osaka to kyoto

[edna@optonline.net]

another question for the experts. We'd like to go from Osaka to Kyoto. Is there a train that goes there and can we pick up a tour once to get to Kyoto.

thanks for any input

Edna

[kohala]

there is a great website to check out http://www.japan-guide.com/ There are many ways to get to Kyoto from Osaka. Are you going on the September 24th Pricess sailing from Seattle to Osaka? We still haven't quite figured out how to get from the ship to Kyoto where we'll be staying for 4 nights before we return home. I'm going to contact the hotel about that.

[edna@optonline.net]

Hi

We're on the Oct 12th sailing from Osaka to Beijing so we'll be staying in Osaka and taking a day trip to Kyoto. I know there is a train that goes between the two cities. Good luck

[bubax4]

We are on the Sept 24 sailing to Osaka and are looking into transportation from the port to Kyoto. It seems that the train is the best solution, the only problem is that on a cruise you tend to have extra luggage and that seems to be the problem as the train stations don't have elevators, escalators or porters. Our TA has emailed the hotel and is waiting for a reply for them to arrange for us to be picked up at the ship. We are staying at the Westin Miyoka for 2 nights after the cruise. Hope you have luck with your hotel. Our TA contacted a company called Ports International which arrabge private shore excursions at most ports in the world and they told her they couldn't arrange a car but thought it would probably cost around $200US for the trip.

 

I

[edna@optonline.net]

thanks for the info. I'll talk to our TA tomorrow and ask her to contact the company. We're staying in Osaka and will be going to kyoto for the day so we won't be dealing with luggage. i hope you can get a car.

[bubax4]

I just heard from our TA regarding the car from the port to Kyoto. She contacted our hotel (Westin Miyako) to see if they could arrange for a car pickup with an english speaking driver. The concierge faxed her back that they would arrange for pick up on the dock for 25000 yen (about 230 US). It is expensive but probably worth it if you have alot of luggage.

 

kohola - what hotel are you staying at in Kyoto? They maybe able to arrange a car for you.

[tclowe]

We were on the Osaka to Beijing cruise about two years ago. We spent 3 days pre-cruise in Kyoto and 2 days pre-cruise in Osaka.

 

The Ltd. Express Haruka runs from Osaka to Kyoto roundtrip. I think the ride from Kyoto to Osaka was about 1 hour. We took the Ltd. Express Haruka from the Kansai Airport to Kyoto first and the ride was 75 minutes and lost 3,490 yen for reserved seats.

 

Be sure to visit the Sanjusangendo Temple (take bus 100 or 206 or 208). It was a very beautiful temple and you can make wishes on sticks or candles (with small donation). The gold leaf statutes are so unique and interesting. We were lucky and observed a traditional Japanese wedding when we visited.

 

If you have a Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) office in your city, you should stop by and pick up all their great maps, Kyoto Walks & Osaka Walks pamphlets, brochures, and ask office staff for help in planning. They have a website so maybe you can e-mail them to mail you some maps and guides. We picked up a ton of literature for our trip from the San Francisco office.

 

Have a wonderful trip. Japan is so beautiful and shopping here is fun and expensive.

 

Cynthia

[edna@optonline.net]

Hi

Thanks Cynthis. We live in New York so we'll go into the city and visit the tourist center before our trip. I don't know why we never thought of it. I did hear that shopping was expensive but that Kyoto was beautiful and worth seeing. thanks for the info

edna

[susiesan]

Take a look at this website for all trains in Japan:

 

http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/

 

It's a great planning tool. It also shows you the cost. You can buy the tickets at the train station from a machine or at the midori no mado (green window) where they speak English. If you have to change trains it shows you what platform to use and the times. Trains in Japan are ALWAYS on time except during typhoons. Japanese always take luggage on trains so it is no big deal. In the larger city stations there may be elevators or escalators to some platforms. But you will have to roll it yourself and heft it onto the luggage racks. There are no porters. I've never taken a taxi or car service in Japan-only the train.