Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Avis First
Posts: 366
Nara--easier to get to from Osaka or Kyoto?
I want to take my 2yo to see the bowing dear at Nara park.
My tentative plan is to stay in Osaka for 4-5 nights since I can stay at a Hilton (need a few more nights to maintain diamond status) and then 2-3 nights in Kyoto.
I was trying to find a ryokan to stay at for all 3 nights but am having trouble which is why I chose only 3 nights in Kyoto. With that being said, I would prefer to take a 1/2 day trip from Osaka to see Nara instead of from Kyoto since I have more time in Osaka and since there are so many other places to see in Kyoto.
On a side note, can a 1/2 day trip also be made to Himeji from Osaka?
From Osaka and Kyoto it's pretty straightforward. From Osaka station, it's about 50 minutes on the JR Yamatoji line to Nara. From Kyoto you have a choice of JR or Kintetsu and the journey time can be around 30 mins.
So I would think that you could happily make your Nara trip from Osaka. Since the Osaka Hilton is right across the road from Osaka station it might be very convenient.
For Himeji, you're looking at taking a Shinkansen from Shin Osaka station. With an early start, you could see the castle in half a day and return around lunch time, if you wanted.
On a side note, can a 1/2 day trip also be made to Himeji from Osaka?
My experience in April 2009 : Do-able if your destination in Hemeji is ONLY the castle. My experience is
8:30 exit hotel (Namba)
8:50 Osaka Train station, buy one-day JR West Pass (2K Yen)
9:00 Train to Hemeji
10:00 Arrive Hemeji, walk to castle
10:20 Visit Castle walk inside castle starts (300 Yen per adult if my memory correct)
13:00 Exit Castle
13:30 Train to Osaka (I exit @ Kobe approx 14:20, if you go all the way back you should land Osaka by 14:30)
Nara is pretty simple from either Kyoto or Osaka. Just be sure to use Osaka Station, not shin Osaka.
On the other hand, Himeji from Osaka involves a decision. If you are using the Japan Rail Pass, then you will want to go to/from Shin-Osaka Station and use the shinkansen. The ride can be as little as 29 minutes. Without the Rail Pass, the local train is a lot cheaper. That Rapid Service from Osaka Station takes a bit over an hour and costs 1450 yen.
Yes, Osaka to Nara is quite doable, and if you're interested in Japanese history, stop off at Horyuji and see the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings at the temple of the same name, built in 711 AD. It's an easy walk from the station.
My experience in April 2009 : Do-able if your destination in Hemeji is ONLY the castle. My experience is
8:30 exit hotel (Namba)
8:50 Osaka Train station, buy one-day JR West Pass (2K Yen)
9:00 Train to Hemeji
10:00 Arrive Hemeji, walk to castle
10:20 Visit Castle walk inside castle starts (300 Yen per adult if my memory correct)
13:00 Exit Castle
13:30 Train to Osaka (I exit @ Kobe approx 14:20, if you go all the way back you should land Osaka by 14:30)
I was considering doing this trek also and now I know the approx. timing will definately go for it. Thanks so much for sharing the insight.
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2009 Q miles: UA 28166 NW 6818 WS 1008 YouTube Jukebox: a-haTake On Me
I would stay in Kyoto longer than Osaka. A wonderful experience is stayign at a buddhist temple. Not only is it cheap, but a traditional Japanese experience. The nice thing about it is getting up in the morning to watch the monks pray. Not many people can say they have done that!!!
Buddhist temple is called shukubo if you want to google it. Unfortunately, if you do not speak Japanese, you will have to get someone to help you make reservations.
H
If you're talking about the JR Rail Pass then you must purchase it prior to entry into Japan. You cannot purchase it in Japan.
If used properly it is a magnificent way to travel around Japan.
That's true of the JR Pass that covers the whole country, but the Japan West Railway Passes (both the Kansai-only and the Kansai to Hakata version) can be purchased after arrival. Here are the rules:
I didn't know this until I checked the website, but apparently JR West has flex passes of the type available in Europe: any x number of days in a month or two months.
For JR WEST PASS, remember to bring the e-itinerary (hard copy) when buying the pass. I learnt it the hard way, running back to the terminal to get someone from CX to print me one and run back to avoid waiting for the next train!
If you dont mind being too rush, you can use the Haruka Ltd Exp on the 1st day, go to Hemeji on the 2nd, and Nara on the 3rd for best utilization.and for whatever flexibility on the 4th day...
I want to take my 2yo to see the bowing dear at Nara park.
My tentative plan is to stay in Osaka for 4-5 nights since I can stay at a Hilton (need a few more nights to maintain diamond status) and then 2-3 nights in Kyoto.
I was trying to find a ryokan to stay at for all 3 nights but am having trouble which is why I chose only 3 nights in Kyoto. With that being said, I would prefer to take a 1/2 day trip from Osaka to see Nara instead of from Kyoto since I have more time in Osaka and since there are so many other places to see in Kyoto.
On a side note, can a 1/2 day trip also be made to Himeji from Osaka?
Somewhat like your itin, I stayed in Osaka 5 nights and do day trips everywhere in the Kansai region by train. I recall I got 2x 2-day JR Kansai Rail Pass (forgot official name for it). Buy them in KIX, and use it immediately to your hotel if your arrive @ KIX.
Day trips from Osaka to: Himeji+Kobe; half day doable to Nara. You can actually do day trips to Kyoto (keep you stay at Hilton longer, great hotel). But Kyoto is worth couple of day-trips to 3. Osaka has more to offer than most people think.
