
Light-up at Kiyomizu-dera temple
This itinerary includes many popular spots throughout Japan in 14 days. This itinerary starts from Tokyo. But if you want to start from Osaka, you can start from Day 11 to Day 14, and then start from Day 1 to Day10. Actually 14 days in not enough to see all popular spots in Japan. I include Hokkaido in this itinerary. But it does not include Shiretoko because of not enough time. I could not include south part of Kyushu, Hakone and Mt. Fuji either. If you can give up Tohoku part, you can get more time in Hokkaido. Of course you can go to Shiretoko.
Anyway this is a sample. I hope this sample itinerary help you When you make your own plan.
Day 1

Nikko Toshogu is the most popular spot in Nikko. ©Yasufumi Nishi/© JNTO
08:08am Depart from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen Max Yamabiko 127
09:01am Arrive at Utsunomiya station
09:12am Depart from Utsunomiya station by Nikko line local train
09:54am Arrive at Nikko station. After arrival, enjoy exploring in UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko
14:20pm Depart from Nikko station by Nikko line local train
15:01pm Arrive at Utsunomiya station
15:59pm Depart from Utsunomiya station by Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa 143
18:00pm Arrive at Yamagata
*You can get Nikko from Shinjuku directly by Limited Express Nikko. But this express train goes on Tobu line. Japan Rail Pass does not cover this section. If you need more info, please refer Limited Express Nikko and Kinugawa.
*You can go to Zao Hot Springs after arrival at Yamagata. I choose only major cities to stay in this itinerary because you can find the accommodation very easily. But you can skip Yamagata and go straight to Zao. The last bus depart from Yamagata station to Zao at 18:40 and arrive at Zao at 19:17. (2011 summer timetable) Zao hot springs is a nice spa resort.
Overnight in Yamagata
Day 2
07:40am Depart from Yamagata station by Yamako bus
08:17am Arrive at Zao hot springs
Zao Ropeway start to operate at 08:30am. You can enjoy the fresh air and easy trekking at the summit. You can enjoy it for 1.5 hour.
10:10am Depart from Zao hot springs by Yamako bus
11:07am Arrive at Zao Kattasancho (Zao the summit of Katta mountain. It is known as “Okama”.)
Okama is a lava lake. You cannot access this spot in winter time. There is only one restaurant there. So it is very busy in lunch time. If you have a plan to have a lunch there, please make sure your schedule.
13:00pm Depart from Zao Kattasancho by Yamako bus
14:40pm Arrive at Yamagata station

Zao Okama ©Miyagi Prefecture/©JNTO
*The extra cost to get to Zao is the following:
Yamako bus from Yamagata station to Zao hot springs — 980yen one way
Yamako bus from Zao hot springs to Zao Kattasancho — 1430yen one way
Yamako bus from Zao Kattasancho to Yamagata station — 1900yen one way
Zao Ropeway to the summit — 2500yen round trip
15:43pm Depart from Yamagata station by Senzan line local train
15:59pm arrive at Yamadera station
Yamadera means the mountain temple. There are several temples. Most well-known haiku poet Basho Matsuo wrote one of his famous haiku there. You can skip here if you want to arrive at Sendai earlier.
17:59 Depart from Yamadera station by Senzan line local train
18:59 Arrive at Sendai
Overnight in Sendai
Day 3

Matsushima is one of three greatest scenery in Japan. ©JNTO
08:59am Depart from Sendai station by Senseki line local train
09:35am Arrive at Matsushima Kaigan station
*The pier is 5 minutes away from the station
10:00am Depart from Matsushima Kaigan pier by Matsuhima bay cruise
10:50am Arrive at Matsushima Kaigan pier
*The fare for Matsushima bay cruise is 1400yen per person
*You can enjoy easy hike up to Ogitani. The trail head is 10 minutes away from the station. It takes only 10 minutes hike up to the view point. Enjoy the panorama view of Matsushima.
You can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch here at Matsushima Sakana Ichiba (Matsushima fish market — Japanese website) after sightseeing at Matsushima. You may have a seafood lunch around 1000yen. Of course you can go back to Sendai.
12:34pm Depart from Matsushima Kaigan station by Senseki line local train
12:58pm Arrive at Sendai station
13:42pm Depart from Sendai station by Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko 59
14:14pm Arrive at Ichinoseki station
14:37pm Depart from Ichonoseki station by Tohoku line local train
14:45pm Arrive at Hiramizumi station
You can enjoy the newest UNESCO World Heritage site, Hiraizumi. The most famous spot in Hiraizumi is Chusonji temple. It is 25 minutes (1.6km) away from Hiraizumi station. The admission is 800yen per person. (English website)
17:39pm Depart from Hiraizumi station by Tohoku line local train
18:10pm Arrive at Kitakami station
18:33pm Depart from Kitakami station by Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko 67
18:52pm Arrive at Morioka station
(Dinner break at Morioka)
20:26pm Depart from Morioka station by Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate 37
21:28pm Arrive at Shin-Aomori station
21:38pm Depart from Shin-Aomori station by Local train
21:44pm Arrive at Aomori station
22:42pm Depart from Aomori by overnight express train Hamanasu
Overnight in the train
Day4
06:07am Arrive at Sapporo station
Full day free in Sappro. You have several choice, staying in Sapporo, half day trip to Otaru, full day trip to Furano, or you can go even Kushiro marsh. You can get some information about Furano at Furano Lavender Express / Furano Koyo Express. If you are looking for day trip to Kushiro from Sapporo, please refer Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.
Overnight in Sapporo
Day 5
08:34am Depart from Sapporo station by Super Hokuto 6
11:53am Arrive at Hakodate station
Enjoy afternoon in Hakodate
*You can extend to stay in Sapporo instead of Hakodate. If you don’t need to stay in Hakodate, you can take Super Hokuto 16 (Sapporo 14:52 – Hakodate 18:09).
19:18 Depart from Hakodate station by Super Hakucho 98
21:22 Arrive at Aomori station
Overnight in Aomori
Day 6
*Before you depart from the hotel, ask to store your luggage to the hotel. Because you will walk along Oirase gorge. It is short hike, but you cannot carry your luggage.
07:50am Leave Aomori station by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 2
10:35am Arrive at Towadako station
Enjoy Lake Towada
12:30pm Depart from Towadako station by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 7
12:56pm Arrive at Kumoi no Taki bus stop
Enjoy walking from Kumoi no Taki to Ishigedo
14:35pm Depart from Ishigedo bus stop by JR Tohoku Bus Mizuumi 9
17:04pm Arrive at Aomori station
*Don’t forget to pick up your luggage at the hotel.
17:51pm Depart from Aomori station by Super Hakucho 40
17:56pm Arrive at Shin-Aomori station
18:14pm Depart from Shin-Aomori station by Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa 6
21:24pm Arrive at Tokyo station
22:00pm Depart from Tokyo station by Overnight train Sunrise Seto/Izumo.
Overnight in the train

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. ©Nagasaki City/© JNTO
Day 7
06:27am Arrive at Okayama station
07:16am Depart from Oakayam by Sanyo Shinkansen Hikari 541
09:13am Arrive at Hakata station
09:55am Depart from Hakata station by Limited Express Kamome 13.
11:48am Arrive at Nagasaki station.
After arrival, enjoy exploring Nagasaki.
Overnight in Nagasaki
Day 8
06:00am Depart from Nagasaki station by Limited express Kamome 2.
07:31am Arrive at Shin-Tosu station. After arrival, transfer to Kyushu Shinkansen.
07:50am Depart from Shin-Tosu station by Kyushu Shinkansen Tsubame 331.
08:26am Arrive at Kumamoto station. After arrival, transfer to Limited express Kyushu Odan Tokkyu (=Trans-Kyushu Limited express).
08:35am Depart from Kumamoto station by Limited express Kyushu Odan Tokkyu 2.

Kusasenri at Mt.Aso ©JNTO
09:43am Arrive at Aso station. After arrival, take a local bus to one of very popular active volcano, Mt. Aso.
10:00am The bus to Mt. Aso depart from Aso station.
10:40am Arrive in Mt. Aso West (Gondola station). The bus fare is 730 yen for one way to Aso Nishi station. The gondola fare is another 1,000 yen for round trip.
13:05pm Depart from Mt Aso West by bus to Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 140 yen.
13:10pm Arrive at Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum.
15:40pm The bus depart to Aso station from Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 670 yen.
*You can spend your time for the gondola only. In case of that, the bus leave rfom Mt. Aso West at 15:35pm.
*Unfortunately the bus company (Kyushu Sanko Bus Line) does not have any English website. But the gondola company Mt. Aso Ropeway has English site.
16:13pm Depart from Aso station by Trans-Kyushu Limited express 6.
18:13pm Arrive at Beppu station. Stay at most famous hot springs resort in Kyushu.
Overnight in Beppu
Day 9
Enjoy half day sightseeing in Beppu
12:53pm Depart from Beppu station by Limited express Sonic 32.
14:03pm Arrive at Kokura station. After arrival, transfer to Sanyo Shinkansen.
14:22pm Depart from Kokura station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 566.
15:09pm Arrive at Hiroshima. After arrive at Hiroshima, enjoy sightseeing in downtown Hiroshima.
Overnight in Hiroshima
Day 10
Enjoy full day sightseeing in Miyajima. Please refer the post, How to get Miyajima, about access from Hiroshima.
After sightseeing, take Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama.
16:15pm Depart from Hiroshima station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 568.
17:44pm Arrive at Shin-Osaka station
17:50pm Depart from Shin-Osaka station by Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama 478
18:05pm Arrive at Kyoto
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 11
Full day for exploring in Kyoto
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 12
10:10am Depart from Kyoto by Limited Express Thunderbird 11
12:18pm Arrive at Kanazawa
After arrival, enjoy sightseeing in Kanazawa
Overnight in Kanazawa
Day 13

Doburoku Festival in Shirakawa-go
08:45am Depart from Kanazawa for Shirakawa-go by Nohi Bus.
Reservation Required!!! Don’t forget to make a reservation. This bus is not included in Japan Rail Pass. The bus fare 1,800yen.
10:00am Arrive at Shirakawa-go
*If you need more information about access to Shikawago, please refer one of my posts, How to get Shirakawa-go.
Enjoy sightseeing UNESCO world heritage site Shirakawa-go.
*Reservation Required!!! Don’t forget to make a reservation. This bus is not included in Japan Rail Pass. The bus fare 2,400yen.
17:20pm Depart from Shirakawa-go for Kanazawa by Nohi Bus
18:10pm Arrive at Takayama
Overnight in Takayama
Day 14
Eenjoy sightseeing in very traditional Japanese town, Takayama.
18:45pm Depart from Takayama by “Wide View Hida 20”
21:00pm Arrive at Nagoya
21:27pm Depart from Nagoya by Tokaido Shinakansen “Hikari 534”
23:26pm Arrive at Tokyo
Comments
Hi Takeshi
A trip with short planning to Japan as my husband is going to work and suggested we do a holiday there. We were planning to get a 14 day JR pass and would really appreciate your advice if that is worthwhile. We have 2 teenage boys.
Day 1 – 21/6/19 (Yes this Friday) Arrive Haneda late. Stay at Airport Hotel
We spent 5 days in Tokyo in January so not going this time.
Day 2 – Travel to Fujikawaguchiko – Not booked as this is only part flexible. Probably have to go into Tokyo to depart. Exploring & hiking
Day 3 – Fujikawaguchiko – Hiking & exploring. Travel to Hakone.
Day 4 – Explore Hakone. (Fujikawaguchiko & Hakone is the only part of our trip not booked as not sure of best way to do this area. My husband only has 4 days/3 nights before he has to return to Tokyo for work)
Day 5 – Hakone. Boys and I travel to Osaka in afternoon. Husband travels to Tokyo for work. (Stay Courtyard Shin-Osaka Station)
Day 6 – Osaka – Osaka Castle, Dotonbori District
Day 7 – Osaka – Universal Studios
Day 8 – Osaka in morning. Travel to Kyoto in afternoon. Husband travels from Tokyo to join us. Stay Hotel Kanra
Day 9 – 12 – Kyoto – Includes a trip to Nara
Day 13 – Kyoto to Hiroshima – Stay Sheraton Grand
Day 14 – Hiroshima
Day 15 – Hiroshima to Fukuoka – Stay Hotel Nikko
Day 16 – Fukuoka
Day 17 – Fly home to Malaysia
We planned to catch JR Trains between cities. I know it isn’t used around Hakone. Do you think the JR pass or another pass would be better for us. I really appreciate any assistance you are able to provide on this. Thank you.
Kind regards
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
You may be able to get the worth of 14-day JR pass. But it does not give you a big saving. In rough calculation, it’s almost equal. But your husband can get the worth because he goes back to Tokyo and take the Shinkansen from Tokyo.
For the trip to Fuji and Hakone, you can use Fuji Hakone Pass:
https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
This pass is valid for 3 days only. So use the pass “from Odawara” and add the fare for the bus to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku. All of you use 14-day JR Pass from day 2 to 15. You can use JR pass to take the limited express train from Shinjuku to Otsuki. Some trains go to Kawaguchiko directly but you have to pay the fare for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko.
You may add the regular fare or other local deal in Fukuoka on day 16.
https://subway.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/eng/fare/one/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
I plan to bring my parents (3 of us) to Kansai from 4-18 Nov 18. My plan is below:
4-11 Nov: Stay in hotel at Tsuruhashi Station, Osaka
4 & 5 Nov
City tour in Osaka City such as Osaka Museum of History , Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku, Shitennoji Temple, etc.
6 Nov – Join a day trip to Amanohashidate. Gather at Namba Station.
7 & 8 Nov – Plan to travel out of Osaka such as Himeji, Lake Biwa or Wakayama.
9 Nov – Travel to Kurama & Kobe for Cup Noodle Museum and Arima Onsen. Might visit The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum as well.
10 Nov – Travel to Nara for Tōshōdai-ji
11 & 12 Nov – Check out from hotel at Tsuruhashi Station and travel to Onsen Hotel in Ohara, Kyoto.
12 – 17 Nov: Stay in Hotel at Gion-Shijo Station, Kyoto
12 – 14 Nov
Travel around Kyoto by bus/ subway/ bicycle
15 Nov – Travel to Uji
16 Nov – Take The Sagano Scenic Railway and travel around Arashimaya
17 Nov – Might go Kyoto Railway Museum. Check out from Hotel in Kyoto. Travel to Izumisano Station and stay for a night.
18 Nov – Flight back to Singapore in the morning.
My concern is which pass to buy in order to fulfill my tide budget. I am thinking whether to buy:
1) Osaka Amazing Pass for 2 days
2) JR Kansai Pass for Kansai region around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe for four days
3) Icoca & Haruka pass
Can this fulfill my itenerary and also my tide budget? Else, is there an alternative?
Thanks a lot.
Best Regards,
Alice Hooi
Hi Alice,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
ICOCA and Haruka for Nov 4 and 17.
You may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. It’s basically same but you can get a discount at many attractions.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
Osaka amazing pass for Nov 5
JR Kansai area pass 2 days for Nov 7 and 8
Kansai thru pass 3 days for Nov 9, 10 and 11
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
*You mentioned “Travel to Kurama & Kobe for Cup Noodle Museum and Arima Onsen. Might visit The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum as well.” on Nov 9. But Kurama is in Kyoto. Cup Noodle Museum is in Osaka. Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum is in Takarazuka. Those places are not in Kobe. Especially Kurama is totally other direction. You may be able to combine Cup Noodle and Tezuka Osame on top of Arima. But it’s still very tight.
In Kyoto, you can use Kansai one pass and Kyoto city bus pass. When you take train or subway, you can use Kansai one pass. You can use it to take a bus too but city bus pass is only 600 yen for one day. You can get the worth by only three rides. If you are not sure that you will make three or more bus trips, just use Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you very much for your prompt reply and thought guide.
As you advised, I’ll adjust my plan accordingly.
I have few more questions regarding this matter. It’s a bit long though.
4th Nov: To get to my hostel, I assume that the best way is to buy train ticket by Kanku-kaisoku? I’ll go around Osaka downtown later. Should I buy a Eco one day pass for unlimited buses and subway right after my arrival of the airport?
7th Nov: I searched the route from Osaka to Sapporo in Hyperdia website as following
Shin Osaka-Sapporo JR
I unticked airplane and airport shuttle and then click submit
6:50 Shin Osaka-Tokyo- Shinkansen Nozomi
I know that Nozomi wont include in my JR Pass. Is it any alternate way? If I go by another train, I will miss the next train at 09:36 as below right?
09:36 Tokyo-Shinhadokate-Hokuto via Shinkansen Hayabusa 11
I believe that Hayabusa 11 is covered by JR pass
13:51 Shinhakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo via Limited Express Hokuto.
This is also not cover by JR Pass right?
8-9 Nov: I believe that I can use Suica card in Sapporo for buses and subway. If I travel a lot by public transport, is it more economical to buy a day pass instead, e.g subway 1 day pass?
Thank you for your advice regarding to Daisetsuzan National park. I”ll arrange time to go there if I manage to fit it in my schedule.
10 Nov: I believe that Sapporo-Otaru is fully covered by JR pass and it takes about 50 minutes
11 Nov: To get to Noboribetsu, what is the most economical route?
I searched in Hyperdia and it came out like this
Route 1:
06:00 Sapporo -Tomakomai by Limited Express Hokuto 2
06:47 Tomakomai-Noboribetsu by KR Muroran Line and arrived at 07:33
Then I’ll take the bus to the onsen
Route 2:
06:31 Sapporo-Chitose by JR Rapid Aiport
07:12 Chitose-Tomakomai by JR Chitose line
07:49- Tomakomai-Noboribetsu by JR Muroran line and arrived at 08:40
This route takes longer time but money saving, am i understand correctly?
After exploring Hell valley and onsen, I’ll heading back to Noboribetsu station by bus to take the train to Hadokate
I searched hyperdia and there is again two options
Option 1: Direct to Hakodate via Limited Express Hokuto and it takes 160 min
Option 2: Noboribetsu-Higashi Murroran-Oshamabe-Hakodate and it takes 347 min
What is your opinion about this matter?
I think cost effective is good, however time-saving is as crucial.
12 Nov: I am going to explore Hakodate for half an day, should I buy a pass or separate ticket to each attraction? I assume I wont be able to visit much, probably max 2 attractions due to time limit
For a journey Hakodate-Tokyo
I used Hyperdia and it cames out like this
Hakodate-Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto-Tokyo and it takes about 5 hours.
I am wondered if Hakodate Liner is covered by JP pass or it is local train?
13 Nov : Explore Tokyo
I’ll go around a lot of places. Do you think if I should purchase Tokyo one day pass instead of using my suica card?
14 Nov: As recommended , I’ll switch Takayama and Kanazawa. I’ll go to Kanazawa on 14th Nov
Tokyo-Kanazawa via Shinkansen Kagayaki and it takes around 3 hours time
16 Nov: As suggested, I’ll spend one day in Hakone on 17th
On 16th, I’ll explore Fuji Five Lake
So the schedule will less tight and I’ll be able to enjoy the view comfortably
I assume I should buy Fuji Hakone pass , Do I have to buy a pass for both 16th & 17th? or for Hakone trip only?
I can get to Lake Kawaguchi by highway bus from Shinjuku.
Or should I get Hakone free pass (can use for 2 days)? Which is better option in your opinion?
18th Nov: I’ll explore Tokyo and recharge my energy after 2 days straight going out of the city
19th Nov: As recommended, I’ll visit both Kamakura and Enoshima Island in one day
I searched the way to get there. Could you please re-checked?
Shinjuku-Katase-Enoshima by Odakyu Limited express Romancecar or Odakyu Raid Express (approx 65 min)
then later take Enoden line to Kamakura (approx 23 min)
I believe that JR pass only cover the cost of the Enoden line to Kamakura and not Odakyu Express
Should I buy a one day freepass Enoshima-Kamakura? is it more cost saving or about the same price?
21th Nov
To get to Nikko, should I take this route?
Tokyo-Utsunomya by Shinkansen Yamabiko then take JR Nikko line to Nikko. This trip takes 2 hours. I believe that it’s all covered by JR Pass.
25th Nov: Tokyo-Kyoto
I searched Hyperdia and the fastest is via Shinkansen Nozomi
So it wont cover by JR pass right?
But I can go by Shinkansen Hikari instead right? It will be one hour longer but cover by JR Pass. Am I correct?
26th Nov Kyoto to Takayama
is this route look alright? Another route is faster but i have to pay for the nozomi train
Kyoto-Nagoya via Shinkansen Hikari
Nagoya to Takayama via Limited express wide view Hida
It takes 4 hours
or via Maibara (through JR Tokaido Line) to GIFU then take the Limited express wide view Hida to Takayama.
27th Nov: kyoto-Hiroshima-Miyajima
I believe that this is the route that i should take
Kyoto-Shin Osaka by JR Kyoto line rapid service then Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen Sakura
After explore Hiroshinma, I’ll go to Miyajima
Back to Hiroshima station then take the train to Miyajima-guchi then get off and transfer to JR Ferry to Miyajima
I have question regarding to the transport pass I should use in Hiroshima
Since my JR Pass is still valid, I could use the sightseeing loop bus for free right? Should I get the one day pass to use the street car (Hiroden)?
I’ll probably back to Hiroshima for quick dinner before getting back to Kyoto. Will the pass worthwhile?
28-29th Nov & 1 Dec: I’ll buy the Kansai Thru pass for these days as you advised
As I understood, Kansai Thru Pass is only for non-JR lines
To get to Uji & Nara, instead of JR Nara Line, which alternative train i can choose from? Is it Kintetsu train line?
30th Nov Himeji-Kobe
I’ll buy JR West Kansai area one day pass as you advised
Which route should I take actually? is it by Special rapid service?
It will go from Kyoto to Osaka then Himeji then Kobe , all by Special Rapid service?
Or it will be Kyoto-Osaka-Himeji then back to Osaka-Kobe?
I am sorry that I find it a bit confusing.
1th Dec: trip to Mount Koya
I assume that I’ll have to take the train to Osaka first then go to Shin Imamiya st/Namba st (by Osaka loop line or Midosuji line), take the train to Gokurakubashi to Koya san then take cable car to the top. Is it mostly cover by Kansai thru pass?
2-4th Dec : For my last three days in Kyoto and Osaka, do you recommend to buy an pass ?
I’ll go shopping and sightseeing around the city. It include one way train from Kyoto to Osaka, one way train to the airport from Osaka centre.
That’s about it. I apologise for a very long inquiries. It’s my first time travelling to Japan and I am still learning about Japan travel system. I find it quite difficult.
Thank you so much for your wonderful advice
I am truly thankful for everything.
Hi jheart,
You may find the timetable in the links below. All trains except Nozomi and Mizuho are covered by JR pass in these timetables. So you can use Shinkansen and limited express trains as much as you can.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
When you build a plan, these timetables are more convenient than hyperdia. I think you can find all solutions about Osaka-Tokyo-Hokkaido-Tokyo part in these timetables.
You can use JR pass for trip to Fuji and Hakone partially. 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
Hakone Free Pass is required but Fuji Hakone Pass is not. But you may add one of the deals in the link below:
http://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/ticket/
Both Odakyu and Enoden are not covered. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
Nikko trip is covered fully.
For Kyoto to Takayama, you can use Shinkansen and Wide View Hida. But there are one round trips of Wide View Hida running between Kyoto/Osaka and Takayama. If you take this, you don’t need to change trains at Nagoya.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
When you go to Hiroshima, you can take Shinkansen from Kyoto. You need to change trains at Shin-Osaka or Shin-Kobe because mostly Nozomi goes to Hiroshima directly, Hikadi does not. But Special Rapid is always busy. Shinkansen is better.
Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Kansai thru pass. You will find the route about Uji, Nara and Koyasan.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Special rapid runs between Kyoto and Himeji. You don’t need to change it at Osaka and/or Kobe. You can get Himeji directly from Kyoto. In Hyperdia, it’s shown separately but it’s same train.
Currently train lines and cable car to Mt. Koya are closed because of damaged by typhoon. Substitute bus runs between Hashimoto and Koyasan. You may take it by Kansai thru pass. It may be restored by your trip date. But at this point, I don’t know how long it will be. I will update when I get the info.
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I am so grateful for your kindness . It’s really great help for me.
Thank you for sharing the links. I’ll studying hard for the next few days. I truly need to know it well before the trip. I’ll try to remember the name of the trains and some important tip/information/rules as much as possible.
For my Fuji trip, I’ll first plan out where I really want to go and decide on the pass accordingly. If I buy any pass, I should use it to its worth.
For my trip to Kamakura and Enoshima Island, I think the most economical way is to buy a one day Kamakura-Enoshima pass. from Shinjuku station It includes everything and it’s time-efficient.
I’ll take note about the trip from Kyoto to Takayama. There is only one round trip like that each day so I’ll have to plan carefully.
Thank you for your advice on Hiroshima trip. I’ll definitely re-consider my plan.
For the Kansai-thru pass, I’ll study its coverage to maximise usage.
I’ll go from Kyoto to Himeji first then from Himeji go to Kobe and back to Kyoto. A round trip like this sound great.
I feel disappointed that I won’t be able to visit Koyasan this time. The natural disaster is unpredictable, it’s really unfortunate. I guess, it will be a top reason to plan my next trip back to Japan in the future. My friends visited there and they strongly recommend me to visit Koyasan. They said it’s such a healing and beautiful place.I hope that the transport system to Koyasan will be fixed soon. There will be next time. I still have many places that I could not able to fit in my first trip. At first I thought one month seems long , after planning , actually 1 month will pass by really quickly and it’s not enough to discover all the beautiful places in Japan.
However, for my first trip to Japan, this schedule seem good enough. I am really looking forward to it.
Once again, sincerely thank you for all your help and support.
You are really the best!
Hi jheart san,
You CAN visit Koyasan. As I mentioned, train line and cable car are closed. But you can take a substitute bus service from Hashimoto to Koyasan. Hashimoto is located on the way to Gokurakubashi. You just cannot get there by train and cable car. Bus will take you there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, hope you’re having a good day. Thank you so much for creating this informative article.
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Japan soon and our itinerary is something like this:
9 days in Fukushima and touring around neighboring spots like Sendai. Will also go around the areas within Fukushima.
The week after that (around 5 days) we will spend at Osaka and Tokyo respectively. First 2 days in Osaka (planning on visiting: Uncle Rokuro, Nara Park, and Kyoto Palace among other places if still possible). Then the next 3 days will be spent going to as many places in Tokyo as possible. We’ve booked a hotel in Osaka and Tokyo for those days.
Which JR pass should I get for an itinerary such as this? I’ve tried figuring it out on my own but I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around it as it’s the first time I’ll be spending in Japan.
Also, I would just like to clarify that if I buy the 14-day pass, that would give me unlimited access to all areas in Japan where there is transportation that’s supported by JP rail no matter how much it actually cost?
Any help would be very much appreciated!
Hi Nic,
14 days JR pass is the best choice. Actually the fares for Tokyo-Fukushima round trip by Shinkansen and Tokyo-Osaka round trip by Shinkansen are almost same as 14 days price. You will use the pass to make day trips from Fukushima. It’s very easy to get the worth.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com