Throughout Japan 14 days sample itinerary by Japan Rail Pass 14 days pass

Comments

1. Afshin says:

   November 28, 2015 at 9:45 am

   Hi Takeshi,

   At first I should thanks for your efforts in this site. It has really great info for anyone who like to trip to japan. I’m trying to make a itinerary for a 2 week trip to japan, but before that I need some info. Here are my questions:
   1-I personally like to see cherry blossoms, so I’m trying to make my itinerary for last week of march till mid-april. Is this range a good season for viewing japan overall? or some palaces may be inaccessible in this time? if you personally want to select a season for tripping all over japan(regardless of cherry blossoms), when you select it?
   2-Is last week of march till mid-april considered a high season which everywhere is super crowded and I need to reserve everything?
   3-Will missing a train cause too much troubles? If schedule is too compact, this may happen. can someone get next trains easily without reservation?
   4-I wonder if a Japanese person can reserve a train seat for someone who is supposed to come to japan and get his JR PASS(e.g. a friend from overseas). Assuming he has name,passport number,…
   5-Last question is somehow not related to trains that much, but I will be happy if you can answer: Will someone who does not know any Japanese language can use all train, busses, … without any trouble? How much English romaji style names or guides are available across Japan?

   Regards
   • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

     November 28, 2015 at 8:47 pm

     Hi Afshin,

     1. Please refer the links below:
     http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_where.html
     http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html
     http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura15/
     You will be able to find many more info at this site, Japan Guide. Try to search “cherry blossom”. And other destinations info can be found too.

     2. Recommended. It’s spring break in Japan.

     3. If you travel in major cities, it’s not an issue. But if you miss the train in country side, you have to wait for a few hours to get next one.

     4. If you use JR Pass, no one can book it for you.

     5. Please find the link below:
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/signage-and-announcement-in-the-station-and-train.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JPRail.com
     • Afshin says:

       November 30, 2015 at 6:06 am

       Hi Takeshi,

       Thanks for your reply.
       I personally love Japan and I always wished to trip there.
       This gonna be my first trip there, if I could obtain visa.
       But I somehow think it maybe better to try this trip some times later. Even though I will miss sakura trees, I will be access some places on country side. For example, I checked and noticed that JR Tohoku bus for Towada lake is not accessing there will 22 April and a lot of hotels already completely booked during that range. 😀

       Anyway I will happy to know your opinion for my itinerary:

       Start 29 March
       1) Tokyo -> Osaka : Sightseeing
       2) Stay Osaka : More Sightseeing
       2) Osaka -> Kumamoto : Sightseeing
       3) Kumamoto -> Beppu : Check Mt. Aso + Museum
       4) Beppu -> Hiroshima : Sightseeing
       5) Hiroshima -> Kobe: Check Miyajima + Himeji
       6) Kobe -> Kyoto : Sightseeing Kyoto Part 1
       7) Stay Kyoto : Sightseeing Kyoto part 2
       8) Kyoto -> Nara -> Ise -> Nagoya: Sightseeing
       9) Nagoya -> Kanazawa : SightSeeing
       9) Kanazawa -> Takayama : Check Shirakawago
       10) Takayama -> Tateyama(Toyama) -> Matsumoto : Through Kurobe Alpine Route + Sightseeing
       11) Matsumoto -> Lake Kawaguchi -> Mt. Fuji-san -> Hakone :Sightseeing
       12) Hakone -> Nikko -> Yamagata : Sightseeing
       13) Yamagata -> Zoa -> Sendai : Check Zoa Okama
       14) Sendai -> Matsushima Kaigan pier -> Morioka : Check Matsushima bay cruise + Hiraizumi
       15) Morioka -> Lake Towada -> Hirosaki: Sightseeing
       16) Hirosaki -> Aomori : Sightseeing
       17) Aomori -> Shirakami -> Akita : Sightseeing
       18) Akita -> Kakunodate -> Tokyo : Sightseeing
       End 17 April

       I should say that I have not checked trains schedule to check this itinerary, but it should be like this approximately. Is this itinerary suitable during those dates?

       Regards
       • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

         November 30, 2015 at 10:52 pm

         Hi Afshin,

         Your itinerary is very busy but feasible. You can keep it.
         Lake Towada can be accessed in even winter time.
         http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/towada/index.html

         However if you want to walk Oirase rapid, you should wait until late May.
         http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3775.html

         I understand hotel space is very tight in cherry blossom season. But from late April to early May is busier because of Golden Week. There are lots of National Holidays in this period. In mid May, it’s shoulder season. But in June, it’s rainy season. So it’s very hard to find the best period because you will travel for almost three weeks. As long as you can find the hotels, just go for it.

         I haven’t seen cherry blossom in Japan for more than 10 years. But it’s worth seeing and visiting.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JPRail.com
         • Afshin says:

           December 1, 2015 at 2:05 am

           Hi Takeshi,

           Thanks for your great help and guide. 🙂
           The reason that I thought I cannot access Towada Lake was this notice:
           http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail/?PID=9&RID=14
           So I thought that I cannot access it.
           By the way, do you know if Zoa Okama/Mt. Aso/Mt. Fuji are accessible during late March-early April?

           Thanks for your great help again.
           Regards
           • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

             December 1, 2015 at 12:57 pm

             Hi Afshin,

             I didn’t know that. You have to access there from Hachinohe only if you want to go.
             Okama is open usually mid or late April. Fuji can be accessed all year but it’s closed very often in winter time. In April, it will be okay.
             Aso is okay but ropeway is still suspended due to volcano activity.

             Cheers,

             Takeshi / JPRail.com
   • Denise Shaw says:

     November 29, 2015 at 10:54 pm

     Having visited Japan last year during the cherry blossom season and having the same concerns I thought I’d put your mind at rest. The Japanese people can not do enough to help you to the extent that if you stand looking lost someone will come up to you and ask to help you. The trains are punctual to the dot and very orderly . There are signs in the station in English and when you go to the station to serve your seats the station staff will help you decide on times etc and the tickets are printed with the name of the train seat number , time etc . It couldn’t be more organised so don’t worry, enjoy. If travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo you will need to stay in a hotel near the airport on your last night as the train does not run overnight, unlike the uk the trains are reliable and on time!
     • Afshin says:

       November 30, 2015 at 6:13 am

       Hi Denise,

       Thanks for your great reply. 🙂
       My main concern is that I could not reserve my required trains after reaching Japan in those weeks(Leave aside that reserving economical hotels is already getting hard for that season).

       Regards
       • Denise Shawq says:

         November 30, 2015 at 10:33 am

         You won’t have any problem at all booking when you get there at one of the JR rails kiosks they’ll be plenty of room. Don’t fret its all plain sailing when you get there. Have a nice time
2. Rohizani says:

   October 31, 2015 at 7:19 am

   Dear Takeshi-san,
   Can you advise us on our itinerary below
   17th April 2016 (early morning) – arrive Sapporo. We want to explore Sapporo, and we also want to visit Aomori and Lake Tawara in Hachinohe. What do you suggest? Do we stay in Sapporo and make day trip or check-in Aomori and travel to Hachinohe? We only have until 20th there.
   20th – We will travel to Sendai. We plan to visit Matsushima and Yamagata, Zao Mountain.
   23rd – we will travel to Tokyo. Sightseeing in Tokyo until 26th.
   26th – we plan to take the Alpine Kurobe route via Nagano and plan to stay overnight at Tateyama hotel.
   After that we plan to visit Tonami Tulip fair. Can we do that after the Alpine on the 27th? If we could not, where should we stay that night? If we could complete Alpine and visit Tonami Tulip, we plan to check-in Osaka.
   We plan to spend until 2nd May in Osaka, and make side trips to Kyoto, Nara, Shirakawa-go.
   Do you think our 14 day JRPass is sufficient?
   Thank you.
   Regardsm
   Rohizani
   • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

     October 31, 2015 at 10:29 am

     Hi Rohizani san,

     You mean Lake Towada (not Tawara), right?
     If so, it’s too far to access there from Sapporo as day trip. It will take more than 6 hours for one way. I recommend you to stay in Aomori, Hachinohe or Lake Towada after Sapporo. You may drop by Hakondate on the way to Aomori from Sapporo. You may think about staying there. It’s very lovely city and highly recommended. My suggestions is staying at Sapporo, Hakodate and Lake Towada for one night each.

     You also can take a bus from Shin-Aomori station to get Lake Towada. You don’t need to get Hachinohe.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-get-lake-towada.html

     You can visit Tonami after Alpine route. And also I recommend you to visit Shirakawago after Tonami. Tonami is located between Takaoka and Shirakawago on Johana line. If you go to Osaka and make a day trip to Shirakawago, you still can do it. But you will waster many hours.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html

     So you may be able to do the following route:
     Tateyama-Toyama-Shin Takaoka-Tonami Stay in Tonami or Takaoka or may be Kanazawa.
     Or you can proceed to Shirakawago after Tonami and stay there. But I think it’s a bit tight and the last bus from Johana station to Shirakawago depart from Johana station at 16:50. And it may be hard to find the accommodation at Shirakawago.

     You can use 14 days JR Pass. It gives you a big saving.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JPRail.com
     • rohizani says:

       November 1, 2015 at 1:48 am

       Dear Takeshi-san,
       Thank you so very much for your response and suggestions. It will help us finalise our travel plan. That’s all for now BUT
       I will come back to you soon with more questions… 🙂
       Have a great day!
       Thank you again…arigato kuzaimas…

       regards,
       Rohizani
       • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

         November 1, 2015 at 10:17 am

         You’re welcome, Rohizani san.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JPRail.com
3. Ginette says:

   October 18, 2015 at 12:50 pm

   Bonjour Takeshi,

   I have never ever seen such detailed information on all facilities for travelling including exact time for departure/arrival, transfer and everything else. When I found you I changed part of my trip to Japan. Part cause I had already booked the beginning and the end of my trip. I am including your 14 days JR pass sample itinerary in my plan and I would appreciate your comment on a few questions and changes I might be making.
   I am arriving in Narita airport November the 26 and will depart January the 6 at 11:00 AM.
   26-30 Tokyo (already booked) should I get Suica + N’EX pass for the 12 days!!!
   December
   1-5 Takayama w/5 days “Takayama Hokuriku Area pass” (already booked) thanks to you for the post on it…
   6-8 Kinosaki (already booked)
   9-16 Kyoto w/”Kansai Thru pass” to visit surroundings(maybe X 2) not book yet
   14 days JR pass sample itinerary (nothing booked) :
   17 07:20 Shin-Osaka – Hakata
   18 07:54 Hakata – Nagasaki
   *19 07:29 Nagasaki – Kagoshima arr:10:22
   *20 Kagoshima – Mt-Aso – Beppu
   21 Beppu
   22 Beppu – Hiroshima
   *23 Myajima – Hiroshima – Tokyo ( 5 hours )
   24 Nikko – Yamagata
   *25 Yamagata – Sendai
   *26 Sendai – arr: 21:28 Aomori overnight
   *27 07:50 leave Aomori (your day 6) Lake Towakado……
   19:05 dep. Aomori station “LTD. EXP SUPER HAKUCHO 25″
   20:56 arr. Hakodate
   28 Hakodate – Sapporo
   29 Sapporo
   30 Sapporo dep. 07:23- Tokyo arr: 17:04
   31 – 5 Tokyo (already booked)
   *6 Narita departure 11:00 AM
   Questions
   *19 : is it a good choice since I have the time, and what would you recommend (other than the aquarium), if it is a good choice….
   *20 : for Mt-Aso I read on one of your post that it was off limit due to volcan activity. Will it still apply on dec. 20 for the gondola ride.
   *23 : do you foresee any difficulties to take the train to Tokyo (5 hours) due to this holiday, ” the emperor birthday”….
   *25:…” cannot access Okama in winter time”. Can we access Zao and the ropeway. If not, do you have other recommendations and, on that date, is anything open !!!
   *26 : is Matsuhima bay cruise still running at this time of the year ….hike to Ogitani possible also…if not, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
   Since you do not recommend the overnight train, overnight in Aomori would be closer to Hakodate.
   *27 : Lake Towada and the walk from Kumoi no Taki to Ishigedo; can it be done at the end of december. I am from Quebec so the snow and cold does not worry me, only if the trails are close….
   *6 : At what time should I be at Tokyo Station to take train for Narita airport; one of your post said 4 hours before departure. This mean 07:00 AM, but is JR running around 06:00 AM. I will be staying in Asakusa.
   Have no doubts that your recommendations will be greatly appreciated,
   Ginette
   • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

     October 18, 2015 at 4:28 pm

     Bonjour Ginette,

     *19 : is it a good choice since I have the time, and what would you recommend (other than the aquarium), if it is a good choice….

     How about scenic route via Hitoyoshi and Yoshimatsu to get Kagoshima? It’s a wonderful rail trip.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kyushu-area/my-trip-from-kumamoto-to-kagoshima-chuo-on-march-16-2012-by-kumagawa-isaburo-and-hayato-no-kaze.html

     *20 : for Mt-Aso I read on one of your post that it was off limit due to volcan activity. Will it still apply on dec. 20 for the gondola ride.
     It’s suspended now. Never know it will be closed of not in December.

     *23 : do you foresee any difficulties to take the train to Tokyo (5 hours) due to this holiday, ” the emperor birthday”….
     No. It’s same as usual.

     *25:…” cannot access Okama in winter time”. Can we access Zao and the ropeway. If not, do you have other recommendations and, on that date, is anything open !!!
     You can get Zao to see Snow monsters.

     *26 : is Matsuhima bay cruise still running at this time of the year ….hike to Ogitani possible also…if not, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
     Since you do not recommend the overnight train, overnight in Aomori would be closer to Hakodate.

     It runs all year around. I have actually no idea about hike up Ogitani in winter time. It may be closed due to snow. If you have some time between Matsurima and Aomori, you can drop by Hiraizumi.
     http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5000.html

     *27 : Lake Towada and the walk from Kumoi no Taki to Ishigedo; can it be done at the end of december. I am from Quebec so the snow and cold does not worry me, only if the trails are close….

     Unfortunately all trails are closed during winter time.

     *6 : At what time should I be at Tokyo Station to take train for Narita airport; one of your post said 4 hours before departure. This mean 07:00 AM, but is JR running around 06:00 AM. I will be staying in Asakusa.

     I usually go to the airport 3 hours before departure time. 2.5 hours may be okay. But I always have some extra time for some happenings.
     Anyway Keisei railway is more accessible to Narita from Asakusa. Some trains go directly to Narita from Asakusa.
     http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/timetable/index.html

     You may need to change the train at Aoto. But it’s still more convenient than JR. You may find the timetable at Hyperdia. I believe it starts running around 5:30 and you can get Narita by 8:00 easily.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JPRail.com
     • Ginette Lavergne says:

       October 23, 2015 at 7:58 am

       Thank you so much for your suggestions, I already printed the details of your trip from Kumamoto to Kagoshima to include in my 14 days. I will also stop by Hiramizumi for a longer period.
       Now since the 27 december( your day 6) is out due to trails closed in winter, I would really appreciate any suggestion on where and what to do on that day. Overnight can be other than Aomori also. Aomori does not seem to have much to offer.
       Your help and suggestion are really appreciated.
       Thanks a million,
       Ginette
       • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

         October 23, 2015 at 12:53 pm

         Hi Ginette,

         You may spend several hours in Sendai too. In this itinerary, Sendai is just the place to stay. But there are some spots to see, like Sendai castle. It is very easy to adjust your itinerary if you add Sendai.

         Kakunodate is considerable too. It’s one hour away from Morioka. But Samurai residence is very lovely.
         http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3601.html

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JPRail.com
     • Ginette Lavergne says:

       November 5, 2015 at 2:58 pm

       Bonjour Takeshi san,
       I have a last request for you to help me end my 14 days itinerary with the JR pass. Because my last 2 days are the 29th and 30th of december, I don’t know where I should stay to be sure I can have a seat on the 30th for Tokyo (overnight already booked).
       Like you suggested on the 26th (my day 10) I will take the Matsuhima bay cruise, visit Hiraizumi and overnight in Hachinohe (already booked).
       The 27and 28th, day 11-12 , Hachinohe-Hakodate could be 2 nights in Hakodate. Yunokawa Onsen Monkeys and Hakodate-yama & Ropeway sounds interesting plus the seafood market and restaurants.
       1-But this is my dilemma. For the 29th (day 13) where should I go. Sapporo is long trip and to come back on the 30th from Sapporo to Tokyo would it be better. As you mentioned it will be very busy due to the holidays and I am worried also for the 30th (day 14) that seats might be difficult to get.
       2-Will it be easier to get a seat if I am in Shin-Aomori early in the morning of the 30th, like 6:17am for the “SHINKANSEN HAYABUSA 4”. If so then the 29 could be Hakodate-Aomori and overnight in Aomori.
       3-If I make my seat reservation one month before at the Midori no Madoguchi in Tokyo station, being there before 10:00 AM to put chances on my side, will it guaranty me a seat…
       4- last request….I saw your video of the busy station, and I am wondering: how many trains can pass by before you can get in !!!! and how long do you have to wait. 1 hour or more…
       I thank you for this wonderful itinerary that you shared with all of us. My trip to Japan will be memorable and I have you to thank for it.
       Ginette
       • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

         November 5, 2015 at 4:44 pm

         Hi Ginette san,

         On 29th and 30th, train will be busy from major cities. So if you take a trains, Shinkansen or whatever from Tokyo, Osaka or other major cities, it will be super busy. But if you take a train from Shin-Aomori, it’s okay. But it you take a train from Sappporo, it might be busy. Sapporo is recommended, but train may be busy when you get out from Sapporo. Actually I don’t have any more places to recommend in this area. I put all recommended places in this itinerary. You may drop by some places on the way to Tokyo, like Aizu-Wakamatsu.
         http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7700.html

         If you book it one month prior to departure date, you can get it easily. You don’t need to go there 10:00 am sharp. It’s not such a hard job. Just go to Midori no madoguchi when you have a time, you can get it.

         The movie was not recorded by myself. But as I took a look your plan, you will not take a train in the busiest segment. You will be okay.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JPRail.com
         • Ginette Lavergne says:

           November 10, 2015 at 11:52 am

           Thank you so much for your big help all your suggestions will be followed.

           Thank you a million times and God bless you.
           Ginette
           • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

             November 10, 2015 at 4:50 pm

             No problem, Ginette.

             Cheers,

             Takeshi / JPRail.com
4. Paul says:

   October 9, 2015 at 12:08 am

   Hi takeshi,

   Does the tokyo – sapporo using JR pass possible? how difficult it is now to travel using aomori – sapporo sleeper train?

   we have 16 days in Japan from dec 20 to jan 4. we are quite hesitant to get the 14 day JR pass or not. Options are 7 days (osaka-tokyo-kyoto) and remaining days in tokyo – fuji lakes or 14 days JR pass using this itenerary with side trips to shirakawa go.

   Hoping for your reply.

   Paul
   • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

     October 9, 2015 at 12:38 pm

     Hi Paul,
     You can use JR pass to get Sapporo from Tokyo. But it’s almost impossible to book overnight train Hamanasu now. You should not use this train in your plan. You may use daytime train.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JPRail.com
5. James Guest says:

   October 6, 2015 at 10:36 am

   Hi Takeshi

   I’am interested in following your 14 day itinerary but I arrive in Osaka on the Monday 18th January and depart from Tokyo on Tuesday 2nd February. Where would the best place be to start from. Should I start in Osaka and finish Osaka and then travel to Tokyo or would I be better to start and finish in Tokyo traveling to Tokyo on the first day. What would you recommend as most time / cost efficient way of doing it.

   The only change I plan to make to your itinerary is a visit the snow monkeys.

   James.
   • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

     October 6, 2015 at 4:28 pm

     Hi James,

     I think you can start from day 7 in my sample. And continue to the end to Tokyo and then start from day 1. Your last day of the trip is day 6 of my trip.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JPRail.com
     • James Guest says:

       October 8, 2015 at 10:29 am

       Hi Takeshi,

       Thank you for the prompt reply. I’am now thinking that it would be easier to arrive in Japan by a different route. Either from China or Korea. Traveling from Busan, South Korea to Fukuoka, Japan looks like a good idea. The one problem would be getting my rail pass ticket.

       Having put your itinerary into Tripline it would be a journey of over 2,695 miles (4.337 km) around Japan.

       James.
       • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:

         October 8, 2015 at 2:30 pm

         Hi James,

         Yes. You can access to Fukuoka from Busan by ferry service.
         I don’t think the ticket is an issue. As long as you have an exchange order of JR Pass, you can exchange it at Hakata station.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JPRail.com
6. Tess says:

   March 24, 2015 at 11:32 pm

   Hi Takeshi-san,
   Thanks for your prompt reply.
   Yup we were considering flying from Sapporo to Tokyo but also wanted to see if we could maximise the use of the 14-day JR pass. Read an entry by you where traveling in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo could be cheaper without buying JR pass.

   Just to check, would you have any recommendation on alternative locations for wisteria viewing that i could drop by along the way of our proposed itinerary? Or any recommendation on places that we should drop by / improve on our itinerary?

   Many thanks for your help
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     March 25, 2015 at 6:53 am

     HI Tess san,

     As you think, if you use domestic flight, local deals may be cheaper than JR Pass. But we cannot decide it at this point. You have to fix your itinerary fast.

     If you really want to see wisteria, Ashikaaga Flower Park is considerable, You can squeeze it into Tokyo-Aomori.
     http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_chuo_u/index.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Tess says:

       March 25, 2015 at 9:51 am

       Takeshi san,
       Yes we will take domestic flight from sapporo to tokyo.
       Should we buy a 7day nation wide JR PASS to use it for tokyo-aomori onwards or buy a 14 day pass?

       Awaits your advice, many thanks!
       • Takeshi / JPRail says:

         March 25, 2015 at 12:38 pm

         Hi Tess san,

         You need 14 days pass anyway because you will go to Osaka too. 7 days pass cannot cover whole part of your trip.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
7. Tess says:

   March 24, 2015 at 9:47 pm

   Takeshi-san
   Your website is really impressive and very helpful as a guide in our planning of our japan trip. We have drawn up a rough itinerary of our upcoming trip this april. Could you kindly help to take a look and advise on the type of pass / discount package that we could purchase to help us save some costs?

   22 Apr Morning: Arrive Haneda — Osaka (overnight in Osaka)
   23 Apr Osaka — Kyoto — Osaka (overnight in Osaka)
   24 Apr Osaka — Tokyo (overnight in Tokyo)
   25 Apr Tokyo — Kawaguchio (to see Mt Fuji) — Tokyo (overnight in Tokyo)
   26 Apr Tokyo — Aomori (to see sakura) (overnight in Aomori)
   27 Apr Aomori — Hakodate — Onuma Koen (overnight in Hakodate)
   28 Apr Hakodate
   29 Apr Hakdate — Toya (overnight in Toya)
   30 Apr Toya — Noboribetsu (overnight in Toya or Noboribetsu)
   1 May Toya/Noboribetsu — Sapporo (overnight in Sapporo)
   2 May Sapporo — Niseko or Furano ((overnight in Sapporo)
   3 May Sapporo
   4 May Sapporo — Tokyo — Home

   Could you also advise if it is possible to include Karawachi Fuji garden in the itinerary? or any other places to view Fuji flower along the way of my trip?
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     March 24, 2015 at 11:17 pm

     Hi Tess,

     You can use JR pass 14 days to cover all part of your trips.

     But are you flying out on 4 Mar from Tokyo? Sapporo is way far from Tokyo. Please fine more info about access to Sapporo from Tokyo.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html

     If you will fly out from Tokyo on 4 May, you should come back to Tokyo on 3 May. Even if you leave Tokyo late night, it’s risky to go back to Tokyo on 4 May.

     I think you meant Kawachi Fuji Garden, not Karawachi, right? It’s impossible squeeze this. It’s located in Kyushu. It will take another 3 hours from Osaka. There is no room to put this in your itinerary.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
   • rohizani says:

     November 29, 2015 at 11:09 pm

     Dear Tess,
     We will be in Japan almost at the same time…end of April. You will start in Osaka and end it in Sapporo, but I will begin in Sapporo…end it in Osaka! Anyways…While in Tokyo, why don’t you consider Ashikaga Flower Park (for fabulous wisteria) and Showa Kinen Park (tulips and others). I haven’t been to these parks, but I have browsed many blogs and I think it will worth visiting.
     Hope you have lots of fun in Japan.

     -Rohizani-
8. Arieh says:

   March 6, 2015 at 1:58 am

   Dear Takeshi,
   Could you comment on the following itinerary please!
   My wife and I plan to make this 23 day visit in the Sakura blossom season, so it has been necessary to book hotels at least in Tokyo and in Kyoto.
   24 March – arrive NRT
   24-26 March – Tokyo, just to get acclimatized! (2 nights)
   26-29 March – Kanazawa area (3 nights), arrive using new Hokuriku Shinkansen to arrive, with possible side trips to Noto peninsula
   29 March – 3 April – Kyoto, arrive via Shirakawago and Takayama
   3-5 April – Hiroshima and Miyajima (2 nights)
   5-7 April – Akoh-City (2 nights), visiting colleagues, side trip to Bizen or Hinase
   7-16 April – Tokyo, with side trips (1 or 2 days each) to Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, Fuji (all still to be planned)
   16 April – depart HND

   Questions –
   1. We have already purchased 21 day rail passes, after my rough calculation of ticket purchases. I hope that you agree with me that the decision was correct! We will activate them either on March 24 morning on arrival at NRT, or on March 26 morning before traveling to Nagano and Kanazawa.
   2. In view of the high season, is it necessary to book train tickets in advance? If so, how is this done?
   3. If normal Hikari trains are full, is it possible to upgrade to Nozomi trains or to green car, or is this prohibitively expensive?
   4. We haven’t made hotel bookings in Kanazawa or Hiroshima/Miyajima yet. In general, we prefer not to change hotels every night, if possible. Is it reasonable to stay at the same hotel in Kanazawa for the full 3 nights, and make side trips from there?
   5. Same question for Hiroshima/Miyajima – it seems that it will be difficult to find accommodation in Miyajima itself; can we stay at a Hiroshima hotel and make the full day trip to Miyajima on one day, returning to a Hiroshima hotel at night, and tour Hiroshima the next day before continuing onto Akoh-City?

   Much appreciated! Best regards,
   Arieh
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     March 6, 2015 at 1:49 pm

     Hi Arieh,

     My answers are the following:

     1. We have already purchased 21 day rail passes, after my rough calculation of ticket purchases. I hope that you agree with me that the decision was correct! We will activate them either on March 24 morning on arrival at NRT, or on March 26 morning before traveling to Nagano and Kanazawa.

     Side trips from Tokyo, like Nikko, Mt. Fuji are required to get greater value than 21 days pass.
     If you intend to complete these side trips until 13 Apr, you can start to use the pass on arrival day. You can take Narita Express from Narita to Tokyo by JR Pass. This way gives you the greatest deal.

     2. In view of the high season, is it necessary to book train tickets in advance? If so, how is this done?

     I recommend you to complete all bookings when you exchange the pass. You cannot book it before exchange the pass anyway. Please find more info at the link below:
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html

     Many limited express trains have non reserved seat. But it sometimes very hard to find the seat side by side. I strongly recommend you to book.

     3. If normal Hikari trains are full, is it possible to upgrade to Nozomi trains or to green car, or is this prohibitively expensive?

     No. It is very very rare that all Hikari are booked out. In case of full, you have to be standing passengers in non reserved seat car. In peak season, many passengers stand up on isle or passengers deck.

     4. We haven’t made hotel bookings in Kanazawa or Hiroshima/Miyajima yet. In general, we prefer not to change hotels every night, if possible. Is it reasonable to stay at the same hotel in Kanazawa for the full 3 nights, and make side trips from there?

     I understand that you want. You can stay in Kanazawa and make side trips. Even Shirakawago and Takayama can be done as day trip. You can take Nohi bus. This is not covered by JR pass. But this is only way to get Shirakawago from Kanazawa.
     http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html

     You can drop by Shirakawago and Takayama on the way to Kyoto. But you will carry you baggage. You have to find lockers or storage at both places. If you want to spend more time, I recommend you to stay in Takayama at least one night.

     5. Same question for Hiroshima/Miyajima – it seems that it will be difficult to find accommodation in Miyajima itself; can we stay at a Hiroshima hotel and make the full day trip to Miyajima on one day, returning to a Hiroshima hotel at night, and tour Hiroshima the next day before continuing onto Akoh-City?

     Yes. It will work. it’s only one hour away from Hiroshima. It’s very popular side trip from Hiroshima.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
9. Olga says:

   February 26, 2015 at 4:42 am

   Hi Takeshi,

   I found your website while researching on the JR pass and our itinerary, it’s very helpful.
   My husband and I are planning a 13-day trip to Japan in March/April (cherry blossom). We booked all Hotels (especially Kyoto and Hakone are fixed as no Hotels on other days are available) and we are a bit late still in the midst of building our itinerary. If you don’t mind, could you have a look at it and let us know if it works? Maybe you could also help us to decide what kind of pass card we need to buy throughout the trip?

   Sun 29.3 Arrive in Tokyo Haneda (HND) 10:55 – Tokyo
   Mon 30.3 Tokyo
   Tui 31.3 Tokyo
   Wen 01.4 Tokyo – Daytrip to Nikko
   Thu 02.4 Tokio – Kamakura – Yokohama? – Hakone (latest check-in 22:00)
   Fri 03.4 Hakone
   Sat 04.4 Hakone – Okayama? – Hiroshima
   Sun 05.4 Hiroshima – ½ to 1 Daytrip to Miyajima
   Mon 06.4 Hiroshima – Okayama?- Naoshima? – Himeji (latest check-in 22:00)
   Tui 07.4 Himeji – as early as possible in Kyoto
   Wen 08.4 Kyoto
   Thu 09.4 Kyoto – Nara? – Osaka (latest check-in 22:00)
   Fri 10.4 Osaka – ½ Daytrip to Koyasan?
   Sat 11.4 Depart from Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) 10:15

   We will be getting the 7 day JR Pass from 01.4 to 07.4, unless you’ve got a better suggestion? For the rest we are not sure what kind of pass card we need.

   Furthermore, we are not sure about some of our trips- if it is possible to make it in time or how to schedule them:
   2.4 Sightseeing in Kamakura and Yokohama on the way to Hakone (is it possible?)
   4.4 or 6.4 Sightseeing in Okayama and Naoshima ( what is best to schedule them – on the way to Hiroshima or on the way to Himeji (and still have time for Sightseeing in Himeji) and are this trips covert by the JR Pass.
   10.4 Sightseeing in Koyasan – is it possible to visit Koyasan and still have some time for Sightseeing in Osaka.

   Any suggestions / recommendations at this point will be most appreciated!!!
   Thank you very much.
   Olga
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     February 26, 2015 at 6:34 am

     Hi Oiga,

     >We will be getting the 7 day JR Pass from 01.4 to 07.4, unless you’ve got a better suggestion? For the rest we are not sure what kind of pass card we need.

     JR Pass 7 days is the perfect choice. You are right to use this period.

     >Furthermore, we are not sure about some of our trips- if it is possible to make it in time or how to schedule them:
     2.4 Sightseeing in Kamakura and Yokohama on the way to Hakone (is it possible?)

     It’s possible. Both Yokohama and Kamakura are on the way to Hakone.

     >4.4 or 6.4 Sightseeing in Okayama and Naoshima ( what is best to schedule them – on the way to Hiroshima or on the way to Himeji (and still have time for Sightseeing in Himeji) and are this trips covert by the JR Pass.

     If you intend to visit Naoshima, you may spend one full day. You will not have enough time on 4/04. 4/06 is better choice.

     >10.4 Sightseeing in Koyasan – is it possible to visit Koyasan and still have some time for Sightseeing in Osaka.
     You will need one full day for Koyasan. If you want to secure the time for Osaka, Koyasan is not a good choice.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
10. Denise says:

    February 4, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    I stumbled by your excellent web site by chance and wondered if you would be able to advise me on travel plans before I book any tickets. We are 4 adults with luggage.
    Our itinerary is as follows.

    Arrive Tokyo Narita 25th March Hotel booked for 3 nights

    Depart Tokyo 28th March for possible trip to Takayam (if not too far – I would welcome your advise)

    Stay 1 night Takayama 28th March

    29th March arrive and say for 2 nights Hakone

    31st March 1 night in Hiroshima

    1st April 2 nights Kyoto, Sakyo

    3rd April Flight departs from Tokyo 10:50 am

    Please can you advise which transport I need to book, and how I go about this. Also if there are any stops en route you would recommend. I hope this is not too much to ask and thank you kindly in anticipation of your advise
    Denise
    • Takeshi / JPRail says:

      February 4, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Denise,

      You can visit all places in your plan, but you have to make some changes.
      First of all, Takayama is not closed to Tokyo. Please find more info at the link below:

      It takes at least 4.5 hours from Tokyo to get there by Shinkansen to Nagoya and Limited Express Wide View Hida.

      And then you can’t get Narita from Kyoto in time. I think this is an international flight. You have to get Narita by 8:00. There is no way to get there from Kyoto. If you take the earliest Shinkansen, you will get Narita at 10:43. You need to stay overnight in Tokyo on last night.

      So my suggested itinerary is the following:

      27 Tokyo-Hakone
      28 Hakone
      29 Hakone-Takayama
      30 Takayama-Hiroshima
      31 Hiroshima-Kyoto
      1 Kyoto
      2 Kyoto-Tokyo
      3 Tokyo-Narita

      At last, you can use 7 days JR pass for you trip from Mar 27 to the Mar 2. There are lots of options from Narita to downtown Tokyo.
      https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail
      • Denise says:

        February 5, 2015 at 3:46 am

        Hi Takeshi, Thank you so much for your reply. It appears that I have made big mistake as I have booked hotels and am finding it difficult to change the dates. Please can you let me know if I miss out Takayama it is possible to visit Hiroshima before Hakone? If so are you able to point me in the right direction with regards to travel passes. Thank you so much
        Kind regards, Denise
        • Takeshi / JPRail says:

          February 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm

          Hi Denise,

          If you visit Hiroshima first, it takes 5 hours trip from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Kyoto is on the way to Hiroshima. So you can do but you should stay in Kyoto after Hiroshima and before Hakone.

          As long as you visit Hiroshima, you can use JR Pass. I think 7 days is enough.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail