Basics

In Japan, there are JR and all others when it comes to train travels. In many cities, private rail companies either compete with JR or supplement JR with more frequent stops and services. Private rail companies that compete with JR often are cheaper than JR fares. This article is for anyone who is not qualified for the Japan rail pass or other short term visitor discount tickets. Below is the list of the routes that private rail companies compete with JR in terms of price and frequencies.

Nagoya – Osaka

• JR: 3,410 (add 2,530 for Shinkansen)
• Kintetsu: 2,410 (add 1,930 for regular limited express, 2,130 for Hinotori)

This is a popular route for business travelers. JR’s Shinkansen and Kintetsu compete on this route. The Shinkansen’s strengths are speed and frequencies. Kintetsu counters with price and comfort.

In Nagoya, both JR and Kintetsu depart from the same terminal but in Osaka, JR arrives in Umeda for local trains and Shin-Osaka for the Shinkansen. On the other hand, Kintetsu’s terminal is located in Namba, which is centrally located.

The Shinkansen normally runs 7 trains an hour whereas Kintetsu runs 2 limited express an hour. Kintetsu is 1,000 yen cheaper in fare and 300 yen for the limited express ticket. Speed is where the Shinkansen shines. Shinkansen travels the cities within 1 hour but Kintetsu takes about 2 hours.

For the level of comfort, Kintetsu’s premium seat on the limited express “Hinotori” is far better than Shinkansen’s green car. On top of that, it is significantly cheaper than the Shinkansen green car. The drawback is that Kintetsu only runs the “Hinotori” once an hour so the other half of the frequency you might end up on the “regular” limited express so it is important to check the timetable. Both Shinkansen and Kintetsu “Hinotori” offer free WiFi so you won’t lose productivity.

Kyoto – Osaka

• JR: 570
• Hankyu: 400
• Keihan: 420

If you are leaving from the Umeda area, Hankyu or JR would be more convenient. In Kyoto, JR stops at Kyoto station whereas Hankyu’s terminus is Kawaramachi, which is not far from Gion and Yasaka shrine, major tourist destinations. Hankyu also connects to Arashiyama from Katsura station. Both frequencies and service are similar but JR’s new-rapid trains only take 29 minutes to Kyoto whereas Hankyu takes 44 minutes. In my opinion, Hankyu is more convenient if you are starting the travel since it goes to central Kyoto. If you are traveling to/ from Himeji or Kobe, JR is more convenient as you don’t have to switch trains.

If you are leaving from Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi in Osaka, you might want to consider Keihan. It is the slowest among all options between Kyoto and Osaka. In Kyoto Keihan, like Hankyu goes through central Kyoto so it is convenient. Just adding 500 yen, you can ride the Premium car. The Premium car comes with Wi-Fi, power outlets for each seat, reclining seats with large seatback tables, and dedicated luggage space. If you are carrying a suitcase, having the space to put the luggage is nice.

If you are traveling from the Umeda area, Hankyu is cheaper and more direct to the center of Kyoto. If you are going to Arashiyama, Hankyu is a hundred times more convenient. If you are traveling from the west of Osaka such as Kobe or Himeji, JR is convenient and faster. If you are traveling from Namba or Kyobashi, Keihan is convenient. If you have luggage, the Keihan premium car ensures that you have space for the luggage.

Fukuoka – KitaKyushu

• Shinkansen: 1,170 (add 990 for Shinkansen surcharge)
• JR local: 1,310 (add 520 for limited express)
• Bus: 1,150

This route is interesting because it is JR West vs JR Kyushu vs Bus. JR West operates the Shinkansen between Hakata in Fukuoka to Kokura in Kitakyushu and JR Kyushu operates the local line between Hakata and Kokura. Most buses depart from Tenjin, which is another city center in Fukuoka. Some buses go to Fukuoka airport and Hakata station from Kitakyushu.

For the speed, the Shinkansen wins. It only takes 15 minutes on the 67km route whereas the JR limited express “Sonic” takes 45 minutes and 80 minutes for local trains. The bus generally takes 80 to 90 minutes to Tenjin.

JR West runs the Shinkansen 4 – 5 times an hour between the cities. JR Kyushu operates 2 times an hour limited express and 3 times an hour local trains. Nishitetsu operates 5 to 6 times an hour bus service.

For the price, Shinkansen’s total is 2,1600 yen. JR Kyushu’s local train is 850 yen cheaper and the limited express “Sonic” is 330 yen cheaper than the Shinkansen. The bus is the cheapest of all. There are numerous discount tickets sold by all 3 companies.

The competition between Fukuoka to Kitakyushu route is fierce and travelers have many options to choose from. If you are traveling from Tenjin and Nakasu, the bus is more convenient. If you are traveling from Hakata, the Shinkansen is better and saves so much time. Also, the Shinkansen is more comfortable.