Japan in 14 days: Travel itinerary

Templo en Kyoto

Many first-time travelers choose to spend roughly two weeks in Japan to see and explore the best of the country.

That’s why we present you with an optimal itinerary of 14 days and 13 nights, getting to know amazing places and experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and even more!

Day 1: First taste of Tokyo

Sensoji Temple – Harajuku – Shibuya Crossing

Refer to our “3 days in Tokyo” article, to learn more about how to exchange your Japan Rail Pass and use it on the Narita Express to get to Tokyo’s city center.

  • A fantastic start of your 14 days in Japan would be to visit one of the most colorful and at the same time spiritual temples Tokyo has to offer – the Sensoji Temple. The location of the temple is in Asakusa, where you will also find an immense amount of tiny shopping streets with local treats and surprises.
  • Do not miss on Harajuku, the freakiest, funniest, and most diverse neighborhood of Tokyo. This is the place where young people go wild in any fashion sense possible, the place where you will have the craziest shopping experience, and where you can see the drastic evolution of Japanese culture – from the classic temples filled with history to Harajuku – the fashion district.
Shibuya crossing (Tokyo)
Shibuya crossing in the afternoon
  • And of course, Shibuya Crossing, the single most popular place to visit in Tokyo. Located in the very heart of the city (the Yamanote line passing by), Shibuya is the perfect location for submerging yourself completely into the Japanese culture and taking the most out of modern Tokyo.

Day 2: Relaxing Tokyo

Yanaka – Gyokurin-ji – Yanaka Cemetery

  • Take a walk in the magnificent district of Yanaka – One of the very few places left in Tokyo, where the old spirit, traditional Japanese lifestyle, and tranquility have preserved their places over the decades. A very curious street within this region is Yanaka Ginza street. It is perfect for all cat lovers as the shops on this street are filled with the presence of these animals.
  • Gyokurin-ji – One of the hidden treasures of the Yanaka district. Visit this ambient temple, which is home to an ancient chinquapin tree.
  • Yanaka Cemetery – Surprisingly, the cemetery of Yanaka is a peaceful place, getting many people curious to see the everlasting grave of the famous Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last of the Shoguns from the Edo Period.

Day 3: Last day in Tokyo

Ryogoku Kokugikan – Robot Restaurant – Tokyo Skytree

  • If you happen to be in the city during a sumo tournament, we strongly recommend not missing out on these events. The Ryogoku Kokugikan is one of the best arenas in the world to see a classical sumo fight for the first time.
  • Robot Restaurant (Shinjuku stop on the Yamanote line) – The ultimate experience for anyone who hasn’t ever been served by giant robots, controlled by girls in bikinis! This unique experience has driven many international tourists crazy, always with the desire to come back for more.
Tokyo skytree skyline
Tokyo Skytree Tower
  • After seeing the many different faces of Tokyo, the grand finale should include a view from up above, namely, from the Tokyo Skytree. This is the second tallest structure in the world (the tallest one is Burj Khalifa in Dubai), offering mesmerizing sights of the city by day, and magically-inspired views by night.

Day 4: Wonderful Kyoto

Higashiyama District, Kodaiji Temple and Maruyama Park

  • An excellent way to begin your Kyoto adventure is by visiting the Higashiyama District. This historic place offers an authentic Kyoto atmosphere and has been very well preserved over the centuries. The old capital city of Japan is very well reflected between the Yasaka Shrine and the Kiyomizudera Temple, where the narrow streets and wooden shops will transport you across time.
  • Kodaiji Temple – Located within the same area, this temple’s secret is the bamboo grove, located behind it. It is there where time stands still, and a stroll through the bamboo forest will feel like a unique experience.
  • Maruyama Park Because of its countless cherry trees, this park has quickly become one of the most famous destinations for tourists and locals during the cherry blossom period (last week of March – first week of April).

Day 5: Classic Kyoto

Saiho-ji, Funaoka Onsen and Okitsu Club

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a millennium. Even though the honour has now been granted to Tokyo, Kyoto remains a city of surprises for locals and newcomers alike. We recommended checking out the following on day 5:

  • One of the most beautiful gardens in Japan is located on the grounds of the Saiho-ji temple. Designed in the 1339, these gardens are heart-shaped, forming a beautiful view and authentic ancient Japanese atmosphere.
  • For a real ancient experience, we recommend visiting Funaoka Onsen – old but remarkably well-preserved saunas (indoors and outdoors), electric baths, stone-lined outdoor baths, herbal baths… There is no end to the pleasures and relaxation you can enjoy here. For a full experience, visit the Tahitchi restaurant nearby, for a warming bowl of miso soup.
  • Okitsu Club KyotoIf you wish to better understand Japanese culture, don’t think twice about visiting the Okitsu club. By providing a comprehensive introduction to the roots of traditional Japanese culture, this organization will help you feel part of the elegance and delicacy the old Japanese traditions stood for.

Day 6: Last day in Kyoto

Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari and Nanzen-ji

  • Nishiki Market – Fresh seafood, traditional Japanese cooking techniques, low prices, and a great location (3 min walking distance from Shijo Station; Karasuma or Kawaramachi Station) – this is easily the best place to enjoy the local cuisine.
  • Fushimi Inari-Taisha – This magnificent shrine and the thousands of movie scenes dedicated to this particular place make the spot a must-see for many world travelers.
Fushimi Inari torii gates
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its thousand torii gates
  • Nanzen-ji – This great temple has played a significant role in the past centuries, has had the title “First Temple of the Land”, forms part of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto, and has been a part of the Kyoto landscape since 1291. The view is something everyone will appreciate for its glory and power.

Day 7: Nara day trip

Todai-ji, Nara-Koen park and Nara National Museum

  • Probably the single most famous temple of Nara goes by the name of Todai-ji. It is where the Daibutsu (the Great Buddha; 14,98m tall; 500 tons) is located. Today the temple still preserves a significant number of national treasures while continuing to be treasure-house for traditional Buddhist rituals. Due to this, Japanese natives from all over the country come to this temple to pay their respects to the gods and send their prayers.
The Great Buddha at Todai-ji (Nara)
The Great Buddha at Todai-ji (Nara)
  • The Nara-Koen park A gorgeous green space that unites history, nature, peace, and wild deer! Don’t be scared of the animals, as the only thing they likely want from you is some food – however, be aware that once you feed them, they may follow you around!
  • Nara National Museum – a place where you will be taught about the difference between the two types of Buddhist statues and their history. The Nara National Museum also offers permanent and temporary exhibitions of sculptures, painted art and calligraphy.

Day 8: Amazing Osaka

  • Lifestyle Museum of Osaka – Located in a ten-story building, this museum offers the experience of Osaka in the 1830s, a typical street with shops, pharmacies, and ancient public baths. To make you feel like you are actually in the Edo period, the museum’s lights recreate the daytime as well as the atmosphere at night.
  • Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle) – The construction of this castle started in 1583 by general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He built it with the aim of showing everyone his power and employed over 100 000 workers for its construction. The lush grounds contain tea houses, secondary citadels, impressive gates, and over 600 cherry trees.
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – One of the world’s richest, biggest, and most impressive aquariums. We firmly recommend visiting it at least once, especially if you have kids in tow.

Day 9: Last day in Osaka

  • Umeda Sky Building – One of the most emblematic buildings of the city, Umeda Sky is 40 stories high, with two twin towers that meet in the middle. This magnificent building offers a 360º view of Osaka from up above and is especially beautiful at night.
  • Dotonbori – This is one of the most popular and essential tourist destinations in Osaka. A single street that represents a whole city, Dotonbori has something to offer everyone with its numerous little boutiques, curious shops, and tourist attractions.

    Dotonbori neon lights in Osaka
    Neon lights in Dotonbori (Downtown Osaka)
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market – This is a giant indoor market, whose doors first opened in 1920. The market is located just 10 minutes’ walking distance away from Dotonbori, which makes it the perfect destination, after a long walk. There you will find everything from fresh/live seafood, fresh vegetables, and meat, making for a great meal after a tiring day.

Day 10: The history of Hiroshima

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – This memorial park is dedicated to showing the world how peace can be achieved once again even after enduring a great amount of suffering. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is surrounded by ample green spaces and clear waters; the area is very quiet and the A-Bomb Dome – the symbol of the peace city – is impressive, a powerful combination that will make you want to come back.
  • Hiroshima Castle – The castle can be seen from almost any point of the city. To arrive, you will need to take a little walk up the hill and climb the stairs, leading to the gorgeous sight of the Hiroshima Castle – a place where you will be taken back to samurai times.
  • Mitaki-dera TempleThis is one of the few still-hidden gems of the city. The temple was named after the three waterfalls located within its grounds. This is a place of peace and serenity, full of the beauty of nature.

Day 11: Miyajima day trip

  • Miyajima – the Shrine Island. One of Japan’s most beautiful and popular destinations. Located just a ferry ride away from the coast of Hiroshima (and it can be reached with your Japan Rail Pass), this picturesque island offers spectacular views early in the morning, and during the day, as well as late at night.
The Great Torii at Itsukushima (Miyajima)
The Great Torii at Itsukushima (Miyajima)
  • Itsukushima Shrine – This floating shrine will leave you breathless during your visit. The centerpiece of this Japanese mastery is the Torii gate, which seemingly floats ain the bright blue waters. A single boat ride will make you feel as if time has stopped, by showing you the beauty and elegance of Japanese architecture.
  • Momijidani Park – Take a walk and spend a few hours in this green wonderland. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t follow the road going directly up to Mt Misen, but look for the signs indicating the smaller trail. Soon you’ll find yourself in beautiful forests made up of thousands of giant trees, which offer shelter on rainy days and a fresh breeze in the hot summer.

Day 12: Surprising Fukuoka

As it doesn’t appear on every single TripAdvisor list for Japan, Fukuoka is a largely undiscovered gem that makes for a great final destination for your trip. Its highlights include:

  • Ohori Park – Once a castle moat, this park has the design of a large water garden, around a beautiful pond.
  • Fukuoka Castle Ruins – The area is also known as Maizuru Park , and includes the remains of a giant 17th-century castle.
  • Gokoku Shrine – Located near Fukuoka Castle, the Gokoku Shrine is the city center of Fukuoka’s modern life. Always busy with Japanese rituals, festivals, and celebrations, this beautiful shrine will amaze you in any season.

Day 13: Last day in Fukuoka

  • Tocho Ji Temple – one of the oldest temples of Japan, guarding a 30-ton Buddha and many rare objects that have been collected over the years.
  • Kawabata Shotengai – This is one of the oldest streets in the city. Currently, a shopping attraction, going down this street will make you feel like you have gone back in time.
  • Fukuoka Tower – Our classic recommendation for the last stop of your visit – an illuminated view from above the city of Fukuoka. In Japan, it has become very popular to meet for a date at such high spaces, which is why this particular tower has an area called Lover’s Sanctuary. Couples can have their names/initials carved on lockets here.
fukuoka-tower
The Fukuoka Tower and skyline

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Finally, on the last day, we suggest you just sit back and relax on your bullet train seat toward the Tokyo airports and on your journey back home.

Note
: Don’t forget you can use your Japan Rail Pass to take the Narita Express for free. Make sure to reserve your seats before boarding.

Other destinations

For further information about other possible destinations like Nikko, Kamakura, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hakone or Mount Fuji, please check our other articles:

Related Tours & Activities

39 thoughts on “Japan in 14 days: Travel itinerary”
  1. Hello!
    We are travelling for 14 days in Japan with our 1 year old. We are landing in Tokyo, Haneda airport. We plan to stay in Tokyo for 3 nights, Osaka for 2-3 nights, Kyoto for 2-3 nights with a day trip to Hiroshima. We will end our trip in Hakone (3 nights) before heading back to Haneda airport. What would be best…a 7-day pass or a 14-day pass?
    Thanks!

  2. Hello!
    We (my husband and I and one year old daughter) need some help on deciding which JR pass to buy for our trip. We are flying in and out of Tokyo.

    Tokyo for 2-3 nights.
    Kyoto for 3 nights (day trip to Hiroshima)
    Osaka for 3-4 nights (day trip to Nara)
    Hakone for 3 nights
    Return to Tokyo

    Is a 7 or 14 day pass necessary?
    Is Kobe worth a trip?
    Is it best to take a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto?

    Thank you in advance for your help.

  3. Need help on deciding which jr pass to buy for this itinerary.

    We will be flying into Tokyo

    Tokyo for 6 nights. (On the 5th day we’ll take a day trip to Hakone)
    Fujikawaguchi for 2 nights
    Takayama for 2 nights
    Kyoto for 3 nights
    Osaka for 4 nights (day trips to Nara and Koyasan)
    Flying out of Osaka

    Is a 14 or 21 day pass useful or necessary or overkill?

    Thank you in advance for any help,or insight

    1. Hi Forrest!

      The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must.

      There are rare occasions when it is not worth buying a JR Pass and it comes down to simple math. As previously mentioned, you only need to make one long-distance trip using a Shinkansen bullet train to save money. A 7-day pass costs ¥29.110 which is ¥4.158,57 per day. If you calculate that your traveling costs would be cheaper if you bought individual tickets for each journey, then it is not worth buying a JR Pass.

      Happy travels!

    2. Hello,
      I have doubts if I should buy or not a 7 day ticket and would like to hear an opinion to decide it.
      I am planning to be in Tokyo for 6 days
      Kyoto for 3 days
      Osaka for 3 days
      and Nara for 1 day and departure from Tokyo.

      Thank you in advance.

      Regards,
      Lucy

    3. Hi Lucy! he JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. Happy travels!

  4. Can I purchase JR pass in 5months in advance? Which trains are covered in Osaka by JR pass? What is the cheapest way to get around in Tokyo without using JR pass?
    Thanks!

    1. Hi Mary! Yes, travelers who wish to purchase their Japan Rail Passes more than 5 months before their intended departure date are free to do so. However, because the validity period of the JR Pass is 3 consecutive months, we at jrailpass.com will pause the delivery of your order until the 3-month validity period is reached. Happy travels!

  5. Hi, My Name is Karen. I am a family of 3 adults and 1 child (11 y/o) traveling to Japan starting 02/21/19 and returning home on 03/10/19 (17 day trip). We are looking for some assistance on planning or creating an itinerary for our trip. The main cities we will be traveling to is: Toyko, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. We some how would like to include Hakone (Mt Fuji) and Kamakura in our trip. We have a list of things that we would like to do and see but not sure where to start. We will mainly be staying in Tokyo and Osaka and doing side trips from these two main cities. Aside from our itinerary assistance, will the JR pass be the best use of transport for our trip or do you think we should include the shinkansen as well?

    1. Hi Karen!

      The Japan Rail Pass allows its holders to travel in Shinkansen bullet trains at no additional cost and hence it would be your best ticket if you wish to travel through the whole country.

      Regarding your itinerary, we recommend you to check the 2 following articles that may help you decide on further day trips from the main cities you’ll be staying at:

      Best Day Trips from Osaka by train
      Best day trips from Kyoto by train

      Happy travels!

  6. Hello!

    We are planning to start our Japan’s trip in April 2 -15th from NRT and leaving from ITM Airport on the 16th in the morning. Since its a 14 days trip, we are thinking to spend 4 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Kyoto, 3 days in Osaka, 1 day in Nara, 2 Days in Hiroshima and 2 days in Fukuoka and return back to Osaka to catch our flight. We are not sure if we should buy a 7 or 14 days jrail pass. Do you have recommendation?

    1. Hi Kav! 14-day Japan Rail Pass should be cost effective in your case since your itinerary includes both Fukuoka, which is on the southwestern island of Kyushu, and Tokyo, which is located on the main island of Honshu. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. Happy travels!

  7. Hello,
    We are a family of four adults planning two weeks in Japan, arriving Sunday 1 September, leaving Saturday 14 September.
    Our plan is: Tokyo 5 nights, Miyajima 3 nights, Kyoto 5 nights, and then fly home.
    We have two queries:
    1. Is it worthwhile to buy the 14-day Rail Pass for this trip? Or is it cheaper to buy individual tickets for each journey? We shall also be doing one or two day-trips from Tokyo (Mt Fuji, Kamakura) and one or two day-trips from Kyoto (Osaka, Nara).
    2. What is the earliest and fastest train from Kyoto to Tokyo (Narita) on Saturday 14 September? Our flight is at 12:15, so we are wondering if it possible to make the journey from Kyoto in plenty of time to check in? Also, can the Rail Pass be used for this journey?
    Thank you very much!

    1. Hi Martin!

      The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen.

      The Narita Express – also known as N’EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport. It is fully included in your Japan Rail Pass. We would recommend you to travel Kyoto > Tokyo and from there take the Narita Express.

      Happy travels!

  8. Hi there
    Looking at travelling to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. All up about 2 wks.
    Must do Tokyo Disneyland ,Deer park,Fushima Imari, universal studios and some of the suggestons above. What are your recommendations wilt train passes etc. travelling with elderly parent and 2 children

  9. Hello and Good Day!
    My family of 6 are planning to travel to Japan next year for 14 days. Our destinations are Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Hakone/Mt. Fuji/Kawaguchiko, and Tokyo. We decided to book the Japan Rail Pass as this is the most convenient way of transporting us from one place to another. Can you suggest the starting point to the ending point of our trip?

  10. Do you guys have an application where it only shows us tracks that are covered with JR Pass of 14 days so it’s not complicated to plan the whole trip using the pass? I’m confused what to do if it’s not covered by JR Pass.

  11. Hi, I will be travelling with my daughter to Japan in December. We will be touching down Fukuoka on 10/12 and departing from Tokyo on 24/12. It will be a 15 day trip. On route, we will be staying 3 nights in Fukuoka with a day trip to Yufuin/Beppu , 3 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in Takayama, 2 nights in Kawaguchi and 4 nights in Tokyo. Is it wise to get JR pass? How many days should I get?

    1. Hi Jessie! Tokyo is located on the main island of Honshu, while Fukuoka is on the southwestern island of Kyushu. This trip of approximately 1,000km is one of the longest train trips you can make in Japan and even when you split it in different days the distance you will be travelling is huge. In those cases Japan Rail Pass always pays off. We’d recommend you to get a 14-day one and activate it on the second day so that is covers your whole trip. Paying for individual tickets on the first day is not a problem since the transfer service between airport and city is not covered by the JR Pass.

  12. Hello! First of all, thank you for all the information on this blog and sorry for my far from perfect English. I’m from Chile, in South America, and on August me and a friend will be traveling to Japan, planning to spend 11 days there. Our itinerary is as follows: from the Narita Airport to Kyoto (3,5 days); Hiroshima/Mijayima (2 days); Osaka (1 day); Nara (1 day); Tokyo (3,5 days). Considering this, should we buy the 7 or 14 days JRP? What would be best cost effective: full JRP coverage or travel the last 4 days (mostly inside Tokyo, and back to the Narita Airport) without it? Is our planned itinerary fully covered by the JRP? Thanks in advance!!

    1. Hi Jorge! Since you are staying the last days in Tokyo it is adviceable to make full use during the first 7 days (when you will be travelling bigger distances) to make a cost-effective trip. Your trip can be made fully using your Japan Rail Pass, we strongly recommend you to read this blog in detail to get all the tips!

  13. My family (3 adults, 1 child) will be in Japan for 12 days. We plan to stay in Tokyo for the first 4 days, then Kyoto/Nara/Aizomi for 4 days, and finally, 2 days between Hiroshima/Miyajima. Returning back to Tokyo for the last 2 days/1 night.

    I’m conflicted on whether I should buy the 7 or 14-day rail pass. If we followed your suggested 3-days in Tokyo, for example, will the pass be worth it if I’m not using it every day? We’re flying in and out of Narita.

    1. Hi n thomas! The Japan Rail Pass will be useful for the days you will be travelling between locations, and not that useful within Tokyo. Our recommendation would be using a 7-day pass and activate it when you need to travel to Kyoto. Happy travels!

  14. I intend to arrive in Tokyo, then travel to Kyoto, then to Takayama and eventually back to tokyo, would the JR pass cover all of these routes? Also, how do I go about booking the trains themselves, is it done online?

    1. Hi Michael!

      Yes, your itinerary would be fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass as follows:

      – Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station.
      – If traveling from Kyoto to Takayama, from Kyoto Station take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya, then take the JR Hida Limited Express (also known as Wide View) from Nagoya to Takayama.
      – When traveling from Takayama to Tokyo, first take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya with the JR Pass. Use the Hikari rather than Nozomi trains, as the Nozomi are not covered by the JR Pass. From Nagoya, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama.

      Also please note that your transfers to and from airports are also covered and some local lines in main cities are included too.

      Happy travels!

  15. Hello!
    I will be in Japan for 13 days. I am considering purchasing the 14 day JR pass. I will be staying near Funabashi Station. I was wondering what would be the best way to get from the NRT airport to the Funabashi station? Also, I noticed that the pass covers some of the metro lines in Tokyo. Do you recommend that I still purchase a Pasmo or Suica pass for my time in Tokyo?

    Thanks,
    Sara

    1. Hi Sara!

      The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines:

      – The Yamanote Line
      – The Keihin-Tohoku Line
      – The Rapid Chuo Line
      – The local Chuo-Sobu line
      – Other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city are the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines

      Should you need to take any lines besides these we recommend you to consider on buying an IC Prepaid card such as SUICA or PASMO.

      Regarding the easiest way to reach your accomodation, we recommend you to check directly with them since they will be able to provide better information.

      Enjoy your trip!

  16. Hi,
    We will be arriving at Haneda Airport and will stay in Tokyo for 3 days > Mount Fuji for 2days > Kyoto / Osaka for 5 days before we head back to Narita Airport.
    What option do we have to travel with above routes and any suggestion where we can go in these cities?

    1. Hi Caroline!

      All your itinerary can be covered with the Japan Rail Pass:

      – From Haneda Airport you will be able to reach Tokyo center in the Tokyo Monorail.
      – Transportation within Tokyo, included lines are the Yamanote Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.
      – You can reach the Mount Fuji via the Gotemba trail.
      – Kyoto and Osaka are also connected to the Hakone area through the Hakone Tozan + Tokaido Shinkansen.
      Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected with by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass.
      – Finally, Narita Express is the best transportation to get to Narita Airport. You will first need to reach Tokyo and from the city center you will be able to take the Narita Express.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

    1. Hi Jane!

      A day trip from Kyoto to Miyajima might be too tight but of course it will fully depend on your itinerary and travel plan. To get to Mityajima first you will need to reach Hiroshima from Kyoto and this trip will take you already 3 hours each way. Once you are in Hiroshima, you will be entitled to access the JR ferry from Miyajimaguchi ferry port for free using your Japan Rail Pass, which takes about just 10 minutes.

      Happy travels!

  17. Hi, we are a party of 6 who will be in JApan for 11 days, arriving in Osaka, then move to Kyoto on our own schedule, then move to Kyoto on our own schedule, then to Tokyo on our own schedule, doing sightseeing in each city, before departing from Tokyo. Can we use the Japan Rail Pass for any applicable travel or train transfers? We intend to take a fast train from Kyoto to Tokyo, and then later transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport for our departure out of Japan. What kind of pass do we purchase? Or just some pass that we can just add on and surrender for any remainder on the pass on our way out of JApan?
    Thanks for your help,
    Maria

    1. Hello Maria,

      Yes, you can use the Japan Rail Pass to go to all the destinations you have choosen in your itinerary as well as for the airport transfer. Read this article and you will find how to get to Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka with the JR Pass

      As you were saying, a good option for you may be a 7 days JR Pass and a 3 days JR ticket for Tokyo.

      Hope you have a nice trip to Japan!

  18. Hi, Is it possible to use JP Pass from Kansai Airport to Osaka & Yokohama to Narita Airport?

    1. Hi there,

      To travel from the Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka, board the Limited Express Haruka at the Kansai Airport Station using your Japan Rail Pass. Take the Haruka to Shin-Osaka Station, a journey of about one hour. At Shin-Osaka, transfer to a local train to Osaka Station. The trip from Shin-Osaka to Osaka takes only three to four minutes. Please check our post about Haruka Express for more useful advice about transportation in Japan.

      To travel from Yokohama to Narita Airport, the The Narita Express Limited train is your best option. For more useful information about this matter, check the Narita Airport transfer with the JR Pass

      Hope you have a very nice trip!

      Best regards

  19. Please help me find the shortest route traveling from sendai to hakata with the JR pass. Thank you.

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