Where to go

In order to get to Kyoto, most will have to fly into Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka's Itami Airport (ITM), as there is no airport in Kyoto. The Haruka train can be taken from KIX to Kyoto, while the Osaka Airport Limousine can be taken from ITM to Kyoto. Students are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements. Our office will communicate with participating students when to start booking their flight. If possible, a faculty/staff member will make their itinerary information available to program participants wishing to fly on the same itinerary. We will make this information available if necessary, and only if it is possible for that person to do so. Accompanied travel is not included in the program, and is not guaranteed. Students should book their own return itinerary based upon when they wish to return.

When students are making their travel arrangements, they should keep in mind that the program starts on May 25th (arrival day) and ends on June 27th (participants should plan to depart on June 27, 2024), and that travel to Japan can span one or two dates. Pay close attention to dates when you book your travel! You should not plan to arrive any earlier than May 25th (unless you are able to reserve a room elsewhere). To arrive in Kyoto on May 25th, you must leave the U.S. on May 23rd or 24th (travel time of over 20 hours and a 14 hour time difference).

We strongly recommend you consider purchasing insurance for trip cancellation and baggage loss. Please check with your travel agent for coverage and quotes.

• For a map showing where Kyoto is located, click here.
• Because Kyoto does not have an airport, you must first fly to another city and then take land transportation to Kyoto.
• We recommend flying to Osaka.
• There are two airports in Osaka: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM).
• Note: KIX is an international airport and therefore has a customs & passport control area.
• ITM is a regional airport, therefore if it is your final destination, you will have a layover in another airport in Japan (likely in Tokyo) where you will have to go through customs and passport control. If you fly through Tokyo, be careful to make sure that your arrival and departure airports in Tokyo ARE THE SAME. We have seen some itineraries where people are expected to get to a second airport within Tokyo in order to make the connecting flight to Osaka. Do not book that kind of itinerary unless you are highly familiar with Tokyo and the transportation required to get from one airport to the other - as well as the time required to go through customs and passport control.
• Once you book your itinerary, be sure to send us a copy at UNOJapan@uno.edu.

• From Kansai International Airport (KIX), take the JR (Japan Railway) limited express train named Haruka.
• Here's the web page for the rail access to and from the airport.
• The train station is connected to the airport. Here is a video to help you navigate.
• Make sure that you use the JR line, since there are other rail companies and it can be confusing. Don’t get on the wrong train.
• Haruka Ticket Price: approximately Ұ2200 for a one-way, non-reserved seat ticket.
• The last Haruka leaves the station at 22:16 (10:16 pm).
• Note: military time is used OFTEN in Japan, especially for transportation schedules… start learning!
• The train ride is approximately 75 minutes.

• By Bus: Direct airport buses connect Itami Airport with Kyoto Station. The one way journey takes about one hour and costs 1310 yen.

• By monorail and Hankyu Railways: Take the Osaka Monorail from the airport (Osaka Airport Station) for just one station to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, 200 yen) and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Juso Station. At Juso Station, transfer to the Hankyu Kyoto Line for central Kyoto (55 minutes, 470 yen from Hotarugaike Station

• By monorail and Japan Railways (JR): Take the Osaka Monorail from the airport (Osaka Airport Station) for just one station to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, 200 yen) and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line Railways for Umeda Station (15-20 minutes, 220 yen). From Umeda/Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto (30 minutes, 560 yen).

Click here for a copy of the bus navigation map for the City of Kyoto. Beware: the distances are farther than they seem on this map. 1 inch can be about a 10 minute walk! Large, color copies of this map will be provided to you when you get to Kyoto.

Note: Getting around in Japan will be a unique experience for most of you, and it can be quite challenging to find things. They do not organize addresses like we do, so giving you a number and street name will not get you there. It is therefore important that you pay attention to our directions, look at the maps, and look at the pictures.