How to get from Kyoto to Osaka
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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!
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka with limited express trains
Osaka Station
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by train
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. 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.
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 prepare for the 2025 Worlds Fair that wil be held in Osaka by visiting the Tower of the Sun, designed by Taro Okamoto for the last Worlds Fair to be held in Osaka back in 1985!
Japan’s famous train system is the key to seeing both destinations and getting the full experience of Kansai, which ought not to be missed for your next trip! The Shinkansen bullet train using the Tokaido Sanyo Line makes the journey quick and simple, getting from Kyoto to Osaka in just a bit under 15 minutes. 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. Additionally, the local Keihan 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. All these trains are rideable with the Japan Rail Pass, however, riding the Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train, will entail an extra cost with the Japan Rail Pass.
Trains available on this itinerary:
| Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansnen Trains | Thunderbird Limited Express Train | Haruka Limited Express Train | Keihan Line |
NOTE: Osaka Station is NOT the final stop for Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen trains or Limited Express Trains. These trains will often go past Osaka Station, so be wary of the stops on your journey and preparing ahead of time to disembark, especially as the journey between Kyoto and Osaka is shorter than other itineraries.
Reserving seats on the train in Japan
On Shinkansen and Limited Expres trains, individual ticket holders and holders of Japan Rail Passes can reserve seats in advance of boarding. Reservations are not always required for these trains because many of them have non-reserved cars with seats that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These are often car numbers 1-4.
There are some trains when all cars require a reservation, even though a lot of people utilize the train services during these hours. However, we also strongly advise all visitors to try and book reservations for tickets during Japan's busiest travel seasons, which include the spring and the New Year's holiday. When purchasing a single ticket, a reserved seat costs more; however, Japan Rail Pass users will not be charged an additional cost.
Oversized Baggage on the Limited Express trains
While there are limitations to baggage size on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, other Shinkansen lines and Limited Express trains DO NOT have such regulations. This includes the Thunderbird and Haruka Limited Express Trains. However, to get to Osaka from Kyoto in Kansai, the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is a popular option, so if you plan to utilize this Shinkansen train line, be aware that any luggage that is 160cm in total dimensions (LxWxH) up to 250cm is considered “oversized” and will need a special seat reservation that simultaneously allows for use of the oversized luggage area for storage.
Dimensions for luggage on the Shinkansen bullet train
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.
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.
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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 important 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 bathouse 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 eccentric set of locals. Tokyo is generally seen as Osaka's partner city—or adversary, 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.
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).
Osaka - Dotonbori - Canal
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Tower of the Sun by Taro Okamamoto in Osaka, Japan
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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 are these old burial grounds. The burial grounds vary in size and shape when viewed from above; the larger ones resemble key holes.
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.
