Access from Osaka to Kyoto: Train Time, Fares, and Discount Passes of Different Railways

Osaka, the city of delicious food, and Kyoto, the historic ancient capital, are two must-visit destinations in Kansai. Three different railway companies connect these two cities: Hankyu Railway, JR, and Keihan Railway. Whether you want to travel fast, keep the cost low, or enjoy a comfortable ride, this guide explains all the advantages and disadvantages, along with access tips and recommended discount passes for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto.   -INDEX- Comparing train fares and travel times from Osaka to Kyoto Money-saving passes for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto Reserved seating options Special trains between Osaka and Kyoto If you are starting your journey from the Umeda area, you can take either Hankyu Railway from Osaka-Umeda Station or JR from Osaka Station. If you prefer to use the Keihan Line, you can transfer at Yodoyabashi Station, which is just one stop from Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. The best train to take will vary depending on where you board and which part of the area you plan to visit. If you want to visit the main downtown district around Shijo–Kawaramachi, the closest station is Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. If you want easy access to Kyoto Tower, JR Kyoto Station is directly in front of it. For sightseeing spots like Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the most convenient choice is Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.   Hankyu Railway JR Keihan Railway Main Station in Kyoto   Kyoto-kawaramachi Station Kyoto Station Gion-Shijo Station Number of trains 6 trains per hour 4 trains per hour 5 trains per hour   One-way fare Adult ¥410 Adult ¥580 Adult ¥490 Travel Time About 43 min by Limited Express / Semi Express About 29 min by Rapid Service About 49 min by Limited Express Operating Hours Limited Express: 8:00–16:00 Semi Express: 6:00–23:00 5:00–24:00 6:00–23:00 Advantages   ・Lowest fare ・Direct access to the city center of Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi) – very convenient for sightseeing ・Limited Express and Semi Express trains are reasonably fast ・Optional reserved-seat service “PRiVACE” available for extra comfort ・Fastest travel time ・Very convenient connections to the Shinkansen, Nara, and Shiga areas ・Convenient access to the eastern side of Kyoto (Gion, Kiyomizudera, etc.) ・Optional reserved-seat “Premium Car” available for a more comfortable ride   Disadvantages ・Does not go to Kyoto Station, so a transfer is needed if using the Shinkansen ・Higher fare ・Rapid trains can be crowded ・Delays can affect a wide area ・Longer travel time ・Requires transfer from Umeda to Yodoyabashi Station ※Fares are as of November 2025 All three railway companies offer convenient 1-day passes (and 2-day passes for JR) that allow unlimited rides. These passes are especially useful if you plan to visit sightseeing spots a little further from central Kyoto such as Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari Shrine.   Hankyu 1-day Pass (Digital Ticket, 2025) JR-West QR 2-day Pass Keihan Railway Osaka–Kyoto 1-day SIGHTSEEING PASS Price Adult 1,300 yen Adult 4,000 yen Adult 1,650 yen Validity 1 day 2 days 1 day Advantages   ・Easy access to Arashiyama with a transfer at Katsura Station ・Ticketless with QR code ・Reach Arashiyama with a transfer at Kyoto Station ・Ticketless with QR code ・Convenient for travel between Osaka, Fushimi Inari, and Gion ・Includes Iwashimizu-hachimangu-sando-cable to Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine ・Special discounts at temples and attractions along the Keihan line ・Ticketless with QR code Disadvantages ・Only valid on Hankyu lines ・Credit card only ・Only valid on JR lines ・Must be used on two consecutive days ・Extra fee for Limited Express or “A-Seat” ・Credit card only ・Only valid on Keihan lines ・Ishiyama-Sakamoto and Keishin lines in Otsu are not included ・“Premium Car” requires an additional fee ・Credit card only For travelers who prefer to sit during the ride, both Hankyu and Keihan offer reserved-seat services. Hankyu provides PRiVACE, while Keihan offers the Premium Car. With an additional fee of only 500 yen, you can enjoy wide, comfortable seats and a relaxed journey. There is also space for large luggage, making it convenient for travelers with suitcases.   Hankyu Railway – “PRiVACE” Tickets can be reserved in advance through the dedicated online booking site. No membership registration is required, and reservations open 14 days before travel. Up to 4 seats can be booked at one time. Seats are arranged in a spacious 2+1 layout (three seats per row) with generous width and legroom. Each seat comes with its own power outlet and a personal table. Free Wi-Fi is also available, allowing you to charge your phone, work on your laptop, or enjoy the internet during the ride. *If seats are still available, you can also purchase your ticket on the spot after boarding on the day of travel.   Keihan Railway – “Premium Car” Ticket reservations open 14 days before the travel date. Seating is arranged in a spacious 2 + 1 layout (three seats per row), with only 40 seats per car — providing ample space between seats for a premium experience. Just like with PRiVACE, every seat is equipped with a power outlet, drink holder, and personal table. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the car is also fitted with security cameras and air purifiers for a safe, comfortable ride.   ▼For more info▼ A Guide to Hankyu Railway’s Reserved Seat Service “PRiVACE”| Make Your Journey Comfortable between Osaka and Kyoto!   If you want to enjoy more of a sightseeing atmosphere while traveling by train, we highly recommend the “Kyo-Train Garaku,” a special sightseeing train that lets you feel the spirit of Kyoto the moment you step on board.Each carriage has its own seasonal and botanical theme, featuring traditional Japanese design elements such as tatami-style seating and dry landscape garden motifs. The interiors are different in every car, creating a stylish “Japanese-modern” atmosphere that keeps the ride interesting no matter how many times you take it. No seat reservation is required, and you can ride with a regular train fare, making it easy and convenient. The train operates only on weekends and public holidays.   ▼For more info▼ Kyo-Train Garaku | Feel Kyoto, From the Moment You Step On Board – Specially Designed Train

Best Deities for Healing Illness and Achieving Health in Osaka and Kyoto

It is said that shrines offer a variety of benefits. Well-known and famous shrines are good, but why not visit a unique shrine with pinpoint benefits? In this issue, we will introduce shrines in Osaka and Kyoto that are associated with the body.   -INDEX- 【Osaka】Tooth Shrine: Wishing For Dental Health 【Kyoto】Mikami Shrine:Japan’s Only Shrine Dedicated to Hair 【Kyoto】Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine: Guardian of Leg and Hip Health 【Osaka】 Hattoritenjingu Shrine: A Nationally Rare Shrine Dedicated to Feet     The Tooth Shrine is located near HEP FIVE, a landmark of Umeda, Osaka, famous for its red Ferris wheel. It is a shrine for “teeth”, a rarity in Japan. Originally, it was an Inari shrine that enshrined a giant stone as its sacred body. Several hundred years ago, when the Umeda area was hit by a great flood, the giant stone stopped the water from flowing in and prevented Umeda from being submerged, and thus became popularly known as the god of halt. The shrine became known as the “Tooth Shrine” because of its role in preventing toothaches. The “Nade-ishi” stone is located in front of the main shrine building. It is said that if you stroke this stone, which is also said to be a piece of the sacred giant stone, and then stroke the painful part of your tooth, the pain will be removed. We constantly receive worshippers from all over the country, including those suffering from dental problems, those involved in dental care, students aspiring to become dentists, and those who work with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other tooth-related products. It is a very small shrine with a torii gate, a small shrine, and a sacred tree in a small space along the road, so there are no amulets or sacred fuda given here. It can be awarded at Tsunashiki Tenjinsha Otabisha, a 5-minute walk away. Go there after paying a visit to the Tooth Shrine. They receive inquiries from all over the country, including those who suffer from dental problems and those who work in the dental field.   Let’s pray for your dental health to the god of teeth, the only one in Japan!   *The Tsunashiki Tenjin Shrine’s temporary shrine is often unattended on weekdays and closed on Wednesdays. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so please be mindful of the day and time you plan to visit. Mikami-jinja Shrine in Saga, Kyoto is the only shrine in Japan that grants wishes regarding hair. The shrine was founded by Kyoto barbers and hairdressers and is dedicated to Masayuki Uneme no Suke Fujiwara, a Japanese hairdresser who is said to have been active as a hairdresser in Japan. It is located on the banks of Ogura Pond after passing through the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove path to the Trolley Arashiyama Station. Not only people with hair problems but also those who want to keep their hair beautiful and those who work in the beauty industry visit the shrine. There are a variety of charms, including the uniquely named “Fusafusa-mamori” and the comb-shaped “Ogushi-mamori”. “Takumi Mamoru” is a popular good luck charm for hair stylists. It has a scissors motif and comes in a cosmetic box. It is also an ideal gift. The ema of the Mikami-jinja Shrine is in the shape of a comb with a woman with beautiful hair. Many people pray on the ema not only for wishes related to hair, but also for success in the national examinations for hairdressers and barbers, and for stylists and beauticians to improve their skills.   Why not stretch your legs when you come to Arashiyama? Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine is located on the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The shrine is dedicated to Wake no Kiyomaro, who contributed to the construction of Heian-kyo. The shrine is also known as the “Wild Boar Shrine” because of the many motifs of wild boars throughout the shrine grounds. The connection between Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine and wild boars is found in an episode in which 300 wild boars saved Kiyomaro from difficulties. At that time, Kiyomaro’s injured leg also recovered, and he came to be worshipped as a god to protect his legs and feet. The “Monument for the Recovery of Ashinae Difficulties,” located next to the main shrine, is visited by many worshippers who wish for good health of their feet and legs. They pray by climbing on the foot-shaped stone or rubbing the monument. The prayer stand at the base of the sacred tree is a unique wish form of this shrine, where visitors write their names and wishes on a paper tag. The amulet protecting the health of your feet and legs is designed in the shape of a footprint. Take home the blessings of Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine. Many people give them to family and friends who play sports. Please be sure to draw a wild boar omikuji here as well. Each one has a different face, and each one has a different atmosphere. The boar has a fortune inside. Note the hand-watering basin on the right as soon as you enter the temple grounds. It is said that if you stroke the nose of the bronze boar, good luck will come to you.   Please visit Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine, the most famous shrine in Kyoto for the healing of illnesses and injuries of the legs and feet. Hattoritenjingu Shrine, located in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, enshrines the “God of Feet”. Widely revered as the “Shrine of Feet”, it attracts worshippers from Osaka, the Kansai region, and all over Japan who pray for recovery from foot ailments and improvement in athletic performance. Some even visit before running marathons. It is widely known as the guardian deity of the feet due to an ancient tale: during the mid-Heian period, Sugawara no Michizane, passing through this area, was unable to move due to a chronic foot ailment. Upon praying for healing, he was soon cured. At Hattoritenjingu, besides amulets for foot protection, you can receive unique charms such as the “Ashimamori” (foot guardian) charm, which you attach to your running shoe laces for foot protection, and charms for sports improvement.   With excellent access just a 1-minute walk from Hattori Tenjin Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line, be sure to visit when you come to Kansai. We introduced some unusual shrines in Osaka and Kyoto. It is best to keep your teeth, hair, and legs healthy. Let’s visit each of these shrines and pray!   ▼For more information Check out this article▼ Unusual red seals and good luck charms! 12 Shrines and Temples in Kansai related to the Chinese Zodiac 8 Must-Visit Shrines in Kobe: Perfect to Pair with Nearby Attractions    

Unusual red seals and good luck charms! 12 Shrines and Temples in Kansai related to the Chinese Zodiac

In Japan, there are shrines and temples associated with animals. Some Japanese people visit shrines associated with the animals of the Chinese zodiac, which are used as numerals in Japan, or they visit the shrine of the zodiac sign of their birth year every year.   What is the Chinese Zodiac? And, we introduce shrines & temples in Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka related to the animals of the Chinese zodiac.   -INDEX- What is the Chinese Zodiac? 【Rat】Kyoto Philosopher’s Walk, Otoyo Shrine 【Ox】Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto 【Tiger】Ryosokuin, Kyoto Kawaramachi 【Rabbit】Higashitenno Okazaki Shrine, Kyoto Kawaramachi 【Dragon】Minatogawa Shrine, Hyogo 【Snake】Himejima Shrine, Osaka 【Horse】Kamo Wakeikazuchi Jinja Shrine ( Kamigamo Jinja), Kyoto 【Sheep】Kokuzo Hourinji, Arashiyama, Kyoto 【Monkey】Ryuanji Temple, Minoh, Osaka 【Rooster】Nagata Shrine, Hyogo 【Dog】Nakayamadera Temple, Hyogo 【Boar】Goou Jinja Shinto Shrine, Kyoto Karasuma Originally, the Chinese zodiac referred to a calendar combining the “ten signs of the zodiac” and the “twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac”, which had been used in China since ancient times. In modern Japan, the term “zodiac” is used to refer only to the “twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac” and refers to the 12 animals that represent the year. 【Rat (Ne)】Year 2020 【Ox (Ushi)】Year 2021 【Tiger (Tora)】Year 2022 【Hare (U)】Year 2023 【Dragon (Tatsu)】Year 2024 【Snake (Mi)】Year 2025 【Horse (Uma)】Year 2026 【Ram (Hitsuji)】Year 2027 【Monkey (Saru)】Year 2028 【Rooster (Tori)】Year 2029 【Dog (Inu)】Year 2030 【Boar (I)】Year 2031   When the twelve Chinese zodiac signs come full circle, they are applied again from the first rat (ne). The Chinese zodiac is used as a motif for pictures on New Year’s greeting cards sent at the beginning of the year, as well as in everyday conversation, “It’s the year of the tiger,” and in fortune telling. In this way, the Chinese zodiac has become one of the most familiar numbers to Japanese people.   Let us continue to introduce Kansai shrines and temples associated with the Chinese zodiac. Known as the “Shrine of the Koma-Nezumi” (guardian rat), this shrine is located on the Philosophical Road in Kyoto. Two statues of Koma-Nezumi guard the Okuni-sha Shrine on the shrine grounds. The A form on the right holds a scroll representing learning, and the Un form on the left holds a polka dot symbolizing fertility and prosperity of descendants. The red seal, the red seal book, and the amulet are also designed after the Koma-Nezumi. There are also other unusual statues in the precincts of the shrine, including a guardian snake, a guardian monkey, a guardian fox, and a guardian flying squirrel. It is the head shrine of about 12,000 Tenmangu and Tenjinsha shrines throughout Japan, which are dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. In the precincts of the shrine, there is a statue of a cow, the messenger of Sugawara no Michizane. The cow statue at the Cow Shrine, located in the northwest of the shrine grounds, is said to be the oldest one on the grounds, and it is said that if you stroke the cow statue, only one wish will come true. Ryosokuin Temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, the god of war, who is closely associated with the tiger. A rare Koma-Tora (guardian tiger) is placed here, and its expression is as brave as the real thing! After visiting the temple, you can also get a red seal. The symbol of this shrine is a rabbit, which comes from a legend that it is blessed with fertility and from the fact that there used to be many rabbits in the Okazaki area. In addition to the guardian rabbits and rabbits that bring children to the shrine, there is also a cute “Usagi-mikuji omamori (rabbit charm)”. One of the most famous shrines in Hyogo Prefecture, it is dedicated to the great general Masashige Kusunoki. The 164 paintings on the ceiling of the shrine pavilion were dedicated by famous artists from all over Japan, and the “Great Blue Dragon” by Hyogo-born Fukuda Bisen is a masterpiece. From January 1 to 3, those who receive the first New Year’s prayer can enter the hall to watch the ceremony, and from January 4 onward, visitors can look up from the south entrance of the main hall where the offering boxes are located. Snakes are believed to symbolize rebirth in Japan, and Himejima Shrine is one of the shrines dedicated to the snake god. Behind the shrine dedicated to the snake god, a part of a 900-year-old sacred tree that was burnt in an air raid in 1945 still remains and is said to be a “tree of fresh start”. The main deity is Akaruhimenomikoto, who made a new start in this area, and is believed to be the “starting over” shrine, as everything was once lost in a war. Since ancient times, the shrine has had a strong connection with horses. It is said that seeing a white horse during the “White Horse Sightseeing Ceremony” held every year on January 7 will purge the shrine of evil spirits for the year. It is a rare shrine where the sacred horse can still be seen on a certain day. Kokuzo Horinji Temple is a sightseeing spot where you can overlook the Arashiyama cityscape from the temple grounds. A statue of a sheep, which is believed to be a messenger or incarnation of Kokuzo Bosatsu, the main deity of the temple, is placed on the temple grounds, and it is said to bestow wisdom when touched. The temple is the birthplace of the lottery and is said to be the first temple in Japan to worship Benzaiten. The temple grounds are located in a nature park inhabited by Japanese macaques. The nature park is also home to Minoh Falls, a tourist attraction selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. The three monkeys with their eyes, ears, and mouths covered by their hands represent the teaching of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” = “it is better not to see, hear, or speak of evil things”. Rooster have long been revered as messengers of the gods. It is said that roosters used to roam the shrine grounds and that the shrine parishioners never ate rooster meat or eggs. The ornate decorations of the hall of worship are also worth noting. Nakayama-dera Temple is famous for its prayers for easy childbirth. Since dogs are light in childbirth, many women visit the temple on the day of the dog to pray for easy delivery. The gifts for safe delivery are also popular. Goou Shrine is the site of an anecdote about a wild boar that saved the life of Prince Wake no Kiyomaro, whose tendon in his leg was cut. Because of this, the shrine is known as a guardian deity of the legs and feet, and Koma-Boar (guardian boar) is placed in front of the shrine. The boar statue in the hand-watering basin is famous for bringing good luck when its nose is stroked. Good luck charms and ema (votive picture tablet) also have a wild boar motif. Visiting shrines associated with the Chinese zodiac and receiving blessings is one way to learn about Japanese culture. If you travel to Japan, be sure to visit one.

The 8 best winter illuminations in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe!

Are you wondering where to go sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe in winter? In Japan, major illumination events will be held in various locations. Starting with Umeda, Osaka, the center of Kansai, historic buildings and symbols in Kyoto and Kobe will be decorated with gorgeous colors for a limited period of time. This year, Kobe’s traditional festival, which is filled with the prayers and hopes of the citizens of Kobe, will also make a comeback. Please be sure to include it in your travel plans.   ※All photos are for illustrative purposes only.   ＜Osaka＞Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2025 ＜Osaka Umeda＞UMEDA SKYBUILDING Christmas 2025 ＜Osaka Umeda＞GRAND FRONT OSAKA「GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2025」 ＜Osaka Umeda＞Champagne Gold Illumination in UMEKITA ＜Osaka Umeda＞UMEDA MEETS HEART 2025 ＜Osaka＞OSAKA CASTLE ILLUMINAGE 2025 ＜Kyoto＞NAKED meets NIJO-JO CATSLE 2025 KANGETSU ＜Kobe＞Kobe Christmas Market 2025 “Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2025” is a Major winter event that takes place in various locations throughout Osaka Prefecture!   「Midosuji Illumination 2025」April 9 (Wed)～December 31, 2025 (Wed) Midosuji Illumination 2025 will illuminate Midosuji, the iconic street connecting Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba, for a total length of 4 kilometers. This light path, spanning approximately 4 kilometers in length, is not only the japan’s longest but was also recognized as a world record in January 2015.   「OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2025」December 14 (Sat)～December 25, 2025 (Thu) OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2025 provides a stunning light display along the waterfront of Nakanoshima, Osaka’s symbol as a water city. The Osaka City Central Public Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property, is a must-see with its stunning 3D mapping LED display!   「Area Program」Event schedule varies by facility and installations Check the official website Venue: The Midosuji area (Hanshin Intersection～Namba West Exit Intersection), Osaka City Central Public Hall～Nakanoshima Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, etc. Date: November 14 (Fri)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)   The Umeda Sky Building, one of Umeda’s top attractions, is hosting a dazzling illumination event. In the first-floor plaza, a symbolic tree standing about 25 meters tall and adorned with approximately 130,000 LED lights has been unveiled.    This year’s theme is ‘THE CIRCUS OF LIGHT ~ A Fantastical Circus Sparkling in the Night Sky~’. A dazzling and charming daytime circus, and a beautiful nighttime circus emerging from the darkness.   Original mugs, which were a big hit last year, also make great souvenirs.   Check the official website Date: November 6 (Thu)～December 25, 2025 (Thu) *Partially excluded   The giant Christmas tree at the Knowledge Plaza in the North Building of Grand Front Osaka amazes visitors each year with its enchanting design. This year’s tree, titled “Infinity Wish Tree,” features an interior and exterior wrapped in mirrored materials, creating a dazzling display that changes depending on your angle and the moment.  Stand in front of the triangular objects surrounding the tree, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a kaleidoscope! It’s also a fantastic photo spot. The lighting show enhances the magical atmosphere with colors shifting between yellow, red, and blue, wrapping the space in an even more enchanting glow.   Venue: Grand Front Osaka North/South Building, Umekita Plaza, etc. Lighting show: 16:00〜24:00 on Weekdays, 15:00〜24:00 on Weekends and Holidays *Every 15 mins (Last show at 23:45) Date: November 6, 2025 (Thu)～february 28, 2026 (Sat)    The “Umekita Area” illumination event, located north of JR Osaka Station, is a must-see. In addition to Grand Front Osaka, parts of the recently opened Grand Green Osaka and Umekita Park are adorned with approximately 250,000 LED lights. The elegant champagne gold glow creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.   Venue: Grand Front Umekita Plaza, Grand Green Osaka Umekita Park, etc. Date: December 1 (Mon)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)   This year marks the sixth iteration of the event, themed “Five Hearts. Circulating Umeda”.   The main event, “HEART FES”, runs for two days from Saturday, December 13th to Sunday, December 14th. It features Christmas concerts, workshops, marching performances, and more across five areas of Umeda.   Additionally, “HEART SPOT” sees 47 facilities throughout Umeda joining forces to decorate the entire city with ‘hearts’ and “illuminations”.   Venue: Umeda area Date: November 1, 2025 (Fri)～February 1, 2026 (Sun)   Osaka Castle’s Nishinomaru Garden lights up with approximately 3.5 million LEDs, set against the majestic backdrop of the castle keep. The illumination features motifs like shoguns, samurai, and helmets, showcasing Osaka’s history from the Sengoku period to the present. It brings the memories of the Warring States period back to life on a breathtaking scale.The Lantern Corridor, layered with Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibility and history, makes its appearance. Countless lanterns stand in orderly rows, creating a fantastical and solemn path of light. The Lantern Corridor, layered with Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibility and history, makes its appearance. Countless lanterns stand in orderly rows, creating a fantastical and solemn path of light.   Venue: Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden Date: October 31, 2025 (Fri)～December 7, 2025 (Sun)   The moon admired by the people of Nijo-jo Castle during the Edo period. This autumn-only, nighttime-limited art exhibition revives its elegance through the fusion of light and traditional culture.   Check the official website Venue: Nijo-jo Castle Date: November 8 (Sat)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)   A special Christmas event takes place at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, located at an elevation of approximately 400 meters. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kobe’s nightscape alongside the garden’s original decorated tower, making it a perfect photo spot! Located just a short distance from Kobe’s city center and the Kitano Ijinkan area, it’s an ideal spot to combine with your Kobe sightseeing plans.   Venue: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway ➡Check here for details   ▼Check these articles▼ 10 Delicious Gourmet Foods in Kobe! Local Specialties and Local Foods Recommended by Locals First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course

Kurama Onsen｜A Hidden Hot Spring Just an Hour from Central Kyoto

Just a short trip from central Kyoto, Kurama is a place steeped in legend, which is said to be home to the mythical tengu, who, according to folklore, once trained the young warrior Ushiwakamaru in martial arts. Nestled amid lush greenery, Kurama Onsen offers a tranquil retreat where you can soak in soothing hot springs surrounded by nature. A visit here is the perfect way to unwind and recharge during your Kyoto sightseeing journey.   Index 1. What is Kurama Onsen? 2. How to Get to Kurama Onsen 3. Admission Fees and Opening Hours 4. What to Bring to Kurama Onsen 5. Nearby Sightseeing Spots to Visit Along with Kurama Onsen   Just an hour from central Kyoto, Kurama Onsen sits at the foot of Mount Kurama in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, surrounded by lush, unspoiled nature. Known as one of Kyoto’s few hidden hot springs suitable for day trips, its iron-rich waters are said to promote beautiful skin and relieve fatigue. From the open-air bath located on an elevated hillside, visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, which change beautifully with each season, offering a deeply relaxing experience that feels like a true retreat into the heart of the mountains. When traveling from central Kyoto to Kurama Onsen, the most convenient way is by train or bus. Here are the two main routes:   ・From the Hankyu Shijo-Kawaramachi area [Keihan Main Line] Gion-Shijo Station → Demachiyanagi Station (approx. 5 min) [Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line] Demachiyanagi Station → Kurama Station (approx. 30 min) Take the free shuttle bus from Kurama Station to Kurama Onsen (approx. 3 min). The shuttle operates in coordination with train arrivals and departures.   ・From the JR Kyoto Station area [Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line] Kyoto Station → Kokusaikaikan Station (approx. 20 min) [Kyoto Bus (Route 52, etc.)] Kokusaikaikan Station-mae → Kurama Onsen-mae (approx. 30 min) From the Kurama Onsen-mae bus stop, it’s about a 1-minute walk to the onsen. Admission fees vary depending on the plan and the day of the week, so be sure to check the price table before your visit. No reservation is required for day-trip bathing, and payment is made on-site. If you’d like to relax fully, the plan that includes access to the indoor bath, open-air bath, and sauna is highly recommended. Towels and room wear are also provided, allowing you to unwind in total comfort.   ・Day-trip Admission Fees & Hours Indoor bath, open-air bath & sauna (includes towel & room wear) Open-air bath only Weekdays Weekends & Holidays Weekdays Weekends & Holidays Adults (13 years and over) ¥2,500 ¥2,700 ¥1,400 ¥1,600 Children (3–12 years) ¥1,300 ¥700 Infants (2 years and under) Free Opening Hours 10:00～21:00 Here are some essential items to bring when visiting Kurama Onsen for a day trip. While many things are available for purchase on-site, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance for a smoother experience.   ・Towels Bring two types of towels: a small face towel and a larger bath towel. Use the face towel for washing and lightly wiping off water before leaving the bathing area (remember, it’s good manners not to dip your towel into the bathwater). After bathing, use your bath towel in the dressing room to dry off thoroughly, which helps keep the floors clean and dry.   ・Coins You’ll need a 100-yen coin to use the coin lockers for your clothes. Don’t worry, the coin is returned after use, so it’s essentially free. It’s also handy to have extra coins for purchasing drinks from vending machines after your bath.   ・Hair tie If you have long hair, tie it up before entering the bath. This is a basic etiquette rule to prevent your hair from touching the bathwater.   Amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers are provided at Kurama Onsen, so there’s no need to bring your own. There are several sightseeing spots around Kurama Onsen, making it the perfect area to explore while you’re there. Take your time to enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere of Kyoto’s mountain retreat. ・Kurama-dera Temple Located near Kurama Onsen, Kurama-dera is a historic temple famous for the legends of the Tengu (a mythical mountain spirit) and Ushiwakamaru (the young warrior who later became Minamoto no Yoshitsune). Visitors can reach the main hall on the mountain either by cable car (about 2 minutes) or by hiking (around 40 minutes). Many people enjoy taking a relaxing dip in the hot spring after their scenic hike through the forested paths. ・Kifune Shrine Another popular destination is Kifune Shrine, often paired with a visit to Kurama-dera. From Kurama Onsen, take the free shuttle bus to Kurama Station, then board the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi Station. From there, take a Kyoto Bus (route 33, etc.) to the Kifune stop, followed by a 5-minute walk to the shrine (about 20 minutes total). Alternatively, you can take the famous hiking route over the mountain through the Kurama-dera temple grounds—a favorite “golden route” among visitors. The trail takes about an hour, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.   ▶＜Kyoto＞ Kifune Shrine｜Perfect guide from benefits and access to omamori!   Just an hour from central Kyoto, Kurama offers a unique hot spring experience surrounded by nature. Alongside the soothing baths, you can immerse yourself in the sacred and tranquil atmosphere of Kurama-dera and Kifune Shrine. It’s a perfect way to refresh both body and mind while discovering a different side of Kyoto.

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