Getting around — Kansai

Kansai has an exceptional train network linking all major cities without the need for a car. The best-value investment for a stay of five days or more is the Kansai Thru Pass (2 days: ¥4,600; 3 days: ¥5,600), which covers metro, private railways and buses throughout the region, excluding Shinkansen.

Key connections: Kyoto-Osaka in 15 min by Shinkansen (Nozomi) or 30 min by Hankyu/JR Kaisoku (¥560-1,420). Kyoto-Nara in 45 min by JR Miyakoji (¥690) or 35 min by Kintetsu (¥640). Osaka-Kobe in 20 min by JR Shinkaisoku (¥420). Osaka-Himeji in 45 min by Shinkansen or 1h by JR Shinkaisoku (¥1,520). Osaka-Koyasan: 1h30 from Namba by Nankai train (¥1,310) plus funicular (included).

In Kyoto specifically, city buses (¥230 per ride, all-day pass ¥700) cover all temples and neighbourhoods — but the network is frequently congested in peak season. Rental bikes (¥800-1,500/day) are the preferred solution for experienced Kyoto visitors: the city is flat around its perimeter, and Fushimi, Higashiyama and Arashiyama connect via dedicated cycle paths. Taxis in Kyoto are expensive (a night ride in Gion, 5 km: ¥1,500-2,500) but convenient for late-night returns.

The Japan Rail Pass is especially good value on Kansai when combined with a trip from Tokyo: Tokyo-Kyoto by Shinkansen (Nozomi) return costs approximately ¥28,000 — more than half the price of a 7-day pass (¥50,000). The pass also covers JR intra-Kansai services (Osaka-Kobe-Himeji) but not private lines (Hankyu, Kintetsu) or metro systems. For a Kansai-only stay without Tokyo, the Kansai Thru Pass or individual tickets are almost always cheaper.