How to get from Kyoto to Osaka
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
@Pixabay/ ogamiichiro3
No two cities are said to represent the Kansai Region more than Kyoto and Osaka, and getting from one to the other is made easy with the popular limited express trains that service the area!
For many, the Kansai Region of Japan is defined by two prominent cities: Kyoto and Osaka. Despite being geographically nearby, the environments of the two cities differ immensely while maintaining the core Kansai DNA.
Kyoto is often seen as the city that embodies traditional Japan. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the former capital of Japan up until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Every street in Kyoto is teeming with stories and history, and picturesque scenes that are often representative of Japan exist just a short walk from modern urbanscapes.
Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan, with a lively environment and rich culture to reflect that. Wander around the old-school streets of Shinsekai and Dotonbori and eat some delicious street food like takoyaki. Then, take a look at the historical sites nestled within the urban landscape, such as the ancient Mozu Tombs, and check out the 2025 World Fair that will be held in Osaka by visiting the Tower of the Sun, designed by Taro Okamoto for the last World Fair to be held in Osaka back in 1985!
Osaka Castle in Spring
B_me
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
@Pixabay/ ogamiichiro3
- Take the Shinkansen, Limited Express Train, or local trains to get from Kyoto to Osaka
- Bus transit from Kyoto to Osaka entails a transfer, so most decide to take the train or drive
- Drive from Kyoto to Osaka if you have access to a car in Japan
How to get from Kyoto to Osaka by train
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka with the Shinkansen bullet train
- ⏱ Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes
- ⏲First and last departure: 6:55 a.m. / 11:32 p.m.
- 💶 Price: From ¥1,420
- 🚆Distance: 50 km
- 🚉 Departure/arrival station: Kyoto Station/Shin-Osaka Station
- 🚅 Train type: Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train
Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in central Osaka are connected via the JR Tokaido Line. With express service via the Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train, the commute between the two cities only takes around 15 minutes. Depending on the period of travel, unreserved seats start at 1,420 yen. Reserved seats will be around 3,220 yen. Nozomi Shinkansen bullet trains are not covered fully by the Japan Rail Pass but can still be ridden by pass holders for a supplementary charge.
Other Shinkansen bullet trains, like the Hikari and Kodama, make the journey as well and take a similar amount of time. These are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass without a supplementary charge.
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka with Limited Express Trains
- ⏱ Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes
- ⏲First and last departure: 5:45 a.m. / 8:30 p.m.
- 💶 Price: From ¥1,800
- 🚆Distance: 50 km
- 🚉 Departure/arrival station: Kyoto Station/Shin-Osaka Station
- 🚅 Train type: Thunderbird Limited Express Train/Haruka Limited Express Train
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka is made easy using either the locally beloved Thunderbird Limited Express Train or the Haruka Limited Express Train that is often used for getting to and from Kansai International Airport.
Both the Thunderbird Limited Express Train and the Haruka will depart from Kyoto Station. The Haruka Limited Express Train will go all the way out to Kansai International Airport, with a stop at Osaka Station in between. The two limited express trains will take a bit more time compared to the Shinkansen bullet train, taking around 15-30 minutes.
Prices for these trains start at 1,800 yen for a reserved seat and are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka with local trains
- ⏱ Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
- ⏲First and last departure: 6:00 a.m. / 11:32 p.m.
- 💶 Price: From ¥560
- 🚆Distance: 50 km
- 🚉 Departure/arrival station: Kyoto Station/Shin-Osaka Station
- 🚅 Train type: JR Kyoto Line
The local JR Kyoto Line can be ridden all the way from Kyoto to Osaka. This option takes the most time and doesn’t have the option to reserve seats but can still be a viable and convenient option if needed.
The JR Kyoto Line will be covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but otherwise costs 560 yen and makes the journey in 30 minutes.
This is the most cost-efficient solution but with carrying a lot of luggage and during busy travel times, it isn’t the easiest option.
How to get from Kyoto to Osaka by bus
There are actually no direct buses that go between both Kyoto and Osaka. Those wanting to travel this way will need to take at least two buses. Typically from Shin-Osaka Station, commuters can take a bus to Osaka Itami Airport and then take another bus from there out to Kyoto Station. The journey in total takes around 1.5 hours and starts at around 1,600 yen, depending on the transportation company.
How to get from Kyoto to Osaka by car
Kyoto and Osaka are located around 55 kilometers (34 miles) away from each other. Driving between the two takes around 45 minutes with the highway, which does involve tolls. If you have access to a car in Japan, it may be worth driving from Kyoto and Osaka to benefit from optimal flexibility. Be aware that many visitors to Japan will need to have their licenses from their home countries translated in order to drive in Japan.
Exploring Kyoto
Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan, is a culturally vibrant city brimming with history and home to 17 distinct UNESCO Heritage Sites. Kyoto is situated in the Kansai region, a culturally varied area of Japan renowned for its colorful locations. For visitors taking the Japan Golden Route, Kyoto is frequently the next stop after Tokyo.
The temple itself and the ascent to Kyomizudera are two of Kyoto's most famous sights, and both are worthwhile excursions. Explore a little off the usual route; the hilly lanes leading up to the temple are lined with quaint stores and eateries! Then, Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji, the "gold and silver temples," serve as potent representations of Kyoto's lengthy past.
Kyomizudera in Kyoto
@Wikimedia
Kyoto is a metropolitan city for sure, but it's not like other major cities in Japan because it has mountains on three sides and a lot of traditional architecture instead of tall skyscrapers. Benefit from Kyoto's distinctive topography by spending some time on a leisurely trek where you can take in the surrounding scenery. One of the simpler walks in the area is from Shogunzuka to Seiryuden, which takes around two hours to reach Chion-in Temple. Enjoy an unrestricted perspective of the city from a high vantage point and discover Kyoto in a way you never would have imagined.
Travelers arrive at Kyoto Station and are immediately in the heart of the historic capital. Not many towns in the world can match Kyoto's distinction of being the first city to commemorate its 1200th anniversary—a feat that was accomplished in 1997 when the station underwent its current design by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara. There are a few convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants inside the station; however, it is not as big as other prominent stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or even Hakata Station. Nonetheless, the lit staircase—whose display varies with the season—is one of Kyoto Station's most identifiable features. Conveniently located near the station, the well-liked Ume-yu is a sento bathhouse with a charming atmosphere that's perfect for lounging and passing the time in a relaxed, residential area, complete with unique and eccentric merchandise to bring home.
Exploring Osaka
Osaka, the most populous city in Kansai and the third most populous city in all of Japan, is well-known for its energetic atmosphere. delicious street cuisine and an eccentric set of locals. Tokyo is generally seen as Osaka's partner city—or rival, depending on who you ask. It is also often cited as a partner city to Kyoto, the other city said to represent Kansai that is also very nearby.
The vibrant central Osaka areas of Umeda, Namba, and Dotonbori are a favorite destination for tourists due to their distinctive Japanese urban environment and plenty of diverse businesses. Dotonbori's running Glico Man, commonly regarded as the Osaka symbol, is a popular photo location overlooking the area's renowned bridge. You won't have to go far to find a more subdued mood if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center because Honmachi is a more tranquil district that is still close to it.
Osaka - Dotonbori - Canal
©Juliana Barquero - unsplash
Although Osaka is well recognized for its energetic atmosphere, art and culture lovers should also make time to visit this city. Because the city hosted the World's Expo in 1970, artist Taro Okamoto built the famous "Tower of the Sun" (太陽の塔).
The tower is still on display at Expo Park for visitors to see. A must-see location for anybody interested in even more ancient history is the Mozu Tombs, which house a number of fifth-century kofun (burial tombs). A unique historic landmark among the contemporary structures in the Osaka metropolitan area is these old burial grounds. The burial grounds vary in size and shape when viewed from above; the larger ones resemble keyholes.
The definitive Kansai experience
Using a combination of both the iconic Thunderbird Limited Express Train and the Haruka Limited Express Train, the journey between two of Japan’s most culture-rich cities, Kyoto and Osaka, is made easy! Witness history and modern-day beauty with this itinerary, taking not even two hours of transit using some of the world’s most cutting-edge means of transportation.
