Originally Posted by
MegatopLover
We'll probably want to take the Haruka KIX-Shin Osaka, then backtrack to Osaka Station.
No need to "backtrack" - You can take the Haruka to Nishi Kujo. Then change to the Osaka Kanjo line to Osaka station. (or get a cab from Nishi Kujo).
Originally Posted by
MegatopLover
For Osaka-Kyoto, a Shinkansen is probably overkill. Only reasons to do it would be for space in the Green Car and foreshadowing the full-blown Nozomi treatment to Tokyo four days later. So for that, we'll probably take a JR train or other private train.
Take the JR train from Osaka station to Kyoto station. 540yen.
Originally Posted by
MegatopLover
Don't think we'll need to use JR trains or private trains to get around Kyoto. We're young and we love to walk everywhere. The Kyoto subway and a few taxis should take care of us. That said, if we buy a pass, we might as well put it to use.
I recommend buses or rental bicycle for travel within Kyoto.
Originally Posted by
MegatopLover
Then it's JR (or other private rail?) to Nara and back for a day. Scheduling of the day trip might be dictated by whether we buy a JR pass (such as a 4-day pass) that covers the Haruka, Osaka-Kyoto, and Kyoto-Nara-vv. That will in turn be driven by price.
The four day Kansai-area pass is barely worth it.
The four day pass is 6000yen
KIX to Osaka by Haruka = 2620yen
Osaka to Kyoto = 540yen
Kyoto to Nara and back costs from 1300 to 1600yen
Many of the railway lines in Osaka and Kyoto are private. And buses are often better than trains for getting around Kyoto...
BUT - The one day pass is an "instant" money saver
A one-day Kansai area pass = 2000yen (allows unreserved seating on Haruka)
KIX to Osaka by Haruka = 2620yen
JR WEST PASS information -
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/jrp/index.html
BTW - I favour the Kintetsu line for the trip to Nara. The Kintetsu Nara station is somewhat closer to Nara's main attractions.
Originally Posted by
MegatopLover
we'd likely just take a taxi from Shin-Tokyo
Just "Tokyo" not Shin-Tokyo. (Shinkansen and other lines are all in the same vast station).