The Shinkansen is the high speed train and the speed of the Shinkansen save your trip time. There are many Shinkansen lines in Japan now. In this post, I will explain you the Tokaido Shinkansen which is the first Shinkansen line in Japan. And also I will explain you the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen too. Because these two Shinkansen lines are connected with the Tokaido Shinkansen.
- Overview
- Train operation
- Types of train
- Timetable
- Photo gallery
- The coverage by the rail passes
- The summary
Overview
The Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kagoshima-Chuo is one train line but this line is divided by three different segments. Because three JR companies own this Shinkansen line and the name of the line is the different by the segment.
The first segment is called the Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
It is the first ever Shinkansen line in Japan. And this is known as the busiest Shinkansen line and one of the busiest train line in all Japan railway lines. The Tokaido Shinkansen is owned by JR Central.
The Sanyo Shinkansen is operated between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata (Fukuoka) which is owned by JR West.
And the Kyushu Shinkansen runs between Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo that is owned by JR Kyushu.
But in the train operation, many trains cross the border and run on two segments.
Train operation
Shin-Osaka and Hakata are the border station but you may not be able to find the difference and the border. Please see the operation map below:
Many trains, such as Nozomi, Mizuho cross the border and run through two Shinkansen lines, such as Tokyo to Hakata by Nozomi, Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima-Chuo by Mizuho.
Types of train
There are six types of trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Nozomi
Nozomi is the fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi runs every 10 minutes during daytime between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and run every 30 minutes between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima or Hakata.
All Nozomi stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura and Hakata. Some Nozomi stops Nishi-Akashi, Himeji, Fukuyama, Tokuyama and Shin-Yamaguchi. Nozomi does not go further than Hakata. Mizuho and Sakura run between Shin-Osaka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. I will explain about these trains later.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Nozomi. If you want to take Nozomi, you have to pay the full fare. There is no deals available to cover Nozomi between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka other than the travel package by some travel agents.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Nozomi
Tokyo |
1 hour 40 minutes |
Nagoya |
35 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Nozomi train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Hikari
Hikari is the second fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. If you travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by JR Pass, Hikari is your choice because Nozomi is not covered as I explained above.
Most of Hikari runs between Tokyo, Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Hikari which goes to Hiroshima and Hakata is very few. I will explain about other train, Sakura later which is covered by JR pass on the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
All Hikari stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura and Hakata. Many Hikari stop at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Nishi-Akashi and Aioi. Some Hikari also stop at Odawara, Atami, Mishima and Toyohashi.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Hikari
Tokyo |
1 hour |
Shizuoka |
45 minute |
Nagoya |
40 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
40 minute |
Himeji |
30 minutes |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Hikari train formation
Most Hikari are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
However very few Hikari which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R |
Hotels in Fukuoka
Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Nagoya
Kodama
Kodama is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. At this point, only Kodama stops at the following stations:
- Shin-Fuji
- Kakegawa
- Mikawa-Anjo
- Asa
This is covered by JR Pass. But the trip time is significantly longer than Hikari and Sakura. If you need to access one of these above stations, you have to take Kodama. Otherwise try to take Hikari or Sakura to save your trip time.
Kodama runs all part of the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. But there is no Kodama which goes through from Tokyo to Hakata. Kodama run between Tokyo and Nagoya, Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Hakata. But many Kodama run on the short distance, such as Tokyo to Mishima.
Kodama train formation
All Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | G | G | G | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
All Kodama which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | NR | NR |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Platt Kodama, Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka deal
Kodama is covered by JR Pass. But if you want to travel one way from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka or versa, Platt Kodama is a good deal. JR Pass is too much for just one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto. Please refer the post below to find the detailed information:
Mizuho
Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train runs about 6 to 8 round trips a day. The number of trips are varied by the season.
All Mizuho stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and Kokura, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. Some Mizuho stops Himeji, Kurume and Sendai.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Mizuho. If you want to take Mizuho, you have to pay the full fare. But if you use JR West deals and JR Kyushu deals, such as Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass, Kyushu Rail Pass and some more deals, you can take Mizuho.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Mizuho
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
35 minutes |
Kumamoto |
45 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Mizuho train formation
All Mizuho are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Sakura
Sakura is the second fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo by JR Pass, Sakura is your choice because Nozomi and Mizuho is not covered as I explained above. You can take Hikari as well between Shin-Osaka and Hakata but Sakura has better seat in reserved ordinary class. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Most of Sakura runs between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. All Sakura stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata, Shin-Tosu, Kurume, Kumamoto, Sendai and Kagoshima-Chuo. Many Sakura stops at Fukuyama, Shin-Yatsushiro, Shin-Minamata and Izumi. Some Sakura also stop at Himeji, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Shin-Shimonoseki, Chikugo-Funagoya, Shin-Omuta and Shin-Tamana.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Sakura
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
40 minutes |
Kumamoto |
50 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Sakura train formation
Most Sakura are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
A few Sakura are operated by the following 6 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Tsubame
Tsubame is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. But in the day time, Tsubame mostly runs between Hakata and Kumamoto. Sakura covers the segment between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train is covered by JR Pass.
Tsubame train formation
All Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
A few Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Timetable
You may find the timetables in JR Central and JR Kyushu official sites in the links below:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Photo gallery
The accommodation is a bit different from the fleets. There are several kinds of the fleet to be used for the Shinkansen trains.
N700 and 700 series (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama)
All Nozomi and most Hikari are operated by these train sets. And also these train sets are also used for Kodama 16 cars formation on the Tokaido Shinkansen. N700 and 700 almost same in these two train sets.
Green class seat
Ordinary class seat (reserved and non reserved)
The interior is exactly same in both the reserved and non reserved ordinary class seats.
Sanitary facility
Smoking space
N700-7000/8000 series (Mizuho, Sakura)
All Mizuho, most Sakura and very few Tsubame are operated by this fleet.
Green class seat
Reserved ordinary class seats
N700-7000 offers better accommodation in the reserved ordinary class seat than other Shinkansen fleets. This is the reason why I recommend you to take Mizuho or Sakura more than Nozomi and Hikari.
Non reserved ordinary class
Non reserved ordinary class is same accommodation as other ordinary class seat.
Sanitary facility
Other facilities
500 series (Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen)
This fleet was used for Nozomi before. The style of this fleet is still very updated and cool. Now this fleet is used for Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. This train set does not provide Green class seat. But the reserved ordinary seat is better than non reserved seat.
Reserved ordinary class seat
Non reserved ordinary class seat
Other facilities
800 series (Tsubame and a few Sakura)
This train set is used for Tsubame on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. It is also used for a few Sakura which runs in Kyushu only. This train set does not run on the Sanyo Shinkansen segment.
This train set provide only one class seat which is the ordinary class. There is no difference between reserved and non reserved. But this ordinary class is much wider than other ordinary class seat. And this is made of lots of wood material. The atmosphere is totally different from other Shinkansen fleets.
Ordinary class seat
Other facilities
The coverage by the rail passes
There are many rail passes available. You may be confused which Shinkansen train and class are covered by the pass. Please see the table below:
Type of pass | Coverage |
---|---|
JR Pass Green | All seats on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR Pass Ordinary | Both reserved and non reserved on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR West Kansai Area Pass | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains |
JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Okayama |
JR West Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima |
JR West Sanyo Sanin Area Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Hiroshima and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Okayama Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Okayama and Hakata |
All Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Northern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto |
Southern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Kyushu Rail Pass Fukuoka Wide | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains. |
The summary
If you take the Shinkansen by JR Pass, Hikari is the choice for your travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. But if you travel to the west from Shin-Osaka, Sakura has better interior as you saw. Sakura is more recommended.
If you use JR West passes, you can use any trains. But most JR West deals cover only non reserved seat. You cannot get a benefit of better seat in the reserved car.
If you travel in Kyushu by Kyushu Rail Pass, 800 series is very interesting train set. Tsubame is slow train but this is operated by this series. You may take this train too.
I hope this Shinkansen ride guide gives you many ideas. And I am glad if you use this guide to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hello,
We’ll be traveling to Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto -Tokyo. Can JR Pass cover all these?
Thanks in advance.
Rica
Hi Rica,
It’s covered. But you may need to add some fare or deals when you are in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo because city bus and subway are not covered by JR Pass. Please see 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/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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
It would be my first trip. I will be staying around Shinsaibashi Station area, I need your advice on which is the fastest train I need to take to Tokyo Station. It will be a one way trip. After reading the guide above, correct me if I’m wrong.
a) I have to be in Shin-Ōsaka Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line – Nozomi Train)
b) Do I have to purchase the ticket in advance? If don’t have to, is it I have to purchase it at Namba Station?
c) I won’t be using JR Pass
Hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
Thx
Hi Mitchell,
a) That’s right. You can take subway Midousuji line to get Shin-Osaka from Shinsaibashi directly.
b) It’s not required but recommended. You can purchase and book at JR-Namba station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
c) No. Single ticket is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thx for the advice and feedback. Can i book the ticket online for the nozomi train in advance? If yes, is it jreast or jrwest website or do you have a specific website?
Thx
Hi Mitchell,
There is only Japanese website available to book it. Basically you cannot do in advance.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thx for the fast reply. I will be travelling in the month of October this year. If is in Japanese language only, I’ve got no choice but to book it when I arrive in Japan right? Can i straight away book it when I touch down Kansai Airport or at Namba Station? Is the month of October ok for buying the ticket on that time or should I get someone who can help me to book online?
Thx
Hi Mitchell,
It’s easy to book Shinkansen seat. After you arrive in Japan, when you have a time, go to major JR station, Kansai airport, JR-Namba or any other major stations in Osaka to book it. In downtown Osaka, you can book it at almost any JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I want to buy 2 tickets for Tokaido-Hikari from Tokyo to Shin-Yokohama. I have a few questions:
1. Which station from Tokyo would that be?
2. How can I get there from Komagome?
3. Should I buy the ticket on the day / trip itself or should I reserve (I am overseas and would only be in Japan by June 26)?
Hi Migz,
1. Tokyo or Shinagawa. But Tokyo is closer to Komagome.
2. Take Yamanote line to get Tokyo.
3. You cannot purchase it online anyway. So after you arrive in Japan, you can book and purchase. You can book and purchase in advance at any major JR stations. You can do it at Komagome station too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
What is the different in t erm of proce Nozomi and Hikari?
I checked Hyperdia there is only Nozomi in the schedule.
Where is information of Hikari’s schedule and fare?
Is the fare different betwen adults and kids?
Thanks.
Rika
Hi Rika,
Hikari is slightly cheaper than Nozomi. Hyperdia shows us the fastest route. Please see the link below how to find Hikari schedule and fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html#Search_with_some_conditions
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning,
We are travelling to Japan on Friday. Our itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive
Day 2: Husband going to baseball
Day 3: Bike ride
Day 4: Disneysea
Day 5: Disneyland
Day 6: Fly to Okinawa.
Day 10: Fly to Yokohama. Fly home day 15.
We would like to go to Hiroshima and maybe Universal Studios in Osaka. What would the best and cheapest way to go there be? It is my husband and two children (14/10) We already have accommodation in Yokohama.
Kind regards
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
You need to make day trips to Hiroshima and Osaka one way each. It’s not impossible. But it’s not actually feasible. Please see the link below. Those are timetables of Shinkansen (bullet trains).
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
You need to have JR pass. This is the best deal.
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
And this pass does not cover Nozomi (shown as “N” in timetable) and Mizuho (shown as “M”). Look at the links above again to check the timetables. Your choice is Hikari (H) or Sakura (S) basically. When you go to USJ, you need to take Hikari from Shin-Yokohama to Shin-Osaka. It takes about 2.5 hours. And also you will spend another one hour to get Shin-Yokohama from Yokohama, from Shin-Osaka to Universal city station and transfer time. You will spend at least 3.5 hours for one way to get USJ.
For visiting Hiroshima, there is no direct trains that is covered by JR pass. You have to take two trains, Hikari and Sakura. Total trip time is around 4.5 hours for one way. So you will spend 9 hours for just transfer.
Japan is a small country but it’s not that small. In my opinion, visiting Osaka is acceptable but not Hiroshima. It’s too far to visit as day trip from Yokohama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Need to travel from Nagoya to Kyoto, group of 3 males and 2 females, all adults, on 19 June early morning. What’s the price per person by JR or any other suggestions? We intend to arrive Kyoto before noon.
Kenneth
Hi Kenneth,
You can find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Kintetsu rail pass is cheaper but it’s not direct and much slower.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to know the most inexpensive route to take from Fukuoka to (any) Osaka one way only as we will be exiting from Osaka going back to our country of origin.
Your recommendation will be much appreciated. Thanks very much.
Hi Cris,
Probably bus is the best.
https://willerexpress.com/st/3/en/pc/bus/route/calendar.php?oR=2301017&fR=1301017&off=1&hkn=30&kns=15
But I’m not familiar with bus. I have no idea how good it is.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are traveling to Japan in June 2016. Read all your post and still deciding which rail pass to get. Our itinerary is:
Day 1 (wednesday): KIX – Osaka
Day 2 (Thursday): Osaka
Day 3 (Friday): Day trip to Hiroshima using your suggested itinerary
Day 4 (Saturday): Day Trip to Kobe/Himeji
Day 5 (Sunday): Day Trip to Nara/Osaka
Day 6 (Monday): To Kyoto (and staying in Kyoto for 2 nights)
Day 7( Tuesday) : Kyoto to Arashiyama day trip
Day 8 (wed): To Tokyo
Day 9 (thur): sightseeing Tokyo
Day 10 (Friday): Day trip to Mt Fuji
Day 11 (sat): departing Tokyo at midnight
Would it make sense to get the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass and then one way fare Kyoto-Tokyo? The JR pass is only 7 days and not sure if that is enough for us.
Thank you so much for your input.
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
I recommend you to use JR pass for the last 7 days (day 5 to 11) basically. But you need to switch day 3 and day 5. You should include trip to Hiroshima in the 7 days coverage. As long as you should include trip to Hiroshima, trip to Fuji and Kyoto to Tokyo, JR pass will work.
For KIX to Osaka, there are some deals available:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Kansai thru pass is recommended for Kobe, Himeji and Nara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
There are some deals available in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
If you don’t take JR train to go to the airport on the last day, you can start using JR Pass on day 4. In this case, you can use JR pass to get Himeji and Kobe. You don’t need to use Kansai thru pass and single fare is okay to get Nara. There are some ways to get airport in Tokyo. And it depends on which airport you use, Narita or Haneda.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You may need to add subway pass or single fare even if you have JR pass. Because some areas cannot be accessed by JR train.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for such a prompt reply.
I can switch Hiroshima to Day 5. I check the train schedule on Hyperdia.com and with the JR Pass, I can only take the Sakura 570 departure from Hiroshima @20:48 and arriving Shin-Osaka @ 22:21pm. I cannot take the Nozomi or Mizuho. Is that correct? I can still get back to Tennoji where my hotel is if I arrive in Shin-Osaka at 22:21pm.
Also do you have one day itinerary for Tokyo-Mt Fuji?
Thanks so much for your help.
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
JR pass does not cover Mizuho and Nozomi. So your choice is Sakura or Hikari.
22:21 arrival at Shin-Osaka is completely no problem. Train runs until midnight. You can get Tennoji easily.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will travel to tokyo – kyoto – osaka – nara – kobe – tokyo, is it recommend to buy jr pass 7 days?
Are the jr pass could cover to shirakawa go, nagoya and nagano as well?
Which shinkansen i can use?
I perhaps will consider the ordinary class.
Thank you
Regards,
Miranti
Hi Miranti,
JR Pass 7 days is recommended. You can get Nagano and Nagoya by JR pass. But when you go to Shirakawago, you need to pay for the bus either from Kanazawa or Takayama. You can get Takayama and Kanazawa but bus is not covered.
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
You can take all Shinkansen line but Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered. Please see the line 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your prompt respond.
I think i will consider jr pass.
Is there any special or limited train that jr pass covered?
Perhaps if i go the hakone, and mount fuji.
Thank you
Hi Miranti,
Basically you can take any JR trains that includes limited express train and rapid train. There are some restriction. I mentioned that in the link about JR Pass that I gave you in previous reply.
Regarding Fuji and Hakone, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We are planning to go in Japan on April 4,2016.
We will arrive in Osaka first and stay there for 2 days then we will travel from Osaka to Kyoto and stayed in Kyoto for 4 days then after Kyoto we will be in Tokyo for roughly 6 days.
Do you think buying a JR pass will be worth it? Coz we’re still deciding if we go for on the green pass. Your feedback will be very much appreciated! 🙂
Thanks in advance!
Hi Fatima,
JR pass does not work actually. Please see the link below to find the sample itinerary. It’s almost same as your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
If you go back to Osaka after staying in Tokyo, JR pass is considerable. But one way trip is not enough to use JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com