Some of you are wondering if you should use JR pass or not for one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka via Hakone and Kyoto. Actually JR pass does not meet this trip. The price of 7-day JR pass is 29100 yen. One way base fare from Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka plus Shinkansen surcharge is around 14000 yen. As long as you have one way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, JR pass is way more expensive than single fare. Even if you use JR pass when you stay in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it is not realistic to spend another 15000 yen. Base fare in these cities is 200 to 500 yen.
In this post, I show you the sample itinerary and some deals in these cities.
*When you follow this sample itinerary, please check the updated timetable. You can find more information about timetable at the link below:
Guide to plan your trip. How to find Japan Railway’s timetables
Day 1 Narita or Haneda airport to downtown Tokyo
Suggested deals for Narita passengers
There are many deals available. Please refer the following link about Narita deals:
Suggested deals for Haneda passengers
Please refer the following links:
Day 2 Tokyo
Enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo.
You can find the detailed information of train system in downtown Tokyo in the link below. You also can find the information about the deals:
In Tokyo, the single fare is very reasonable because of a short trip. The regular fare may be cheaper if you visit one or two places. You may use IC card, such Suica or Pasmo instead:
Day 3 Tokyo to Hakone
Suggested itinerary
08:53 Shinjuku
Odakyu railway’s limited express “Romancecar” Hakone 9
10:35 Hakone-Yumoto
Leave your baggage at hotel or locker at the station. Enjoy sightseeing Hakone all day.
Odakyu Railway is most convenient to get Hakone and cheaper than JR trains. You can purchase base fare ticket and Hakone Free Pass Odawara departure at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku station.
Suggested deals
Base fare ticket (Shinjuku – Odawara) and Hakone Free Pass (Odawara departure 2 days)
You may find more information about Hakone Free Pass and Odakyu Railway in the link below:
Hakone Free Pass official site
Shinjuku departure Hakone Free Pass (5140 yen) is not required for this itinerary. Because it includes round trip to/from Shijuku. But you do not come back to Shinjuku and leave Hakone then go to Kyoto next day. Of course single fare for Shinjuku-Odawara is cheaper than the difference between Shinjuku departure Hakone Free Pass and Odawara departure Hakone Free Pass.
Once you get Hakone, use Hakone Free Pass as much as you can. You can get most of places in Hakone by this pass.
I recommend you to stay in Hakone for at least one night. But if you want to visit Hakone as “luggage free” day trip from Tokyo, Hakone Free Pass Shinjuku departure is the best deal.
I have the post which explains about the access to Hakone and the trip plan in Hakone in the link below:
Day 4 Hakone to Kyoto
Suggested itinerary
09:40 Hakone-Yumoto
Hakone Tozan Railway
09:54 Odawara
10:08 Odawara
Hikari 507
12:13 Kyoto
Odawara station is the nearest JR station to Hakone. You can catch the the Tokaido Shinkansen to get Kyoto. Please find the details about Odawara station at the following:
There are some Shinkansen train, “Hikari” stop at Odawara and takes you to Kyoto without any transfer. I picked 10:08 departure, Hikari 507. Please see the timetable at the link below and find the train what you want to take:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
You may find Hikari which stop at Odawara mostly every two hours. Please try to catch this kind of Hikari. This is the fastest and direct way to get Kyoto from Odawara.
There is no deals to cover the trip from Odawara to Kyoto. The base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat fee ticket are required to take the Tokaido Shinkansen. You can purchase these tickets in advance if you want. The Shinkansen and limited express surcharge tickets can be purchased at most major JR stations that have reservation window, a.k.a. “Midori no Madoguchi”. The base fare ticket also can be purchased with surcharge ticket at same time. If you do so, you can just transfer from Hakone Tozan Railway train to the Shinkansen at Odawara.
If you follow my suggested itinerary, you have half day for sightseeing in Kyoto. I recommend you to visit south part of Kyoto, like Fushimi Inari. It’s just 5 minutes away from Kyoto station by Nara line local train. If you want, you can visit even Nara.
If you need some more information about Kyoto station, please refer the link below:
Day 5 Kyoto
You can enjoy in Kyoto for all day.
Please refer the links below to find the information of train system in Kyoto and deals in Kyoto.
Day 6 Kyoto to Osaka
Suggested itinerary
09:14 Kyoto
Special rapid
09:43 Osaka
I use JR train, Special Rapid which is the fastest way to get Osaka (Umeda). It is a sort of commute train. Only base fare is required to take this train.
There are many other trains running between Kyoto and Osaka. Please see the link below to find the train network in Kansai area:
After arriving in Osaka, you may add the deal as you need.
Day 7 Osaka to Kansai airport
There are some deals available. Please see the link below:
Summary and total costs
If you have one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka, as you read above, the key is how to combine some local deals and the regular fare ticket. In this itinerary, approximate total cost is 23,000 to 26,000 yen. It is cheaper than JR Pass 7-day. And JR Pass does not cover Hakone area, subway and city bus in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. You might feel the total cost is very close to JR Pass 7-day. But actual different is much bigger.
I show you 7 days itinerary but you can extend staying in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto or Osaka. And also I have another sample itinerary that includes Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka only. Please see the following post to find it.
I hope this post will help you to build your trip plan to Japan!
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
Find this page really useful. Was hoping for your insight on my itinerary whether it is better to purchase single trip fare or JR pass.
Haneda to Tokyo – 3 nights
Tokyo to hakone – 2 nights
Hakone to Kyoto – 2 nights
Kyoto to Tokyo – 1 night
Tokyo to Haneda airport
Hear from you soon!
Cheers,
Vincens
Hi Vincens,
JR pass 7 days is recommended for the last 7 days of your trip. You can add Haneda airport access deal and subway pass for the first 2 days. Please see the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
JR Pass covers most part of your trip. But you may need to add some deals or single fare in Hakoone and Kyoto. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Can you please hightligh how to travel from
Narita to Tokyo
Tokyo to Odawara and Hakone
Odawara/Hakone to Kyoto
Kyoto to Tokyo
Tokyo to Chiba
Chiba to Narita
Thank you so much
Best regards
Tenizn Ramjor
Hi Tenzin,
You can follow the sample itinerary for Narita-Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto in the post above.
For Kyoto to Tokyo, you can take Shinkansen as well.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
For Tokyo-China-Narita, you can take rapid train.
https://jprail.com/trains/rapid-train-on-yokosuka-sobu-line-airport-narita.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi. Thank you for your informative posts! We are going to Japan in September. From Haneda… Tokyo 4 nights, Hakone 2nights, Kyoto 5 nights, Hiroshima 2 nights, Myajima & fly back to U.K. From Osaka. We don’t know if a 14 night JR pass would be a good idea. We want to take Day trips out from Tokyo & Kyoto and would like to go to the Post Road at Nagoya. Or would single tickets be cheaper. We definitely want a trip on a Shinkansen ! We would really appreciate you thoughts…Thank you. Val & Chris Pendleton
Hi Val,
In rough calculation, the total fare for Tokyo – Odawara (gateway to Hakone) – Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka is almost equal to 7 days JR pass price. 14 days is more expensive than even single fares.
But you intend to have day trips from Tokyo and Kyoto. You mentioned “post road at Nagoya”. If you meant Magome, Tsumago, Kiso valley, you can use 14 days pass. Because these places are 2 hours away from Kyoto. You will take Shinkansen and other express trains to get there.
And also if you visit outside Tokyo, like Nikko, you will get the worth of 14 days pass easily.
I think 14 days pass will be okay but please make sure where you go when you will be in Tokyo and Kyoto. Day trips from these cities will be key to take 14 days pass or not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi. Yes, I meant Tsumago ! Sorry !
I am looking forward to visiting Japan so much. I would like to learn some basic words or phrases before I go. Best wishes, Val
No worries, Val.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi. yes, we certainly want to visit Nikko from Tokyo and Nara from Kyoto. We will be in Japan for 20 days, so we wonder if it would best to buy a 21 day JR pass ?
Hi Val,
I don’t think 21 days pass is suitable. It’s too expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much again, Takeshi !
Best wishes, Val
No worries, Val.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi. Please could you advise on best rail tickets to buy for the following trip in September & if a JR Pass, which day to activate them ?
Couple 1 : 16-20 Sept Tokyo. Possible Trip to Kamakura.
20-22 Sept Tokyo – Hakone
22-27 Sept Hakone- Kyoto. Day trip to Nara. Day trip to Magome, Tsumago
27-29 Sept Kyoto-Hiroshima
29-30 Sept Hiroshima – Osaka Kansai Airport
2nd Couple. same as 1st Couple until 29th Sept, then :
29-Sept – 1st Oct Hiroshima – Miyajima
1-4 Oct Miyajima-Okayama
4-5 Oct Okayama – Osaka
5 Oct Osaka – Kansai Airport
Thank you very much. Val
Hi Val,
14 days JR pass is the choice.
1st couple can use it from 17th to the end of the trip.
2nd couple can use it from 21st to 4th until getting Osaka. 2nd couple need to add single fare for trip to Kamakura, Tokyo to Hakone and other deal for Osaka to KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi. Your advice is very much appreciated. Best wishes, Val
No worries, Val.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone. Will a Hakone 2 day pass be needed in addition or will a JR pass cover the train travel please ?
Thank you. Val
Hi Val,
JR Pass covers Shinjku to Odawara. And you can purchase Hakone Free Pass at Odawara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi
Thank you once more, Takeshi. Best wishes, Val
No worries, Val.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi. Rail passes have now arrived. If couple number 2 activate their passes on 21st, where can they do that please ? Thank you, .Val
Hi Val,
You can exchange the pass in advance. Even if you want to start using the pass on 21st, you can change the pass when you are in Tokyo. When you exchange the pass, you can choose the date when you want to start. And then the date will be stamped on the pass. So please see the location list in the link below and find the best station for you.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We’re planning for family trip (7 person) to Japan at end of May with the itinerary :
Day 1 arrived Haneda, overnight Tokyo
Day 2 Tokyo
Day 3 go to Hakone, overnight Hakone
Day 4 to Kyoto, overnight Kyoto
Day 5 tour Kyoto, overnight Kyoto
Day 6 to Osaka, overnight Osaka
Day 7 Osaka (universal studio) overnight osaka
Day 8-9 to Tokyo (Disneyland, Odaiba)
Day 10 depart from haneda
What your suggestion for above itin and the pass ? Is 7day JR pass suitable/effective for this trip?
Thanks
Hi Mei Mei san,
You can use JR pass 7 days for day 3 to 9. But you may need to add some local deals in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. Please see the link below to find the coverage of JR Pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You may add Haneda access + subway pass deal for arrival day and departure day.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Last year I asked you some questions. You have been extremely helpful!
This May, my son and his friends are visiting Japan, too. Can you help us again?
Here is a summary of their itinerary:
Day 1 – arrive at Haneda Airport, immediately take a domestic flight to Namba Osaka. Overnight Osaka
Day 2 – tour Nara and Osaka. Overnight Osaka.
Day 3 – go from Osaka to Kyoto. Overnight Kyoto near Kyoto Station.
Day 4 – tour Kyoto. Overnight Kyoto.
Day 5 – go to Hakone. Overnight Hakone.
Day 6 – go to Tokyo. Overnight Shinjuku Tokyo.
Day 7 – tour Tokyo. Overnight Tokyo.
Day 8 – tour Tokyo. Overnight Tokyo.
Day 9 – go to Nikko for a day trip. Overnight Tokyo.
Day 10 – tour Tokyo. Overnight Tokyo.
Day 11 – depart from Haneda Airport
I believe the JR Rail Pass will cost more in this case. Can you advise what kind of pass(es) they should buy in these cities/areas?
Thank you so much!
June
Hi June,
For arrival day, if you arrive in Kansai, you can use one of the deals in the link below. But if you arrive in Itami, single fare to take bus is your choice:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days is the choice for day 2 to 4.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is only choice to get Odawara on the way to Hakone.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You can use Hakone Free pass in Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You can add single fare to get Tokyo from Hakone by Odakyu railway.
Tokyo subway ticket or other deal is your choice in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For the trip to Nikko, you can choose the deal in the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I previously asked before for my Japan trip but I would like to add Kanazawa to the trip
22 – 27/Apr – Tokyo
27-28 – Hakone
28 – 30 – Kanazawa
30 – 5 – Kyoto
5 – 7 – Osaka
7 – Kansai Airport
Do you think is this an ideal itinerary using the train? How can I catch the train?
Regards
Hi Derek,
You can use same way as I mentioned in previous reply. But you have to change the following deals/tickets.
For trip to Hakone
Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You have to go back to Tokyo before reach Kanazawa. There is no short cut routes.
For trip to Kyoto from Tokyo via Kanazawa
You can purchase a single ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto with stopover at Kanazawa. When you purchase a ticket, don’t forget to tell that you will take the route to Kyoto via Kanazawa. Otherwise you will get the ticket to Kyoto directly from Tokyo and you cannot visit Kanazawa. All other part of your trip will be same as your previous plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I’m planning 10 days to Japan with below itinerary :
Day 1 : Narita – continue to Kyoto
Day 3 : Kyoto – Osaka
Day 6 : Osaka back to Tokyo
7 – 10 : stay in Tokyo
Do u think using JR Pass will be effective for the first 7 days? What do you suggest to use for the 7-10th days?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Namira san,
7 days JR pass is the best choice for the first 7 days.
You can use Tokyo Subway ticket after day 8 in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For trip to Narita, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
here is my japan travel plan:
Day 1 & 2 – Kansai Airport, Osaka
Day 3 Nara
Day 4 Kyoto
Day 5 Hakone
Day 6 to 9 – Tokyo (include Disneyland and Odaiba), last day will go to Haneda Airport.
Need your advice. My plan is to use Kansai thru pass for Day 1 to Day 4. Then take JR to Hakone. Next, Hakone will use Hakone sightseeing pass. Tokyo will use Suica.
Thanks.
Hi Eric,
I recommend you to use Yokoso Osaka ticket for day 1 and 2.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
And Knasai thru pass 2 days for day 3 and 4. This combination is cheaper than using Kansai thru pass for all 4 days.
After day 5, your choice is right.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
The following is a possible itinerary I’m planning. I would like to seek your advice on whether a pass or single fares is better. Also, if it’s not too much trouble, kindly advise the station names and exit names nearest to these locations:
– Haneda Airport > Shinagawa Prince Hotel (one-way).
– Shinagawa Prince Hotel > Odaiba (return trip).
– Shinagawa Prince Hotel > Harajuku > Nakameguro > Ebisu > Shinagawa Prince Hotel (return trip).
– Shinagawa Prince Hotel > Asakusa > Ueno > Kagurazaka > Shinjuku > Shinagawa Prince Hotel (return trip).
– Hoeiso Kijitei (in Hakone) > New Miyako Hotel (in Kyoto) (one-way).
– New Miyako Hotel (Kyoto) > Arashiyama > Himeji Station > New Miyako Hotel (return trip).
– New Miyako Hotel > Osaka Itami Airport (one-way).
Arigato!
Hi Julia san,
You may use Suica or Pasmo until you leave Shinagawa for Hakone.
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
Use single fare ticket from Shinagawa to Kyoto with stopover at Odawara. You can access to Hakone from Odawara by single fare ticket.
For Himeji and Arashiyama and Himeji, you can use Kansai area pass one day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can catch bus to Itami from Kyoto.
http://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Just to clarify, when travelling around Tokyo area, if I use Suica or Pasmo card – will I be deducted regular single-fare prices?
Regarding JR West Kansai 1-Day pass, I cannot use express or shinkansen – correct? Is JR Special Rapid trains ok using JR West Kansai 1-Day pass?
Thank you again!
Hi Julia,
Yes. When you use Suica or Pasmo, regular fare will be deducted when you tap your card to exit the ticket gate. So it’s much more convenient to purchase a single ticket one by one.
Kansai area pass does not cover Shinkansen but special rapid is covered. If you want to take Shinkansen, you have to pay single fare which is around 5000 yen for one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello friends, im planning to go to Kyoto, Hakone and tokyo for 8 days. Is it a good idea to go straight to kyoto and spend 2 or 3 days there? Then hakone for 1 day, and last few days in tokyo(fly out) what would be a good itinerary? First time in japan. Advice please. 🙂
Hi Joyce,
Actually it doesn’t matter whichever you go, Hakone or Kyoto. You can visit Hakone first and then going to Kyoto. It works too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com