Sample itinerary of Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji and Tokyo classic route

Comments

1. Yenny says:

   February 22, 2015 at 10:39 pm

   Hi Takeshi,

   I will have my 1st trip in Japan in early May 2015 for 14 days.
   My plan city is: Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Osaka – Tokyo (or vise versa)

   1) I have a question right now on how to utilize 7 days JR rail pass.
   My arrival and departure will be both from Haneda Airport.
   Initially, I thought using this pass for 2 way Tokyo- Kyoto is good enough.
   But, I’m not sure whether 7 days is enough to visit Osaka and Kyoto before going back to Tokyo.
   Do you have better option on how to utilize 7 days JR rail pass in 14 days cover 5 above cities?

   2) Is early may still blooming for Sakura in above cities?

   Thanks a lot
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     February 22, 2015 at 11:00 pm

     Hi Yenny,

     1) Yes. You can do it in 7 days. If you want to spend much more in Osaka and Kyoto, you can visit Hakone out of this 7 days. Hakone is closed to Tokyo and it can be accessed from Tokyo as even day trip.

     2) Unfortunately not. You need to go to Hokkaido. Early to mid April is the season to see cherry blossom in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Yenny says:

       February 23, 2015 at 3:02 am

       Apology,pls ignore my previous message.

       HI Takeshi,

       Thanks a lot for this prompt reply.
       It’s clearer now.

       1) So far, I can think of 2 options now.. Which option is preferable and fits more?

       Option A
       Day 1: arrive at Haneda 2PM – transfer to Kansai, Osaka
       Day 2-7: Osaka +Kobe + Kyoto
       Day 8: Kyoto – Tokyo (start activate JR pass)
       Day 9-10: Tokyo
       Day 11-13: Tokyo-Hakone-Tokyo
       Day 14-15: Tokyo
       Day 16: Haneda airport (departure morning time)

       Option B
       Day 1: arrive at Haneda 2PM
       Day 2-3: Tokyo
       Day 4-6: Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto (start activate JR pass on day 6)
       Day 7-11: Kyoto + Osaka + Kobe
       Day 12: Osaka – Tokyo
       Day 13-15: Tokyo
       Day 16: Haneda airport (departure morning time)

       2) I’m wondering, it it recommended to add slot time between my trip to Hokaido?
       Initially think, I’m afraid I won’t be able to explore above 5 cities more.
       However, If Yes (recommend), for how long and which city can be squeezed?

       Again, thank you!
       • Takeshi / JPRail says:

         February 23, 2015 at 6:50 am

         HI Yenny,

         Option B is only your choice. Actually single fare is cheaper if you do option A. Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka-Tokyo must be in 7 days by JR pass.

         You can squeeze Hokkaito into your itinerary. But Hokkaido is very far. Please find more info at the link below:
         https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
         https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/hokkaido-tohoku-7-days.html
         https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/kyoto-and-hokkaido-7-days.html

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Yenny says:

       March 14, 2015 at 3:38 am

       HI Takeshi,

       I have managed my schedule as per below.
       Plan to use the 7 days JR Pass from Day 3 – Day 9.
       What do you think? Have I utilize my days and JR pass properly?
       Thank you

       Day 1 Arrive late afternoon at HND Tokyo
       Day 2 Tokyo
       Day 3 Tokyo – Sapporo (using overnight train Hamanasu)
       Day 4 Saporo – Hakodate
       Day 5 Hakodate – Tokyo (JR train)
       Day 6 Tokyo – Kyoto (Shinkansen)
       Day 7 Kyoto
       Day 8 Kyoto – Osaka
       Day 9 Osaka – Kobe – Osaka
       Day 10 Osaka (plan to use Osaka 1 day pass)
       Day 11 Osaka – Tokyo (overnight bus)
       Day 12 Tokyo
       Day 13 Tokyo – Hakone (3 day Hakone Fuji Pass)
       Day 14 Hakone
       Day 15 Hakone- Tokyo
       Day 16 Tokyo
       • Takeshi / JPRail says:

         March 14, 2015 at 1:29 pm

         Hi Yenny,

         Your plan is perfect. It’s good to go!

         Cheers,

         Takeshi / JP Rail
2. Craig says:

   February 10, 2015 at 6:56 am

   Hi Takeshi san,

   First of all, thank you so much for all the information you provide! We are preparing for our first trip to Japan for 3 weeks. Would you kindly provide us with your opinions how our transportation would be and you suggestions to making our itinerary more train-friendly and economical? Please let us know if we can manage with just the 14 day JR pass.

   3/23 18:45 arrive at HND to connect to KIX (option to just land at HND and start journey)
   3/23 21:50 arrive at KIX, too late to pick up JR pass, sleep in KIX hotel
   3/24 KIX to Osaka (activate JR pass?)
   3/25 Osaka day trip to Nara
   3/26 Osaka day trip to Mt Koya or Mt Yoshino
   3/27 Osaka day trip to Nara (or day trip from Kyoto?)
   3/28 Osaka day trip to Hiroshima first and Miyajima (or just Miyajima)
   3/29 Osaka to Kyoto
   3/30 Kyoto (ride The Sagano Scenic Railway to Arashiyaman)
   3/31 Kyoto
   4/1 Kyoto to Hakone
   4/2 Hakone to Takayama & Shirakawago
   4/3 Takayama
   4/4 Takayama (or Shirakawago?) to Nagano to see snow monkeys then to Hakuba
   4/5 Hakuba
   4/6 Hakuba to Tokyo
   4/7 to 4/10 Tokyo
   4/11 Tokyo to HND to depart

   Thank you very much!
   Craig
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     February 10, 2015 at 4:35 pm

     Hi Craig,

     Your itinerary is very organized. You’ve done really good job! ):

     I would like to make some changes in your trip.

     3/28 Osaka – Kyoto
     3/29 Kyoto
     3/30 Kyoto (ride The Sagano Scenic Railway to Arashiyaman)
     3/31 Osaka – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Kyoto
     4/1 Kyoto to Takayama
     4/2 day trip to Shirakawago
     4/3 Takayama -(bus / not JR pass)- Matsumoto – Hakuba
     4/4 Hakuba
     4/5 Hakuba – (bus / not JR pass) – Nagano – Tokyo
     4/6 Tokyo (Shinjuku) – Hakone
     4/7 Hakone – Shinjuku

     The reason why I made these changes are location and try to squeeze in 7 days (3/30-4/5).

     First I understand Hiroshima/Miyajima is closer to Osaka than Kyoto. But if you want to visit from Kyoto, you can use 7 days JR pass. It’s a big saving.
     You can use local deals after arrival in KIX and trip to other areas in Kansai. I have sample itinerary to stay in Osaka. This sample shows how to use the deal in Osaka. You will visit other places in Japan. But you can use the way in this post for first several days.
     https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html

     Next, Takayama is more accessible from Kyoto than Hakone. Hakone is very close to Tokyo. If you go to Hakone first, you will waste 2 hours. Hakuba can be accessed from Takayama via Matsumoto. There is a bus service between Takayama and Matsumoto. It’s not covered by JR pass, but this route is the fastest to get Hakuba from Takayama.
     http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/matsumoto.html

     If you really want to save your cost, you can reach Hakuba from Takayama by trains only. But the route is Takayama – (express is very limited. may be local train) – Toyama – (Shinkansen) – Itoigawa – (local train) – Minamiotari – (local train) – Hakuba. Especially Itoigawa – Minamiotari segment is very very local. Trains runs about 10 trips a day. Sometimes you have to wait for a long time at Itoigawa. It sometimes takes more than 6 hours.

     If you take a bus, it takes about 4 hours from Takayama to Hakuba. Matsumoto is nice place to drop by too.

     For Hakuba to Nagano, you can take just trains. But it’s a big detour too. Bus is much faster.
     http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/

     Regarding Snow Monkey, there is not much snow left in April. You will see some snow in the shading area. It may be different from your expectation.

     At last, you can reach Hakone from Tokyo.
     You can use Hakone Free Pass. Even if you use JR Pass, it does not cover any transportation in the heart of Hakone. But Hakone Free Pass does.
     http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/

     You can leave most part of your luggage in Tokyo and make an easy trip to Hakone from Tokyo by Hakone Free Pass.

     If you skip snow monkey, you may get Hakone on 4/5. In this case, you can start to use JR Pass on 3/31. You can still use JR Pass to get Odawara and purchase Hakone Free Pass at Odawara. You can save about 1000 yen.

     So this is my suggestion. Of course you can go for your original plan. I just want to give you some idea.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
   • Craig says:

     February 10, 2015 at 10:39 pm

     Hi Takeshi san,

     Thank you so much for your speedy reply of recommendations. Would you please kindly help me understand a few point and provide further suggestions for the following?

     – Do we start the JR pass on 3/31 based on your itinerary? Where else could I be using the value of the JR pass?

     – Is the Sagano Scenic Railway covered by JR pass?

     – On 4/3, When you say stopping off at Matsumoto, do you mean get off the bus, visit Matsumoto for a few hours then catch the bus on the same route? How long is the bus ride? I assume very reliable?

     – I will definitely be checking the snow report on Hakuba. But if the condition is not favourable, do you have any suggestion for logical stops instead?

     – Which pass will you recommend for travelling in Tokyo for a week?

     – My other travel companions may be arriving to HND and will take the train to Osaka to join our itinerary. I guess they will have no choice but to activate their JR pass on day 1. But looks like they will need the 14 day pass, correct?

     – The jump of price is $230 for a 14 vs a 7 day pass, by rearranging the itinerary like so, I think you just found me some money for that Kobe steak!

     Thank you so much!
     • Takeshi / JPRail says:

       February 10, 2015 at 11:39 pm

       Hi Craig san,

       – Do we start the JR pass on 3/31 based on your itinerary? Where else could I be using the value of the JR pass?
       You can start it on 3/31 if you want. If you start in on 3/30, you can take JR train to get Saga-Arashiyama.

       – Is the Sagano Scenic Railway covered by JR pass?
       No. There is no deals to cover this train.

       – On 4/3, When you say stopping off at Matsumoto, do you mean get off the bus, visit Matsumoto for a few hours then catch the bus on the same route? How long is the bus ride? I assume very reliable?
       It takes 2hr 20 mins from Takayama to Matsumoto. I gave you the link of timetable at previous reply. Please refer it.
       Nohi bus is major bus company in this area. It’s reliable.
       You can use JR pass from Matsumoto to Hakuba.

       – I will definitely be checking the snow report on Hakuba. But if the condition is not favourable, do you have any suggestion for logical stops instead?
       I think Kiso valley is the easiest option instead of Hakuba. It’s very accessible from Matsumoto.
       http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html

       – Which pass will you recommend for travelling in Tokyo for a week?
       Subway or Tokunai pass is major options.
       https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
       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

       – My other travel companions may be arriving to HND and will take the train to Osaka to join our itinerary. I guess they will have no choice but to activate their JR pass on day 1. But looks like they will need the 14 day pass, correct?
       Yes. They can go for 14 days pass.

       – The jump of price is $230 for a 14 vs a 7 day pass, by rearranging the itinerary like so, I think you just found me some money for that Kobe steak!
       That’s a good idea. 🙂

       Cheers,

       Takeshi / JP Rail
3. Jaz says:

   February 1, 2015 at 12:42 am

   Dear Takeshi-san,

   This is our first time travelling to Japan, would need your kind advise on our planned itinerary from 19th to 31st December 2015.
   Is it worth to purchase 14 days JR pass or just 7 days pass will do?
   Also we have been trying to book hotels online but mostly showing fully booked or sold out. Not sure if we are too early to check on the hotels? When will be the best time to book hotel if we are travelling in December?

   19 Dec: Arrive Kansai (we are thinking to book hotel Monterey Grasmere as it is very close to JR Namba and everything else)
   20 Dec: Day trip to Nara
   21 Dec: Day trip to Kobe
   22 Dec: Day trip to Universal Studio
   23 Dec: Osaka to Kyoto
   24 Dec: Kyoto
   25 Dec: Kyoto to Shirakawa
   16 Dec: Shirakawa to Takayama
   27 Dec: Takayama to Tokyo
   28 Dec: Day trip to Hakone
   29 Dec: Day trip to Disney
   30 Dec: Tokyo
   31 Dec: Tokyo to Narita Airport

   Appreciate your help on the above questions.

   regards,
   Jaz
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     February 1, 2015 at 10:50 am

     Hi Jaz san,

     Actually both 7 and 14 days passes do not work for your trip. Because the long transfer in your trip are only Kyoto-Shirakawago and Takayama-Tokyo. Even if you use JR Pass in Osaka and Tokyo, it will not be enough and there are other better deals.

     For staying in Osaka
     Please find info at 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
     You can use several ways in the link above.

     Single ticket to Kyoto from Osaka.

     For sightseeing in Kyoto, you can use bus or subway pass.
     http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

     For Kyoto-Shirakawago, you have to go to either Kanazawa or Takayama.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
     But single ticket is your choice anyway.

     Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass is available until June 2015. If it’s extended to sell until the end of year, you can use this deal.
     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

     Single ticket is your choice for Takayama-Tokyo as well.

     There are highway bus services among Osaka/Kyoto-Takayama-Tokyo. You may use this service too.
     http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/tokyo.html
     http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/kyoto_osaka.html

     For trip to Hakone
     Hakone Free Pass gives you full coverage and the best deal.
     http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/

     For staying Tokyo
     Subway pass or Tokunai Pass may be 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
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html

     I checked some websites. You may book hotel now if you want. I found lots.
     http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Osaka.htm?a_aid=24760&label=sideosaka
     http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Kyoto.htm?a_aid=24760&label=sidekyoto
     http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Tokyo.htm?a_aid=24760&label=sidetokyo

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
4. Serly says:

   January 6, 2015 at 7:16 pm

   Hi Takeshi,

   Thank you for such an amazing advice. I’ll travel to Japan on 7th March – 16th March and I need so much advice about the most effective transport in there because I don’t have much time and want to see as much as possible:)

   I’ll be flying in and out from Kansai Osaka. Here is my rough plan for the trip:
   8th March – Arrived in the afternoon so decided to stay at Osaka
   9th – 11th March – Make a trip to Kyoto and stay there for 2 nights. I am thinking of going to Nara just for a day trip and come back to Kyoto to stay there.
   11th – 13th March – Continue my travel from Kyoto to Hakone. Spend 2 nights there. 12 March I will go to Mt Fuji (Is Mt Fuji far from Hakone?)
   13th – 16th March – Travel from Hakone/Mt Fuji (haven’t decide where to stay yet for 12th March) to Tokyo
   16th March – travel back from Tokyo to Osaka to catch my flight around 11pm

   I am thinking of getting a 7 days JR pass but when should I use it because effectively I will travel more than 7 days. Is it better to buy individual pass? Your advice will be much appreciated.

   Thank you for you awesome job. I am so looking for this trip
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     January 6, 2015 at 11:12 pm

     Hi Serly,

     You can use JR pass 7 days from March 10 to the end. Nara can be accessed by JR pass. So you can visit Nara on March 10 when you start to use JR pass. In Kyoto, you don’t have many chance to use JR Pass. Subway or bus is okay to explore in Kyoto.
     http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

     If you use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day, you can use ICOCA e-money to get Kyoto from Osaka.
     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

     What do you want to do in Mt. Fuji? Do you just want to see it? If so, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone. You can find it from Lake Ashi or when you ride gondola. If you want to go to 5th station, you have to take a bus. I’m just writing Fuji/Hakone access guide for next post. It will be coming in a few days. Please stick around my website. You will find some more idea.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
     • Serly says:

       January 7, 2015 at 3:45 pm

       Thank you so much for your help.

       Re Mt Fuji; yes, just want to see the view:)

       I am looking forward for your next post
5. Lilian says:

   November 12, 2014 at 10:32 pm

   Hello Takeshi-san,

   I was just about to book the 14 day JR Pass when I stumbled upon your post. I’ve spent some time coming up with this itinerary to make the 14 day JR Pass worthwhile but I’m not sure if there’s a better way since it is not a Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto round trip? Appreciate any comments or feedback you may have for me to optimize it. We are flying into Narita and out of Kansai for a total of 16 days with bases in Tokyo and Kyoto for the most parts.

   3 Feb: Arrive Narita (activate JR Pass)
   4 Feb: DisneySea
   5 Feb: Tokyo
   6 Feb: Tokyo
   7 Feb: Tokyo-Yokohama/Kamakura-Tokyo (added on to make pass worthwhile but not necessary)
   8 Feb: Tokyo-Nikko-Tokyo
   9 Feb: Tokyo-Hakone(Odawara)
   10 Feb: Hakone(Odawara)-Takayama
   11 Feb: Takayama-Shirakawago
   12 Feb: Shirakawago-Takayama-Kyoto
   13 Feb: Kyoto-Osaka-Kyoto
   14 Feb: Kyoto-Nara-Osaka-Kyoto
   15 Feb: Kyoto-Hiroshima-Miyajima
   16 Feb: Miyajima-Himeji-Kobe-Kyoto (end of JR Pass)
   17 Feb: Kyoto (single trip tickets?)
   18 Feb: Kyoto (single trip tickets?)
   19 Feb: Depart Kansai (single trip ticket to airport)

   Thank you in advance for your help.
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     November 12, 2014 at 11:31 pm

     Hi Lilian san,

     I think 7 days pass for Feb 10 to 16 is better choice than 14 days pass. You can use Kanto Area Pass for Nikko and Odawara.
     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

     There are many deals from Narita to Tokyo.
     https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html

     In Kyoto, you can use subway or bus pass.
     http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html

     At last, you can use Kasai Area Pass one day from Kyoto to KIX.
     https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
     It is cheaper than single fare.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
6. Noor says:

   November 4, 2014 at 8:23 pm

   Hi Takeshi

   Let me start off by thanking you for the amazing job you’re doing to help people explore Japan.
   I’m travelling with my family (6 of us in total).

   Nov19th – land at KIX. Please help us understand how best we can get to our hotel in Osaka from the airport

   Nov 20th – Osaka to Kyoto (sightseeing all day in Kyoto)

   Nov 21st – Osaka to Nara (all day)

   Nov 22nd – Proceed to Gora Hakone from Osaka

   Nov 23rd – 27th – Tokyo (staying at a hotel in Shinjuku or Ginza) What pass would you recommend we use in the subways and to go sightseeing in Tokyo

   Nov 27th – Catch our return flight from Narita

   Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a hotel in Kyoto as I understand this is a very popular season in Japan. So we’ll have to stay in a hotel in Osaka and then travel to Kyoto and Nara.

   If you could please throw some light as to what the best/reasonable way to travel to all these places would be, it would be greatly appreciated.

   Kind regards,

   Noor
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     November 4, 2014 at 9:11 pm

     Hi Noor,

     First of all, please see the following link. It will show you how to build itinerary and choose a deal in Osaka. You will find the best way and deal for staying in Osaka.
     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 Hakone from Osaka, single ticket will be your choice. Please see the following link:
     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

     The nearest JR station to Hakone is Odawara. But as I explained above link, you can use one base fare ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. And you can make stopover at Odawara. You can catch Shinkansen to Odawara. There are some Hikari stop at Odawara. You can find it at the timetable below:
     http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

     You can use Hakone Free Pass for your sightseeing in Hakone.
     http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

     Regarding trip in Tokyo, please refer the following links:
     https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
     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

     At last, please see the link below to get info about access to Narita.
     https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
7. Nurul says:

   October 18, 2014 at 11:32 pm

   Hello Takeshi san,
   I was wondering, does Fuji Hakone Pass does not include transportation from Hakone to Shinjuku back?Do I need to buy the romancecar? I thought that the buss fee from hakone-shinjuku is included there too.
   Me and my famly of 5 are going there on 27 Oct, and we will start from Shinjuku to Mt Fuji-Hakone-Shinjuku in one day. by the way, is it possible to go all in 1 day?

   hope that you can provide advice to us.

   TQ
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     October 19, 2014 at 1:10 am

     Hi Nurul,

     Odakyu Railway between Hakone and Shinjuku is included. But you have to pay additional for Romancecar
     http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/

     I think one day is very tight. I think one night stay is recommended.
     http://www.odakyu.jp/english/course/fujihakone/

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
8. nova says:

   October 15, 2014 at 11:16 pm

   Hi Takeshi

   Need advice. This our first traveling to Japan, Japan is amazing. We got excited and confius in same time. We confius about the transportasion. Our travel route begin at Nagoya.
   1. 29 Oct arrive Nagoya, eksplore Osaka
   2. 30 Oct eksplore Kyoto
   3. 31 Oct go to Mt Fuji – Hakone
   4. 1-2 Nov eksplore Tokyo – Yokohama
   5. 3 Nov Kanazawa
   6. 4 Nov Shirakawa go – Takayama
   7. 5 Nov leaving from Nagoya
   I read your post about JR Kanto area pass and want to used it while in Kanto area. Kindly advise what is best transportasion to cover our plan? beside JR Kanto area pass, there are any cheap transportation :). according your experience, can we get through this plan? or can you give me same route with the transportation choise?

   Thank you so much

   Regard,

   Nova
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     October 16, 2014 at 10:29 pm

     Hi Nova,

     Kanto Area Pass covers small part of your trip. It covers only Yokohama and Fuji. So its’ not recommended. If you complete Nagoya to Nagoya in 7 days, JR Pass 7 days is recommended. 14 days pass is way more expensive than even single fares.

     So if you add other deals / single fare for arrival and departure day, you can use 7 days JR Pass. I recommend you to use the following deals/tickets.

     For arrival day
     Kintetsu Rail Pass wide.
     http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-2.html
     It includes Chubu airport to Nagoya return access. This access ticket can be used beside the pass. So you can use it for Oct 29 and Nov 5. This pass is much cheaper than single fare by Shinkansen to get Osaka from Ngoya.
     You can use Kintetsu train from Osaka to Kyoto. But it’s a big detour. And you can start to use JR pass on Oct 30.

     For departure day
     Nohi bus to Nagoya.
     http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/nagoya.html
     Once you get Nagoya, you can use access ticket of Kintetsu pass.

     Even though JR Pass does not cover bus to Shirakawago and Hakone/Fuji area, this pass is still the best deal.

     Cheers,

     Takehsi / JP Rail
9. Kitty says:

   July 25, 2014 at 12:03 am

   Dear Takeshi-san,

   Thank you so much for your reply previously. I just saw this post and now we just figured out a more clearer Iitinerary,
   1. 20 Dec – Arrive Osaka (we are thinking to book hotel Monterey Grasmere as it is very close to JR Namba and everything else)
   2. 21 Dec – Day trip to Kobe
   3. 22 Dec – Day trip to Nara (more Osaka City)
   4. 23 Dec – Day trip to Universal Studio
   5. 24 Dec – Day trip to Kyoto
   (day trips can be swapped, if any suggestion could be given)

   Then we are thinking to go from Osaka to Hakone
   6. 26 Dec – Overnight at Hakone
   7. 27 Dec – ArriveTokyo
   8. 28 Dec to 30 Dec hasn’t decided
   We want one day at Disney Land.

   9. We are leaving on 30th flight at 4pm from Narita Airport.

   Could you please give some advice –
   Should we actually stay Kyoto for the night rather than go back to Osaka?
   Whether it is a good idea to go from Osaka to Hakone or it is better to go to Tokyo first then go to Hakone for an overnight trip?

   Should we get a JR pass and if so when to start to use it?

   Any suggestion for the area to stay in Hakone and Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ginza or other places?)

   Thank you so much!

   Kitty
   • Takeshi / JPRail says:

     July 25, 2014 at 12:20 am

     Hi Kitty,

     Regarding day trips from Osaka, it looks good to go. I recommend you to stay in Kyoto for one night. It’s completely different feeling from Osaka. But it’s not necessary.

     JR Pass is not your choice. It’s same idea as this sample itinerary. As long as you have one way trip to Tokyo from Osaka/Kyoto, JR Pass is too much. Tokyo-Osaka round trip is minimum requirement to use JR Pass. So your choice is single ticket and don’t need to go to Tokyo before visiting Hakone. If you don’t want to carry all of your luggage, you can go to Tokyo and store your luggage. But if you don’t care about luggage, you can get off Shinkansen at Odawara and proceed to Hakone. It’s cheaper.

     In Hakone, Hakone-Yumoto is recommended. There are lots of hotels, restaurants and shops. But actually there are so many choices to decide. In Tokyo, it depends on your plan. Shinjuku is a good place to stay. But it’s located at other side of Asakusa, Skytree, Tsukiji, Ginza, TDL, Akihabara. Most of tourist places are located at east side. If you care about price, Ueno is a good place to stay. It’s closed to Asakusa and Skytree.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail
10. Handoko Taniwidjojo says:

    May 1, 2014 at 5:31 am

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    Thank you very much to all your great advice.
    Considering both of your advices and our trip demand, we have fixed our itinerary as follows :

    1. 16 May – Arriving at Sapporo airport (PM)
    2. 17 May – Sapporo – City tour.
    3. 18 May – Sapporo – Otaru – Lake Akan / Furano – Sapporo
    4. 19 May – Sapporo – Hakodate
    5. 20 May – Hakodate – city tour
    6. 21 May – Hakodate – Tokyo
    7. 22 May – Tokyo – Kyoto
    8. 23 May – Kyoto – Arashimaya – Sagano – Kyoto
    9. 24 May – Kyoto – Odawara – Hakone – Tokyo
    10. 25 May – Tokyo
    11. 26 May – Tokyo – Narita.

    I have purchased 7 days JRP that is to be activated on day 3 (18 May valid till 24 May).
    Please advise whether that is the right thing to do.
    And for the last two days in Tokyo what do you think I should have for local transportation and to Narita ? I will stay at Lotte City – Kinshicho.

    Thanks in advance.

    Regards,

    Handoko
    • Takeshi / JPRail says:

      May 1, 2014 at 6:56 am

      Hi Handoko san,

      It’s good to go now.
      In Tokyo, you can purchase subway pass as you need. Even single ticket will be fine. It depends on where you want to go.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail
      • Handoko Taniwidjojo says:

        June 9, 2014 at 11:24 pm

        Dear Takeshi-san,

        I just want to thank you for all the advice and comments you have given to me relates to maximizing the JR pass.

        I had completed my trip 2 weeks ago, my trip with 7 days JR pass was so convenient, it was indeed so easy to get around by train. The staffs who handled the reservation were so helpful.
        It was really economical too, I had to spend about Y 81,000 for all my trip if I did not purchase 7 days JRP. I would encourage travellers to get the benefit of it.

        I wish to visit the southern part in my next program.

        Thank you so much.

        Regards,

        Handoko
        • Takeshi / JPRail says:

          June 10, 2014 at 12:38 pm

          Hi Handoko,

          I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip in Japan!
          Let me know when you go to Japan next time.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail