This section of our blog is dedicated to the public transportation in Japan, available for free to all Japan Rail Pass holders.
If you want to learn more about how to locate and take your trains from Tokyo or Kyoto stations; how to arrive in central Tokyo from Narita Airport, by taking the Narita Express (N’EX); how to ride the JR buses in the major cities or take the Miyajima ferry from Hiroshima, this section is for you.
You will also enjoy a number of comprehensive routes on how to arrive from one city to another; where to look for accurate online timetables; where and how to transfer between stations and more.
Namba is located in south central Osaka, Namba and is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods. The area is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for visitors spending time in the city.
When you’re visiting and planning how to get around, it’s easy to get confused between stations, as many share the name Namba.
In Japanese, the word shin means “new,” and this is fitting for Osaka’s modern train station. You may arrive at Shin-Osaka Station on one of Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains. This station may be relatively small compared to the massive stations of Kyoto and Tokyo, but it is artfully designed for easy use by first-time travelers.
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, but Shin-Osaka Station represents the quiet side of the city. You are likely to pass through this station when traveling to Osaka, and it serves as an excellent springboard from which to begin your travels.
Second only to Tokyo, Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan. It is divided into several distinct districts. The Umeda District, located in the Kita ward, is home to a recently renovated and beautiful train station called JR Osaka Station.
While the Shinkansen stops at Osaka’s other station, the train station is an important hub and is also home to Osaka Station City, a shopping complex featuring an open floor plan and glass ceiling.
Kyoto is a city with a long history – more than 1,000 years, in fact. The construction of its primary train station, Kyoto Station, took place during the city’s 1200th anniversary and opened to the public in 1997.
Designed by acclaimed architect Hara Hiroshi, Kyoto Station is futuristic and modern. It is one of the largest buildings in Japan. Filled with interesting restaurants, shops, and attractions, a visit to Kyoto Station is a miniature vacation in itself.
With your Japan Rail Pass, it’s easy to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto and make the most of your trip. Regular bullet trains connect the 2 cities, with the fastest services completing the journey in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
This guide explains how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, including bullet train services and journey times, and fares. You’ll also find details on alternative ways to make the trip, including daytime coach services and night buses.
Not sure how to use the Japan Rail Pass? Check out our detailed guide and handy video to find out!
The Japan Rail Pass is an all-you-can-ride discounted train ticket for foreigners visiting the country. It’s the most practical way to travel all over Japan.
