Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto Ā©Akira Okada/Ā©JNTO
I have received some inquiries about trip to Kyoto and Hokkaido in only 7 days. It is packed but it is not impossible. I would like to share the sample itinerary which covers Kyoto and Hokkaido.
Introduction
This itinerary starts from Tokyo but you can start from Osaka too. The first destination is Kyoto. Osaka is much closer than Tokyo.
And this itinerary does not include airport to/from downtown Tokyo. JR Pass 7 days is required for this itinerary but you have to use other deal for airport (Narita or Haneda) to Tokyo. Please see the links below to find the deals:
Haneda airport access guide and the list of deals
The list of deals for Tokyo to/from Narita airport
Day 1 Tokyo ā Kyoto
06:26 Depart from Tokyo station by Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 501.
09:16 Arrive at Kyoto station
After arrival, enjoy exploring in Kyoto. You can use JR pass to take a local train and JR bus in Kyoto.
Guide to take trains in Kyoto. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
But you have to take city bus to visit most of places in Kyoto. City bus is not covered by JR Pass. You can purchase one day bus pass at 500 yen. You may get the worth by only 3 rides.
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Kyoto
*Hikari departs at Tokyo station every 30 minutes. Of course you can take later Hikari. Please see the link below to find the timetable. You can take Hikari which is shown by āHā. Nozomi (āNā) is not covered. Kodama (āKā) is covered but it is slow.
Shinkansen timetable (westbound) to Osaka/Kyoto
Start from Kansai airport
*You can start this itinerary from Osaka or Kansai airport. If you arrive in Kansai airport early morning, you can take Haruka to get Kyoto directly. Trip time is 1.5 hours.
Direct access to Shin Osaka, Kyoto from Kansai airport, Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka
(Overnight in Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto
Yasaka shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area. Ā©JNTO
Enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto
(Overnight in Kyoto)
Day 3 Kyoto ā Tokyo
You have one whole day until you take the train to Tokyo in the evening. You can spend the as you like. I have a few suggestions to spend this one day.
Option 1 More Kyoto
If you fall in love with Kyoto, stick around Kyoto. Kyoto has huge number of places to see.
Option 2 Visiting Osaka
Dotonbori is very popular place to eat and shop near Namba. Ā©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/Ā©JNTO
Osaka is just 30 minutes away from Kyoto by rapid train. Itās easy day trip from Kyoto. JR Pass covers many local trains in downtown Osaka.
Guide to take trains in Osaka. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Option 3 Visiting Nara
Nara is another old city in Kyoto. Nara was the capital city before Kyoto. There are many old temples and shrines. It is similar but Nara offers a bit different atmosphere.
Option 4 Drop by Hakone
Owakudani is one of most popular spots in Hakone.
Hakone is very well known onsen town. It is located on the way to Tokyo from Kyoto. You can drop by Odawara and visit Hakone. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to build the trip plan to Hakone. Various sample itineraries of Hakone
Option 5 Drop by Kanazawa and Shirakawago
You can take a train to Kanazawa from Kyoto and visit world heritage site, Shirakawago. After visiting Shirakawago, take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Tokyo. I have two day trip sample itineraries either from Tokyo and from Osaka/Kyoto. You can combine these two itineraries and make Kyoto-Kanazawa-Tokyo one day trip plan.
Sample itinerary of day trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago from Osaka or Kyoto
Sample itinerary of day trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago from Tokyo
Option 6 Going through Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
You will take very similar route to Kanazawa and Shirakawago. You will access to Toyama via Kanazawa, and then start Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. After that, access to Nagano and take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo. I have two sample itineraries either from Tokyo and from Osaka/Kyoto. It is same way as Kanazawa and Shirakawago. Just combine two plans and make one day trip plan.
Sample itinerary of day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Nagoya and Osaka / Kyoto
Sample itinerary of day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Tokyo
(Overnight in Tokyo)
Day 4 Tokyo ā Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto ā Hakodate
Night view form Hakodate mountain (C) Hokkaido Tourism Organization / JNTO
06:32 Depart from Tokyo by Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 1
10:57 Arrive at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
11:10 Depart from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto by Rapid train Hakodate Liner
11:25 Arrive at Hakodate
After arrival at Hakodate, enjoy sightseeing.
(Overnight in Hakodate)
Day 5 Hakodate to Sapporo
Downtown Sapporo Ā© Y.Shimizu/Ā© JNTO
07:37 Depart from Hakodate for Sapporo by Limited Express Super Hokuto 3
11:27 Arrive at Sapporo
After arrive at Sapporo, enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo
If you are okay with the packed schedule, you may squeeze Otaru on this day. Otaru is only 45 minutes away from Sapporo by rapid train. It is very easy to access. If you plan to visit Otaru, please expect to spend at least 4 hours for return trip from Sapporo and sightseeing in Otaru. If you want to save your time in Sapporo, Otaru do not suit to your plan.
(Overnight in Sapporo)
Day 6 Sapporo to Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Jigokudani means hell valley (C) Noboribetsu Tourist Association / JNTO
Stay in Sapporo until lunch time and then move to Noboribetsu.
13:32 Depart for Noboribetsu by Limited Express Super Hokuto 14
14:43 Arrive at Noboribetsu
15:05 Leave Noboribetsu by Donan bus
15:19 Arrive at Noboribetsu Onsen
Enjoy sightseeing and onsen bath in Noboribetsu
(Overnight in Noboribetsu)
Day 7 Noboribetsu ā Lake Toya ā Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto ā Tokyo
Lake Toya (C)Toyako Tourist Association
09:00 Take Express Bus āIburiā from Noboribetsu Onsen
Bus fare is 1,700 yen. This is not covered by any rail passes.
10:13 Arrive at Toyako Onsen
13:35 Leave Toyako Onsen by Donan Bus local bus
13:56 Arrive at Toya station
14:07 Depart from Toya by Limited Express Super Hokuto 12
15:49 Arrive at Shin-Hakodate-hokuto and transfer to Hokkaido Shinkansen
16:17 Leave Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto by Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 34
20:32 Arrive at Tokyo
*You may skip Lake Toya and go back to Tokyo earlier if you like.
**If you start this trip from Osaka, you have to leave Lake Toya about two hours earlier. Otherwise you cannot catch the train to Osaka.
Comments
Hi,im going to Japan this July for about 14 days.I am planning to go to Osaka or Nagoya,Tokyo and Hokkaido.I will be arriving at Kansai airport,Osaka. Is there any way for me to go from Osaka to Tokyo and then Hokkaido?Or i must go to Kyoto from Osaka then to Hokkaido and lastly Tokyo then back to Osaka to catch the Flight?Will all these be covered by JR pass? How? THank you for helping me . š
Hi Koay,
It is easy. You can simply take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo. It takes 2.5 hours.
Regarding Tokyo-Hokkaido trip, you can follow the route at the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
You can get off anywhere between Tokyo and Sapporo if you want.
This is a sample itinerary. If you have 14 days, you can go almost anywhere in Japan you want. Most of trains are covered by Japan Rail Pass. But when you trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, subway and private trains are not covered by the pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-osaka.html
Anyway you have to find where you want to go and make more detailed itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear JP Rails,
I am interested to follow this itenerary. But I will be arrive in Kansai Airport at 22.40 local time.
I understand its already too late to activate JP rails pass and go to kyoto right?
Kindly your suggestion: What transport and accomodation should I book for the arrival day ? Where to activate the JP rail pass on the 2nd day?
Thanks a lot
Hi Chica,
I recommend you to stay around Osaka station (Umeda area). You can activate your pass next day at Osaka station.
Osaka can be accessed by Airport Rapid train to Tennoji and Osaka Loop line from Tennoji to Osaka. But the last train depart from Kansai airport at 23:32. If you miss it, airport limousine bus depart at 23:45. This is the very last one to get Osaka.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_osaka_sta.html
If you miss this too, the only choice is midnight bus to Rinku Town and Izumi-Sano. There are several bus service after midnight. Otherwise you have to stay in airport.
http://www.nankaibus.jp/shinya/kanku/index.html
*Only Japanese site is available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Chica and Takeshi,
There is an English page here. There are several hotels in Rinku town and Izumisano area.
http://www.flypeach.com/limousinebus.aspx?utm_source=www_pc_en-us&utm_medium=top_mini_banner&utm_term=usual&utm_content=20120907&utm_campaign=limousinebus
By the way, once, my flight was late and I caught the last Nankai train to Namba. I remember the airport staffs were busy with informing the last train time and directing the passengers to the station.
Hi Takuji san,
Thank you for providing English page info. But this page doesnāt show Kansai Rapid 23:32 departure to Tennoji. This train departs from KIX a little later than Nankai last train and arrive at Tennoji at 00:16. There is only 3 minutes connecting time. But I think it can be connected to Osaka Kanjo line 00:19 departure to Osaka.
What do you think?
Anyway Chica has only 50 minutes and maybe need to go through Custom and Immigration in this 50 minutes. Even if taking bus at 23:45, there is less than one hour. It will be very tight.
I have no idea how busy Immigration and Custom around 23:00. I hope Chica can get one of those options.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san and Chica,
I noticed the most station staffs on the platform check very carefully to ensure passengers do not miss the train if it is the last one. So, I think 3 minutes should be all right. However,if I were you, Iād stay near airport like Rinku town or Izumisano for some reasons.
ā Taking the last train to Osaka is stressful due to the time constraint.
ā It will be very late when you get to a hotel in Osaka. Hotels are cheaper in Rinku town, Izumisano than Osaka station area.
ā If you valid the JR pass at the airport on the next day, the pass can be used to Osaka station. However, you might waste about half an hour to go back to the airport.
Hi there, Iā m planning to get a JR pass for 7 day.
I will arrive in haneda airport at 10 pm on 6 Feb and will spend a night in airport
Then
Day 1 in tokyo
Day 2 in tokyo, but at night, I plan to activate the JR and go to sapporo and use the hamanasu reserved seats nobi2
Day 3 in sapporo and spend a night there
Day 4 early morning heading back to tokyo
Q: will this be difficult to book for 2 people since this is the time for sapporo snow festival?
Q2: if I dont get the reserved seat, can I use non reserved seat and what is non reserved seat like? Is it ok for a night train?
Day 5- day 8, is there a way for me to maximise the JR pass ?
Btw I am a person who likes scenery at a moderate level, for example I will not go to Hiroshima if it only to see the dome, or miyajima only to see a floating temple.
But i will go to kyoto nara kobe.
Thank you
Hi Jfans,
Q1: As you mentioned, it will be super busy. It is the busiest season in Sapporo. Iām not surprised if Hamanasu is sold out.
Q2: Have you seen my post about Hamanasu? You can see some images of non reserved seat. It is like economy class seat. But even non reserved seat may be full. So I recommend you to go to Aomori station at least 1 hour prior to departure time.
Regarding the last question, why donāt you stay in Hokkaido some more days? I like Otaru and Hakodate. These cities are located near Sapporo or on the way to Sapporo.
But if you go to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, I think you will spend 3 days easily.
Takeshi / JP Rail
10 days tour package from osaka ā hokaido ā kyoto-osaka in May,2012
Hi bfkoon,
Iām sorry. I donāt understand your question. If you are looking for the package, please try to find a travel agent.
Usually the travel agent on the list of Japan Rail Pass authorized agent can help you.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Great. Thanks for the info.
No problem!
Thanks for you reply, Unfortunately we will be too early for the Lavender, as we we go in early march.
We hope to Ski a bit, I also have a bit of business in Sapporo.
Actually are plan is to take the Sapporo to Aomori overnight train and connect with Hayabusa (if allowed) or hayate to tokyo, then swapping to the Hikari to Osaka. Another option is the Hokutosei. But I would like to take the Hayabusa if possible as we will be traveling on the 14th to tokyo.
Are reseved seats difficult to come by for the Sapporo Aoimori train?
Hello Andy,
Iām not sure youāll be able to take Hayabusa or not at this moment. As soon as I get info, Iāll post.
Regarding Hamanasu (overnight train between Sapporo and Aomori), Mar 14th is not a peak season yet. But if you want to take āCarpet Carā (no extra charge) or āDream Carā (no extra charge either), it might be hard to get since these seats are popular. Hamanasu has non reserved seats too. If you really want to take this train, you may take this non reserved seat.
Hamanasu will arrive at Aomori at 05:40am. Donāt forget Hayabusa and Hayate depart from Shin-Aomori station. It is one station away from Aomori. You will have only one train to Shin-Aomori from Aomori. It is Ltd Express āTsugaruā that depart at Aomori at 5:46am and arrive at Shin-Aomori at 5:52am. Hayabusa depart at Shin-Aomori at 6:10am. It will be very tight to change the trains at Aomori.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Oh yeah! Hokkaido city of my dreams! Last summer I was there with a friend. It was the perfect week for the last time ā¦
Hokkaido is so popular. Even though I live in Canada, Hokkaido is very attractive location to travel!
Very Interesting Itinary, My wife and I did something similar a few years back and it was perfect.
Just out of interest this year we will start in Sapporo and do,
Sapporo -furano 2 nights furano
furano ā osaka 1 night train 1 night osaka
osaka ā kagoshima
kagoshima ā yamaguchi 2 night yamaguchi
yamaguchi ā fukuoka
All in seven days.
Hello Andy,
Thank you for your comment.
Your itinerary is super! Are you going to see the lavender in Furano? I have never been there, but this is so popular. I think you are going to take Twilight Express from Sapporo to Osaka. I really envy you!
I will post about this overnight express train. And also if one of my post about Kyushu Shinkansen Mizuho and Sakura schedule is helpful for you, Iām so happy.
Takeshi / JP Rail
oopss..just some addition info to my above questions.
I am planning my itinerary as below:
Tuesday 10 May
8.30pm Reach Haneda
Overnight in Tokyo
Wednesday 11 May
Asakusa
Shinjuku
At night take night train to hakodate by Akebono overnight train
Thursday 12 May
Arrived Hakodate at 12pm
Overnight at hakodate
Friday 13 May check out
Proceed to sapporo then asahikawa
Flower spot, kamiyubetsu and takinoue
Night at asahikawa/sapporo
Saturday 14 may
Overnight at sapporo
Sunday 15 may
morning at sapporo
Transfer back to tokyo
Reach at late evening
Monday 16 may
Day trip to kyoto
Tuesday 17 may
Day trip to MOunt fuji
Wednesday 18 may
Disneyland
Thurday 19 may
9.10pm night flight back home
Hello JJ,
You can go to Kyoto for a day. But I recommend to stay there at least one night because Kyoto has lots of must see point.
Regarding Kamiyubetsu, it is so hard to go there. Take Limited Express Okhotsk to Engaru. Then take a local bus at Engaru station. The fare is 540 yen one way. They operate the bus every hour.
Unfortunately the local bus operator, Hokkaido Kitami bus does not have any English website.
Takeshi / JPRail
Dear JPRail,
Just wondering would it be ok if I go for a day tour in Kyoto instead of staying a night there? Also since I am going on the 10th May, I plan to go see tulip and pink moss in hokkaido but I could not find how to get to kamiyubetsu and takinoue town. Do you have any idea?
Thanks alot.