Some of you are wondering if you should use JR pass or not for one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka via Hakone and Kyoto. Actually JR pass does not meet this trip. The price of 7-day JR pass is 29100 yen. One way base fare from Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka plus Shinkansen surcharge is around 14000 yen. As long as you have one way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, JR pass is way more expensive than single fare. Even if you use JR pass when you stay in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it is not realistic to spend another 15000 yen. Base fare in these cities is 200 to 500 yen.
In this post, I show you the sample itinerary and some deals in these cities.
*When you follow this sample itinerary, please check the updated timetable. You can find more information about timetable at the link below:
Guide to plan your trip. How to find Japan Railway’s timetables
Day 1 Narita or Haneda airport to downtown Tokyo
Suggested deals for Narita passengers
There are many deals available. Please refer the following link about Narita deals:
Suggested deals for Haneda passengers
Please refer the following links:
Day 2 Tokyo
Enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo.
You can find the detailed information of train system in downtown Tokyo in the link below. You also can find the information about the deals:
In Tokyo, the single fare is very reasonable because of a short trip. The regular fare may be cheaper if you visit one or two places. You may use IC card, such Suica or Pasmo instead:
Day 3 Tokyo to Hakone
Suggested itinerary
08:53 Shinjuku
Odakyu railway’s limited express “Romancecar” Hakone 9
10:35 Hakone-Yumoto
Leave your baggage at hotel or locker at the station. Enjoy sightseeing Hakone all day.
Odakyu Railway is most convenient to get Hakone and cheaper than JR trains. You can purchase base fare ticket and Hakone Free Pass Odawara departure at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku station.
Suggested deals
Base fare ticket (Shinjuku – Odawara) and Hakone Free Pass (Odawara departure 2 days)
You may find more information about Hakone Free Pass and Odakyu Railway in the link below:
Hakone Free Pass official site
Shinjuku departure Hakone Free Pass (5140 yen) is not required for this itinerary. Because it includes round trip to/from Shijuku. But you do not come back to Shinjuku and leave Hakone then go to Kyoto next day. Of course single fare for Shinjuku-Odawara is cheaper than the difference between Shinjuku departure Hakone Free Pass and Odawara departure Hakone Free Pass.
Once you get Hakone, use Hakone Free Pass as much as you can. You can get most of places in Hakone by this pass.
I recommend you to stay in Hakone for at least one night. But if you want to visit Hakone as “luggage free” day trip from Tokyo, Hakone Free Pass Shinjuku departure is the best deal.
I have the post which explains about the access to Hakone and the trip plan in Hakone in the link below:
Day 4 Hakone to Kyoto
Suggested itinerary
09:40 Hakone-Yumoto
Hakone Tozan Railway
09:54 Odawara
10:08 Odawara
Hikari 507
12:13 Kyoto
Odawara station is the nearest JR station to Hakone. You can catch the the Tokaido Shinkansen to get Kyoto. Please find the details about Odawara station at the following:
There are some Shinkansen train, “Hikari” stop at Odawara and takes you to Kyoto without any transfer. I picked 10:08 departure, Hikari 507. Please see the timetable at the link below and find the train what you want to take:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
You may find Hikari which stop at Odawara mostly every two hours. Please try to catch this kind of Hikari. This is the fastest and direct way to get Kyoto from Odawara.
There is no deals to cover the trip from Odawara to Kyoto. The base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat fee ticket are required to take the Tokaido Shinkansen. You can purchase these tickets in advance if you want. The Shinkansen and limited express surcharge tickets can be purchased at most major JR stations that have reservation window, a.k.a. “Midori no Madoguchi”. The base fare ticket also can be purchased with surcharge ticket at same time. If you do so, you can just transfer from Hakone Tozan Railway train to the Shinkansen at Odawara.
If you follow my suggested itinerary, you have half day for sightseeing in Kyoto. I recommend you to visit south part of Kyoto, like Fushimi Inari. It’s just 5 minutes away from Kyoto station by Nara line local train. If you want, you can visit even Nara.
If you need some more information about Kyoto station, please refer the link below:
Day 5 Kyoto
You can enjoy in Kyoto for all day.
Please refer the links below to find the information of train system in Kyoto and deals in Kyoto.
Day 6 Kyoto to Osaka
Suggested itinerary
09:14 Kyoto
Special rapid
09:43 Osaka
I use JR train, Special Rapid which is the fastest way to get Osaka (Umeda). It is a sort of commute train. Only base fare is required to take this train.
There are many other trains running between Kyoto and Osaka. Please see the link below to find the train network in Kansai area:
After arriving in Osaka, you may add the deal as you need.
Day 7 Osaka to Kansai airport
There are some deals available. Please see the link below:
Summary and total costs
If you have one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka, as you read above, the key is how to combine some local deals and the regular fare ticket. In this itinerary, approximate total cost is 23,000 to 26,000 yen. It is cheaper than JR Pass 7-day. And JR Pass does not cover Hakone area, subway and city bus in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. You might feel the total cost is very close to JR Pass 7-day. But actual different is much bigger.
I show you 7 days itinerary but you can extend staying in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto or Osaka. And also I have another sample itinerary that includes Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka only. Please see the following post to find it.
I hope this post will help you to build your trip plan to Japan!
Comments
Hi Takeshi San,
Good day!
I have finally come up with my Itinerary outline (still trying to improve) but in the midst of planning I have some doubts. Hope you can help.
From your helpful information, understand my route of Tokyo – Hakone – Osaka – Kyoto(not firm to go or not but it will not be overnight) – Okinawa – Tokyo – Home, does not require the JR Pass because not worth at all as I am not returning Tokyo via Train.
Below is my Itinerary Outline (without any JR PASS), I have some questions to clear my doubts:
23 Oct: Reach Tokyo Haneda Airport afternoon
From Haneda Airport => Shinagawa Station (to check in hotel)
Shingawa Station => Togoshiginza Station (walk around Togoshi Ginza and eat since just touch down)
24th Oct: Shinagawa Station=> Maihama Station (Disney)
25th to 26th Oct: Shinagawa Station will be going to Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Tsujiki Market
Q1: Based on the above, seems I will mainly use the Yamanote Line(Green) more often (back and forth) + other railway line, I know Suica Card is very convenient(tap and go) but will getting the Subway/metro unlimited pass be better with some savings? I kept reading all information regarding but still so confused. If savings is little then no point for me to consider.
Q2: Suica Card can be used for Yamanote Line correct? But can Subway/Metro unlimited pass be used?
Q3: For Suica Card, can I buy from Haneda Airport and start using to go to Shinagawa Station?
Q4: Tsujiki Market (not going to see Tuna Auction). Understand it will be moved but I tried to research but I am totally lost which part of market (there is outer and inner) is shifted and how to go.
27Oct to 29th Oct: Follow your Itinerary on staying at Hakone-Yumoto (Owakudani, Sight seeing cruise, Gotemba Outlet) – Taking Romancecar & getting Hakone Free Pass
Q5: These 2 days is it sufficient to move around Hakone? I dont want to rush.
30th Oct: Hakone => Osaka / Shin-Osaka
Q6: As I dont have JR Pass, I will have to go to Odawara Station using Hakone free pass correct?
Q7: From Odawara Station, I will have to take Bullet Train to Shin – Osaka Correct?
Q8: Do I have to pre-buy the bullet train ticket(where to buy) OR I can buy on the day when I depart Odawara Station to go for Shin-Osaka??
30th Oct to 3 Nov: Getting Around Osaka (USJ, Dotonbori, Nissin Noodle Muesum & some other tourist place)
Q9: Does the Osaka Amazing Pass allow me to travel around Osaka with unlimited train rides to the places I mention (there may be more places to visit but I have yet to complete planning)
4 Nov: Thinking to go to Kyoto & Nara Park for a day trip then go back to Osaka
Q10: As I don’t have JR Pass, how do I go to Kyoto from Osaka?
Q11: If need to take bullet train, can I buy on the day I going?
5 Nov to 7 Nov: Osaka => Okinawa (via Domestic Flight)
8 Nov: Okinawa => Tokyo (via Domestic Flight)
9 Nov: Tokyo => Home (International Flight)
Thank you so much!
Hi Kathryn san,
1. It’s hard to say. If you take subway four or five times a day, you may get the worth.
2. You can use Suica to take any trains. Subway pass coves subway only. It does not cover Yamanote line.
3. Yes, you can.
4. Inner market (market itself) will move. Surrounding area, such as restaurant will remain. There will not be any market in Tsukiji when you will be there.
5. Yes.
6. Yes.
7. Yes.
8. You can purchase it in advance or on the day of travel in Odawara. If you want to purchase it in advance, you can purchase it any major JR stations in Tokyo, such as Shinagawa, Tokyo, Shinjuku.
9. Osaka amazing pass does not cover USJ and noodle museum. You have to take JR train to get Universal city staiton (USJ) and take Hankyu railway from Umeda to Ikeda to get noodle museum. Osaka amazing pass does not cover Hankyu and JR.
10. You can take Hankyu, Keihan or JR. If you have Suica, you can take these trains. You can use Suica in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara too.
11. Yes, you can. But if you reserve your seat, you cannot get some seats together for your group. You can take non reserved seat car. But seat is not secured.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Good day to you. Below is my rough itinerary and seeking your assistance on my queries:
Day 1: Reach Kansei Airport at 920am. Will stay at Osaka and hotel near Nippombashi Subway Station (160 meters) and Osaka Namba Train Station (520 meters). Osaka – Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
Day 2: Osaka -Will go Shinsaibashi, KuromonIchiba Market, Shinsekai, Shitennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha and Umeda Sky Building.
Day 3: Head out to Kyoto in morning. Hotel in Kyoto is near to Shijo Subway Station (190 meters) and Karasuma Train Station (210 meters). Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji temple (金閣寺),Nijō Castle (二条城),Arashiyama(嵐山)
Day 4: Kyoto – Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺),Nishiki Market(錦市場), Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) and Gion District (祇園)
Day 5: Day trip in NARA
Day 6: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). Head to Hakone. Stay near to Ohiradai Train Station (230meters). Hakone- Owakudani, Togendai port, Hakone Sekisho, Hakone Shrine and lake Ashi.
Day 7: Hakone- Open Air Museum, Gotemba outlet.
Day 8: Head to Tokyo. Stay near to Nakano Sakaue Subway Station (810 meters)
Day 9: Tokyo sightseeing
Day 10: Tokyo sightseeing
Day 11: Tokyo to Haneda airport. Night flight at 11pm.
Question:
1. May I know what the best pass I should take throughout the journey?
2. Does the itinerary on day 3, 6 and 7 doable?
Hi Elly,
There is no deals to cover whole part of your trip plan. You have to choose the local deals at each places and mostly you will use normal fare ticket from city to city.
I think Kansai thru pass 3 days is the choice for day 1, 3 and 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Total fares may be cheaper than 3 days Kansai thru pass but it covers Nankai railway, Osaka subway, Hankyu railway, Kyoto subway, Kintetsu railway, Kyoto city bus, Keihan railway. These lines covers whole places where you visit on these 3 days. It’s much easier to buy a ticket one by one.
Osaka castle should be visited on day 2 because you can use Osaka amazing pass.
https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/
On day 4, actually you can access to the places on foot mostly. No pass is required.
Fushimi Inari can be dropped by on the way to Nara. You can save your time on day 6.
There is no deals to cover Kyoto to Odawara, Odawara to Tokyo. Only normal fare ticket is the choice.
You may use Hakone Free Pass after arrival at Odawara.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Tokyo subway ticket is the best choice for sightseeing in Tokyo.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html
No deal is available for access to Haneda.
Overall your itinerary is feasible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your swift response. That’s very helpful. Have good days!
Best Regards,
Elly
No worries, Elly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hope all well with you. I twisted my itinerary as below. Can you please assist to advise if i can stay to the pass you suggested or to buy additional pass or to buy JR? Many thanks.
Day 1: Reach Kansei Airport at 920am. Will stay at Osaka and hotel near Nippombashi Subway Station (160 meters) and Osaka Namba Train Station (520 meters). Osaka –Shitennoji Temple, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple and Shinsaibashi.
Day 2: Osaka -Will go Osaka Castle, KuromonIchiba Market, Sumiyoshi Taisha and Umeda Sky Building and Shinsaibashi.
Day 3: Head out to Kyoto in morning. Hotel in Kyoto is near to Shijo Subway Station (190 meters) and Karasuma Train Station (210 meters). Kyoto –Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社),Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺),Nishiki Market(錦市場), Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) and Gion District (祇園)
Day 4: Kyoto –Kinkaku-ji temple (金閣寺),Nijō Castle (二条城),Arashiyama(嵐山)
Day 5: Day trip in NARA – Todai-ji Temple (東大寺), Sika Deer in Nara Park, Kofuku-ji Temple (興福寺), Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine (春日大社) and Higashimuki Shopping Street (東向き商店街)
Day 6: Kyoto –. Head to Hakone. Stay near to Ohiradai Train Station (230meters). Hakone- Owakudani, Togendai port, Hakone Sekisho, Hakone Shrine and lake Ashi.
Day 7: Hakone- Open Air Museum, Gotemba outlet.
Day 8: Head to Tokyo. Stay near to Nakano Sakaue Subway Station (810 meters)
Day 9: Tokyo sightseeing
Day 10: Tokyo sightseeing
Day 11: Tokyo to Haneda airport. Night flight at 11pm.
Hi Elly,
I have replied in the post below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html/comment-page-5#comment-283691
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
I’m very very confused about transport in Japan
My husband and I arrive at Narita on 8th June and depart on 21st June
We would like to visit Tokyo, Hakone and Koyoto, ( maybe do some little side trips if got time) can you please advise best way (fastest/cheapest/) to get to each destinations and maybe a suggested an itinerary
Thankyou so much
Hi Chris,
Your choice is only 7 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
Shinkansen is the fastest and most common way for Tokyo-Kyoto.
jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Actually round trip fare for Tokyo-Kyoto by Shinkansen is just less than 7 days JR pass price. You will stay in Japan about two weeks. But 14 days pass is way too expensive. So try to put Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Tokyo in 7 days period. Otherwise regular fare is better choice.
In Tokyo, you don’t need to use JR Pass. You can use local deals. Please refer the links below:
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://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San,
Sorry I wrote again as my previous post does not seems to send out( not sure you received)
My hubby and I are planning to Japan in Nov this year for the first time. After looking at your various posts and replies I think my plan does not require JR pass. But you have any advise on the below?
We plan to go Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Okinawa. We will either arrive at Tokyo first or Osaka(not confirmed yet). Okinawa will be via domestic flight
You have any advise on my route whether is it feasible? Planning for 14days trip
I have yet to plan my itinerary but I am thinking whether should I get the Pasmo card(just top up will do) or the 24hr/48hr/72hr Tokyo pass.
And as for Osaka maybe I should get the Osaka Amazing pass?
As for Hakone and Okinawa, is there any pass i can get to travel?
Sorry for the questions as I am quite confused on the trains n passes to get.
Hi Kathryn san,
I replied to your previous inquiry in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/sample-itinerary-tokyo-to-osaka-one-way-trip-with-alpine-route-takayama-shirakawago-hiroshima-osaka-and-kyoto-9-days-by-jr-pass-7-days.html/comment-page-1#comment-283297
Actually in this reply, I recommended you to see the post above. I think subway pass is okay for Tokyo but you have to make sure which part of Tokyo you go. You may find some more info in the link below.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You may find more info about Hakone in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
I have no idea about the pass in Okinawa. There is one monorail line in Okinawa. I don’t think any train passes are available to cover Okinawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San,
Thank you so much for sharing. I will look through the information you shared.
Have a good day ahead.
hello!
I will be going to japan with my mom. we fly into KIX and then will be going to oaska for 1 night. then kyoto for 4 days, then Hakone for 1 night two days, and then end in tokyo for 3 days. Does it make sense for us to get the JR pass? we are leaving very soon!
Hi Zabrina,
JR pass does not work. You must have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka (or Kyoto) to get the worth. Your route is reverse of the sample in the post above. So your choice is single ticket for city to city and use city deal, such as bus pass or subway pass in each cities.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Below is my plan, is JR Pass 7 days the right choice ?
6Apr Narita – Shibuya
7Apr Tokyo
8 Apr 10.14am Shibuya – Shinagawa – Odawara (Odakyu ) – Hakone
9 Apr 10.08am Odawara station – 12.13pm Kyoto
10 Apr Kyoto
11 Apr 10.58am Kyoto – Shinagawa – Ikebukuro
12 Apr Tokyo
13 Apr Tokyo
14 Apr Tokyo
Best Regards
Alice
Hi Alice,
You may use JR pass. If you access to Narita on 14th, you may use it for 8 to 14. If not, you may use it for the first 7 days of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling to Japan at the end of the month and would like to consult about my itinerary.
Day 1- Haneda airport – shinjuku
Day 2- Tokyo
Day 3- Tokyo
Day 4- Hakone
Day 5- Osaka
Day 6- Osaka
Day 7- Kyoto (1 day trip)
Day 8- Nara (1 day trip)
Day 9- Kansai airport
The tickets I am planning to buy are
1. Tokyo 72 hours subway
2. Hakone free pass
3. Osaka amazing pass 2 days
4. A suica card
I do not think JR pass 7 days will justify its cost. What do you think about my choices, and is there better alternative?
Best regards,
Francis
Hi Francis,
Your choices are right. And also I recommend you to add Kansai thru pass for trip to Nara and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You might find a deal for the last day to KIX in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You may not need Suica.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Greetings from Bali,
We are a young parents who is going to travel with a 4yr old with total of 11 nights and its our first time.
We will be travelling to Japan in the upcoming days and have almost a similar itinerary as your suggestion. We are still confused and figuring out about weather getting a JR pass or individuals train tickets. Really need your advice on below schedule :
Day 1 : Narita airport – Shinjuku area
Day 2 : Tokyo
Day 3 : Tokyo
Day 4 : Disney ( maybe worth mention)
Day 5 : Tokyo- Hakone
Day 6 : Hakone – Odawara- Kyoto
Day 7 : Kyoto
Day 8 :Kyoto
Day 9 : Maybe Nara or Kobe ? If you have a suggestion for a night stay
Day 10 : Nara/ Kobe/ anywhere – Tokyo
Day 11 :Tokyo – Narita- home
Once more, if you could advise regarding the trains and maybe any other advise plus what is the policy of a travelling child (4yr) on Shinkansen. Do we need to purchase a full ticket since we like him to get his own seat.
Thank you so much and i look forward to your suggestions
Ray
Hi Ray,
You may use JR pass 7 days for day 5 to the end of your trip.
For the first few nights in Tokyo, you can use subway pass + Narita airport access deal in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
But subway does not cover Disneyland. Regular ticket is okay.
You can find the coverage of JR pass after day 5 in the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
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/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
How about staying in Shirahama. Shirahama is one of popular hot springs resort. There is Adventure World. I have been there with my daughter. She was same age as your child at that time. Please see the link below to find my trip report. I believe your child will like it.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/easy-trip-to-nanki-shirahama-from-osaka-part-1-from-shin-osaka-to-shirahama-by-train.html
Trip to Shirahama is covered by JR pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks so much for your link and suggestions… its really super helpful..!!
No worries, Ray.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi mr takeshi.
Im sylvi
I will go to japan 24may – 6june (14days)
I will arrive n return flight from narita tokyo.
My itinerary :
24. Narita tokyo
25. Tokyo to toyama gokayama
26. Toyama to shirakawago to tokyo
27. Tokyo to hakone to osaka
28. Osaka to kyoto
29. Universal osaka
30. Nara kobe
31. Osaka
1. Osaka to tokyo
2. Disneysea
3. Tokyo
4. Tokyo
5. Tokyo
6. Flight from narita
Can i only buy 7days jrpass? N i start to use it on 27may – 2june. N i will buy nex express return ticket 4000yen (i can use it within 14days for return to narita).
Can you let me know that it will make sense if i buy jrpass for 14days or 7days + nex narita return ?
How about my itinerary? Is it good schedule? Or u have any good idea for my trip?
Thanks alot..
Sylvi
Hi Sylvi,
NEX ticket and JR pass 7 days are better choice than 14 days pass. Actually you cannot get the worth of 14 days pass.
I recommend you to make a small change on your trip plan for day 2 to 4.
My suggested plan
25. Tokyo to Hakone to Tokyo
26. Tokyo to toyama gokayama
27. Toyama to shirakawago to Kanazawa to Osaka
After 28th, you can keep your trip plan.
You can get Osaka easily from either Toyama or Kanazawa. It’s easier to go back to Tokyo. You may start using JR pass 7 days on 25th.
Nex round trip ticket is okay but there are many other deals available. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
Hi Takeshi,
Can you please let me know if it makes more sense to buy JR Pass for our family of 4 (2 adults, one 5-year old and one 8-year old) for the following itinerary? If not what’s the best options for trains? I tried to figure it out myself but seem to be very complicated. Your expert advice will be greatly appreciated!
3/29: arrive at Tokyo NRT. Train to Osaka
3/29-4/1: stay in Osaka
4/1: train from Osaka to Hakone
4/2: train from Hakone to Tokyo
4/2-4/6: stay at Tokyo but plan to take day trips to places such as Kamakura and Yokohama
4/7: departure from Tokyo NRT
Thank you very much!
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
JR pass is the right choice. You can use 7 days pass for the first 7 days in your trip. 14 days pass is too expensive.
You need to add Hakone Free Pass because JR pass does not cover any transportation in Hakone. You can get Odawara by JR pass and then you can purchase Hakone Free Pass there.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
In Osaka, you can use JR pass but you may need to add some fares or passes to take subway. JR pass does not cover subway.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can make day trips before JR Pass expires. You can add subway pass for sightseeing in downtown Tokyo.
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/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
No deals are available to get Narita.
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
Thank you so much for the quick and detailed reply, Takeshi San! It’s very helpful.
No worries, Rachel san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com