Hiroshima and Miyajima are very popular and obviously these are “Big Name”s in Japan. Some of you want to visit these place but you may be hesitating to visit there because of tight schedule.
If you stay in Osaka or Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima can be visited as day trip. If you can stay there for even one night, that is much better. But you may prefer to have “Baggage Free” day trip.
In this post, I show you sample itinerary to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima as day trip.
From Osaka / Kyoto to Hiroshima
If you stay in Osaka, get Shin-Osaka station to catch the Shinkansen. If you stay in Kyoto, you can catch the Shinkansen at Kyoto station.
If you use JR Pass, as probably you know, you cannot take Nozomi and Mizuho. Only Hikari, Sakura and Kodama are covered by JR Pass. But there are a few Hikari that take you to Hiroshima from Kyoto directly. Please check the Shinkansen timetable in JR Central official site:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
As of September 2019, only these following Shinkansen trains which are covered by JR Pass go directly to Hiroshima from Kyoto.
Hikari 481
Kyoto 07:20 – Shin-Osaka 07:35 – Hiroshima 09:06
Hikari 493
Kyoto 08:00 – Shin-Osaka 08:14 – Hiroshima 09:56
Hikari 495
Kyoto 08:23 – Shin-Osaka 08:39 – Hiroshima 10:35
If you miss these trains, you have to transfer trains at Shin-Osaka in most cases.
If you do not use JR Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is recommended.
This pass is sold at 13,000 yen. This is cheaper than round trip fare to Hiroshima from Shin-Osaka. But this pass does not cover the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to the east. You cannot take the Shinkansen from Kyoto. If you stay in Kyoto and intend to use this pass, you have to take other trains on the conventional lines to get Shin-Osaka from Kyoto. Special Rapid train runs every 15 minutes and connects Kyoto and Shin-Osaka in less than 30 minutes.
Trip to Miyajima
If you go to Miyajima first, you need to transfer to a local train at Hiroshima station. If you have 10 minutes, you can transfer. Local trains run every 10 to 15 minutes to Miyajimaguchi that is the nearest station to the ferry to Miyajima. And it takes about 30 minutes to get Miyajimaguchi. I have visited Miyajima and wrote about access there from Hiroshima before. Please find more information at the link below:
Most of you spend half day in Miyajima and half day in city of Hiroshima. You can visit either Miyajima or Hiroshima at first. But if you want to walk down floating Torii gate at Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima, you visit there at low tide. You can find updated tide table of Miyajima at this fishing site.
You will spend 45 minutes for each way from Hiroshima to Miyajima. I suggest you to have 4 hours, 2 hours transfer and 2 hours sightseeing, for Miyajima.
Sightseeing in Hiroshima
Most of sites are very accessible from Hiroshima station by street car. And also JR tourist bus “Meipuru-pu” takes you to most places in Hiroshima.
Hisoshima Sightseeing Loop Bus, “Meipuru-pu”
This bus is covered by JR Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass.
If you want to see more places that is not covered by this loop bus, you can take Hiroshima Railway’s street car, a.k.a. “Hiro-den”. One day pass is 600 yen.
Hiroshima Electric Railway economical ticket
If you spend 4 hours for Miyajima, you still have 7 hours for Hiroshima until the last Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka. You may add some more time for Miyajima. It depends on how many places you want to see in Hiroshima.
From Hiroshima to Kyoto / Shin-Osaka
There is no direct Shinkansen trains from Hiroshima to Kyoto. If you take the last Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, there is no Shinkansen trains to Kyoto. Even if you have JR Pass, you have to take local train to Kyoto. Please see Shinkansen timetable below:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
As of September 2019, these Shinkansen trains will be your last departure to Shin-Osaka.
Hikari 444
Hiroshima 21:58 – Shin-Osaka 23:32
Mizuho 612 (Sanyo San’in Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass user only)
Hiroshima 22:12 – Shin-Osaka 23:37
If you have to take the subway to get Namba or other subway stations, it is no problem. The last subway departs from Shin-Osaka is 0:02. Usually you can transfer from Shinkansen to subway in 10 minutes.
If you have to go back to Kyoto, the last train is Special Rapid 00:30 departure to Kyoto. But if you take this train, you can get Kyoto but you cannot get any other places in Kyoto by the public transportation. If you do not stay around Kyoto station, take earlier Shinkansen train.
Sample itinerary
My suggested itinerary is as follows:
From Shin-Osaka
08:04 Shin-Osaka
Sakura 547
09:34 Hiroshima
10:00 Hiroshima
Local train
10:27 Miyajimaguchi
10:40 Miyajimaguchi
Ferry
10:50 Miyajima
From Kyoto
08:00 Kyoto
Hikari 493
09:56 Hiroshima
10:15 Hiroshima
Local train
10:41 Miyajimaguchi
10:50 Miyajimaguchi
Ferry
11:00 Miyajima
Sightseeing and easy lunch at Miyajima.
Same itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto departure after visiting Miyajima.
13:30 Miyajima
Ferry
13:40 Miyajimaguchi
13:58 Miyajimaguchi
Local train
14:25 Hiroshima
Sightseeing and dinner at Hiroshima. Enjoy Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (savory pancake Hiroshima style) for your dinner!
20:52 Hiroshima
Sakura 570
22:21 Shin-Osaka
If you take Sakura 570, you can get back to any places in Osaka and Kyoto by public transportation.
At last, I recommend you to take Sakura (or Mizuho) than Hikari (or Nozomi) if you take a seat in the reserved car. Because the reserved seat accommodation is much better. Sakura and Mizuho has 2+2 layout. Hikari and Nozomi have 2+3 layout. Sakura and Mizuho’s reserved seat is much wider. You find many photo of seat and interior at the link below:
If you have extra day in Osaka or Kyoto, you may consider to add Hiroshima and Miyajima day trip.
Comments
Hello again Takeshi. I need too clarify, from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (coming from Hiroshima), what local train should we take. We will have JR pass. Also what time is last train from Shin-Osaka to get to Kyoto at a decent time like 2100. Thank you.
Hi Gia,
You have JR Pass. You can take Hikari, Sakura or Kodama on Shinkansen lines. You can take it between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto too. Please see the link below and find Shinkansen timetable. You cannot take Nozomi (shown as “N”) and Mizuho (“M”) by JR pass.
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
If you take a local train, that’s fine. It’s covered by JR pass. It runs until midnight.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much.
No worries, Gia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, I am planning to do a day trip to Miyajima and Hiroshima from Osaka. I am staying at Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi .
I read yr article and I am confused over the best cost effective train route to visit and return to Osaka. And should I buy a one day pass?
Appreciate yr advise
Thanks
Pauline
Hi Pauline san,
You should use Kansai Hiroshima area pass. You can get the worth of this pass by only round trip to Hiroshima:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
But you have to add subway fare from Shinsaibashi to Umeda (JR Osaka station). It does not cover subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san , thanks and i will check the link again. Btw , as I will be in reaching Kansai airport on 23 Nov and will be going to Kyoto till Tues. And then stay at Osaka till 3 Dec. My plan in Osaka is to go to Hiroshima n Miyajima , travel round osaka n visit mojoo park n nara.
I am not sure should i buy a pass as i might not travel.continuously day after day. E.g. Kansai airport to Kyoto.. then sightseeing to Bamboo garden etc.
Appreciate yr guidance.
Thks
Hi Pauline,
If you can visit Hiroshima on 27th, you can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for the first 5 days. You can take Limited Express Haruka from KIX to Kyoto. You can take JR trains in Kyoto too.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.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
If you don’t want to visit Hiroshima on 27th, you may add ICOCA and Haruka for KIX to Kyoto and staying in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
You can use ICOCA for visit to Nara too. Please see the links below for staying in Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am sorry that I am lost with the numerous options and would like to share my literary as I am looking for a cost effective pass
as I might not travel on consecutive days during the trip.
Nov 23 – Kansai airport travel to Kyoto , Hotel : Stay Inn Kyoto Gojo , check out on Nov 27 and move to Osaka
Places plan to visit at Kyoto :
Arashiyama, Fushimi Imari-Taisha, Gion , Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple,
Nishiki Food market , Ginkaku-ji Temple, Path of Philiosphy, Nanzen-Ji Temple
Oct 27 to Dec 2 – Osaka ( depart Osaka KIX airport on Dec 3)
Places plan to visit in Osaka :
Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Minoo Park, Hozenji Yokocho
Dotonbori > Nipponbashi > Namba, VISIT KUROMON-ICHIBA MARKET and Instant Noodle Museum
Miyajima Hiroshima – Day Trip
Nara and Kobe ( if time permit for another day trip)
Appreciate yr help and advise.
Thks
Hi Pauline san,
I have already replied to your inquiry in the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html/comment-page-13#comment-288324
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank Takeshi san.
Have a blessed weekend.
Regards
No worries, Pauline san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san ,
I have booked the Kansai One pass and Haruka pass. I read from the website that I can buy a return from
KIX to Kyoto
Osaka to KIX
But the website did not give me option to select.
And I am now exploring to buy Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass.
Can I use this pass from Kyoto to Osaka . I am staying at Nest Hotel , Shinsaibashi .
How should I travel from Kyoto to the hotel using this pass.
Thanks for yr advise.
.
Hi Pauline san,
You have to buy Osaka to KIX after you arrive in Japan. You can purchase only one way from KIX to Kyoto.
I think you will use other pass for Osaka to KIX because you will stay in Shinsaibashi. You can use subway from Shinsaibashi to Namba and take Nankai railway from Namba to KIX. This route is not covered by Haruka. You should use Nankai railway and subway deal:
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
You can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass from Kyoto to Osaka. But after arriving in Osaka, you have to take the subway from Umeda (Osaka) to Shinsaibashi. The subway is not covered by Kansai Hiroshima area pass. You may use Kansai one pass to take the subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello – my two teenagers are traveling alone from Osaka to Hiroshima and don’t speak or read Japanese. Are there any tips you can offer to get them on the correct bullet train, then to the trolley to Hiroshima and back? They will be traveling sometime in the first three weeks of August 2018 (next month). Thank you!
Hi Mike,
I recommend you to read these following links:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/signage-and-announcement-in-the-station-and-train.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-shinkansen-haruka-thunderbird-and-local-train-access-to-osaka-umeda-and-namba.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/hiroshima-station-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-shinkansen-and-local-train-to-miyajima-how-to-catch-tram-and-loop-bus-meipuru-pu.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san.
We are an active family arriving into Osaka on Aug 23 morning, and leaving via Tokyo on Sep 3 morning, and considering 14-day Jrail pass. Tentative itinerary is below. It is somewhat aggressive but we enjoy this vacation style. Any comments and help with planning the train lines/schedules with JRail pass is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Aug 23 – Train direct to Kyoto. Sight-seeing. Overnight there.
Aug 24 – Kyoto morning sight-seeing. Train to Hiroshima and Hiroshima sight-seeing. Overnight in Hiroshima or Miyajima.
Aug 25 – Miyajima sights. Train to Matsue and overnight there.
Aug 26 – Matsue sights, Ferry to Oki Islands. Overnight.
Aug 27 – Oki Islands. Overnight.
Aug 28 – Oki Islands. Overnight.
Aug 29 – Ferry to mainland, Train to Mt. Fuji area. If possible visit Amanohashidate on the way. Overnight near Mt. Fuji.
Aug 30 – Climb Mt. Fuji with hut overnight.
Aug 31 – Finish Mt. Fuji and descend. Overnight nearby, or take train to Tokyo same day (not sure).
Sep 1 – Train to Tokyo. Overnight.
Sep 2 – Tokyo Sight-seeing. Overnight.
Sep 3 – Tokyo airport, depart.
– Conor
Hi Conor san,
As I checked your itinerary, I have a few things to mention to you.
1. Kyoto
Are you really okay with only half day to see Kyoto? I recommend you to stay there at least one full day. You can spend even two days to see Kyoto easily.
2. Miyajima to Matsue
Heavy rain storm hit Japan a week ago. Major train line which is Hakubi line between Okayama and Matsue is closed now. It may take more than one month to repair this segment. There is other way available which is Miyajima-Hiroshima-Shinyamaguchi-Matsue. But if you take this route, it takes 6 hours. If Hakubi line will be open, your route is Miyajima-Hiroshima-Okayama-Matsue. It takes 4.5 hours. So it is not impossible but please keep this mind. I update trains operation status in the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
3. Oki to Fuji
You have to same route as Miyajima to Matsue. You spend at least 1.5 hours to get Matsue from Oki island. And then you will take much longer train trip to Fuji via Shin-Yamaguchi. As I checked the ferry schedule and train schedule, you cannot make Fuji in one day from Oki island if Hakubi line is not open. Even if Hakubi line is open, you will get Mishima around 19:00. You have to stay in Mishima and then you have to take a bus in next morning, such as bus to Kawaguchiko.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/29
Obviously there is no time to drop by Amanohashidate even if Hakubi line is open.
At this point, Hakubi line is a huge issue on your travel. Actually I cannot be optimistic about Hakubi line. In the previous similar case, it took more than one year to repair the train truck. You have to shorten staying in Oki island or Tokyo because you have to stay somewhere between Oki island and Fuji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your reply. So, you are not optimistic about LTD. EXP YAKUMO restoral? Do you think it’s wise to just avoid the whole area of Okayama and Hiroshima area even 5 weeks from now?
Then I may have to completely change proposed itinerary and replace the western portion with something more north (hope weather may be cooler also there).
Aug 23 – Kyoto sites afternoon. Stayover 3 nights.
Aug 24 – Kyoto or day trips to Himeji or Amanohashidate.
Aug 25 – Kyoto or day trips to Himeji or Amanohashidate.
Aug 26 – Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima then bus to Fujinomiya 5th station for overnight acclimation in a hut.
Aug 27 – Summit and descend same day. Bus back to Mishima. Overnight.
Aug 28 – Mishima to Tokyo to Sendai via Shinkansen. Overnight 4 nights either Sendai or split with Matsushima or other town overnight, for sites and day trips.
Aug 29 – Matsushima day trip
Aug 30 – Other island/coastline day trip.
Aug 31 – Okama crater hike
Sep 1 – Hoshuyama Risshaku day trip. Train toward Tokyo. Possible stop Nikko. Stayover Tokyo.
Sep 2 – Tokyo
Sep 3 – Depart
Any comments are welcome. Thanks very much.
Conor.
Hi Conor,
Actually JR West has just announced that Hakubi line will be open sometimes in mid August. As long as the plan goes through, Yakumo will run when you travel. You can keep original plan if you like.
Even if Hakubi line will be closed, you can visit Hiroshima. City of Hiroshima and Miyajima are okay now.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
Thank you for the update. If we were to complete Fuji before heading toward Hiroshima, then upon return from Oki to Yonago, I belive I could take Sunrise express directly to Tokyo (no need to stop anywhere). If necessary I could stay one night in Yonago after Oki to catch the train. But, I wouldn’t be able to reserve this until arrival in Japan I believe, hence no guarantee we could get this train. Is this correct?
Thanks,
Conor.
Hi Conor san,
That’s right. You will travel the last period of summer break in Japan. It may be slower than usual. But you cannot find the availability until you get Japan anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san –
Again thank you. In your estimation, do you see any way we could get by with just 7-day pass, given all our potential traveling? Even if we stay in Kyoto for 1-2 days, we would still be short 2 days if we start using the 7-day pass after that. I believe we just need to get the 14-day pass even though only there for 11 days.
Thanks,
Conor.
Hi Conor san,
I looked your original plan again and I notices 7 days JR pass is okay. If you start using 7 days pass for the first 7 days, it will cover until you get Fuji. After arriving Fuji, you do not have many chances to take trains. You can go to Tokyo by express bus and it’s not covered by JR pass.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
You can use subway pass for staying in Tokyo. You pay a regular fare to get airport. Even though you need to pay these on top of 7 days pass, it’s still cheaper than 14 days pass.
But if you go to Fuji first, it’s different situation. You need 14 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your continued support. If I can find place to stay in Oki Islands, I believe I have come to new plan below. Your comments are very helpful as usual. If I pay separately for Osaka airport to Kyoto, then start using 7-day pass on Aug 25, that should get me to the Sunrise express on Aug 31. Then I will not need pass any more (I assume it covers the entire journey even though arrives Sep 1).
Aug 23 – Train direct to Kyoto. Sights. Overnight.
Aug 24 – Kyoto sights. Overnight.
Aug 25 – Train toward Hiroshima, Stop Himeji for castle, Arrive Hiroshima. Sights. Overnight.
Aug 26 – Hiroshima/ Miyajima. Overnight.
Aug 27 – Train to Matsue, sights (possible Izumo also), Overnight.
Aug 28 – Ferry to Oki Islands / Nishinoshima. Sights/ night boat tour. Overnight.
Aug 29 – Nishinoshima/Chibu sights. Ferry to Dogo (Okinoshima). Overnight.
Aug 30 – Okinoshima sights. Overnight there or back to Matsue for overnight.
Aug 31 – Matsue sights until Overnight Sunrise express train departs, arrive Tokyo Sep. 1 morning.
Sep 1 – Tokyo overnight. Early bus to Fuji 5th station, climb and hut stay overnight.
Sep 2 – Fuji climb and return to Tokyo, stay near airport.
Sep 3 – Tokyo airport, depart.
As usual, thank you very much.
Conor.
Hi Conor,
Your itinerary is okay.
Regarding taking Sunrise on 7th day of JR pass, I believe it covers until you get Tokyo. But I’m not 100% sure. In basic JR ticket rule, it’s called “continuation ride”. The base fare ticket covers the trip until you exit the station. Express train ticket covers until you get off the train. I think JR pass follows same rule and it was written in JR Pass official site before. But it is not written in official site any more.
Please make sure when you will book Sunrise Izumo ticket or exchange JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hai takeshi-san
day 1 ( saturday)
narita airport 10.00
shibuya 13.00
meiji – jingu shrine 13.30
takeshi street 15.00
shibuya crossing 17.00
hachiko gate 17.30
disney store (shibuya koen-dori) 18.00
dinner
day 2 (sunday)
tokyo government 08.30
kaminaron gate 10.00
nakamise shopping street 10.30
sensoji temple 12.00
asakusa shrine 13.00
tokyo skytree 14.30
day 3 (monday)
disney sea
day 4 (tuesday)
tokyo to kyoto 12.00
kinkakuji temple 13.30
arashiyama 15.00
teryuji temple 16.00
aarashiyama station 17.00
day 5 (wednesday)
fushimi inari 9.15
kiyomizo temple 11.30
yasaka jinja shrine 13.00
gion 13.30
gion main store 14.30
day 6 (thursday)
nishiki market 10.00
imperial palace. 12.00
nara park 15.00
day 7 (friday)
osaka. 13.00
osaka castle 14.00
dotonburi 16.30
namba 18.35
day 8 (saturday)
hiroshima ( miyajima island)
Shin-Osaka – hiroshima 08-07 -9.39
Sakura 547
Hiroshima
Hiroshima local train 10.27 Miyajimaguchi
Miyajimaguchi Ferry 10.40
Miyajima 10.50
Miyajima Ferry 13.30
Miyajimaguchi 13.40
Miyajimaguchi 13.58
Local train Hiroshima. 14.25
day 9 (sunday)
osaka to nagoya 11.00
f1
day 10 (monday)
museum toyota 9.30
check out 12.00
go to tokyo 15.00
ginza 17.00
day 11
flight
so im planning staying in tokyo 3 night , kyoto 3 days , osaka 2 days , nagoya 1 night , and heading to tokyo 1 day before flight
im planning to use JR pass from day 4-10
me , my husband and my baby 1 years ..which better to go disney sea or hakone and staying 1 night through to kyoto
from osaka to go hiroshima and miyami island is include jr pass ?
thanks a lot ..im going september to october
Hi hafhaf san,
You can use JR pass as you think for day 4 to 10. Osaka to Hiroshima to Miyajima is covered. You can use other deal for day 1 to 3. Please see the link below:
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
It’s hard to say which is better, Hakone or Disney. These are completely different. You can visit whichever you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks for quick responses .
so for day 1 -3 which better i using for transport ? a day ticket metro or subway ? they are different line ?
Hi hafhaf,
Subway has the biggest coverage but it depends on your trip plan. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
What is the best way to get to Kanazawa from Miyajimaguchi?
Hi Sonia,
You need to get Shin-Osaka from Kanazawa anyway. You can get Osaka by Limited Express Thunderbird.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%E9%9B%B7%E9%B3%A5.html
There is no direct routes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
We are planning a trip to Osaka in July. We want to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima with an overnight stay in Miyajima. What is the best train to take from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima? Is it best to take a train or ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima? Is the best way to go with Kansai Hiroshima
Pass or JR Rail ( Sakura or Mizuho)?
I appreciate your guidance and suggestion!
Thanks,
Diana
Hi Diana,
You can use same way as the sample itinerary above. Shinkansen is the best way. Most common way to Miyajima is ferry from Miyajimaguchi.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/local-lines/how-to-get-miyajima.html
Kansai Hiroshima area pass is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takesh San,
We are travelling to Japan for one week.
Arriving at Haneida airport 28th March 2018.
Two nights Tokyo.
Depart Tokyo for Kyoto 30th April 2018
Two nights in Kyoto.
Since we have three full days and (2 nights) in Kyoto we were
looking at going to Hiroshima and Miyagima and spending a full day there.
Depart Kyoto on the 1st of April late evening or night back to Tokyo.
Three nights in Tokyo and depart from Haneida Airport.
From all accounts it seems like its worth buying the JR pass as we are travelling to and from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Seems restrictive to go to Hiroshima on the JR pass as we have to change in Osaka.
Do you think we should spend three nights in Kyoto so that we can see Hiroshima with ease and not be too rushed in Kyoto.
Your suggestions would be most welcome and thanking you in advance.
Ash.
Hi Ash san,
If you go to Hiroshima, you have to spend one full day on the second day in Kyoto. So your time in Kyoto is on the day of arrival and departure in Kyoto. If you are okay with it, you can stay in just two nights in Kyoto. If you leave early from Tokyo and leave late from Kyoto, you will have almost two full days in Kyoto. I think you can make it. If you want to keep your time in Tokyo, you can keep this itinerary.
In most of cases, you need to change Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka because JR pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho. Many of Nozomi connects Kyoto and Hiroshima directly. However just few Hikari connects Kyoto and Hiroshima directly. Please see the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
H491 (Kyoto 7:20/Hiroshima 9:06) and H493 (Kyoto 8:00/Hiroshima 9:56) are Hikari and these are covered by JR pass. If you don’t want to change trains, try to take one of these.
There is no direct train options on the way back.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
But Sakura’s reserved seat is much better than Hikari’s reserved seat. Even though you need to change trains at Shin-Osaka, I recommend to reserve your seat on Sakura between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. Please check the seat image on reserved ordinary class in the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/shinkansen/tokaido-sanyo-and-kyushu/kyushu-shinkansen-n700-series-for-mizuho-sakura-and-tsubame-image-gallery.html
If you take Hikari, seat layout is 2+3. It’s okay but Sakura is much better. You may take either direct Hikari or change trains and get better seat on Sakura on the way to Hiroshima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am travelling with family to Japan in June with below tentative itenary, can you suggest changes and maximum use of JR pass, thanx.
2 june- arrive osaka- osaka tour
3 june-universal studios
4 june- day trip to kyota and nara
5 june-day trip to kobe and hiroshima
6 june-osaka to hakone, overnight stay at hakone
7 june-hakone to tokyo-tokyo tour
8 june-disneyland
9 june-tokyo leisure and shopping
10 june-depart tokyo
Best regards
Mudit
Hi Mudit san,
You can use 7 days pass for June 5th to the end of your trip.
By the way, your trip plan is okay but may be tight. There are some many spots to see in Kyoto. Your time is very limited because you will visit both Nara and Kyoto in one day. You may not have enough time to see Kyoto. And also Kobe and Hiroshima in one day is very tight too. If you drop by Kobe, you may have to give up either Hiroshima or Miyajima.
You can use other deals before you use JR pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I checked. I do not see Amanohashidate, Limited Express Hashidate or the Kyoto Tango Railway. But they are covered by the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass according to https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3991.html.
Please clarify.
Thank you
Hi G san,
Sorry. That was my mistake. I mixed up with other deals.
You’re right. It doesn’t cover Amanohashidate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
No worries.
So, what is the best way to go to Amanohashidate from Kyoto and back?
Thank you
Hi G san,
Regular fare is slightly cheaper than Kansai wide area pass. But if you use this pass for other trips, you may use it. Otherwise regular ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Greetings Takeshi-san,
I plan to visit some places for several days. Flexible with time. I am considering the 19,000 yen Sanyo San’in 7 Days Area Pass over the 17,000 yen Setouchi 5 Days Area Pass for more days, making reservations and using the ekiren bicycle rent, and the Kansai One Pass.
Arrive Leave Place to stay Days For getting around – train, walk, bicycle, maybe bus
25-Mar Sun 5-Apr Thu Hakata, Fukuoka 11 Fukuoka City Subway 2 Day Pass, Nanzō-in Temple regular fare, Sanyo San’in Area Pass to go to Hiroshima
5-Apr Thu 7-Apr Sat Hiroshima near station 2
walk, EKIREN, Meipuru~pu, tram, bus covered by Pass
6-Apr Fri 6-Apr Fri Miyajima island side day trip
use Pass
7-Apr Sat 8-Apr Sun Ogimachi, Takamatsu 1 NOZOMI +JR Marine Liner: use Pass
8-Apr Sun 8-Apr Sun Sannomiya Station 1
JR Rapid Service Line from Kobe Sannomiya to Kyoto: use Pass
9-Apr Mon 19-Apr Thu Gion, Kyoto 10 Subway, walk, EKIREN, maybe bus JR:use Pass till valid
19-Apr Thu 25-Apr Wed Naniwa ward, Osaka 6 Subway, walk, maybe bus, Osaka Amazing Pass 2 Days
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket, Namba to KIX regular fare; Fly to Narita
25-Apr Wed 8-May Tue Asakusa, Tokyo 14 Tokyo Subway Ticket
What do you think?
What are the differences between train travelling on weekdays and on weekends?
How do you know when to use the “Fare Adjustment” machine?
Can you return the guidebook that comes with a Pass after use?
Continue the good work
Thank you
Hi G san,
You may use either Sanyo Sanin area pass or Setouchi pass from Apr 5. You don’t need both and not get the worth both. Just one of those is okay. If you want to use reserved seat, you can use Sanyo Sanin area pass. Otherwise Setouchi pass is okay. Please see the link below to find the difference between reserved and non reserved.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
If you purchase Kansai one pass, you can use it in Tokyo as well. It’s same type of card as ICOCA and Suica. You can add some more fund into Kansai one pass in Tokyo as well as you need.
Regarding fare adjustment machine, it’s hard to explain in words. Some of those machines show only Japanese. Please ask station staff if you want to use it.
You can keep guide book after using for souvenior.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
What is the best pass that I can use with the Sanyo Sanin Pass for
1) access from Kyoto to Amanohashidate and back,
and for slowly visiting
2) Kyoto for 8 days
3) Nara for 1 day
4) Osaka for 5 days
5) Tokyo for 10 days?
Thank you very much
Hi G san,
Sanyo Sanin area pass covers Amanohashidate, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. But in Osaka and Kyoto, you cannot get many places by JR trains. You may need to pay extra to take subway, city bus and/or Non JR trains. Please see the link below:
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
There is no deals to cover Osaka/Kyoto to Tokyo. If you are okay with slower train, you may use Platt Kodama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
As you thought, subway pass is your choice in Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san.
Does the Sanyo Sanin area pass coverage not stop at Sonobe?
Are the Limited Express Hashidate and Kyoto Tango Railway covered?
Also, what other train passes to use in Fukuoka (to visit Dazaifu and Nanzoin temples and in the city), and Takamatsu? Are JR trains in Takamatsu covered?
Thank you very much Takeshi-san.
Best regards
Hi G san,
Sanyo Sanin area pass covers the place where you mentioned. It covers Takamatsu too. Please check the coverage map of this pass again. You will find Takamatsu there.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/sanyo-sanin-area-pass-it-is-much-better-deal-than-sanyo-area-pass.html
Please see the link below to find the deal in Fukuoka:
http://www.nishitetsu.jp/en/ticket/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com