Train Tickets from Osaka to Kyoto
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Getting from Osaka to Kyoto by Train
Express trains make it easy to travel between Osaka and Kyoto, offering you a journey between two iconic Japanese cities, each with its own charm and distinct atmosphere. Osaka, often called the "culinary capital of Japan", is a modern, dynamic metropolis. On the other hand, Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is steeped in rich history and centuries-old traditions. Ancient temples mingle with Zen gardens, creating an atmosphere of serenity and spirituality.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO KYOTO!
Renowned for its varied and delicious gastronomy, Osaka's streets are alive with a multitude of restaurants, street stalls and markets offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from local specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki to international cuisines. But Osaka isn't just about food: it's also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, lively shopping districts and impressive skyscrapers that light up the night sky.
As for Kyoto, its cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, the graceful geishas moving through the historic quarters and the strong presence of traditional Japanese culture give Kyoto a timeless and bewitching aura.
Taking the train from Osaka to Kyoto, you can admire the ever-changing landscape, from Osaka's bustling districts to the picturesque, traditional countryside surrounding Kyoto.
Despite their differences, Osaka and Kyoto share a warm and welcoming atmosphere, characteristic of Japanese culture. The journey between these two cities offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, transporting them from a modern, dynamic metropolis to a world steeped in history and tradition.
Advantages of taking the train from Osaka to Kyoto
How to book your Osaka to Kyoto train tickets
Train information
From Osaka to Kyoto, you can choose the Thunderbird or Haruka limited express train, two practical and popular options for quickly reaching these two metropolises in around 30 minutes. The Haruka train is particularly convenient, as it also serves a stop at Kansai International Airport (KIX), offering an ideal solution for travelers. You can also opt for the JR Kyoto (A) line, which offers an even faster journey in just 15 minutes.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it flashes by through the train's panoramic windows. You'll get a glimpse of Japan's magnificent urban and natural landscapes along the way.
Here's a map of the different trains available on the Osaka - Kyoto line and their stops:

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OSAKA TO KYOTO STATION
How to get to Osaka Station
Osaka railway station, located in Kita district, is served by several local JR lines, covering both the Osaka metropolitan area and the greater Kansai region. Via JR lines, Osaka station is also one stop away from Shin-Osaka station. In addition, Osaka is connected by the Midosuji and Tanimachi subway lines, as well as the Hanshin line. These transportation options make it easy to reach major districts such as Osaka-Umeda and Namba from the station, and Osaka Station serves as a departure or stop point for several bus routes, enhancing its connectivity with other parts of the city.
Where to go from Kyoto Station
Kyoto railway station, located in the Shimogyo-ku district, is a transportation hub in the heart of the city. It is served by a comprehensive network of local and national rail lines, offering connections to destinations throughout Japan. JR West lines, including JR Kyoto, provide easy access to neighboring cities such as Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. What's more, the station is connected to the Karasuma and Tozai subway lines, as well as several bus routes, offering convenient access to all parts of Kyoto. Whether you want to explore the historic temples of Higashiyama, stroll through the lively shopping districts or escape to the surrounding mountains, Kyoto station is the ideal starting point for discovering all the wonders of this emblematic Japanese city.
Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five-digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to guide you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kyoto Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Himeji, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Himeji Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Osaka to Kyoto route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan
Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.
- How can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.
Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).
- What are the cancellation conditions?
You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.
- What if I miss my train?
If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.
- What are the modification conditions?
You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.
If you want to modify:
- Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
- Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
- Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
- Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).
The Shinkansen is the premier form of travel in Japan. “Shinkansen” is the Japanese word for “bullet train,” whose name is derived from the locomotive’s high speeds and shape. They are commonly used for traversing longer distances in Japan.
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.
- There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
- The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
- The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.
If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.
If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.
Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.
If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.
For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.
Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.
You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.
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