Kyoto Travel Guide 2026: eSIM, Flights & Haruka

Kyoto Travel Preparation Checklist

1. Book Flights

2. Register on Visit Japan Web

3. Purchase eSIM/SIM Card

4. Book Haruka Express Pass

By_2jay

I just got back from a weekend getaway to Japan!

While I've visited the Osaka-Kyoto area twice before, I always felt like I didn't get to spend enough time exploring Kyoto's historic charm. So this time, I planned a dedicated 3-day, 2-night itinerary just for Kyoto.

Ideally, I wanted to visit in mid-November to catch the peak autumn foliage, but since this was a last-minute trip, October turned out to be absolutely perfect for enjoying the cool fall weather.

Booking Flights to Kyoto

Since our trip was decided just three weeks in advance, we had to rush our flight bookings. We didn't get dirt-cheap tickets, but we still managed to find the absolute lowest rate available for our dates.

Since the schedules for Asiana and Korean Air didn't fit our timeline, we flew with the budget carrier Jin Air.

The flight takes about 2 hours, and keep in mind that budget airlines don't serve complimentary meals. I downloaded a few variety shows onto my phone before boarding, and the time flew by instantly!

Comparing Kyoto Flight Deals

Even for the exact same travel dates, prices differed by nearly $26 depending on the booking site. I’ve shared a link below where you can find the best deals and apply discount codes. Make sure to use it to secure the lowest rate!

Discount Code: MOMENTF3

Find the Cheapest Kyoto Flights & Get Discounts Here

Registering on Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web | Digital Agency Services

Make sure to register on Visit Japan Web before you clear immigration. I usually like to get this done about a week before my trip, but you can also easily fill it out while waiting at the airport departure gate.

Pro-Tip: Take a screenshot of your QR code!

You will need to show this QR code multiple times during customs and immigration. Having a screenshot ready on your phone is much faster and saves you from scrambling for Wi-Fi at airport arrivals.

Buying an eSIM

Personally, I highly recommend getting an eSIM over a physical SIM card—no risk of losing your original SIM! Since I travel with a backup phone and an iPad, having a reliable personal hotspot with fast, unthrottled speeds is essential for me.

I purchased an eSIM from Usimsa for this trip, and it worked flawlessly. I had zero dropouts even while constantly running Google Maps for navigation. At the hotel, I tethered my iPad to my phone's hotspot and streamed videos without any lag.

I highly recommend choosing a local high-speed network option for the fastest and most reliable connection.

Booking the JR Haruka Express Train

To get to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport (KIX), your best option is to take the JR Haruka Limited Express train. While airport limousine buses are available, highway traffic can cause unpredictable delays. When time is precious on a short trip, the train is always the way to go.

The Haruka Express takes only about 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Kansai Airport directly to Kyoto Station. The train cars are spacious and offer plenty of luggage storage, making for a super comfortable ride. While you can buy tickets at the airport, booking your pass online in advance is cheaper and saves you time.

Depending on the platform you book through, you can save nearly $2 on your transit pass. I've linked the best discount booking site below so you can secure the lowest price!

Once you have these essentials booked, you are fully set for an amazing adventure! Follow this checklist, and your trip to Kyoto will go incredibly smoothly.

Stay tuned—I'll be posting my hotel reviews, curated itineraries, and top local food recommendations very soon!