Train Tickets from Kyoto to Osaka

In Kyoto, cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, elegantly dressed geishas strolling through historic districts, and the omnipresence of traditional Japanese culture give Kyoto a timeless, mystical aura.

And Osaka isn't just about gastronomy: it's also a vibrant city with a lively nightlife, crowded shopping districts, and skyscrapers that light up the night sky.

Despite their differences, Kyoto and Osaka share a common characteristic: a warm, welcoming atmosphere, typical of Japanese culture. The train will take you from an iconic city rich in history and tradition to a vibrant urban world. Whether soaking up the history and spirituality of Kyoto or immersing yourself in the vivacity and culinary diversity of Osaka, each city offers visitors a unique and memorable experience.

Types of trains available

To go from Kyoto to Osaka, we offer tickets for the Thunderbird and Haruka Limited Express Trains. While these aren't Shinkansen bullet trains, they are quick and efficient, much like the rest of Japan's train system. Storage space for luggage and front-facing seats are standard on these trains. 

How to get to Kyoto Station

To get to Kyoto station, there are several convenient and efficient transport options. If you're already in Kyoto, you can easily reach the station using the municipal bus network or the subway lines, operated by JR and Kintetsu, that serve the city. Bus stops and subway stations are well signposted and generally cover the whole city, making the journey to Kyoto station quick and convenient. And for those who prefer comfort and speed, cabs remain a popular option, offering a direct route to the station. What's more, Kyoto station enjoys close proximity to the Karasuma subway line, making it easy to get around the city. It is also a major stop on Kyoto's extensive bus network, offering convenient access to numerous routes serving the whole city.

Where to go from Osaka Station

Osaka railway station, located in Kita district, is served by several local JR lines, covering both the Osaka metropolitan area and the greater Kansai region. Via JR lines, Osaka station is also one stop away from Shin-Osaka station. In addition, Osaka is connected by the Midosuji and Tanimachi subway lines, as well as the Hanshin line. These transportation options make it easy to reach major districts such as Osaka-Umeda and Namba from the station, and Osaka Station serves as a departure or stop point for several bus routes, enhancing its connectivity with other parts of the city.

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. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on 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 Osaka, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Osaka 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 on 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 your Kyoto to Osaka route.