I have received many inquiries about Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka one way trip. I always recommend to use a regular ticket for this one way long distance train ride, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Osaka to Tokyo. Because this one way trip is not enough to get the worth of JR Pass 7-day. I have written the post about the fare calculation before.
But I think this post was not enough to explain the fare rule. JR single ticket rule is very complicated for the tourists from oversea. But you do not need to know everything. If you understand some basic rules, single ticket is more useful and it gives you a trip at more affordable rate.
In this post, I will show you some basic rules of the regular ticket for the long distance train ride and how to use and purchase it.
How to purchase it
Simply you can purchase it at the station. If you make a short distance trip in the city or city to just outside city, you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine.
e.g.
Ueno to Tokyo (inside city)
Tokyo to Yokohama (city to just outside place)
Osaka to Universal City (inside city)
Osaka to Kyoto (city to outside place)
If you make a long distance trip, you still can buy a ticket at the vending machine. But the ticket window may be easier to purchase a long distance ticket for the foreign travelers. Especially if you intend to make a stopover on the way, you have to buy a ticket at the ticket window. Because you have to explain your trip plan.
If you want to take a limited express train, you have to purchase a limited express surcharge ticket too. Even if you want to take a non reserved seat on a limited express train, you have to purchase it. You can purchase both a reserved and a non reserved ticket for a limited express (the Shinkansen as well) at “Midori no Madoguchi”. Midori no Madoguchi is the name of JR reservation ticket window. You can purchase a base fare ticket at Midori no Madoguchi too. Please get the detail about reservation at the post below.
In the case of purchasing both base fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket, you can purchase it in advance. An express surcharge ticket is on sale one month prior to a departure date.
e.g.
Tokyo to Kyoto travel on Dec 1
You can purchase the tickets after Nov 1.
You also can purchase the tickets at any JR stations if you buy both base fare and limited express surcharge at same time. For example, if you start to travel from Tokyo station, you can purchase it at Narita airport station on the day of arrival.
Base fare ticket can be purchased at any JR stations where station staff is on duty. There are many station without station staffs in remote area. In major cities and major stations, there are station staff. Even if you take a train at the station without station staff, you can purchase it from the conductor in the train.
How to get a fare
You can use Hyperdia to get the fare quite easily.
As you see above capture image of Hyperdia, you can get base fare and seat fare (includes surcharge). In this image, total fare is the following:
Base fare – 9560 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) – 5740 yen (reserved seat)
Ltd Exp Haruka (Shin-Osaka – Kansai airport) – 820 yen (reserved seat)
Total – 16120 yen
*The above image was captured in 2013. The fare was raised in April l, 2014 because of consumer tax was increased to 8% from 5%. The actual fare is different from the fare in the image above.
The price of Japan Rail Pass 7 days ordinary is 28300 yen. (New price is 29110 yen.) Total single fare is more than 10000 yen cheaper than 7 days pass price. This is the reason why I recommend to use single fare for Tokyo – Osaka one way transfer.
Validity
Please see the above capture image of Hyperdia again. You also can find a distance at Hyperdia. This is a key to use single ticket. Actually long distance ticket can be used in multiple days.
Distance | Valid days |
---|---|
101 – 200 km | 2 days |
201 – 400 km | 3 days |
401 – 600 km | 4 days |
601 – 800 km | 5 days |
801 – 1000 km | 6 days |
- From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.
- If you travel more than 101 km but it is in Tokyo or Osaka zone only, ticket valid in one day only.
So in above capture image, distance is 613.4km. This ticket valid in 5 days.
Stopover
You can stopover as many as you want. Of course you cannot go back. Once you start to travel, you have to go forward. You have to care only one thing. When you depart/arrive to travel at the following areas, you cannot stopover in same areas.
- Sapporo
- Sendai
- Tokyo 23 wards
- Tokyo Yamanote line
- Yokohana
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Kitakyushu
- Fukuoka
These areas are same as city limit. I show you some examples.
1. Above ticket (Tokyo – Kansai Airport)
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards. For example, after you start to travel from Tokyo, you cannot stopover at Shinagawa.
You can – Stopover at Kyoto, Osaka and anywhere outside of Tokyo 23 wards.
By the way, you can start to travel from anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards.
2. Ticket from Narita airport to Osaka
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Osaka city. For example, you cannot stopover at Shin-Osaka. Once you exit at any stations in Osaka city, your ticket will be expired right away.
You can – Stopover at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and anywhere outside of Osaka city.
By the way, when you travel through Tokyo downtown core, ticket will be calculated by the shortest route. For example, most typical route from Narita to Osaka via Tokyo, via Tokyo station and Shinagawa station. But if you want to go to Osaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku, you can take this route and stopover.
But in case of using limited express, you have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket for each segments.
ex) Tokyo – Osaka trip, stopover at Nagoya.
You have to purchase two Shinkansen tickets, Tokyo – Nagoya Shinkansen surcharge ticket and Ngoya – Shin-Osaka surcharge ticket.
Sample ideas
Please see above capture image of Hyperdia again. If you use this ticket, you can do the following itinerary.
Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto (Stopover at Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto (no use single ticket)
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka (Stopover at Osaka)
Day 4 One day trip to Kobe (purchase another single ticket.)
Day 5 Osaka – Kansai airport
When you arrive in Tokyo, you can use other deals, such as Suica & N’ex. And you have 5 days after you finish to see Tokyo. If you add Suica & N’ex one way ticket, total amount is 19620 yen. It is about 9000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
I believe this is the perfect solution for Tokyo – Osaka one way travellers.
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
I have been using your guide to decide on a route from Hakkodate to Tokyo (Ueno) with stops in Nagaoka as we will be staying three nights in Urasa.
As you suggested, using the single ticket option should work out to be a money saver as opposed to buying the East rail pass (+ add ons).
What I would really thank you for is if you could simply point out any error in my plan if you spot it, and/or confirm that this plan meets the requirements you have explained in detail on your page.
We would purchase a one-way ticket on Feb. 3 Hakkodate – Ueno. The distance is 949.7 Km so that would give us 5 or 6 days of flexibility. We would stop on Feb. 3 in Nagaoka and buy our own separate return ticket Nagaoka – Urasa. Then on Feb. 6 we would return to Nagaoka and continue our travel to Ueno to arrive on 6 Feb.
It certainly appears to be less than the JP East rail pass for 5 days and we are quite sure we would want to try this out.
Should you spot any errors in judgement please let me know. I suppose that to get the fares online now for this trip we would need to make an advance purchase.
Thank you in advance
Scott
Hi Scott,
You are right. Single ticket and separate express surcharge is cheaper than JR East Pass + add on. But I recommend you to use JR East pass because it’s not different so much. If you use single fare for Hakodate – Ueno via Nagaoka, the total of base fare and express surcharge is 23930 yen. I include limited express surcharge for all segments except Nagaoka – Urasa. If you take Shinkansen for this segment, you have to pay another 860 yen for one way at least. So total fare will be more than 25000 yen.
On the other hand, if you use JR East Pass, you have to pay extra for Hakodate – Kanita segment. Kanita is the fast station in JR East area when you reach from Hokkaido side. This extra charge is 4470 yen for base fare and express surcharge. Total is 26470 yen.
And also trip time is quite different. If you use single fare, you have to take Hakodate – Aomori- Akita – Niigata – Nagaoka route. If you take 7:24 Hakodate departure, you will be Nagaoka at 17:07. You need to be on board for 10 hours plus transfer three times at Aomori, Akita and Niigata.
If you use JR East pass, you can take Shinkansen route, Hakodate – Shinaomori – Omiya – Nagaoka. The distance is actually longer than the route above. But Shinkansen is so much faster than conventional trains. If you take 7:24 Hakodate departure, you will be Nagaoka at 14:12.
How about it? In my opinion, extra a few thousand yen is worth paying to get 3 hours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi!
First of all, congratulations to the great job you’re doing here with your comments for all kinds of folks who are scared of the complexity of the Japan railway system.
Me, I will be visiting Japan (first time ever in my life) in the beginning of July 2015. I will arrive to Osaka (Kansai) and I want to spend 1 day in Kobe, 2-3 days in Kyoto, 2 days in Osaka (incl. a day trip to Nara) and several days in the Tokyo/Yokohama area (incl. one day devoted to Fuji and one day to Nikko).
According to your many comments, I guess the JR travel pass is not a big option for me, especially as I plan to take one trip (perhaps the return trip from Tokyo to Osaka?) by an overnight bus (as I also saves me the cost of one hotel night). Thus, I was wondering how to best use the one-way Shinkansen ticket (from the Kansai area to Tokyo), so as to include as many Kansai cities during the period of validity (5 days, correct?). Can I start the trip in Kyoto and make a stopover in either Kobe or Osaka when going to Tokyo, or it is not allowed since those two cities are not on the way?
Another issue for me is the reservation of seats. Do I have do make a separate reservation of a particular seat for a particular train (I still mean the Shinkansens, of course)? If I interrupt my journey (cut it into several smaller journeys), it means I am taking different trains each time. Or it is not necessary to make a reservation of a particular seat (you just board the train and sit whenever a free seat is available)?
Another question is the availability of places. If I am not mistaken, it is not possible to purchase the Shinkansen tickets online in advance (i.e. in Europe where I’m based it is a common practice – you just print them at home)? Can I be sure that when I arrive to Japan, I will be able to buy the tickets for any train that I want to use? What about the price, is it always fixed and it does not depend on how much in advance you buy the ticket? Sorry for those questions but I’m just referring to what I know as a common rule in many countries in Europe. Generally, the sooner you buy, the lower the price (even by 50-80%!), and sometimes if you want to buy a ticket just on the departure day, you might not get any (all’s already sold out!). That’s why I ask all my questions.
Thank you in advance and all the best in 2015!
Albert
Hi Albert,
You can use single ticket and drop by Kyoto and Osaka. But you can’t include Kobe. Because Kobe is not located on the way to Tokyo. You have to purchase another ticket.
If you can fix your schedule when you purchase the ticket, you can book and purchase Shinkansen ticket when you purchase base fare ticket. But you don’t need tosy take Shinkansen other than Kyoto-Tokyo. If you want to have a flexibility, you can purchase non reserved seat ticket. You can take any Shinkansen trains. But the seat is not secured. It’s not happen other than super busy period, like New Years holidays, but if the seat is full, you have to be standing passenger otherwise you have to wait for next train.
It’s easy to book Shinkansen. You may not be able to purchase the ticket for the train that you want to use. But there are so many trains. If you can take next train, it will be fine. Shinkansen runs almost every 10 minutes. If you take next train, it will not be a big issue. I put Shinkansen timetable at the below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
At last, if you are okay to see Mt. Fuji from Hakone, you can drop by there on the way to Tokyo. I have a sample itinerary. It’s reverse plan. But you may get some idea to build your plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you, Takeshi. I’ll have a close look at what you’ve advised me to do and in case, I’ll need some further help, I’ll post my questions again. All the best!
Hi Takeshi,
I have plan go to Japan Spring 2015 (aroung end of march or early April). my itinerary is same as your sample Tokyo-Osaka 1 way travelers.
my itinerary as below
Day 1 Tokyo – downtown
Day 2 Tokyo – Asakusa temple
Day 3 Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto
Day 5 Osaka – Kobe
Day 6 Osaka
I have some question to ask as below
– So this same ticket (JR single ticket) I can stay 2 night in Kyoto and 1 day sightseeing in Kobe then arrive in Osaka?
– Please advise how to go from Narita or Haneda Airport to Ikebukuro station? I plan to use single fare ticket to sightseeing in downtown.
– Could you inform how to go to Asakusa temple? because I just know the circle of Yamamoto line
– This JR single ticket could be purchase in “Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口)” on Tokyo Station, may I know where I can find it if I will stay near Ikebukuro station? I’m prefer to buy on the spot (day 2 in Tokyo). is that ok?
– in your others article, ICOCA & Haruka is very useful in Osaka and ICOCA could be used in Kyoto, so according to you in Kyoto I need to buy ICOCA & Haruka because I reach Kyoto first then Osaka?
I’m sorry for my stupid question, thanks in advance for your help.
Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
1. Single ticket
You can use one single ticket for Tokyo-Kyoto-Kobe. Osaka cannot be included because Osaka is located between Kyoto and Kobe. You can’t go back by same ticket. So you have to purchase another single ticket for Kobe-Osaka.
2. Narita – Ikebukuro
The easiest way to get Narita Express.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
3. Haneda – Ikebukuro
Keihin Kyuko and Yamanote line is the easiest.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
4. Asakusa
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-asakusa.html
5. How to buy single ticket
You can purchase any stations in Tokyo. Of course you can purchase it at Ikebukuro.
6. ICOCA and Haruka
This deal is prepared for the passengers who arrive in Kansai airport. You can’t purchase this deal at Kyoto. This can be purchased at airport only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takesi,
So it is ok I’m not buy the single ticket Tokyo-Kobe in airport on my arrival date? and I can buy this single ticket on Midori no Madoguchi in any station in Tokyo? or in any vending machine in station?
I want to make sure that this single ticket when I purchase it will automatically come out 2 ticket (basic fare + reserved/unreserved seat)? or I will do 2 times purchase it in vending machine? it is the peak season in end of march or early april? if peak season it’s need to purchase the reserved seats?
Thanks & Regards,
Jenny
HI Jenny,
You can purchase at any stations and anytime after you arrive in Japan. If you purchase the ticket at Tokyo station or other Shinkansen stations where/when you depart, you can purchase at the vending machine. But if you purchase at other stations in advance, you have to purchase at Midori no Madoguchi.
Late March to early April is busy. It’s not the busiest season. But it will be in spring break in Japan. It’s much busier than usual. I recommend you to purchase reserved seat ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Ok Thanks alot for you assist ;).
Regards,
Jenny
No problem, Jenny.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
After these few days, I fix the sight seeing my itinerary start from Osaka to Tokyo
Day 1 Osaka – Osaka Castle, Namba, Umeda
Day 2 Osaka – Kobe (optional)
Day 3 Kyoto – Nishiki Market, Higashiyama street + Gion
Day 4 Kyoto – Fushimira Inari street
Day 5 Tokyo – direct to Hokane for staynight
Day 6 Hokane – Gotemba
Day 7 Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market; Asakusa
Day 8 Tokyo – Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza
Day 9 Narita/Haneda Airport
Please advice the convenience way to access in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo with single fare ticket, prepaid card like icoca, suica, etc or kansai wide pass?
So in Osaka (Day 2) I can buy Shinkansen single ticket from Osaka to Tokyo in any vending machine at any Osaka Station? or I have to buy the ticket in particular station?
Please inform how to go from Tokyo to Hokane & Gotemba and from Tokyo to Narita or Haneda airport?
Sorry for ask again & thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
1. Deals in Osaka
It depends on the location to stay. Please see the link below. You will find some idea to think about deals:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
2. Single ticket
You cannot purchase it at the vending machine. If you purchase it on departure day, you can purchase it. If you purchase it in advance, you have to go to Midori no Madoguchi (reservation window). You can find the window at any JR stations in downtown Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
3. From Tokyo to Hakone
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
4. Narita and Haneda
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
So in Osaka I can not but the single ticket in vending machine. There is no other way? I’m really confuse to do the reservation before depart. and I read some tour offer the bullet train packed with return tiket + hotel. so if I’m in Tokyo I can buy the single ticket in any vending machine at any station? I want to make sure it first.
According to you I can catch up from Tokyo-Gotemba-Tokyo in one day?
Thanks & Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
All you have to do it going to Midori no Madoguchi at any major JR stations in Japan. (all stations in major cities, like Tokyo, Osaka)
Sometimes vending machine does not show any English. You can purchase it at vending machine basically. But the window is easier for you.
Hakone and Gotemba can be done as day trip. But it will be very tight. I recommend you to stay in Hakone one night.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I see.. so if I want to buy the single ticket Osaka-Tokyo the second day I have to go to Shin Osaka Station to buy it?
If I buy the ticket on my arrival date, will I catch up the ticket is valid for 5 day to Tokyo? that’s why I plan to buy it on second day.
I’m searching from Hyperdia the easiest way from Tokyo-Gotemba can use JR Tokaido line & JR Gotemba Line but if from Hakone-Yumoto to Gotemba I have to transit 2 times and with the tight time, just afraid miss to catch the train hehe… but I will think about it.
Thanks & Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
No. You can purchase Shinkansen ticket at any time and any stations in advance. So you can purchase it on even day 1. Because you will tell which date you will start to use when you purchase. You don’t need to count from the day of purchase. That’s why you can purchase it “in advance”.
Do you need to get only Gotemba? If so, take a highway bus. There are lots of bus services from many places in Tokyo. Please see the link below:
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/access/bus/
If you want to go to Hakone and Gotemba, use Hakone Free Pass You need to transfer but it’s the best deal.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Oh… I understand it now… the next problem is depends on my arrival time & the JR Office open time (i’m still haven’t know my time arrival)…
Which one is the fastest time use highway bus or JR line? As I know use JR line almost 120 minutes.
I’m really thankful with your assist & advise.
I don’t wanna forget to say ‘Merry Christmas, Hope the joy & peace of Christmas always with you & your family’
Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
It’s not a problem. When you have a time, just get reservation window. You don’t need to go right after you arrive. It’s not very difficult to book Shinkansen.
I think highway bus is faster. Did you see the link that I gave you? If you click “click here for detail”, you can find departure time and arrival time and some more info.
Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Yes, I just check the link of bus timeable to Gotemba.
I will arrange my plan with more specific time again so I will not waste my time when I’m in Japan.
Thanks alot for your assist ^^
Regards,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
No problem at all.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Just to clarify on the usage of JR rail pass on tyoko metro, does it cover free use of all the lines under the tyoko metro map for eg: Ginza line / Chiyoda Line / Asakusa Line etc or only the faint grey lines?
Do i need to purchase a new ticket to take the colored lines?
thanks
Hi Evelyn,
JR Pass does not cover any subway lines at all. You have to pay extra when you get on subway. Please see the links below to get more info.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Can i check whether children of age 7 and 5 years old are required to buy the JP Rail pass too?
Are there any senior discounts?
If my itinerary require me to return to tokyo to take the return flight, is JP rail necessary then?
Itinerary as follows –
day 1 arrive narita/ tokyo
day 2 disneysea
day 3 nikko
day 4 mt fuji
day5-6 kyoto
day 7 return to narita for departure.
is the above itineray too tight?
Hi Evelyn,
Only 7 years old is required JR Pass. 5 years old is free but one of you have to share the seat with 5 years old child. You can’t book the seat for this child.
I have 5 years old daughter and I purchased the pass for my daughter because she was too big to share the seat with us.
Your itinerary is okay. But in my opinion, Nikko is not recommended for children. You will visit Kyoto and Nikko has similar things to Kyoto. If I were you, I spend one more day for disney or visit Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Sir
This is Sapna from INDIA. I will be in Japan on 10 DEC 2014. as I am coming to OSAKA airport, from there I would like to go to KYOTO then FUKUOKA. I would like to travel by train but don’t want to purchase a rail pass.
Please tell me, is there any web site from which I could be able to purchase train tickets in advance while sitting in INDIA as well?????
Thanks
Sapna
S
Hi Sapna,
You cannot purchase a ticket online. And you don’t need to. There are lots of trains from Airport to Kyoto and between Kyoto and Hakata (Fukuoka). You can book and purchase on the spot. You can book and purchase all tickets at Kansai airport station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I will be travelling japan for the 1st time soon and will be going for a 12 days free-and-easy trip. I find your website very informative but was a bit overwhelmed by so much information. I’m still confused on which is the cheapest combination of train tickets to buy. My itinerary is as follow:
Day 1: Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo (Day trip to Nikko)
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Osaka
Day 9: Osaka (Day trip to Nara)
Day 10: Osaka (Day trip to Kobe)
Day 11: Osaka
Day 12: Osaka
Appreciate your kind advice on this.
Hi Louisa,
You may find some info at the links below:
For arrival day and staying in Tokyo, and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Please refer arrival day, Tokyo part and Kyoto part of the itinerary above.
For Nikko
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Single ticket is most affordable choice for Tokyo-Kyoto
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
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have been following yr posts which have been very informative. However, I am still unclear and wish to seek yr advice. My itinerary as follows:
Day 1- Arrive Chubu airport. Overnight Nagoya. (Meitetsu Inn Nishiki near Hisayaodori station)
Day 2 – Nagoya to Kyoto. (Khaosan kyoto theater near Kyoto station)
Day 3 – Explore Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto to Osaka (Hotel Misono near Namba station)
Day 5 to 6 – Osaka city tour
Day 7 – Day trip to Kobe
Day 8 – Osaka to Tokyo (Sakura hostel Asakusa near Asakusa metro station)
Day 9 – Day trip to Mt Fuji/Hakone
Day 10 – Tokyo to Narita airport.
Is it advisable to buy JR 7 Day Pass? If not which is the best package to buy? Thanks.
Hi Mel Min,
First of all, JR Pass does not meet your trip. 7 days pass price is a bit higher than round trip fare between Tokyo and Osaka. If you come back to Nagoya after Tokyo in 7 days, it works. Otherwise single ticket is cheaper.
There are several options.
Nagoya-Kyoto
Shinkansen is most popular way. But in this case, single ticket (about 5600 yen) is your choice. If you are very sensitive with the cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is cheaper option:
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-3.html
Even if you use this pass for Nagoya-Kyoto segments, it’s cheaper than Shinkansen fare and Kintetsu Railway single fare. But it takes 2.5 hours. If you take Shinkansen, it takes less than 1 hour. Kintetsu Limited Express has very nice accommodation. It is very comfortable. So the choice is yours.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/limited_express/3-3-4.html
*In the page above, the first train, “Shimakaze” is not covered by the pass.
In Kyoto, you can use all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing pass.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
You can use Kintetsu Rail Pass for Kyoto-Namba if you are okay to spend 10-15 more minutes than JR and subway trip (Kyoto-Osaka/Umeda-Namba).
In Osaka, subway pass is available again. But single ticket may be cheaper. It depends on your plan.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Single ticket is your choice for trip to Kobe and Osaka-Tokyo.
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
At last, Hakone Free Pass is available for the trip to Hakone. Mt. Fuji can be seen from Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
In Tokyo, several deals are available:
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
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
Hi Takeshi,
I have to say this website is wonderful and you’re extremely helpful. We’re planing a trip to Japan. My itinerary is as follows:
Nov 21 – Arrive at Haneda Airport. Head to hotel in Tokyo
Nov 22 – Sightseeing in Tokyo
Nov 23 – Sightseeing & shopping in Tokyo
Nov 24 – Head to Hakone
Nov 25 – Kyoto
Nov 26 – Nara
Nov 27 – Kyoto
Nov 28 – Osaka
Nov 29 – KIX
I understand it would be advisable to buy a one way ticket but since we’re going to be staying for almost nine days what would be our best option. I’m extremely confused and I’m hoping you’ll help me.
Thank you so much
Gee
Hi Gee,
I’m happy to hear that my website helps you to make a plan for your trip to Japan.
As you guess, single ticket is your choice. JR Pass is too much and way more expensive than single fare. My recommendations and comments are the following:
Haneda – Tokyo
There are many ways to get Tokyo. Please see the following:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
For excursion in Tokyo
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
Single ticket for Tokyo – Nara if you stay in Nara. As you understand, you can make a stopover at Odawara where is the nearest JR station to Hakone. You can purchase single ticket or Hakone Free Pass at Odawara.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/odawara-station-guide-how-to-transfer-to-the-train-to-hakone.html
In my understanding, you will stay in Nara for one night. That’s why I recommend you to purchase one single ticket for Tokyo to Nara with stopover at Odawara and Kyoto. But if you will visit Nara as day trip from Kyoto, this one way ticket is still your choice. You can purchase a single ticket for Nara to Kyoto. This ticket can be purchased at the vending machine at Nara staion.
Single ticket is your choice again for trip to Osaka from Kyoto. But there are many ways to get Osaka from Kyoto. It depends on the location where you stay in Kyoto.
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
Single ticket or subway pass/bus pass is available in Kyoto and Osaka.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
At last, you can use one of the Nankai railway deal to get KIX.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Reading this site really helps me in planning my travel in December 2014, thanks 🙂
My current travel plan:
12/12: Arrive Osaka Kansai Airport in the morning.
13-14/12: In-bound tour to Shirakawago, kanazawa, takayama
15-16/12: Explore Osaka
17/12: Depart to Kyoto from Osaka by rail in the morning
18/12: Explore Kyoto
19/12: Depart to Tokyo from Kyoto by rail in the morning
20/12: Explore Tokyo
21/12: Day trip to Mt Fuji / Hakone from Tokyo
22/12: Explore Tokyo
23/12: Flying off from Haneda airport in the morning
Please advise on the transport on rail for this itinerary, thanks in advance.
May
Hi May,
Thanks for your comment about my website. 🙂
I recommend you the following deals:
ICOCA and Haruka for KIX – Osaka and 1500 yen e-money
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
You can use 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA for sightseeing in Osaka and trip to Kyoto.
All day bus pass (Kyoto)
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Single fare for Kyoto – Tokyo.
See the post above.
Hakone Free Pass
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You can see Mt. Fuji from Hakone. If you want to visit other places around Fuji, like Lake Kawaguchi, one day trip is not enough. I recommend you to stay one night.
In Tokyo, there are several deals, like Tokunai Pass, subway pass.
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
For Haneda, single fare is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi
Thanks for your advice on our mode of transport, I think I will use them for my trip in Dec 2014.
As my land tour to Shirakawago is awaiting confirmation, I am contemplating making use of the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass that you expertly wrote about in another post 🙂
Do you think I can do the following using this 5 day 10500JPY Tourist Pass:
Osaka – Kyoto (2 days)
Kyoto – Kanazawa (1 day)
Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama (1 day)
Takayama – Nagoya (1 day)
From Nagoya to Tokyo, is the distance enough for a 2 day travel? If so, then I would like to stay 1N in Hakone before proceeding to Tokyo. Please advise.
For Hakone, can you suggest a tourist travel friendly route for the 1 day visit?
For Tokyo stay, which area is most travel friendly for tourists? Any tips for Tokyo 3 day visit?
Awaiting your response, many thanks 🙂
Hi May,
You can complete 5 days trip by Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass. This pass is strongly recommended.
From Nagoya to Tokyo, it take 2 hours by Shinkansen. You can get drop by Hakone between this trip.
Shinkansen timetable http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
You can find some Hikari (shown by “H”) stop at Odawara. If you take these trains, you can get Odawara very easily.
Hakone Free Pass can be purchase at Odawara.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/odawara-station-guide-how-to-transfer-to-the-train-to-hakone.html
In Hakone circle route is most popular. It’s shown on Hakone free pass link that I gave you before.
In Tokyo, it’s very hard to say the attractions. Everybody has different tastes and there are too many to see.
Shinjuku is most popular to stay. But I think average accommodation rate is the highest. Ueno is close to Asakusa and cheaper than Shinjuku. But it is hard to say either. Tokyo is not a big area, but too many places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi, for your travel tips.
Is there an alternative (cheaper) way of travelling from Nagoya – Hakone – Tokyo?
May
Hi May,
I think there is bus service between Nagoya and Hakone. But I’m not familiar with it. And also hard to find info in English.
From Hakone to Tokyo, there are some options.
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
May I know how to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo Shinjuku? How long does it take and how much will it cost? Any booking required?
May
Hi May,
You can take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shinagawa and transfer to local train to Shinjuku. You can find timetable and fare at hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Reservation is recommended. Please find more info about reservation at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail