{"id":2152,"date":"2017-09-19T17:33:22","date_gmt":"2017-09-19T15:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2152"},"modified":"2025-02-24T09:52:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T08:52:54","slug":"kyoto-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Kyoto travel guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as <strong>Japan\u2019s most beautiful city<\/strong>. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.<\/p>\n<p>However, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of <strong>Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks<\/strong>, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Discover Kyoto<\/strong> with the help of our guides. From getting around the city, where to eat, and what to see and do, our guides tell you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Top_attractions_in_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Top attractions in Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Getting_around_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Getting around Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Main_train_stations_in_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Main train stations in Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Itineraries_and_nearby_attractions\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Itineraries and nearby attractions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_trips_and_nearby_destinations\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Day trips and nearby destinations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Top_attractions_in_Kyoto\">Top attractions in Kyoto<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As one of Japan\u2019s largest cities and a <strong>top tourist destination<\/strong>, there is plenty to see and do in Kyoto.<\/p>\n<p>To help you decide what to visit during your time in Kyoto, have a look at our detailed guides to some of the city\u2019s <strong>best attractions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The Arashiyama bamboo grove, Nijo Castle, and the thousand red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine are just some of the highlights.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Getting_around_Kyoto\">Getting around Kyoto<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kyoto has an <strong>excellent public transport system<\/strong>: the city has efficient rail and bus networks. Getting around Kyoto and the surrounding areas is easy with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll usually be able to choose from several options to get you from A to B in Kyoto. To save time once you arrive in the city, it\u2019s a <strong>good idea to plan transport<\/strong> in advance.<\/p>\n<p>Our guides to trains, buses and other modes of transport will help you prepare for your visit.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Main_train_stations_in_Kyoto\">Main train stations in Kyoto<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kyoto Station is a main transportation hub in western Japan. It houses 2 separate stations: <strong>JR Kyoto Station<\/strong> and <strong>Kintetsu Kyoto Station<\/strong>. The impressive glass and steel building was designed by an award-winning architect and is home to many shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n<p>There are other stations that you may wish to use during your stay. Check out our guides to find out more about train stations in Kyoto and help you plan your journeys.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Itineraries_and_nearby_attractions\">Itineraries and nearby attractions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To get the most out of your stay in Kyoto, it\u2019s important to <strong>have an itinerary<\/strong>. We\u2019ve put together several options depending on how long you will stay in the city and which attractions you\u2019re interested in seeing.<\/p>\n<p>Using our itineraries, you can <strong>make the most of every minute<\/strong> of your time in Kyoto. Don\u2019t miss out on any of the best sites, and enjoy some of the finest cuisine the city has to offer.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_trips_and_nearby_destinations\">Day trips and nearby destinations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While there\u2019s lots to see and do in Kyoto city center, you might also want to <strong>explore the surrounding areas<\/strong>. There are many interesting nearby towns that you can visit on a day trip to Kyoto.<\/p>\n<p>Here you\u2019ll find guides to some of the <strong>most popular places close to Kyoto<\/strong> and how to get there. If you\u2019re spending a few days in the city, these are great options to see a bit more of Japan during your vacation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as Japan\u2019s most beautiful city. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868. However, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10656,"parent":2011,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"Kyoto","shortcodes":[{"post_id":"attractions","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":6335,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-01-18 09:00:08","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-18 08:00:08","post_content":"To your left and to your right are massive red beams with blackened footings. Above you, too, are red beams with sparklings of sunlight filtering through in between. The color, called <i>shuiro<\/i> in Japanese, is said to represent the sun. The <strong>torii gates<\/strong> tower above you, but lessen in number as you ascend the mountain.\r\n\r\nWhen you reach the <strong>Yotsutsuji intersection<\/strong>, halfway up the mountain, all of <strong>Kyoto sprawls before you in a breathtaking panorama<\/strong>. This is what a trek on the hiking trails of <strong>Kyoto\u2019s Fushimi Inari shrine<\/strong> is like.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Fushimi Inari Shrine is considered <strong>one of the top attractions for foreign visitors to Japan<\/strong>. Why? It captures quintessential elements of Japanese culture, <strong>religious, architectural, environmental, and culinary<\/strong>. It has also been featured in popular films including <i>Memoirs of a Geisha,<\/i> and it is one of the area\u2019s best <strong>free attractions<\/strong>. It is the perfect complement to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFushimi Inari is one of several thousand Japanese shrines devoted to <strong>Inari, the Shinto god of rice, grain, abundant crops, success in business, and fortune<\/strong>. It is also the most important of these shrines. Fushimi Inari is an ancient shrine. It predates the move of the Japanese capital to Kyoto in the year 794. It was founded in 717 and moved to its current location in 816.\r\n<h2>How to get to Fushimi Inari<\/h2>\r\nFushimi Inari is located in <strong>southern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, just outside the JR Inari Station<\/strong>. From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, take the <strong>JR Nara Line<\/strong>. Inari Station is the second station along this line, and the trip takes <strong>about five minutes<\/strong>. The fee is <strong>completely covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, it can also be reached from the <strong>Fushimi-Inari station on the Keihan main line<\/strong>, but it is slightly farther from the entrance to Fushimi-Inari Shrine and is not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n<h3>Osaka to Fushimi Inari<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to visit Fushimi Inari from Osaka, You can go <strong>from Osaka to Fushimi Inari<\/strong> by going up a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> in Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen line<\/a> and, from there, go by the JR Nara Line to the Inari station. All the trip is covered by the JR Pass.\r\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a> to Fushimi Inari<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAs <strong>the JR Inari station is on JR Nara Line<\/strong>, you can reach Fushimi Inari from the JR Nara Station.\r\n\r\nThis is a <strong>direct trip<\/strong> that will take you a little less than 1 hour, passing by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">Uji<\/a> Station.\r\n<h2>Hours and fees<\/h2>\r\nThe shrine is <strong>always open<\/strong>, even on weekends and holidays. It is staffed between 9 am and 5 pm. <strong>Admission is free<\/strong>. Having no entrance fee is a unique feature among Kyoto\u2019s shrines.\r\n\r\n<strong>To avoid the crowds<\/strong>, we recommend visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine early in the morning, between 7 and 8 am or during the night.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" style=\"background-color: #f43755; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/prices\">Book your Japan Rail Pass now<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Visiting Fushimi Inari: the highligths<\/h2>\r\nWhen you arrive at Fushimi Inari, you will walk beneath a <strong>giant torii gate at the shrine\u2019s entrance<\/strong>. Next, you will see the <strong>Romon Gate<\/strong>, which in the year 1589 was donated to the shrine by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous general of that time. Shrine buildings with unique architecture lie beyond. Visitors are expected to <strong>pay respect to the deity<\/strong> by making a small offering at the shrine\u2019s main hall, or <strong>Honden<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6339\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6339 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/romon-gate-fushimi-inari.jpg\" alt=\"Romon Gate at Fushimini Inari \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\"> Romon Gate, Fushimi Inari - By Yanajin33 under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn addition to the majestic <strong>torii gates<\/strong> - over 32,000 in number - you may notice a number of <strong>fox statues<\/strong> when you visit Fushimi Inari. Foxes, called <i>kitsune,<\/i> are thought to be the <strong>messengers of the god Inari<\/strong>, so they are also honored at his shrine.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6342\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-6342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/kitsune-fox-statue-fushimi-inari.jpg\" alt=\"Kitsune Fox Statue, Fushimi Inari\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"> Kitsune Fox Statue, Fushimi Inari - by S\u00e9bastien Bertrand under CC BY 2.0[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Fushimi Inari map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1wEDGn8tqi8-qhpGref-MHoVwNtaOSef2\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Senbon Torii: The hiking trail of torii gates<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Thousands of torii gates straddle the trails that connect the main buildings of the Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/strong>. The trails also diverge into the nearby forest at the base of the sacred Mount Inari. The entrance to the hiking trail is located at the back of the shrine\u2019s main grounds.\r\n\r\nThe beginning of the parallel trails is covered by densely packed rows of torii gates called <strong>the Senbon Torii<\/strong>, meaning \u201c<em>thousands of torii gates<\/em>\". Many of the gates were donated by individuals or companies, the names and dates of which are inscribed on the back side of each gate.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1394\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/fushimi-inari-shrine-e1494925870759.jpg\" alt=\"Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Senbon Torii\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\"> Senbon Torii, the Thousand Torii gates[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Hiking to the summit of Mount Inari takes two to three hours round trip<\/strong>. Trails are well marked, but you can view the map above. <strong>Along the trail are many smaller shrines<\/strong>; many of these include miniature torii gates donated by visitors. Several restaurants are also located along the trail, featuring Inari and fox themed dishes. Many of these include <i>aburaage<\/i>, or fried tofu, thought to be a favorite treat for foxes.\r\n\r\nWould you like to leave your mark on the Senbon Torii? The cost of donating a torii gate starts at around \u00a5400,000 (just over $3,500 USD). The largest gates require a donation of over one million yen (almost $9,000 USD). The miniature gates left at shrines along the path can be purchased for \u00a52,500, or about $22 USD.\r\n<h3>Fushimi Inari hiking by night<\/h3>\r\nSince the shrine does not close, <strong>you can hike the trails at night<\/strong>. Be sure to bring a flashlight, and dress warmly during fall, winter, and spring. Many people feel that the solitude of a nighttime hike makes <strong>this an ideal time to visit the shrine<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover Photo: Senbon Torii, Fushimi Inari, by M338 under CC BY - SA 3.0<\/em>","post_title":"Fushimi Inari-Taisha: The Shrine of the Thousand Torii Gates","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-04-02 17:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2019-04-02 15:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=6335","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7373,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-03-29 07:57:59","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-29 06:57:59","post_content":"Located at the foot of the \u201cStorm Mountains\u201d in the <strong>north of the city of Kyoto<\/strong>, this world-famous, seemingly endless forest of swaying bamboo boughs is perfect for a relaxing retreat to nature during a stay in Japan.\r\n\r\nThe Arashiyama bamboo grove is <strong>open 24\/7 and admission is free<\/strong>. The surrounding Arashiyama district, known for unique fishing methods which involve using trained cormorant birds, is also well worth a visit.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIts main street and Togetsu-kyo Bridge have been called a \u201ctourist circus,\u201d but beyond this thoroughfare, <strong>Arashiyama offers an authentic and unforgettable Japanese experience<\/strong>. Read on to discover how the bamboo forest is just the beginning.\r\n\r\nThis sightseeing district makes for an incredible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trip from Kyoto<\/a>. From lush forests to <strong>cherry blossoms<\/strong> to vibrant <strong>autumn <em>koyo <\/em>colors<\/strong>, Arashiyama is a visual delight.\r\n<h2>Arashiyama Bamboo Forest<\/h2>\r\nArashiyama\u2019s Sagano Bamboo Forest, or Bamboo Grove, is both locally famous and world-renowned. Visitors can stroll <strong>paths lined with endless rows of towering bamboo<\/strong>. The experience has been described as other-worldly, serene, and dreamlike.\r\n\r\nThe sound of the rustling bamboo within this forest has been named one of the \u201c100 Soundscapes of Japan\u201d by the Japanese Ministry of Environment. Together with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi Inari<\/a> and the Kinkaku-ji, it offers <strong>a Kyoto experience not to be missed<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe bamboo grove is open <strong>24 hours a day<\/strong> and boasts <strong>no admission fee<\/strong>, so it is recommended that during peark season, you visit it early in the morning or at sunset.\r\n<h2>How to get to Arashiyama<\/h2>\r\nFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, take the JR San-in or Sagano lines (included in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>) to <strong>Saga-Arashiyama Station. <\/strong>The train ride lasts approximately 20 minutes. Stops include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tambaguchi Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nijo Station (near Nijo Castle)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Emmachi Station (connection to the 102 bus to Kinkaku-ji)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hanazono Station<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFrom the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, you may take a bus, which departs approximately every seven minutes. Alternatively, you may <strong>walk about 15 minutes to the bamboo grove<\/strong>. Keep in mind that trains departing from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station are not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\nNext to the station is the red-brick building of <strong>Saga Torokko Station<\/strong>, from where you can take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sagano-romantic-train\">Sagano Scenic Railway<\/a>. This romantic train passes a gorge offering a lovely view along the Hozu River.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\n<strong>Arashiyama is an immersive experience that offers something for everyone<\/strong> - from outdoor adventures to somber temples to relaxing getaways. Below are a few of our favorite attractions that Arashiyama has to offer.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1IPZVj83jN6Raj9OQvoJzCXeyxYmcEFWc\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Iwatayama Monkey Park<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7377\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/iwatayama-monkey-park-e1553698758328.jpg\" alt=\"Iwatayama Monkey Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/>\r\n\r\nJapan travel guides often feature images of <strong>Japanese macaques<\/strong>, a large species of monkey, lounging in winter hot springs. At the Iwatayama Monkey Park (also known as Arashiyama Monkey Park), <strong>you can view these animals up close and persona<\/strong>l. You can even feed them peanuts and fruit in a designated area.\r\n\r\nCross the <strong>Tsutenkyo Bridge<\/strong>, another famous landmark, to reach the Iwatayama Monkey Park. From the ticket booth, you will hike for about half an hour along a winding path of both natural materials and concrete stairs to reach the lair of the monkeys. The <strong>entrance fee<\/strong> to the Monkey Park is <strong>\u00a5550<\/strong>, less than $5.00 US. The park is<strong> open daily from 9 am until at least 4 pm<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Kameyama-k\u014den Park<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/arashiyama-river-boat-e1553699010909.jpg\" alt=\"Boat by Arashiyama river\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/>\r\n\r\nAt the end of the bamboo forest, you can get away from the crowds and reach the <strong>magnificent views<\/strong> of Kameyama-koen.\r\n\r\nThis <strong>hilltop park<\/strong>, next to the river, it\u2019s particularly attractive during the <strong>cherry-blossom and autumn foliage seasons.<\/strong> Look out for monkeys, which sometimes descend from the hills to pick fruit.\r\n<h2>Arashiyama Ryokans<\/h2>\r\nStaying in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-ryokans-in-japan\">ryokan<\/a> - a <strong>traditional Japanese inn<\/strong> - is a sublime way of getting in touch with authentic Japanese culture. The <strong>Arashiyama Benkei<\/strong> ryokan is both traditional and luxurious.\r\n\r\nThe structure served as a country estate for vacationing nobles during the Heian Period (794 to 1185 AD). Shared and private <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">onsen<\/a> (hot springs) are available, as well as meals served in-room. Rooms at this ryokan rent for \u00a530,000 to \u00a550,000 per night, or around $250.00 to $450.00 US.\r\n\r\nAlso, the <strong>Hanaikada<\/strong>, next to Togetsukyo Bridge, offers an Arashiyama an authentic Japanese style experience. Its onsen\u00a0baths, including a private one, are all fed with complete natural hot springs.\r\n<h2>Arashiyama Temples<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8195\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-8195 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/tenryu-ji-kioto-e1558442624921.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/> The garden at Tenryu-Ji Temple dates from the 15th century[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSigns for the <strong>Tenryuji Temple<\/strong> will greet you as soon as you exit Arashiyama Station. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">World Heritage Site<\/a> has an entrance fee of \u00a5500 (less than $5.00 US) and offers spectacular autumn colors. The Zen temple grounds house the entrance to the bamboo grove, a symbol of strength thought to ward off evil.\r\n\r\nOther temples in the area include the Tendai sect Buddhist <strong>Nison-in Temple<\/strong>, the <strong>Jojako-ji Temple<\/strong>, the thatch-roofed <strong>Gio-ji Temple<\/strong>, and the many-statued <strong>Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nFinally, you can also visit the <strong>Okochi Sanso Villa<\/strong>, home of the late silent movie actor Denjiro Okochi. The villa and gardens cover almost 20.000 square meters, including espectacular gardens and magnificent views of Kyoto city and the Hozu river.\r\n\r\nA trip to Arashiyama is like taking an excursion to another world - a simpler, more peaceful time. If you\u2019re ready to relax and recharge, book your JR Pass and start planning your next Japan vacation today.","post_title":"Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and district in Kyoto: Travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"arashiyama-bamboo-forest","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-12-14 10:34:23","post_modified_gmt":"2022-12-14 09:34:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=7373","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7777,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-05-03 07:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2019-05-03 05:00:03","post_content":"Kyoto\u2019s Kyomizu-dera Temple is <strong>one of the most celebrated of Japan\u2019s numerous temples and shrines<\/strong>. The meaning of its name is literally translated \u201c<em>Pure Water Temple<\/em>\u201d. This name is derived from the pristine waters of the <strong>Otowa Waterfall<\/strong>, on which site the temple was built. It is also famous for its large <strong>wooden terrace<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Kyomizu-dera was <strong>founded in 780<\/strong>. Its present structures were erected in 1633. It was originally associated with one of the oldest schools of <strong>Japanese Buddhism<\/strong>, the Hosso sect. Since 1965, it has hosted its own Kita Hosso sect.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSince 1994, the Kiyomizu-dera has been included on the list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>. Wondering what to see on your visit to Kiyomizu-dera? Use this travel guide to map out your adventure, and you\u2019ll discover some interesting facts along the way.\r\n<h2>How to Get to Kiyomizu-dera<\/h2>\r\nThe best way to get to <strong>Kiyomizu-dera from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a><\/strong> is taking the number <strong>100 or 206 Bus at Kyoto Ekimae Bus Stop<\/strong>, just in the north exit of Tokyo Station. The bus ride is about 15 minutes (4 stops, 230 yen) to <strong>Goyo-zaka Bus Stop<\/strong>. From there, it is a <strong>10 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera<\/strong> temple.\r\n\r\nUse your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to travel to <strong>Kyoto Station <\/strong>if you want to visit Kiyomizu-dera from Osaka.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" title=\"How to get to Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d7774.4566216658095!2d135.76589125825558!3d34.98776721458519!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto+Station%2C+Higashishiokoji+Kamadonocho%2C+Shimogyo+Ward%2C+Kioto%2C+Prefectura+de+Kioto%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x600108d385dcfb07%3A0x62af658650c434ba!2sKiyomizu-dera%2C+1-ch%C5%8Dme-294+Tatsumicho%2C+Higashiyama-ku%2C+Kyoto%2C+605-0862%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.9948561!2d135.7850463!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1556194972519!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Opening Hours and Entrance Fee<\/h2>\r\nThe Kiyomizu-dera Temple is <strong>open daily from 6 am to 6 pm<\/strong>; closing time is extended to 6:30 pm on certain days during the summer, and until 9 pm during the night illumination.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>admission fee is 400 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>What to see in Kiyomizu-dera temple<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Hagashiyama district<\/h3>\r\nAs you approach the Kiyomizu-dera, you will traverse the streets of the <strong>Higashiyama District<\/strong>, whose shops have served temple pilgrims for centuries. You\u2019ll find local delicacies, souvenirs, and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7790\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7790 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/hagashiyama-district-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Hagashiyama district street, Yasaka Pagoda in the backgorund\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Hagashiyama district street, Yasaka Pagoda in the backgorund[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Kannon statue<\/h3>\r\nWithin the main hall, you will find this temple\u2019s primary object of worship: a <strong>statue Kannon<\/strong>, the goddess of mercy and compassion, bearing <strong>eleven faces and a forty-two arms<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7794\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kannon-satue-kiyomizu-dera.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kannon statue, Kiyomidu-dera Temple - Image \u00a9 Kiyomizu-dera Temple[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Wooden terrace<\/h3>\r\nA <strong>wooden stage or terrace<\/strong> is connected to the main hall. At <strong>13 meters (43 feet) above the hillside<\/strong>, the terrace offers a view of Kyoto and the surrounding terrain. During the Edo period, it was believed that if you survived a jump from the terrace, your wishes would be granted. Interestingly, both the main hall and the terrace were built without the use of nails.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7802\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7802 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomizu-dera-wooden-terrace.jpg\" alt=\"Kiyomizu-dera's wooden terrace\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kiyomizu-dera's wooden terrace[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Otowa waterfall<\/h3>\r\nAt the base of the main hall is the <strong>Otowa Waterfall<\/strong>, whose waters are divided into three streams. Each is said to bring a benefit to those who drink from it - long life, success at school, and success in love, respectively. Visitors can use cups with long handles to capture the water of their choice, but <strong>drinking from all three is considered greedy<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7806\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7806\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/otowa-waterfall-kiyomizu-dera.jpg\" alt=\"Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto)\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) - Image by big-ashb @Flickr[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Jishu Shrine<\/h3>\r\nBehind the main hall is the <strong>Jishu Shrine<\/strong>, which is dedicated to a deity of love and matchmaking. Two \u201clove stones\u201d stand at the front of the shrine; it is said that if you are able to traverse the <strong>18 meters (60 feet) from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you will have luck in finding love<\/strong>. If someone must guide you, you will need a matchmaker or intermediary to help.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7810\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/jishu-shrine-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Jishu Temple in the Kiyomizu-dera grounds\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Jishu Temple in the Kiyomizu-dera grounds, Kyoto - Image by KENPEI @Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Okunoin Hall<\/h3>\r\nAlso on the grounds are the smaller <strong>Okunoin Hall<\/strong>, halls dedicated to the historical Shaka and the Amida Buddha, a three-storied pagoda called <strong>Koyasu Pagoda<\/strong> that is said to bring about safe childbirth, and a small hall dedicated to Jizo, said to be the protector of both children and travelers. This hall holds <strong>over 200 small statues<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nJust outside of the temple grounds are other historic structures to explore. One of these is the <strong>Zuigudo hall<\/strong>, dedicated to the mother of Buddha. It has a dark basement meant to symbolize a mother\u2019s womb.\r\n\r\nDuring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/new-year-in-japan\">New Year\u2019s celebrations<\/a> and the summer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/obon-festival-in-japan\">obon<\/a>, booths fill the temple grounds, selling souvenirs and traditional holiday foods.\r\n<p class=\"note\">It should be noted that the Kiyomizu-dera has been <strong>under renovation since February 2017<\/strong>. Until renovations to the roof are <strong>completed in March 2020<\/strong>, the main hall will be covered with scaffolding. However, visitors will still be permitted inside the main hall during renovations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Spring and Fall Illumination<\/h2>\r\nVisitors to the Kiyomizu-dera delight in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry trees<\/a> that blossom each spring and the blazing foliage of maple trees in the fall. If you visit the temple after dark, however, the <strong>twice-yearly night illumination<\/strong> will paint yet another perspective.\r\n\r\nAlong with other nearby shrines and temples, the <strong>Kiyomizu-dera is illuminated during the Hanatoro event held each year in mid-March<\/strong>. The temple is also illuminated in the <strong>second half of November, during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">koyo autumn leaf viewing season<\/a><\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7798 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomizu-dera-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Kiyomidu-dera illuminated during the Fall\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kiyomidu-dera illuminated during the Fall[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Seiryu-e Dragon Festival<\/h2>\r\nWhat is the Seiryu-e dragon festival? Seiryu-e is <strong>one of the newest festivals on the Japanese calendar<\/strong>. It has only been celebrated since 2000 but that doesn\u2019t make any less fun and fascinating.\r\n\r\nThe festival is <strong>held every spring and autumn<\/strong> to honor Seiryu, a <strong>blue dragon who is one of the four divine god-beasts<\/strong> and an incarnation of Kannon. Seiryu is said to <strong>protect Kyoto<\/strong>\u2019s east borders against potential disasters and bad luck and the city now honors him.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10148\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-10148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/seiryue-e-dragon-kiyomizu-dera-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Seiryu-e Dragon drinking from the waterfall during the festival\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Seiryu-e Dragon drinking from the waterfall during the festival - Photo courtesy of \u00a9 Kiyomizu-dera Temple[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <strong>18m-long dragon appears with three armoured men<\/strong> and they dance through the city along with a procession. The celebrations are visually spectacular and include music.\r\n\r\n<strong>Where is the festival?<\/strong> The dragon apppears from Kiyomizu-dera and continues through Okunoin hall and temple grounds.\r\n\r\n<strong>When is the festival?<\/strong> There are two a year, one in the spring and one in autumn. The schedule starts at 2 pm and ends at 3:30 pm. There is no entrance fee.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Spring dates<\/strong>: March 14-15 and April 3.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Autumn dates<\/strong>: September 14-15.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe Kiyomizu-dera Temple is among <strong>Kyoto\u2019s top attractions<\/strong>. With your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> in hand, you are ready to explore this and all that Japan has to offer.","post_title":"Visiting Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kiyomizu-dera-temple","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-05 15:38:04","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-05 13:38:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=7777","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9660,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-23 07:00:24","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-23 05:00:24","post_content":"Another fantastic location at which to view the sakura blossom, this <strong>elegant wooden castle<\/strong> is one of the best-preserved from Japan\u2019s Edo Period.\r\n\r\nSurrounded by stone fortifications and moats, the central structure, Ninomaru Palace, was also historically well-protected from intruders by secret features such as booby-trapped floors. Can be reached in <strong>under 20 minutes from central Kyoto<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>A brief history of Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nNijo Castle, called <em>Nijojo<\/em> in Japanese, was <strong>built in 1603<\/strong>. It served as <strong>Tokugawa Ieyasu\u2019s residence<\/strong> in Kyoto. Ieyasu was the Edo Period\u2019s first shogun, or ruler of the country.\r\n\r\nIt took <strong>23 years for construction<\/strong> of the castle to be completed. The shogun\u2019s grandson finally added a <strong>five-story castle keep<\/strong>, or tower. The keep is a prominent structure and one of the most defensible.\r\n\r\nBeginning in 1867, the castle became an <strong>imperial palace<\/strong>. It was later donated to the city of Kyoto and opened to the public as a historic site. As one of the most well-preserved castles of its era, Nijo Castle was named a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 1994.\r\n<h2>How to get to Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nDeparting from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, travel to <strong>Karasuma-Oike Station on the Karasuma Subway Line<\/strong>. From there, transfer to the <strong>Tozai Line<\/strong>, headed for <strong>Nijojo-mae Station<\/strong>. Keep in mind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">Kyoto subway lines<\/a> are not covered by Japan Rail Pass. Additional fees may be incurred above what is covered by your Japan Rail Pass. The castle is a short walk away.\r\n\r\nIf you have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>, you can take <strong>JR Sanin line from Kyoto Station to Nijo Station<\/strong>, a 6 minutes train trip, and then, walk to Nijo Castle entrance, under 15-minutes walk.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can take <strong>Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50, or 101 from Kyoto Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3267.6891149333333!2d135.74902259596394!3d35.01448662410461!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x600107d40a2b9b0b%3A0x106b8759906a2f2f!2sCastillo+Nij%C5%8D!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1565949673148!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Hours and entrance fees<\/h2>\r\nNiji Castle is <strong>open daily from 8:45 am to 5 pm<\/strong>. The castle is <strong>closed each Tuesday in January, July, August, and December<\/strong>. If a national holiday falls on Tuesday during these months, the castle will also be closed on the following Wednesday. It is <strong>closed from December 29 to 31 each year<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAdmission is <strong>600 yen, and an additional 400 yen is charged for admission to Ninomaru Palace<\/strong>. Self-guided audio tours in English are available at a kiosk inside the main gate. These audio guides are rented for 500 yen.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Highlights of Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nNijo castle can be divided into three distinct portions. First, the grounds of the castle are entirely surrounded by moats and stone walls. <strong>You will enter the castle through a large gate on the eastern wall<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nNext, you will enter the <strong>Ninomaru through the Chinese-style Karamon Gate<\/strong>. The Ninomaru is the <strong>secondary circle of defense<\/strong>, and home to the castle\u2019s main attraction, the <strong>Ninomaru Palace<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9671\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9671\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-ninomaru-palace-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Ninomaru palace in Nijo Castle, Kyoto\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace. Kyoto - Photo by Tatters under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis palace consists of <strong>separate buildings that are connected to one another via corridors<\/strong>. The tour route includes inner rooms that were once accessible to only the most prominent guests or the shogun himself. Many of the rooms contain <strong>visible or concealed doors where the shogun\u2019s bodyguards would hide<\/strong>. Beyond the palace lies <strong>Ninomaru Garden<\/strong>, which includes a pond and pine trees manicured in the traditional landscape garden style.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Honmaru, or main circle of defense<\/strong>, is the innermost portion of the castle. <strong>The Honmaru includes a second palace as well as the castle keep<\/strong>. While the gardens of the Honmaru are always accessible, the palace itself is opened to the public only on special occasions.\r\n\r\nA green space surrounds both the Honmaru and Ninomaru. This space features hundreds of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-plum-blossoms\">plum<\/a> and cherry trees of different varieties. Due to late-blooming types, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">sakura season<\/a> at Nijo Castle typically extends <strong>from late March through late April<\/strong>. Brilliant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn colors<\/a> can be seen in late November, due to red maple and yellow ginkgo trees.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9661\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9661\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-aereal-view-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Nijo Castle's aerial view\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nijo Castle's aerial view - Photo by Saki Fujimaki[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe most recent addition to the castle is the <strong>Seiryu-en Garden<\/strong>, constructed in 1965. This cultural event venue features two tea houses and <strong>over 1,000 stones that have been precisely arranged<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>The nightingale floors<\/h2>\r\nAs mentioned earlier, the buildings of Ninomaru Palace are connected to one another using corridors. Each of these corridors was equipped with <strong>special security measures to keep the shogun safe<\/strong>. The flooring, know as \u201cnightingale floors,\u201d were <strong>designed to squeak when walked on<\/strong>. This would alert residents to any intruders.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-9676\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nightingale-floors-nijo-castle-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Nigthingale floors, Nijo CAstle\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Why the name \u201cnightingale floors\u201d?<\/strong> The nightingale is a type of bird called <em>uguisu<\/em> in Japanese. <strong>The squeaking of the floors could be compared to the chirp of this bird<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover image by \u00a9JNTO<\/em>","post_title":"Exploring Nijo Castle: Kyoto travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nijo-castle-kyoto","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:56:31","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:56:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=9660","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8150,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-05-17 07:00:18","post_date_gmt":"2019-05-17 05:00:18","post_content":"Situated in <strong>northwestern Kyoto<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO Heritage Site<\/a> has a long and turbulent history dating back to 1397 and has been rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1955.\r\n\r\nWidely considered the most famous temple in Japan and visited by a large number of both Japanese and international tourists year-round, it is <strong>easy to access and just a 40-minute bus ride from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto station<\/a><\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>The Golden Pavilion<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji is known as \u201cthe Golden Pavilion\u201d<\/strong> for a very special reason - its top two stories are actually <strong>covered in gold leaf<\/strong>. Its shining surface reflects into the <em>kyoko-chi<\/em>, or <strong>Mirror Pond<\/strong>. Stationed at the foot of Kinugasa Hill, the temple grounds are wooded and present <strong>a lovely place for strolling and meditation<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9208\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-9208 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto-closeup-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Detail of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe temple grounds are esteemed for their <strong>beauty year-round<\/strong>. Chinese motifs are apparent in the garden, and the grounds are especially stunning when decked in red <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn foliage<\/a> or blanketed with winter snows.\r\n\r\nWhen visiting Kinkaku-ji, you will enter through the <strong>Chumon Gate<\/strong>, strolling a path shaded by pine and maple trees. The temple building displays both <strong>Heian Period shinden architecture and bukke samurai style architecture<\/strong>, as well as that of a<strong> Chinese Zen Hall<\/strong>. <strong>Statues of Buddha, Yoshimitsu (the temple\u2019s founder), and other Buddhist icons<\/strong> can be seen inside, and a <strong>bronze phoenix statue<\/strong> perches on the roof.\r\n\r\nIn the <strong>Upper Garden<\/strong> near the rear gate, you will find a small temple dedicated to the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o. Also on the grounds are a pond that is said to never dry out, and statues at which people throw coins for good luck.\r\n\r\nYou can also enjoy the <strong>Sekkatei Teahouse<\/strong>, an Edo Period addition to the temple complex. Beyond the temple grounds exit are souvenir shops and a tea garden.\r\n<h2>History of Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nThe original structure of Kinkaku-ji was <strong>erected in 1397.<\/strong> It adheres to the Shoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen, founded by Muso Soseki during the Muromachi Period. The building itself was first a <strong>villa owned by court noble<\/strong>. Later, it was used as a retirement home by a well-known shogun. Finally, at his request his son converted the structure into a Zen temple, naming it Rokuonji. This temple was <strong>destroyed several times<\/strong> by the fires of wartime. A similar temple, the <strong>Ginkaku-ji or Silver Pavilion<\/strong>, was built by the shogun\u2019s grandson on the other side of Kyoto a few decades later.\r\n\r\n<strong>In 1950, Kinkaku-ji was burned to the ground<\/strong> by a disgruntled young Buddhist monk. This event and the temple itself served as the setting for Yukio Mishima\u2019s 1956 novel, <em>The Temple of the Golden Pavilion<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji was rebuilt in 1955, and additional gold leaf was added in 1987<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>How to get to Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\"><strong>Kyoto Station<\/strong><\/a>, take <strong>Kyoto city buses #101<\/strong> (departing from Stand B2) or <strong>#205<\/strong> (departing from Stand B3). Be careful, there is another service called Rapid #205 that don't reach Kinkaku-ji. You can also cacth <strong>Raku Buses #101 or #102<\/strong>. Each of these buses stops at Kinkaku-ji (<strong>Kinkakuji-Michi Bus Stop<\/strong>), a trip of about <strong>40 minutes and 230 yens<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nKinkaku-ji is a <strong>short walk north from the Hirano and Waratenjin Shrines<\/strong>. Bicycling is recommended if you would like to tour <strong>Ryoanji, and Ninnaji Temples<\/strong> in addition to Kinkaku-ji.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, if you want to seize the day and <strong>also visit the Nijo Castle<\/strong>, which is halfway from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji, you could go <strong>from Kyoto Station to Nijo Station via the JR Sanin line <\/strong>(covered by your JR Pass)\u00a0and after visiting the Nijo Castle, take the JR Sanin again <strong>to Emmachi Station<\/strong>, the next stop.\r\n\r\nWalking less than 5 minutes from Emmachi Station, you can <strong>get on bus #205 at the Nishinokyo Enmachi bus stop that will take you to the Kinkaku-ji<\/strong> bus stop.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1AAczG1XWIuEjnAUTH2n7PD0_QDCqi_RR&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fees<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is \u00a5400 for adults and \u00a5300 for children<\/strong>. Access to the inside of the temple is not permitted, but you may enjoy the gardens and views of the temple from the outside.\r\n<h2>Attractions near Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nNumerous other temples, shrines, and historic sites are located within walking distance of Kinkaku-ji. These include <strong>Ryoanji Temple, Tojiin Temple, and Ninnaji Temple<\/strong>. Walk to the south and you will find <strong>Hirano Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9214\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-9214 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/ryoan-ji-kyoto-800x638.jpg\" alt=\"ryoanji temple zen garden\" width=\"800\" height=\"638\" \/> Zen garden at the Ryoan-ji temple[\/caption]\r\n\r\nTo the east of Nishioji Station, accessed via the JR Kyoto Line, is a bicycle rental shop. You will also find Japanese and European style restaurants as well as a public bath.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Kyoto Museum for World Peace<\/strong> and the <strong>Domoto Museum of Fine Art<\/strong> are also located a short distance away. From the JR Kintetsu Kyoto Station, take city bus #50 to the Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae bus stop. The museums are located two blocks south of the bus stop.\r\n\r\nIf your travels are taking you to Kyoto, <strong>start planning your visit to Kinkaku-ji today<\/strong>. You\u2019ll be able to travel quickly and easily using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.","post_title":"Kinkaku-Ji: The temple of the Golden Pavilion","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-30 09:49:09","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-30 08:49:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=8150","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"getting-around","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1219,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-04-03 08:00:05","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-03 06:00:05","post_content":"So, you\u2019ve arrived in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> \u2014 Japan\u2019s cultural center. The next question is: <strong>how do you get around<\/strong> this remarkable city?\r\n\r\nTaking advantage of Kyoto\u2019s excellent <strong>public transport system<\/strong> is a good way to go about it! Local trains, a convenient subway, and a bus network can zip you around the city in no time.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nTake advantage of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to cover any train journeys included in its terms.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a> is the central city\u2019s transportation hub for Japan Railways and other private services. From here, you can access the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> bullet train to Osaka, Tokyo, and many other destinations.\r\n\r\n<strong>Local JR lines in Kyoto include the Sagano Line and the Nara Line<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlthough the JR Pass is just for trains, you can use an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\">IC card<\/a>, such as the ICOCA or PITAPA, to <strong>access the subway and buses<\/strong> during your stay.\r\n<h2>JR Nara line<\/h2>\r\nThe Nara Line travels south to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tofukuji Station<\/strong>, close to the Tofukuji Buddhist temple, famous for its gardens.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Inari Station<\/strong>, near\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi Inari<\/a>, an important Shinto temple famous for its thousands of torii gates.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Uji Station<\/strong>, a small city popular for its tea shops and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">World Heritage<\/a> temples (Byodoin and Ujigami-Jinja),\u00a0also famous for its matcha (green tea).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Nara Station<\/strong>, in downtown Nara. Make sure to take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, since it doesn't stop\u00a0at all stations and is the fastest connection (<strong>from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass#Kyoto_to_Nara\">Kyoto Station to Nara<\/a> in 45 minutes<\/strong>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>JR Sagano line<\/h2>\r\nThe Sagano Line is actually a nickname for the urban section of the JR San'in Main line. This line travels to popular tourist destinations such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nijo Station<\/strong> (close to Nijo castle)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Emmachi Station<\/strong> (bus connection to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\">Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Uzumasa Station<\/strong> (Toei Kyoto Studio Park)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Saga-Arashiyama Station<\/strong>, near <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama bamboo grove<\/a>, Arashiyama Monkey Park and the Sagano Scenic Railway station).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Note<\/strong>: Please check our full \"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-kyoto\">Things to do in Kyoto<\/a>\" guide for further tourist information.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"760\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1223\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/jr-train-kyoto-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"JR train in Kyoto Station\" width=\"760\" height=\"570\" \/> You can get from Kyoto to Nara in 45 minutes with the JR Nara line[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Kyoto Metro system<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Kyoto subway system operates two lines, the <strong>Karasuma Line (north to south)<\/strong> and the <strong>Tozai Line (east to west)<\/strong>. Both lines are available from Karasuma Oike Station. The best use of the subway system is to reach attractions in the city center.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>metro ticket prices<\/strong> range from \u00a5210 to \u00a5350 for adults and \u00a5110 to \u00a5180 for children.\r\n\r\nThe trains of the Kyoto metro system are <strong>not covered under your Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe most convenient way to cover your metro journeys is to get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\">Japanese IC Card<\/a>, which you can recharge as needed.\r\n<h2>Other rail lines<\/h2>\r\nKyoto is also home to several <strong>private railway lines<\/strong>, including the Keifuku, Kintetsu, and Eizan Lines.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Hankyu Line<\/strong> can be accessed from the city center and using this line you can reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka#Osaka_to_Kyoto_and_back\">Osaka from Kyoto<\/a>. This line also serves Arashiyama.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Keihan Line<\/strong> can be used to reach Fushimi Inari from the east side of Kyoto. The JR Pass, however, is not valid on private rail lines.\r\n\r\nAlso of interest is the scenic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sagano-romantic-train\">Sagano Scenic Railway<\/a>\u00a0train, which departs from Saga-Arashiyama Station. While not covered by the JR Pass, the autumn leaves or spring cherry blossoms as seen from this train are well worth the trip.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the <strong>JR Pass is not valid for these private rail lines<\/strong>, so you\u2019ll have to buy separate tickets.\r\n\r\nFinally, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Airport Express<\/a> connects Kyoto Station with the Kansai International Airport, near Osaka. You can <strong>take this train for free with your Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Kyoto train and subway map<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1220\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"760\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1220\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/kyoto_metro_train_map-e1490952425306-679x800.png\" alt=\"Kyoto metro and train map\" width=\"760\" height=\"895\" \/> Map of Kyoto train and subway routes, including the Shinkansen and JR lines.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFor further information, including a map of the whole Kansai region, please check our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">maps<\/a> page.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Buses in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Kyoto\u2019s extensive bus network<\/strong> operates daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM.\r\n\r\nYou get on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/how-to-use-the-local-bus\">local buses<\/a> through the back door, where you pay the fare. You then get off at the front.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flat rate bus fares are \u00a5230 for adults and \u00a5120 for children<\/strong>. Alternatively, you can purchase a City Bus All-Day Pass for \u00a5500, or \u00a5250 for children. You can also use an IC Card.\r\n\r\nWhen using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/buses\">JR buses<\/a>, you can ride free of charge when you scan your JR Pass upon entering.\r\n<h3>JR buses<\/h3>\r\nThe Japan Rail Pass is valid for West JR Bus company, which operates the\u00a0<strong>Takao Keihoku Line<\/strong>. This line\u00a0runs <strong>between Kyoto station and<\/strong> <strong>Shuzan<\/strong>. You will be able to go to Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple.\r\n\r\nThe bus runs in five different type of routes, so please check the bus stop maps or Google Maps before hopping on:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Via Ritsumeikan University<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Via Ichijou street<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Via Karasuma<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Counterclockwise<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Clockwise rotation<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThe line between Kyoto Station and Shuzan via Shijo-Omiya Station is known as one of the more scenic routes, passing a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-temples-in-japan\">temples<\/a>.\r\n<h3><strong>City buses<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTo get to some of the landmarks and attractions you want to visit, you might have to catch a city bus. The two main companies are Kyoto City Bus (central city area) and Kyoto Bus (for the surrounding areas).\r\n\r\nIf you take the <strong>Kyoto City Bus 205<\/strong> from Kyoto Station and get off at the Kinkakuji-mae bus stop, you can walk to the Kinkaku-ji, the Ryoan-ji, and the Myoshin-ji Temples.\r\n\r\nTo visit the Ginkaku-ji Temple and the Honenin Temple in north-east Kyoto, you can catch the <strong>Kyoto City Bus 5 or 17<\/strong> from Kyoto Station and get off at the Ginkaku-ji-michi bus stop. If you walk another 20 minutes from here you can also see the Eikando Temple and the Nanzenji Temple.\r\n<h3><strong> Raku buses<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAlternatively, there are a number of tourist buses, known as Raku buses, which connect a number of Kyoto\u2019s points of interest.\r\n\r\n<strong>Raku Bus 100<\/strong> leaves Kyoto Station every 10 minutes between 7:40 and 17:00, stopping at the National Museum &amp; Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Heian-jingu Shrine, and Ginkaku-ji Temple.\r\n\r\n<strong>Raku Bus 101<\/strong> leaves Kyoto Station every 15 minutes between 8:00 and 16.30, stopping at Kyoto Station, Nijo-jo Castle, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Daitokuji Temple and the Kitaoji Bus Terminal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Raku Bus 102<\/strong> leaves the Ginkaku-ji-michi bus stop every 30 minutes between 8:04 and 16:34, stopping at Ginkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Daitokuji Temple, and Kitaoji Bus Terminal.\r\n<h2>Taxis in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\n<strong>In downtown Kyoto<\/strong>, you will also find taxis waiting at nearly every street corner, at all times of day and night.\r\n\r\nWhen hailing a taxi, pay attention to the light located next to the driver. A <strong>red light means the taxi is available<\/strong>, while a green or blue light indicates that the taxi is already in the service of another customer.\r\n\r\nIn Japan, taxi doors open and close automatically, so don\u2019t worry about shutting the door when you exit.\r\n\r\nWhen selecting a taxi, keep in mind that <strong>the MK or Yasaka companies<\/strong> \u2013 marked with a clover icon \u2013<strong> are generally cheaper<\/strong>. Whichever service you use, you may expect to pay about \u00a5640 for the first two kilometers.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Tip<\/strong>: When telling your driver where you would like to go, naming an intersection, restaurant, or attraction is often more efficient than giving him a specific address.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Walking and biking<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nKyoto\u2019s street grid system makes it <strong>simple for both pedestrians and cyclists<\/strong> to find their way around.\r\n\r\nIn Kyoto, main streets run either north to south or east to west. North-south streets are given names, while east-west streets are given numbers. Keeping this in mind can aid you in orienting yourself and understanding the direction in which you are traveling. The flat terrain makes this city ideal for touring on foot.\r\n\r\nAs you will likely not have your own bicycle with you, <strong>many bike rental stores<\/strong> are available in Kyoto, especially in <strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama area<\/a><\/strong>. You may rent a bicycle for a few hours or up to two weeks.\r\n\r\nPrices range <strong>from \u00a5500 per day to \u00a52000 per week<\/strong>. Be advised that in the city center and near train stations, bikes must be parked in designated areas. Bike parking usually costs \u00a5150 for up to eight hours. Bikes parked illegally will be towed.","post_title":"Getting around Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"getting-around-kyoto","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-26 09:04:15","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-26 07:04:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1219","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10555,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-10-11 08:00:43","post_date_gmt":"2019-10-11 06:00:43","post_content":"There are numerous ways of <strong>getting from Kansai Airport to Kyoto<\/strong>. The easiest way is by train though there are alternatives which may be <strong>cheaper or convenient<\/strong> depending on your circumstances.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> is an incredible destination which is a must-see. It is considered to be the <strong>cultural capital of Japan<\/strong> and a major tourist destination and its numerous temples, shrines, gardens, and palaces are listed collectively as a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a><\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-airports#Kansai_International_Airport\"><strong>Kansai International Airport (KIX)<\/strong><\/a> is located on Osaka Bay, a man-made island which is <strong>25 miles (40km) from central Osaka<\/strong>. It is Japan\u2019s third-busiest airport and is well-connected to Kyoto and other nearby cities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> lies between Kansai Airport and Kyoto, visitors often go to Osaka first (either getting off at Osaka or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>).\r\n\r\nThis guide will explain the various ways of making the journey <strong>from Kansai Airport to Kyoto<\/strong> including by train (and the best way using your Japan Rail Pass), bus, and taxi.\r\n<h2>Kansai Airport to Kyoto by Train<\/h2>\r\nThere are numerous train routes which operate between Kansai Airport and Kyoto. Here are the <strong>best ways of making the journey by train<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>JR Haruka Limited Express train<\/h3>\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">JR Haruka Limited Express<\/a> takes around <strong>70 minutes<\/strong> to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and there are departures <strong>every 30 minutes<\/strong>. It is the <strong>quickest way<\/strong> and it\u2019s covered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. For those without the pass, tickets cost 2,850 yen (for non-reserved seats) and 3,500 yen (for reserved seats).\r\n\r\nThe <strong>earliest Haruka service<\/strong> from Kansai Airport is 6:30 am (or 6:40 on weekends and holidays) and the <strong>latest<\/strong> is at 22:16. From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, the earliest service is at 5:46 am and the latest is at 20:15.\r\n\r\n<strong>Fans of Hello Kitty<\/strong> should look out for the special-edition <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hello-kitty-haruka-express\">Hello Kitty Haruka<\/a> which is currently operating.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1028\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1028 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/haruka-express-train-e1487756704632.jpg\" alt=\"Haruka Express train\" width=\"800\" height=\"492\" \/> Haruka Express train[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>JR Rapid trains<\/h3>\r\nThere are a number of ways of getting from Kansai Airport to Kyoto. However, the second quickest way (100 minutes) is to take the <strong>JR Airport Rapid train from the airport to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a><\/strong> and then transfer to a Special Rapid train on the JR Kyoto line to Kyoto. It\u2019s covered by the JR Pass but normally costs 1880 yen.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"570\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/kansai-airport-trains-map.jpg\" alt=\"Kansai airport trains map\" width=\"570\" height=\"599\" \/> Map of the trains connecting Osaka and Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX)[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Non-JR trains<\/h3>\r\n<strong>If you don\u2019t have a Japan Rail Pass<\/strong> and are looking for a <strong>cheaper alternative<\/strong> you can travel by <strong>Nankai and Hankyu Railways<\/strong> as the journey costs between 1230 and 1600 yen. You take the <strong>Nankai express train<\/strong> from Kansai Airport to Tengachaya Station (40 minutes) and then take the Sakaisuji Subway line and the Hankyu Kyoto line to central Kyoto (60 minutes).\r\n<h2>Traveling by Bus<\/h2>\r\nA <strong>Limousine Bus<\/strong> runs regularly between <strong>Kansai Airport and Kyoto<\/strong>. The bus makes several stops along the way so it\u2019s worth checking beforehand which one is the most convenient for you.\r\n\r\nThe journey takes approximately <strong>1 hour 30 minutes<\/strong>. It costs 2,550 yen for adults and 1,280 yen for children. Tickets can be reserved any time between 1 month to 1 hour before departure.\r\n\r\nAt <strong>Kansai Airport<\/strong> you can catch buses at bus stop 8 at Terminal 1 or bus stop 1 at Terminal 2. Be careful you <strong>don\u2019t board a bus for Osaka Airport<\/strong> as the departure point is nearby.\r\n\r\nFor buses <strong>departing from Kyoto Station<\/strong>, the bus stop is in front of the Avanti building which is directly opposite the <strong>Hachijo-guchi southern exit<\/strong> of Kyoto Station. You can reserve tickets at the Keihan Bus center.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>By Taxi<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Catching a taxi between Kansai Airport and Kyoto<\/strong> isn\u2019t recommended as it\u2019s very expensive. However, it is an option. There are companies which run relatively economical services between the 2 locations but they are still <strong>very expensive<\/strong> compared to trains or buses.\r\n\r\nWith an advanced booking, it\u2019s possible to catch a taxi for <strong>approximately 3,500 yen<\/strong>. Prices are considerably more during the night. The big advantage of catching a taxi is the convenience of being <strong>dropped at your door<\/strong>. The journey takes around <strong>2 hours 30 minutes<\/strong> which is considerable slower than one of the faster train services.","post_title":"How to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kansai-airport-to-kyoto","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-06 16:29:00","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-06 14:29:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=10555","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1021,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-02-21 16:23:58","post_date_gmt":"2018-02-21 14:23:58","post_content":"The Kansai International Airport (KIX) services the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. If you hold a JR Pass, travel from the airport can be a simple and exciting process, as the JR West\u2019s Express Haruka train offers <strong>direct transportation from the Kansai International Airport to downtown Osaka and Kyoto<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nInternational travelers may find navigating the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\">Japan Railway system<\/a> to be intimidating, especially if trains are not used extensively in their country of origin. This trek, in particular, can be a bit confusing for first-time users of the Haruka service. This guide is designed to make it clear how to get to downtown Osaka and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-kyoto\">Kyoto<\/a> for free on the Haruka Express.\r\n<h2>Haruka Express: the Kansai Airport transfer<\/h2>\r\nThe Haruka is a limited express, <strong>airport rail link train service<\/strong>. The train offers rapid service between Maibara (in the Shiga prefecture) and the <strong>Kansai International Airport<\/strong> (KIX), reaching speeds of <strong>130 km\/h<\/strong> (80 mph).\r\n\r\nWhile the use of this train generally requires both a train fare ticket and a limited express ticket, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass <\/a>holders are admitted free of charge<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[custom-element title=\"Discover Japan region by region\" image=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-regional-passes-cta-1.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" text=\"\r\n\r\nIf you're looking to extensively explore a specific area of Japan, choose one of the JR Regional Passes for unlimited travel within a designated region.\r\n\r\n\" button_text=\"Browse the JR Regional Passes\" button_url=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\" image_position=\"left\" alt_image=\"JR Regional Passes\"]\r\n\r\nEach train has 6 to 9 cars, with at least 1 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/green-pass\">Green Car<\/a>. There are also 2 to 3 cars on each train that are for non-reserved seating, and the remainder are reserved seating. Each train has <strong>restroom facilities, a vending machine, luggage racks, and is wheelchair accessible<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Free Wi-Fi service<\/strong> is also provided. In the interest of passenger safety, smoking is prohibited on all Haruka Express train cars.\r\n\r\nThe Haruka Express is also covered by some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">JR Regional Passes<\/a>, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/hokuriku-arch-pass\">Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Osaka<\/h2>\r\nTo <strong>travel from the Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka<\/strong>, board the Limited Express Haruka at the Kansai Airport Station using your JR Pass.\r\n\r\nYou can take the Haruka to both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">JR Osaka Station<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>. The journey to Osaka Station<strong> takes 45 minutes<\/strong>, while Shin-Osaka is 5 minutes longer.\r\n\r\nTo go to Osaka, Shin-Osaka Station, the price is\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u00a51800 for adults<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u00a5900 for children<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can also get on the previous station, at Tennoji Station, which is slightly closer to the city center.\r\n<blockquote>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-international-airport-to-osaka\">How to get from Kansai Airport to Osaka<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<h2>Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nThe Limited Express Haruka is the only direct train service from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station. The one-way trip takes around 1hour and 15 minutes and is <strong>fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nFrom the Kyoto station, you may use other JR lines (such as the JR Nara line), bus, or taxi services to travel anywhere in the city or nearby.\r\n<blockquote>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-airport-to-kyoto\">Kansai Airport to Kyoto<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<h2>Route and map<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_17497\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"667\"]<img class=\"wp-image-17497 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/haruka-express-map-2023-667x800.jpg\" alt=\"Kansai airport trains map\" width=\"667\" height=\"800\" \/> Map of the trains connecting Osaka and Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX)- Image by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/\">JR West<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Haruka Express stations<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>Haruka Express runs several times daily<\/strong> from the Kyoto Station to the Kansai Airport Station. The train also stops in Osaka City at the Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station, and the Tennoji Station.\r\n\r\nFor other destinations, here is the full list of stations served by the JR Haruka Express trains.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Maibara station (connection with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hikone<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Omi-Hachiman<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Yasu<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Moriyama<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kusatsu (connection with the JR Kusatsu line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ishiyama<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Otsu<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Yamashina<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kyoto (connection to the Tokaido Shinkansen line, Nara line and other JR lines)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Takatsuki<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shin-Osaka (connection to the Tokaido Shinkansen, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#SanyoShinkansen\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a>\u00a0and other private lines)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Osaka Station (Osaka)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tennoji (Osaka)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Izumi-Fuchu<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hineno\u00a0(connection with the JR Hanwa line for Wakayama)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kansai Airport<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>Ride the Haruka Express with the JR Pass<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThere are a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">regional JR West Passes<\/a> in addition to the JR Pass that include the Haruka Express. You can <strong>take this line with the following passes<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hiroshima-pass\">Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-area-pass\">Sanyo - San\u2019in Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass\">Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/hiroshima-yamaguchi-area-pass\">Hiroshima - Yamaguchi Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Haruka Express timetable<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Haruka makes 30 return trips daily<\/strong>, from Maibara to the Kansai airport and back, for a total of 60 one-way trips. Each one-way trip between the Airport Station and Kyoto Station takes 73 to 75 minutes.\r\n\r\n<strong>Trains depart every 30 minutes<\/strong> during the day and evening.\r\n\r\nCheck out the timetable below to understand when you can take your trip with the Haruka Express.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Station<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>First train<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Last train<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kansai - Airport<\/td>\r\n<td>6:31 a.m. departure<\/td>\r\n<td>10:16 p.m. departure<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tennoji<\/td>\r\n<td>7:20 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>10:49 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Osaka<\/td>\r\n<td>7:37 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:03 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Shin-Osaka<\/td>\r\n<td>7:42 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:08 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kyoto<\/td>\r\n<td>8:11 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:32 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3>Haruka express weekend and holiday timetable<\/h3>\r\nIf you are planning to travel on the weekend or holidays, there is a slightly different timetable for the Haruka Express.\r\n\r\nReview it below to make sure you know the different train arrival and departure times.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Station<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>First train<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Last train<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kansai - Airport<\/td>\r\n<td>6:40 a.m. departure<\/td>\r\n<td>10:16 p.m. departure<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tennoji<\/td>\r\n<td>7:18 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>10:49 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Osaka<\/td>\r\n<td>7:32 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:03 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Shin-Osaka<\/td>\r\n<td>7:38 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:08 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kyoto<\/td>\r\n<td>8:02 a.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<td>11:32 p.m. arrival<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3>Where to check the timetables<\/h3>\r\nApart from the Haruka Express timetable found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/travel\/shopping\/access\/pdf\/haruka_timetable_2025.pdf\">official website<\/a>, <strong>once you pass through the ticket barrier at each station,<\/strong> you will see a timetable for the trains. Be sure to check the timetables for unexpected delays or boarding changes.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1029\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"650\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1029 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/haruka-timetable-e1488273477287.jpg\" alt=\"Haruka Express timetable\" width=\"650\" height=\"262\" \/> How to read Haruka Express departures and arrivals[\/caption]\r\n\r\nYou can then find the train type \u2013 in this case \u201cLtd. Haruka\u201d), the <strong>train number, departure time, destination, and platform number<\/strong> scrolling across the digital screen. The departures are numbered from 1to 60. Odd numbered trains (1, 3, 5, etc.) run south toward the airport, while even numbered trains (2, 4, 6, etc.) run north, toward Osaka and Kyoto.\r\n<h2><strong>Haruka Express ticket prices<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nDepending on the station, <strong>the prices of tickets vary<\/strong>. Take a look at ticket prices below for trips to Kansai Airport for both adults and children to help you plan your trips and budget.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Station<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Adult<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Child<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kyoto<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a52200<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a51100<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tennoji<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a51300<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a5650<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Osaka, Shin-Osaka<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a51800<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a5900<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Kobe<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a52000<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a51000<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Nara<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a51800<\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a5900<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","post_title":"Haruka Express: Osaka and Kyoto airport transfer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"haruka-express-kansai-airport","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-25 13:54:38","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-25 11:54:38","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1021","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1229,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-04-05 07:25:55","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-05 05:25:55","post_content":"Picture snow covered peaks overlooking lush forests, reflecting into serene blue-green lakes. Steam rises from natural hot springs, where people gather to be rejuvenated by the warm water. Charming towns and villages housing historic architecture dot the map. This is just the ideal scene set by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japanese Alps<\/a>, a series of three mountain ranges located on the Japanese island of Honshu.\r\n\r\nNow, imagine yourself enjoying this view while traveling to your next destination on one of Japan\u2019s famous bullet trains.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nNot only is the trip a scenic one, but the Thunderbird is actually the fastest route <strong>from Osaka and Kyoto to Kanazawa<\/strong>, using portions of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#TokaidoShinkansen\">Tokaido<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#Hokuriku_Shinkansen\">Hokuriko<\/a> lines. This train is a popular option for both business and leisure travelers. The entire fair is covered by the use of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. If you plan on traveling in western Japan, why not give the <strong>JR Thunderbird Express<\/strong> a try? This guide is designed to make your trip a breeze.\r\n<h2>Thunderbird train routes and stations<\/h2>\r\nThe Thunderbird train routes include <strong>from Osaka and Kyoto to Kanazawa and from Osaka and Kyoto to Wakura Onsen<\/strong>, providing access to a number of popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\">onsen, or hot springs<\/a>, from stops along the way. You may also transfer from the Limited Express Thunderbird to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/a> to reach Toyama or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-kyoto\">Kyoto<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Wakura Onsen is itself a hot spring resort<\/span> located on the edge of Nanao Bay. One of the most well-known, high-end resorts in Japan, is has existed as a resort for over 1200 years.\r\n\r\n<strong>All Thunderbird trains stop at Osaka, Kyoto, Fukui, Kanazawa, Hakui, Nanao, and Wakura-Onsen Stations<\/strong>. Most also stop at Tsuruga, Takefu, Sabae, Awara-Onsen, and Kaga-Onsen Stations. Depending on the route taken, a small number of Thunderbird trains make additional stops at Katada, Oumi-Imazu, and Matto Stations.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Timetables and travel times<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Thunderbird operates daily<\/strong> from 7:09 AM to 8:56 PM, making as many as twenty-two trips per day. When traveling <strong>from Osaka to Kanazawa, expect a journey of about two hours and forty minutes<\/strong>. Travel to Toyama adds an additional forty minutes to the trip. When traveling <strong>from Osaka to Wakura-Onsen, expect about four hours of travel time<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Business Thunderbird<\/strong> is an extra Thunderbird train that runs between Osaka and Kanazawa during the busiest times, namely on weekday mornings that follow holidays.\r\n<h2><strong>Experiencing the Thunderbird\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Thunderbird trains typically consist of six or nine cars<\/strong>. Car No. 1 is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/green-pass\">Green Car<\/a>, offering first class seating accommodations. Seats on this car offer more room per passenger \u2013 an additional seven inches \u2013 as compared to those on other cars. Each seat on the Green Car features a power outlet for charging electronic devices.\r\n\r\nCars No. 2 through 4 as well as 8 and 9 are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/seat-reservation\">reserved seating<\/a>, while Cars No. 5 through 7 host non-reserved seating. Car No. 3 also features a ladies only area and a smoking room. The first row of seats in each car has <strong>available power outlets<\/strong>. During the day, trolley services provide <strong>snacks<\/strong> as well as hot and cold <strong>beverages<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Most cars feature a western style restroom facility<\/strong>. <strong>Each car is equipped with a luggage rack.<\/strong> Any luggage too large for the rack may be left behind the last row of seats with permission from the conductor.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in the Thunderbird route<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhen you disembark in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps#Kanazawa\">Kanazawa<\/a><\/strong>, there are endless activities to enjoy. Visit the meticulously tended <strong>Kenrokuen Garden<\/strong>, where you can take lunch in a traditional tea house, seated on tatami mats. Or, you may wish to explore the Myoryuji Ninja Temple, which includes trick doors, secret passages, and hiding places that the feudal lord could use if disturbed while praying.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_228\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-228\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kenrokuen-garden-kanazawa.jpg\" alt=\"Kenrokuen Garden at Kanazawa\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/> Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa - Photo by @Daderot (Wikimedia)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe avid foodie will appreciate a trip to the <strong>Omicho Market<\/strong>, where one can shop for produce and fresh seafood or dine at authentic sushi restaurants. This market offers an unobstructed taste of Japanese culture, as it is designed for local shoppers rather than tourists.\r\n\r\nOf course, nothing compares to a relaxing dip in one of the <strong>many onsen<\/strong><strong>\u00a0accessible from the Thunderbird route<\/strong>. These natural hot springs are utilized by tourists and residents alike as a venue to relax, unwind, and ponder the wonders of the natural world.\r\n\r\nRiding the Thunderbird will allow you to make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trips<\/a> to any of these locations from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka<\/a>, by taking the early train and returning on a late train. Alternatively, you may decide to stay overnight and extend your visit to this lovely area of western Japan, perhaps exploring the rugged, mountainous beauty of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japan Alps<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFor example, the Takama-ga-hara Onsen, located in the Northern Japan Alps of Central Honshu, requires a full day\u2019s hike to reach, but visitors say it is well worth the effort.","post_title":"Riding the JR Thunderbird Express around western Japan","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thunderbird-express-train","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-01-24 18:20:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-01-24 17:20:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1229","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":857,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-01-29 09:00:32","post_date_gmt":"2017-01-29 07:00:32","post_content":"Western <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> has long been known for its natural beauty. In fact, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama district<\/a> has been a <strong>tourist favorite<\/strong> for well over 1,000 years. The beauty of this region peaks twice a year, first during the cherry blossom season, and later during the autumn.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Sagano Scenic Railway is a wonderful way to tour and enjoy this rural region.\r\n\r\nThe train has come to be known as the Sagano Torokko, or <strong>Romantic Train<\/strong>, because its passage takes guests through such romantic scenery. If you\u2019ve seen enough of the city, one of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trips from Kyoto<\/a> is the perfect option.\r\n<h2>How to get to the Sagano Scenic Railway station<\/h2>\r\nThe journey starts from the red-brick building <strong>Saga Torokko Station<\/strong>, located right next to the <strong>JR Saga-Arashiyama Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSimply use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to travel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama<\/a>. The Saga-Arashiyama Station is a 15-minute train ride from the Kyoto Station.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Romantic train itinerary and stations<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/sagano-scenic-railway-map.png\" alt=\"Sagano Scenic Railway map\" width=\"680\" height=\"400\" \/>\r\n\r\nThe Sagano Scenic Railway runs near the <strong>Hozugawa River<\/strong>. During the months of March and April, boughs of <strong>pink cherry blossoms<\/strong> sway above the passing train.\r\n\r\nIn November and December, the trail is lined with flaming orange and red <strong>autumn leaves<\/strong>. The railway traverses 7 kilometers, and <strong>the trip takes about 25 minutes<\/strong> one way as the train winds slowly through the mountains.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_872\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-872\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/sagano-scenic-railway.jpg\" alt=\"The Sagano Scenic Railway travelling through the Arashiyama mountains\" width=\"800\" height=\"572\" \/> The Sagano Scenic Railway traveling through the Arashiyama mountains[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe train is of a nostalgic style, complete with wooden bench seats. It features 1 fully open car, and 4 enclosed cars with the option of opening your personal window. The open carriage is called the \u2018Rich Car\u2019, it\u2019s car 5, the closest to the locomotive. The Rich Car has <strong>no windows and a glass ceiling<\/strong> to make the most of the incredible views.\r\n\r\nAfter making a single trip on the Sagano Scenic Railway, you can choose from a number of exciting options for your return trip. Take a short bus ride from <strong>Kameoka Torokko station, the terminal train station<\/strong> to the docks of the Hozugawa River.\r\n\r\nThen, you can take the <strong>Hozugawa River cruise<\/strong> on your way back to Kyoto. A single ticket for the cruise costs \u00a54100. Your final stop will be again Arashiyama, just outside of Kyoto. <strong>Cruise departure times are scheduled according to the Scenic Train timetable.<\/strong>\r\n<h3>List of stations on the Sagano Scenic Railway<\/h3>\r\nHere\u2019s a list of stations you\u2019ll find along the Sagano Scenic Railway. You can stop off each to enjoy the local surroundings:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Trolley Saga Station<\/strong> \u2014 close to the Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Trolley Arashiyama Station<\/strong> \u2014 in the center of Arashiyama, best located for the bamboo grove path.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Trolley Hozukyo Station<\/strong> \u2014 a great stop for hikers, the area is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Trolley Kameoka Station<\/strong> \u2014 the stop for Hozu River rafting, Yunohana hot spring village and interesting historical sites.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_869\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-869 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/sagano-train-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"The Sagano Scenic Railway in the spring\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> A beautiful spring view of the Sagano Scenic Railway passing through blossoming\u00a0trees[\/caption]\r\n<h2><strong>Ticket prices for the Sagano Scenic Railway<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhile the Sagano Scenic Railway is not covered by your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>, the trip is worth the small extra cost. You may purchase tickets at the <strong>Saga-Arashiyama Station<\/strong> or at any Japan Rail ticket office in the Kansai region. You can also buy tickets online through the Sagano Kanko website.\r\n\r\nAn adult <strong>one-way ticket<\/strong> between the Torokko Kameoka and Torokko Saga Stations <strong>costs \u00a5800<\/strong>, and a <strong>children\u2019s ticket costs \u00a5440<\/strong>.There is a discount for students traveling as part of the group, this ticket costs <strong>\u00a5710<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nMost tickets are sold for <strong>reserved seating<\/strong>; however, standing room only tickets may be sold during especially busy times. If you are traveling during the spring or autumn and wish to be ensured a seat, purchase your tickets in advance of your trip.\r\n<h2>Sagano Scenic Railway timetables<\/h2>\r\nSagano Scenic Railway trains operate from <strong>March 1 to December 29<\/strong> each year. Guests can enjoy the Sagano line <strong>Thursday through Tuesday<\/strong> of each week.\r\n\r\nTrains from Saga Station towards Kameoka Station depart every hour, starting at <strong>10:02 am until 16:02 pm<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nFrom Kameoka Station towards Saga, trains depart every hour, starting at <strong>10:30 am until 16:30 pm<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_870\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"799\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/sagano-torokko.jpg\" alt=\"Inside of the Sagano Scenic Railway train\" width=\"799\" height=\"494\" \/> Inside of the Sagano Scenic Railway train[\/caption]\r\n<h2>What to see around Arashiyama<\/h2>\r\nTo make your day trip complete, consider visiting <strong>nearby tourist attractions<\/strong>, either before or after your scenic train ride.\r\n\r\nUpon arrival at the Torokko Saga Station, you can tour a small <strong>train museum<\/strong>. Before departing or upon your return, there are a number of interesting adventures awaiting you in Arashiyama as well.\r\n\r\nA visit to the area is not complete until you have experienced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama Bamboo Grove<\/a>, a walking tour amid tunnels of towering bamboo plants. View majestic rolling hills from the Togetsukyo Bridge, the \u201cMoon Crossing\u201d Bridge, in Arashiyama\u2019s city center.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_87\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"801\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-87\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/arashiyama-bamboo-grove-kyoto-e1466611768221.jpg\" alt=\"Arashiyama bamboo grove\" width=\"801\" height=\"534\" \/> The Arashiyama bamboo grove is a must-see for all Kyoto travellers[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe animal lover in your traveling party will enjoy the<strong> Iwatayama Monkey Park<\/strong> in the Arashiyama Mountains, just a 10-minute hike from the bridge. There, visitors can view over one hundred monkeys roaming free within their habitat.\r\n\r\nOr, you can visit the<strong> Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple<\/strong>. This modern Buddhist temple captures the aura of much older sites. It is famous for its 1,200 stone statues of different Buddhist devotees, called rakan.\r\n\r\nEach of these sites \u2013 the bamboo grove, bridge, park, and temple \u2013 will add flavor to your trip as you experience <strong>an authentic taste of traditional Japan<\/strong>.","post_title":"Riding the Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto\u2019s romantic train","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"sagano-romantic-train","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-05-29 09:03:20","post_modified_gmt":"2024-05-29 07:03:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=857","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"stations","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":2476,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-11-24 07:00:06","post_date_gmt":"2017-11-24 05:00:06","post_content":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> is a city with a long history \u2013 more than 1,000 years, in fact. The construction of its primary train station, Kyoto Station, took place during the city\u2019s 1200<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary and opened to the public in 1997.\r\n\r\nDesigned 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.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<strong>Kyoto Station is the city\u2019s most important transportation hub<\/strong>. Whether travelling with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> or using another railway company, you are likely to arrive at this station.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Shinkansen lines<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nKyoto Station is served by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen Line<\/a>, which connects to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> (in the section called Kyoto line), Nagoya, and also goes from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\/\">Kyoto to Tokyo<\/a>. It is located on the Hachijo side of the station.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n<h2><strong>Other JR lines<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nNon-shinkansen JR lines, also included with the JR Pass, can be accessed from the station\u2019s central gate on the Karasuma side. Thirty-three platforms serve trains such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/thunderbird-express-train\">The Thunderbird Limited Express<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">The Limited Express Haruka bound for Kansai Airport<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Nara Line to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">Uji<\/a>, and Inari Station (close to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Sanin Main Line, also called the Sagano Line, which connects to Saga-Arashiyama, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama Bamboo Grove<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sagano-romantic-train\">Sagano Scenic Railway<\/a> (<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not included with the JR Pass).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Non-JR lines<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOther lines serving Kyoto Station include Kintetsu Railways, located on the Hachijo side, and Karasuma Subway Line, a municipal underground line. The station also houses a large bus terminal serving city buses, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/buses\">long-distance\u00a0buses<\/a>, and overnight highway buses.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>How to get to Kyoto Station<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2479\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/kyoto-station-inside-station-e1510918318521.jpg\" alt=\"Kyoto Station inside\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Kyoto Station is divided into two sides, the north and the south, with entrances on each side.<\/strong> On the north, the busy Karasuma side is named after the nearby street leading to downtown Kyoto. The main bus terminal is located on this side of the station, as is the Central or Chuo Gate serving the JR train lines.\r\n\r\nTo the south is the Hachijo side, named for the adjacent street. The Hachijo houses the Shinkansen platforms as well as the Kintetsu Kyoto Station.\r\n\r\n<strong>On the second floor, a pedestrian walkway connects the north and south sides<\/strong> of the building. Another passage is located underground near the Porta shopping complex.\r\n\r\nIf you utilized a luggage delivery service, you can pick up your belongings at the service counters in the basement level of the station. If you plan on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">getting around Kyoto<\/a>\u00a0and wish to leave heavy luggage behind, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transporting-luggage-forwarding\">coin lockers<\/a> are available throughout the station.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Kyoto Station<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Kyoto Information Center<\/h3>\r\nAre you wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-kyoto\">what to do in Kyoto<\/a>? Why not stop by one of Kyoto Station\u2019s Informational Centers? Speak with the multilingual staff of the <strong>Tourist Information Center on the station\u2019s second floor<\/strong>, or visit the International Information Center on the ninth floor.\r\n\r\nIn fact, you don\u2019t even have to leave the station to experience Kyoto at its finest; the station\u2019s 15 floors house shops, restaurants, a theater, an art museum, and even a hotel \u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hotel-discounts\">JR Hotel<\/a> Granvia Kyoto located on the Karasuma side.\r\n<h3>Shopping<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Ten stories of the station\u2019s western side are occupied by the JR Kyoto Isetan Department Store<\/strong>, providing shoppers with an array clothing, food, souvenirs, and more. An art museum is located on the seventh floor of Isetan.\r\n\r\n<strong>Beneath the bus terminal on the Karasuma side is the Porta Underground Shopping Mall<\/strong>, housing around 100 stores. Also on the basement level is the Cube Shopping Mall, featuring sweets, delicacies, and local souvenirs.\r\n<h3>Food<\/h3>\r\nOn the 11th floor of the west side of the station, you will find the <strong>Cube Gourmet Street<\/strong>, which features nine restaurants all of which offer a different type of cuisine.\r\n\r\nAlso, on the 10th floor, south of the \u201cDaikaidan\u201d Grand Stairway, you can find<strong> Kyoto Ramen Street<\/strong> (Kyoto Ramen Koji), a corridor full of delicious ramen noodle bars.\r\n<h3>Kyoto Station observation deck<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Kyoto Station also offers free admission to its observation deck and Skyway<\/strong>. The observation deck is an open-air area on the top floor of the station, accessible by escalator. The Skyway is a tunnel that begins on the station\u2019s eleventh floor and crosses 45 meters above the central hall.\r\n\r\nIf exiting the station from the Karasuma side, you will find yourself amid a multitude of shops and hotels. <strong>You can also access nearby Kyoto Tower, the city\u2019s tallest structure<\/strong>. If exiting from the Hachijo side, you will find hotels, malls, and highway bus stops. You can also access the Toji Temple, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> founded in the late 700s.\r\n\r\nOn your next trip to the historic city of Kyoto, you are sure to enjoy your time in Kyoto Station. Don\u2019t forget to have your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> in hand.","post_title":"Kyoto  Station: Getting around, transfers and train lines","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kyoto-train-station","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-12-12 21:22:07","post_modified_gmt":"2024-12-12 20:22:07","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2476","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"itineraries","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":819,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-01-25 18:03:07","post_date_gmt":"2017-01-25 16:03:07","post_content":"Many travellers ask us: what to do in Kyoto? If you are visiting Japan for a week, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/3-days-tokyo-itinerary\">three days in Tokyo<\/a> and three days in Kyoto are perfect to explore the two great capitals of Japan: the ancient and the modern one.\r\n\r\nFollowing is a pleasant 3-day Kyoto travel guide<strong>, <\/strong>with ideas about what to see, where to go and how to use your Japan Rail Pass to move through the city, its temples, gardens, and geisha alleys. Let us begin!\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Arashiyama Area<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Arashiyama Bamboo Grove<\/h3>\r\nIf you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/7-days-japan-itinerary\">visiting Japan for a week<\/a> and you have just <strong>3 days in Kyoto<\/strong>, make sure to spend one of them in <strong>Arashiyama<\/strong>. This is a small town located just 20 minutes away from the city, which makes for a perfect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">Kyoto day trip<\/a>.\r\n\r\nTake the <strong>JR San-ln train line from Kyoto Station<\/strong> to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The<strong> JR train ride<\/strong> from Kyoto to Arashiyama takes just 40 minutes. Once there, do not miss out on the <strong>Bamboo Groves<\/strong>. The paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a great walk. Especially during sunset, when the rays of light gently pass through the tall bamboo stalks sway with the wind, creating a view like nowhere else in the world.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_87\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"801\"]<img class=\"wp-image-87\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/arashiyama-bamboo-grove-kyoto-e1466611768221.jpg\" alt=\"Arashiyama bamboo grove\" width=\"801\" height=\"534\" \/> Arashiyama bamboo grove[\/caption]\r\n<h3><strong>Monkey Park Iwatayama<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe park is located in <strong>Arashiyama\u2019s mountains,\u00a0<\/strong>on the left bank of Oi River that flows through this area.\u00a0You will have to hike up for just 10 minutes, before entering in an open area with over 100 monkeys swaying from three to three.\r\n\r\nThis park is particularly quite popular among foreign visitors that want to see how\u00a0the \u201cJapanese macaque\u201d are and behave also known as the \u201c<strong>snow monkey<\/strong>\u201d. But also, you will be able to see wild deers and about one hundred species of birds among the trees.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Tip<\/strong>: once at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, take a walk and enjoy the beautiful urban and natural views from up above.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><strong>Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAn <strong>ancient temple<\/strong>, created in the 9th century. The ground that surrounds it is covered with the stone statues of the dead. A truly <strong>spiritual place<\/strong>, whose back door will take you through a bamboo forest.\r\n<p class=\"note\">Check out our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and district<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Southeast area<\/h2>\r\n<h3><strong>Fushimi-Inari Taisha<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nNo more wondering what things to do in Kyoto. Whether this is your first time or not, the Fushimi-Inari Shrine is<strong> a must-see<\/strong> for all Kyoto visitors. The<strong> thousand vermillion torii gates<\/strong>, located at the very back of the shrine\u2019s opening grounds, will lead you to the sacred Mount Inari forest.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi-Inari Taisha<\/a> is<strong> the most important as well as most visited<\/strong> of the thousands \u043ef shrines dedicated to the Shinto <strong>god of rice<\/strong> - Inari Okami (Oinari).\r\n\r\nVisitors are free to explore the <strong>mountain trails<\/strong>, which the torii gates are spread along, forming a traditional torii tunnel, sneaking through the Japanese mountains. Along the way, you will find a number of <strong>smaller shrines<\/strong>, each one unique and beautifully built, in the spirit of ancient Japan. The overall walk takes between 2 and 3 hours. No pressure there, you can turn around and go back anytime you wish.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_76\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-76\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/fushimi-inari-kyoto-e1466611953983.jpg\" alt=\"Fushimi Inari torii gates\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/> The Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its thousand torii gates[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Tofuku-ji Temple<\/h3>\r\nIf you are looking for a true Zen temple, with spacious grounds, glorious architecture and barely any tourist activity - you have found it - Tofuku-ji temple.\r\n\r\nA curious fact - even though the <b>Tofuku-ji temple is not among the most popular <\/b>ones in Kyoto - it is, in fact, one of the<b> most famous maple leaf viewing spots<\/b> in the world. So in case you happen to be around in November, you might stumble upon the unusual crowd.\r\n\r\nHowever, we are merely talking about a single month. While there, make sure to enjoy the <b>Hojo Garden<\/b>, part of the temple. Each side of Hojo garden bares a beautiful disguise, as if you were in 2 different places.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Gion and Higashiyama Areas<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Maruyama Park<\/h3>\r\nMaruyama Park is one of the most popular and distinguished <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> spots in Kyoto. The park is buzzing with tourist admiring the <strong>blooming natural colors during the day<\/strong>, while the locals make the most of the scenic sky, filled with shining stars at night.\r\n<h3>Kiyomizu-dera Temple<\/h3>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\">Kiyomizudera<\/a> (literally \"pure water temple\")\u00a0is one of the most popular temples in Japan. Founded on the year 780 near the Otowa waterfall that gives it its name, it is best know for its <strong>wooden stage<\/strong> above the hillside, which provides a beautiful scenery over the <strong>cherry and maple trees<\/strong>. This way, it is equally\u00a0gorgeus both in the spring and autumn colors.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_833\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-833\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/kiyomizudera-temple-1024x510.jpg\" alt=\" Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of all Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"399\" \/> Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of all Japan[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Walk around Gion, the Geisha district<\/h3>\r\nLocated between Yasaka Shrine (east) and the Kamo River in the west, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/gion-kyoto-travel-guide\">Gion<\/a> is full of <strong>shops, restaurants<\/strong><strong>\u00a0and teahouses<\/strong>, where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) learn and entertain. If you see a geiko or maiko, please act respectfully.\r\n\r\nThe Gion area attracts thousands of tourists each year with its lovely traditional wooden <strong>merchant houses<\/strong> and the Hanami-koji dining street.\r\n<h3>Philosopher's\u00a0Walk<\/h3>\r\nApproximately 2 km (1.24 miles) long, the Philosopher\u2019s Path is<strong> one of the greatest walking spots in Kyoto<\/strong>. This pedestrian path is made of stones, which is located alongside a riverbed, \u201cdecorated\u201d by numerous cherry trees and gardens that spread all the way until the very last stone.\r\n\r\nThe route has this name because the influential 20th-century Japanese philosopher and Kyoto University professor Nishida Kitaro is thought to walk it daily for <strong>meditation<\/strong>. Nearby, you can see several <strong>shrines and temples<\/strong> such as H\u014dnen-in, \u014ctoyo Shrine, and Eikan-d\u014d Zenrin-ji.\r\n\r\nBesides, the blooming <strong>cherry trees<\/strong> covering up the canal make it one of the most celebrated\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots<\/a> in the city.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_829\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-829\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/philosophers-path-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Philosopher's Walk \" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/> The walk is a popular destination for tourists and locals, especially during hanami.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>North area<\/h2>\r\n<h3><b>Kinkaku-ji - the Golden Pavillion<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before leaving Kyoto, take some time to visit the golden gem of the city, carrying the name <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\">Kinkaku-ji<\/a>. One of the <\/span><b>most impressive Zen temples of Japan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whose top 2 floors are covered in sunshine gold. Logically, visiting the temple on a sunny day is more than recommended.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can easily get there from the <\/span><b>central JR Kyoto Station.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take the <\/span><b>JR San-In Line<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><b>Emmachi Station<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From there the easiest option is to take a taxi for another 10-minute ride. If you rather prefer doing it the local way, wait for bus number 204 or 205. Get off at <\/span><b>Pabellon Dorado stop<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\r\n<h3><strong>Ryoan-ji Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nLast but certainly not least, pay a visit to the mysterious <strong>Ryoan-ji Temple<\/strong>. The <strong>most distinguished Zen gardens of Japan<\/strong> is located on its grounds. Observe with your own eyes the mesmerizing mystery that no one has managed to crack throughout the centuries. What is the secret of the\r\n\r\nWhat is the secret of the<strong> seemingly randomly placed 15 rocks on the enthralling sea of odd gravel order<\/strong>? Since this is one of the most famous Kyoto stops, we recommend visiting Royan-ji Temple as soon as it opens or just before closing time.\r\n\r\nYou can easily get there from the <strong>central Kyoto stations, <\/strong>using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>: take the JR San-In Line to Emmachi Station. From there, wait for bus 15 - direction Ry\u014dan-ji stop. Once at the bus stop, you will be approximately 5 minutes walking distance away.\r\n<h2>Stay in a traditional Japanese \"Ryokan\u201d<\/h2>\r\nLast but not least: book a stay in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ryokan-japanese-guest-houses\">Ryokan<\/a>. These are traditional Japanese-style inns, which would imply that<strong> straw tatami mats<\/strong> are used for flooring. Don\u2019t be surprised if you don\u2019t find double king size beds in any ryokan facilities. Traditionally, the Japanese sleep on flat, thin mattresses, spread on the tatami mats.\r\n\r\nYou are practically guaranteed to <strong>be welcomed by friendly Japanese owners<\/strong>, who will love sharing with you their traditions and warm meals. This is the common standard.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_830\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-830 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ryokan-yuzuya-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Ryokan Yuzuya in Kyoto\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" \/> Ryokan Yuzuya in Kyoto[\/caption]","post_title":"Things to do in Kyoto: travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"things-to-do-in-kyoto","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-26 17:34:34","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-26 15:34:34","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=819","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":465,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-17 11:53:58","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-17 09:53:58","post_content":"With your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>, it\u2019s easy to visit both <strong>Tokyo and Kyoto<\/strong> and make the most of your trip. Regular bullet trains connect the 2 cities, meaning you can make the journey in just a few hours.\r\n\r\nThis guide explains how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, including<strong> bullet train services and journey times<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also find details on alternative ways to make the trip, including daytime coach services and night buses.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train<\/h2>\r\nThe Tokyo-Kyoto route has a <strong>fast and convenient Shinkansen connection<\/strong>, with almost 150 departures covering the 280 mile journey every day.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> allows you to make the journey in <strong>just over 2 hours<\/strong>. It\u2019s Japan\u2019s most popular high-speed rail line, and makes it possible to visit both cities, even on shorter stays.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_21088\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-21088 size-large\" title=\"Tokaido Shinkansen map\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/tokaido-shinkansen-map-800x561.jpg\" alt=\"tokaido shinkansen map\" width=\"800\" height=\"561\" \/> Tokaido Shinkansen route map[\/caption]\r\n\r\nYou can board a <strong>high-speed train to Kyoto<\/strong> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo Station<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinagawa-station\">Shinagawa Station<\/a>, both located in the city center.\r\n\r\nAt the end of your journey, you\u2019ll arrive at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, which is centrally located and well connected to other parts of the city.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669681.8726366921!2d136.44425328634168!3d35.17912467926661!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2sTokyo%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-9%20Marunouchi%2C%20Chiyoda%20City%2C%20Tokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.6812362!2d139.7671248!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1720786405802!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nEach train takes a slightly different route, meaning the<strong> journey and departure times are different<\/strong>. You can find more information on planning your journey further on in this post.\r\n<h3>Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen schedules and fares<\/h3>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet trains<\/a> run very frequently between Tokyo and Kyoto, with <strong>several services an hour <\/strong>during the day. The following train services take you to Kyoto:\r\n<table>\r\n<thead style=\"background: #3793F4; color: #fff;\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><strong>Train type<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Journey length<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stops on route<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Standard fare<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fare with seat reservation<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fare with JRP<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Hikari<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">2 hrs 30 min<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">5-9<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a513,320<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a513,850<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Included<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Kodama\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">3 hrs 40 min<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">16<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a513,320<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a513,850<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Included<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Nozomi<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">2 hrs 15 min<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">3-4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a513,970<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a514,170<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a54960<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nHikari and Kodama trains are <strong>fully covered by your Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>, but to take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi<\/a>, you need an additional ticket.\r\n<h3>Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen timetable<\/h3>\r\nHere\u2019s a look at the <strong>earliest and latest departure times <\/strong>for Tokaido Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Kyoto:\r\n<table>\r\n<thead style=\"background: #3793F4; color: #fff;\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><strong>Shinkansen type<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<th>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>First train departure<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<th>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Last train departure<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Hikari<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">06:00<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">21:24<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Kodama<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">06:27<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">21:30<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Nozomi<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">06:57<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">21:57<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nMake sure to <strong>check the timetable for your day of travel<\/strong>, as departure times can vary from season to season. The return trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-to-tokyo\">Kyoto to Tokyo<\/a> follows the same route, with similar travel times and train options.\r\n<h3>Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto using JR Pass<\/h3>\r\nThe JR Pass is the only multi-trip ticket that <strong>covers your entire journey<\/strong> from Tokyo to Kyoto, including Hikari and Kodama services.\r\n\r\nBoth run <strong>high-speed Shinkansen trains<\/strong> but take slightly different routes to Kyoto:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hikari:<\/strong> Runs between major cities<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kodama:<\/strong> Stops at small towns along the route<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhen you take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikari-shinkansen\">Hikari<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kodama-shinkansen\">Kodama<\/a>, there\u2019s no need to pick up any extra tickets. Simply <strong>present your JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[custom-element title=\"Unlimited train travel in Japan\" image=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-pass-cta-1.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" text=\"\r\n\r\nThe JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.\r\n\r\nA single ticket, huge savings.\r\n\r\n\" button_text=\"Buy your JR Pass\" button_url=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\" image_position=\"left\" alt_image=\"Buy your JR Pass\"]\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re short of time, there\u2019s another service you can take by purchasing a supplementary ticket. The Nozomi Shinkansen gets you to Kyoto the fastest, but you must pick up a <strong>\u201c[ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] Nozomi Mizuho Ticket\u201d<\/strong> and show this along with your JR Pass.\r\n\r\nTo learn about the different Shinkansen lines, or to get <strong>guidance on using different train services<\/strong> with your Japan Rail Pass, read our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\">how to use Japanese trains<\/a>.\r\n<h3>Next stop: Osaka<\/h3>\r\nAfter Kyoto Station, the <strong>next stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line<\/strong> from Tokyo is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka<\/a>, the bullet train station for Osaka.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s only another <strong>15 minutes on the high-speed train from Kyoto<\/strong>, making it easy to add another top destination to your itinerary for Japan.\r\n\r\nFind out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-to-kyoto\">traveling from Osaka to Kyoto<\/a> in our trip planner article.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re traveling directly from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-osaka\">Tokyo to Osaka<\/a>, or making a stop in Kyoto, your JR Pass covers <strong>all bullet trains<\/strong>, apart from the Nozomi, which requires a supplementary ticket.\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Kyoto by bus<\/h2>\r\nThe Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, but there are alternative means of making the journey which are <strong>not included in the JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSeveral companies operate <strong>long-distance buses between Tokyo and Kyoto<\/strong>, including daytime and overnight services.\r\n<h3>Willer Express<\/h3>\r\nWiller Express runs <strong>multiple buses daily between Tokyo and Kyoto<\/strong>. Ticket prices range depending on when you book, and which comfort class you choose. Reclining seats and power outlets are available on most buses.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Departing from<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinjuku-station\">Shinjuku<\/a> and Tokyo Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Arriving at<\/strong>: Kyoto Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>: 7 to 9 hours<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: From \u00a53,500 to \u00a57,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>JR Bus Kanto<\/h3>\r\nJapan Railways operates the JR Bus Kanto, with <strong>day and nighttime services<\/strong> <strong>direct to Kyoto<\/strong>. The Midnight Express usually departs around 11 p.m. and arrives in Kyoto in the early morning. The Gran Daytime Express has various departure times.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Departing from<\/strong>: Shinjuku, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shibuya-station\">Shibuya<\/a>, and Tokyo Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Arriving at<\/strong>: Kyoto Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>: 8 to 9 hours<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: From \u00a55,000 to \u00a58,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Keio Bus<\/h3>\r\nThe Keio Bus runs both <strong>day and night services between Tokyo and Kyoto<\/strong>. Overnight buses typically set off around 11 p.m. and reach Kyoto early the next morning. Depending on season and demand, Keio also offers various daytime departures.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Departing from<\/strong>: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Arriving at<\/strong>: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Duration<\/strong>: 7.5 to 9 hours<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: From \u00a54,500 to \u00a57,500<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Note:<\/strong> These bus services are <strong>not covered by the Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>. Only JR trains and select local JR buses are included in the pass.\r\n<h2>Airport transfers for Kyoto and Tokyo<\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re <strong>traveling from Tokyo\u2019s main airports<\/strong>, you can ride the following trains for free with the JR Pass to get to Tokyo Station before changing to the Tokaido Shinkansen:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/narita-express\">Narita Express<\/a> from Narita International Airport<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haneda-airport-to-tokyo\">Haneda Airport to Tokyo<\/a>: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nJapan Rail Pass holders can also get to Kyoto Station from <strong>Kansai International Airport<\/strong> by taking the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Express<\/a> for no extra cost. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-airport-to-kyoto\"> airport to Kyoto journey<\/a> time is around 1 hour.\r\n\r\nThe standard price for a one-way ticket is approximately \u00a52200 to Kyoto. With your active JR Pass, <strong>your journey price is included<\/strong>, and there\u2019s no need to pick up extra tickets to and from the airport.","post_title":"How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train and bus","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\nhttps:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-travel-itinerary-21-days#Osaka_Week_2","post_modified":"2025-09-19 07:07:23","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-19 05:07:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=465","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13597,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-08-14 08:55:50","post_date_gmt":"2020-08-14 06:55:50","post_content":"The <strong>Philosopher's walk<\/strong>, also known as <em>Tetsugaku no Michi<\/em>, is a pedestrian route located in the <strong>Northern Higashiyama district of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a><\/strong> that stretches for around 2 kilometers along the Lake Biwa Canal among stunning natural scenery.\r\n\r\nThe path was named for Kyoto University professor and influential 20th-century Japanese philosopher <strong>Nishida Kitaro<\/strong>, who is said to have used the route for a daily meditative walk, and nowadays is well-known as <strong>a popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn foliage<\/a> viewing location<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nPhilosopher\u2019s walk also <strong>passes by some of the most impressive shrines<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-temples-in-japan\">temples in Japan<\/a>, many of which are just a short stroll from the canal and easy to visit, as well as a number of charming restaurants and caf\u00e9s perfect for a light lunch.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13610\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/philoshopers-walk-during-autumn.jpg\" alt=\"The Philoshoper's Path in Kyoto during the Autumn\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> The Philoshoper's Path during the Autumn[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFans of felines will be happy to hear that a number of very friendly cats live along the route, and there is also the opportunity to discover some of Kitaro\u2019s poetry escribed on large stones beside the path.\r\n<h2>How to get there<\/h2>\r\nThe Philosopher\u2019s Path runs between Ginkakuji temple and the Higashiyama neighborhood of Nanzenji and is <strong>easy to access from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a><\/strong> in around 40 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d26143.73510370609!2d135.757122767575!3d35.00753399402364!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiokoji%20Kamadonocho%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x600109047190580b%3A0xb5b4bbf7a7ea5827!2sTetsugaku%20No%20Michi%2C%20Saky%C5%8D-ku%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.021453199999996!2d135.7942948!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1597386213101!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\nTo reach the route, those arriving in Kyoto by train should take the <strong>No. 100 City Bus<\/strong> from Kyoto Station in the direction of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\">Kiyomizudera Temple<\/a> and get off at the <strong>Ginkakujimae stop<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Philosopher's walk during hanami<\/h2>\r\nIn addition to being a <strong>relaxing hiking trail<\/strong>, the Philosopher\u2019s Walk is one of the <strong>most popular places to take in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-spots-kyoto\">cherry blossoms in Kyoto<\/a><\/strong>. Cherry blossom viewing, also known as Hanami, mostly takes place during the month of April when the blooming flowers are at their most vibrant.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13600\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/cherry-blossom-philoshopers-walk-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Philosopher's Walk during Hanami\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Philosopher's Walk during Hanami[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe amount of <strong>time it takes to complete the walk is usually around 30 minutes<\/strong>, but it can take longer during the Hanami season due to the crowds of both locals and tourists who flock to the tree-lined canal. Furthermore, most visitors take the time to visit the many attractions just off the route.\r\n<h2>Best time to visit<\/h2>\r\nTo avoid the crowds during Hanami, visitors are advised to <strong>consider walking the path after the sun has gone down<\/strong> and revelers have largely gone home.\r\n\r\nAlthough a walk in the dark may not sound too appealing, <strong>the Philosopher\u2019s Path is illuminated at night<\/strong> and appears positively magical after sunset.\r\n\r\nAnother solution for beating the crowds is to visit the Philosopher\u2019s Walk during June, when visitors tend to be scarcer. Although the month sees the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/rainy-season-japan\">rainy season<\/a> arrive in Kyoto, those who don\u2019t mind getting a little wet have more opportunities for a contemplative stroll.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Other attractions nearby<\/h2>\r\nAs stated above, the Philosopher\u2019s Walk is <strong>around 2 kilometers long<\/strong>, and starts in <strong>Ginkakuji<\/strong> and ends in <strong>Nanzenji<\/strong>. Visitors can start the route at either end, and will find a number of signs along the canal that point to the numerous <strong>attractions that can be found just off the path<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSome of the most impressive include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ginkaku-ji Temple<\/strong> - Also known as the Silver Pavilion, this popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">World Heritage Site<\/a> is located at the northern end of the route. The impressive temple was constructed by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a counterpart to Kyoto\u2019s famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\">Golden Pavilion<\/a>, built by his grandfather.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hakusason-so Villa<\/strong> - Originally constructed as the private residence and studio of a famous traditional Japanese painter, this classic villa now operates as the Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden &amp; Museum. The extensive grounds, which contain a variety of antique pagodas and tea houses, are well worth a visit by themselves.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Otoyo-jinja<\/strong> - A unique shrine notable for the stone guardians which flank its entrance - a pair of giant mice. Because of these rodent sculptures, the shrine is particularly popular with people who are born in the Year of the Rat, when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/new-year-in-japan\">Japanese New Year<\/a> falls in a Rat Year.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>H\u014dnen-in<\/strong> - This magical shrine, buried in the woods just off the Lake Biwa Canal, was established in 1680 by a renowned priest of the same name. its unique features include two large mounds of white sand into which different designs are often raked, and it also plays host to a variety of art exhibitions and musical events.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Eikan-d\u014d<\/strong> - Located at the other extreme of the path to Ginkaku-ji , this extensive temple complex dates back to 856 and is located on a serene wooded hillside, offering a relaxing atmosphere from which to either start or end the route. Visitors are advised to take their time exploring the lush gardens and to climb up to the temple rooftops for some spectacular views over Kyoto.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nVisitors hiking the northern part of the route during August may also be able to <strong>catch a glimpse of the Daimonji celebration<\/strong> which takes place on the 16th of the month.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3808\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-3808\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/daimonji-kyoto-obon-festival.jpg\" alt=\"Daimonji Kyoto Obon\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/> Daimonji bonfire - Photo by: J_o[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe culmination of the local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/obon-festival-in-japan\">Obon festival<\/a>, this event <strong>involves the lighting of 5 huge bonfires<\/strong> on mountainsides surrounding Kyoto and symbolizes the return of deceased family embers to the spirit world.","post_title":"Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"philosophers-walk","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-21 08:43:37","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-21 07:43:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=13597","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"day-trips","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1093,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-03-11 10:00:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-03-11 08:00:28","post_content":"Built in 1609, <strong>Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.\r\n\r\nConstruction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was <strong>built in 1609<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlso <strong>known as \u2018White Heron Castle\u2019 because of its distinctive pale facade<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is located close to the city of the same name.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nHimeji is <strong>easy to reach by Shinkansen<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">Kobe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> with a JR Pass or one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">JR Regional Passes<\/a>. Depending on your starting point, you may take the Tokaido and Sanyo bullet train lines.\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you're traveling from <strong>Tokyo to Himeji<\/strong>, you may use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> bullet train lines. The direct Hikari trains span the distance in approximately 3 and a half hours.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669908.1819413714!2d135.91017582627794!3d35.1681034147251!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e6!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2stokyo%20station!3m2!1d35.6812362!2d139.7671248!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117335239!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nTo get to <strong>Himeji from Kyoto<\/strong>, you can use your Japan Rail Pass as well as several regional passes on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line\u2019s Kodama, Sakura, or Hikari trains. A direct trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto station<\/a> takes around 55 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d419321.02293393033!2d134.8952702933522!3d34.80731318681874!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117439323!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Kobe to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you travel from <strong>Kobe to Himeji<\/strong>, your trip can start either at Kobe-Sannomiya station or Shin-Kobe station to reach Himeji station.\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya station you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo line and reach Himeji station in 40 minutes with a Rapid Train. If you depart from Shin-Kobe station, you can take the Sanyo Shinkansen line and reach your destination in 15 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.77559378302072!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60008ec34f49fb8b%3A0x790b10d9f54938fb!2sShin-Kobe%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-3%20Kan%C5%8Dch%C5%8D%2C%20Chuo%20Ward%2C%20Kobe%2C%20Hyogo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7062884!2d135.1954675!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118105234!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Osaka to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nYou have several travel options to get from <strong>Osaka to Himeji<\/strong>. You may take the direct access Hikari train from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\"><strong>Shin-Osaka station<\/strong><\/a> to Himeji station. This trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes.\r\n\r\nOther shinkansen trains, such as the Kodama, are also available from Shin-Osaka, but the trip will be slower as the trains stop at several stations along the way. From the <strong>JR Osaka station<\/strong>, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over 1 hour.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.92331008302074!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e4396c12ce49%3A0x3bd7c4e0bf1076cf!2sShin-Osaka%20Station%2C%205%20Chome-16%20Nishinakajima%2C%20Yodogawa%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7334658!2d135.5002547!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118356830!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>Visiting Himeji Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nUpon <strong>entering the castle through the Otemon Gate<\/strong>, visitors can tour the area known as the Sannomaru admission-free. This area is popular for viewing and photographing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossoms<\/a> in the spring. Note that during the crowded sakura season and during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\">Golden Week<\/a>, there may be long wait times to enter the castle.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-1095 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-sakura-e1489142774509-800x514.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle and river during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" \/>\r\n\r\nAt the far side of the Sannomaru is the <strong>ticket booth at the Hishi Gate<\/strong>, where you pay the admission fee to enter the rest of the castle.\r\n\r\nBeyond the Hishi Gate are winding, maze-like paths and additional gates leading to the main keep \u2013 a strategy used in earlier times to slow attacking forces. <strong>The castle is 6 stories high<\/strong>, and you climb to the upper floors using narrow staircases.\r\n\r\nOn each level, signs in various languages discuss architectural features and renovation efforts. <strong>The top level of the castle contains a small shrine<\/strong>. Multiple windows allow for a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and surrounding city.\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji Castle<\/h2>\r\nWhen you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and <strong>take the North Exit<\/strong>. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1094\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1094 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1489142437462-800x509.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"509\" \/> Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe castle is a <strong>20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street<\/strong>. If the weather is bad, you can walk inside the nearby Miyukidori and Honmachi Shotengai shopping arcades. The exit to the arcade is just one block from the castle gate.\r\n\r\nYou can also <strong>take a bus<\/strong> from the North Exit of the station to the castle, it\u2019s just a 5-minute ride and costs 190 yen. Look for the Himeji Castle Loop Bus and get off at the Himeji Castle Otemon-mae stop. You could also take a taxi (around 750 yen).\r\n<h2>Himeji Castle admission fees and opening hours<\/h2>\r\nThe admission fee <strong>to the castle only is 1000 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, if you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> holder, you <strong>get a 20% discount<\/strong> on the admission price. This also applies to holders of JR West regional passes, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hiroshima-pass\">Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass\">Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-area-pass\">Sanyo-San'in Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-northern-kyushu-pass\">Sanyo-San\u2019in Northern Kyushu Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNote that <strong>from spring 2026 the admission fees are due to rise<\/strong> for non-residents of the area, in order to help pay for the castle\u2019s maintenance costs.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the local government is thinking of introducing a <strong>premium ticket package aimed at international visitors<\/strong> that would include the admission fee alongside discounts at local eateries and a service for storing bags.\r\n\r\nThe castle is <strong>open for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily<\/strong>. In August, the opening hours extend to 6.00 PM. You can enter the castle up to one hour before closing.\r\n<h2>Other things to do in Himeji<\/h2>\r\nOn the west of the grounds of the castle is the <strong>Nishinomaru garden<\/strong>, which at one time housed a princess. This provides an alternate perspective of the castle keep, and you can tour a building and rooms along the walled exterior.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you could tour the <strong>Kokoen Garden<\/strong>, which features nine walled gardens in various Edo Period formations. Here, you can enjoy a taste of green tea in the ceremonial teahouse and tea garden.\r\n\r\nAdmission to Kokoen Garden is 310 yen, or it <strong>may be added to your Himeji Castle admission<\/strong> for only 50 yen.\r\n\r\nOutside of the castle grounds, you could take a bus to nearby <strong>Mount Shosha<\/strong> to enjoy its walking paths, temples, and the Shoshasan Ropeway.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s also plenty of opportunities to do some shopping while in Himeji at the <strong>Honmachi Shotengai and Miyukidori shopping arcades<\/strong>.","post_title":"Himeji Castle and city travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"himeji-castle-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-12-13 20:43:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-12-13 19:43:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1093","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9383,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-02 07:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-02 05:00:23","post_content":"<strong>Byodoin is a stunning Buddhist temple located in the small city of Uji<\/strong>. There is an incredible amount to see at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage<\/a> site which has drawn visitors for over 1000 years.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s such an <strong>iconic landmark in Japan<\/strong> that it appears on the 10 yen coin.\r\nAlong with its garden, the temple represents the \u201c<em>Pure Land Paradise<\/em>\u201d and its design was highly influential on subsequent temple construction.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Byodoin temple in Uji, Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nThe site of the Byodoin temple was originally built in 998 as a countryside retreat for Fujiwara no Michinaga (a powerful politician). <strong>The temple was constructed during the Heian Period in 1053<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Phoenix Hall<\/strong> is the most famous building in the temple. It was originally called <em>Hoodoo<\/em> but quickly took on the nickname \u201cPhoenix Hall\u201d as <strong>two phoenix statues are displayed on the roof<\/strong>. Inside you can see the impressive <strong>Amida Buddha Statue<\/strong>. The hall symbolizes the temple and has <strong>appeared on coins since 1951<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9384\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-10-yen-coin-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Byodoin temple in a 10 yens coin\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Byodoin temple in a 10 yens coin - Photo by Kanchi1979 under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n<h2>How to get to Byodoin temple<\/h2>\r\n<em>How to get there?<\/em> There are two stations which are both a 15-minute walk from Byodoin: <strong>JR Uji Station<\/strong> and <strong>Keihan Uji Station<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> are nearest big cities which visitors often travel to Byodoin.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3272.6835955854776!2d135.8054896155495!3d34.88929078038666!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6001110ce0da2bab%3A0x608414938ffa07a4!2zQnnFjWTFjS1pbg!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1564473954807!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h3>Getting to Byodoin temple from Kyoto<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Kyoto and JR Uji Station are connected by the JR Nara line<\/strong>, the same line where are located the JR stations to get to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi Inari<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a>. Frequent trains run and the journey only takes <strong>around 20 minutes (by rapid train)<\/strong> or 30 minutes (by local train). the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> covers the trip<\/strong>, those without one need to pay 240 yen one way.\r\n<h3>Getting to Byodoin temple from Osaka<\/h3>\r\nJapan Rail Pass holders can take the rapid train along the JR Kyoto line <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-to-kyoto\">from Osaka to Kyoto<\/a> (in under 30 minutes) and then take the JR Nara line from Kyoto to Uji (as above).\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Keihan line also connects Osaka and Uji<\/strong>. From Osaka (Yodoyabashi and Kyobashi stations), the one-way trip takes <strong>about an hour and costs around 400 yen<\/strong>. This option is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fee<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Opening hours<\/strong>: Byodoin Temple is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The <strong>entrance fee<\/strong> is 600 yen (for adults) although concessions are available for students, children, and groups.\r\n<h2>What to see there<\/h2>\r\nVisitors can see a range of <strong>national treasures in the Hashokan Museum<\/strong>. It displays a mixture of the temple\u2019s most prized artifacts as well as multilingual displays on the site\u2019s construction and history.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>temple garden<\/strong> (called \u201c<em>Jodo-shiki<\/em>\u201d) is another highlight. It is located just in front on the Phoenix Hall and has been <strong>classified as a national \u2018historic site and place of scenic beauty\u2019<\/strong>. Nearby visitors can enjoy Uji green tea in the Byodoin Tea Salon Toka.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Yorin-an Shoin Residence<\/strong> includes some intriguing interior wall paintings by artists who belonged to <strong>Sansetsu Kano\u2019s studio<\/strong>, the structure is also a sub-temple. The <strong>Kannon-do Hall<\/strong> is currently under renovation and not open to the public.\r\n\r\nAside from the Byodoin Temple, there are a <strong>number of other attractions to see in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">Uji<\/a><\/strong>. The small city is <strong>famous for its high-quality green tea<\/strong> and there are numerous tea shops you can visit. From Byodoin Temple you can quickly get to the <strong>Ujigami Shrine<\/strong>, the <strong>Uji River<\/strong>, and the <strong>Koshoji Temple<\/strong>. All of which are worth visiting.\r\n\r\nThe popular <strong>Mampukuji and Mimurotoji Temples<\/strong> are harder to reach. From the river they are about a 40-minute walk away. You can also catch a bus from the train station which is covered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover photo: Byodoin temple, Uji - Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.japantravel.com\/profile\/masayoshi-hirose\/3427\" rel=\"nofollow\">Masayoshi Hirose<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Byodoin Temple: The Pure Land Paradise","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"byodoin-temple","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-10 09:11:03","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-10 07:11:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=9383","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2177,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-22 12:47:21","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-22 10:47:21","post_content":"<strong>Situated between Kyoto and Nara<\/strong>, Uji is famous for being the home of a Japanese staple, green tea, which was first cultivated in the region in the 12th Century.\r\n\r\nThe town also offers <strong>a range of historic architecture<\/strong> to explore, including a number of rustic temples and the <strong>oldest Japanese shrine<\/strong> still in existence.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nConnect with the past and Japan\u2019s unique culture on your next visit to Uji. This guide will show you how.\r\n<h2><strong>How to get\u00a0to Uji<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> makes traveling simple and affordable.<\/strong> Using your pass, you can reach Uji from the following major cities by making a short stop in Kyoto Station.\r\n<h3>From Kyoto to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Kyoto Station, take either the rapid or local train on the JR Nara Line to Uji Station.<\/strong> The stations are located close to one another, and the trip lasts only 20 to 30 minutes, making Uji a great option for a day trip from Kyoto.\r\n<h3>From Osaka to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto Station<\/strong>, then transfer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass#Naras_trainlines_and_stations\">JR Nara Line<\/a> to Uji Station.\r\n<h3>From Tokyo to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Tokyo\u2019s Shinagawa Station, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> line to Kyoto Station.<\/strong> In Kyoto, transfer to the Nara Line to Uji Station. Your journey will last around three hours. You may also wish to see a few of the sights in Kyoto while there. Due to the proximity of the two cities, you may wish to return to Kyoto after exploring Uji.\r\n\r\n<strong>Alternatively, you may depart from either the Kyobashi or Yodoyabashi Stations.<\/strong> Take the Keihan line to Uji Station, a trip of about 1 hour. Because this line also connects Osaka and Kyoto, consider spending time in Uji when traveling between these cities. This route, however, is not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Uji<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nBecause of the close proximity of most of its sites of interest, Uji is a good city to tour on foot.<strong> Uji Station, for example, is a mere ten minute walk from the Byodoin Temple.<\/strong> The more distant temples are located about a 30 minute walk from the city center. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/how-to-use-the-local-bus\">Local buses<\/a> are also available, with routes that include both the attractions and the train station.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Uji<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<h3>Byodo-in Temple<\/h3>\r\n<strong>The Byodo-in Temple is the most popular attraction in Uji.<\/strong> It is constructed in <em>Jodo<\/em>, or \u201cBuddhist pure land architecture,\u201d thus representing paradise. The temple is ancient, having been built as a private residence for a politician in the year 998; it was converted in to a temple by the founder\u2019s son. Byodoin features a garden, treasure house museum, and the <em>Hoodo<\/em>, or <strong>Phoenix Hall<\/strong>, which appears on the back of the ten yen coin. <strong>This hall is one of the few completely original temple structures<\/strong>, never having been destroyed by fire as other buildings were.\r\n<h3>Other temples and attractions<\/h3>\r\nA number of other temples are located in Uji as well. The <strong>Koshoji Temple<\/strong> was built in Kyoto in 1233, and moved to Uji in 1648. It is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-autumn-leaves-japan\">site of <em>koyo<\/em>, or autumn leaf viewing<\/a>. The <strong>Mimurotoji, or \u201cflower temple,\u201d<\/strong> is located in the hills north of the city. It was constructed around 1,200 years ago. Finally, the <strong>Ujigamai Shrine<\/strong>, a \u201cguardian shrine,\u201d is thought to be the oldest extant shrine in Japan, having been built around 1060. This shrine was declared a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 1994.\r\n\r\n<strong>Uji is split in two by the Ujigawa River, allowing for unique recreational opportunities.<\/strong> During the summer months, travelers can experience <em>Ukai<\/em>, or cormorant fishing. This skill has been practiced in Japan for more than 1300 years and involves using a trained bird called a cormorant to catch fish. River cruises are also available.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bookworms will enjoy the city\u2019s relationship to the Tale of Genji, a fictional work from the eleventh century.<\/strong> Often called the world\u2019s first novel, the book describes royal life at that time. It is celebrated at the Tale of Genji Museum. Many locations around Uji are mentioned in the book, and these are marked by monuments. One such location is the <strong>Uji Bridge, originally built in 646<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>Uji green tea<\/h3>\r\n<strong>A trip to Uji could not be complete without sampling its famous <em>matcha<\/em>, Japanese green tea.<\/strong> Taihoan is a public tea house in which guests can experience a traditional tea ceremony. The nearby Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo workshop features hands-on tea grinding classes, followed by a tasting of the tea just produced<strong>. Tea and souvenirs can be purchased at the Omotesando<\/strong>, the shop-lined approach to Byodoin Temple.\r\n\r\nYou are certain to be charmed by historic Uji on your next Japanese vacation. Make sure to take this opportunity and don't miss other interesting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trips from Kyoto<\/a>.","post_title":"Uji travel guide: Access and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"uji-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:32:43","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:32:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2177","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1361,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-05-12 14:09:45","post_date_gmt":"2017-05-12 12:09:45","post_content":"Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan\u2019s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful big cities.\r\n\r\nKobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nKobe is also rich in culturally based activities \u2013 a famous Chinatown district, gourmet foods, sake breweries, traditional landscape gardens, and relaxing hot spring spas, to name just a few.\r\n\r\nIf you are considering a stop in Kobe during your next vacation in Japan, the first question you may ask is: <strong>How do you get there?<\/strong> Doing so is easy using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>! Kobe is but a short Shinkansen ride away from several of Japan\u2019s other major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Tokyo to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhen traveling from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo,<\/a>\u00a0use your Japan Rail Pass to board the Hikari trains on the <strong>JR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#TokaidoShinkansen\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> \/ Sanyo Shinkansen Line<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nTraveling <strong>from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Shin-Kobe Station<\/strong> by Hikari Shinkansen takes approximately <strong>3 hours and 15 minutes<\/strong>, with stops in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou have two options when traveling from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> to Kobe using the JR Pass<\/strong>. You may take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#SanyoShinkansen\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> <strong>from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong> This trip lasts approximately <strong>15 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station<\/strong> to the Kobe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sannomiya-station-kobe\">Sannomiya Station<\/a>, with a trip duration of around <strong>20 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n<h2><strong>Kyoto to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTwo options are also available from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-train-stations\">JR stations<\/a> involving train travel from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> to Kobe. You may take the <strong>direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station<\/strong> to Shin-Kobe Station. One Hikari train departs each hour, and the<strong> trip lasts approximately 30 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOr, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train<\/strong> on the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Sannomiya Station. To avoid confusion, <strong>keep in mind that this line is sometimes called the Kobe Line or Kyoto Line<\/strong>. This trip lasts around 5<strong>0 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSo you\u2019ve used your JR Pass to get to Kobe; you can use your pass to travel around the city as well. <strong>Kobe is home to three JR Stations \u2013 Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe Station, and Sannomiya Station.<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Shin-Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>If traveling to Kobe via Shinkansen bullet train, you will arrive at Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis station is located north of the city center, some distance from most attractions.\r\n\r\nThe station is served by:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kobe Municipal Subway (Seishin-Yamate Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hokushin Kyuko Electric Railway (Hokushin Line)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf you need to transfer to other stations from Shin-Kobe, you will need to take the Seishin-Yamate Line to Sannomiya Station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Sannomiya Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Sannomiya Station is the main railway terminal of Kobe, conveniently located in the heart of Kobe.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya, you can access not only JR lines such as the Tokaido Line to Osaka Station and Kyoto Station, but also local lines (Hankyu, Kobe Municipal Subway) to nearby attractions.\r\n\r\nTo connect to the Sanyo Shinkansen line, you must travel to Shin-Kobe station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\nThis one is the end of the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, being a smaller one and usually less convenient than Sannomiya station.\r\n\r\nFrom here, you can travel to Osaka and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a>\u00a0as well as other, smaller cities in the Kansai region.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAre you wondering <strong>what to do in Kobe<\/strong> during your next Japanese vacation? From Sannomiya Station, you can take the private Hanshin Line to <strong>Koshien Stadium to see the Hanshin Tigers play baseball<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAfter taking in a game, <strong>a taste of Kobe beef is an experience not to be missed<\/strong>. Kobe beef is a world-famous delicacy, delicately marbled steak that comes from specially bred <em>wagyu<\/em> cattle raised and prepared in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is often prepared in the style of <strong><em>shabu-shabu <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 thinly sliced and boiled in broth \u2013 or <strong><em>sukiyaki<\/em><\/strong>, simmered in a hot pot.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_399\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe-animal-kingdom-Merec0-wikimedia-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Animal Kingdom\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/> Kobe Animal Kingdom is a bird and flower park not to be missed.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter a long day of travels, perhaps you\u2019d like to unwind in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\"><em>onsen<\/em><\/a>, or natural therapeutic hot spring. The Arima Onsen at the base of Mount Rokko is within the Kobe city limits, making it an excellent day trip. From either Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station, take a subway to Tanigami Station. From there, travel to the Arima Onsen Station. The trip takes less than an hour.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kobe is at times overlooked by international travelers,<\/strong> veiled by the shadows of larger cities and better-known tourist attractions. Your days in Kobe, however, will not be regretted. <strong>This unique city will be a memorable part of your next vacation.<\/strong>","post_title":"Kobe travel guide: Access and attractions","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kobe-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-09-15 15:44:42","post_modified_gmt":"2020-09-15 13:44:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1361","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2160,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-19 17:49:32","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-19 15:49:32","post_content":"Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is <strong>Japan\u2019s third-largest city<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOsaka was the country\u2019s first capital, and to this day it is considered a vital economic center in Japan. It is home to the largest seaport in Japan and many leading Japanese manufacturers.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nOsaka is deemed a<strong> culinary paradise<\/strong>: its nickname <em>Tenka no Daidokoro <\/em>means the nation\u2019s kitchen. Lose yourself in Umeda and Dotonbori areas, Osaka\u2019s <strong>main entertainment districts<\/strong>, to enjoy some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping the city has to offer.\r\n\r\nOur guides will help you get around Osaka and take you to the best attractions.\r\n\r\n[toc]\r\n<h2>Top attractions in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nAs one of Japan\u2019s largest cities, there are many great attractions for tourists. The whole family will enjoy<strong> Universal Studios Japan<\/strong>, the first Universal theme park built in Asia and still one of the best.\r\n\r\nAnother family favorite is<strong> Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan<\/strong>, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Shinsekai district and Osaka castle are also well-worth visiting.\r\n\r\nTake a look at our guides to the top attractions in Osaka for more information.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"attractions\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka Castle\" post_title_2=\"Dotonbori\" post_title_3=\"Shinsekai district\" post_title_4=\"Umeda Sky Building\" post_title_5=\"Universal Studios Japan\"]\r\n<h2>Getting around Osaka<\/h2>\r\nDespite being a vast city, <strong>getting around Osaka is easy<\/strong>. The subway offers a quick and convenient way to get from A to B in Osaka city center.\r\n\r\nYou can use your Japan Rail Pass on the <strong>JR Osaka Loop Line<\/strong> to reach top attractions such as Osaka Castle.\r\n\r\nYour JR Pass will also get you to other areas of the Osaka Prefecture. Check out your options using our guides to transport in Osaka.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"getting-around\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka JR Loop Line\"]\r\n<h2>Main train stations in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nOsaka Station City is a large transportation hub. It houses Osaka Station and 5 other railway stations. Read our <strong>complete guide to Osaka Station City<\/strong> so everything is clear before your trip.\r\n\r\nShinkansen bullet trains operate from nearby <strong>Shin Osaka station,<\/strong> which is just a 3-minute train ride away.\r\n\r\nYou can use your JR Pass to tour the Namba area, find out about the 4 different train stations in our Namba guide.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"stations\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"JR Osaka Station\" post_title_2=\"Shin-Osaka Station\" post_title_3=\"JR Namba Station\" post_title_4=\"JR Tennoji Station\"]\r\n<h2>Suggested itineraries in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nTo get the most out of your stay in Osaka, it\u2019s a good idea to have a travel itinerary prepared.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve created a <strong>selection of Osaka itineraries<\/strong> to make planning your stay easier. They include visits to the top attractions in Osaka and also explain how to get around the city.\r\n\r\nYou can use our itineraries as they are, or adapt them to your needs. Have a look and choose the one that works for you.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"itineraries\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka 3 days: Best things to do\"]\r\n<h2>Day trips and nearby destinations<\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re staying a little longer in Osaka, you might want to visit nearby areas. Fortunately, there are <strong>many interesting places to visit <\/strong>close to Osaka, and most are easily accessible by train.\r\n\r\nSome of the best day trips from Osaka include <strong>Kobe, Kyoto, <\/strong>and <strong>Koyosan<\/strong>. For further information on how to get there and what to see, consult our Osaka guides to nearby destinations.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"day-trips\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Kobe\" post_title_2=\"Nara\" post_title_3=\"Mount Koyasan\" post_title_4=\"Kyoto\" post_title_5=\"Naoshima\" post_title_6=\"Okayama\" post_title_7=\"Himeji\"]","post_title":"Osaka travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-02-04 11:25:40","post_modified_gmt":"2022-02-04 10:25:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":2011,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2160","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1457,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-02 10:00:41","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-02 08:00:41","post_content":"Nara is an ancient city located in the Kansai region of Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu. It was the <strong>first \u201creal\u201d capital of Japan<\/strong>, remaining such for less than a century. This historic location is home to a nearly unmatched eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>, including numerous Buddhist temples. The city was founded in the year 710 C.E. and originally known as Heijo.\r\n\r\nAmong its attractions are the oldest and largest wooden buildings in the world, the Nara Deer Park whose tame deer delight in entertaining visitors, fantastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> viewing spots, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/koka-ninja-village\">ninjas<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nYou can <strong>easily reach Nara<\/strong> from most of Japan\u2019s primary tourist destinations. Read on to discover how to arrive at this fascinating city from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.\r\n<h2>Nara\u2019s train\u00a0lines and stations<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The JR Nara Station is serviced by the JR Nara line and Kansai Lines<\/strong>, as well as non-JR local lines. The non-JR lines of Kintetsu Railways utilize the <strong>Kintetsu Nara Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, the Kintetsu lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The two stations are located at a distance of about 1 kilometer from one another and within walking distance of many city attractions.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThere are two rail lines which connect <strong>Kyoto to Nara<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>JR Nara line<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kintetsu Nara line<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209593.88396042594!2d135.62511609832413!3d34.833492746719344!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094051063!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe Kintetsu line offers a limited express line that takes just <strong>35 minutes<\/strong>. A one-way ticket costs 1,280 yen and it isn\u2019t covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, the Kintetsu also offers a 45-min express service that costs 760 yen.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>JR Nara line takes 45 minutes<\/strong> by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">from Kyoto Station<\/a>. It\u2019s <strong>covered by the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\"><strong>JR Pass<\/strong><\/a> but the price is 720 yen if you don\u2019t have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n<h2>Osaka to Nara<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Yamatoji rapid trains run every hour between Osaka and Nara from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">JR Osaka Station<\/a><\/strong>. The one-way trip takes <strong>50 minutes<\/strong> and is <strong>covered by the JR Pass<\/strong> (it costs 800 yen without one). Passengers also have the option of getting off at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Osaka Tennoji Station<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d105046.06328123208!2d135.56161406306646!3d34.63728663362325!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e68d95e3a70b%3A0x1baec822e859c84a!2sOsaka%20Station%2C%203%20Chome-1%20Umeda%2C%20Kita%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7024854!2d135.4959506!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094214366!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>There is also the option of catching the Kintetsu Railways limited-express train from Osaka-Namba Station. It only takes 35 minutes (making it the quickest way) and costs 680 yen. The JR Pass is not valid on Kintetsu Railways.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1223\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1223 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/jr-train-kyoto-e1501768803439.jpg\" alt=\"JR train in Kyoto Station\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/> The JR Nara line train takes 45 minutes between Kyoto and Nara[\/caption]\r\n<h2>From Tokyo to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>quickest way of getting from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong> is by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a>. The journey time from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">Tokyo to Kyoto<\/a> is around 3.5 hours along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> line. It takes 45 minutes from Kyoto to Nara.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669743.14050784!2d136.44106979301813!3d35.17614187706755!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2sTokyo%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-9%20Marunouchi%2C%20Chiyoda%20City%2C%20Tokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.681299599999996!2d139.76706579999998!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094366839!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe fastest type of Shinkansen is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi<\/a>, these trains are covered by the JR Pass if you pay a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/nozomi-mizuho-shinkansen\">supplemental charge<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, <strong>Hikari Shinkansen <\/strong>(covered by the JR Pass) only take slightly longer to cover the distance. The frequency is fairly regular so it is worth waiting for the next departing Hikari train.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\nYou can also take a highway <strong>bus from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong>. These take about 8 hours, and start from as little as 4000 yen. However, if you want to travel on a more comfortable bus tickets can go for over 8000 yen.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Nara<\/h2>\r\nNara is full of unique experiences that <strong>bring Japan\u2019s ancient heritage to life<\/strong>. It\u2019s a much smaller city than other popular tourist destinations in Japan, so it\u2019s a nice change of pace. Read on to discover some of the many attractions you can enjoy, including the famous Nara Park with free-roaming deer.\r\n\r\nConveniently, Most of Nara\u2019s primary attractions are within walking distance of each other and the train stations. Extensive bus lines are available as well. Day passes may be purchased to cover bus fairs, and most major <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\">IC cards<\/a> are accepted.\r\n<h3>Visit the Todai-ji temple<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1417\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1417 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/nara-great-buddha-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNara\u2019s landscape is dappled with historic buildings and landmarks. <strong><em>Todai-ji<\/em><\/strong>, meaning \u201cGreat Eastern Temple,\u201d is the largest of Nara\u2019s numerous temple structures. In fact, the <strong><em>Daibutsuden<\/em><\/strong><strong>, or Big Buddha Hall, is the largest wooden building currently in existence<\/strong>, and home to a huge, bronze Great Buddha statue 15 meters in height. Built in 752 C.E., Todai-ji was among the reasons that Japan\u2019s capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 \u2013 the government leaders of that time feared that the temple had gained too much influence in their politics.\r\n\r\nYou can reach this temple in about 30 minutes on foot from Nara Station, or about 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Greet the deer at Nara Deer Park<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Next to the temple is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\">Nara Park<\/a>, or <em>Nara Koen<\/em>, where over 1,000 deer roam freely for park guests to enjoy.<\/strong> It is not uncommon to see the deer just outside the gates of the temple. The animals often approach visitors, hoping to be treated with special crackers called <em>shika senbei<\/em>. These treats for the dear are sold in the park for around \u00a5150. Some deer have even learned to \u201cbow\u201d in order to beg for crackers.\r\n\r\nNara Park is just a few minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, and about 20 minutes on foot from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Attend centennial festivals at Mount Wakakusayama<\/h3>\r\nDuring specific times of the year, Nara has additional interests to pursue. For example, on the fourth Saturday of each January, <strong>fires are lit on nearby Mount Wakakusayama in a festival known as <em>Wakakusa Yamayaki<\/em><\/strong>. While this burning of the mountain involves local temples and has taken place for hundreds of years, its exact origins are unknown. It is thought that it may have begun in boundary conflicts between the temples or as a way to drive away dangerous wild boars. Fireworks and days of festivities accompany the bonfire.\r\n\r\nThe mountain is just 30 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, or 40 minutes from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Enjoy the sakura at Mount Yoshino<\/h3>\r\n<strong>In late March and early April, the <em>sakura<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-travel-tips\">cherry trees blossom<\/a> profusely throughout Japan.<\/strong> One of the most famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom viewing locations<\/a> is Mount Yoshino, also known as <em>Yoshinoyama.<\/em> The first cherry trees seem to have been planted on the mountain over 1,300 years ago. Today, more than 30,000 cherry trees reside there, providing a breathtaking spring display.\r\n\r\nTo reach Mount Yoshino from JR Nara Station, travel 45 to 60 minutes to Yoshino-guchi Station using the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n<strong>No matter the time of year, there is plenty to do in the intriguing ancient city of Nara.<\/strong> You will not regret adding this excursion through the Kansai region to your next itinerary.","post_title":"Visiting Nara: How to get there","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nara-jr-pass","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-09-17 09:47:20","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-17 07:47:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1457","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Kyoto: City Travel Guide | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Kyoto with the JR Pass: how to get around, things to do, what to see and the best temples, gardens and attractions in the Kansai area.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2152\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kyoto: City Travel Guide | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover Kyoto with the JR Pass: how to get around, things to do, what to see and the best temples, gardens and attractions in the Kansai area.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-24T08:52:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\",\"name\":\"Kyoto: City Travel Guide | JRailPass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2017-09-19T15:33:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-24T08:52:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover Kyoto with the JR Pass: how to get around, things to do, what to see and the best temples, gardens and attractions in the Kansai area.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Japan Travel Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Best cities to visit in Japan\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Kyoto travel guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\",\"description\":\"Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - 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