We will be going to Osaka / Kyoto / Nara for 8 days 7 nights in mid July. Will be staying in Osaka (5 min walk from JR Namba) for the entire time and do day trips. I’m not sure which pass to use for the shortest/fastest trips (to save time) and best value. This is our first time in the Kansai area. I am very confused with the subway/train system and getting a bit nervous. Please also advise if our itinerary is too aggressive. There are so many to see but too little time. Here is our itinerary :
Day 1 (Sat) - Arrival KIX (3:30pm) to JR Namba (by limousine bus) to hotel, Shinsaibashi / Dotombori Area (subway - ICOCA ?)
Day 2 (Sun) – JR Namba to Kyoto (by JR Train – which line??) , Ginkaku-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian-jingu Shrine, Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama Streets / Gion (by Raku bus – 100), then return to JR Namba (by JR Train)
Day 3 (Mon) - JR Namba to Kyoto Station (by JR Train –which line??), Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Raku bus 101 or subway )
From Kinkakuji Temple to Arashiyama (Keifuku Kitano Line?), Tenryuji Temple (Keifuku Arashiyama Station) , Bamboo Groove, Togetsukyu Bridge , then return to JR Namba (by JR Train)
Day 4 (Tue) - JR Namba to Nara (by JR Train–which line ??), Kohfukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple /Kasuga Taisha Shrine/Nara Park. Nara Machi (by Nara City Bus) then return to JR Namba (by JR Train)
Day 5 (Wed) – JR Namba to Himeji castle (JR “special rapid) – JR West Kansai Area Pass ??
From Himeji castle to Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum (?JR Train–which line ??), then return to JR Namba (by JR Train??)
Day 6 (Thur) - Osaka - Natural Hot Spring Naniwa no Yu, , Tenjimbashisuji Shopping Street,Osaka Museum of housing and living, Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory, Tombori River Cruise (maybe)
Day 7 (Fri) - - Osaka - Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Osaka Castle Museum, Shitennoji Temple, Osaka Museum of History, Osaka Castle Museum, Shitennoji Temple, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel (maybe), Floating Garden Observatory
** Day 6 , 7 – Osaka Amazing Pass – 2 days
Day 8 (Sat) – JR Namba to NIX (by limousine bus)
Your advice is very appreciated -- Thank you !! Cheers!!
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Comments
The only slam dunk is really on your Day 5 going to Himeji - a Kansai Area Pass is very worthwhile since the distance is so great. And be sure not to miss the Kokoen Garden next to castle as well.
I suggest that you look at the Icoca & Haruka pass for getting around as well as to/from KIX. Unless you are swamped with heavy bags, the train is one of the fastest and most comfortable. The Icoca cards are also convenient in getting around.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.html
The only other pass options that might make sense are the Kansai Thru Pass
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_005.html
or the Kintetsu Rail Pass
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_006.html
or the Hankyu Tourist Pass
http://www.kansai360.net/en/ticket/
The Hankyu pass would be easiest to make it worth your money, but Nara is not covered (and Nara Park especially is a must see place).
The Osaka Amazing Pass also works well for Osaka. For Kyoto, the 500 yen bus day pass is a good money saver.
Regarding your frequent questions of how to get around, you can see regular fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia
http://www.hyperdia.com