Sharing our 7D trip to Osaka/Kyoto in Apr

[cpuer]

I got a question, normally when people go Fushimi Inari, how long can you spend there on average if u look look see see. I see that on website it states it takes 30-45mins to trek to midway. Since it is not near any other attraction, wonder is it worth allocating 1 day for it

Im planning 2 days in Kyoto, 1 day for west side for places at Arashiyama (嵐山) and the other day on the east side for places at Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Which day is more suitable. Im trying to squeeze in Fushimi Inari into the day i go Arashiyama (嵐山), is it advisable?

just snapping photos and look see, i think 45min is enough. You meant mid point is it the paths split into 2 rows of Tori gates? that spot is not really mid, as I can reached it quite quickly and casually.

From Arashiyama, you can opt for JR's SAGA ARASHIYAMA to INARI. Its only 30min at 240YEN(transfer at Kyoto)

But the problem is that SAGA ARASHIYAMA is a bit off from the main Arashiyama street. But Inari stn is right at the main entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha. if you are taking the sagano scenic railway, then going Fushimi is perfectly connected up by SAGANO LINE.

 

[kifo]

just snapping photos and look see, i think 45min is enough. You meant mid point is it the paths split into 2 rows of Tori gates? that spot is not really mid, as I can reached it quite quickly and casually.

From Arashiyama, you can opt for JR's SAGA ARASHIYAMA to INARI. Its only 30min at 240YEN(transfer at Kyoto)

But the problem is that SAGA ARASHIYAMA is a bit off from the main Arashiyama street. But Inari stn is right at the main entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha. if you are taking the sagano line, then going Fushimi via SAGA ARASHIYAMA is perfectly connected up.

That is not the midpoint. The midpoint is a crossroad where there are benches to sit down and enjoy the view of the south side of Kyoto. There are also some shops and eateries to relax and get something to eat. If you are walking up on a an easy pace, taking photos, enjoying the view, then it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the torii gates at the bottom of the hill.

Where it splits into 2 torii gates is right at the beginning, at the bottom of the hill.

 

[cpuer]

That is not the midpoint. The midpoint is a crossroad where there are benches to sit down and enjoy the view of the south side of Kyoto. There are also some shops and eateries to relax and get something to eat. If you are walking up on a an easy pace, taking photos, enjoying the view, then it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the torii gates at the bottom of the hill.

Where it splits into 2 torii gates is right at the beginning, at the bottom of the hill.

LOL, so i didn't even started my climb then. But during my time there the crowd is maddening and i lost all my mood of seeing the place closely. Its all people mountain people sea. I have to avoid those selfie sticks as I walked up.

 

[zeroexr]

Quick Question: this period is it difficult to book hotels in kyoto between end march to early april?
I can't find any good price(range 100-150)/ location hotels for kyoto now

 

[limweeli]

haha ok. No wonder my friend keeps recommending me to go to Hokkaido!

You should try Hokkaido in Jul-Aug period. I got a Hokkaido report on early Sept which is the tail end of the flower season - http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/japan-271/sharing-our-11d-trip-hokkaido-tokyo-4396312.html. If you go earlier, you can see fields of flowers!

But my upcoming trip will be based on Kyoto all 7 days (same accommodation) and then explore the area from there. Taking it real slow this time since it will be cold and less hours of daylight.

7 days in Kyoto is nice. Slowly explore each area and snack a lot

 

[limweeli]

That is not the midpoint. The midpoint is a crossroad where there are benches to sit down and enjoy the view of the south side of Kyoto. There are also some shops and eateries to relax and get something to eat. If you are walking up on a an easy pace, taking photos, enjoying the view, then it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the torii gates at the bottom of the hill.

Where it splits into 2 torii gates is right at the beginning, at the bottom of the hill.

This is the half-way mark right? We didn't proceed further because most people stopped and u-turned here after a rest

 

[limweeli]

Quick Question: this period is it difficult to book hotels in kyoto between end march to early april?
I can't find any good price(range 100-150)/ location hotels for kyoto now

It's sakura season so it'll be hard to get a hotel that is cheap. Book early if you can

 

[teerance85]

May i ask whether there's a JR west station at Kansai Airport? I would like to purchase Kansai Area Pass.

And also, what's the best (cheapest) route from Kansai Airport to Kyoto? Would the Area pass suffice if i take JR trains all the way?

 

[limweeli]

May i ask whether there's a JR west station at Kansai Airport? I would like to purchase Kansai Area Pass.

And also, what's the best (cheapest) route from Kansai Airport to Kyoto? Would the Area pass suffice if i take JR trains all the way?

According to Japan National Tourism Organization | Plan Your Trip | Transportation | International Airport Access, you can exchange at the airport.

You can obtain your Japan Rail Pass by exchanging your Exchange Order at the JR Information Counter in the International Arrivals Lobby (1st floor, open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.), the TiS-Travel Service Center (open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), or the Green Window (Midori-no-Madoguchi) Reservations Ticket Office (open daily, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) at JR Kansai Airport Station.

We didn't get the JR pass as we didn't foresee us taking Shinkansen during the trip. From the airport, we took the Nankai limited express to Osaka. To Kyoto, we took regular train too.

 

[teerance85]

Does the Kansai Area pass includes Shinkasen? I thought shinkasen is a seperated charge altogether. I was thinking whether the Kansai Area pass includes Haruka express. Cause it takes 75 mins to reach kyoto from Kansai Airport, while the normal train takes longer...

 

[cpuer]

Does the Kansai Area pass includes Shinkasen? I thought shinkasen is a seperated charge altogether. I was thinking whether the Kansai Area pass includes Haruka express. Cause it takes 75 mins to reach kyoto from Kansai Airport, while the normal train takes longer...

Kansai Area Pass includes Haruka but Shinkansen not included.
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai/

 

[teerance85]

Thanks all for the reply!

Going to Osaka/Kyoto this week, will be our 1st maiden trip. Excited and planning which is the best way!

 

[limweeli]

Does the Kansai Area pass includes Shinkasen? I thought shinkasen is a seperated charge altogether. I was thinking whether the Kansai Area pass includes Haruka express. Cause it takes 75 mins to reach kyoto from Kansai Airport, while the normal train takes longer...

Ah sorry, I thought you were referring to the JR Rail Pass. I am not familiar with the area pass but it looks quite expensive to take from Kansai -> Kyoto according to Hyperdia website. Makes sense to get the area pass.

 

[limweeli]

Thanks all for the reply!

Going to Osaka/Kyoto this week, will be our 1st maiden trip. Excited and planning which is the best way!

Don't worry so much. Ask the station people if you are lost, they are generally very helpful. On one instance, one of the off-shift train captain brought us to the correct platform and train when we asked him (using the train map and some sign language ). Enjoy urselves!

 

[cpuer]

Thanks all for the reply!

Going to Osaka/Kyoto this week, will be our 1st maiden trip. Excited and planning which is the best way!

If its only Haruka that you are concerned, then u can consider the ICOCA+HARUKA bundle
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/

 

[teerance85]

Hi all, just a quick question.

Am i able to get the Kansai pass at Kansai Airport? As in i just walk in and buy? Or do i need to pass to them an exchange order?

 

[evilerniex]

Hi all, just a quick question.

Am i able to get the Kansai pass at Kansai Airport? As in i just walk in and buy? Or do i need to pass to them an exchange order?

yes, can buy within japan. see here:
JR West Rail Pass - Kansai Area

but like wat cpuer suggested, if u are using it to go kyoto only, then Haruka+icoca package is a better deal. note that this package can only be bought at Kansai airport
ICOCA & Haruka

 

[kokchu]

Nice photos. It brings back memories of my first visit to Osaka and Kyoto last month. Love it!

 

[limweeli]

Nice photos. It brings back memories of my first visit to Osaka and Kyoto last month. Love it!

Thanks. I'll like to go back again. Still aiming to catch sakura at full bloom in Kyoto ...