Train Tickets from Kyoto to Himeji

Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO Heritage Sites, is an essential destination for visitors to Japan and part of the lauded “Golden Route”. There are only a handful of cities in the world that can draw such amazement from visitors. Some streets appear to be stuck in time, juxtaposed with contemporary design just one street over. Additionally, Kyoto is far more than just its central city, as the entirety of Kyoto Prefecture has much to offer. Take a daytrip up to Ine Fishing Village by the coast to see a part of Kyoto many may not venture out to!

Himeji Station is located in the center of Himeji City, the second largest city in Hyogo Prefecture. It is a 20-minute walk out to the iconic Himeji Castle or even just a 10 minute journey using public transportation. Near the castle grounds is the community park, beautiful during springtime with the blossoming cherry blossoms as well as Kokoen Gardens, with distinctly Japanese scenery. Above the city, Mount Shosha’s presence is seen everywhere, and trekking to the top can be done via bus or cable car. The temple at the top of the mountain is a worthwhile pilgrimage. 

Note: Himeji Station is usually not the last stop on this Shinkansen line, which can continue to travel to Hiroshima or even out to Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station. 

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Kyoto to Himeji.

How to get to Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station, situated in the heart of the historic Japanese capital, is conveniently connected to various local public transportation lines in and around Kyoto operated by JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail operator in the Kansai region. Additionally, the Karasuma subway line serves Kyoto Station. The extensive bus network in Kyoto is centered around Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the station from any part of the city.

Where to go from Himeji Station

Himeji Castle, the castle park, and Kokoen Garden are a short distance from Himeji Station. Walkable within only 20 minutes and then a bit over 10 minutes using the bus that departs from the station. The station is also serviced by the JR Sanyo Mainline, Bantan Line, and Kishin Line, allowing for access to other parts of Hyogo Prefecture and the Kansai Region as a whole. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kyoto Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Himeji, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Himeji Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Kyoto to Himeji route.