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
Hi Takeshi,
I’ve come across your blog while reading about the Hiroshima/Miyajima post which has encouraged me to include them in our itinerary. This is our planned itinerary with all flights and accomodations booked for:
8 days itinerary Tokyo/Kyoto/Miyajima/Hiroshima
March 27 (Day 1)
Arrival at NRT airport at around 1pm. Head to hotel at Akasaka
Check-in
Dinner out in Roponggi hills and check observation deck at Mori tower
March 28 (Day 2)
Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi-Ko and Chureito Pagoda if sky is clear (will check weather forecast prior to) If not, try next day and change itinerary.
March 29 (Day 3)
Catch train to Shinjuku then visit Shinjuku gyoen national park
Ride train to Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine
Yoyogi Park
Hachiko statue, Shibuya crossing, h&m and shopping
March 30 (Day 4)
Check-out at Akasaka hotel (luggage forwarding)
Ueno Park
Akihabara
Asakusa: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise shopping street
Head to Kyoto by Shinkansen and check in to Guest house
March 31 (Day 5)
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion)
Arashiyama in the afternoon: Tenryuji and Bamboo Groves
Gion at night
April 1 (Day 6)
Fushimi Inari early morning
Head to Nara: Nara Park and Todaiji Temple
Back to Kyoto
April 2 (Day 7)
Day trip to Miyajima/Hiroshima
April 3 (Day 8)
Departure at Narita
QUESTIONS:
1. Will it be cost efficient to purchase the 7 day JR pass?
2. To forward luggages to Kyoto using Ta-q-bin, can I do it the day we’re checking out or the day before?
3. When to purchase reserved train seats? Before getting to Japan or when in Japan?
4. Is this itinerary doable? I’m also considering Osaka instead of Miyajima/Hiroshima if it’s too much. I’m a 25 year old gal traveling with my parents.
Sorry for the long post and looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
Hi Ellie,
1. JR pass is your choice. You can start using on day 2. If you make day trip to Hiroshima, JR pass gives you a great saving. Even if you use it without trip to Hiroshima, it’s still cheaper than single fare.
2. It takes at least one day. You have to ship one day before.
3. You can book after you exchange JR pass in Japan. You cannot book before you are in Japan. You can exchange JR pass when you arrive in Japan. You will start using it on day 2 but you can exchange on day 1. Once you exchange it, you can start booking.
4. Yes. You can make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your help and the very fast reply!!!
No worries, Ellie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I am travelling to Japan in March/April for 25 days and have used the JR pass calculator to assist with which pass works out the best value. My itinerary is:
✈ Narita Airport (NRT)
3 days Days 1-3 – Tokyo
➞Tokyo ~¥3.320
↝ Narita Express (1:05h)
1 day Day 4 – Tokyo with daytrips to Nikko
➞Nikko ~¥5.880
↝ Shinkansen + Express (1:50h)
➞Tokyo ~¥5.880
↝ Shinkansen + Express (1:50h)
➞Odawara ~¥4.040
↝ Shinkansen (35min)
2 days Days 5-6 – Hakone
➞Hakone ~¥670 non-JR
↝ Local (1:00h)
➞Yokohama ~¥1.270 (+~¥380 non-JR)
↝ Local + non-JR local (2:00h)
2 days Days 7-8 – Matsumoto
➞Matsumoto ~¥7.180
↝ Local + Express (3:30h)
2 days Days 9-10 – Takayama
➞Takayama ~¥10.810
↝ Local (4:50h)
2 days Days 11-12 – Kanazawa
➞Kanazawa ~¥5.050
↝ Shinkansen + Local (2:40h)
4 days Days 13-16 – Kyoto
➞Kyoto ~¥7.000
↝ Thunderbird (2:20h)
1 day Day 17 – Miyajima (Itsukushima)
➞Miyajima (Itsukushima) ~¥11.800
↝ Shinkansen + Local + Ferry (2:30h)
1 day Day 18 – Hiroshima
➞Hiroshima ~¥900
↝ Local + Ferry (35min)
1 day Day 19 – Osaka
➞Osaka ~¥10.400
↝ Shinkansen + Local (1:40h)
➞✈ Kansai (Osaka) Airport (KIX) ~¥1.450
↝ Express (1:10h)
It suggested a seven day JR pass for days 3-9 and a JR West Kansai and Hiroshima area pass for days 15-19.
My questions are:
Is it right that I can’t book any trains in advance on the JR West pass?
Is the sakura included?
On the last day (which is April 9th) I need to be at Kansai International airport for a 1215 flight to Okinawa and can only see one option for that journey and am worried it may be too busy for me to get a seat. I don’t want to miss my plane……
Route1
Take time: 164 Minutes Transfer: 1 Times Distance: 402.4 km
Total:¥ 12,050(TicketFare:¥ 6,700 Seat Fee:¥ 5,350) Commuting ticket(1mon:¥ — 3mon:¥ — 6mon:¥ — )
Commuting ticket
Time Route Fare Seat Fee UsefulLink
08:06
HIROSHIMA
[ Departure track No.14 ]
Station timetable | Add to favorite
Map Hotel
Rent-a-car Restaurant
[96 Min]
SHINKANSEN SAKURA 540 Train timetable | Interval timetable Green seat: ¥8,200Reserved seat: ¥4,610 Unreserved seat: ¥4,090
09:42
10:00
SHIN-OSAKA
[ Arrival track No.20 / Departure track No.11 ]
Station timetable | Add to favorite
¥6,700
Map Hotel
Rent-a-car Restaurant
[50 Min]
LTD. EXP HARUKA 15 Train timetable | Interval timetable Green seat: ¥1,760Reserved seat: ¥740 Unreserved seat: ¥480
10:50
KANSAI AIRPORT
Add to favorite
Thankyou, Claire
Hi Claire,
You cannot book a seat by Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. You can take any Shinkansen trains, such as Nozomi, Mizuho, Sakura, Hikari and Kodama. Even if all seats are full, you still can take a train. Please see the link below to find the info about non reserved seat.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
You can get KIX by the time when you want to be.
By the way, I suggest you different option.
Day 1 to 3 Tokyo Wide Pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
Day 5 to 19 JR pass 14 days
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Your total cost for day 3 to 19 is 29100 yen (JR Pass 7 days) + 12000 yen (Takayama-Kanazawa-Kyoto) + 13000 yen (Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass). Total is 54100 yen. If you take my suggestion, you need to visit Nikko on day 3. But total cost is 46390 yen (JR pass 14 days) + 10000 yen (Tokyo Wide Pass). Total is 56390 yen. It’s a bit higher but it includes Narita to Tokyo transfer. And also you can book your seat all the way from day 5 to the end. You don’t need to worry about your seat on the last day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am going to Hiroshima university kasumi campus on 10th January. I will reach kansai airport osaka at 6:25by Thai airline. Please advise me How To reach Hiroshima from kansai airport. I am from Nepal and travelling to Japan for 1st time.
Hi Mamata,
The following route is recommended:
Kansai airport (Limited Express Haruka) Shin-Osaka
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Shin-Osaka (Sanyo Shinkansen) Hiroshima
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Info of Kansai airport station
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Info of Shin-Osaka station
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
Check timetable and fare
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am a foreigner (Philippine passport holder) and a Japanese Permanent Resident. I live and work in Singapore on an employment pass. I have been in Singapore since 2008.
I am returning to Japan Dec 23 – Jan 2, 2017. I will renew my Japanese re-entry visa, visit friends and do tourism.
As a Japan PR but not currently living in Japan, am I eligible to purchase and use a Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass ?
Hi Tomas,
In my understanding, you are not eligible to use the pass. You must enter Japan as short term tourist. But actually I’m not sure 100%.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JRPail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My husband and I need your advice on our Japan trip. We have 14 days 13 nights. Will arrive in Narita airport on Feb 11. Our itinerary is as follows: Tokyo 3 nights, 1 day trip to Mt Fuji, 1 day in Matsumoto, then to Takayama and Kanazawa staying 1 day at Kanazawa. We wanted to go to Kyoto 3 nights, Osaka 2 nights, Hiroshima day trip or stay 1 night, back to Tokyo and stay 1 night. We also would like to do Onsen. Should we fit it in in Hakone but not sure how to go about with our itinerary. Or trying the Ryokan onsen near Kyoto or Matsumoto. Which is more traditional? Is buying JR Pass 14 days the best way to go around? Or should we get just JR Pass 7 days and JR Kansei Wide Pass for 5 days? Feel free to make changes to our itinerary to make it a better one. Thank you.
Janet
Hi Janet,
Your choice is 14 days JR pass. This is the best and covers most part of your trip.
Can you put Hakone instead of Mt. Fuji. Actually Hakone is located at the base of Mt. Fuji. Hakone has a great view of Fuji. You can do the sample itinerary in the link below for 1 night 2 days.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/course/hakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi, I would like to ask about Hyperdia. i bought National JR PASS for seven days. I wonder if i can use the private railways? because in hyperdia, i confuse the nozomi and the private railways.
Hi Caroline,
JR pass does not cover both Nozomi and private railways. You can remove these trains from the result at Hyperdia. You can find how to do in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html#Search_with_some_conditions
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I’m travelling next month to Osaka for 3 nights and then to Tokyo for 3 nights as well. (Arriving to Osaka and departing from Tokyo)
I’m little but confused if I should get the 7 day railway pass or not and also what is included in it. When I am in Osaka I would like to also visit Hiroshima. If I get the 7day ticket do I have to consider purchasing any extra ticket and does it include fast train?
If you could also advice me best location to stay. I read that for example Namba is good in Osaka.
Your advice is very appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Hi Inana,
You can use JR pass 7 days. This pass covers most part of your trip, including Shinkansen (bullet train) and other express train seat fee, and of course base fare.
But this pass does not cover local transportation in cities, such as local bus and subway. Please see the link below to find the coverage of JR pass in cities.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
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
You may need to add single fare or day pass for taking subway and bus. Please make sure which place in the cities you will visit. If it’s located on JR train lines, you can use JR pass.
I recommend you to stay near JR station. Namba has JR station but JR Namba station is not very accessible. Shin-Osaka is the best place for JR pass user in Osaka. In Tokyo, Shijuku is most recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
This site has been so helpful.
I need some help though. I’m planning a 10 day trip in Japan… my brother lives in Tokyo, so the second half of my trip is sorted but I need help with the first five days. I arrive into Tokyo on Jan 2nd at 8am, from there I was looking at doing Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima. I have to be back in Tokyo by the night of Jan 6th.
What is the best way of maximizing my time for the first 5 days?
Would you suggest stay the first three nights in Kyoto and doing a day trip to Nara on one of the days then head to Hiroshima for a night then head from Hiroshima back to Tokyo?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Hi Ashlee,
Trip time between Tokyo and Hiroshima by train is quite long. It takes 5 to 5.5 hours. Do you want to do this long trip at first or last?
If you want to do this long trip at first, visit Hirohsima first. Otherwise you can keep the current order.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we are travelling with 2 young children, spending 5 nites in Osaka Namba (fitting in Nara as a day trip), 1 nite in Miyajima and then to Kyoto.
Should I get a Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket to get to Osaka first, then later on activate the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, for Nara-Miyajima – Kyoto. Where else should I fit in to make full use of this 5 day pass?
Travelling with luggages and 2 kids, I am concerned on the journey to Miyajima. I was tempted to stop by the Himeiji Castle, but I fear for the lack of locker space for my luggages. Should I pack an overnight bag and leave the luggages in my Osaka hotel and go back and retrieve it on my way back to Kyoto? But that feels so cumbersome too.
Appreciate your advice!
Hi Lays,
I think Kanku Tokuwari and Kansai Hiroshima area pass combination is the best way.
Regarding luggage, I agree with you. If you can, you should leave your luggage and make one night trip small pack. Or some hotels have contract with delivery company. Your hotel may be able to ship your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto. If they can, you don’t need to drop by hotel in Osaka. Usually the cost is around 2000 to 3000 yen per baggage. It depends on size and weight. Try to contact your hotel in Osaka and make sure they can do or not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m bit confused on all the items I read and so many pages. May be because I’m getting old… I was hoping if you can really help me and suggest on my itinerary while I visit Japan. My questions are within broken on daywise and would request to answer.
Day 1: Arrive Osaka KIX by lunch.
Is it possible to do a half day city tour on that day for Osaka? If yes, where can i find info?
Day 2: Reach Kyoto from Osaka in the morning. 1 Day Kyoto Tour. Return to Osaka
Day 3 : Hiroshima & Miyajima
Day 4: Osaka/Kyoto Tour. Or can i include Mt. Fuji here and come back the same day to Osaka to leave for Hokkaido at night?
Day 4 Night – Leave for Hokkaido by night train/bus.
What options can i get here if you can mention here pls?
Day 5: Hokkaido sightseeing.
Day 6: Travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo
Day 7 & 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Return from Narita
This is just my decided itinerary. But it will be helpful if you suggest alteration for me to be able to cover the following destinations in 9 days (Osak,Kyoto, Hiroshima, Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, Tokyo)
Looking forward for your response…
Hi Andy,
For day 1, even if you arrive in KIX by lunch time, you will spend at least one hour to clear custom and immigration. And you will spend another 30 minutes to get a ticket and take a train. And it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to get downtown Osaka. So you will be Osaka probably 14:30 to 15:00. You may see downtown Osaka but I don’t think you can visit many places. It depends on where you want to go. Please see the link below to find more info about attraction.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html
Day 2 and 3 are okay.
On day 4, Fuji is not very closed to Osaka. It will take 2.5 hours to get Odawara or Mishima. If you go to Lake Kawaguchi, you will spend another 1 hour to take a bus to Lake Kawaguchi from Mishima. If you go to Hakone, you will take a bus from Mishima or take a train from Odawara for another 1 hour. There is no overnight option to get Hokkaido. So the plan on day 4 is impossible. If you want to go to Hokkaido, you have to spend one whole day to get there from Osaka.
The following link shows you how to get Hokkaido from Tokyo by train. You have to add another 2.5 hours to get Hokkaido from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
Hokkaido is such a big island. You have to make sure where you want to go in Hokkaido.
You may cover most of places on your wish list. But if you want to visit Fuji, you can do it from Tokyo as day trip on day 7 or 8.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
The information were so helpful and I’m able to freeze on my itinerary with the help of your blog and responses. I hope you wouldn’t mind if you allow me to ask a few more questions:
My itinerary based on your suggestion:
Day 1 (Feb 4) – Arrive at Osaka by 9 pm and check in to hotel and rest. Hotel booked – Kinki at Umeda
Day 2 (Feb 5) – Visit Places of interest in Osaka
Day 3 (Feb 6) – Visit Kyoto.
Day 4th (Feb 7) – Activate JR pass and proceed to Hiroshima by Sakura 547 and follow your sample itinerary.
Day 5th (Feb 8) – Travel to Sapporo. (Shin Osaka to Tokyo by Hakura 504 and Tokyo to Sapporo – HB 11)
Day 6th (Feb 9) – Sapporo. Visit the winter Snow festival
Day 7th (Feb 10) – Travel to Tokyo (H 8 from Sapporo, HB 24 from Shin Hakodate to Tokyo) Check in Hotel and rest
Day 8th (Feb 11) – Full day Tokyo tour
Day 9th (Feb 12) – Travel to Mt. Fuji
Day 10th (Feb 13) – Osaka – Travel from Tokyo to Shin Osaka by Hakura 507 and then Shin-Osaka to Airport for Flight at 4:20 pm
Question, if you may please help answer and guide:
Question on Day 3- I don’t want to activate my JR Pass yet and wanted to know what will be the cheapest option to go and Tour Kyoto? Any other pass that will help in getting from Airport to Hotel and also tour Kyoto? Pls help!
Question on Day 5- Is 20 mins enough time to transfer between H 504 to HB 11?
Question on Day 9 – What is the best option to Travel to Mt. Fuji with JR pass?
Question: Upon arrival on day 1 at KIX airport, can I reserve all the tickets for S-547, S-570, H-504, HB-11, H-13, H-8, HB-24 & H-507 at once since i know the timings and details from web time table?
Hi Andy,
I’m impressed by your planning! It’s very organized. You are almost ready to go. 🙂
Before I answer your inquiries, I just let you know that JR will revise the timetable sometimes in October. So please check these links in November and find the updated timetable. I don’t think it will be different very much from the current timetable.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/08.pdf
>Question on Day 3- I don’t want to activate my JR Pass yet and wanted to know what will be the cheapest option to go and Tour Kyoto? Any other pass that will help in getting from Airport to Hotel and also tour Kyoto? Pls help!
I recommend you to use ICOCA and Haruka to Tennoji at 3100 yen.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Don’t purchase it to Shin-Osaka. You can get Osaka by “to Tennoji”. This means only Haruka service area. As long as you take rapid or local, you can use “to Tennoji” to get Osaka (Umeda). And you can take Haruka to Tennoji, but if you take Kansai airport rapid, you can get Osaka directly.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html
ICOCA can be used for the trip to Kyoto. One way fare is 560 yen. 1500 yen e-money is enough to get Kyoto. You still can take city bus in Kyoto twice because ICOCA covers city bus in Kyoto and one way fare is 230 yen. But I think you will take a bus more than twice. You may purchase all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You will have 480 yen left in ICOCA if you use the pass in Kyoto. You can use it for sightseeing in Osaka to take subway. But there are some deals available in Osaka too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
You can use ICOCA in Tokyo to take subway train too. You can use JR pass to take local JR train in Tokyo. I think this is the best option. The fare is different by the distance. It’s start from 170 yen.
>Question on Day 5- Is 20 mins enough time to transfer between H 504 to HB 11?
Yes. It’s way enough.
>Question on Day 9 – What is the best option to Travel to Mt. Fuji with JR pass?
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
>Question: Upon arrival on day 1 at KIX airport, can I reserve all the tickets for S-547, S-570, H-504, HB-11, H-13, H-8, HB-24 & H-507 at once since i know the timings and details from web time table?
Yes. But you have to exchange JR pass before booking. As long as you get an actual pass, you can start booking even though you don’t start using JR Pass yet. Especially you will travel to Hokkaido during snow festival period. Train to Hokkaido will be very busy. I highly recommend you to book right after you arrive in KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
A super duper THANKS TO YOU! I will definitely follow your advice and check the timetables… I plan to get a Green pass and hoping that will help me. If I’m successful in running through this itinerary, I will share all my details and could be helpful to others as well.
Now its time for my hotel bookings… Will try to choose hotels closer to station (I cannot travel light!) LOL!
And, I might get back to you with more questions too and I hope you will help me!
Thanks! Thanks!
No worries, Andy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
How are you doing? I’m so excited about my Japan Trip 🙂 Hotels are booked already, Flight changes made!!! Almost done…
I was wondering if you can let me know if the timetable for Shinkansen has changed as you indicated above? I tried to access the links that you sent me and they pull up the old time table. Specially the Hokkaido Shinkansen timetable is not accessible and pulling up a differnt one 🙁
If you can help me with the updated link, will be very helpful!
Regards
Andy
Hi Andy,
Please see the links below:
Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo-Shin Osaka-Hiroshima)
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Hokkaido Shinkansen
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/01.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much!
No worries, Andy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m back with my questions again and you are my only relaible source who guides me so well!This is in regards to Icoca & Haruka vs Kansai One pass.
To clear some things off, after thorough searches (yeah, I’m that bad, can’t even get info about some simple documents haha) I came to the following conclusion, and please correct me. Afterwards, I’ll explain the issue I have. So, about the two:
From what I see, both the pass and the ICOCA & Haruko are pretty much the same thing, aren’t they? Basically, a rechargeable value card that already comes with a certain amount of money on it upon buying, that you can afterwards recharge so you won’t have to pay with cash in stores or buy physical tickets on buses/trains/subways. Have I got everything right so far, hmm?
In which case, wouldn’t I be better off buying the Kansai One Pass? As it offers me everything ICOCA and Haruka offers and more (discounts at certain places throughout Kansai Region). Also it will cover my 1 day itinerary in Hiroshima (The one you suggested)
Now, there’s one thing I do not understand and also my main issue, does anyone know how big these discounts are and at which spots they apply exactly? Cause if I go on their page and chose for Benefit spots, I’m taken to another page where it shows me some places where I might get a discount using this Pass: http://kansaionepass.com/en/list/category/benefitspots
Also, on the ICOCA and Haruka page it says the following: “If you would like to change ICOCA card of ICOCA & HARUKA to Kansai One Pass and make a booking online,
please select “Unnecessary” for “Number of ICOCA cards for each design” in the application form.”
Does this mean that I can book for an ICOCA and Haruka but instead get a Kansai One Pass if I select “Unnecessary” for “Number of ICOCA cards for each design” in the application form.”? Or that I need to already own an ICOCA and Haruka before arriving in Kansai so I can change it to a Kansai One Pass? Or Do i have an option to buy online Kansai One pass?
And one last thing, Will Kansai One pass cover Osaka Airport to Shin Osaka and back by Haruka express? Where can I find the time table for Haruka train from Airport and retuen.. I will land at KIX at 7:50 pm. Need to activate my JR pass (as you suggested) and then get the Haruka going to Shin Osaka.
Thank you very much, sorry for the wall of text but I needed to know that I explained everything in details so I get the specific answers I’m looking for from YOU as always 🙂 Have a good day.
Hi Andy,
First of all, ICOCA card and Kansai One Pass is same. Kansai One Pass is a sort of different version of ICOCA card. But Kansai One Pass is designed for overseas tourist and it offers discount at many places as you notice. So you may use Kansai one pass, and ICOCA and Haruka without ICOCA card. Kansai One Pass offers 10% discount at most of places.
But actually I have no idea about ICOCA and Haruka without ICOCA card. I guess you can order only Haruka portion but I have never tried it before. So I cannot say anything about this issue.
You should have Haruka discount ticket (ICOCA and Haruka without ICOCA card version). You may use Kansai One Pass for base fare between KIX and Shin-Osaka. But it does not cover Haruka seat fee. You should not use Kansai one pass (or ICOCA card) for taking Haruka. This card should be used for other, such as taking subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot. I have one more question. Can I get train to Hiroshima at sine Osaka station or I have to go elsewhere to catch train for Hiroshima?
Hi Mamata,
Shin-Osaka is only station to catch Shinkansen to Hiroshima in Osaka. There is no other stations to catch Shinkansen trains in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com