Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers all JR lines throughout Japan. This is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. If you travel even a round trip to Osaka from Tokyo, the price of 7-day pass almost equal to normal fare. I think this pass gives the greatest deal to the travellers who wants to travel in Japan.
Japan Rail Pass Official site is very informative. But some points are not clear. And it does not show you how to get the worth of this pass.
In this post, I tell you about this pass as simple as possible. I compare a regular fare and JR pass, how to choose the retailer, additional charge and many more.
How to buy JR Pass
You have four ways to buy JR Pass.
Purchasing at the authorized dealer
Only authorized dealers are allowed to sell JR Pass. You can find the agent list at this page of Japan Rail Pass official site.
These following companies are major wholeselers:
- JTB (the biggest travel agency in Japan)
- NTA (Nippon Travel Agency / third biggest and the oldest travel agency in Japan)
- KNT (Kintetsu International / same group as Kintetsu Railways. Second biggest travel agency)
- Top Tour (Same group as Tobu Railway)
- JALPAK (Same group as Japan Airlines)
You can find many company names on the official website, but most of them are subcontractors who purchase and sell passes from the above major wholesalers.
JR Pass online purchase from wholesalers and subcontractors
In these days, many companies have a contract with these above distributors. And an online sales by wholesalers and subcontractors have been very active these days. In particular, many subcontractors specialize in JR Passes, and we actively sell them by using their websites to send JR Passes to countries around the world.
You can find as many online retailers as you want by googling with the JR Pass. To find out if these companies are official companies, you may check the agent list at the link above. If it’s a company listed there, you can buy a JR Pass from it.
ACP Rail is one of the reliable online retailer because they deal with JR group company, JR East directly. This company is the official retailer of JR East. Their online purchasing site is connected with JR East official site.
Japan Rail Pass online purchasing at ACP RailJR Pass online purchase from the official site
Until now, online sales have been mostly done by subcontractors, but the JR Pass official website has been renewed on June 1, 2020, and you can purchase directly from the official website.
However, the price will be higher than the agent price. As I will explain later, the JR Pass can be purchased now even after arrival in Japan, and the online sales price on the official website will be the same as the sales price in Japan.
e.g.
7-day ordinary pass
Agent price JPY 29,650
Official website online price JPY 33,610
If you buy a pass from the agent’s site, an exchange order will be sent to you by mail, so you will need to pay the shipping fee, but even if you take this into consideration, the agent price will be much cheaper.
However the online seat reservation is available on only JR Pass official site. You can book a seat online before you go with peace of mind. If you buy the JR Pass at the travel agent, you cannot book a seat online.
Please see another post below to find the detailed information on the Japan Rail Pass official online reservation:
In my opinon, if you plan to visit Japan in the busy season, such as the year-end/New Year holidays, you may buy it at the official site.
Purchaing JR pass in Japan
Currently you can purchase JR pass in Japan until the end of March, 2021. Please see the link below to find the details:
Official announcement about JR pass by JR group (PDF)
If you forget to buy it before you go, or you will find your trip plan after you arrive in Japan, you can buy the JR pass after you arrve in Japan.
Types and prices
There are two types, Green and Ordinary, and three duration, 7, 14 and 21-day. And the price varies depending on the agent price and the official website price/domastic sales price in Japan.
The differences between the official site/sales in Japan prices and the agent prices are shown in red. The sales price in Japan and the official site are 10 to 12% higher than the agent prices.
When you purchase it, the rates are adjusted by your country’s currency.
This pass is eligible for a train, a few JR bus and a ferry services which are provided by Japan Railways Group with a few exceptions. I will explain these exceptions later.
In my opinion, JR Pass is most unbeatable deal if you travel in some of regions of Japan. There are many kinds of the rail passes in Japan, such as JR East Pass, JR Hokkaido Pass, JR Kyushu Pass and many more. But JR Pass is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. And of course it covers both Tokyo and Kyoto. But if you need the detail information about other passes, please access to the list of the train pass. I wrote about many other rail passes in the posts.
How to find that you can get the worth of JR pass. Tips for using JR pass efficiently.
Once you decide the first day of use, you have to complete your trip in the fixed day. If you intend to use 7-day JR pass and stay in Japan for 7 days or less, you can start using it right after you arrive in Japan. However if you stay in Japan for the longer period than Japan Rail Pass duration, you have to find which JR pass you should buy and which day you should start using it.
Airport access
You can take JR trains at Narita airport, Kansai airport and New Chitose airport. These airports are covered by JR pass. And Haneda airport is connected to downtown Tokyo by Tokyo Monorail. This is covered by JR pass too. Please see the table below how much the fare of these airport access:
Airport | train | Destination | fare |
Narita | Narita Express | Tokyo Shinagawa, Shinjuku Yokohama | 2,820 yen 3,190 yen 4,290 yen |
Haneda | Tokyo Monorail | Hamamatsucho | 500 yen |
Kansai | Limited Express Haruka | Tennoji Shin-Osaka Kyoto | 2,230 yen 2,850 yen 3,370 yen |
New Chitose | Rapid Airport | Sapporo Otaru | 1,590 yen 2,300 yen |
*All fare include the base fare and the reserved seat fee.
Other airports, such as Chubu (Nagoya), Fukuoka are not covered by JR pass. You cannot start using JR pass right after arrival in these airports and the additional fare is required to take the other transportation to get to the nearest JR station first.
Using JR pass in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo
If you start using JR pass after arrival in Narita, Haneda, Kansai or New Chitose, you will stay in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or Sapporo. You can use JR Pass to take the JR local trains in these cities. But it is not very efficient to use JR pass for sightseeing inside these cities. Because the train fare is not big enough to help getting the worth.
Please see the one way fare for the major segments in these cities in the table below:
Segment | One way base fare |
Tokyo to Shinjuku | 200 yen |
Tokyo to Yokohama | 470 yen |
Osaka to JR-Namba | 190 yen |
Osaka to Kyoto | 560 yen |
Osaka to Nara | 800 yen |
Osaka to Sannomiya (Kobe) | 410 yen |
Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama | 240 yen |
Kyoto to Inari (Fushii Inari) | 140 yen |
Sapporo to Otaru | 640 yen |
As you see the table above, the train fare in these cities are inexpensive. It does not help to get the worth of JR pass. If you can get the worth by the other trip(s), you can use JR pass in these cities. But it is not recommended to use it in the cities.
If you intend to start using JR Pass right after arrival in the airport but you will stay in one of these cities, please think again when you should start using JR Pass.
I explain about how to use JR Pass in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in these following posts:
- How much can we use Japan Rail Pass in downtown Tokyo?
- Fast, economical and convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo. Learn about Tokyo Subways.
- Japan Rail Pass is the best way to explore Kyoto? How to use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto
- How to use and how much can we use Japan Rail Pass in downtown Osaka?
- How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines
- How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area
The nearest place to get the worth of JR pass 7-day from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka
You may have heard that you can get the worth of 7-day JR Pass by Tokyo to Osaka round trip. It is true. The round trip fare and the Shinkansen seat fee are slightly less than 7-day JR Pass price. If you use JR Pass for the airport to Tokyo (or Osaka), and/or making some local train trips in the city, you can get the worth of it.
You have to use JR pass for a long train ride as much as you can, such as Tokyo to Osaka round trip. I would like to show you not only Tokyo to Osaka round trip but also more trips to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass. You can find the nearest place to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
7-day pass is sold at 29,110 yen. If one way base fare and the reserved seat fee are more than 14,560 yen or more, you can get the worth of 7-day pass by only one round trip.
From Tokyo
As the map above, these following round trips fares are higher than the price of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Shin-Kobe
- The round trip to Morioka
- The round trip to Komatsu
- The round trip to Takayama
Shin-Kobe is one station away from Shin-Osaka on the Shinkansen. As I mentioned above, if you use JR Pass to make a few local train trips, you can get the worth by the round trip to Shin-Osaka.
Komatsu is a bit away from Kanazawa. It is same thing as the round trip to Shin-Kobe. You can get the worth of 7-day pass by the round trip to Kanazawa and some local train trips.
You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:
From Osaka
As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Omiya
- The round trip to Ueda (via Kanazawa)
- The round trip to Hakata
- The round trip to Tsuwano
If you go east from Osaka, Omiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Omiya is just outside Tokyo. But as I mentioned above from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe, you can get the worth of it by Osaka to/from Tokyo round trip and some local trips.
Ueda is one station away from Nagano by Hokuriku Shinkansen. You also can get the worth of 7-day JR pass by round trip to Nagano and some local train trip.
If you go west, the round trip to Hakata (Fukuoka) is okay to get the worth. You also can get the worth of it by the round trip to Tsuwano too.
You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:
From Nagoya
As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Utsunomiya
- The round trip to Tokuyama
If you go east from Nagoya, the round trip to Tokyo is not enough to get the worth. Utsunomiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of it. Utsunomiya is the gateway to Nikko. If you intend to visit there, you can get the worth of it easily.
If you go west, the round trip to Tokuyama is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Tokuyama is two stations away from Hiroshima on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. If you make a round trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima by the local train and take the ferry to Miyajima, the total fare is very close to JR Pass 7-day price.
Tokyo to Osaka (or versa) one way trip is not enough to get the worth of even 7-day JR Pass.
If you will have only one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka, the regular fare ticket is your choice. I wrote about using single ticket at the post, For non JR pass travellers. Guide to use JR single ticket, basic rules, validity and stopover.
You also can find some sample itineraries in the links below:
Tokyo – Osaka one way trip sample itinerary
Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo one way sample itinerary
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka one way sample itinerary
The faretable of the major segments
I would like to show you the fares for your convenience. If you have a multi-city travel, the fare may be cheaper. But you can use this faretable to find that you can get the worth of JR Pass or not. These following fares are based on the Shinkansen and/or daytime limited express train reserved seat fee, and the base fare.
station | Tokyo | Osaka | Nagoya |
Sapporo | 26,820 yen | 37,100 yen | 34,350 yen |
Hakodate | 23,420 yen | 33,700 yen | 31,060 yen |
Aomori | 17,350 yen | 27,370 yen | 25,210 yen |
Akita | 17,800 yen | 27,820 yen | 25,440 yen |
Sendai | 11,200 yen | 22,620 yen | 20,240 yen |
Niigata | 10,570 yen | 22,310 yen | 19,930 yen |
Nikko | 5,580 yen | 18,530 yen | 16,030 yen |
Echigo-Yuzawa | 6,670 yen | 19,500yen | 17,110 yen |
Nagano | 8,200 yen | 11,790 yen | 7,330 yen |
Odawara | 3,470 yen | 12,620 yen | 8,940 yen |
Nagoya | 10,880 yen | 6,930 yen | – |
Takayama | 14,710 yen | 10,600 yen | 6,030 yen |
Toyama | 12,730 yen | 9,430 yen | 11,350 yen |
Kanazawa | 14,120 yen | 7,650 yen | 8,020 yen |
Osaka | 14,140 yen | – | 6,350 yen |
Kinosaki Onsen | 16,340 yen | 5,600 yen | 9,520 yen |
Okayama | 16,820 yen | 6,600 yen | 10,870 yen |
Hiroshima | 18,560 yen | 10,810 yen | 13,810 yen |
Fukuoka (Hakata) | 22,330 yen | 15,580 yen | 18,020 yen |
Kumamoto | 26,500 yen | 18,540 yen | 22,080 yen |
Kagoshima | 29,860 yen | 21,900 yen | 25450 yen |
Please use hyperdia to find the fare for other segments.
How to choose Green seat pass or Ordinary seat pass
I explain about Green and Ordinary class seats in the movie below:
Green seat is like business class seat. There are some higher class than Green class, such as, Gran class, Premium Green calss. But these are not covered by JR pass at all.
If you take Gran Class by JR Pass, both Ordinary pass and Green pass cover only a basic fare only. You have to pay a limited express surcharge and Gran class seat fee. Please see the post,Japan Rail Pass can be used for Hayabusa to get details.
Advantages of Green class seat are space and atmosphere. Green class seat is much more spacious and quieter than ordinary seat. Shinkansen and most of Limited Express have this class. Even some local trains, such as Rapid trains in greater Tokyo area have Green seat too. Please read one of my post, Worthwhile buying Japan Rail Pass Green Pass?. I explained the details about Green class seat in this post. I hope it may help you to decide which pass you purchase.
If you are sensitive about your budget, the ordinary class is fine. I am sure you will be satisfied with the ordinary class seat too. It is way better than economy seat on the flight. My height is 6’1″ (184 cm). But the leg space at the ordinary class seat is totally fine for me.
How to exchange
You will receive “Exchange Order” at the time of purchasing of JR Pass if you buy a pass at an official vendor or their online service. It is not the actual pass but the voucher. You have to exchange for the actual pass after you arrive in Japan. The validity of exchange order is three months from the date of issue. The pass never be sold out.
If you buy the JR Pass at the official JR Pass reservation site, you will recieve a reservation number. You will not receive any papers. It is easier to handle.
You can exchange and receive an actual pass at the designated stations. Narita airport, Kansai airport, Tokyo, Shinagawa, Osaka, Kyoto and more than 40 major stations throughout Japan are on the list. Please find the list of the exchange places in the link below:
JR Pass exchange and sales office list, Japan Rail Pass official site.
If you want to buy the JR Pass after you arrive in Japan, you can buy it at the stations on this sales office list.
When you turn in, go to the exchange place and tell the staff that you will exchange JR pass. You will receive the application form and fill in. After that, you will proceed the window and show your passport and exchange order to get the actual pass.
When you turn in the pass, you can choose the first day of use within one month from this day.
e.g.
If you exchange a pass on June 1st, you can choose the starting date from June 1st to 30th.
The start and finish dates will be stamped on your pass. Once the dates are stamped, you cannot change it.
Definition of one day
It means 00:00 to 23:59.
e.g.
If you start to use 7 days pass on April 1st, your pass is expired at 23:59 on April 7th.
There are an exception. If you are on board at 23:59 on the last day, you still can continue to travel by train. Your pass cover until you get off the train. After you get off the train, as long as you don’t exit the station, your pass still cover basic fare.
e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito
Even though your arrival time is 00:24 on 8th day, this trip is covered until you get Mito by JR pass
If you do not exit Mito station, you still can take local train because the base fare is covered by JR pass until you exit the station
e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito
Day 8 Mito 00:33 (local train) 00:39 Katsuta
You can take a local train only. You cannot take any limited express trains after you get off it at Mito.
Validity
JR Pass covers most of the railway service and the ferry service by Japan railways. You can go almost anywhere throughout Japan except Okinawa. (Any JR companies do not offer a train service in Okinawa.) Please see the Japan Railway’s route map and the Shinkansen (bullet train) route map in the links below:
Nationwide JR route map, Japan Rail Pass official site
Shinkansen (bullet train) route map, Japan Rail Pass official site
But there are a few exceptions when you use JR pass. I would like to show you which services are NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.
Nozomi and Mizuho on the Tokaido, the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen lines
I think this is the biggest thing that you have to know.
Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent train service on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata. Mizuho is the fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. JR Pass is NOT valid for these trains. Even a basic fare to take Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered by JR Pass at all. If you take Nozomi or Mizuho, JR Pass does not help you at all. You have to pay a full fare beside JR pass.
JR pass covers Hikari between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and Sakura between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo which are the second fastest trains. The difference between Hikari and Nozomi are the following:
Trip time between Tokyo and Shin Osaka — 3 hours by Hikari / 2.5 hours by Nozomi
Frequency — 2 trips of Hikari per hour / 5 to 6 trips of Nozomi per hour
*There are some more trips of both Hikari and Nozomi in a peak hour.
Please refer one of my post, Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to get the details abut the difference between Nozomi and Hikari.
Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. Sakura is the second fastest but Sakura runs more than Mizuho. You cannot take Mizuho by JR Pass but this is not an issue.
All Shinkansen trains on the Tohoku, the Hokkaido, the Akita, the Yamagata, the Joetsu and the Hokuriku Shinkansen are covered by JR Pass fully.
Gran Class of Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido Shinkansen
JR Pass covers Tohoku, Hokkaido and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains fully. Gran class that is the highest class seat is available on these Shinkansen lines. This is a higher class than Green class. If you take this Gran class, both Japan Rail Pass Ordinary and even Green cover a base fare only. You need to pay all amount of surcharge beside JR Pass. This extra charge is not the difference between Green class and Gran class. You must pay Gran class full amount fee.
Delux Green on JR Kyushu trains
Some limited express trains in Kyushu have Delux Green Class. If you take this class, you have to pay both Limited Express surcharge and Delux Green surcharge. Even Green Pass does not cover both surcharge.
Green Private Compartment
These following trains have Green seat compartment.
- Super View Odoriko (Tokyo-Atami/Ito/Izukyu Shimoda)
- Spacia Nikko/Kinugawa (Shinjuku-Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen)
- Most of limited express trains in Kyushu (Nichirin, Kamome, Midori and many more except Sonic and Huis Ten Bosch)
If you use this type of seat by Japan Rail Pass, your party must be 4 persons because it is based on 4 person. If you use this by 3 persons or less, you have to pay surcharge for insufficiency.
The overnight train and sleeper car
There are only two scheduled overnight trains in Japan now. Those are Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo. If you use a compartment on these trains, JR pass covers only a base fare. However this train has the ordinary class which is called, “Nobi Nobi seat”. This ordinary class seat is covered by JR pass fully. Please see the links below to find more information:
Sunrise Izumo (Tokyo – Izumoshi)
Sunrise Seto (Tokyo – Takamatsu)
Trains run through Non JR lines
Some of limited express trains go through Non JR lines. You have to pay some extra for the section where your train goes on Non JR line. Because Japan Rail Pass cover only JR lines. The following list shows you the trains which go through Non JR lines. Please refer each train’s page to get the details about the extra charge.
- The limited express Odoriko, Saphir Odoriko (Ito-Izukyu Shimoda/Izu Kyuko Railway, Mishima-Shuzenji/Izuhakone Railway)
- The limited expres Nikko, Spacia Nikko (Kurihashi-Tobu Nikko/Tobu Railway)
- The limited express Kinugawa, Spacia Kinugawa (Kurihashi-Kinugawa Onsen/Tobu Railway)
- The limited express Shirayuki (Arai/Joetsu Myoko-Naoetsu)
- The limited express Wide View Nanki (Kawarada-Tsu/Ise Railway)
- The limited express Hashidate (Fukuchiyama-Amanohashidate-Toyooka/Kitakinki Tango Railway)
- The limited express Super Hakuto (Kamigori-Chizu/Chizu Kyuko Railway)
- The limited express Super Inaba (Kamigori-Chizu/Chizu Kyuko Railway)
- The limited express Nanpu, Shimanto, Ashizuri (Kubokawa-Sukumo/Tosa Kuroshio Railway)
Bus services
There are eight bus companies in JR Bus Group. But these bus companies and JR’s railway company, which is now divided into seven, were formerly state-owned, but became a separate organization with the privatization, and it is called the JR group.
These eight bus companies operate local bus services and highway bus services. But Japan Rail Pass covers a few local bus services only.
JR’s local bus services are a sort of commute service. I pick up some lines for the tourist.
- Samani-Erimo Misaki (Cape Erimo)
- Hachinohe/Aomori-Lake Towada
- Morioka-Ryusendo
- Naganohara Kusatsuguchi-Kusatsu Onsen-Shirane Kazan
- Hiroshima tourist loop bus, “Meipuru-pu”
Japan Rail Pass may cover some more bus services. But even official site does not provide any detailed information. As far as I know, I can confirm that JR Pass covers only these bus services at this point.
Ferry Service
Miyajima ferry service is operated between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima. Japan Rail Pass is valid for this route. Miyajima is UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most popular destination for foreign travellers. This ferry cruise is very short trip. It takes only 10 minutes. Please refer one of my post, How to get Miyajima to get the details about Miyajima.
JR Kyushu operates the international ferry service between Hakata and Busan (Korea) But this is NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.
Other train services
Japan Rail Pass does not cover any NON JR train services, such as the subways (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Yokohama, Sendai, Fukuoka), other train services by private companies, city bus services, local bus services and ferry services. The following list shows you major train services that Japan Rail Pass does not cover.
- Sapporo Subway
- Sendai Subway
- Tokyo Subway
- Yokohama Subway
- Keihin Kyuko Railway (a.k.a. Keikyu, Shinagawa-Haneda-Yokohama)
- Keisei Railway (Narita airport-Chiba-Ueno)
- Tobu Railway (Asakusa-Nikko/Knugawa Onsen)
- Odakyu Railway (Shinjuku-Hakone/Enoshima)
- Izu Kyuko Railway (Ito-Shimoda)
- Fuji Kyuko Railway (Otsuki-Kawaguchiko)
- Nagoya Railway (a.k.a. Meitetsu, Chubu airport-Nagoya-Gifu)
- Nagoya Subway
- Kyoto Subway
- Osaka Subway
- Nankai Railway (Namba-Kansai airport/Koyasan/Wakayama)
- Kintetsu Railway (Namba-Nara/Kyoto/Ise/Nagoya)
- Hankyu Railway (Kobe-Umeda-Kawaramachi,Kyoto)
- Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi-Sanjo,Kyoto)
- Hanshin Railway, Sanyo Railway (Umeda/Namba-Kobe-Himeji)
- Fukuoka Subway
- Nishitetsu Railway (Tenjin-Dazaifu)
Tokyo Monorail between Hamamatsucho (Tokyo) and Haneda airport is not JR train but this is owned by JR East and it is covered by Japan Rail Pass.
The following trains and segments are non JR lines. But those are covered by JR Pass.
- Local and rapid trains on Aoimori Railway between Hachinohe and Aomori. But you cannot make a stopover except Hachinohe, Noheji and Aomori
- Local and rapid trains on Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka. But you cannot make a stopover except Toyama and Takaoka (after March 14, 2015)
- Any trains on IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata. But you cannot make a stopover except Kanazawa and Tsubata. There are direct trains from Kanazawa or Osaka to Wakura Onsen. These trains are go through this segment and then go on JR Nanao line. If you take these trains, extra charge is not required on top of JR Pass.
How to use JR pass in major cities and tourist spots
You can get most places in Japan by JR pass. JR pass covers most of JR trains which include Shinkansen, limited express trains, and other rapid commute trains and local trains in the cities.
But as I explained above, JR pass does not cover Non JR trains, subways and city bus. I also would like to explain the coverage by major places and you can find the detailed coverage of JR pass.
Sapporo
Subway, tram (street car) and city bus are not covered.
Subway and tram route map
You can walk to get Odori Park or Clock tower from Sapporo station if you want. But subway is better way.
Hakodate
Tram and city bus are not covered. You need to pay extra to get some tourist spots, such as Hakodate mountain.
Nikko
You can take Tohoku Shinkansen to get Utsunomiya and take Nikko line local train to Nikko. All trips to Nikko is covered. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Nikko from Tokyo. There are three ways from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.
But JR pass does not cover any local transportation, such as a local bus in Nikko area.
Tokyo
You can take any local trains in Tokyo to access to many places. But some of places cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Asakusa, Tsukiji market, Tokyo Skytree. Please see the post below to find the detailed information:
You also can access to/from both Narita airport and Haneda airport. JR pass covers Narita Express and Airport Rapid train to/from Narita. Tokyo Monorail is covered by JR pass to/from Haneda airport.
Lake Kawaguchi
You can use JR pass to get Otsuki but you have to pay extra for taking Fuji Kyuko railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko station. Please see the link below to find more information:
Hakone
You can get Odawara by Shinkansen but after arrival Odawara, JR pass does not help you. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access Hakone from Tokyo. Compare Japan Railway and Odakyu lines
Nagoya
Subway and other Non JR trains, such as Meitetsu railway is not covered. You need to pay for access to/from Chubu airport (Centrair).
Chubu (Nagoya) airport transportation guide. Find info about airport station and access to Nagoya
Transportation Bureau, City of Nagoya
Snow Monkey Park in Nagano
You can get Nagano by JR pass but you have to pay for bus and/or train to get Snow Monkey Park. Please see the link below to find more information:
Trip to Tohoku, Chubu and Chugoku in 2016 winter – Part 9, Visit Snow Monkey Park in Nagano
Shirakawago
You can get Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama and Takaoka by JR pass. But you have to take a bus from one of these stations and need to pay for the bus. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Shirakawago from Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
You can access to Nagano, Shinano-Omachi or Toyama by JR Pass. After arrival in these cities, you need to pay for local transportation. Please see the link below to find more information:
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, one of most spectacular sightseeing route in Northern Japan Alps
If intend to go through whole part of Alpine Route, you can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. Please see the following link:
Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one way)
Kyoto
You can get Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi Inari and Uji by JR pass. But you need to take subway, city bus and/or other Non JR railways to get the various tourist places. Please see the post below to find more information:
Osaka
You can take any local trains, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can access to Universal City (USJ) too. But JR-Namba station is not very convenient and some places in the city cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. Please see the post below to find more information:
You also can take Limited Express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid Train by JR pass to/from Kansai airport. Nankai railway is not covered.
Kobe
Actually many places can be accessed by JR station. You can get Kobe by JR pass easily. You may not add any additional deals. Please see the link below to find more information:
Guide to take trains in Kobe. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Nara
You can get Nara by JR trains from either Kyoto and Osaka. Most of tourist spots in Nara can be accessed by walk from JR Nara station. Please see the link below to find more information:
Mt. Koya (Koyasan)
You should take Nankai railway from Namba or Shin-Imamiya. Nankai railway is not JR and you need to pay extra. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?
Hiroshima
You can access to Hiroshima by Shinkansen and it’s covered by JR pass. And also JR pass covers Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” fully. This bus covers most of tourist spots in Hiroshima. Please see the following link to find the detailed information:
Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus Meipuru-pu official site
Miyajima
You can take JR local train to Miyajimaguchi and then take ferry to Miyajima. Both train and ferry are covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Miyajima from Hiroshima by local train. No extra charge for Japan Rail Pass user.
Fukuoka / Hakata
JR Pass does not cover Fukuoka city subway and Nishitetsu railway. Only subway connects Fukuoka airport and Hakata. But you cannot use JR pass to get airport because subway is not covered. Some places around Fukuoka is covered by Nishitetsu railway, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. But Nishitetsu railway is not covered by JR pass either.
Who is eligible?
If you are the foreign tourist, you have to be “Temporary Visitor”. This entry status will be stamped at immigration on your passport. Other status cannot be acceptable. You have to show your passport at the station when you pass your exchange order to get actual pass.
If you are already in Japan as other status, you have to change your status first. Otherwise you cannot buy Japan Rail Pass. Please see “How to buy and exchange”.
If you are Japanese citizen who have permanently status in foreign country, or who married to a non-Japanese, you are qualified.
How to refund
You can refund within one year from issue date before you turn in for the actual pass. Simply bring or send your exchange order to the agent where you purchased it. They will subtract a handling fee and refund to you. The handling fee is usually 10% of the amount. Contact to your agent and make sure it before you refund.
You can NEVER refund after turned in the actual pass.
Lost or Stolen
Once you lost it, it’s over. Either an exchange order or an actual pass cannot be reissued.
Comments
Hi. I wondered if you could help us?
We are uncertain whether we need to buy a 21day AND a 7day JR Pass. We are travelling Japan for 30 days with the following planned itinerary:-
Arrive Osaka/ Kansai airport July 18
4 days sightseeing Kyoto
2 “. Kanazawa
2 “. Takayama
2 ” Nagano
3 ” Tokyo
1 or 2 days Mt Fuji area
1 or 2 days Tsumago- Magome
1 day Okayama/Kurashira
4 days Travelling around Shikoku Island
2 days Hiroshima/Miyajima
1-2 days Fukouka/Dazaifu
1 day Nagasaki
1-2 days Kumamoto
4 days Osaka (last day leave from KIX)
Hi Vicki,
If you complete Kyoto-Osaka in 21 days, you need to purchase only 21 days pass. You don’t have many chance to use JR Pass when you stay in Kyoto and Osaka.
At this point, it is very hard to compare single fares and JR pass. But roughly, total single fares will be cheaper. Especially for the first half of your trip, Kyoto-Kanazawa-Takayama-Nagano-Tokyo, total single fares will be cheaper. And also the bus and train combine transfer is faster from Takayama to Nagano via Matsumoto.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/matsumoto.html (take train from Matsumoto to Nagano)
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi,
I will travel to Japan in this month with my mum. I am still considering whether Should I purchase JRPass for out trip. Hopefully you can give me some suggestions or advise.
Following is the schedule:
20/3 arrived in Kansai airport and transfer to Kyoto
21/3 Kyoto sightseeing
22/3 transfer to Hida takayama
23/3 takayama sightseeing
24/3 transfer to kawaguchiKo (I was thinking to take bus from takayama to Matsumoto, then change train to kawaguchi ko)
25/3 transfer to Tokyo
26/3 Tokyo sightseeing
27/3 Depart to Singapore
Looking forward to your reply.
Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyn,
I have just replied at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/subway-in-tokyo.html
In that comment, you did not mention about bus to Matsumoto. That is a good idea. But it’s not covered by JR Pass and if you use this bus, your total fare will be slightly cheaper than JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi San,
Thank you for prompt reply. Will there be more convenient if I travel by bus to matsumoto from hida, then take train to kawaguchiko? Or Should I go to Tokyo first then travel to kawaguchiko? which route is more easier as I am travelling with my mum, I am trying to find the most convenience way.
Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyn,
First of all, I deleted same question at other post. I answer you here.
If you want to have the shortest trip time, Matsumoto route is the best. In this case, take bus to Matsumoto, and transfer to train to Otsuki, and then take Fuji Kyuko train to Kawaguchiko. When you choose the train from Matsumoto to Otsuki, some limited express trains do not stop at Otsuki. Try to choose the train to get Otsuki directly from Matsumoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi ,
Can i check , is it better if i stay near shin-osaka then from there a day trip to Kobe and back to osaka ( stay at osaka ) then stay near mamba / Umeda then from there to Nara before going to Kyoto ( stay at kyoto ) .
The reason we book wrong hotel near Shin-Osaka and realised it not so ideal location and most hotel in other area is fully book the first night we are there , so we thot since we are on JP pass , can we do a side trip to kobe , then since nara is sort of in between Osaka and Kyoto , we do a side morning trip after we leave Osaka then to nara and back to kyoto. I believed JR pass can cover all these ( though of cos after reading from your site it might not be the most convenient and time saving.
Hi Kolaxiong,
Shin-Osaka is not a bad place to stay. Namba and Umeda areas are more attractive for shopping and food. But Shin-Osaka is located among Kyoto, Osaka (Umeda) and Kobe. You can go these places by JR trains directly. Even if you go to Nara, just go to Osaka that is one station away from Shin-Osaka. And then take Yamatoji Rapid train at JR Osaka. This train goes to Nara directly. Even if you stay in Namba, you may need to transfer at Tennoji. And JR Namba station is not located in the heart of Namba.
When you want to go to Namba from Shin-Osaka, you can take subway Midusuji line. This line is not covered by JR Pass. But you can go there from Shin-Osaka directly.
Some of frequent travellers choose Shin-Osaka to stay in Osaka because average hotel rate is more reasonable than Umeda and Namaba. And it’s very convenient location.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi,
I am planing to go to Japan 10 to 17/May/14, appreciated if you can advice me which pass should I buy.
10/5/14 night flight to Kansai, stay at Osaka
11/5/14 Osaka
12/5/14 shin Osaka to Hiroshima
13/5/14 Hiroshima to Nagasaki
14/5/14 Nagasaki
15/5/14 Nagasaki – Himeji – Kobe – Shin Osaka
16/5/14 Kyoto
17/5/14 Nara
May I use JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu rail pass for my journey?
And I found that the Shinkansen is not stop at Nagasaki , I need to take train kamome to Nagasaki, do i have to pay for kamome ticket if i buy Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu rail pass?
And last 2 days at Kyoto and Nara, which pass should I buy?
Thank you very much.
Hi Chris,
Sanyo Shikoku Rail Pass is a good choice. It covers all JR trains, of course Kamome is covered too.
But it’s valid 5 consecutive days. So I recommend you to start this pass on May 12. And I recommend you to purchase ICOCA and Haruka for May 10, 11 and 17.
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
You may add Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass because Sanyo Kyushu Shikoku pass does not cover Kyoto bus and subway. ICOCA money 1500 yen is not enough. You have to save ICOCA for Osaka and Nara.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much, Takeshi San, the info provided is useful for me.
No problem, Chris.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi San,
I am wondering is it suitable for me to buy ‘Enjoy ECO card’on 11/5/14 when i am at osaka and what is the difference between this ‘enjoy ECO Card’ and ICOCA card.
Thank you
Best regards,
Chris Koh
Hi Chris,
ICOCA is IC prepaid card. It can be used for any trains in almost anywhere. Eco card can be used for Osaka subway only. But it gives you unlimited ride. It you make lots of trips in Osaka, Eco card is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will be traveling from 8 April to 17 April 2014 with itinerary below:
( Osaka 8/4 & 9/4—> Kyoto 10/4 &11/4—–> Kanazawa 12/4 -15/4 ——> intend to go Shirakawa go & Takayama , but stay in Kanazawa for 3 nights ——> Osaka 16/4 &17/6
My query is what pass we should buy? Kindly advice.
8/4 – flight arrive Kansai airport 930pm.
What is the value for money Transport to Osaka Namba station at 11pm (in case any delay though our flight touch down is 930pm) .
What is the time for the last train?
We are considering to buy Kintetsu Rail Pass for our itinerary.
Please advise it’s price, limitation use? is this best suitable for us? Or other better alternative ?
Can we use this pass to travel around in Kyoto via keihen line?
Can we use this Kintetsu Rail pass to Kanazawa and tour around Kanazawa ?
What is the price? And travel time?
Any good alternative?
As in Kanazawa , we need to travel to n fro to Shirakawa go and Hida Takayama .
What rail way pass best suits us? Price and its limitation.
Deeply appreciate your kind advice.
Best regards,
Jac
Hi Jac,
1) Late travel at Kansai airport
Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
To Namba from the airport, single fare is your option.
2) Kintetsu pass
It doesn’t meet your itinerary. It covers only Kintetsu railway. This pass is not useful for your trip.
3) Exploring Osaka
Single fare or Eco card will be your choice.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
If you intend to visit many attractions, Osaka Unlimited Pass may be considerable.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/
4) Osaka to Kyoto
Single fare is your choice. There are many routes from Namba to Kyoto. It depends on your place to stay in Kyoto. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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
5) Exploring Kyoto
Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass is very useful.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
6) Kyoto-Kanazawa-Osaka
Only single fare is available. You can purchase and book at any JR station after you arrive in Japan.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
7) Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama
Only bus is your choice. Nohi bus can take you there.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
Reservation is required for takeing some of bus service. But only phone is the option to book. You can find the number at above link.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San
Thank you for your prompt revert.
As we are staying in Namba -near Midosuji subway station,
1. If we stay in Kyoto Station (main) , what is the best train should we go from Midosuji subway to Kyoto Station?
Sorry, Ian confused as there is so many subway n train line.
2. What is the best to travel from Namba- Midosuji subway station to Kanazawa ?
Or is it better to stay near JR station?
Deeply appreciate your reply.
Cheers
Jac
Hi Jac,
Simply you can take Midousuji line to Umeda. Umeda is same place as JR Osaka station. You can take trains either to Kyoto and Kanazawa at Osaka station.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-jr-trains-subway-trains-and-other-private-railways.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Our group of 5 are going to Japan during April 4 – 14, 2014. I appreciate if you could give us a suggestion about buying a pass ticket.
Here’s our itinerary
Day1 KIX- hotel/ go around Osaka
Day 2 Nara/Universal Studio (stay in Osaka) (not sure to make it in one day? If not, we may extend to stay one more night in Osaka and cut down one night in Tokyo)
Day3 around Kyoto (stay in Osaka)
Day 4 Kyoto/Arschiyama (stay in Osaka)
Day5 to Takayama-Shirakawago (stay in Takayama)
Day 6 Takayama-(Nagoya?)/ Tokyo
Day7-Day11 Tokyo
Thank you very much
Poom
Hi Poom,
First of all, please make sure the following things:
1. Day 2 is too tight.
2. What is your plan in Tokyo?
Your long transfer (Osaka-Takayama / Takayama-Tokyo) is around 23000 yen. You can find some fare tables at the following link?
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
So if you intend to make more trip in Tokyo, like Mt. FUji, Nikko, or other spots (not in downtown Tokyo), JR Pass 7 days will meet your trip. But Kansai airport to Osaka, trip to Kyoto and some local trips in Kansai area are not enough to get worth to use 7 days JR pass. So for example if you have a trip to Lake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji) on day 8, you can use JR pass for day 2 to 8.
If you don’t intend to go anywhere outside of Tokyo, use ICOCA and haruka for day 1 and Kansai Thru Pass 3 days for 2 trip to Kyoto and trip to Nara. Single ticket is enough for USJ.
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Even if you use JR pass, ICOCA and Haruka is still your option for day 1.
In case that you don’t go anywhere outside of Tokyo, single fares will be your option for the rest of your trip.
I think JR Pass 7 days is better and easier. Even if you spend one more day in Osaka, you will have lots of time in Tokyo. You may have a chance to explore outside of Tokyo.
At last, single fare is your option for the trip to the airport in Tokyo. Subway pass can be used to explore in Tokyo.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi JP Rail,
I’m planning to go to Japan on Apr 11-20, here’s my itinerary, please advise which pass would be most convenient and practical.
Day 1 Kansai Airport – Tennoji
Day 2 Around Osaka (stay in Tennoji)
Day 3 Around Kyoto back to Osaka (stay in Tennoji)
Day 4 Around Kyoto back to Osaka (stay in Tennoji)
Day 5 Osaka-Nara-Yokohama
Day 6 Yokohama-Tokyo (Stay in Yokohama)
Day 7 Yokohama-Tokyo (Stay in Yokohama)
DAy 8 Yokohama-Tokyo (Stay in Yokohama)
Day 9 Around Hakone (Stay in Yokohama)
Day 10 Yokohama-Kansai Airport
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you in advance.
Hi Jenice,
I recommend you the following:
ICOCA and Haruka (day 1 to 3)
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
JR Pass 7 days (day 4 to 10)
Kyoto city sightseeing card (day 3 to 4)
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Kyoto subway and bus are not covered by JR pass. ICOCA can be used for taking subway, but it’s not enough amount to cover for day 1 to 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you JP Rail for this suggestion! Now i can plan my trip from here.
No problem, Jenice.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We’re thinking whether we should buy the JR pass.
We arrived Narita airport on Feb 7 and we’re thinking to take the airport bus to our hotel in shinjuku. We’re visiting Tokyo on Feb 8 & 9 and then we’re going to Atami, Izu kogen and shimoda from Feb 10 to Feb 13. We’re going to Hong Kong on Feb 14.
Just want to know what other passes we can buy to save the transportation cost.
Thank you.
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
First of all, you can use the following:
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/discount_ticket/en/index.html
For the trip to Izu and Atami, you can use Kanto area pass.
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
But this pass is valid for 3 days only. If you stay for 4 days, single fare will be cheaper. There is not many deals for the trip to Izu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will be staying in osaka for a month. I’ve planned to go around osaka, universal studio and to kyoto on weekends during the 1-month stay. Then, I’ll travel to tokyo for a week. I have not make a full list of itineries but so far destinations in mind are nagoya, mt fuji, disneyland and disneysea, studio ghibli museum in mikata and around central tokyo. I am flying off from tokyo at the end of the trip. What would you recommend? Is a JR pass a suitable choice?
Thanks.
Hi Shin,
JR Pass does not meet your trip from Osaka to Tokyo. You may use one single ticket from Osaka to Tokyo and make a stopover at Nagoya.
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
If you go to Lake Kaawguchi to see Mt. Fuji, you can use one single ticket for Osaka-Nagoya-Tokyo-Kawaguchiko. Please see the following post to learn more about single ticket:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi takeshi, my friend and i are planning pur trip to tokyo next august.
We are wondering if we should buy japan rail pass or not. But, as i looked at ur blog, i started to rethink about it. Because japan rail pass doesnt cover most place in kyoto and some place in tokyo. But i want to ask ur advice first.
Here is our itinerary
Day one
Arrive at kix to hotel in osaka
Hotel to himeji castle
Himeji to kaiyukan aquarium
Kaiyukan to hotel
Day two
Hotel to universal studio
Usj to dotonbori
Dotonbori to hotel
Day three
Transfer to kyoto
Hotel to fushimi inaritaisha
Fushimi to kiyomizu dera
Kiyomizu to nishiki market
Nishiki to kamo river bank to watch the obon firework
Back to hotel
Day four
Hotel to kinkakuji
Kinkakuji to nissan stadium
Nissan stadium to gion district
Gion to pontocho
Pontocho to hotel
Day five
Transfer to tokyo
Hotel to tokyo dome
Tokyo dome to benifuji no yu onsen
Then we are going to ride hakone yumoto train
Back to hotel in tokyo
Day six
Hotel to disneyland and disneysea
Back to hotel
Day seven
Hotel to tokyo dome
Tokyo dome to akihabara district
Akihabara to shinjuku
Shinjuku to harajuku
Harajuku to shibuya
Shibuya to kappaboshi market
Kappaboshi to roppongi hills to watch obon festival
Back to hotel
Day eight
Depart from narita airport
First, should we buy japan rail pass if we want to press our budget?
If not, then what should we take to make this travel possible?
If yes, then what should we take to travel to all places which are not covered by jr pass?
Thank you very much~~
Hi Shandy
JR Pass is too expensive for your trip. I recommend you the following:
Kansai Area Pass one day
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
For day one, this pass covers most part of your trip. If your hotel is not located near JR station, you have to pay extra to take subway. Please check the coverage at the following:
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
For day 2, single ticket is fine.
For day 3 and 4, if you visit Kyoto from Osaka and back to Osaka, Kansai Thru Pass 2 days is recommended:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If not, single ticket to Kyoto and all day bus pass will be your choice:
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
For day 5, single ticket is your choice. You can find more info about single ticket at the following:
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
If you want to go to Hakone, you may drop by when you go to Tokyo. Odawara is the nearest station to Hakone-Yumoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
It’s not a good idea to go there from Tokyo. You have to pay double for Tokyo-Odawara.
For day 6 and 8, single ticket is fine.
For day 7, you can use subway pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/subway-in-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
thank you very much for your respond.
i tried to compare between JR Pass – Kansai Area Pass – Single Ticket for day two, and it turned out that your advice is the cheapest way i could take xD hehehe
btw me and my friend changed our itineraray for day 5 and 7..
we plan to add hakone in day 5 so we would remove all place from day 5 to day 7 hehe. so it would become like this :
day 5
Hotel at Kyoto – Detached Palace in Hakone
Detached Palace in Hakone – Togendai Station, to ride a ship from the harbour near by
Togendai Station – Gora Park
Gora Park – Onsen in Hakone
Onsen – Tokyo SKy Tree
Skytree – Hotel in Tokyo
we plan to buy Hakone Free Pass and PASMO for day 5 and the rest day in Tokyo. Do you have any advice for us?
Thank You~
Hi Shandy,
Day 5 will be busy day, but it’s possible. I recommend you to stop by Owakudani between Gora and Togendai.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html
You will be able to get Skytree. But it will be night view. If you want to enjoy daytime view, day 7 will be better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
no we would like to see night view in tokyo, though hehe
thank you very much for your respond 😀
i am waiting forward to my trip 😀