JR Pass and other JR deals, such as JR East Pass Nagano Niigata, JR East Pass Tohoku, Tokyo Wide Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass covers JR local trains in downtown Tokyo. But you may not be able to find which train JR lines is. You may not be able to find where you can get in downtown Tokyo by JR lines.
In this post, I focus on JR trains in downtown Tokyo and will tell you where you can get without any extra charge. You will find how much you can use JR Pass in Tokyo in this post.
Explaination in the movie
I uploaded same content as this post in YouTube. You can watch it below if you like:
Overview Japan Railways local lines in downtown Tokyo
First of all, make sure how many lines JR has in downtown Tokyo. Please see the map below. I show you only JR lines that you need to take in Tokyo. This map does not show you all stations and lines. Only major lines and stations are shown in this map.
They have five lines in Tokyo. All five lines are very busy commute line. Weekdays’ timetable is different from the weekend. But it is not much different. The traveller cannot notice that. The trains are operated every 3-5 minutes in peak hours and 5 to 10 minutes in non peak hours. Usually the train is started to operate around 6:00am and the last one is around 0:30am. So you don’t need to check the timetable. You can take the train anytime.
And each lines have different line color. This color is shown on the platform and train. This coloring let the passenger find the right train easier. The summary of these lines are the following:
Yamanote line (line color Yellow Green)
It is a loop line and connecting most of major downtown cores, like Tokyo, Yurakucho (Ginza), Shinagawa, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Akihabara. This is the busiest line in Japan. The train comes every 2 to 3 minutes in peak hours and every 4 minutes even in daytime. Most of sightseeing spots are located inside or along Yamanote line. You may take this train many times.
Chuo-Sobu line (line color Yellow)
This line connects Chiba with Mitaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku. The trains go through downtown Tokyo east and west. There are Ryogoku (the nearest station to “Kokugikan” Sumo tournament arena), Akaihabara, and Tokyo dome along this line. But if you go to Chiba, take Yokosuka-Sobu Rapid train. This is way faster than Sobu line train.
Chuo line Rapid (line color Orange)
This line connects Tokyo with Takao via Shinjuku and Hachoiji. The train comes every 2.5 minutes in peak hours and every 4 minutes in non peak hours. It is as busy as Yamanote line. This train goes on same route between Tokyo and Kanda as Yamanote line and between Ochanomizu and Mitaka as Sobu line. But Chuo line train is operated as rapid service. It stop at only Kanda, Ochanomizu, Yotsuyabetween Tokyo and Shinjuku except early morning and late night.
Keihin Tohoku line (line color Sky Blue)
This line goes from Omiya (Saitama) to Ofuna (near Kamakura) via Yokohama. The train runs every 5-10 minutes. This line runs with Yamanote line between Tabata station and Shinagawa. But this lines’ train skip several station in daytime on this section. The trains stop at Ueno, Aihabara, Tokyo, Hamamatsucho and Tamachi. If you travel on this section, Keihin Tohoku line is faster than Yamanote line. Be careful that the trains do not stop at Yurakucho and Shinbashi.
This train take you to Yokohama. But this is not good idea to take this train to outside of downtown Tokyo. This train is not fast train service. You should better take Yokosuka-Sobu Rapid train or Tokaido Rapid train. These rapid trains a sort of commute trans. You don’t need to pay any express surcharge. You can take with a basic fare only. Please see the details at Rapid train service network in Greater Tokyo.
Most of trains goes on Negishi line from Yokohama to Ofuna. There are several popular spots in Yokohama waterfront area, such as Minato Mirai, China town, Yamashita park. You may take this train from Yokohama to the west.
Keiyo line (line color Wine Red)
This line connects Tokyo with Soga (Chiba). Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea are located at Maihama station on Keiyo line. Tokyo station of this line is located at basement 4th floor. It is very deep underground. You need to spend at least 20 minutes to change the train to Keiyo line train from other trains, like Shinkansen, Yamanote line, Narita Express, Chuo line.
Which spots you cannot go by Japan Railway trains?
Please see the map above again. I put most of popular spots in Tokyo in the map. As I mentioned to you, most of spots are located along Yamanote line, like Akihabara, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ueno park. Imperial Palace is a bit away from Tokyo station. But it is still within walking distance (appx 10-15 mintes from Tokyo station). Tokyo Tower can be accessed from Hamamatsucho station on Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line. It is 15 minutes walk away. But these following spots are not accessible from Japan Railways’ stations:
Asakusa
The station that has very similar name, “Asakusabashi” is on Chuo-Sobu line. But this station is not located in Asakusa. You have to take Subway. Please see the post below to find the detailed information:
Roppongi
Roppongi is located in south part of downtown Tokyo. It is not accessible by JR. Take Tokyo Metro Hibiya line from Yurakucho station to Roppongi. You also can take Hibiya line to Roppongi from Ebisu. The fare is around 200 yen and take 10-15 minutes.
National Diet
It is near Roppongi and not accessible by JR either.
Tsukiji Outer Market
You can walk from Shimbashi statin. But it is 20 minutes away. I recommend you to take Toei subway Oedo line. The market is located just above Oedo line Tuskiji Market station. You can take Oedo line from Shinjuku. The fare is around 250 yen and take 20 minutes. If you access from Tokyo station, take Yamanote line or Keihin Tohoku line to Hamamatsucho and transfer to Daimon station on Toei subway Oedo line. Daimon and Hamamatsucho are same location. The fare is around 200 yen for subway and take 20 mintues altogether.
Odaiba
This waterfront is located in the manmade island. You cannot get there by JR. You have to take Yurikamome (automated train service) or Rinkai line. Please find the detailed information in the post below:
Should I purchase Tokyo subway pass?
As you have seen, you may have to take subway even if you use JR Pass. The single fare is not expensive. But you can buy 24 hours pass at 800 yen for Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
Please find the information about Tokyo Subway Ticket in the link below:
You may find the information abou the trian network in Tokyo in the link below:
Hope you have a good trip in downtown Tokyo
Comments
Hello,
My husband and I will be travelling to Tokyo for 14 days in May 2014. We are wondering if you think the pass is worth it or if we should just get the N’EX/Suica package and pay the individual fares. The only excursion we may do is one day in Kyoto. We have been to Tokyo with a JR pass before and found that we used the metro line to get to the JR line. I also believe the JR pass was cheaper than the $500 it is now.
Thanks for all of your help. Your guide is really helpful!
Hi Caitlin,
I think 7 days JR Pass is suitable for your trip to Kyoto. Even though return fare to Kyoto from Tokyo is slightly cheaper than JR Pass 7 days price, you may have some more chances to take JR trains in Tokyo.
If you go to Kyoto in last half or your 14 days trip, you can use JR Pass for trip to Kyoto and back to Narita. That means you need to purchase Suica & N’ex one way ticket. You can save some of your fund.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello!
I am planning a trip to Japan in November. I would like to know
1. if I should get a 14 day or 7 day JR pass
2. What day would be best to start using my pass?
3. My parents live in India and I live in USA, Can I buy a JR pass for them in USA?
4. Should I buy day passes for Hakone, Nikko or use JR pass as much as possible?
5. Should I buy day passes for subway in Tokyo or Kyoto or can I use JR pass?
6. What is the best area in Tokyo and Kyoto if I want to stay near the JR station? My parents are old. I would prefer they walk less distance to catch a train.
Thank you very much.
This is what I am thinking of doing.
Day 1: Arrive in the evening at Narita, go to Tokyo
Day 2: I may have to go to Narita in the morning to receive my parents. Rest of the day see Tokyo
Day3: Nikko day trip
Day 4: Tokyo to Fuji to Kyoto
Day 5: see Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima and back to Kyoto (very hectic!)
Day7: Day trip to Nara and Fushimi Inari from Kyoto
Day 8: Half day Kyoto and then go to Tokyo
Day 9: See Tokyo
Day 10: Hakone day trip from Tokyo
Day 11: Kamakura day trip from Tokyo
Day 12: Maybe day trip to Nagoya for Toyota factory tour or be in Tokyo
Day 13: Return from Narita
Hi Vasundhara,
1. If you are pretty sure to go to Nagoya, 14 days pass is perfect. If you don’t total single fare is slightly cheaper, but not much different. I think 14 days is fine because it makes your travel easy.
2. If you go for 7 days, use for Day 2 to 8.
3. Yes, you can.
4. You can use JR Pass for some part of your trip to Hakone and all part of trip to Nikko. But actually JR train is not major way to get there. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-nikko.html
It will be very busy trip to get Hakone and Nikko as one day trip. Especially if you worry about your parents, I recommend you to stay there for one night even if accommodation is not very affordable. All passes to Nikko ana Hakone is valid for at least 2 days.
5. You can use some part of trip in Tokyo and Kyoto. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
6. It depends on where you want to see in Tokyo and Kyoto.
In Tokyo, Shinagawa or Shinjuku is very convenient. In Kyoto, JR Kyoto station area or Gion is very popular. But there are many spots to visit in both cities. Please make sure where you want to go and pick up places to stay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much Mr Takeshi.
Now I am thinking of other options based on your reply.
My questions are in the itinerary. Sorry I ask too many questions. It is because I have to plan the whole trip for my parents too. It is better to have some idea before landing in Japan.
Day 1: Arrive Narita, night stay in Tokyo
JR pass can be used here?
Day2: Receive parents at Narita in the morning, see some parts of Tokyo in the afternoon, evening..maybe Shibuya and Shinjuku Area
OR..can we go to Nikko in the late afternoon or early evening?
What time is the last train to Nikko from Tokyo?
Night stay in Tokyo or Nikko
Day 3. Nikko temples. and return to Tokyo by night
Is it possible to go to Kirifuri falls same day? How?
Should I buy Nikko sightseeing pass? Where to buy?
Should I use both JR and Nikko pass for Days 2-3 or only use Nikko pass?
Night stay in Tokyo
Day 4. Tokyo to Fuji
Does the train go near the lakes area in Fuji?
Fuji-Kyoto in the evening
Night stay in Kyoto
Day 5. Kyoto sightseeing
Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Nijo Castle
Can I use the Nishinihon JR bus to reach these places?
You have suggested a train ride to see autumn colors in Arashiyama.
Is it possible to do this train ride on this day along with the sights I have written or will it be too tiring?
Night stay Kyoto
Day 6. Nara and Fushimi Inari, night back to Kyoto
How to get to Fushimi Inari from Kyoto
and from Fushimi Inari to Nara?
Night stay in Kyoto
Day 7.
Kyoto to Hiroshima, Miyajima and back
Night stay in Kyoto
Day 8: 3/4rth day Kyoto sightseeing and night train to Tokyo
In Kyoto-Kiyomizu Dera, Gion area
For these places, should I use the subway and private lines?
Will I have time to the Arashiyama train ride also on this day instead of Day 5?
How long is the train ride ?
So based on the sights I want to see in Kyoto and around, what is the best place to stay in Kyoto for easy access to bus, train?
Night stay Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo sights..Odaiba area
Evening 7pm a friend has a departure flight
Remaining people, night stay in Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo to Hakone..night stay in Hakone or Tokyo
Day 11: Hakone to Kamakura??
Or Tokyo to Kamakura
Is there a train to go to Kamakura from Hakone?
How can I best use the JR pass in Hakone and the Hakone pass?
Day 12. Tokyo sights..Asakusa Temple and market, Palace gardens, Sumida river cruise – worth it??, Sky Tree??, Rainbow bridge if not seen earlier..
Buy day pass for subway or use JR pass and single tickets?
Day 13: Nagoya to see Toyoto museum and tour
(or do this on Day 12 and on Day 13 Tokyo sights)
Day 14: Departure from Narita
Based on this new itinerary which has 1 extra day, I think it is better to buy the 14 day pass right?
I can use the pass to go to Narita as well?
Shinjuku area in Tokyo is the most convenient of all? Or should I keep changing the hotel location in Tokyo depending on what day I see which place?
Do suggest the best area to stay in Kyoto too.
Thank you very much
Hi Vasundhara,
Day 1: JR pass can be used here?
> Yes.
Day2: OR..can we go to Nikko in the late afternoon or early evening?
What time is the last train to Nikko from Tokyo?
>Yes, you can. You can check it at Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
If you want to make a plan by yourself, you must know how to use Hyperdia. I show how to use this site at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/japan-railways-timetables.html
Day 3. Is it possible to go to Kirifuri falls same day? How?
Should I buy Nikko sightseeing pass? Where to buy?
Should I use both JR and Nikko pass for Days 2-3 or only use Nikko pass?
>If you use Nikko pass, it includes return transfer between Asakusa and Nikko. You will waste 2 days of your JR Pass. It is very convenient pass, but if you want to maximize to use JR pass, this is not your choice. Please see the detail about this pass at the following site:
http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/all_pass.html
Day 4. Tokyo to Fuji
Does the train go near the lakes area in Fuji?
>Kawaguchiko station is near Lake Kawaguchi. But it may be hard to walk for your parents. It’s about 500m away from the station. But there are five lakes. If you want to see more, you have to take a bus.
http://transportation.fujikyu.co.jp/english/
Day 5. Kyoto sightseeing
Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Nijo Castle
Can I use the Nishinihon JR bus to reach these places?
You have suggested a train ride to see autumn colors in Arashiyama.
Is it possible to do this train ride on this day along with the sights I have written or will it be too tiring?
>You can get all places by bus or trains. You can see the distance at google map in the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
It depends on your parents. It’s okay for me and maybe you.
Day 6. Nara and Fushimi Inari, night back to Kyoto
How to get to Fushimi Inari from Kyoto
and from Fushimi Inari to Nara?
>Take JR Nara line from Kyoto staion. Fushimi is located between Kyoto and Nara. You can see the map at the following site:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
This website gives you info about most of places in Japan.
Day 8: For these places, should I use the subway and private lines?
Will I have time to the Arashiyama train ride also on this day instead of Day 5?
How long is the train ride ?
So based on the sights I want to see in Kyoto and around, what is the best place to stay in Kyoto for easy access to bus, train?
>Gion and Kiyomizu cannot be accessed by JR trains. You have to take subway, Keihan train or bus. I think the best place to stay in Kyoto around Kyoto station.
If you really want to take train, you have to go on day 5. Gion is opposite side of Kyoto. You can get more info about train at the link below:
http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/
Day 11: Is there a train to go to Kamakura from Hakone?
How can I best use the JR pass in Hakone and the Hakone pass?
>You can use both Odakyu or JR. You can check it at Hyperdia again.
If you want to use JR Pass, Hakone pass is not your choice. It is same situation as Nikko pass.
Day 12. Buy day pass for subway or use JR pass and single tickets?
>I think JR pass and single ticket is fine.
Day 14: Based on this new itinerary which has 1 extra day, I think it is better to buy the 14 day pass right?
I can use the pass to go to Narita as well?
Shinjuku area in Tokyo is the most convenient of all? Or should I keep changing the hotel location in Tokyo depending on what day I see which place?
>I think Ueno is the best place to stay in Tokyo. Because most of places that you want to see is closed to Ueno. Shinjuku is opposite side. And basically Ueno is cheaper than Shinjuku.
As I mentioned above, Hyperdia is very useful site. It may be hard to use it at the beginning. But once you understand, you can get fares and timetables quickly.
And also, Japan-Guide.com is very informative too. As far as I know, this is the best visitor site for the tourist.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Mr Takeshi,
I have been reading Japan guide, Hyperdia and many other sites for many weeks now. The more I read, the more confusing it gets. There are too many options.
Sorry since 2 more people may join the trip, the itinerary could change slightly.
It could be this now:
5 people
Day 1. Arrive at Narita, Night Stay Shinjuku area (maybe all nights in Tokyo we may be in this area)
Day 2. Half day Tokyo, Depart for Nikko late afternoon
Day 3. Nikko sightseeing, Return to Tokyo in evening
Day 4. Morning Go to Kyoto
Day 5. Hiroshima and Miyaji, back to Kyoto
Day 6. Nara, Fushimi Inari, Back to Kyoto
Day 7. Half day Kyoto sightseeing, Evening to Hakone
**
Day 8. Hakone, evening to Tokyo
Day 9. 2 people depart from Narita,
Rest 3 continue trip
Day 9: (yes same day as 2 people’s departure) Kamakura, Back to Tokyo
Day 10. Nagoya, Back to Tokyo
Day 11. Tokyo
Day 12. Tokyo
Day 13. 3 Depart from Narita
————————————————————————————–
Questions:
***For 3 people staying till Day 13,
A. Is it better to buy
-a 7 day JR pass to be used from day 4 to Day 10 alongwith
– nex-suica Round Trip pass and
-2 day World Heritage Nikko pass and
– 2 day Hakone Free pass
OR
B. 14 day JR pass and
-single rides in Nikko and
-Hakone free pass and
-internal Tokyo subway tickets
———————————————————————————-
**For 2 people who are there from Day 1 to Day 10,
What pass or passes and ticket combinations would you recommend?
———————————————————————————-
Other questions:
Does the Suica pass cover important subway and bus routes inside Tokyo main area..ie main attractions
Does it cover subway to Odaiba area?
Does the World Heritage Nikko pass include bus rides inside Nikko eg. Can I go to Kirifuri with a World Heritage pass?
Is seat reservation required for trains covered by Nikko pass?
—————————————————————————————-
Thank you very much for your help.
I hope I do not have any more queries.
Hi Vasundhara,
The best choice for party of 3 (include you) is option A. But the best option for remaining 2 travellers is Suica & N’ex and 7 days JR Pass. So if you want to travel together, the choice for party of 3 is option B, 14 days pass. If you stay in Shinjuku and don’t care to pay some extra, take Limited Express Nikko from Shinjuku. This train takes you to Nikko directly from Shinjuku. But some part of this trip is not covered by JR Pass. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/limited-express-nikko-and-kinugawa.html
If you use Nikko pass, you have to go to Asakusa from Shinjuku. That is a bit troublesome. You have to take subway or JR lines+subway for 30 minutes. That is another reason why I don’t recommend to use it. One more reason why is that Nikko pass does not cover Kirifuri.
Suica cover all train in Tokyo. You can go anywhere, of course Odaiba too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi!
I’m travelling to Tokyo for five days and Kyoto for three days starting next August 30th. After that we are leaving out of Osaka to Bali.
Is JR Pass recommended for getting to know both Tokyo and Kyoto’s cities and surrounding areas and also travelling Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka?
Thanks for your help!
Mauricio Villafrade
Hi Mauricio,
If you arrive/depart in Osaka, JR Pass will be suitable, but 14 days pass is more expensive than total single fares. Try to squeeze all long transfers, such as Osaka or Kyoto – Tokyo, in 7 days.
If you arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka, JR pass is too much. Single fares will be cheaper. Please see the following link 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
There are many deals in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/subway-in-tokyo.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
In Kyoto, you can use Kyoto city pass for subways and buses. But single fare may be cheaper. It depends on your itinerary.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi i will visit japan in feb 2014 and i want to stay more osaka and tokyo , and i want to live near train station so please tell me osaka and tokyo station name where i use easily my jr pass and please tell me how many days for osaka and tokyo because i ve 12 days and 7 days jr pass and i want to visit nearest cities of osaka and tokyo i mean come back same days after your guidence i will book hotels in osaka and tokyo i again repeat my request i need train station name where i will book my hotel and how i use my 7 days jr pass more more thanksss
Hi Raja,
I recommend you to stay Osaka or Shin-Osaka station in Osaka, and Shinjuku, Ueno or Shinagawa in Tokyo.
In Osaka, you can access to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe from these stations by JR trains. In Tokyo, there are lots of hotel choices in these three stations.
But I suggest you to find where/what you want to see and visit. There are lots of places where you can go from Osaka and Tokyo in one day. Even Hiroshima and Miyajima can be visited as one day trip from Osaka. Nikko, Mt. FUji and Izu are the big names from Tokyo. But if you want, you can go to Sendai, Matsushima and even Aomori or Akita can be visited as one day trip. Please visit japan-guide.com. http://www.japan-guide.com/
You will find tons of info about destinations in Japan.
After you find where you want to go, you can choose the location where you will stay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
please guide me how i will go Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo airport to hotel near to tokyo station ?
1Q is how i will go to hotel from tokyo station to Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
2Q Narita airport to Tokyo station
Hi Raja,
Please see this.
http://www.ryumeikan-tokyo.jp/english/access_narita.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi my enter date in japan tokyo is 7feb 2014 and i am leaving tokyo japan 17 feb 2014 i want to use JR pass 7 days from 10 feb 2014
(10feb14 to 16feb14)so please guide me when i purchase my JR pass please tell me exact date because i hear 3 month advance purchase so may i purchase jr pass between 5th nov 2013 to 10th nov 2013 ???thanksss
Hi Raja,
Take it easy.
Once you purchase an exchange order, you have to turn in the pass within 3 month. So if you turn in the pass on Feb 7 (not start to use on Feb 7), you can purchase an exchange order after November 8. You can choose starting date to use when you turn in. So you can turn in on 7 Feb and start to use on Feb 10. You can turn in on Feb 10 and start to use Feb 10. But in this case, you have to purchase an exchange order after November 11.
It never be sold out. No rush. If you purchase it at the travel agent, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to issue an exchange order. If you order online, it takes a couple of days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi
I will be visiting Japan for 3 weeks in October this year.
The plan is to spend 4 nights in Tokyo (arrive at Narita) and then spend the remaining days travelling the full length of Japan from Sapparo in the north to Kagoshima in the south.
I plan to buy a 21 day rail pass. Do the trains I can use with my pass have a JR badge on them.
If I use hyperdia.com and tick only the Japan Railway(JR) box it does not bring back any results.
Fantastic site Takeshi, very helpful
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your comment about my website!
JR Pass covers trains that have JR logo on the train. And my website covers most of limited express trains that are covered by JR Pass.
Some JR trains go through non JR line. In this case, extra charge will be added on JR Pass. I also mention about this information in the post.
If you cannot find the trains, let me know about your search details. I think I can give you a solution.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Thank you for the information.
Regards the hyperdia.com search, I find that if I untick the “NOZOMI / MIZUHO /
HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)” and “Private Railway” boxes the search works with the expected results!
Steve
今日はたけしさん。
杏羽です。よろしく！
My mother and I are travelling to Japan in September 2013, it’ll be my second time and her first.
We will be staying in Shibuya, arriving at Narita Airport and my question is do we really need the JR Pass?
The first time I went to Japan I travelled to different cities daily (i.e Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, etc.), but I doubt we’ll be venturing off like that, other than to what’s close to Shibuya (i.e Shinjuku, Harajuku, etc.)
Would it be better for us to just pay the fair when we choose to travel? Are we able to do that?
Hi Amber,
こんにちわ。杏羽さん。
Japan Rail Pass is not a right choice for your trip at this time.
I think Suica & N’ex is enough to travel around Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello!
Thank you for a great site!
Me and my two friends are going to Japan this summer (whoo!), but we’re a bit confused about
which train pass would be best for us. We will be in Tokyo for 6 days and then we’re travelling down to Hiroshama staying there for a week at a conference and then back up to Tokyo to catch a flight.
SO we need train access for
Transport from Tokyo airport to the city
Sight seeing for 7 days in Tokyo
Train down to Hiroshima
Train from Hiroshima up to Tokyo airport
What do you suggest?
Thanks for your help!
Sofia and friends
Hi Sofia,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
First of all, Suica & N’ex is recommended for arrival and sightseeing in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
You may add subway pass. But it depends of your plan. If you take subway more than 5 times a day, pass will be cheaper.
Regarding Hiroshima trip, there are no available choice. Because single ticket is cheaper than 14 days Japan Rail Pass. Please see these two links to check the fares.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
https://jprail.com/types-and-prices-of-japan-rail-pass
If you stay in Hiroshima for 6 nights and back to Tokyo in 7 days, 7 days pass is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
たけしさん、はじめまして。 私はリアです。 どうぞよろしく。
If I want to go to Ginza from, say, Shinjuku, can I use the Japan Rail Pass? I’m making an itinerary and a cost estimation.
Looking forward to your response, and thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Lia
こんにちわ、リアさん。
You can use JR Pass. But there is no JR Ginza station. But Yurakucho station is just step away from Ginza. So take Yamanote line from Shinjuku to Yurakucho.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
First of all, thank you for providing the helpful information above. I am writing because I am still unsure whether or not the JR pass is the most economical. The two of us are traveling from May 27 to June 8, 2013 and will arrive at Narita. Our itinerary is as follows:
May 27-31, 2013 – Tokyo
May 31 – June 3, 2013 – Osaka and Kobe day trip
June 3-5, 2013 – Kyoto
June 5-8, 2013 – Tokyo
As you can see, we plan to spend a lot more time in Tokyo. We will visit the major cities – Shibuya, Harajuku, Tsujiki, Ueno, Yamamoto, and more. We also want to go to Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo. And maybe we will go to DisneySea, maybe not.
My question is, will it be more economical to buy the JR pass for a 14-day period of time? Or will it be more economical to purchase the JR pass for 7-days?
If I buy the 7-days, my plan is to activate it starting May 31 when we travel to Osaka, so that it will be valid until June 7, 2013. While in Tokyo from May 27-31, I will just buy the subway/train tickets on a daily basis.
Your input is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hi Jo,
7 days pass is better choice than 14 days.
As you mentioned, you can start to use 7 days pass on May 31. If you travel to Mt. Fuji on June 5 or 6, JR pass cover part of the trip to Fuji.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
You can purchase single ticket or subway pass.
And also if you use Narita Express from Narita to get downtown Tokyo, you can use Suica and N’ex.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
Suica e-money can be used for excursion in Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Mr. Takeshi,
Thanks for offering this wonderful service. It makes great reading.
In October 2013 we will be travelling around Japan using the 21 day JR pass.
* JR train Narita to Tokyo
* Shinkansen Tokyo to Hakata
* JR train to other areas in Kyushu
* return to Tokyo by Shinkansen
* stay at Nikko Hotel Odaiba (Tokyo)
Q1. What is the best Tokyo station for us to change from the Narita train to board the Shinkansen for Hakata please?
Q2. We will stay at Nikko Hotel (Odaiba) for 7 days.
Our plan is to travel several times a day from the hotel for sight seeing of Tokyo.
What is the cheapest way of using the JR Rail Pass combined with subways?
Q.3 What is the best route from Nikko Hotel Odaiba to Yoyogi Park using the JR pass?
Thank you & hope to hear from you soon.
Kindest regards – Bill
Hi Bill,
Q1. What is the best Tokyo station for us to change from the Narita train to board the Shinkansen for Hakata please?
I think Shinagawa is the best. If you take Narita Express, you can access to Shinagawa directly. You can transfer at Tokyo station too. But it is a bit far between Narita Express platform and Shikansen platform. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/tokyo-station-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-shinkansen-narita-express-and-other-local-trains.html
Q2. We will stay at Nikko Hotel (Odaiba) for 7 days.
Our plan is to travel several times a day from the hotel for sight seeing of Tokyo.
What is the cheapest way of using the JR Rail Pass combined with subways?
Odaiba is not covered by any JR trains, as you probably know. You have to take Yurikamome to get Shinbashi. You can also take Rinkai line to get Shin-Kiba or Osaki from Tokyo Teleport station. But this station is a bit far from the hotel. Please see the following link to get details about using JR Pass in Tokyo:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
http://www.twr.co.jp/route/
If you go to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku or Tokyo Disney land, Rinkai line si more convenient and faster than Yurikamome.
Q.3 What is the best route from Nikko Hotel Odaiba to Yoyogi Park using the JR pass?
Same as Q2. Rinkai line-Saikyo line route is the fastest.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail