In this post, I would like to share the itinerary which covers Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido. It is 10 days trip plan but you can make this trip by JR pass 7-day. Some local deals are added at the beginning and the end of the trip to shrink the total cost. But JR pass covers all long distance trips. Actually JR Pass 7-day gives you huge saving. Please find the itinerary below.
- Day 1 Narita or Haneda to Tokyo
- Day 2 Tokyo
- Day 3 Tokyo – Kyoto
- Day 4 Kyoto – Osaka
- Day 5 Osaka – Tokyo
- Day 6 Tokyo – Lake Toya
- Day 7 Lake Toya – Noboribetsu – Otaru – Sapporo
- Day 8 Sapporo – Hakodate
- Day 9 Hakodate – Tokyo
- Day 10 Tokyo to Narita or Haneda
- How much you can save
- If you want to make the trip be longer
Day 1 Narita or Haneda to Tokyo
There are many kinds of deals available. Before you choose the deal, you have to make sure which airport, Narita airport or Haneda airport, you will arrive and which place in Tokyo you will stay. The following links shows you the deals for airport to Tokyo and airport Tokyo with subway ride combo.
Ueno is very convenient if you arrive in Narita. You can access to Ueno directly by Keisei railway from Narita airport. Especially limited express “Skyliner” is the fastest way to get downtown Tokyo. Ueno is Keisei railway’s terminal station. Ueno is also accessible to Akihabara, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree. Average hotel rate is more reasonable than most of places in downtown Tokyo.
Shinagawa is most accessible place in downtown Tokyo from Haneda. You can get Shinagawa from Haneda by Keihin Kyuko railway directly. Average hotel rate is not so reasonable actually. But you can catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto at Shinagawa. This is a big asset to stay in Shinagawa. There is no subway station but you can catch JR local trains, such as Yamanote line. You can get Akihabara, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku Yurakucho (Ginza) directly by Yamanote line.
Day 2 Tokyo
You may use the airport access + subway 24 hours ride pass. In this case, you can use subway pass for sightseeing in Tokyo. You may learn the train route and system in downtown Tokyo in the link below:
If you want to stay in Tokyo more, you can extend to stay as many as you want. You start using JR pass when you leave Tokyo and use other deal before that anyway.
Day 3 Tokyo – Kyoto
This is the first day of using JR pass. JR pass can be exchanged in advance. You can exchange JR pass on day 1 when you arrive in Narita or Haneda airport if you want. There are service counters and you can exchange and book a seat. Once you turn in the actual pass, you can start booking your seat. I recommend you to exchange in advance.
You can take Hikari on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Hikari is second fastest train on Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi is the fastest but it is not covered by JR Pass. Please see the timetable in the link below.
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
If you want to spend the time in Kyoto as much as you can, please try to take the train as early as possible. It takes 3 hours to get Kyoto by Hikari. But when you take the Shinkansen, you have to get the Shinkansen terminal station which is Tokyo station or Shinagawa station. If you stay near one of these stations, you can take the Shinkansen very smoothly. But if you do not stay near these stations, you have to take a local train or subway. You might know how crazy a local train is in downtown Tokyo during the morning peak hours. Please try to avoid to take local trains between 7:30 and 9:00 if you leave Tokyo on weekday. If you leave there on Saturday, Sunday or holiday, it is not an issue.
If you stay in Ueno, you may take the Shinkansen for the short ride to get Tokyo station. It takes only 5 minutes. You have JR pass and it covers. Some commuters use the Shinkansen but it is not crazy busy. You can avoid to take a crazy packed commute train even if you depart in peak hours. However the Shinkansen platform is located at the deep underground in Ueno. Please expect to spend extra 5 minutes.
After arriving Kyoto, you can take JR trains in Kyoto by JR pass. Please see the link below to get the coverage information in Kyoto at the link below:
Please remember that JR pass does not cover subway, city bus and non JR trains in Kyoto. You can get Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi and Uji. by JR pass. But you have to take city bus, subway and/or non JR trains to get other places in Kyoto such as Gion, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion), Kurama. Please see the link below to find the information about local deal in Kyoto.
Sample itinerary
Ueno 08:31 (Yamabiko 204) 08:36 Tokyo 09:03 (Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 465) 11:49 Kyoto
Or
Shinagawa 09:10 (Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 465) 11:49 Kyoto
Hikari between Tokyo and Kyoto runs every 30 minutes in daytime.
After arrival at Kyoto station, drop off your baggage at your hotel and eat lunch. And then you can start to explore Kyoto. I recommend you to stay near Kyoto station.
Kyoto 13:37 (JR Nara line local train) 13:42 Inari
Inari station is located just in front of Fushimi Inari shrine.
Fushimiinari 15:08 (Keihan Railway / 210 yen extra) 15:14 Kiyomizu-Gojo (Walk 1.7 km / 20 minutes) Kiyomizu-dera temple
Even if you take a bus from Kiyomizu-Gojo station, you need to walk about 1 km. There is no buses to get Kiyomizu-dera directly. If you do not walk or travel with senior, do not hesitate to take a taxi. It costs less than 1,000 yen.
Kiyomizu-dera temple (walk about 2km) Gion
There are sightseeing spots, like Sanneizaka, Ninenzaka between Kiyomizu-dera and Gion. I highly recommend you to walk to Gion. It is very scenic and lots of shops along this route. You may have dinner at Gion area. Gion is one of the biggest downtown core in Kyoto. Enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto in Gion!
Gion (city bus 15 to 20 minutes ride / 230 yen extra) Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto – Osaka
You can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto until late afternoon. After sightseeing in Kyoto, proceed to Osaka. It is very short trip from Kyoto to Osaka. Even if you take the commute rapid train, “Special Rapid Service”, it takes only 30 minutes. You can catch even Shinkansen for this short trip. It takes only 10 minutes from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka.
Shin-Osaka is most recommended place to stay in Osaka in my opinion. It is only one station away from Osaka (Umeda) by JR train.
You can catch subway to get Namba directly. But subway is not covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find the coverage of JR pass in Osaka:
I show you the sample itinerary that include Arashiyama, Kinaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) and Umeda.
Sample itinerary
Kyoto 09:03 (JR Sagano line local train) 09:12 Enmachi 09:21 (city bus #204 / 230 yen extra) 09:30 Kinkakujimichi (walk 5 minutes) Kinaku-ji temple
You have one hour to view Golden Pavilion.
*Leave your baggage at your hotel and pick up when you leave Kyoto later.
Kinkaku-ji temple (walk 5 minutes) Kinakujimichi 10:59 (city bus #204 / 230 yen extra) 11:08 Enmachi 11:15 (JR Sagano line local train) 11:19 Saga-Arashiyama
You have 4.5 hours in Arashiyama for sightseeing and lunch time. If you want, you can squeeze Sagano Scenic Train (Torokko train). Sagano Scenic Train is not covered by JR Pass.
Saga-Arashiyama 15:48 (JR Sagano line local train) 16:04 Kyoto
Pick up your luggage before you take Shinkansen train when you leave Kyoto.
Kyoto 16:49 (Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 475) 17:03 Shin-Osaka
You can take earlier or later train. Even if you take Special Rapid train (commute rapid service train), it takes less than 30 minutes to get Shin-Osaka from Kyoto and it runs every 15 minutes. Of course you can take this train by JR pass. However Special Rapid is always busy.
After you arrive in Shin-Osaka, drop off your baggage at your hotel and go to Umeda. Umeda is same location as JR Osaka station. It is only one station away from Shin-Osaka and it takes 5 minutes. Train runs almost every 5 minutes until midnight.
Day 5 Osaka – Tokyo
You enjoy full day sightseeing in Osaka. You have to leave Osaka for Tokyo because Hokkaido is very far to access from Osaka. But you can stay in Osaka until dinner time. I show you the sample itinerary that includes Kaiyukan Aquarium, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Namba. But you can build your own day plan.
Sample itinerary
Before starting trip, purchase Osaka Kaiyu ticket (2,550 yen) at subway Shin-Osaka station. This deal includes admission of Kaiyukan aquarium and 1 day subway unlimited ride.
Trip to Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium by Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
Shin-Osaka 09:25 (Osaka Subway Midosuji line) 09:36 Hommachi 09:42 (Osaka Subway Chuo line) 09:53 Osakako (walk 10 minutes) Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
Enjoy Aquarium and eat lunch at Tenpozan Marketplace.
*Leave your baggage at your hotel before you leave for Tokyo.
Osakako 13:26 (Osaka Subway Chuo line) 13:41 Tanimachiyonchome
Tanimachiyonchome station is located beside Osaka Castle Park. But this park is quite big. You have to walk around 20 minutes to get the castle.
Osaka Business Park 15:41 (Osaka Subway Nagano/Tsurumiryokuchi line) 15:51 Shinsaibashi
Osaka Business Park station is also located beside Osaka castle park. You can get Shinsaibashi directly. After arrival at Shinsaibashi, enjoy eat and shop in Dotonbori and Namba.
19:40 (Osaka Subway Midosuji line) 19:53 Shin-Osaka 20:37 (Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 482) 23:36 Tokyo
Pick up your baggage before you go to Tokyo.
*Hikari runs almost every 30 minutes. This above train is the last Hikari to Tokyo. You can take earlier train if you want to get Tokyo earlier. I just maximize to stay in Osaka. You stay in Tokyo on day 5 but you just stay there and prepare to take early train to Hokkaido next morning.
Overnight train option from Osaka to Tokyo
JR pass covers “Nobi Nobi seat” of the overnight train Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto fully. If you use this train, you can save the cost of hotel in Tokyo and you also can maximize your time in Osaka. Because this train departs from Osaka after midnight. Please find the timetable and the information of Sunrize Izumo and Seto in the link below:
As I mentioned in the post above, it is not easy to book a space on Sunrise Izumo or Seto. You must book it after you arrive in Japan. All spaces may be booked out. You must have a back up plan if you plan to take this train. For example, you book a hotel which you can cancel in 3 days without any cancellation charge. You may try to book a space when you arrive in Japan. If you can make it, cancel a hotel. If you cannot make it, just hold the space at the hotel in Tokyo. It is not hard to find the hotel which allows you to cancel without any charges in 3 days.
Day 6 Tokyo – Lake Toya
It is such a long trip by train. You spend 6 hours on board. After arriving Toyako Onsen (Lake Toya), enjoy lake cruise or walk along the lake shore. Lake Toya is one of the popular hot spring resorts. There are lots of hotels along the lake shore.
You can skip Lake Toya and stay in Noboribetsu if you want. You make a stop at Noboribetsu next day. But if you stay in Noboribetsu, you can leave Noboribetsu earlier and make some extra time in Otaru or Sapporo.
I do not recommend you to stop at Lake Toya and then move to Noboribetsu on day 6. There are express bus running between Lake Toya and Noboribetsu. But no bus is available after 15:00. If you use train from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu, you have to take local bus to Toya station and then take train. And then you need to take local bus to Noboribetsu. You need to spend extra minutes and waste your time.
Sample itinerary
Tokyo 08:20 (Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 5) 12:22 Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto 12:34 (Limited Express Super Hokuto 11) 14:09 Toya 14:20 (Donan Bus / extra 330 yen) 14:40 Toyako Onsen
If you skip Lake Toya and stay in Noboribetsu, the itinerary is the following:
Tokyo 08:20 (Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 5) 12:22 Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto 12:34 (Limited Express Super Hokuto 11) 14:50 Noboribetsu 15:20 (Donan Bus / extra 340 yen) 15:34 Noboribetsu Onsen
You will change trains at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. You can find some more information about this station in the link below:
I traveled Lake Toya and Noboribetsu before. You can find my trip report in the link below:
Day 7 Lake Toya – Noboribetsu – Otaru – Sapporo
Leave Lake Toya by express bus for Noboribetsu Onsen. You have a quick stop at Noboribetsu Onsen and see the valley of hell. It is just step away from the bus stop in Noboribetsu Onsen. You also spend a few hours for sightseeing in Otaru.
You stay in Sapporo and enjoy the evening there.
Sample itinerary
Toyako Onsen 09:06 (Donan Bus “Express Iburi” / extra 1,700 yen) 10:11 Noboribetsu Onsen 12:00 (Donan Bus / extra 340 yen) 12:12 Noboribetsu 12:35 (Limited Express Super Hokuto 7) 13:48 Sapporo 14:13 (Rapid Airport) 14:45 Otaru 18:30 (Rapid Airport) 19:02 Sapporo
If you skip Lake Toya and stay in Noboribetsu on day 6, you can leave Noboribetsu earlier. The itinerary is the following:
Noboribetsu Onsen 09:45 (Donan Bus / extra 340 yen) 09:57 Noboribetsu 10:09 (Limited Express Hokuto 3) 11:27 Sapporo 11:43 (Rapid Airport) 12:15 Otaru 17:30 (Rapid Airport) 18:02 Sapporo
You can skip Otaru and spend more time in Sapporo if you like.
Day 8 Sapporo – Hakodate
You spend the time in Sapporo until late afternoon. The last train to Hakodate is 20:00 departure. However night view from Hakodate mountain is marvelous. I recommend you to arrive Hakodate by 20:00 because Hakodate mountain gondola is operated until 21:00 in winter time and 22:00 in summer time.
The train in the following sample is the latest train to see the night view from Hakodate mountain. And also I recommend you to stay in the hotel near Hakodate station. You can drop off your luggage right after arrival in Hakodate. And catch the taxi to get Hakodate mountain ropeway station.
Sample itinerary
Sapporo 15:39 (Super Hokuto 18) 19:24 Hakodate
Hakodate (10 minutes by taxi / extra fare about 2,000 yen) Hakodate mountain gondola station
*You can take tram to Jujigai from Hakodate station and walk from there to gondola station. You spend 210 yen only but you spend 10 minutes for tram and 15 minutes to walk.
When I visited Hakodate, I stayed in Hotel Route Inn Hakodate.
It was not a high-end hotel but the rate is very affordable and the location is just next to Hakodate station. This hotel is highly recommended.
Day 9 Hakodate – Tokyo
Enjoy sightseeing in Hakodate and leave for Tokyo by Hokkaido.
This is the last day of JR pass. You have to get Tokyo by midnight. There is no overnight trains available either.
Sample itinerary
Hakodate 18:01 (Rapid Hakodate Liner) 18:23 Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto 18:36 (Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 38) 23:04 Tokyo
I picked the last train to Tokyo. But you can take earlier train. Please check the timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
You can get off the train at Ueno if you go to Narita on next day.
Day 10 Tokyo to Narita or Haneda
If you use round trip deal on arrival day, you can use the remaining portion. Otherwise single fare is your choice to get the airport.
How much you can save
The total fare during 7 days when you use JR pass is more than 90,000 yen. You can save more than 60,000 yen.
Even if you use 14-day pass, you still can save about 50,000 yen. In this sample itinerary, I use 7-day pass and I recommend you to use other deal for day 1, 2 and 10. The extra cost for these 3 days is around 5,000 yen. It is not a good idea to use JR pass 14-day.
If you want to make the trip be longer
As I mentioned, even if you use JR pass 14-day, you have already to get the worth of that by this trip. So you can use 14-day JR pass and add any places. But if you just want to extend your stay in Tokyo, simply add subway ticket on this trip plan. 14-day JR pass is not very efficient in Tokyo and just wasting money.
I hope you have got some idea from this post.
Comments
Hello Takeshi san,
I will be traveling alone with my 3 children July 24-Aug 31st.
We arrive into Tokyo July 24th, 3:20 PM and would like to go to Kyoto and Hokkaido to explore the food.
We are flexible and would like to travel to the locations as quick as possible. Your suggestions are welcomed.
Thank you,
Heng
Hi Heng san,
Are you staying in Japan more than 1 month? If so, you can do whatever you like. You have lots of time. If you meant you will stay in Japan from July 24 to July 31, you should move among the cities as quick as possible. You should take the flight. Please see the link below to find the trip time to Hokkaido.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/sample-itinerary-of-staying-in-osaka-kyoto-and-osaka-8-days.html
And also you should make sure which part of Hokkaido where you go. Hokkaido is a big island. If you intend to visit eastern and/or northern Hokkaido, such as Kushiro, Abashiri, Shiretoko, Wakkanai, you have lots of time.
If you want to save your cost and do not mind to spend many minutes, you can use JR pass to move among Kyoto, Tokyo and Hokkaido. But if you want to save your time, you should take a domestic flight among Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo (or other airports in Hokkaido).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your quick reply.
No, we are only there for 7 days. I just purchased the 7 days J Rail pass. I would like to know the stations to catch the trains and to use the rail pass.
July 24 – Tokyo – Kyoto (arrive into Narita 3:20 PM)
July 24 – 27 – Kyoto
July 27 – 29 – Hokkaido
July 29 – July 31 – Tokyo
Thank you for your time,
Heng
Hi Heng san,
You can take Narita Express from Narita airport to Shinagawa, Shinkansen (Hikari) from Shinagawa to Kyoto. It take about 4 hours in total. But you will spend other 1.5 to 2 hours to clear custom and immigration, baggage pick up and exchange JR pass. You can get Kyoto anyway but it may be late.
As per my previous reply, Kyoto to Hokkaido is such a big trip. You will spend one whole day on July 27. And you go back to Tokyo on July 29. So you have only 1.5 days in Hokkaido. Probably Sapporo and Hakodate are enough. Even one place, Hakodate or Sapporo is more comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We (3adult + 3 teen+ 1child) will traveling to Japan june 23 – july 5..
Please give me a suggestion about my itinerary and pass require which cover the trip :
Day 1 : KIX – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima
Day 2 : Hiroshima – Osaka
Day 3 : Osaka Seightseeing
Day 4 : Osaka (USJ)
Day 5 : Osaka – Shirakawago – Osaka
Day 6 : Osaka – Kyoto
Day 7 : Kyoto – Tokyo (Sumida)
Day 8 : Tokyo – Hokone – Gotemba – Tokyo
Day 9 : Explore Tokyo
Day 10 : Tokyo (Disneyland)
Day 11 : Explore Tokyo
Day 11 : Departure From Narita Int Airport
Hi Putra san,
You may use JR pass 7 days for the first 7 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
For day 8, you may use Hakone Free Pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
For day 10, single ticket is okay and for day 9 and 11, you can use subway pass.
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
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html
No deals are available for trip to Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! I’m wondering if getting a 7 day JR Pass would be best for my trip in June? 2 Adults, we would get a JR Pass and then in Tokyo pay extra fares after the 7 days.
Itinerary:
June 7: Arrive at Haneda, Tokyo 6:20pm
– Stay the night in Tokyo
June 8: Start in Tokyo, End in Kyoto
– Sight Seeing
June 9: Kyoto
– Sight Seeing
– Fushimi Inari Taisha
June 10: Start in Kyoto, End in Osaka
-Sight Seeing
June 11: Osaka, Half day trip to Nara
– Nara-koen park
– Sight Seeing
June 12: Start in Osaka, End in Tokyo
– Sight Seeing
– Toshima
– Shinjuku
June 13:Tokyo
– Sight Seeing
– Akihabra
– Chiyoda
June 14:Tokyo
– Sight Seeing
– Studio Ghibli tour
– Shibuya
June 15: Leave Haneda, Tokyo 9:50pm
– Sight Seeing
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Temples
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Koko,
JR Pass 7 days will suit your trip plan. You may start using it on day 2 (June 8) because you will not make lots of train trips on day 1. There are some deals which include Haneda-Tokyo round trip and subway pass. You may use it for arrival/departure day, and in Tokyo after using JR pass.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi!
Pls feel free re arrange my route if it would maximise our time. I will be with my 2 sons.
Thank you.
Hi Joanne,
I checked your itinerary. Basically it’s okay but I would like to mention several things.
When you travel from Sapporo to Tokyo by train, it’s quite a big trip. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
When you visit Shirakawago, you will spend one whole day. You will spend 2.5 hours to get Takayama and spend another 1 hour to get Shirakawago. Total trip time is around 4 hours for one way.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
So you need to visit Nabana no Sato on the arrival/departure day in Nagoya.
If you are okay for these above things, you can use 14 days JR pass.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi!
I have this route. Pls see if you can help me out:
Dec 20 – travel to Sapporo/Hokkaido and visit
Odori Park, Moerenuma Park, Ishiya Factory, Mt. Moiwa, Sappor White Illumination
Dec. 23 – travel to Tokyo and visit Mr. Fuji, Ramen Museum, Akihabara and shopping
Dec. 26 – travel to Nagoya and visit Nabana no Sato and Shirakawa go
Dec. 28 – travel to Osaka and visit USJ
Dec. 30 – back to my country
Thank you!
Hi! We are planning to go to Japan on Dec. 24-Jan. 2 or 3. My kids want to experience snow so I guess Hokkaido is the place for them. Am I right? Places I wanted to go are Tokyo( including Disneysea), Hokkaido( Sapporo), Osaka(including Universal). Can you help me make an itinerary for our trip? I have one in mind but I really don’t know if it’s possible. I’ll just follow your suggestion since you’re an expert at this. Thanks in advance.
Hi Cozette,
You don’t need to go to Hokkaido. Gala Yuzawa is just 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. It’s most accessible spot to see snow from Tokyo.
https://gala.co.jp/winter/english/
You can go to Hokkaido if you want. But it’s quite far.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
So please make sure that you have any other reason to go to Hokkaido. If you just want to see the snow, you don’t need to as I mentioned.
Unfortunately I cannot make the trip plan personally as I mentioned above comment section. If you make a plan and show me it, I will give you suggestion.
At last, you will travel in the busiest period in Japan. Please see the link below and find which day and direction is the busiest.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2018-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html
Tokyo Disney Resort and USJ will busy in all days when you are in Japan because it is school winter break in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot, Takeshi san. Will we be able to experience snowfall in Gala Yuzawa?
Yes, you can, Cozette san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Here is our initial itinerary:
day 1- arrival at Narita -11am
day 2- Disney
day 3- tokyo city tour
day 4- travel to kyoto
day 5- Osaka
day 6- USJ
day7- travel back to tokyo
day8- Hakodate
day9- sapporo, niseko, otaru
day 10-tokyo
day11-8:30pm flight (narita)
is this possible? i am planning to get 7day jr pass for this trip. how much do you think will this trip cost? i mean excluding airfare of course. thanks for helping Takeshi-san.
Hi Cozette san,
If you use 7 days JR pass, you will start using it on day 4. It will cover your trip until day 10. In this period, JR pass covers most part of your trip. You may need to add extra fare or other pass in Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo because JR pass does not cover subway, city bus and other non JR trains. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
Sapporo, Niseko and Otaru in one day is too much. If you go to Niseko, you will spend one full day. You can visit both Sapporo and Otaru in one day. But you may need one full day for just Sapporo. There are lots of place to see.
https://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1101.html
You may use the deal in the link below for before/after using JR pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the help, Takeshi san. If we fly out Osaka on the last day, should we go first to Hokkaido? Also, will it affect our schedule if I’ll choose to arrive in Nagoya airport (flight is cheaper) Or should I stick to Narita?
Hi Cosette san,
If you depart from Osaka, I recommend you to visit Hokkaido first, and then Tokyo and Osaka. If you stay in Tokyo and then go to Hokkaido, you have to move from Hokkaido to Osaka. It’s such a long trip. Please try to visit Hokkaido and Tokyo in 7 days. You have to be in Osaka until JR pass is expired.
If you arrive in Nagoya, you have to spend another 2 hours to get Tokyo. Trip to Hokkaido is much longer than from Tokyo. If you are okay with it, you can go for Nagoya arrival.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san, so this one if possible?
Nagoya-Hokkaido-Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka?
After the JR pass expires, what deal can we use in Osaka? Do we have to purchase Kansai Pass?
Hi Cozette san,
That is okay. But you have to spend more than 6 hours for Nagoya to Hakodate. Please keep it in your mind.
Please see the links below to find the deal in Kyoto and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Regular ticket is required for Kyoto to Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san! Please check if my plan is possible…we will arrive in Nagoya and depart in Osaka.
Dec. 24- arrival in Nagoya 9pm
overnight in Nagoya
Dec. 24 – travel to Hakodate (sightseeing then travel to Sapporo late afternoon)
Dec. 25-27 Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu
Dec. 28-travel to Tokyo
Dec. 29- Tokyo city tour
Dec. 30- Disneysea
Dec. 31- travel to Osaka
Jan. 1 -USJ
Jan. 2- Kyoto, Nara, Osaka tour
Jan. 3- 9pm flight back home
I will start using JR pass on Dec. 25 till Dec. 31. Right?
Your suggestions are appreciated. 🙂
Thanks in advance.
Hi Cozette san,
I would like to make sure which date you will depart for Hakodate. Is it 24th or 25th? You mentioned that you will start using JR pass on 25th. But in your itinerary, arrive in Nagoya 9pm on 24th overnight in Nagoya, Dec 24 travel to Hakodate. I believe you will depart for Hakodate on 25th.. If so, you can start using it on 25th.
Travel to Hakodate then to Sapporo is very very tight. You will spend 6.5 to 7 hours to get Hakodate from Nagoya. Even if you take the earliest train from Nagoya and make very tight transfer at Tokyo, you will be Hakodate around 13:00. Please find the timetable in the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/pdf/e-timetable01.pdf
You can do but you will be Sapporo in late night. Please keep it in your mind.
I recommend you to drop by Noboribetsu on the way to Tokyo. It is located on the way to Tokyo from Sapporo. And you will not have enough time to make a day trip from Sapporo.
Other part of trip looks good.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I have plans to travel to Japan for 11 days. Can you suggest which pass should i use / purchase? My itinerary is as follows : –
Day 1 – Arrival at Narita and go to Hakodate
Day 2 – Hakodate
Day 3 – Hakodate – Tokyo
Day 4 – Tokyo Disneyland
Day 5 – Explore Tokyo
Day 6 – Tokyo – Osaka (day trip to kyoto)
Day 7 – Osaka (day trip to Nara & explore Osaka)
Day 8 – Osaka – Tokyo
Day 9 – Explore Tokyo
Day 10 – Explore Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo – Narita
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Wai san,
Only 14 days JR Pass is the choice for your trip.
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
If you can stay just 2 nights in Tokyo between Hakodate and Osaka, and can go back to Osaka on day 7, you can use 7 days JR pass.
Day 1 – Arrival at Narita and go to Hakodate
Day 2 – Hakodate
Day 3 – Hakodate – Tokyo
Day 4 – Tokyo Disneyland
Day 5 – Tokyo – Osaka (day trip to kyoto)
Day 6 – Osaka (day trip to Nara & explore Osaka)
Day 7 – Osaka – Tokyo
Day 8 – Explore Tokyo
Day 9 – Explore Tokyo
Day 10 – Explore Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo – Narita
You may use subway pass after day 8 and find other deal for day 11.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
It’s much cheaper than using 14 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much! Takeshi San
No worries, Wai san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi San,
Hope you are well… I plan to visit Japan in June and this is my Itinerary, could you please suggest the best train pass I should buy, is 7 days JR pass worth?
Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo at 7 am, explore Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo Site seeing
Day 3 – Disney
Day 4 – Mt. Fuji, back to Tokyo in the evening
Day -5,6,7,8,9 – Explore Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kobe & Nara
Day 10 – Depart from Kansai airport
Hi Mutuza san,
You may use JR pass 7 days for the last 7 days. For the first 3 days, you may use access+subway ticket for day 1 and 2.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Single ticket is okay for day 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks for your prompt reply, so you suggest I should buy 7 days JR pass + Tokyo metro pass. Will the JR pass allow me to explore places in Osaka/Kyoto region? and then take the train to Kansai airport?
Hi Murtuza,
You can use JR pass to take JR trains in Osaka and Kyoto. But it does not cover subway and city bus. You may need to add other deal. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can use JR pass to get KIX by Haruka.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Please give me a suggestion about my itinerary :
Day 1 haneda (arrived at 08.50) and go to hokkaido (sapporo) using JR
Day 2 explore sapporo – hakodate
Day 3 sapporo -> osaka
Day 4 osaka -> kyoto
Day 5 explore kyoto
Day 6 mt. Fuji kawaguchiko/hakone
Day 7 shirakawa go + shopping time
Day 8 disney sea -> tokyo
Day 9 explore tokyo
Day 10 explore tokyo
Day 11 departure haneda
I have plan for using 7day JR Pass from Day 1 – 7 and for last 3 days use Tokyo subway pass. Is it okay? Or any other suggestion??
Thanks
Hi Vani san,
You may use JR pass for the first 7 days if you get Tokyo on day 7. You don’t need subway pass for day 8. You cannot get Disney Resort by subway. 48 hours pass for day 9 and 10 is okay.
By the way, it is very hard on day 1 and 3. It will be such a long trip. If you do it, please see the link below and keep it in your mind:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Please give me a suggestion about my new itinerary :
Day 1 : Haneda – Tokyo – Osaka (using willer bus – night at bus)
Day 2 : Osaka (using OAP)
Day 3 : Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka (using Osaka Kyoto Seightseeing 1 Day Pass)
Day 4 : Osaka – Tokyo – Sapporo (Day 1 using JR Pass)
Day 5 : Sapporo – Hakkodate
Day 6 : Hakkodate – Tokyo
Day 7 : Tokyo – Kawaguchiko (Shibazakura)
Day 8 : Hokone – Gotemba – Tokyo
Day 9 : Explore Tokyo
Day 10 : Explore Tokyo
Day 11 : Departure From Haneda Int Airport
Or
Day 1 : Haneda – Tokyo
Day 2 : Tokyo – Kawaguchiko to see Shibazakura Festival (using Fuji Hakone Pass 2 Days)
Day 3 : Hakone – Gotemba – Tokyo
Day 4 : Tokyo – Sapporo (Starting using 7Days JR Pass)
Day 5 : Sapporo – Hakodate
Day 6 : Hakodate – Tokyo
Day 7 : Tokyo – Osaka
Day 8 : Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 9 : Osaka – Tokyo
Day 10 : Explore Tokyo
Day 11 : Departure Haneda Int Airport
1. Is it okay for the second option we are not using our JR Pass but buy Fuji Hakone Pass starting from Odawara?
2. The last day we go to Haneda airport is not covered by JR Pass, any suggestion the way to go there?
Thanks for response.
Regards.
Hi Vani san,
I think option 2 is better. Option 1 is too much day 4 and 5. You don’t have enough time to see Sapporo.
If you do option 2, why don’t you use Fuji Hakone Pass from Shinjuku? You don’t have any passes to get Odawara. You should use it from Shinjuku.
There is no deals to get Haneda. It’s very close and use regular fare to get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for your quick response.
How about if I change the itinerary like this :
Day 1 : Haneda – Tokyo
Day 2 : Tokyo – Sapporo (Starting using JR Pass)
Day 3 : Sapporo – Hakodate
Day 4 : Hakodate – Tokyo
Day 5 : Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka (stay in Osaka)
Day 6 : Osaka – Tokyo
Day 7 : Tokyo – Lake Kawaguchi to see Fuji Shibazakura
Day 8 : Lake Kawaguchi – Gotemba – Tokyo
Day 9 and 10 : Explore Tokyo
Day 11 : Tokyo – Haneda
Honestly I am little bit confused to make this itinerary. So please help me to give the suggestion which route more effective.
In Day 7 and 8, Is there any Bus Pass we can use that cheaper than we using Fuji Hakone Pass? I have read that Bus 1 day pass price around ¥550. Could you please tell me what kind of Bus Pass it is? How can we buy it?
Or could you mind to give me the calculation with or without using Fuji Hakone Pass if we follow your sample itinerary 2 Days in Kawaguchi and Hakone.
Thanks you very much for the response.
Regards,
Vani
Hi Vani,
I recommend you to change the itinerary as follows:
Day 6 Osaka – Odawara – Gotemba – Lake Kawaguchi
Day 7 Lake Kawaguchi – Shibazakura – Tokyo
Odawara is the gateway to Gotemba. It is located on the way to Tokyo. You don’t need to go to Tokyo before visiting Gotemba and Lake Kawaguchi. You can save your time.
I have never heard the bus pass at 550 yen. It’s impossible to cover Gotemba and Lake Kawaguchi at 550 yen. Fuji Hakone Pass from Odawara is your choice. You can use JR pass after visiting Lake Kawaguchi because Fuji Hakone Pass Odawara does not cover Lake Kawaguchi to Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I want ask again,
1. Is it possible to visit Hakone in day 6 or day 7? Which day is the same route if I want to visit Hakone?
2. What Pass I can used when I am in Sapporo and Hakodate?
Thanks and Regards.
Vani
Hi Vani,
1. Day 6 is recommended. You will go through Hakone anyway.
2. Please see the links below:
http://www.sapporo.travel/learn/transportation/sapporo/?lang=en
https://www.hakodate.travel/en/information/city-traffic.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I want to ask some questions. I plan to travel to Japan from mid-May to early of June (for 13 days). My rough initial itinerary is:
Day 1 (22 May – Tuesday): Land at Osaka’s Kansai airport, ride JR train to Tokyo, stay there for 6 days
(I read somewhere that JR trains from Osaka-Tokyo may not run on Tuesdays, it makes me worry as I’m set to arrive at Kansai aiport on Tuesday and want to board the train to Tokyo maybe just one hour after my arrival, can you make that clear for me?)
Day 6 (27 May – Sunday): Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by JR train
Spend another 4 days in Kyoto
Day 9 (May 30 – Wednesday): Go to Osaka (by normal train)
Day 13 (June 3): Go to Kansai airport, return to my country
I intend to buy 7-day JP pass to save money. Though I travel at a pretty tight budget, if possible, I want to visit other cities/sights in addition to those 3, especially while I’m in Tokyo. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi mi_nt san,
You may use JR Pass for the first 7 days. JR trains run everyday. You can take Haruka from KIX to Shin-Osaka and then take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo. I don’t have Haruka’s timetable but you can find it at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
For Shinkansen, please see the links below to find the timetable. JR pass covers Hikari (shown as “H”), Sakura (S) and Kodama (K) only. It does not cover Nozomi (N) and Mizuho (M).
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
You can visit many places as day trip from Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kurobe-tateyama-alpine-route-from-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/crazy-but-not-impossible-sample-plan-of-day-trip-to-hakodate-from-tokyo.html
If you are okay with spending one day in Kyoto (day 7 of JR Pass), you can visit Hiroshima/Miyajima:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
For day 9, single ticket is okay. For other days after using JR pass, you can find the deals in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi-san, I will read your suggestion thoroughly
No worries, mi_nt san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I have just returned from my 2-week trip to Japan. The last 2 weeks of mine were pretty wonderful, and I believe I was able to enjoy it to the fullest thanks to your help.
Before going, I read a lot of information on this website and found many useful things to make my Japan trip easier and more memorable. I’m glad that I followed your advice, even though I had to make some changes compared to the first itinerary I asked you. I really want to visit Hokkaido, so I successfully paid an 1-day trip to Hakodate and enjoy my short stay there with your suggestion. Plus, the trip to Arashiyama in Kyoto using Randen railway was indeed interesting like you said. And there were other tips that truly came in handy.
Therefore, I really want to express my gratitude to you, thank you for the thorough and precise instructions. You and this website are very awesome. I wish you good health and keep up the good work!!!
Hi mi_nt san,
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed staying in Japan. There are many more places to visit in Japan. I hope you will go back to Japan again to enjoy again.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com