Throughout Japan 14 days sample itinerary by Japan Rail Pass 14 days pass

Comments

1. jen says:

   January 27, 2015 at 5:41 am

   Dear Takeshi,

   I was wondering with this itinerary if the 14 day jr pass, was the best solution?
   and take tokyo
   day 1 – tokyo
   day 2 – tokyo
   day 3 – tokyo – takayama /kanazawa stay over or get a train to kyoto
   day 4 – kyoto
   day 5 – kyoto – nara
   day 6 – kyoto
   day 7 – osaka
   day 8 – osaka to mount koya-son
   day 9 – osaka to hijmei to hiroshima
   day 10 – hiroskima and miyajima – mount fujij
   day 11 – mount fujij
   day 12 – mount fujij
   day 13 – tokyo
   day 14 – tokyo – nikko
   day 15 – tokyo – kamakira
   day 16 – tokyo
   day 16 – home time

   would there be time to go and see the monkeys at the snow park if we would go from tokyo?

   Any information you can give me is much appreciated.
   Thank you.
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     January 27, 2015 at 12:48 pm

     Hi Jen,

     14 days pass is a good choice for your trip.
     Nagano (snow monkey) can be squeezed on the way to Takayama from Tokyo. Your route is like this:
     Tokyo – Nagano – Matsumoto – Takayama

     You can find the location and routing at the link below:
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html

     You have to take Nohi bus from Matsumoto to Takayama that is not covered by JR Pass. But this is the fastest route. And you have to stay in Takayama. You don’t have a time to get even Kanazawa.

     Hiroshima – Mt. Fuji is a long trip. Especially if you want to go to Lake Kawaguchi area, it takes more than 5 hours. I recommend you to go to Tokyo first. And if you can leave a big part of your luggage, trip will be easier.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • jen says:

       January 29, 2015 at 1:41 am

       Dear Takeshi,

       Thank you for the information and your advise.

       We will do kyoto, hiroshima them osaka then go to mount fuiji to break the journey up.

       Thank you for the links.

       Have a lovely day.

       jen
       • Takeshi / JPRail says:

         January 29, 2015 at 6:49 am

         No problem, Jen.
         Enjoy your trip.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
2. Linda says:

   January 17, 2015 at 5:27 am

   Hi Takeshi,
   Your website has been very helpful! And I have been reading your advice for others, and I am wondering if you can help me.

   I am visiting Japan from 2nd Feb-22nd Feb, we are still not sure on our itinerary. We have a ski trip booked for 17th-22nd February in Nozawaonsen.

   I originally thought we could stay in Tokyo for 7 days, and then activate a 14 day pass, to see Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and then go to Nozawaonsen, but I think that we will be in Tokyo too long and I would like to see as much as possible. I was also thinking that we could do day trips from Tokyo (Like Nikko and Hakone), but then I thought that those day trips will add up to make the 21 day pass worthwhile? Now I am thinking the 21 day pass would give us more flexibility and allow us to see as much as possible. What do you think?

   Thank you for any help, If you also have any suggestions of place to visit, that would be much appreciated!

   Linda
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     January 17, 2015 at 11:34 am

     Hi Linda,

     21 days pass will give you more flexibility. But there are other deals to Hakone and Nikko. Please see the following links:

     https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html

     Of course JR Pass gives you access to Nikko and Odawara where is a gateway to Hakone. But these NON JR deals, like Hakone Free Pass or Nikko Pass includes local transportation, such as bus.It may be better choice to visit sightseeing attractions.

     And also Kanto Area Pass may work for you. Especially if you intend to visit Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi area, this pass is the best deal.

     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html

     I think you can use 14 days pass for the part of you trip after Tokyo. You may add one or some of these above deals,
     But you have to fix your itinerary before you leave if you want to have 14 days pass and these above deals. If you are overwhelmed and want to have flexibility, 21 days JR pass is okay.

     At last, I love Takayama and highly recommended.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
3. Vi says:

   January 6, 2015 at 3:29 pm

   Hi Takeshi,

   Thank you for posting all this information on the JR Pass and options for transportation! It’s become one of my essential sites for planning my trip.

   I’m in the beginning process of planning my 18 day trip to Japan and would love some advice on the itinerary and how to travel across Japan. Everything seems so confusing.

   26 Mar- Arrive at Haneda at 1250
   27 Mar- Tokyo
   28 Mar- Tokyo – Nikko – Tokyo
   29 Mar- Tokyo
   30 Mar- Tokyo – Hakone
   31 Mar- Hakone – Kyoto
   1 Apr- Kyoto
   2 Apr- Kyoto – Nara- Kyoto
   3 Apr- Kyoto
   4 Apr- Kyoto – Osaka
   5 Apr- Osaka
   6 Apr- Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima
   7 Apr- Miyajima- Himiji- Tokyo
   8 Apr- Tokyo
   9 Apr- Tokyo
   10 Apr- Tokyo
   11 Apr- Depart from Narita at 0850

   Are there any suggestions you would make to our itinerary?
   We were planning on purchasing a 14 day JR Pass. Is this the best plan?

   Thank you so much for all the information you provide to everyone planning a trip. It makes everything so much simpler!

   Vi
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     January 6, 2015 at 11:04 pm

     Hi Vi,

     I don’t see any issues on your plan and 14 days pass is a good choice in my opinion.
     If you really want to stay in Tokyo, this plan is okay. But if you want to see some more places, you can squeeze Takayama/Shirakawago, Nagano and Kanazawa. If you visit these places, it will be a big detour. But you can squeeze. Especially if you start to use JR pass on 28 Mar, you will have 3 more day left when you will come back to Tokyo. JR Pass covers these cities, except Shirakawago, but very accessible from Takayama. New Shinkansen line will open between Tokyo and Kanazawa in mid March.

     I put some links below. If you are interested in visiting these cities, it may help you.
     https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Vi says:

       January 7, 2015 at 3:31 pm

       Thank you for all the information! I believe my husband would like to spend more time in Tokyo as compared to all the other cities. Hopefully we can make another trip to include more places!

       I’m having a little difficulty grasping the best way to go through Hakone. Since my JR Pass will be activated at that point, would it be best to take the JR and Hakone Tozan Railway, and then pay for all the other modes of transportation when exploring Hakone, or would it be best to get a Hakone Free Pass?

       We will be staying in Shinjuku while in Tokyo and will be leaving to Kyoto right after Hakone.

       Any help would be greatly appreciated!
       • Takeshi / JPRail says:

         January 7, 2015 at 4:31 pm

         HI Vi,

         I recommend to use Hakone Free Pass. Major places in Hakone, such as Owakudani, Lake Ashi are worth visiting. Hakone Free Pass gives you a big savings if you visit all places in Hakone.

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
4. SHARON says:

   January 6, 2015 at 6:42 am

   Hi Takeshi

   I chance upon your site while searching for a sample itinerary and japan rail pass.
   I am planning for a trip for my family of 2 adults and 3 children age 8,10 & 14.
   This is our first trip to Japan and I am clueless and loss on how to plan our trip.
   I have tried searching and picking some of the sample itinerary. Below are the places that we want to visit.

   Am not sure if my planning make sense. Do we need to get a 7 or 14 days pass ?

   *Am loss at day 7 – 9. Would love to bring my boys to visit Shirakawago and Nagano to see snow monkey. Am not sure I should stay a night each at both Shirakawago & Nagano.

   Day 1 Osaka Instant Noodle Mumseum, Roam around Umeda

   Day 2 Osaka Osaka Castle

   Day 3 Osaka Universal Studios Japan
   ,
   Day 4 Osaka-Kyoto Kiyomizudera, Nishiki Market

   Day 5 Osaka-Nara Nara Park, Shinsaibashi/DOTONBORI, Himeji castle
   Day 6 Osaka-Kobe Explore Kobe by City Loop Bus

   Day 7 Osaka -Kanazawa Explore Kanazawa by Kanazawa Loop Bus
   Day 8 Shirakawago to Takayama

   Day 9 Nagano-Tokyo Snow Monkey

   Day 10 Tokyo AKIHABARA, Odaiba-kaihinkoen, Shinjuku

   Day 11 Tokyo Asakusa Temple, Kappabashi Street, Ameya Yokocho

   Day 12 Tokyo Disneyland

   Day 13 Tokyo Disyneysea

   Day 14 Tokyo Home sweet Home
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     January 6, 2015 at 5:29 pm

     Hi Sharon,

     You don’t need to purchase JR pass. It’s much more expensive than even single fare. But you can use some local deals.
     When you stay in Osaka, there are lots of option. You will find some idea the link below:
     https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html

     For the trip to Takayama via Kanazawa and Shirakawago, you can use Takayama Hokuriku Tourist pass
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-tourist-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
     This pass covers the trip from Osaka to Takayama. You can get Nagoya after visiting Takayama by this pass. But you don’t need to, because your next destination is Nagano. The shortest way to get Nagano is taking bus to Matsumoro and transfer the train to Nagano. Please find the location map at the link below:

     Takayama – Matumoto
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html

     Matsumoto – Nagano – Tokyo
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html

     So you can take Nohi bus from Takayama to Matsumoto. And then take JR train to get Nagano. There is no deals available for this segment. Your choice is single fare for bus and trains. But you can use one base fare ticket from Matsumoto to Tokyo via Nagano. You can make a stopover at Nagano. Please find more info at the link below:
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html

     You can purchase base fare ticket and express surcharge ticket in advance. So when you stay in Osaka, you can purchase Matsumoto – Tokyo base fare ticket and Shinkansen ticket from Nagano to Tokyo.

     In Tokyo, Metro pass is your choice.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
5. kc says:

   March 13, 2014 at 5:25 am

   Dear Takeshi
   Thank you so much for taking the time for my query and for your tips too, they are very helpful, especially about the pass. I will buy my pass tomorrow! thanks again. Have a great day! 🙂 kc
   • JPRail says:

     March 13, 2014 at 1:02 pm

     No problem, KC.

     Enjoy your trip! 🙂

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
6. Kc says:

   March 10, 2014 at 11:06 pm

   Hi Takeshi
   I am a clueless solo traveller looking for a 14-day itinerrary and chanced upon your site and found it to be very helpful and informative. It is very kind of you to help out fellow travellers, and I would be grateful if you could look over my itinerary and advise me if it makes sense? I am thinking of buying a 14-day pass, and I know my schedule looks a bit weird with Yokohama right smack in the middle. Actually I had wanted to follow your sample itinerary but I need to be in Yokohama on any one of those 3 dates as I am hoping to catch a concert there (that is if I get a ticket! fingers crossed!) so I sort of planned mine around the rails from a book. My main oblective is to explore the culture of Japan, do loads of walking, and to enjoy the different kinds of foods that each prefecture has to offer.. and perhaps try an onsen.
   Here it is :
   17/4 Arrive Narita 2pm => Nikko (by train?) Stay in Nikko
   18/4 Nikko
   19/4 Aizu-Wakamatsu
   20/4 Yonezawa
   21/4 Ueno (the book says to reserve seat?) catch sakura in the park perhaps
   22/4 Yokohama (TBC) depending on if and what date the concert is, I will move locations before/after
   23/4 Yokohama (TBC) I intend to stay Yokohama only 2 days
   24/4 Yokohama (TBC)
   25/4 Hakone
   26/4 Atami
   27/4 Kyoto
   28/4 Nagoya or remain on Kyoto
   29/4 Tokyo – I would liket os stay in Tokyo 2 days if I have the time
   30/4 Narita for 6.30PM flight home
   I have also tried looking for the last rail service timing but to no avail. Is it 24-hours?
   Thank you so much.. kc
   • JPRail says:

     March 11, 2014 at 12:13 am

     Hi Kc,

     I checked your itinerary. It’s good to go.
     I just want to tell you a few tips.

     1. On arrival day, you can get Nikko by train. If you use JR Pass, you will take Narita Express to Tokyo, Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and local train to Nikko. If you can catch 15:44 departure Narita Express, you can get Nikko at 18:48. If you miss this, you will arrival there after 20:00. So this is a key to save your time. Actually I’ve done it in less than one hour. I’m very familiar with Narita and can speak Japanese. But 1 hr 45 mins is much enough time to do it.

     2. Purchase JR pass by the end of March. Price will be increased after Apr 1 because consumer tax will be increased in Japan from 5% to 8%.

     3. In Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, train runs from appx 5:30 to 24:00. It does not run 24 hours.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
7. Dee says:

   February 14, 2014 at 2:18 am

   Hi Takeshi,

   Really glad I found your site. I’m planning to travel to Japan with my husband for 2 weeks. Could you please help us to decide what kind of pass card we need to buy throughout the trip? The itinerary is as follow :

   Day 1 Arrive in Kansai Airport at 9 am
   Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple
   Check in Hostel – in front of Momodani Station (JR-west)
   Day 2 Shitennoji Temple, Shinsekai, Namba
   Day 3 Osaka Castle, Universal Studio
   Day 4 Osaka – Nara – Kyoto
   • Osaka to Nara : Naramachi dan Nara-Koen
   • Nara to Kyoto : Check in Hostel – in front of Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Railways)
   Day 5 Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizudera, Nishiki Market (with City Bus All Day Pass??)
   Day 6 Kyoto Imperial Palace & Sento Imperial Palace, Kinkakuji Temple
   Day 7 Arashiyama, Toei Kyoto Studio Park
   Day 8 Osaka to Tokyo
   Day 9 to Day 13 Central Tokyo including Mt. Fuji – Kawaguchiko and Karuizawa, Yokohama
   Day 14 Depart from Tokyo Narita at 11 am

   Your comments suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
   • JPRail says:

     February 14, 2014 at 11:09 pm

     Hi Dee,

     My recommendations are the following:

     For day 1 to day 4
     ICOCA and Haruka
     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 get Tennoji by express Haruka and transfer to local train to Momodani. After stop by Momodani, you can start to use ICOCA. You can use this IC card, ICOCA for JR train, subway and other railways in not only Kansai area but also Tokyo too. But only 1500 yen e-money is included. It can’t cover all part of your trip from day 1 to 4. You can add more fund into ICOCA anytime at most of JR stations in Kansai area.

     For day 5 to 7
     Kyoto all day pass
     As you think, all day bus pass is the best choice.

     For day 8
     Single ticket is only your choice.

     For day 9 to 13
     Kanto Area Pass
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
     It’s valid 3 days only. So you got to travel outside of Tokyo, such as Kazuizawa, Lake Kawaguchi in this 3 days. If you go Karuizawa, Lake Kawaguchi and trip to Narita in last 3 days, that will be perfect.
     When you stay in Tokyo, subway pass or single ticket is good enough.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
8. Rou says:

   October 7, 2013 at 5:36 pm

   Hi Takeshi,

   I found your website while researching on the JR pass, it’s very helpful 🙂

   My husband and I are planning a 15-day trip to Japan in November, and we are still in the midst of building our itinerary. If you don’t mind, could you have a look at it and let us know if it works?

   9 Nov – Arrive in Tokyo Narita at 9am
   10 Nov – Tokyo
   11 Nov – Tokyo
   12 Nov – Go to Nikko from Tokyo
   13 Nov – Nikko
   14 Nov – Go to Kyoto from Nikko
   15 Nov – Kyoto
   16 Nov – Kyoto
   17 Nov – Daytrip to Nara from Kyoto
   18 Nov – Go to Osaka from Kyoto
   19 Nov – Go to Koyasan from Osaka
   20 Nov – Go to Tokyo from Koyasan
   21 Nov – Tokyo
   22 Nov – Tokyo
   23 Nov – Tokyo
   24 Nov – Depart from Tokyo Narita at 9am

   We tried looking at the Hyperdia website for train times etc, but we are not sure how to understand it! Also, we are unsure which routes would be covered by the JR Pass and which ones not. (We will be getting the 14 day JR Pass, unless you’ve got a better suggestion?)

   At this point we are also unsure if this itinerary works in terms of whether there are trains that go on the routes we’ve picked. The days in Tokyo and Kyoto are also a gauge for now, we are still very flexible.

   We are also toying with the idea of going to Hiroshima or Naoshima, but that seems to be rather far…

   Any suggestions / recommendations at this point will be most appreciated!!!

   Looking forward to your reply,

   Thank you very much.
   Rou
   • JPRail says:

     October 7, 2013 at 10:02 pm

     Hi Rou,

     Thanks for your comment about my website.

     First of all, don’t purchase 14 days JR Pass. 7 days pass is fine as long as you will away from Tokyo for 7 days.
     My recommendation is the following:

     9 Nov – Arrive in Tokyo Narita at 9am
     Turn in Japan Rail Pass and will start to use is on Nov 14.
     Purchase Suica and N’ex one way ticket. That will cover return transfer to/from Narita and Tokyo and cover some part of your trip in Tokyo.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html

     10 Nov – Tokyo
     You can use Suica e-money to explore Tokyo.

     11 Nov – Go to Nikko from Tokyo
     12 Nov – Nikko
     13 Nov – Nikko to Tokyo
     Purchase All Nikko Pass.
     http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/all_pass.html
     If you have Japan Rail Pass, you can go to Nikko by JR line. But it does not cover any bus service in Nikko. You will stay 2 nights. You must need local bus ride to visit some places in Nikko. This pass gives you unlimited ride there and cover most of popular spots in Nikko. Even though you have to go to Asakusa to take Tobu train. But once you get on it, it will take you to Nikko directly. (JR trains do not)
     Since I recommend you to use this pass, you don’t need to purchase JR Pass 14 days.

     I change your schedule a bit. I recommend you to stay in Tokyo before heading to Kyoto. It’s not impossible to get Kyoto from Nikko. But it takes 1 hr 50 mins from Nikko to Asakusa. And then you will spend another 2.5 hours to get Kyoto. It does not include transfer time. And if you stay in Tokyo before going to Kyoto, you can leave most part of your luggage in your hotel during trip to Nikko. Just pack for 2 nights trip to Nikko. It makes your trip easier.

     14 Nov – Go to Kyoto from Tokyo
     Start to use Japan Rail Pass 7 days.
     If you take the earliest Hikari super express (Shinkansen), you will get Kyoto around 9:00 am.
     Tokyo – Kyoto
     6:26 – 9:14
     7:03 – 9:48

     That is another benefit to stay in Tokyo before coming to Kyoto. You can use almost full day to explore Kyoto on Nov 14. You will be able to complete to visit all place on your wish list in Kyoto.

     15 Nov – Kyoto
     Japan Rail Pass is not very convenient in Kyoto. You may need Kyoto city sightseeing card. Please see the following:
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html

     16 Nov – Daytrip to Nara from Kyoto
     You can use JR pass.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html

     17 Nov – Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka
     I squeeze Hiroshima and Miyajima. It will be very busy trip. But it’s not impossible. It takes 2 hours to get Hiroshima by Shinkansen from Osaka. If you use one full day, you can make this trip.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-miyajima.html

     18 Nov – Go to Koyasan from Osaka
     19 Nov – Go to Osaka from Koyasan
     I recommend you to use Koyasan World Heritage ticket.
     http://www.nankaikoya.jp/en/stations/ticket.html

     Basically Koyasan cannot be accessed by Japan Rail Pass. This Nankai Railway’s pass includes everything you need to visit Koyasan.
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-get-mt-koya.html

     20 Nov – Go to Tokyo from Osaka
     It will be very busy trip if you go to Tokyo from Koyasan. That’s why I put Osaka on the day before going back to Tokyo.

     21 Nov – Tokyo
     22 Nov – Tokyo
     23 Nov – Tokyo
     24 Nov – Depart from Tokyo Narita at 9am
     You can’t use Suica and N’ex round trip ticket because it valid only 2 weeks. So you may purchase subway pass if you need for sightseeing in Tokyo. On the last day, you may purchase single ticket for trains or limousine bus.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Rou says:

       October 8, 2013 at 5:03 pm

       Takeshi, you are amazing!

       Thank you for your excellent suggestions and for pointing us in the right direction!

       We are most likely going to follow your suggested itinerary for our trip 🙂

       However, do you think Naoshima is worth a visit? If yes perhaps we can cut out a day in Kyoto or Osaka and go there either on our way to Hiroshima or from Hiroshima. What do you think? It seems that the Shinkansen will stop at Okayama anyway so perhaps it’s not too complicated to get there?

       Also, are there lockers in all the train stations for bags? Because for example following your suggestion Hiroshima will be a daytrip with a end point that’s different from the start point, so we would probably prefer to have somewhere to store our bags…

       Once agin thank you very much for your very detailed recommendation 😀
       • JPRail says:

         October 9, 2013 at 12:05 am

         Hi Rou,

         To be honest, I have never been to Naoshima. I’ve heard good reputation many times. It looks very artistic and interesting place.
         If you are interested in it, you can squeeze on Nov 20, like ShinOsaka -(shinkansen)- Okayama -(Local train)- Uno -(ferry)- Naoshima -(ferry)- Uno -(JR Local train)- Okayama -(Shinkansen)- Tokyo. It will be very busy trip. But it’s possible.

         If I were you, I’ll go even if it’s busy trip. Because Naoshima is on my wish list too. 🙂

         Regarding lockers, most of stations have it. I and my frequent reader wrote about it at the following post:
         https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
         • Rou says:

           October 9, 2013 at 4:07 pm

           Thanks once again Takeshi! Sorry for the repeat question, I missed it on your site.

           Again, very helpful and informative. We feel so much more confident building our itinerary and booking our trip now!

           Will let you know if we go to Naoshima, and if so how it was 🙂

           Cheers!
         • Rou says:

           October 9, 2013 at 8:28 pm

           One more question for you Takeshi – if I take the 22.33 overnight train from Okayama to Tokyo (sunrise Izumo or Seto) on the 7th (and last) day of my JR pass would I have to pay extra since I would arrive in Tokyo the next morning?

           As far as i can tell from searching online as long as I board the train before midnight that is ok and I wouldn’t have to pay extra. Is that right? Just want to be sure! 🙂

           Thanks once again for the advice.
           • JPRail says:

             October 9, 2013 at 9:23 pm

             Hi Rou,

             That is a good point. 🙂

             If you catch the train before 23:59 on 7th day, the pass will cover all fare for your trip until you get off the train. And also the pass will cover basic fare until you exit a station.

             So if you can take overnight train Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto (Okayama-Tokyo) on 7th day at Okayama, your pass will cover your trip on even 8th day.

             However basically Japan Rail Pass cover only basic fare when you take overnight train with a few exception. Sunrise Izumo and Seto has “Nobi Nobi seat”. This is one of the exception. If you can book it, Japan Rail Pass cover it fully.

             There are some kinds of compartment in the train. But Japan Rail Pass cover only basic fare for these compartment. Please see the following page to get details:
             https://jprail.com/trains/sunrise-seto.html

             Nobi Nobi seat gives you a great deal. But I’m not surprised that it’s sold out when you try to book. This is a good deal for the locals too. It’s very popular and hard to book.

             Unfortunately there is no way to book this train before you arrive in Japan. If you can’t make it, you may have to rearrange your itinerary after you arrive in Japan. If you feel stress to do it, I don’t recommend to take this train.

             Cheers,

             Takeshi / JP Rail
         • Rou says:

           October 10, 2013 at 5:57 pm

           Your pictures of the nobinobi seats look great!

           I think we will take the risk of the overnight train – worst case scenario we just have to pay for the compartments which although is more expensive than a hotel in tokyo buy us an extra 4 hours to fully enjoy Naoshima…

           Fingers crossed that the Nobinobi seats would still be availlable when we reach Japan on the 9th!
           • JPRail says:

             October 10, 2013 at 11:29 pm

             Good luck, Rou!
             Cheers,
             Takeshi / JP Rail
             • Rou says:

               December 1, 2013 at 7:41 am

               Hello Takeshi!

               We are back from Japan and missing it already 🙁

               Your advice and help in planning our itinerary are very much appreciated – we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The city hopping was a bit tiring though, but we made it!

               We also managed to secure the Nobinobi seats for our Okayama-Tokyo leg and it was great! My husband was so excited about that he kept saying Nobinobi for days haha.

               We made it to Naoshima, but only arrived there at about 1pm, so we did not manage to see eveything we wanted to but nonetheless it was a great experience (although I would not recommend renting a bicycle as you cannot cycle in the Benesse Art House Project site).

               Your advice on using the JR pass in Kyoto was also handy – the pass does indeed work on the JR bus route 3 (it took the JR information counter 10min to confirm that, but the bus drivers seem to be familiar with them), and using that we managed to get the bus from Kyoto station to near the Kinkakuji, and then from there bus + train to Arashiyama. A word of warning though, the bus trip was very crowded as many people were going to see the koyo in Takano (?), but it was a Saturday morning as well… We have photos of bus route if you want, though I’m not sure how to upload them in this comment.

               Thank you so so much once again in helping us plan the trip!

               Best regards,
               Rou
               • JPRail says:

                 December 1, 2013 at 10:10 pm

                 Hi Rou,

                 I’m very happy to hear that you had a wonderful time in Japan.
                 And you made Nobinobi on Sunrise! That was fantastic! 🙂

                 I believe you will be back to Japan near future because you guys are missing Japan already. I always welcome you to assist you to build a itinerary.

                 Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

                 Cheers,

                 Takeshi / JP Rail
9. Stanley says:

   July 19, 2013 at 4:31 am

   I come across this website by accident. I am planning my 4 weeks trip. What is this Twilight Express ? Is it covered by JR pass ?
   BTW, is this 14 days itinerary given here realistic ? Most of them are just few stopover ?
   • JPRail says:

     July 19, 2013 at 7:12 am

     Hi Stanley,

     Regarding Twilight Express, please see the following post:
     https://jprail.com/trains/overnight-express-train-twilight-express.html

     This itinerary is busy trip. But it is realistic. Some readers have done this itinerary. This gives you an idea to make a plan. So you can change as you like.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
10. JAyre says:

    September 7, 2011 at 5:57 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Wow, this was a great read. I’m sure many people will find it useful. I’m presently writing in from Matsue, Shimane and trying to keep up date with the latest posts.

    I’ve had 2 large trips to Japan before, and am currently on my third. I’ve been to a number of places on this list, including Nikko, Matsushima/Sendai, Sapporo, Beppu/Oita, Hiroshima/Miyajima, Nagasaki, Kyoto and Takayama.

    Having just been to Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Beppu, I can say it is very hot here at the moment :P. However, I’d recommend all three of those locations, and I had the opportunity to go on Yufuin no Mori, which is a wonderful train trip.

    There’s a few other places I’d like to recommend to other people that I’ve really enjoyed going to when thinking about constructing an itinerary. These include:

    Hokkaido – Abashiri during drift ice season on “Okhotsk no Kaze” seasonal train, and Hakodate, for the amazing night view.

    Tohoku – I’m on my way to Hirosaki in a couple of days to see how it rates. For something different, try a free bunk on the sleeper express ‘Akebono’.

    Around Tokyo: Hakone and Fuji-Kawaguchiko, and maybe a trip on the Maglev experimental train near Otsuki if JR Central resumes tourist rides.

    Chubu – Matsumoto, and in winter, a trip on the Oito Line down to Itoigawa.

    Kansai: Kinosaki Onsen (I am eagerly awaiting your page on Ltd Exp Kinosaki/Konotori); Koyasan. For something different, try a ride on the Kita-kinki Tango Railway to Amanohashidate.

    Chugoku – Matsue for the castle, the Adachi Museum of Art, and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Take the local trains along the San-in coast from Kinosaki Onsen for a great sightseeing experience.

    Shikoku – Matsuyama, for the castle, the park with European style battlements, and the famous Dogo Onsen. Take Ltd Exp ‘Shiokaze’ from Okayama to get there.

    Kyushu – I’ve got to agree with Takeshi here, Beppu and Nagasaki are great places to visit. I really enjoyed Kumamoto, too. If there’s one train to try, it’s Yufuin no Mori for sure, but those 800 Series ‘Tsubame’ Shinkansen are pretty impressive, too.

    I am also fortunate to have been able to secure a ticket for the Twilight Express on September 13. I am very much looking forward to this train.
    • JPRail says:

      September 7, 2011 at 11:23 pm

      Hi Jonathan,
      First of all, congratulation to get a ticket for Twilight! I’m sure you’ll have most memorable moment. : )
      I’m glad to hear that you enjoy your trip in Japan. One of my friend is from Matsue. She always tell me how beautiful place Matsue is. But I’ve never been there. Probably you’ve been many more place in Japan than me!
      I’ll make a post about drift ice, Okhotsk no Kaze and Ryuhyo Norokko train. I also want to make a post about Konotori. But I still cannot get a image of new 287 series. Right after I get it, I’ll make a post.
      I really envy you to get Twilight! Enjoy your trip. Take care!!!
      Takeshi / JP Rail