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In 2023, when Japan Railways introduced a big improve within the value of the JR Cross, I (together with many different commentators) decried the change as a tragedy. Gone, seemingly without end, was an inexpensive and simple method for foreigners to discover Japan.
This was true, after all—I nearly by no means suggest that my shoppers purchase a rail go after they journey to Japan nowadays. However there’s one other facet to it as properly. Specifically, that it unlocks the usage of handy third-party rail strains, such because the Kansai area’s Keihan Most important Line.
Whether or not you’re fully unfamiliar with this prepare or have ridden it however need to know extra, I encourage you to proceed studying my Keihan Line journey information.
Why the Keihan Line is a Sport-changer
Once I first began touring in Japan, the Kyoto Keihan Line was a little bit of an afterthought for me—I feel I by chance rode it one time after I was on the lookout for the subway. Nevertheless, the extra I explored town (and, particularly, after I moved there), I spotted it was completely indispensable to getting round. This was very true when touring north-south in historic Higashiyama, but additionally for journeys between Kyoto and Osaka.
The choice was using Kyoto’s more and more crowded buses to and from Kyoto Station and to different locations across the metropolis, whose expanse is far bigger than you’d assume traipsing amid temples. Now, I don’t worry buses in Japan almost as a lot as I used to, however the actuality is that I’d a lot relatively experience rails than roads.
My Favourite Methods to Journey the Keihan Line
North-South in Higashiyama, Kyoto
For many vacationers, 4 explicit stops alongside the Keihan Most important Line—Sanjo, Gion-shijo, Kiyomizu-gojo and Shichijo—are probably the most helpful. That’s as a result of they join standard vacationer locations within the Higashiyama district and the Gion Geisha sub-district. Observe that this line runs simply east of the Kamo River, which means you’ll must stroll 10-Quarter-hour westward to succeed in your remaining vacation spot.
From Higashiyama to Fushimi Inari Shrine
For those who board the Osaka Keihan Line however get off early (particularly, at Fushimi Inari Station), you may shortly journey from Kiyomizu-dera temple to Fushimi Inari Taisha. That is a lot quicker than going to Kyoto Station and boarding the JR Nara Line. Observe that you just’ll must board a Native or Sub-express service to do that, as Restricted Specific trains don’t cease right here!
TIP: Need to take my pal Kotaro’s sake tasting tour? Get off the Keihan Line at Fushimi Momoyama Station!
From Kyoto to Osaka
Certainly one of my favourite methods to avail the Keihan Line is to journey between Kyoto and Osaka. This lets you journey straight from Higashiyama to Kyobashi (which is near Osaka Fort) and Yodoyabashi (which is strolling distance from Dotonbori) stations. The choice is using the JR Strains from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station, which requires feeder transport on both finish.
From Kyoto to Lake Biwa
Most guides on tips on how to use the Keihan Line don’t clarify that on some companies, Keihan trains are disguised as different trains. Specifically, about half the Subway Tozai Line trains proceed westward from Kyoto to Otsu, the capital of Shiga prefecture on the shores of Lake Biwa. These are literally operated by Keihan, although you entry them by way of Kyoto Metropolis Subway stations!
To achieve Kifune and Kurama
Need to go to Kifune-jinja shrine and Kurama-dera temple in northeastern Kyoto? First, experience the Keihan Line to its northern terminus at Demachiyanagi. Then switch to the Eizan Line, which you’ll be able to experience to both of those locations. It’s also possible to experience the opposite “department” to Yase, which within the autumn is house to a “maple tunnel,” and all 12 months can join you to a cable automobile that goes as much as Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji temple.
Different Personal Railways within the Kansai Area
The Keihan Most important Line is now a priceless a part of my Kyoto journey technique, nevertheless it’s not the one “various” I take advantage of. Listed here are some others:
- Kyoto Metropolis Subway: You’ll be able to entry many locations in central Kyoto by way of the north-south Karasuma Line (notably, the Kyoto Imperial Palace) and east-west Tozai Line (Nijo Fort; Hei’an Shrine).
- Hankyu Railway: Most vacationers use Hankyu to journey from Kawaramachi and Karasuma stations in central Kyoto to Arashiyama, however this prepare really continues to Osaka and even all the best way to Kobe.
- Kintetsu Line: Departing from Kyoto Station (which makes it handy to attach with JR companies), the Kintetsu Line is the easiest way to succeed in the vacationer core of Nara from Kyoto.
- Eizan Railway: As I described above, connecting the Keihan Line to the Eizan Railway is the best approach to attain Kurama-dera and Kifune-jinja.
- Randen Tram: The least helpful of Kyoto’s prepare strains, Randen connects Arashiyama with smaller temples in northern Kyoto, together with Ninna-ji.
As is the case with Keihan—in different phrases, you don’t want a Keihan Rail Cross—these trains are all simple and low cost sufficient to make use of with PASMO, Suica or money alone. No difficult go crucial!
Different FAQ About Utilizing the Keihan Line
What’s Keihan Line in Kyoto?
The Keihan Electrical Railway, also referred to as the Keihan Most important Line or just the Keihan Line, is a personal railway that operates inside Kyoto, in addition to between Kyoto and Osaka and Shiga prefectures. Most vacationers use it to journey between 4 stops—Sanjo, Gion-shijo, Kiyomizu-gojo and Shichijo—which join standard points of interest within the historic Higashiyama district.
Can I take advantage of Suica on the Keihan Most important Line?
Sure! It’s also possible to use PASMO and ICOCA, two different standard saved valued playing cards. Alternatively, you should utilize money to purchase Keihan Most important Line tickets, although this isn’t as seamless or fast an choice, notably when you’re connecting from different railway operators.
Is Keihan Most important Line a subway?
Though the Keihan Most important Line travels partially underground, it’s not a subway within the conventional sense. Specifically, it doesn’t come as usually or as predictably because the Kyoto Metropolis Subway, which means that it isn’t fairly as helpful a approach to journey.
The Backside Line
This Keihan Line journey information unlocks the Kansai area’s handy Keihan Electrical Railway, which is wonderful not just for exploring Kyoto, but additionally for touring to close by Osaka and Lake Biwa. Accessible utilizing solely your PASMO or Suica card, the Keihan-sen is arguably even simpler to make use of than the extra standard JR Strains serving this a part of Japan. I hope you’ve now obtained a transparent thought of how (and why) to make use of it. Want personalised help placing your subsequent journey to Japan collectively? I do hope you’ll take into account hiring me to plan it for you!
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