Guide to Getting from Osaka to Kyoto: Fastest and Cheapest Routes from Major Stations

The most recommended route from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is via the JR Kyoto Line (Tokaido Line), which offers direct access with no transfers.
The one-way fare is 580 yen. Special Rapid trains take about 30 minutes, while Rapid and Local trains take around 50 minutes.
The route is simple, so even first-time visitors can travel without confusion.
Trains run every 15 minutes from early morning to late at night, so you won’t have to wait long.
Note that “Osaka Station” refers to the JR station. However, there are also five different stations nearby named “Umeda Station,” operated by Hankyu, Hanshin, and Osaka Metro.
All of these stations are connected by underground walkways or pedestrian bridges and are within walking distance of each other.
Therefore, when using Osaka or Umeda Stations, be sure to remember both the station name and the railway line.

The area around Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto is home to many traditional temples and cultural landmarks.
It includes iconic attractions such as Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market, and is always bustling with visitors.
Along nearby Shijo-dori, you’ll also find department stores, fashion buildings, and cafés—making it a great spot for shopping and dining.
To get to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, the best option is the Limited Express or Semi Express on the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Osaka-Umeda Station, known for its excellent value for money.
The direct ride takes around 45 minutes. The one-way fare is 410 yen.
Some of the Limited Express trains feature “PRiVACE,” a reserved seating service in the fourth car from the Osaka side, available for an additional 500 yen.
These cars feature wood-tone interiors and indirect lighting, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your ride in private comfort.

To get from Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka to Sanjo Station in Kyoto, take the Keihan Main Line Limited Express bound for Demachiyanagi. This route offers a direct connection with no transfers.
The trip takes approximately 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 430 yen.
Departing from the starting station and with around six trains per hour, this route is also convenient and reliable.
For a more comfortable experience, you may want to consider the "Premium Car" option.
These are reserved seating cars attached to select Limited Express trains and feature spacious seats, dedicated attendants, and a high-quality environment.
*Using the Premium Car requires an additional reserved seat fee (500 yen from Yodoyabashi to Sanjo) on top of the regular fare.
Once you arrive at Sanjo Station, we recommend walking along the Kamo River toward Gion, where you’ll be greeted by Kyoto’s traditional and scenic streetscapes.

Namba Station serves as a key hub in Osaka’s Minami Area, but keep in mind that there are four different “Namba Stations” serving seven lines in total.
Although these stations are within walking distance of each other, their similar names can be confusing for travelers. To avoid getting lost, be sure to remember the railway line as well as the station name.
If you’re heading to Kyoto, the following route from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to JR Kyoto Station is recommended.

The Gion and Higashiyama area is a classic sightseeing district known for its beautiful, atmospheric streetscapes.
Explore the historic teahouses of Hanamikoji or stroll through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
If traveling by train from Kyoto Station, the best destination is Gion-shijo Station, located in the heart of the area. If taking the city bus, aim for the Higashiyama-dori (Higashioji-dori) area.
Use the table below to find the method that best fits your itinerary.
Also consider the special “Sightseeing Limited Express Bus,” available on weekends and holidays, which only stops at major tourist sites. If your budget allows, this can be a good alternative.

This area, located along Kinukake-no-michi, is home to several famous UNESCO World Heritage temples.
At Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji Temple), you’ll be mesmerized by the golden hall reflecting in the pond. Ryoan-ji Temple features a celebrated rock garden with 15 stones placed in a distinctive layout.
Ninna-ji Temple is famous for its Omuro cherry blossoms and impressive temple buildings.
Each site has different nearest stations and access methods, so it’s best to choose your destination first.
If you're unsure, start with Kinkaku-ji Temple—Kyoto’s most popular and crowded spot. Arriving first thing in the morning gives you the best chance to explore at your own pace.
Use the table below for the recommended route from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Located in southern Kyoto, the Uji area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and deep cultural heritage.
Architecture from the Heian period (794–1185) still remains, and many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties can be found throughout the area.
The most famous attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site Byodoin Temple, whose elegant reflection in Aji Pond evokes the image of paradise.
The townscape along the Uji River has been designated an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan, and simply strolling through it offers a rich sense of tradition.
Uji is also one of Japan’s top three tea-producing regions, known for its Uji tea. You’ll find many gourmet spots offering matcha sweets and tea soba noodles.
You can reach JR Uji Station from Kyoto Station in about 25 minutes via the JR Nara Line—making it an easy and convenient trip.

Located in western Kyoto, the Arashiyama area is a scenic destination where nature and history harmonize beautifully.
From the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll enjoy views of the Hozu River and the forested Arashiyama mountains, creating a peaceful, picturesque setting.
A walk through the famous Bamboo Grove offers a dreamlike landscape that soothes the soul.
Visitors can also enjoy activities that showcase the valley’s beauty, such as the Sagano Scenic Railway and Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
The area is home to historic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine, which is known for bringing romantic luck. The scenery changes with the seasons, making every visit feel unique.
The nearest station, Saga-Arashiyama Station, is about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line), offering excellent access.

Before heading out of Osaka Prefecture, consider exploring Sakai—a city rich in history.
From JR Osaka Station, take the JR line and transfer to the Nankai Line at Shin-Imamiya Station to reach Sakai Station in about 35 minutes.
The city’s most famous attraction is the Nintoku-Tenno-Ryo Tumulus, a keyhole-shaped burial mound approximately 486 meters long and part of the UNESCO-listed Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.
As you walk along the area’s historic trails, you’ll also encounter other burial mounds such as Gobyoyama Kofun and Nagayama Kofun.
Sakai is also famous for its traditional blade-making, known as Sakai Uchihamono (Sakai forged blades), with a history spanning over 600 years. You can visit the Cutlery Museum or tour blacksmith workshops to learn about this craft.
Other highlights include sites related to Sen no Rikyu, the father of the Japanese tea ceremony, as well as historic landmarks like the Old Sakai Lighthouse and Yamaguchi Residence.

Kobe is a charming port city nestled between mountains and the sea, offering a unique and scenic atmosphere.
Along the waterfront, you’ll find iconic landmarks like Kobe Port Tower and the large shopping and entertainment complex Kobe Harborland—both especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
In the former foreign settlement known as the Kobe Kyukyoryuchi, classic red-brick and stone buildings evoke a nostalgic air, preserving the area’s international heritage.
The Kitano Ijinkan district features historical Western-style residences from Kobe’s time as a foreign settlement, creating a truly exotic townscape. Don't forget to enjoy the local gourmet offerings, including world-renowned Kobe beef.
From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Line (Tokaido Line) Special Rapid Service for a direct ride to Kobe Station in about 25 minutes.

As Japan’s oldest capital, Nara boasts over 1,300 years of history and is a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
Its blend of UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples and rich natural scenery gives it a charm distinct from Kyoto’s.
Notable highlights include Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the world’s largest wooden structures and its Great Buddha Hall, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its vivid vermillion architecture.
The Naramachi area, with its lattice-window townhouses, traditional crafts shops, and historic cafés, offers a pleasant atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
From JR Osaka Station, take a JR train and transfer at Tsuruhashi Station to the Kintetsu Line. You can reach Kintetsu Nara Station, the area’s main tourist hub, in about 50 minutes.

From JR Osaka Station, you can reach Wakayama Station in about one hour via the Limited Express KUROSHIO.
Wakayama Station is a key transportation hub served by five different lines and is surrounded by historical attractions that preserve the charm of an old castle town.
The centerpiece is Wakayama Castle, once the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa clan. Its white castle keep is a striking sight that continues to impress visitors.
In addition to the castle’s impressive stone walls and moats, the grounds also feature Momijidani Teien Garden, which retains the elegance of the Edo period (1603–1868), and even a zoo located within the castle grounds—a rare sight in Japan.
In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, while autumn brings colorful foliage that enhances the castle scenery.
The area is also known for its culinary offerings, including long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops and cozy eateries that use local ingredients.