The Hankyu Railway has trains running between Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. This incredible ease of access makes it popular with tourists and residents alike.

The Hankyu Railway makes it easy to get from central Osaka to central Kyoto without the need to transfer. For example, the journey from Osaka-umeda to Kyoto-kawaramachi takes just about 43 minutes by limited express, and the trip from Osaka-umeda to Kobe-sannomiya takes 25 to 30 minutes by limited express, making it easy to hop over to neighboring prefectures without even changing trains.

Though it requires a transfer at Katsura Station, getting from the central area of Kyoto (Kyoto-kawaramachi) to Arashiyama takes only about 20 minutes. The Hankyu Railway is much faster than taking a bus from downtown to the Arashiyama area, allowing you to avoid congestion and travel comfortably.

The Hankyu 1day pass is a convenient day ticket valid on all Hankyu Railway lines, offering unlimited rides for the day of activation at a cost of 1,300 yen for adults.

This pass is ideal for travelers looking to explore not only Osaka but also Kyoto and Kobe, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy the Kansai region. With the savings, you can have more to spend on local food and activities.

One of the best features of the Hankyu 1day pass is its smartphone accessibility. From purchase to activation, everything can be done on your phone, making it a great option for those who prefer cashless travel and want to skip the hassle of ticket machines or service counters.

Purchasing the Hankyu 1day pass is simple. Just register for the SURUTTO QRtto digital ticket service, log in, select the Hankyu 1day pass, and enter your credit card details.

The SURUTTO QRtto site offers a translation feature, allowing you to make your purchase in your preferred language. Buy your pass anytime, anywhere—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

On the day you want to use the ticket, just log in to SURUTTO QRtto and tap the "Start using" button to display your QR code (*1). Simply hold the QR code over the reader at the ticket gate to board—no physical ticket needed. This way, you can skip the lines at station counters and ticket machines, avoiding the hassle of waiting or navigating in Japanese. It's a big convenience for smooth, stress-free travel.

(*1 “QR code” is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.)

The ticket will not activate until you press the "Start using" button, so you can buy it in advance and wait to use it. If your plans change, you can easily request a refund for free.

Explore Kansai to the fullest with these recommended routes designed to make the most of your Hankyu 1day pass.

The first route is designed for those staying in Osaka, taking you through Kyoto's famous sightseeing spots.

1. 9:30 AM: Depart from Osaka-umeda Station

Start your journey from Osaka-umeda Station, a convenient base with plenty of shopping centers and hotels nearby.

2. 10 AM: Get off at Oyamazaki Station and join the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery Tour

After about 30 minutes on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, arrive at Oyamazaki Station. Then, make your way to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, where the famed single-malt whisky Yamazaki is crafted.

At the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, you can join a tour (tickets are available for purchase based on a lottery system) to explore whisky production areas like the aging cellar and even enjoy tastings of unblended whisky. The Yamazaki Whisky Museum also offers exclusive merchandise.

3. 1 PM: Lunch and shopping at Kyoto-kawaramachi Station

From Oyamazaki Station, it’s about 30 minutes on the Hankyu Kyoto Line to reach Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. This lively area is within walking distance of historic districts like Pontocho and Gion and is packed with restaurants and souvenir shops.

4. 3 PM: Stop at Nagaoka-tenjin Station to visit Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine

It takes around 15 minutes from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line to arrive at Nagaoka-tenjin Station. Here, you can easily walk to Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, known for its gorgeous flowers, including cherry blossoms in spring, the picturesque Hachijo Pond, and a path lined with vibrant red azalea bushes.

5. 4 PM: Stroll down the Bamboo Path and Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Park near Rakusaiguchi Station

A 6-minute ride on the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Nagaoka-tenjin Station brings you to Rakusaiguchi Station. From there, a short bus ride leads to the 1.8-kilometer Bamboo Path (“Take-no-Michi”) and Kyoto City Rakusai Bamboo Park, Japan’s only botanical garden dedicated to bamboo. While the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is more famous, this area offers equally breathtaking bamboo scenery for visitors to enjoy.

6. 6 PM: Return to Osaka-umeda Station
After about a 50-minute ride on the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Rakusaiguchi Station, you’re back at Osaka-umeda Station. Normally, taking this route with regular tickets would cost around 1,440 yen, so the 1-Day Pass not only saves you 100 yen but also spares you the hassle of buying multiple tickets throughout the day! This itinerary lets you enjoy Kyoto's shrines, nature, food, and shopping—all while using Osaka as your home base.

With Route 2, you'll start from Kyoto, explore the highlights of Kobe, and finish with an overnight stay in Osaka, making the most of all three prefectures in one day.

1. 9 AM: Depart from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station

Begin the all-in-one route from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. Cross the Kamo River, and you'll find yourself near the Gion area—ideal for a peaceful morning stroll before the area gets crowded.

2. 9:30 AM: Explore popular sights at Arashiyama Station

From Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, transfer at Katsura Station to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, reaching Arashiyama Station in just about 20 minutes. Though there is one transfer, this route is a time-saver!

Arashiyama is packed with must-see sights conveniently clustered together, including the famous Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River, the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Tenryuji Temple with its beautiful gardens and pond.

3. 1:30 PM: Disembark at Nishiyama-tennozan Station for a tour of the Suntory Kyoto Brewery

From Arashiyama Station, transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Nishiyama-tennozan Station. Head to the Suntory Kyoto Brewery, which prides itself on their beer made with high-quality groundwater. The factory offers free guided tours where you can take in the brewing process from beginning to end (advance reservations required).

After the tour, enjoy a tasting of Premium Malt's. Seeing the production process makes the beer taste even better!

4. 4 PM: Discover the latest trends at Osaka-umeda Station

After approximately 40 minutes on the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Nishiyama-tennozan Station, you'll arrive at Osaka-umeda Station. The Hankyu Umeda Main Store is a massive department store featuring a wide selection of high-end brands, cosmetics, and trendy items, the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy.

5. 6 PM: Be amazed by the “million-dollar nighttime view” at Kobe-sannomiya Station

A 30-minute ride on the Hankyu Kobe Line from Osaka-umeda Station takes you to Kobe-sannomiya Station, right at the heart of Kobe. This port city has been a melting pot of multicultural influences for over a century, offering a distinct contrast to the traditional air of Osaka and Kyoto. A short walk from Kobe-sannomiya Station leads you to Nankinmachi, Kobe’s bustling Chinatown filled with long-established Chinese restaurants.

After dinner in Nankinmachi, make sure to head to Kobe Port for the stunning night view. Known as the “million-dollar nighttime view,” the dazzling scenery is sure to captivate you.

6. 9:30 PM: Stay at a hotel near Osaka-umeda Station

The regular cost for Route 2 would be 1,470 yen, but with the 1-Day Pass, you save 170 yen. The more you explore, the more money you save, an incredible advantage for tourists eager to explore the area.

If you’re traveling between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, consider taking the scenic limited express Kyo-train GARAKU. Operating only on weekends and holidays, this special train offers a unique experience at the regular fare, with no additional charges. Hankyu 1day pass holders can also enjoy a ride on this train at no extra cost.

Cars one through six feature unique interiors inspired by traditional Kyoto townhouses. Highlights include tatami-style box seats, a Zen garden car, and circular windows adorned with images of irises, cranes, and pines, all exuding Kyoto’s uniquely Japanese charm. Outside, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Japan’s rural landscapes, offering a fresh perspective on both Osaka and Kyoto. The third car even has window-facing seats for a comfy, scenic ride.

This train often attracts long lines, with crowds gathering up to 30 minutes before departure at Osaka-Umeda Station. However, Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station tends to be less busy. For a better chance of securing a good seat on the Kyo-train GARAKU, consider departing from Kyoto-Kawaramachi to avoid the crowds.

Check the Kyo-train GARAKU schedule below.

Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe are home to many captivating tourist attractions, making these areas the perfect places to sightsee during your trip to Japan. The Hankyu 1day pass helps you make the most of your visit, offering a stress-free travel experience by allowing you to purchase and use the pass entirely from your smartphone. Utilizing this pass will allow you to enjoy gorgeous scenery from the limited express while visiting famous landmarks!