the one day pass in Kyoto for all the days and the pass for Nara (for the trip there and for public trasportation)... then to Tokyo I will need to buy the shinkasen ticket... And in Tokyo? Just use the icoca I bought in Osaka for emergencys and use in public transportation in Tokyo... am I right or did I mess everything?

[@hellscythe5285]

Y ur guides so gud

[@triple_tubers3314]

Any chance you will be making a video on the hokuriku arch pass that explains what trains are covered with the pass?? I feel like I'm going through so many websites and videos but haven't found a video that actually explains specifically what trains are covered with this pass. (And not just gloss over it by saying it covers JR trains & hokuriku shinkansen like I need an explanation on the name of lines that are JR trains and etc) Either that or I'm just stupid so please help a gal out, your videos make it so much easier to understand this whole process 😔

[@Will_Zhao]

You should just go to the Hokuriku arch pass page on the jr-west website. There is a service zone map where every single train the pass can be used on is shown in detail, be it shinkansen or regular train. Go check that out.

[@jennyc1905]

Hi Zhao, do you have any recommendation for hotels in Osaka. I do like to close to these train stations. Thanks.

[@888FATFAT]

can i use the kansai thru pass on the non JR routes to travel between these 3 cities?

[@mogreen2023]

Can you make a video to explain the Kansai mini 3 day pass? An explanation like this informative video. Thanks.

[@Will_Zhao]

I probably won't make one since I find it really not worth the money. Last I checked, it's very hard to get the full value out of the 3,000 yen asking price. And 3 days is awfully short for a proper trip to the area. So I don't recommend buying it.

[@user-ne3lo1gw2u]

❤

[@Cgarciabjr1]

What is your opinion about the JR arch pass? I am planning to go to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and then after day 7 back to Tokyo

[@kellyholland2902]

Hi one question! Can I just use the Suica at the gates to enter all those trains (except the shinkasen ofc), or do I need to book them somehwere in advance? I am scared to take a train by accident that actually needs to be booked somewhere else in advance

[@Will_Zhao]

All the regular trains, yes. The limited express trains by JR and private railways will usually require additional tickets.

[@hassanal-ramadan6740]

The price of Kintetsu day pass became 1800 yen. Not sure if it is still worth it since I didn't need to use any bus within Nara city. All the attractions are walking distance from each other.

[@stephenjones3151]

What about the Keihan Railway between Kyoto (Sanjo) and Osaka (Yodoyabashi)?

[@xmasnicely]

Hello, for the kintetsu from Osaka to Nara, can you just swipe the icoca card or do you need to buy a train ticket? Thank you.

[@Will_Zhao]

The IC card would suffice.

[@karaiwonder]

I can’t believe you forgot Keihan

[@Will_Zhao]

I didn't.

[@faridevan6315]

more please

[@peterww3241]

You should have included spectacular Otsu/Shiga in your itinerary. Next time!

[@Will_Zhao]

I will!

[@chiragganguly]

Wonderful. What about the Aoniyoshi train- it does go directly from Osaka namba to Kyoto right?

[@Will_Zhao]

I don't know too much about sightseeting trains. But judging from what google tells me, indeed it does.

[@chiragganguly]

@@Will_Zhao thanks

[@yl8108]

Hey will, can I check if the passes goes by hour or by the day itself? for example if I were to use the pass at 10pm today I can still use it until the next day 10pm for a 1 day pass (ie 24 hrs)

[@Will_Zhao]

I've yet to find a pass that go by the hour, most passes I know whether it be subway and bus pass or JR train pass if your use it even once in a day, that day is gone. The reset is usually 00:00.

[@jeetudhansinghani4239]

U r too funny !! 😁😁😁

[@rlynvicente4313]

Yes I have a question. Is the kansai thru pass and the osaka amazing pass will not be affected on the price increase of JR Passes? As per my understanding they operated by different company right? TIA

[@Will_Zhao]

I've never heard that they are getting a price bump. You are right, they are not issued by the JR system so maybe the price won't change.

[@RG.......]

Hi there - can the suica/ passmo card be used for the rapid train from Osaka to Kyoto? And can luggage be carried on board free?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes and yes.

[@eunoki5092]

hi may i ask, do we have to book any of the rapid train in advance? Or we can just buy on the spot

[@Will_Zhao]

You usually don't have to book in advance, I never had to. But I've heard people say that if you are travelling over the May Golden Week you should.

[@mogtrader8]

Hello, Do you have a video on how to buy the ticket for the Kyoto to Kintetsu Nara? Can it be bought at any ticket machines? Thank you.

[@Will_Zhao]

Just use your IC card. Or if you choose to buy a pass, the ticket office is just next to the gates.

[@farahathiqah8174]

and what card can i use for all cities? icoca card? osaka.kyoto.nara & tokyo..

[@anjmarpa8356]

Hello, do you know how to get to Nara from Chubu Centrair, back and forth? I have a Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus. What else do I need? Your reply will be a big help.

[@Will_Zhao]

I have no personal experience but I think you need to do Nagoya(Airport Line)-Kyoto(Shinkansen)-Nara(Kintetsu)

[@anjmarpa8356]

I see. Which passes/rails can I get for Nagoya-Kyoto?@@Will_Zhao

[@Will_Zhao]

@@anjmarpa8356 it's relatively short distance and I don't think anything the JR provides will give you significant value for just this ride alone, especially when you are not doing the round trip in a day so I'd say just buy the tickets. One think you can do though is that you could check out jr central's website and see if one of their travel passes would fit your travel plans.

[@anjmarpa8356]

Thank you@@Will_Zhao

[@shannactics]

May I ask if you have tips and tricks for cheaper travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?

[@Will_Zhao]

The Haruka will take you from KIX to Kyoto for ￥2,200 if you purchase the discount ticket. It's the most direct route and already relatively cheap. If you absolutely have to save every penny, Take the airport rapid services 'kansaikuko line' to Osaka station, make a 5 minute transfer to the Osaka-Umeda station and take the Hankyu train to Kyoto Kawaramachi. The whole trip will cost approx. ￥1,620. You'd save around ￥580, but your trip will be at least 30 min longer.

[@shannactics]

@@Will_Zhao Thank you so so much for your tips!! :D Can't wait to explore Osaka, Kyoto and Nara in May!

[@vincedy267]

If one has limited time do your recommend staying in Kyoto and just doing day trip to Osaka and Nara from there?

[@Will_Zhao]

You can definitely do that with Nara since it's a relatively small place and the tourist attractions are close to each other. You can cover pretty much everything within just a day. For Osaka if will have to depend on your preferences since it's a huge city with tons of things to see and to do, people tned to spend more time here. But if you only have a day, it's 100% fine to do a day trip from Kyoto. The travel times are reasonable and tickets are cheap.

[@carlosdimaandal1091]

Can i use icoca card to travel to kyoto and to nara?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes

[@farahathiqah8174]

hi, i need help. im going to osaka - kyoto - nara and tokyo. which pass should i use for osaka.kyoto and nara? icoca card,osaka amazing pass or kansai thru pass? and tokyo can i use icoca card? thankyou pls answer my comment! osaka - 4 days kyoto & nara - 3/4 days tokyo - 3 days.

[@Will_Zhao]

The ICOCA can be used in all cities you are visiting. As for transportation inside cities, you might want to consider: 1. The 1-day bus and subway passes for Kyoto and Osaka(two different passes, one for each city). 2. The Osaka amazing pass, which is essentially a more expensive 1-day bus and subway 1-day pass that offers additional free entry to several tourist attractions. You have to check out the list yourself to see if you can get your money's worth out of it. 3. The Hankyu one day pass for Nara(which can be used for both Nara buses and transport between Osaka/Kyoto and Nara). To go to Tokyo, I'm not sure if you are doing a round trip or only one way. But if you are doing a round trip, you can check out the Hokuriku Arch Pass which gives you unlimited shinkansen rides between the Kansai cities and Tokyo at a price slightly lower than a shinkansen round trip at its original price. You can also use the pass between Kyoto, Osaka and Nara but since the pass only covers 7 days, you need to plan when to buy the pass. Hope I've earned a sub. 😆

[@farahathiqah8174]

@@Will_Zhao so the easier way is, i will just buy the icoca card for osaka,kyoto & nara r? train/buses i meant.😭

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes. Albeit your trip can get a little bit more expensive. @@farahathiqah8174

[@theendtimesmarketpredictio4940]

how about a round trip Kyoto and kobe and osaka for like 6 days ?

[@Will_Zhao]

It's a bit tight but could still work, you just have to do a bit of research to decide how many days you want to spend in each city.

[@jerlyntheexplorer7289]

Where to buy tickets from osaka to kyoto?

[@Will_Zhao]

Any JR station.

[@idolparin7369]

can you do osaka-kyoto-nara in one day? and back to osaka at night😊

[@Will_Zhao]

I don't think you can, and even you can, you definitely shouldn't.

[@taniatang9832]

Hi Will, watched all 3 of your videos regarding getting around the Kansai area, learned a great deal from it, thank you! My family and I will be traveling to Kansai area for 7 days, from Osaka airport to Kyoto 4 days, Kyoto to Osaka 3 days, taking a day trip from Osaka to Nara. Would like to seek your opinion on what are the travel passes would be best suited for this itinerary? I’ve been treating to get the ICOCA card + Haruka card but to no avail; even Klook has sold out the ICOCA card😢 Bummer 😭 Would appreciate if you could share your thoughts, thanks in advance for your help 🙏🏼

[@Will_Zhao]

Thanks! For your trip I would say: 1.【ICOCA+HARUKA】for the trip from KIX to Osaka and back, if you can't get it on klook, you can probably still get it on site KIX, go to the ticket office and ask the staff about it. 2.【Osaka Amazing Pass】or【Osaka Bus and subway】depending on the pace of your trip, if you think you can go to many tourist attractions offered by the Osaka Amazine Pass then get it, otherwise get the bus and subway pass for each day. 3.【Kyoto Bus and Subway One-Day Pass】for each day in Kyoto. 4.【Kintetsu Rail Pass】to cover the round trip between Osaka and Nara, also buses to get you around inside Nara. This is how I would do it. But you can look into the detail of each pass and decide for yourself if they are worth it.

[@taniatang9832]

Thank you soooo much for taking the time and effort in explaining your choices, much appreciated. Looking forward to your other travel sharings, they are fun to watch and learn. Thank you once again🙏🏼

[@YueWTravels]

Y ur guides so gud

[@toxickingchristian2645]

Y ur guides so gud