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

Light-up at Kiyomizu-dera temple14 to 20 days
Light-up at Kiyomizu-dera temple
Light-up at Kiyomizu-dera temple

Light-up at Kiyomizu-dera temple

This itinerary includes many popular spots throughout Japan in 14 days. This itinerary starts from Tokyo. But if you want to start from Osaka, you can start from Day 11 to Day 14, and then start from Day 1 to Day10. Actually 14 days in not enough to see all popular spots in Japan. I include Hokkaido in this itinerary. But it does not include Shiretoko because of not enough time. I could not include south part of Kyushu, Hakone and Mt. Fuji either. If you can give up Tohoku part, you can get more time in Hokkaido. Of course you can go to Shiretoko.

Anyway this is a sample. I hope this sample itinerary help you When you make your own plan.

Day 1

Nikko Toshogu is the most popular spot in Nikko. ©Yasufumi Nishi/© JNTO

Nikko Toshogu is the most popular spot in Nikko. ©Yasufumi Nishi/© JNTO

08:08am Depart from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen Max Yamabiko 127
09:01am Arrive at Utsunomiya station
09:12am Depart from Utsunomiya station by Nikko line local train
09:54am Arrive at Nikko station. After arrival, enjoy exploring in UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko
14:20pm Depart from Nikko station by Nikko line local train
15:01pm Arrive at Utsunomiya station
15:59pm Depart from Utsunomiya station by Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa 143
18:00pm Arrive at Yamagata

*You can get Nikko from Shinjuku directly by Limited Express Nikko. But this express train goes on Tobu line. Japan Rail Pass does not cover this section. If you need more info, please refer Limited Express Nikko and Kinugawa.

*You can go to Zao Hot Springs after arrival at Yamagata. I choose only major cities to stay in this itinerary because you can find the accommodation very easily. But you can skip Yamagata and go straight to Zao. The last bus depart from Yamagata station to Zao at 18:40 and arrive at Zao at 19:17. (2011 summer timetable) Zao hot springs is a nice spa resort.

Overnight in Yamagata

Day 2

07:40am Depart from Yamagata station by Yamako bus
08:17am Arrive at Zao hot springs
Zao Ropeway start to operate at 08:30am. You can enjoy the fresh air and easy trekking at the summit. You can enjoy it for 1.5 hour.
10:10am Depart from Zao hot springs by Yamako bus
11:07am Arrive at Zao Kattasancho (Zao the summit of Katta mountain. It is known as “Okama”.)
Okama is a lava lake. You cannot access this spot in winter time. There is only one restaurant there. So it is very busy in lunch time. If you have a plan to have a lunch there, please make sure your schedule.
13:00pm Depart from Zao Kattasancho by Yamako bus
14:40pm Arrive at Yamagata station

Zao Okama ©Miyagi Prefecture/©JNTO

Zao Okama ©Miyagi Prefecture/©JNTO

*The extra cost to get to Zao is the following:
Yamako bus from Yamagata station to Zao hot springs — 980yen one way
Yamako bus from Zao hot springs to Zao Kattasancho — 1430yen one way
Yamako bus from Zao Kattasancho to Yamagata station — 1900yen one way
Zao Ropeway to the summit — 2500yen round trip

15:43pm Depart from Yamagata station by Senzan line local train
15:59pm arrive at Yamadera station

Yamadera means the mountain temple. There are several temples. Most well-known haiku poet Basho Matsuo wrote one of his famous haiku there. You can skip here if you want to arrive at Sendai earlier.

17:59 Depart from Yamadera station by Senzan line local train
18:59 Arrive at Sendai

Overnight in Sendai

Day 3

Matsushima is one of three greatest scenery in Japan. ©JNTO

Matsushima is one of three greatest scenery in Japan. ©JNTO

08:59am Depart from Sendai station by Senseki line local train
09:35am Arrive at Matsushima Kaigan station
*The pier is 5 minutes away from the station
10:00am Depart from Matsushima Kaigan pier by Matsuhima bay cruise
10:50am Arrive at Matsushima Kaigan pier

*The fare for Matsushima bay cruise is 1400yen per person
*You can enjoy easy hike up to Ogitani. The trail head is 10 minutes away from the station. It takes only 10 minutes hike up to the view point. Enjoy the panorama view of Matsushima.
You can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch here at Matsushima Sakana Ichiba (Matsushima fish market — Japanese website) after sightseeing at Matsushima. You may have a seafood lunch around 1000yen. Of course you can go back to Sendai.

12:34pm Depart from Matsushima Kaigan station by Senseki line local train
12:58pm Arrive at Sendai station
13:42pm Depart from Sendai station by Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko 59
14:14pm Arrive at Ichinoseki station
14:37pm Depart from Ichonoseki station by Tohoku line local train
14:45pm Arrive at Hiramizumi station

You can enjoy the newest UNESCO World Heritage site, Hiraizumi. The most famous spot in Hiraizumi is Chusonji temple. It is 25 minutes (1.6km) away from Hiraizumi station. The admission is 800yen per person. (English website)

17:39pm Depart from Hiraizumi station by Tohoku line local train
18:10pm Arrive at Kitakami station
18:33pm Depart from Kitakami station by Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko 67
18:52pm Arrive at Morioka station
(Dinner break at Morioka)
20:26pm Depart from Morioka station by Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate 37
21:28pm Arrive at Shin-Aomori station
21:38pm Depart from Shin-Aomori station by Local train
21:44pm Arrive at Aomori station
22:42pm Depart from Aomori by overnight express train Hamanasu

Overnight in the train

Day4

06:07am Arrive at Sapporo station
Full day free in Sappro. You have several choice, staying in Sapporo, half day trip to Otaru, full day trip to Furano, or you can go even Kushiro marsh. You can get some information about Furano at Furano Lavender Express / Furano Koyo Express. If you are looking for day trip to Kushiro from Sapporo, please refer Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.

Overnight in Sapporo

Day 5

08:34am Depart from Sapporo station by Super Hokuto 6
11:53am Arrive at Hakodate station
Enjoy afternoon in Hakodate

*You can extend to stay in Sapporo instead of Hakodate. If you don’t need to stay in Hakodate, you can take Super Hokuto 16 (Sapporo 14:52 – Hakodate 18:09).

19:18 Depart from Hakodate station by Super Hakucho 98
21:22 Arrive at Aomori station

Overnight in Aomori

Day 6

*Before you depart from the hotel, ask to store your luggage to the hotel. Because you will walk along Oirase gorge. It is short hike, but you cannot carry your luggage.

07:50am Leave Aomori station by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 2
10:35am Arrive at Towadako station
Enjoy Lake Towada
12:30pm Depart from Towadako station by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 7
12:56pm Arrive at Kumoi no Taki bus stop
Enjoy walking from Kumoi no Taki to Ishigedo
14:35pm Depart from Ishigedo bus stop by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 9
17:04pm Arrive at Aomori station

*Don’t forget to pick up your luggage at the hotel.

17:51pm Depart from Aomori station by Super Hakucho 40
17:56pm Arrive at Shin-Aomori station
18:14pm Depart from Shin-Aomori station by Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa 6
21:24pm Arrive at Tokyo station
22:00pm Depart from Tokyo station by Overnight train Sunrise Seto/Izumo.

Overnight in the train

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. ©Nagasaki City/© JNTO

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. ©Nagasaki City/© JNTO

Day 7

06:27am Arrive at Okayama station
07:16am Depart from Oakayam by Sanyo Shinkansen Hikari 541
09:13am Arrive at Hakata station
09:55am Depart from Hakata station by Limited Express Kamome 13.
11:48am Arrive at Nagasaki station.
After arrival, enjoy exploring Nagasaki.

Overnight in Nagasaki

Day 8

06:00am Depart from Nagasaki station by Limited express Kamome 2.
07:31am Arrive at Shin-Tosu station. After arrival, transfer to Kyushu Shinkansen.
07:50am Depart from Shin-Tosu station by Kyushu Shinkansen Tsubame 331.
08:26am Arrive at Kumamoto station. After arrival, transfer to Limited express Kyushu Odan Tokkyu (=Trans-Kyushu Limited express).
08:35am Depart from Kumamoto station by Limited express Kyushu Odan Tokkyu 2.

Kusasenri at Mt.Aso ©JNTO

Kusasenri at Mt.Aso ©JNTO

09:43am Arrive at Aso station. After arrival, take a local bus to one of very popular active volcano, Mt. Aso.

10:00am The bus to Mt. Aso depart from Aso station.
10:40am Arrive in Mt. Aso West (Gondola station). The bus fare is 730 yen for one way to Aso Nishi station. The gondola fare is another 1,000 yen for round trip.
13:05pm Depart from Mt Aso West by bus to Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 140 yen.
13:10pm Arrive at Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum.
15:40pm The bus depart to Aso station from Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 670 yen.
*You can spend your time for the gondola only. In case of that, the bus leave rfom Mt. Aso West at 15:35pm.
*Unfortunately the bus company (Kyushu Sanko Bus Line) does not have any English website. But the gondola company Mt. Aso Ropeway has English site.

16:13pm Depart from Aso station by Trans-Kyushu Limited express 6.
18:13pm Arrive at Beppu station. Stay at most famous hot springs resort in Kyushu.

Overnight in Beppu

Day 9

Enjoy half day sightseeing in Beppu
12:53pm Depart from Beppu station by Limited express Sonic 32.
14:03pm Arrive at Kokura station. After arrival, transfer to Sanyo Shinkansen.
14:22pm Depart from Kokura station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 566.
15:09pm Arrive at Hiroshima. After arrive at Hiroshima, enjoy sightseeing in downtown Hiroshima.

Overnight in Hiroshima

Day 10

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajiam

Enjoy full day sightseeing in Miyajima. Please refer the post, How to get Miyajima, about access from Hiroshima.
After sightseeing, take Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama.
16:15pm Depart from Hiroshima station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 568.
17:44pm Arrive at Shin-Osaka station
17:50pm Depart from Shin-Osaka station by Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama 478
18:05pm Arrive at Kyoto

Overnight in Kyoto

Day 11

Full day for exploring in Kyoto

Overnight in Kyoto

Day 12

10:10am Depart from Kyoto by Limited Express Thunderbird 11
12:18pm Arrive at Kanazawa
After arrival, enjoy sightseeing in Kanazawa

Overnight in Kanazawa

Day 13

Doburoku Festival in Shirakawa-go

Doburoku Festival in Shirakawa-go

08:45am Depart from Kanazawa for Shirakawa-go by Nohi Bus.
Reservation Required!!! Don’t forget to make a reservation. This bus is not included in Japan Rail Pass. The bus fare 1,800yen.
10:00am Arrive at Shirakawa-go

*If you need more information about access to Shikawago, please refer one of my posts, How to get Shirakawa-go.

Enjoy sightseeing UNESCO world heritage site Shirakawa-go.

*Reservation Required!!! Don’t forget to make a reservation. This bus is not included in Japan Rail Pass. The bus fare 2,400yen.
17:20pm Depart from Shirakawa-go for Kanazawa by Nohi Bus
18:10pm Arrive at Takayama

Overnight in Takayama

Day 14

Decoration for Tanabata in Takayama

Decoration for Tanabata in Takayama

Eenjoy sightseeing in very traditional Japanese town, Takayama.
18:45pm Depart from Takayama by “Wide View Hida 20
21:00pm Arrive at Nagoya
21:27pm Depart from Nagoya by Tokaido Shinakansen “Hikari 534”
23:26pm Arrive at Tokyo

Comments

  1. Yanni says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m going with a friend and this is our first time seeing Japan.I only just found your blog and even though a lot of my general plan was already booked, it’s been really helpful to read your advice on exploring individual cities. If it’s alright, I just wanted your opinion for whether it might be better for me to change my day trips/make things less busy. We have a 14 day JR Pass.

    28 Nov: Arrive in Tokyo in evening
    29 Nov: Explore Tokyo Imperial Palace (Is it worth buying a tour, or just walking through the gardens for free as planned?), Akihabara, Shibuya and Shinjuku
    30 Nov: Fish markets, Wander through other parts of Tokyo (Not sure what the best things to do here are)
    1 Dec: Day trip to Hakone, using the ‘official’ itinerary although when this day trip is will depend on the weather because we want to see Mt Fuji.
    2 Dec: First half of day in Tokyo, then travel down to Osaka using JR shinkansen
    3 Dec: Trip to Koyasan, 1 night in temple
    4 Dec: See more of Koyasan, back to Osaka
    5 Dec: Nara Day trip
    6 Dec: Hiroshima/Miyajima Day trip
    7 – 9 Dec: Kyoto – Are there any recommended day trips from here that we have not included from Osaka already? Otherwise we think we will just walk through the city and see general recommended sites
    10 Dec: Takayama
    11 Dec: Day trip to Shirakawa-go, then head back to Tokyo
    *We’re really hoping there might be some sort of early snow during our trip near this time in December, but is it possible to see any without going all the way up to Hokkaido? (We originally planned to but we decided to focus more on Hakone, Nara, Hiroshima).
    12 Dec: Heading back home in the afternoon

    As you can see this is all fairly soon, so all of our nights are booked, but any advice you can give, especially regarding purchasing any passes other than the JR pass would be greatly appreciated e.g. Hakone free pass

    Many thanks,
    Yanni

  2. Bill Bui says:

    Hi Takeshi
    I will leave Melbourne to visit Japan from 12 Nov to 28 Nov and will buy JR 14 day pass. My rough plan as below and I need to fill the last 3 nights. Would you suggest I should visit the Sendai, Aomori region or it’s too cold by then and there will be no autumn leaves to enjoy. Or should I go to the south region visiting Nagasaki and Hagi? I have been Hiroshima and the Miyajima island.
    To Nikko: Narita, Ueno, Utsomiya, Nikko 2 nights
    To Kanazawa: Nikko, Utsomiya, Omiya, Nagano, Kanazawa 2 nights
    To Himeji: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji 1 night
    To Kyoto: Himeji, Kyoto 2 nights
    To Matsumoto: Kyoto, Magome-Tsumago, Matsumoto 1 night
    To Shinjuku: Matsumoto, Shinjuku 2 night
    Tokyo 2 nights then fly to Melbourne.

    Thanks in advance.
    Regards
    Bill

    • Hi Bill,

      I still love Tohoku region without autumn leaves. But if you want to enjoy the view of fall foliage, you should visit south region. If you go to Nagasaki and Hagi, you have to squeeze these places between Himeji and Kyoto. Otherwise you will spend much more time. And also Hagi is a nice place but not accessible by train.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Dor S says:

    Dear Takeshi san
    My husband & I plan to travel late Sept to 12th Oct 2016. We like to vist Tokyo – Hakone and Kyoto.
    Do you think this is the good time to visit these places.
    Appreciate your advise.
    Thanks
    Dor S

    • Hi Dor S san,

      It’s no problem to visit Japan in this period. It’s before busy season actually. Because fall foliage season is very popular and it starts from November.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. JoMay says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I like to ask your advice on my vacation to Japan in term of transportations and what the affordable bus fare to buy.

    Arrive in Osaka International Airport in August 16. Osaka in August 17. Osaka to Nara day trip in August 18. Osaka to Kyoto in August 19. Kyoto in August 20. Kyoto to Mt. Fuji day trip in August 21. Kyoto to Kanazawa & Shirakawago (day trip) to Tokyo in August 22. Tokyo in August 23. Tokyo to Kamakura (day trip) in August 24. Tokyo in August 25. Tokyo in August 26. Tokyo in August 27. Tokyo to Narita International Airport in August 28.

    Thank you in advance.
    JoMay

  5. David says:

    Hello Takeshi.

    Thanks again for the wonderful work you do on this site. It has help very much in planning my upcoming trip. I really loved the tips you had on using HyperDia.

    We are doing 22 days in July. Below is the basic trip so far. I was wondering if you see anything that would make it flow better. I still have a couple of days before I finalize everything.

    July 3 – Arrive Haneda Airport late (22:30) – Stay at guesthouse close to the airport.

    July 4 – Return to Haneda Airport to pick up 72-hour subway passes, redeem 14-day Ordinary Japan Rail Pass vouchers (beginning use date 10 July), and get data SIM cards. Relocate into Tokyo proper staying near Sugamo Station. We’ll be using 2 sets of 72-hour subway passes for traveling during the 6 days we are in Tokyo.

    July 9 – Leave Tokyo for Nikko – Pay the oneway fares to Nikko.

    *What is the best way to get to Nikko from Sugamo Station? Right now, I am planning Sugamo – Nippori – Kita-Senju – Shimo-Imaichi – Tobu-Nikko. Just over 2 hours and about 1,530 yen each according to HyperDia.

    July 10 – Begin using the Japan Rail Pass. Head to Yudanaka. Do about a 4-hour stopover in Nagano to see Zenkoji before changing to the local Nagano Electric for the last part to Yudanaka. Two nights in Yudanaka so that there is a full day for the monkey park and general sightseeing in the area.

    *If we were going up to Yudanaka on one day and coming back the next I would probably get the 2-day pass there but since we will be staying 2 nights, can you suggest the cheapest way from Nagano and return?

    July 12 – Yudanaka to Takayama – First night is actually in Hidaichinomiya. Nice little minshuku (Minshuku Sumiresou – http://www.sumiresou.com/html/english/index.html) that I have stayed at before.

    July 13 – One night in Takayama to check out the old town area.

    July 14 – Takayama to Kyoto. Taking the Hida 6 Limited Express Wide View from Takayama to Nagoya. Some very beautiful country to see on that route.

    In Kyoto until July 19 for the Gion Matsuri.

    July 18 – Day trip to Nara.

    July 19 – Kyoto to Miyajima Island with a few hours stop at Hemiji Castle before getting to Miyajimaguchi. Overnight on Miyajima Island. I can taste the okonomiyaki already 🙂

    July 20 – Miyajima Island in to Hiroshima for Two nights. See the usual sights.

    July 22 – Hiroshima to Kamakura. Overnight there for sightseeing.

    July 23 – Kamakura to Tokyo. Use the last day of the 14-day rail passes to get back into Tokyo. Staying overnight in Asakusa near Sensoji.

    July 24 – May or may not get a 24 hour subway pass for the last day in Tokyo depending on how much we plan to do. Will still have to take a train part of the way from Asakusa back to Haneda Airport for late flight out.

    So, I think I have done a decent job on this but you are much more familiar with Japan and the transportation there so I welcome any suggestions you have.

    Thank you.

    • Hi David,

      You have done superb job! Your itinerary is so detailed and well prepared. I don’t have almost anything to mention. You have several inquiries in your comment. I answer it and give you a few tips.

      1. Sugamo to Nikko.
      The route by hyperdia is okay. You can take this route. I also suggest the route, Sugamo (JR Yamanote line) Ueno (Subway) Asakusa (Tobu) Tobu-Nikko. It depends on your departure time. This route may be slightly faster, but not much different. And also Tobu train depart from Asakusa. You may get a seat easily than taking at Kita-Senju.

      2. Nagano railway deal
      There is no 3 days deals available. Unfortunately single fare ticket is the best choice.

      3. Nagano to Hidaichinomiya.
      You can take either route, Nagano-Nagoya-Hidaichinomiya or Nagano-Toyama-Hidaichinomiya. Train do not run between Toyama and Hidaichinomiya but I recommend to take this route. The scenery is very nice between Toyama and Takayama too.

      4. Himeji
      You can drop by on the way to Hiroshima. It is completely no problem. But Hiroshima to Kamakura is quite long trip. If you drop by Himeji, it’s a nice break during long trip. It’s just another idea.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • David says:

        Thank you for the kind words about my plan Takeshi. For me, planning a trip is half the fun.

        I have a followup question that you may be able to help me with.

        I am thinking of getting an IC card (probably a Suica card) for use to cover those little things that might not be covered by the 72-hour subway pass in Tokyo or the JR Rail Pass in the rest of Japan. While I won’t be needing it in places like Yudanaka or Takayama (both very walkable cities) I think it might be helpful for incidental bus or subway travel in places like Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Nagano, and Osaka. The problem I have is that I have not been able to find any information on where the Suica card can be used for buses and subways (and very little that is clear about its use on the various non-JR train lines).

        If you happen to know if the card could be used in those cities for bus and subway service or know of websites that could help I would be most appreciative.

        While I know your site is mostly about trains and train travel, a post on this subject would be well received by your readers, I think. While we all love trains, you can not always avoid subways and buses. Knowing where you can use the IC cards would be a lot of help. Just a suggestion. 🙂

        Thanks again for a great site.

  6. eny says:

    Excused me..could you help me to arrange my schedule please, i want to go to japan in desember on 22 until 3 january from kuala lumpur -haneda return or kuala lumpur- nagoya and back from haneda .. i plan to tokyo for 5 dsys , osaka and kyoto 3days stay in osaka, 2 days takayama…in tokyo i plan to tokyo sky tree, tokyo castle,odaiba,sanrio furoland, try thomas train, try seagano train, disneyland,disney sea, tempel,window shopping in harajuku, akibhara, gala yushawa.,mt fuji..i want to go shirawakago too..please help me to make schadule for my trip ini tokyo, gala yushawa, mt fuji osaka kyoto shirawakago..thanks before

  7. Ayako says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I have googled so many itineraries and options and I really like yours since it combines tourist, great scenery spots and variety and even the which trains to take! Do you have one for 21 days? We are planning to arrive in Narita on July 6 and leaving on July 26 from Narita. I think from what I have read, JPRail for 21 days seem to make most sense, unless you suggest otherwise? I would like to hit the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto since that maybe the only opportunity to see any fireworks/festival and not too interested in going to Hiroshima since I have already been there. We are going with 14 year old son and husband and myself. My main goal is to eat lots of delicious Japanese food since it is hard to find a good ones in Toronto and I haven’t been back since 1991. Rest of the family never been to Japan so the tourist stuff is more for them. We are on the budget so trying to make the best out of the 3 weeks. We are thinking of booking Airbnb since it would be more affordable than hotels, have you tried them? Thank you for your help!

    • Hi Ayako san,

      Unfortunately I don’t have 21 days itinerary yet. But this 14 days does not include central and eastern part of Hokkaido, like Furano, Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Shiretoko, Kushiro. If you add these spots, you will spend at least 3 days. You may refer one of my 7 days itineraries in the following link:
      https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/hokkaido-tohoku-7-days.html

      It also does not include Shikoku and San’in region either. You may add these regions too.

      This 14 days itinerary is very busy trip. You can make it be slower.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Geraldine Luu says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’ll be going to Japan in June for 14days and after reading your articles i’m stuck as to whether i should go ahead and purchase a 14 day JR Pass or a 7 day JR Pass… Please recommend what i should do!

    Here is my itinerary that i’m still working on, plans can be re-arranged;

    24th: arrival at Narita, stay overnight
    25th: leave Narita for Kyoto
    26th: Kyoto
    27th: Kyoto
    28th: Kyoto
    29th: Naoshima Island
    30th: Osaka & Nara
    1st: Leave Kyoto for Tokyo
    2nd: Side trip from Tokyo (Kamakura)
    3rd: Side trip from Tokyo (Yokohama)
    4th: Tokyo
    5th: Tokyo
    6th: Tokyo
    7th: Tokyo
    8th: Leave Tokyo for Narita Airport.

    Thank you.

    Geraldine

  9. Aaron says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    I would sincerely appreciate it if you could please give me some insight into the benefit of a 14 day JR Pass vs. paying the fare for each individual leg of the trip. This is the portion of my trip I am concerned about:
    1 Tokyo- Hiroshima
    2 Hiroshima
    3 Hiroshima – Okayama
    4 Okayama-Himeji-Kobe- Osaka
    5 Osaka
    6 Osaka
    7 Osaka – Kyoto
    8 Kyoto
    9 Kyoto
    10 Kyoto
    11 Kyoto (day trip to a surrounding area)
    12 Kyoto-Tokyo
    13 Tokyo (day trip to a surrounding area)
    14 Tokyo (day trip to a surrounding area)

    Would you recommend the JR pass, even if I didn’t go on the “day trips to a surrounding area”?

    It is my understanding that if using the JR Pass, I cannot take the Shinkansen Nozomi from Tokyo to Hiroshima, correct? For example, I would have to take trains such as the SHINKANSEN HIKARI in Tokyo, transfer at SHIN-OSAKA, and then take the SHINKANSEN SAKURA to Hiroshima?

    Thank you so very much for you assistance Takeshi, I very, very much appreciate it!

    Aaron

    • Hi Aaron,

      I recommend JR pass 14 days. Because in my rough calculation, total fare for Tokyo-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Osaka via Okayama, Himeji and Kobe, Kyoto-Tokyo is around 43000 yen. It’s still cheaper than 14 days pass. But I think you will visit Miyajiama when you are in Hiroshima. You may take train between downtown Tokyo and airport, in downtown Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. I think grand total cost will be higher than 14 days pass.

      You can understand the condition correctly. Actually Sakura has nicer accommodation than Hikari. Sakura’s reserved seat is 2+2 layout but Hikari has 2+3. So don’t forget to book reserved seat for Sakura.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Georgi Manger says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,
    Your website is fantastic. I would like to ask your opinion on travel passes/itinerary suggestions. Our family with 2 girls aged 10 and 8 will be in Japan for 16 days next September 2016, and our itinerary looks like this:
    Sept 10-14: Tokyo (Azabujuban)
    Sept 14: Tokyo to Hakone (which rail pass best to suit 3 nights)
    Sept 14-16: Hakone
    Sept 17: Travel from Hakone to Kyoto (staying in Shimogyo-ku ward)
    Sept 17-22 (5 nights Kyoto): would love to go to Hiroshima but not sure if feasible for a day trip with kids
    Sept 22: Kyoto to Tokyo. This is Autumn Equinox Day – National Holiday. Wondering if we could get back to Tokyo from Kyoto via Matsumoto relatively easily? Worthwhile or spend more time looking around Tokyo.
    Sept 22-26: 4 nights Tokyo, staying in Tokyo Bay at Sheraton. With the National Holidays, will all the Disney theme parks and museums be over run?
    Sept 26: Depart from Narita.
    Any thoughts on the best passes to get would be most welcome.
    Many thanks.

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