FUMI TOURSJAPAN JOURNEYS & RAILWAY GUIDES
Stone memorials beneath tall cedars at Okunoin, Koyasan

← Railway Discovery Journeys

21 days · 20 nights · Self-guided

Kansai to KyushuThe Southern Rail Adventure

Build confidence in Osaka, climb into Koyasan’s temple forests and follow the railway through Nara and Himeji to southern Kyushu. Finish with four nights in Kyoto and a new understanding of Japan by rail.

Follow the daily guideFind a station map

Josep M. Gracia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped for display

The Fumi travel atlas

Your journey, on the map

View large map
Kansai to Kyushu Discovery — geographic route map1. Osaka, 3 nights; 2. Koyasan, 2 nights; 3. Nara, 2 nights; 4. Himeji, 2 nights; 5. Kagoshima, 4 nights; 6. Fukuoka, 3 nights; 7. Kyoto, 4 nights; 8. Kansai Airport, Suggested departure. North is up. Route connections are illustrative.F U M I T O U R S / T H E J A P A N A T L A SKansai to Kyushu Discovery20 NIGHTS · THE SOUTHERN RAIL ADVENTURE7Kyoto4Himeji1Osaka3Nara8Kansai Airport2Koyasan6Fukuoka5KagoshimaNT H E I T I N E R A R Y1Osaka3 nights2Koyasan2 nights3Nara2 nights4Himeji2 nights5Kagoshima4 nights6Fukuoka3 nights7Kyoto4 nights8Kansai AirportSuggested departureRail & surface linksFlightsFerryGeographic coastlines · North upConnections shown schematically
Kansai to Kyushu Discovery — geographic route map1. Osaka, 3 nights; 2. Koyasan, 2 nights; 3. Nara, 2 nights; 4. Himeji, 2 nights; 5. Kagoshima, 4 nights; 6. Fukuoka, 3 nights; 7. Kyoto, 4 nights; 8. Kansai Airport, Suggested departure. North is up. Route connections are illustrative.F U M I T O U R S / T H E J A P A N A T L A SKansai to Kyushu Discovery20 NIGHTS · THE SOUTHERN RAIL ADVENTURE7Kyoto4Himeji1Osaka3Nara8Kansai Airport2Koyasan6Fukuoka5KagoshimaNT H E I T I N E R A R Y1Osaka3 nights2Koyasan2 nights3Nara2 nights4Himeji2 nights5Kagoshima4 nights6Fukuoka3 nights7Kyoto4 nights8Kansai AirportSuggested departureRail & surface linksFlightsFerry
Follow the numbered stops in travel order. Geographic coastlines; transport connections shown schematically.

A clear plan, with room to breathe

A holiday that builds
your confidence.

A first-timer who wants a longer adventure and is comfortable with several transfers, a mountain stay and two substantial intercity travel days.

Follow the suggested days in order, or add a rest night wherever you want more time.

Book the Koyasan lodging first and confirm its arrival and meal times. Then arrange the seven accommodation bases, the long Shinkansen legs and the Koya train. This version finishes in Kyoto, with a suggested Kansai Airport departure.

These are detailed self-guided plans. You book and travel independently, using the written route, Fumi guides and operator information as your companions.

Choose your tickets

Start by pricing the exact journeys. An IC card helps with eligible city rides; it is not a rail pass and does not replace a Shinkansen reservation. Compare any pass against your dates, operators and train types before buying.

Open the ticket guide →

Make the transfers comfortable

Our planning margins are deliberately generous: about 20–30 minutes for an unfamiliar operator change and around 45 minutes before your first reserved Shinkansen. Add more for ticket collection, busy periods or assistance.

Use the station plans to find lifts. Arrange any boarding assistance with the operator before travelling.

Keep luggage manageable

Take a day bag on city outings. For the Tokaido–Sanyo–Kyushu Shinkansen, luggage over 160 cm and up to 250 cm in total dimensions needs the appropriate oversized-baggage seat reservation; larger items cannot travel under that rule.

Operator luggage guide

Your day-by-day travel companion

One good journey at a time.

Open a day for the route, ticket checks, station maps and a little inspiration. The day numbers are a suggested sequence, not fixed departure dates.

01DAY 1 · Osaka · Hommachi areaWelcome to OsakaArrival day

Kansai Airport → Nankai Namba → Hommachi

Your steps today

  1. Follow Railway signs after collecting your bags. If arriving at Terminal 2, take the shuttle to the Terminal 1 / Aeroplaza station area.
  2. Use Nankai Airport Express toward Namba for straightforward ordinary-fare travel, or reserve Rapi:t with its additional limited-express ticket.
  3. At Nankai Namba, leave the gates and follow Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Enter Metro Namba and ride north to Hommachi.
  4. Use your hotel’s saved lift exit and keep the first evening easy.
Station maps for this dayKansai Airport Nankai Namba Metro Namba Hommachi
02DAY 2 · Osaka · Hommachi areaSmall rides, lively neighbourhoodsAn easy city day

Hommachi → Shinsaibashi → Namba → Hommachi

Your steps today

  1. Take Midosuji south one stop to Shinsaibashi. Leave the gate and explore the shopping streets.
  2. Walk toward Namba if comfortable, or take the same line one more stop. Stop for lunch before another activity.
  3. Find Nankai Namba’s Koya Line departure area today. Ask about the exact train and tickets for Day 4 while you are unhurried.
  4. Return from Metro Namba northbound to Hommachi. Keep a photo of the hotel’s station exit for later.
Station maps for this dayHommachi Shinsaibashi Metro Namba Nankai Namba
03DAY 3 · Osaka · Hommachi areaCastle park, then the great station roofTwo easy outings · lunch break between them

Hommachi ↔ Morinomiya; Hommachi ↔ Umeda / Osaka

Your steps today

  1. Follow Chuo Line signs within Hommachi and take an eastbound train toward Nagata / Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka to Morinomiya C19.
  2. Leave the station for Osaka Castle Park. Return to Morinomiya and take Chuo westbound toward Yumeshima to Hommachi.
  3. After a break, take Midosuji northbound from Hommachi to Umeda. Exit the Metro and follow signs toward JR Osaka Station.
  4. Enjoy the public station district without entering JR gates. Return from Metro Umeda southbound to Hommachi.
Station maps for this dayHommachi Morinomiya Umeda Osaka · JR
04DAY 4 · KoyasanInto the cedar mountainsA mountain travel day

Hommachi → Nankai Namba → Gokurakubashi → Koyasan → temple bus stop

Your steps today

  1. Take a small bag for two nights. If forwarding a suitcase, arrange the receiving address and delivery day with your next hotel before sending it.
  2. Ride Metro to Namba and walk to Nankai. Prefer a reserved Limited Express Koya to Gokurakubashi when available. For an ordinary service, follow the booked/planned connection at Hashimoto if required.
  3. At Gokurakubashi, follow the cable-car connection to Koyasan. At the upper station, continue by Nankai Rinkan Bus to the stop specified by your lodging.
  4. Aim to arrive well before the temple’s check-in and dinner time. Show the driver the Japanese stop name, not just the temple’s English name.
Station maps for this dayHommachi Metro Namba Nankai Namba Hashimoto Gokurakubashi Koyasan
05DAY 5 · KoyasanStay still in sacred KoyasanA quiet stay day

Temple district · walking and local bus as needed

Your steps today

  1. Follow your lodging’s arrangements for breakfast and any ceremony you wish to attend.
  2. Choose the Danjo Garan area and an Okunoin walk at a comfortable pace. Ask the lodging which bus stop suits the section you intend to walk.
  3. Keep warm layers handy and allow daylight for unfamiliar forest paths.
  4. Check tomorrow’s bus to Koyasan Station and the downhill railway connection before dinner.
Station maps for this dayKoyasan Gokurakubashi
06DAY 6 · Nara · Kintetsu-Nara areaDown from the mountains, on to NaraA full transfer day · keep the evening free

Koyasan → Gokurakubashi → Nankai Namba → Osaka-Namba → Kintetsu-Nara

Your steps today

  1. Take the lodging’s recommended bus to Koyasan Station, then the cable car down to Gokurakubashi.
  2. Use your chosen Nankai service toward Namba; if the itinerary changes at Hashimoto, follow the connecting Namba-bound service there.
  3. At Nankai Namba, leave the paid area and follow Kintetsu / Hanshin Osaka-Namba signs. Allow a generous walking and lunch break before the next train.
  4. Choose a direct Kintetsu Rapid Express for Kintetsu-Nara. Leave at the terminus and use the saved route to your hotel.
Station maps for this dayKoyasan Gokurakubashi Hashimoto Nankai Namba Osaka-Namba · Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara
07DAY 7 · Nara · Kintetsu-Nara areaNara at walking paceA stay day

Nara stay day

Your steps today

  1. Begin from your hotel with a walk toward Nara Park and a temple you most want to visit.
  2. Leave room for lunch and the older streets of Naramachi. Use a local bus or taxi if the walking is too much.
  3. Check tomorrow’s first train from Kintetsu-Nara to Osaka-Namba. Pack without adding another sightseeing stop.
Station maps for this dayKintetsu-Nara
08DAY 8 · HimejiWest to the castle townA move day · allow a leisurely half day

Kintetsu-Nara → Osaka-Namba → Umeda / Osaka → Himeji

Your steps today

  1. Take a direct Kintetsu Rapid Express that calls at Osaka-Namba. Leave the Kintetsu gates there.
  2. Follow Metro Midosuji signs and ride north from Namba to Umeda. Exit and walk to JR Osaka.
  3. At JR Osaka, choose a JR Kobe Line Special Rapid whose destination/stops include Himeji. Select an ordinary car; a paid A-seat car has separate conditions.
  4. At Himeji, leave for the side nearest your hotel. The castle lies north of the station; save its approach for tomorrow if tired.
Station maps for this dayKintetsu-Nara Osaka-Namba · Kintetsu Metro Namba Umeda Osaka · JR Himeji
09DAY 9 · HimejiHimeji Castle and an unhurried gardenA stay day

Himeji stay day

Your steps today

  1. Walk or take local transport from the north side of Himeji Station toward Himeji Castle.
  2. Choose the castle interior and Koko-en garden according to your energy and current opening hours. The castle’s internal stairs are steep; the grounds can be enjoyed separately.
  3. Before evening, confirm your Day 10 train(s), seat and baggage arrangements. Find the Shinkansen entrance on the station map.
Station maps for this dayHimeji
10DAY 10 · Kagoshima · Kagoshima-Chuo areaThe long railway southA full travel day

Himeji → Hakata → Kagoshima-Chuo

Your steps today

  1. Book the complete journey in advance. A through Sakura calling at Himeji and continuing to Kagoshima-Chuo is simplest when offered; otherwise reserve a planned connection at Hakata.
  2. Arrive at Himeji well before departure with lunch, water and your saved train details. Use the Shinkansen gates, not the conventional-line platforms.
  3. If changing at Hakata, follow Kyushu Shinkansen signs and the exact onward train on your booking. Allow around 30 minutes for a relaxed first interchange; do not leave the station to fit in sightseeing.
  4. Leave at Kagoshima-Chuo and settle into the hotel. Keep the evening local after a long day.
Station maps for this dayHimeji Hakata Kagoshima-Chuo
11DAY 11 · Kagoshima · Kagoshima-Chuo areaGet to know southern JapanA settled city day

Kagoshima stay day

Your steps today

  1. Start with the station neighbourhood and decide whether to walk, use local transport or take a taxi for the waterfront.
  2. Keep today light: a café, a regional lunch and time to enjoy the city.
  3. For tomorrow’s optional Sakurajima outing, check the ferry operator’s current sailing information and island conditions. Save the two terminal locations.
Station maps for this dayKagoshima-Chuo
12DAY 12 · Kagoshima · Kagoshima-Chuo areaAcross the bay, if you feel like itOptional outing · weather-dependent

Optional: Kagoshima ferry terminal ↔ Sakurajima

Your steps today

  1. Check current ferry service and local visitor guidance before setting out. Keep a city day as the easy alternative.
  2. Take a taxi or the official local-access route to Kagoshima Port’s Sakurajima Ferry terminal. This is a separate journey from Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
  3. Follow the pedestrian boarding route. The operator collects the regular ferry fare on the Sakurajima side; follow its current payment instructions.
  4. Keep the island visit modest and return well before your evening plans. Do not treat the ferry ticket as including an island bus tour.
Station maps for this dayKagoshima-Chuo
13DAY 13 · Kagoshima · Kagoshima-Chuo areaA southern pauseA pause day

Kagoshima stay day

Your steps today

  1. Keep a spare day for weather, rest or a favourite place you would like to revisit.
  2. Confirm tomorrow’s northbound Shinkansen ticket to Hakata and your Fukuoka hotel’s station exit.
  3. If arranging a longer optional rail excursion, use the JR Kyushu planner and book any reserved sightseeing train separately.
Station maps for this dayKagoshima-Chuo Hakata
14DAY 14 · Fukuoka · Hakata areaNorth to Fukuoka’s food cityA move day + an easy evening

Kagoshima-Chuo → Hakata

Your steps today

  1. Use a reserved Kyushu Shinkansen service to Hakata. Verify the train’s stops and your car on the booking.
  2. At Kagoshima-Chuo, enter the Shinkansen gates and take the train shown on your ticket.
  3. At Hakata, follow the exit nearest your hotel, then leave your bags before going out.
  4. Keep the first evening simple: a Hakata meal and a stroll around your new base.
Station maps for this dayKagoshima-Chuo Hakata
15DAY 15 · Fukuoka · Hakata areaOhori Park on one subway lineAn easy half-day outing

Hakata ↔ Ohorikoen · Airport Line

Your steps today

  1. At Hakata, follow Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line signs. This is a separate railway from JR and the Shinkansen.
  2. Take a westbound service toward Meinohama that calls at Ohorikoen. Do not choose the Nanakuma Line for this outing.
  3. Leave at Ohorikoen for Ohori Park and a gentle lakeside walk. Choose one nearby activity and a relaxed lunch.
  4. Return on the Airport Line toward Fukuoka Airport and leave at Hakata.
Station maps for this dayHakata Ohorikoen · Ohori Park
16DAY 16 · Fukuoka · Hakata areaA day for FukuokaA free city day

Hakata neighbourhoods · optional time on foot

Your steps today

  1. Use the morning for the places closest to your hotel: shops, cafés or the old Hakata neighbourhoods.
  2. Choose a food-focused afternoon or a longer local outing only if you want one. Keep the day flexible.
  3. Confirm tomorrow’s Hakata → Kyoto ticket tonight, including whether your train goes through or changes at Shin-Osaka. Leave bags packed before dinner.
Station maps for this dayHakata Shin-Osaka · Shinkansen Kyoto · JR & subway
17DAY 17 · Kyoto · Kyoto Station areaBack to Kyoto for a longer stayA full move day

Hakata → Kyoto

Your steps today

  1. Prefer a through Nozomi from Hakata to Kyoto when your ticket permits it. A Sakura service ends at Shin-Osaka, so that option needs an onward reservation to Kyoto.
  2. At Hakata, match the train number and departure on your booking; do not board solely on the basis of a Tokyo-bound destination.
  3. If changing at Shin-Osaka, follow your booked Tokaido Shinkansen connection with a comfortable transfer margin. If travelling through, remain aboard.
  4. At Kyoto, use your hotel’s saved exit and settle in. Our city-day directions begin at Kyoto Station; adapt the first/last walk if staying elsewhere.
Station maps for this dayHakata Shin-Osaka · Shinkansen Kyoto · JR & subway
18DAY 18 · Kyoto · Kyoto Station areaYour first old-Kyoto dayA full cultural day

Kyoto → Karasuma Oike → Higashiyama → same route back

Your steps today

  1. At Kyoto Station, enter the subway Karasuma Line and ride north toward Kokusaikaikan to Karasuma Oike.
  2. Change inside the paid area to the Tozai Line toward Rokujizo and leave at Higashiyama.
  3. Walk toward Yasaka Shrine and Gion, taking breaks along the way. Keep the return route simple by returning to Higashiyama.
  4. Take Tozai west toward Uzumasa Tenjingawa to Karasuma Oike, then Karasuma south toward Takeda to Kyoto.
Station maps for this dayKyoto · JR & subway Karasuma Oike Higashiyama
19DAY 19 · Kyoto · Kyoto Station areaNijo Castle and a familiar connectionA flexible half day or full day

Kyoto → Karasuma Oike → Nijojo-mae → same route back

Your steps today

  1. Repeat yesterday’s northbound Karasuma ride from Kyoto to Karasuma Oike.
  2. This time choose Tozai west toward Uzumasa Tenjingawa and leave one stop later at Nijojo-mae.
  3. Visit the Nijo Castle area according to current admission and opening arrangements. Leave time for lunch and a nearby wander.
  4. Return east on Tozai to Karasuma Oike, then south on Karasuma to Kyoto.
Station maps for this dayKyoto · JR & subway Karasuma Oike Nijojo-mae
20DAY 20 · Kyoto · Kyoto Station areaMake Kyoto your ownA free day

Kyoto stay day · choose a favourite outing

Your steps today

  1. Repeat the part of Kyoto you enjoyed most, or use the linked Kyoto & Nara city tour for another day’s inspiration.
  2. Prepare your onward travel. For a Kansai Airport departure, book a suitable direct HARUKA from Kyoto and check the terminal transfer.
  3. Choose your airport arrival time from the airline’s requirements, then work backward through the train, station walking and hotel checkout.
  4. If the flight is too early for the first useful train, adjust the final night to an airport hotel.
Station maps for this dayKyoto · JR & subway Kansai Airport
21DAY 21 · Departure or onward travelOne last confident connectionDeparture day · timed to your flight

Suggested finish: Kyoto → Kansai Airport · HARUKA

Your steps today

  1. For a KIX departure, use the reserved HARUKA service chosen for your flight. Follow JR signs at Kyoto, then the platform shown for that train.
  2. Match the departure, car and seat, and keep your ticket / boarding method ready.
  3. At Kansai Airport Station, follow the correct terminal signs. Terminal 2 requires the airport shuttle; include that in your plan.
  4. If continuing elsewhere in Japan, replace this airport leg with the booked onward route and use the same five checks before boarding.
Station maps for this dayKyoto · JR & subway Kansai Airport

Use your actual reservation and the station departure board for times, platforms and stopping patterns. The suggested comfort margins above are Fumi planning allowances.

Understand the change before you arrive

The connections, made clear.

Read these as a sequence of actions. Use the linked operator plans below for the actual floors, gates and lift routes.

Koyasan: railway → cable car → bus

  1. Nankai Koya Line
  2. Gokurakubashi
  3. Koyasan cable car
  4. Koyasan Station bus
  5. Your temple’s stop

The cable-car station is not the temple district. Your lodging’s bus stop and arrival deadline complete the route.

Namba: Nankai → Kintetsu

  1. Exit Nankai Namba
  2. Follow Kintetsu signs
  3. Osaka-Namba gates
  4. Direct Rapid Express
  5. Kintetsu-Nara

Use Osaka-Namba for Kintetsu. JR Namba and Metro Namba are different stations.

Hakata: a planned Shinkansen change

  1. Arrive on booked train
  2. Check onward departure
  3. Follow Kyushu signs
  4. Find booked car
  5. Kagoshima-Chuo

Only change if your reservation requires it. On a through Sakura, stay aboard at Hakata.

Get a feel for the railway

Stations worth looking up for.

Osaka Station platforms beneath the great roof at sunset
Osaka · the great station roof

The public station district is a rewarding stop in its own right.

Alberge204 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped for display
The soaring central concourse of Kyoto Station
Kyoto · the soaring concourse

Find your line first, then take a moment to enjoy the architecture.

MaedaAkihiko · CC0 1.0 · cropped for display
Tokyo Station Marunouchi building illuminated after dark
Tokyo · the Marunouchi frontage

Marunouchi and Yaesu are different sides: choose your exit before leaving.

MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped for display

The station companion · 22 useful stops

Have the map before
you need the map.

Official plans for the stations where you board, change or leave the train. Some operator plans are in Japanese; match the station name below. Maps open in a new tab.

22 stations

Kansai · Nankai / JR

Kansai Airport 関西空港

The railway station serves Terminal 1 and Aeroplaza. From Terminal 2, take the airport shuttle first. Nankai and JR have separate gates: match the operator to your ticket.

Osaka · Nankai

Nankai Namba なんば

Airport and Koya Line trains use this terminal. For the Metro, leave Nankai and follow Midosuji Line signs; for Nara, follow Kintetsu / Hanshin Osaka-Namba.

Osaka · Osaka Metro

Metro Namba なんば

Use the red Midosuji Line for Hommachi, Umeda and Shin-Osaka. Nankai Namba, Kintetsu Osaka-Namba and JR Namba are separate stations.

Osaka · Osaka Metro

Hommachi 本町

Our suggested Osaka base. The Midosuji, Chuo and Yotsubashi lines are spread across a large station. Save your hotel’s nearest lift exit.

Osaka · Osaka Metro

Shinsaibashi 心斎橋

One Midosuji stop south of Hommachi. Leave the gate for the shopping streets; return to the same line for an easy ride home.

Osaka · Osaka Metro

Morinomiya 森ノ宮

Use the Chuo Line for Hommachi. The Osaka Castle Park outing finishes back at this station, avoiding an extra interchange.

Osaka · Osaka Metro

Umeda 梅田

The Midosuji station serving the Osaka Station district. Follow JR Osaka signs after exiting the Metro; do not follow Shin-Osaka.

Kansai · JR

Osaka · JR 大阪

Use the JR Kyoto Line for Kyoto and JR Kobe Line for Himeji. Special Rapid is an ordinary train; avoid a paid A-seat car unless you hold its separate ticket.

Koyasan · Nankai

Hashimoto 橋本

Only change here if your selected Koya Line itinerary requires it. Follow the onward train for Gokurakubashi, not JR Wakayama Line. The official Japanese station page includes the station plan.

Koyasan · Nankai

Gokurakubashi 極楽橋

Leave the railway platform and follow the cable-car connection inside the station. Koyasan village is still beyond the cable car and bus ride. The official Japanese station page includes the station plan.

Koyasan · Nankai

Koyasan 高野山

After the cable car, continue by Nankai Rinkan Bus to your lodging’s named stop. Save the temple’s Japanese name and confirm its check-in and dinner time. The official Japanese station page includes the station plan.

Osaka · Kintetsu / Hanshin

Osaka-Namba · Kintetsu 大阪難波

Choose a direct Rapid Express showing Kintetsu-Nara. Coming from Metro Midosuji or Nankai, leave time for the signed walk to the Kintetsu gates.

Kansai · Kintetsu

Kintetsu-Nara 近鉄奈良

This route uses Kintetsu-Nara, near the park approach. It does not use JR Nara. On the return, select a train that stops at Osaka-Namba.

Kansai · JR West

Himeji 姫路

The castle is on the north side. Conventional trains and Shinkansen use different gates/platform levels. Save the Shinkansen entrance for your southern departure.

Kyushu · JR

Hakata 博多

This is Fukuoka’s Shinkansen station. Save the side nearest your hotel: Hakata side or Chikushi side. Subway lines have their own gates.

Kyushu · JR Kyushu

Kagoshima-Chuo 鹿児島中央

The southern Shinkansen terminus. Kagoshima Station is a different station. The Sakurajima / east side serves the main city approach; choose your hotel’s side. Map labels are Japanese.

Kyushu · Fukuoka subway · Airport Line

Ohorikoen · Ohori Park 大濠公園

Use the Airport Line for the direct ride to Hakata. The operator page includes a station layout; labels are Japanese.

Kansai · JR

Shin-Osaka · Shinkansen 新大阪

Match the booked train name, number, departure, car and seat. Allow a generous margin when coming from the Metro; ask staff before a confusing gate.

Kansai · JR

Kyoto · JR & subway 京都

JR, Shinkansen, Kintetsu and subway gates are distinct. For our city outings follow Subway Karasuma Line; for the airport follow JR HARUKA.

Kyoto · Kyoto subway · K08 / T13

Karasuma Oike 烏丸御池

Change between the Karasuma and Tozai lines within the subway paid area. For Higashiyama choose Tozai toward Rokujizo; for Kyoto choose Karasuma toward Takeda. Map labels are Japanese.

Kyoto · Kyoto subway · T10

Higashiyama 東山

Our arrival for an unhurried walk toward Gion. Use the lift route shown on the official plan if needed. Map labels are Japanese.

Kyoto · Kyoto subway · T14

Nijojo-mae 二条城前

The subway stop for the Nijo Castle area; it is different from JR Nijo. Return toward Rokujizo for Karasuma Oike. Map labels are Japanese.

The five checks

Ready for the next train?

Use this little routine before every new journey. Tick it off if it helps, then reset for the next ride.

Before boarding

0 of 5 ready

Your travelling companion

Keep the good guidance close.

Read the next day before you leave. Save your maps, carry your reservations and use the workbook for the little details that make tomorrow easier.

Official operators, maps & planning references

Route guidance reviewed 21 October 2026. Check these sources when choosing your actual travel date and again before a major journey.

Nankai airport trains & timetables Nankai Koya train & reservations Koyasan ticket validity JR West route finder & station maps JR Central Shinkansen timetables SmartEX booking & boarding Shinkansen luggage rules Kintetsu route & fare search Kyoto subway lines & transfers Keihan travel information Tokyo Monorail terminal guide JR Kyushu stations & travel Fukuoka City Subway route map Sakurajima Ferry · terminals & access Sakurajima Ferry · first-ride instructions HARUKA airport train & ticket

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