Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by train

Shinkansen bullet train

Japan is one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries on Earth. When exploring through the streets, hills, and castles of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you will be taken through time, history and places of breathtaking views and mesmerizing moments.

In this article, you will find how to make the following journeys around Japan — some of the most popular train trips among travelers:

  • Tokyo to Kyoto
  • Tokyo to Osaka
  • Kyoto to Osaka

You can travel between these 3 incredible cities with the bullet train and using just your Japan Rail Pass.

Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen bullet train

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass.

This line is one of the most heavily travelled high-speed rail route in the world. It spans 515 km (320 miles), and offers the fastest and smoothest way for travelling between Tokyo station, and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto stations.

Tokaido Shinkansen line map
Map of the Tokaido Shinkansen line

How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Hikari Shinknsen Bullet train
Photo by Dough Bowman @Flickr – Hikari Shinkansen Bullet train

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari bullet train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station.

Three trains run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Take note that Nozomi trains are not currently included in the Japan Rail Pass. However, this will change (if you pay a supplement) from October 2023.

The alternative to the Nozomi trains are Hikari and Kodama. Both are high-speed bullet trains.

Hikari trains run between the major cities of Japan with a speed of 285 km/h (177 mph), making fewer stops.

Kodama also runs with an operating speed of 285 km/h but makes stops at the smaller towns.

For some great suggestions and recommendations on which places to visit and what to do in Kyoto, check out our Japan in 14 days (day 4-6) blog post.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Timetables and fares

A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen. Unlike Hikari, all Kodama trains need around 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo. This is because they stop at all stations before reaching their final destination.

The standard one-way fare would be 13,080 yen for non-reserved seats and 13,600 yen for reserved on both Hikari and Kodama trains. However, Japan Rail Pass holders can reserve a seat and take any of the two trains for free.

If you are confused by the difference between the different Shinkansen lines or you wish to learn more about how to find your platform or take any train, read our how to use Japanese trains article.

How to travel from Tokyo to Osaka

Osaka Dotonbori
Osaka at night –  Dotonbori area

To get from Tokyo to Osaka, you will need to take very same Shinkansen trains. Either the Hikari Shinkansen or Kodama Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo. Both run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting the two cities.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Timetable and fares

The Shinkansen Hikari train leaves approximately every 30 minutes from Tokyo and arrives at Shin-Osaka station after 2 hours and 53 minutes on average. The Kodama takes closer to 4 hours.

To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains.

Normal tickets from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka cost 13,620 yen for a non-reserved seat or 14,140 for a reserved seat.

All JR Pass holders will be able to make those trips free of charge.

For some interesting ideas on what to do in Osaka, read our 3 days in Osaka, and Japan in 21 days (week 2) articles, as well as our Osaka travel guide.

Osaka to Kyoto and back

demachi-masugata-mall-kyoto
Photo by Toomore Chiang @Flickr – Demachi Masugata shopping street in Kyoto

Traveling between Kyoto and Osaka is now easier than ever. Just take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes, traveling at a speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). Find out more detailed information in our article: Osaka to Kyoto: How to travel.

Furthermore, Japan Rail Pass holders can get to Osaka station from Kansai International Airport by taking the Haruka airport express for free. For general information, the standard price for a one-way ticket is approximately 2330 yen. It takes less than an hour to reach Osaka station from Kansai Airport.

Related Tours & Activities

343 thoughts on “Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by train”
  1. Hi

    We are planning to stay a month or more in Japan and we want to visit a lot of places.
    Is there a Japan rail pass available for an entire month? Does it cover the whole of Japan?
    Once its activated it keeps on counting the days if I understand it correctly. Is it possible to stop the counting
    for like a week (for example if you go hiking) and then let the counting continue?
    Are there other discount options for example based on the number of turns you take the train?
    Thanks in Advance.

    Jelle

    1. Hi Jelle!

      Should you need a Japan Rail Pass that covers a month of travel you can combine a 7 day + a 21 day pass. This pass includes transportation thorugh the whole country. Please note usage days need to be consecutive, which meand you won’t be able to stop the counting at any point. We recommend you to combine tickets of different durations to enjoy a pause in the pass’ use.

      Happy travels!

  2. Hi,

    We are family of four (2 adult and 2 children (13 yo and 7 yo). We plan for visit Japan for 12 days (23 Dec-3 Jan). Arriving at Narita on 23 Dec and back through Narita on 3 Jan. We plan to spend 3 days in Tokyo then go to Osaka, Kyoto, Shirawakgo, Kanawaza then back to Tokyo on 31 Dec before flying out on 3 Jan. What is the best JR pass for these trips and how much are total prices for all of us?

    Thanks

  3. HI,
    If i would like to activate my JR pass on 25/12/2019 from Tokyo to Osaka, with 7 days pass can i still travel back from Kyoto to Tokyo on the 31/12/2019.

    Would also appreciate if you could advice how to reserve a seat for the bullet train and can i take the train to osaka from Tokyo Narita Airport?

    Thank you !

    1. Hi Winnie K!

      The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 25/12/2019, the exact expiration time will be midnight on 31/12/2019.

      To reserve your seat just take your Japan Rail Pass to any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), spread through all Japanese train stations. Once at the ticket office, you will be asked about your destination and preferred departure time and handed your reserved seat ticket.

      To get from Narita Airport to Osaka you will first need to get to central Tokyo. Please note you can easily do this using your Japan Rail Pass travelling in the Narita Express.

      Happy travels!

  4. Hello,
    I will be purchasing the JR Pass when travel in Japan. I understand that Shinkasen Nozomi in not covered by JR Pass.
    The part of the itinerary from Shin-Osaka to Okayama is run by Nozomi Line. Then from Okayama to Takamatsu by Marine Liner 53. What is the best thing to do in this situation Should I buy the ticket for Nozomi line separetly?

    I will appreciate your comment and help.

    Thank you,
    Beata

    1. Hi Beata!

      You can also travel between Osaka and Okayama on lines included in your Japan Rail Pass: takin the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Osaka Station to Okayama Station takes about 45 minutes. The Hikari train is covered by the JR Pass.

      Happy travels!

  5. Hi, I’m thinking of purchasing the JR pass and wanted more information:

    Day 1: Tokyo to Kyoto
    Day 4: Kyoto to Osaka
    Day 7: Osaka to Tokyo

    What is the cutoff time for using the JR pass? Meaning, what time do the pass expire on day 7? Thank you!

  6. Hello. Will be in Japan for 2 weeks. The first week all in Tokyo. The second week going to Osaka from Tokyo then back to Tokyo. Planning to buy a JR pass just for the second week but where would I pick it up if I am going to be in Tokyo going to Osaka?

    1. Hi Tiff!

      The Japan Rail Pass can be sent to your home or to the hotel where you will be staying in Japan. Even if you are not going to use it until the second week of your trip, don’t worry, when you complete the activation process of your Japan Rail Pass, you will be able to select the activation date from which you want to use it, so you can take it from home and activate it when it suits you best while in Japan.

  7. Hello,
    My partner and I will be arriving to the Haneda Airport in August. We want to begin our travels by going to Kyoto. What is the most convenient way to get to the Kyoto station from the Haneda Airport? We plan on visiting Southern Higashiyama.

    Thank you!

  8. do you have the timetable for tokyo to kyoto. if have please let me have it!

    1. Hi Gladys! To check the most updated timetables we recommend you to use Hyperdia, which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan. Happy travels!

  9. Hi I have clients traveling to Tokyo and will need to do a transfer to Kyoto they will be staying at the : Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku1-19-1
    Tokyo City 160-0021
    Is there a JR near this particular Hotel ?
    And do you recommend making a confirmed reservation for a mid week travel day ?

    Thanks in advance for your time
    J

    1. Hi Jamie!

      The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is just a 7 minute walk from Shinjuku Station, which includes multiple lines included on your Japan Rail Pass.

      Available seats are not guaranteed on the busy commuter trains going to and from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. There are no crowds in the intercity shinkansen trains so available seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train to avoid missing trains due to lack of available seats. Green Pass holders are also advised to book a seat in advance to guarantee traveling on a green car, otherwise they may be relocated to a standard car.

      Happy travels!

  10. Hi,
    One of our kid is turning 12 in the middle of our plan travel dates to Japan, should we get him an adult or child JR Pass?

    Thanks!

  11. Hello,

    We will be flying into Akita Airport and staying for 4 days. Afterward, we plan to travel around Kyoto and Tokyo for the 6/7 days. We will fly out of Narita Airport. Could we use the 7days Japan Rail Pass to travel from Akita to Kyoto, Tokyo, and the airport ? We are traveling with 2 children ages 2 and 5, do they need rail passes? Is it convenient to do a day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo? Thank you.

    1. Hi Holly!

      Yes, the Japan Rail Pass can be used on the Akita Shinkansen Line, which connects the capital city of Tokyo to its namesake city, Akita. Regarding transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto as you can read in this article it is also included in the pass.

      Kids under 6 years old can travel without a ticket. However they are not entitled to reserve their own seats and thus in case of full trains they do need to travel on their parent’s lap.

      Happy travels!

  12. Hi, A little confused as to whether I should get a 7 day rail pass as I will only be utilising some parts and then have to pay the rest..
    day 1 arrive fly into Kansai stay in Osaka
    day 2 Osaka to Tokyo
    Day 5 Tokyo to Kyoto
    Day 10 Kyoto to Kansai Airport
    Ca you let me know if it is worth it i the end or should I just pay as I go. thanks Karina

    1. Hi Karina!

      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. A return transfer from Narita Airport is over ¥2.600 and a one-day metro and bus pass in Tokyo costs around ¥1.590.

      Happy travels!

  13. Hello,
    I’m flying in Haneda International Airport on Nov 21 at 18:40, and want to use my JR pass to Osaka that night. What is the last Hikari Shinkansen train to Osaka? I’ve tried to use Hyperdia, but I’m confused on what trains to get to Osaka. Can you recommend the route and station I need to take from Haneda to Osaka?

  14. Planning 7 day trip to Tokyo and Osaka this coming dec.

    intend to stay 2 day at Osaka and remaining 5 day at Tokyo.

    What would my transportation option to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and back to Tokyo ?

  15. Hi,
    I will visit osaka, kyoto and tokyo in 5 days, one way. The trip is very tight. Do you recommend JR pass?
    Thank you in advance

    1. Hi Fia! 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. Happy travels!

  16. Hi. I’ll be in Tokyo on Feb 28 to March 4, then off to Osaka Mar 4-7, Kyoto Mar 7-8, then back to Osaka Mar 8-9. Will be in Japan for a total of 10 days. If I get the 7-day JR Pass, can I activate it on a later date, for example March 3?

    1. Hi VP! Yes you can – To activate your Japan Rail Pass, please go to any JR office. Once at a JR office, you will be asked to show your passport (the JR staff will look for the Tourist visa stamp/sticker) and your Japan Rail voucher (exchange order). After your personal data has been verified, you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date. Happy travels!

  17. Hello there,
    I want to ask you if it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Osaka with the bullet train with large luggage?
    Thanks in advance!

  18. Hi,

    My friend and I are planning on travelling to Japan for 14 days next summer and are researching ways to get around the country.

    Is there any way to travel from Kyoto to Fuji and then to Tokyo while maximising use of the JR pass? Even without the JR pass, what’s the best option to travel between the three cities?

    Thanks!
    Aniza

  19. Hi,
    My family will be arriving in Tokyo on the 23 Dec. We are planning to get the 7-day pass, activating it on Friday, 28 Dec when we head to Osaka returning via Kyoto to Tokyo on Thursday, 3 Jan.

    We are thinking to buy green tickets to get better seats and luggage allowance. How early can we reserve seats? Can were reserve from overseas?

    1. Hi George! To book a seat take your Japan Rail Pass to any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), spread through all Japanese train stations. Booking a seat over the phone is not possible. However, seat reservations are available online for certain trains at the JR East Train Reservation Service (Ekinet) once your ticket has been exchanged in Japan. Happy travels!

  20. I want to travel to Kyoto from Gotemba station. Please help me out. Can I use my JR pass through out journey?

  21. Hi! I will be traveling to Japan this coming Dec. 30 till Jan. 8. I plan to get the JR Pass for 7 days since I will be traveling from Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. I just want to ask, if it will cover the transportation going to Naebi ski resort as well? Can you give me the directions how to get there? Thank you.

  22. Hi. I wanted to go from Tokyo to Osaka, with a 2-day layover in Kyoto, on the Shinkansen train. What is the best option for me?

  23. is JR hokuriku arch pass cover JR lines train to fushimi inari n arashiyama bamboo grove?

    thx
    Ferry

  24. i’m planning to get JR Hokuriku Arch Pass..
    is it included trip to Fushimi inari from kyoto station by JR Nara line?
    and is it included trip to Arashiyama bamboo grove from kyoto station by JR San-in Line?

    thx
    Ferry

  25. Hi,

    I will be traveling to Japan for the first time next year for about 14 days. We would like to stay/base in one hotel in Tokyo the whole trip rather than changing hotels each time but we are planning to explore Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. With us purchasing the JR pass, would this be a good idea or would it be too much going back and forth?

    1. Hi Al,

      You can do that with your JR Pass in hand, of course. Just please keep in mind that the travelling time to Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka is 3 hours, and for example, from Shin-Osaka to downtown Osaka (Namba station) is another 30 minutes. We recommend you check out our Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka pages for further information.

      Happy travels!

  26. Hi!

    I will be travelling to Japan from November 14h to November 23d, total of 9 days. I was wondering which option would be best and if there’s another option that’s cheaper since the JR pass is for 7 or 14 days.

    I will be going to Tokyo from the Narita airport from nov 14th to the 17th, and then go to Kyoto from nov 18th to the 20th and Osaka from the 21rst to the 23rd, to go back to Narita airport.

    Is the JR pass the cheapest way? Is it worth paying 200$ more for two days?

    Thank you so much!

    1. Hi Ta!

      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. 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. A return transfer from Narita Airport is over ¥2.600 and a one-day metro and bus pass in Tokyo costs around ¥1.590.

      Happy travels!

  27. Hi I will be arriving at Haneda Airport Japan and spending a seven day visit. Will the Japan rail pass help me get around the city of Tokyo to Akihabara than I am planning a trip to Kyoto and spent three days there and then returning to Toko. Will the the JR 7 day pass be best to buy or a round-trip ticket to Kyoto.

  28. Hi,
    We(2 persons) have a JAL rail pass. We need to take the following trips while in Japan this October 2018. Looking for an overview of how to do it (which train/line, from which station to which station, any other information that you think might be helpful at all).
    Our goal is to have a simple guide to reference to make navigating the trains less stressful.
    Our itinerary is below:
    1. We need to take the train from the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo to Kyoto on the morning of October 20th.
    2. We need to travel from Kyoto to Osaka on Sunday, October 21st.
    3. We need to travel from Osaka to the Morizuya Inn (Kinosaki area) on Monday October 22.
    Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
    4. We need to travel from The Morizuya Inn to the ANA Crowne Plaza Narita.

    1. Hi Anna! The overall itineraries are already specified in this article. Regarding how to get to your personal accomodation, it would be adviceable to contact directly your hotels – they are experts on how to get to them 😉

  29. Hi,

    We are looking to travel from 1 way from Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima- back to Osaka (to fly home to UK)

    What JP Rail pass do you recommend?

  30. Hi,

    My family of three will be traveling to Japan on Dec. 18, 2018, until Dec 26, 2018 (Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo, Is it advisable to activate the JR pass on 18 from Narita and will it be valid until the afternoon of 26 December?

  31. My wife and I are traveling to Kyoto for our honeymoon this week. We scrambled to get a flight to Narita after our flight to Kansai was cancelled due to Jebi. However, I understand most of the high speed trains leave from Tokyo Station. What is the easiest way to get from Narita to Tokyo Station, and is there a way to get help transferring luggage from one train to another? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

  32. Hi!

    My family and i are headed there on oct 24-30 and are planning to go to osaka, kyoto, tokyo and mt fuji, do you suggest we get the jr pass? We already bookd hotels for each place were going

  33. Hi,

    Just wanna ask for your valuable advice if it’s practical for us to buy JR Pass if we arrive in Narita airport then stay in Tokyo for 3 days and then we go to Kyoto or Osaka for the remaining 4 days since the airport for our departure is in Osaka.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Nona,

      Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is a good fit for you as it includes the airport transfers for Narita and Osaka airports, the shinkansen train from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, and the JR loop and other local lines in Tokyo and Osaka.

      Have a nice trip!

  34. Hi,
    I will travelling with my family ,total 5 pax to Tokyo Narita Airport and intend to travel to Osaka right after we reach Tokyo. We intend to spend 4 days in Osaka and travel back to Tokyo for the rest of our trip in Japan and will go back from Narita Airport. Is it necessary for us to buy the JR pass ?

    Looking forward to your reply!

    Best Regards and Thankyou,
    Kristen

    1. Hi Kristen!

      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. A return transfer from Narita Airport is over ¥2.600 and a one-day metro and bus pass in Tokyo costs around ¥1.590.

  35. Hi
    We are landing at Narita airport and plan to stay a few days in Tokyo, a day in Kyoto and a few more days in Osaka.
    We are not coming back to Tokyo. Is 7 day pass worth the money for one way trips.

    Thanks,

  36. Hi,

    My daughter and I will be visiting my wife who is working in Japan. We are planning to use the JR Pass but it is available for my wife who is working in Japan. Can you suggest what would be our alternative?

    We are planning to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Park and Tokyo.

    We will arriving in Narita since my wife is working in Chiba.

    Thank You

    1. Hi Nino! The Tourist Visa is the only visa which allows you to obtain and use the Japan Rail Pass. If your wife has a working visa she will need to purchase separate tickets for each trip. However, you and your daughter will be entitled to make full use of the pass. Happy travels!

  37. Hi,
    I was hoping you could give me some advice regarding our best option for train passes. We are spending 2 weeks in Japan, most of our time being spent in and around Tokyo, with some day trips to surrounding towns and Mt Fuji. We do however hope to spend 2 nights away. Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto, then onto Osaka, finally returning back to Tokyo. Would it be worthwhile getting a JR pass for these 2 days away and what kind?

    Thank you in advance for all of your help.

    Neil

    1. Hi Neil! To travel with your 7-day Japan Rail Pass, means to have the unique opportunity to discover the whole country at a cheaper price than a Tokyo to Kyoto return ticket, on a Shinkansen bullet train. For that reason we think it would be cost-effective using the pass when you intend to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and to try toadd within this 7-day validity period as many day trips as you can. Happy travels!

  38. Good afternoon,
    We are a group of 7 friends all travelling to Japan in late October for 16 days. We will be arriving Osaka on the 20th October, then by train to Hiroshima on the 22nd, then to Okayama, then local train to Tamano (UNO) on the 24th, then to Kyoto on the 26th, then to Tokyo on the 28th for 7 nights, departing Narita on the 4th November. We are thinking the GREEN JR rail pass will be the best option?
    We would activate the pass on the 22nd (this should allow us to get all the way to Tokyo on the 7 day pass?) to take us to Hiroshima……..can we book all the seats for all trains at the Osaka rail office?
    Also would you know what the cost of the local train from Okayama to Tamano would be ?
    Is there anywhere we can view all the JR timetables?
    Kind regards,
    Declan

    1. Hi Declan!

      Yes, if you activate the Japan Rail Pass on October 22nd you will still be able to use it to travel to Tokyo on the 28th. You will also be able to book seats on all the trains once you activate or pass. To check all timetables please refer to Hyperdia, which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance.

      The JR Uno Line, included in your Japan Rail Pass, connects Okayama and Uno Station, in Tamano.

      Happy travels!

  39. Hello,
    Reading your article above, it seems that traveling on the Shinkansen Hikari line from Tokyo to Kyoto will take 2hr 40 min but traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka will take 2hr 30 min.
    This doesn’t make sense to me, have I misread or misunderstood this?
    thank you very much,
    Sarah

    1. Hi Sarah! You are right – there was a typo in the text. We have already amended it since a standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen and this same train arrives at Shin-Osaka from Tokyo station after 2 hours and 53 minutes. Thank you very much for your contribution!

  40. Hi, we are planning to go to Japan in Nov. Our flight will land in Narita at 15.15pm, if we make use of the JR pass, how do we get to Kyoto? Can we make it in the same day? What is the time table for Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

    Thank you.

    1. Hi YL!

      We recommend you to head to Tokyo in the Narita Express (included in your Japan Rail Pass) and from there go to Kyoto. N’EX trains take approximately 1 hour to get from and to Tokyo Station (first stop city center) and, as specified in this article, a standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen.

      Should you want to get the timetables for a train please check them at Hyperdia which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance.

      We hope you enjoy your stay!

  41. Hi, so me and a group of friends are trying to decide what is the most affordable road to take. I want to confirm a few things thats already stated in these comments just so I am extra confident.

    I saw round trip flights from Tokyo to Osaka in the low $100 range but since we will be taking trains to get around both Tokyo and Osaka.

    I am considering the JR ticket.
    With the Jr pass am i able to go from Tokyo (Shibuya area) to Osaka (Namba area)? I will be landing in Tokyo July 17th and going to Osaka the 19th-22nd .

    1. Hi Douglas!

      Sure – you can do all the itinerary.

      From Shibuya Station you can take the Yamanote line, included in your Japan Rail Pass, all straight to Tokyo Station. From there you will easily reach Shin-Osaka station as described in this article. To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains. From Osaka Station you will be able to access the Osaka Loop Line, included in your JR Pass. The Osaka Loop Line is also available one stop from JR Namba Station.

      Happy travels!

  42. Hi,
    Can you show me how to make use of JR pass from Kyoto to Fujikawaguchiko, from Fujikawaguchiko to Hakone and Hakone to HND airport in a cheapest and fastest way?
    Thank you

  43. Hi,
    I am planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto then to Osaka.
    I will arrive at Narita airport proceed to Tokyo for 7 days then follow by Kyoto 4 and Osaka 3 days.
    Go back from Osaka to Narita Airport
    May i know which package i should take? From Osaka to Narita duration and how long is the journey?
    Thanks.

    1. Hi Miko!

      As specified in this article, the Shinkansen Hikari train leaves approximately every 30min from Tokyo and arrives at Shin-Osaka station after 2:30min. Should you need to travel between the three cities we recommend you to get a Japan Rail Pass since it is the only pass that covers nation-wide transportation.

      Happy travels!

  44. Hi –

    We will be traveling to Japan this coming Aug 2 – 11. We would like to go to the following cities. It will be more like a day trip, so we will go back to Tokyo in the afternoon and will not spend the night in each city. Will the JR pass cover unlimited round trip on the bullet train as well?

    1. Kyoto
    2. Nara
    3. Osaka
    4. Mt Fuji (how will we get here with JR pass?)

    Thank you,
    Diwa

    1. Hi Diwa!

      Yes, the Japan Rail Pass will allow you to make unlimited (round) trips in the included transportation within its validity period. If you are looking forward to reach all those destinations as a day trip from Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass will be very cost effective.

      To get all the details on the Mount Fuji and its area we recommend you to read our dedicated article Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Day trip itinerary.

      Happy travels!

  45. My itinerary listed below and please advise if buying a 7-day JR Rail Pass economical or buy as I travel:

    10/7/18 Arrival Kansai and to Kyoto – how much ticket for return and single
    11/7 (i) Ryoanji Temple (ii) Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple); (iii) Kyoto Imperial Palace; (iv) Nijo Castle; (v)
    12/7 (Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine; (ii) Sanjusangendo Hall; (iii) Kyoto National Museum (Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan; (iv) Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    13/7 (i) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; (ii) Tenryuji Temple; (iii) Okochisanso Garden; (iv) Otagi NeThenbutsuji Temple
    14/7 (i) Ginkaku-ji; (ii) Philosopher’s Walk; (iii) Nanzen-ji Temple; (iv) Chion-in; (v) Maruyama Park; (vi)Yasaka Shrine (vii) Pontocho Alley
    15/7 Departure from Kyoto to Kansai Airport
    These are the locations I plan to see in different parts of Kyoto

    1. Hi Susan! For detailed costs and travel times please check Hyperdia, the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. Hyperdia offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in deciding which type of pass is more cost effective for your trip.

  46. Hi – we are going to Japan August – arriving in Tokyo on Aug 7th and leaving Tokyo on August 16th. We plan on staying in Tokyo until August 9th at which time we’ll go to Osaka and stay there until it’s time to go back to Narita airport on the 16th.

    I have some questions:
    From Tokyo:
    1) Can we get to Disney Sea on JR Line?
    2) To Mt Fuji?
    3) How do we get to Osaka?
    4) How do we get back from Osaka to Narita?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Irene!

      DisneySea is a twenty-minute walk from Maihama Station which can be reached with your Japan Rail Pass: travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Alternatively you can take the Disney Resort Monorail from Maihama to Tokyo Disney Sea Station. To get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji you can just follow the Gotemba trail, one of the most popular routes among visitors.

      To get to Osaka please review this article you are commenting, it includes the route in detail 😉 and to get from Osaka to Narita we recommend you to go back to Tokyo Station and to take the Narita Express there.

      Happy travels!

  47. This December 2018, our whole family will go to Japan for 9days.
    We plan to visit the following: Osaka , Kyoto, Tokyo and Hiroshima + Miyajima.

    Can you help us plan a route? Our arrival and departure date are as follows below:
    Day 1 – arrival in Kansai airport 8:00pm
    Day 9 – depart Japan thru Kansai airport at 8:45pm

  48. Hi,
    We are looking to travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen Hikari after arriving on an international flight at 5am at Haneda Airport in mid December. We expect to be ready to depart the airport at around 6am as we need to check ski luggage into storage at the airport.
    Could you please advise the best approach to utilise a Japan Rail pass for the Kyoto trip as I understand the Haneda Airport JR office does not open until 7:45am. Also, it would be good to know which train and station is best to get to the Shinkasen Hikari from Haneda.

    Thanks
    Dom

    1. Hi Dom! Although the Tokyo Monorail is a private railway, it has been integrated for use of the Japan Rail Pass. You can take this train to reach central Tokyo, from where you’ll be able to reach the Hikari Shinkansen. Please note you won’t be able to use the Japan Rail Pass until you have effectively exchanged it. Enjoy your stay!

  49. Hi,

    We will be travelling to Japan this coming December.

    Our itinerary is mainly Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and we were advised that it will be convenient to get Hokuriku Arch Pass.

    Can you explain the details of this pass? What are the inclusions and can it be used for the Narita Express?

  50. Hello,
    I would like to check with you for your recommendation which type of Train Tickets to buy.
    We will arrive at Kansai airport then travel to Kyoto for 2 days. Kyoto to Kobe for 3 days. Kobe to Osaka 3 days
    Then back from Osaka, Kansai airport.

    Thank you

  51. I am planning to buy JR pass for a guest who will be visiting Japan for two weeks. Where do I buy it?
    I also plan to go to Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo. So, how do I plan to go together with someone who can use JR pass? I cannot get one since I am not a tourist in Japan.

  52. Hi,
    I’ll be travelling to Japan on November and would like to ask some stuffs.

    1. From Osaka to Tokyo by using JR Pass, could I stop at Shibuya without additional charge?
    2. How to get to Narita Airport from Shibuya by using subway?

    Thank you.

  53. Hi, on may31, we will be travelling back to Nrt airport from Osaka to connect on another flight at 1345pm out Nrt. We have JR pass. What would be the best route snd schedule of train to get preferably the fastest train to get back to Nrt airport.
    Thanks,
    Menchu

    1. Hi, on may31, we will be travelling back to Nrt airport from Osaka to connect on another flight at 1345pm out Nrt. We have JR pass. What would be the best route snd schedule of train to get preferably the fastest train to get back to Nrt airport.
      Thanks,
      Menchu

  54. Hi,
    We plan to visit Japan in June 2018. What is the best transportation from
    1. Tokyo to Mt Fuji (around 7 am from Tokyo)
    2. Mt Fuji to Kyoto (around 4 pm from Mt Fuji)
    3. Kyoto to Osaka (around 4 pm from Kyoto)

    Please advise names of trains, stations, and trip durations. Hope JRP covers all of these. We plan to buy the 7-day ordinary JRP.

    1. fyi, we hope not to spend extra fare on transportation. We rely on our JRP tickets alone.

      Thank you so much for your help.

    2. Hi Dewi!

      – Tokyo to Mount Fuji via Gotemba: take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu. Get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station. The bus operated by Fujikyu which is not part of the Japan Rail Group, which means the Japan Rail Pass does not cover it.
      – Mount Fuji area to Kyoto: start your trip at Hakone-Itabashi Station and take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto Station (not covered by JR). Get off at Odawara station and take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
      – Kyoto to Osaka is already described in this article 😉

      Enjoy your trip!

  55. Hi there!
    I will be landing at Narita airport and exploring Tokyo for about 5 days and then I plan on going to Osaka and Kyoto for 5 days. I will then fly from Kansai airport to Haneda airport back home. I am leaving next week and I still have not bought any transportation passes.

    What would be you best suggestions in terms of transportation with the train/subway? What specific lines would I have to take?

    Thank you in advance!

  56. Hi,

    My family and I will be arriving at Haneda on 23 Aug early morning. We plan to start our journey from Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. Need some advice on utilizing JR passes base on below rough itinerary:-

    Day 1 – Arrival at Tokyo in Haneda airport around 930am. Shinkansen to Osaka with JR passes? Hotel around Umeda area and can I use JR passes on local subway line in downtown osaka?
    Day 2 – Universal studio. Which station do we alight and if JR pass works?
    Day 3 – Depart for Kyoto . Shinkansen to Kyoto station? Have not confirm hotel in Kyoto but love to have recommendation near train stations for easy commute
    Day 4 – Fushimi Inari/Arashiyama bamboo grove/Geisha District
    Day 5 – Nijyo castle/kinkaku-ji/daigo-ji temple
    Day 6 – Depart for Tokyo by Shinkansen. Have not confirm hotel but need recommendations that near commute to Narita airport.
    Day 7 – DIsney Seaworld. Which station and can JR pass works?
    Day 8 – Depart for Narita. Understand we need to reserve seats for Narita express ?

    Thanks for all your recommendations and advice in advance.

    Gillian

  57. Hi,

    Need some advice on how to go about with JR pass if we plan our free and easy FIRST trip to Japan this coming Aug. :-

    Day 1 : Arrival early in Haneda airport and depart for Osaka. Hotel booked at Umeda area
    Day 2 : Depart for Universal Studio
    Day 3 : Depart for Kyoto . Fushimi Inari
    Day 4 : Arashiyama Bamboo Grove/Geisha District/Kinkaku-ji
    Day 5 : Depart for Tokyo/Shibuya/Shinjuku/Harajuku
    Day 6 : Disney Seaworld
    Day 7 : Free and easy
    Day 8: Depart for Narita Airport

    I am still unclear if JR passes also apply to the local subway lines within osaka, kyoto and tokyo. Say to the places of interests as planned, are there additional passes I need to purchase to get ourselves there?

    Your advice and guidance are very much appreciated!

    Thanks
    Gillian

  58. Apparently there is an issue that I am unable to go straight to Kyoto from Shinagawa station after 8PM. If I decide to stay in Tokyo until the earliest Hikari train, would I have to reserve a seat?

    Thank you
    -Princess

    1. Hi Princess!

      Available seats are not guaranteed on the busy commuter trains going to and from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. There are no crowds in the intercity Shinkansen trains so available seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the peak seasons. Green Pass holders are also advised to book a seat in advance to guarantee traveling on a green car, otherwise they may be relocated to a standard car.

      Happy travels!

  59. Hi,

    I my wife and I have already purchased the JRP. We are landing at HND airport around 8PM. We need to head directly to Kyoto with the JRP. What is the best route to do this?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Davis!

      Haneda Airport’s Exchange Office closes by 18.30h so please consider you may not be able to exchange your voucher upon landing.

      When landing at Haneda you will be entitled to make full use of the Tokyo Monorail, heading you straight to Tokyo center. Monorail Hamamatsucho Station facilitates transfer to the JR Yamanote, which will take you to the stations that will allow you to take the Hikari to Kyoto as specified in this article.

      We hope you enjoy your stay!

  60. Hi! I have a group of 5 who want to use the Japan Rail Pass. We want to immediately head to Kyoto from HND airport. The issue that we are seeing is that we land at HND at 7:45PM Monday. This means that the JRP office is closed!

    Can you please recommend an efficient way for us to head for Kyoto by bullet train when we land at HND?

    *Please keep in mind that we are landing at 7:45PM. Can you please give us some advice on how to go about doing this in consideration to the time that we land? Thank you*

    regards,
    Em

  61. Hi! I have a group of 5 who want to use the Japan Rail Pass. We want to immediately head to Kyoto from HND airport. The issue that we are seeing is that we land at HND at 7:45PM Monday. This means that the JRP office is closed!

    Can you please recommend an efficient way for us to head for Kyoto by bullet train when we land at HND?

    regards,
    Em

    1. Hi Em!

      The bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto costs around 13.000 yen so it may be interesting to consider exploring Tokyo and once the voucher is exchanged into the Japan Rail Pass travelling to Kyoto.

      Should you need to travel on this day without using the Japan Rail Pass, the Keikyu-Kuko train line goes directly from Haneda terminals to Shinagawa Station. From there you will be able to easily reach Kyoto as detailed in this article.

      Enjoy your trip!

  62. Hi, I will be traveling to Japan this September from the 21st-30th. What would be the best travel routes for:

    1. Arriving in Narita airport around 1:30 pm and staying in Shinjuku for two nights.
    2. Traveling from Shinjuku to Kyoto and staying three nights.
    3. Kyoto to Osaka for two nights.
    (One day in Osaka I was planning on traveling to Nara)
    4. Osaka back to Tokyo.

    1. Hi Fallon!

      All answers are spread through our articles in this blog 🙂 Given the places you want to visit, we recommend you to check the following articles that will help you solve any doubt you may have:

      Narita Express: Tokyo Airport transfer with the JR Pass
      Getting around Tokyo with the JR Pass: Metro, trains and more
      Osaka Loop Line: Getting around Osaka with the JR Pass

      Besides this, please read carefully this article you are commenting since it gives deep insight on how to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass.

      Happy travels!

  63. Hi,
    My family of 5, including an elderly (age 76) and two full-time students (age 22 and 23), planned visiting Osaka and Kyoto in May 2018. Following is our planned itinerary:

    Day 0: Take international flight to Osaka
    Day 1: Reach Osaka Kansai Airport at around 6am -> Take a train to Ayashirama -> Explore Ayashirama
    Day 2: From Ayashirama to Central Kyoto -> Explore Central n Southern Higashiyama
    Day 3: From Central Kyoto to Osaka Namba station -> Explore Osaka and surroundings
    Day 4: Explore Osaka and surroundings
    Day 5: From Osaka Namba to Nara -> Explore Nara Park with Bus -> Back to Osaka Namba Station
    (May swop day 4 and 5)
    Day 6: From Osaka Namba station to Osaka Kansai Airport by 7.30am

    May I know what type of JR Pass should i purchase that will fully cover above-mentioned, and the name of the trains/bus that i should book for each of the day please.

    Thank you very much for the help

    Regards
    Gary

  64. Hi,
    I am planning to visit Japan from 8th June until 16/17th June…pls guide if it is a good time or not

    Also someone told me best places to visit are Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara

    Please advise if I fly in and fly out from Tokyo and stay in Tokyo for 4 days in between visit Hakone and than I stay in Kyoto for 3 days in between visit Nara and than on last day I come back to Tokyo to catch my flight…do you think all this is possible?

    Kindly also advise if JR Pass will cover all these destinations

    Regards
    Prerak Gulati

  65. hi i forgot my last question,,,
    should i write the exact arrival date in the JR pass online purchase form ? or approximate date ? because i still didnt book my airline ticket
    thank you

    1. Hi Ali!

      The arrival in Japan is only an orientative date. Your estimated date of arrival in Japan is required in order to ensure that you will receive your tickets prior to your travel and within it validity.

      Happy travels!

    2. Please help I’m travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto staying there for three days would like to go to Nara in that time then on to Osaka for one night then onto airport to Okinawa then flying back to Tokyo which is the best travel pass please . Thank you Annette

    3. Hi Anette!

      Should you want to use your pass to travel through the whole country, the Japan Rail Pass would be the only pass that would cover your trips nation-wide. To travel with your 7-day Japan Rail Pass, means to have the unique opportunity to discover the whole country at a cheaper price than a Tokyo to Kyoto return ticket, on a Shinkansen bullet train.

      Very happy travels!

  66. hi
    i will be in (Tokyo Haneda) in april ,, will stay in (Shibuya) area ,,then travel to (Osaka shinsaibashi or other you suggest? )then( Nara ) and return back to tokyo haneda
    can you help me in name of the stations which i should go to ,,,thank you

    1. Hi Ali!

      If you are travelling with your Japan Rail Pass you will be able to fully cover your itinerary!

      – From Haneda Airport you will be able to easily reach central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail. To get to Shibuya area upon arrival just get off at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station: it will allow you to transfer to the JR Yamanote. The Yamanote line is fully included in the pass and is probably the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo.
      – From this article you already know how to get from Tokyo to Osaka 😉
      – Begin your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

    2. Hello,
      We will be traveling to Japan on October 2018 with 8 persons in the group can we use the JR Pass on:
      1. Narita airport to Shinagawa Prince Hotel?
      2. Ride the Yamanote Line?
      3. Shinagawa to Hotel Fontaine in Osaka?
      4. From the Hotel Fontaine in Osaka to Kansai Airport?
      Thank you
      Josie Cruz

    3. Hi Josie!

      Regarding the best access to the accomodations you have chosen, please make sure to contact them since they will be able to better assist you. Besides this, the Japan Rail Pass grants access at no additional cost on the following lines:

      Narita Express, the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport.
      – Unlimited rides in the Yamanote line, the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo.
      – Transportation between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as you already know from this article.
      – The Osaka Loop Line, which circles through downtown Osaka.
      – The Haruka Express, a limited express, airport rail link train service.

      Happy travels!

  67. Hi, I’m planning to visit Japan in May Andy would like to know if you give me some advice about transportation. My itinerary is as follows:
    Day1: arrival at Narita airport. Hotel in Shinagawa
    Day 2: going to Hakone ( stay a night)
    Day 3: going to Kyoto from Hakone (3 nighs in Kyoto)
    Day 6: from Kyoto to Tokyo. Hotel in Akasaka.
    I would like to know if I’ll be able to access to these many places easily with a JR pass. Thank you in advance.

    1. Dear Miki,

      The answer is yes – you will be eligible to follow your itinerary travelling with a Japan Rail Pass. This pass includes:

      – Unlimited rides in the Narita Express at no additional cost, which will take you from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. It has a stop a Shinagawa Station.
      – Access to five different Tokyo railway lines: 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.
      – Acces from Tokyo to Hakone with the bullet train.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  68. Hi:
    We are traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto on April 16th. Can you please recommend what route/trains to use for this trip using the Japan Rail Pass. Additionally we will be traveling from Kyoto to Hakone on April 18th, is there a japan rail train we can take for this trip and what route/train do you recommend for us to take from Hakone to Narita Airport for our return flight home on April 19th. Thank you so much for your response and suggestions.

    1. Hu Anhthu!

      The recommended itinerary to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is detailed described in this article. Please read it carefully.

      Here’s how to get from Tokyo to Hakone with the bullet train: take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Get off at Odawara station, then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

    2. JR Pass:

      I think you misunderstood my itinerary. We will be traveling from Kyoto to Hakone and then from Hakone to Narita Airport. What is your recommended trains from Kyoto to Hakone and what train should we take from Hakone to Narita Airport. Thank you.

    3. Hi Anhthu!

      We were hopping our itinerary base would help you move within your desired itinerary. Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo, and from this article you know how to move between Tokyo and Kyoto 😉 Also Narita Airport is in Tokyo so just go back there and take the Narita Express.

  69. Hi, I thought there might not be enough time to get our JR vouchers delivered to America before we leave town which is Friday March 23rd. I read on the website that I can have it delivered to a hotel. Do you deliver to a hotel in Seoul, S. Korea? That’s where we will be for a few days before we come to Tokyo.

    Thanks.

  70. Hi,
    Our flight lands at Haneda at 18:55 on Sunday 26th March. It looks like the JR office will be closed then. Our hotel is in Chuo Ward, quite near to Suitengu metro station. I guess we will need to exchange our tickets on Monday 27th – which JR exchange office is closest to our hotel please?

    Thanks,
    Paul

  71. Hello,

    I arrive in Tokyo (Haneda) on 2nd April. Going to Kyoto on 6th April (may visit Osaka whilst in Kyoto). Leaving Kyoto for Kanazawa on 12th April. Kanazawa to Narita on 15th April. Would you suggest purchasing a JR Rail Pass? Thank you.

  72. From Shinjuku, Tokyo, how do I travel to Kawaguchiko station in Fujikawaguchiko, Funatsu for an overnight stay on April 10-11. Around mid day (after lunchtime) I’m leaving for Osaka.
    1. From Kawaguchiko station, how do I travel to Osaka?
    2. From Osaka, how do I travel to Kyoto station?
    3. From Kyoto station, how do I travel to Takayama?

    Regards
    Jude

    1. Hi Jude!

      To get from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, just take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. There, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line. The trip between Osaka and Kyoto is well described in this article you are commenting 😉 . And for the last part of your trip, to travel 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.

      Happy travels!

  73. Hi,

    I’ll be traveling to Japan for 5 days in April, I want to know if I purchase a 7 day JR pass will I need to purchase an additional ticket to travel roundtrip to Kyoto in addition to riding the local trains?

    Will the JR Pass be able to solve all of my travel needs with a single purchase? What else should I be considering?

    1. Hi Austin!

      If you travel with a Japan Rail Pass, it will itself include the roundtrip to Kyoto.

      It should mostly cover all your transportation needs, since the Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO. Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro); the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe; the JR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata; the Ainokaze Toyama Railway beween Toyama and Takaoka; Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It is also valid on all local JR bus lines and on the JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  74. i”m planning a day trip from tokyo to Mt Fuji, I found a detailed article on how to get to Mt Fuji, it says to board Limited Express Azusa on the JR Chuo line, headed to Otsuki ,is this part of JR pass.

    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      Yes, the Azusa trains on the JR Chuo line belong to the JR Group so you can ride them for free with your Japan Rail Pass. You can check our Mount Fuji article for more information.

      Cheers,

  75. Hi,

    To go to Kyoto from Tokyo, is it more convenient to board the Shinkansen Hikari from Shinagawa Station than Tokyo Station?

    Tokyo Station seems to be quite big, would Sinagawa Station be easier to navigate?

    Thanks

    Minh

  76. Hi,

    1) can you provide a suggested itinerary to get from Sendagaya or Yoyogi Station in Tokyo to Kyoto Station (Kyoto)? We’re 8 people planning to buy JR pass to go from Tokyo to Kyoto using the Shinkansen on April 4 to arrive early in the PM.

    2) Similarly can you provide a suggested itinerary to get from Kyoto Station (Kyoto) to Narita Airport on April 8 so that we could get to the airport at around 2PM?. We will be flying out from NRT at 4PM. Again for a party of 8 people.

    Thanks

    Minh

    1. Hi Minh!

      Yoyogi is part of the JR Yamanote line, included in the Japan Rail Pass. This line will take you straight to Tokyo Station, where you will be able to travel all straight to Kyoto as described in this article you are commenting.

      To get from Kyoto Station to Narita Airport you can travel all straight to Tokyo as described in this article to Tokyo Station. Once there you will be able to take the Narita Express, included in the Japan Rail Pass, that will take you to Narita Airport.

      Enjoy your trip!

  77. Hi,
    Could you please guide us how can we reach Osaka the same day if we land in Tokyo on 23rd February, 2018 at 1730 hrs. We have purchased a JR pass and would like to reach Osaka at the earliest.

    1. Hi Malay!

      Depending on the airport you land you will have to take different transportation to reach central Tokyo: if you land at Haneda airport you will have to travel on the Tokyo Monorail, and if you land at Narita, the Narita Express. Both are included in the Japan Rail Pass.

      As specified in this article, the Hikari train that will take you from Tokyo to Kyoto can be taken either at Tokyo Station or at Shinagawa Station. The Narita Express stops at both of them, and the Tokyo Monorail only at Tokyo Station.

      We hope you have an amazing time at Japan!

  78. Hi,
    My partner and i are travelling to Japan in April for 13 days. I was just wondering how does the JR Pass work? If i buy the 14 day ticket does that mean that i can swipe my JR Pass for any JR Trips and its included in the price? or do i have to top it up once i use a specific amount of money?
    Thanks,
    Daniel

    1. Hi Daniel!

      The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use all-you-can-ride discounted rail ticket. It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, as well as JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers during the selected validity time frame (either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days). You don’t have any limit besides the selected time frame and the included transportation.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  79. Good day!

    We are a family of 4 adult who will travel to Japan for the first time for 9 days. We will arrive Chubu Airport (Nagoya) from Manila at 8:30pm and will leave same airport at 9:00pm.

    I need your expert advise on the following:
    1. Do we need to stay overnight in Nagoya upon arrival or go straight to either Kyoto or Osaka?
    2. Our planned itinerary are:
    Day 1 – accomodation in Osaka, day trip Kyoto-Nara (Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine)
    Day 2 – Osaka (Universal Studios-Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
    Day 3 – Osaka Castle, Dohtonburi, Himeji Castle
    Day 4 – travel to Tokyo ( Shibuya, Akihabara)
    Day 5 – Tokyo Disneyland
    Day 6 – Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace)
    Day 7 – Back to Nagoya
    Day 8 – Depart Chubu Airport
    I understand that getting the 7 day JR Pass will definitely save us more on transportation cost. Can you guide us on what train line and where exactly to exit given those places that we want to see.

    Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi WengDC!

      You will be entitled to use the Japan Rail Pass for your planned itinerary in the following lines:

      – While in Osaka, you will have unlimited access to the Osaka Loop Line.
      – As you have already read in this article you are commenting, travelling between Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto is very easy. To get to Nara you eill just need to take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line, to JR Nara Station.
      – To get to Universal Studios Japan, from Osaka Station take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station.
      – To get to Tokyo Disneyland use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line.
      – When traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya, the quickest option is to use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, accessible using your JR Pass. Taking the Hikari train, you will reach Nagoya in less than two hours.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  80. Good day!

    Your website is really a great help for us who wants to travel and see the beauty and charm of Japan. We are a family of 4 adult who will stay in Japan for 9 days. Our point of entry and exit is Chubu Airport (Nagoya). Arrival at Chubu Airport from Manila at 8:30pm and Departs Chubu Airport to Manila at 9:00pm. I understand that we really need to buy the 7 day JR railpass to save cost of transportation. But i need your advise on how we can maximize our time and cost of transportation on our stay in Japan.

    Can i have your guidance/advise on the following:

    1. We will arrive Chubu airport (Nagoya) at 8:30pm. Our itinerary includes Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Nagoya.
    Do we need to stay overnight upon our arrival or directly travel to Osaka on that night? Then proceed Osaka stay 3 days ( Osaka Castle, Dohtonburi Area, Himeji Castle, & Universal Studios) day trip to Kyoto & Nara (Todaiji Temple/Nara Park, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine) back to Osaka. Osaka to Tokyo stay 3 days (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Shinjuku Gyoen Natl Garden, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Disneyland) then back to Nagoya 2 days. Is this itinerary possible?

    2. Can you please guide us on what train line to take and where to exit on each line.

    Thank you in advance.

  81. Hi I’m going for a 16 days trip to Japan . Will be landing at Sapporo. Thinking of going
    Sapporo-> Hakodate-> Tokyo->Kyoto-> Osaka. As my returning flight is at Osaka. So do you think is more worth to get 14 day JR pass or 7 day ? Can JR pass be used within the respective area ?

    1. Hi Kimberly!

      To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost:

      – Transfer from main airports to city centers (for example, the Haruka Express that will take you from Osaka to Kansai Airport).
      – 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.
      – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line.
      – Connection between Sapporo and Japan’s main cities.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  82. Hi!

    Just wondering should I be heading to osaka > kyoto > tokyo for 11 days, will it be more advisable and cost-efficient to purchase the 7 or 14 day rail pass as it is kinda stuck in the middle.

    Thank you! 🙂

    1. Hi Ong!

      To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost:
      – Transfer from main airports to city centers (Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo and Haruka Express to Kyoto and Osaka).
      – 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.
      – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line.
      – Connection to many other areas that can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo, from Kyoto and from Osaka.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  83. Hi, Im planning to go from Tokyo to Osaka to Kyoto for a day trip, is it possible? What JR line do you recommend?

  84. Hi, I am going to Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo, which JR pass should I purchase?
    And also Kansai Airport how travel to Osaka? JR pass got include Kansai Airport to Osaka? Thanks

    1. Hi bingbing!

      Yes, the Haruka Express is included in the Japan Rail Pass and fully covers the trip from Kansai Airport to Osaka. Besides this, as you have already read in this article you comment the Japan Rail Pass makes it very easy to travel between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.

      The pass will be useful for your trip not only for these itineraries but also on the following transportation:
      – 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.
      – The Osaka Loop Line, which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka, is also fully included.

      Happy travels!

  85. Hello
    I’m planning to visit Tokyo on April, 17,2018 22.00 time arrival flight then I have to travel to Kyoto in the early morning for 2 days to attend Asian urological conference in Kyoto and then return back to Tokyo for one day than to return back to my country on April,21,2018. does 7 days JR pass is a perfect for my trip?

    Thanks,
    Hesham, Saudi Arabia

    1. Hi Hesham!

      The Japan Rail Pass will cover all of your planned trips:

      – Once you land in the airport, transfers to main cities are included in the pass (Narita Express from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto).
      – While in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different local railway lines: 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.
      – As you have already learned from this article you are commenting, transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto is fully included.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  86. want a round trip from Kyoto to Osaka on 3/21.Have between 3 and 5 pm to do it, Is that possible? What Price if so? how far is Kyoto Station from the Cruise Ship Port?
    Thank You

  87. Hi
    I’m planning to arrive in Kansai in March.
    I’ll be staying in Osaka for 3 days with a day trip then Kyoto for 3 days and then staying in Tokyo for 7 days. We will then head back home from Tokyo.
    Do you recommend getting the JR pass or buy tickets individually?

    Thanks
    Jenny

    1. Hi Jenny!

      To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      However please note that generally when you make long-distance trips such as Kyoto -> Tokyo it tends to pay off. Transportation in Japan is not cheap.

      Have an amazing trip!

  88. Hi,
    How do you advise to move from :
    1. Haneda Airport to Gracery Hotel Shinjuku.
    2. Shinjuku to Mount Fuji and back.
    3. One way trip to Hilton Tokyo Bay from Gracery Hotel Shinjuku
    4. One way trip to Osaka from Hilton Tokyo Bay.

    Hope JR Pass covers all this. Pls advise names of trains. Tx.

    Rgds / Ali

    1. Hi Ali!

      For the routes starting/ending at specific hotels please make sure to contact them directly. Below we provide the itinerary as from one city to another:

      – From Haneda Airport you can get to central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail, fully included in your pass.
      – To get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station, the gateway to climbing Mount Fuji. This last bus will be the only part of the itinerary not covered by your Japan Rail Pass.
      – Last but not least, from this article you have already learned how to travel between Tokyo and Osaka with your pass.

      We hope you have a great trip!

  89. I forgot, we intend to travel by Shinkansen if possible between Tokyo-Kyoto and Kyoto-Osaka.

    Thanks again.

    1. Hi Ramona!

      The Japan Rail Pass would be a great fit for your trip.

      – It would allow you to travel from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail. The Tokyo Monorail does not directly serve Tokyo Station, but it can be reached by taking either the Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku lines from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station. Both are included in the pass.
      – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different local railway lines: 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. The Yamanote line will take you straight to Shibuya, Akihabara and Tokyo Station, among other stations.
      – Travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is extremely easy with the Japan Rail Pass travelling in Shinkansen as you have already learned in this article you are commenting.
      – While in Osaka, you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line at no additional cost.
      – To get to Universal Studios Japan from Osaka Station, just take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. The park is a five-minute walk from the station.
      – You will be able to reach Kansai Airport from either Tokyo or Kyoto in the Haruka Express.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  90. Hello! I’m planning a trip with 5 adults for 7 days this coming April. Which JR Pass would you suggest we could make the most use of with this itinerary?

    1. Arrival in Haneda at midnight
    2. Transfer to Tokyo Station
    3. Self-tour via subway (Shibuya, Akehibara, Asakusa, Odaiba)
    3. Transfer to Kyoto; self-tour via bus and train
    4. Transfer to Osaka; self-tour via bus and subway
    5. USJ
    6. Depart for KIX for 9am flight.

    Thank you so much for your help!

  91. Hi,

    I am planning to have a trip to japan this coming April 29-May 8. My trip covers osaka-kyoto-gamagori-tokyo. I plan to have a kansai pass thru in my stay in osaka, then a 7-day JR pass in kyoto-gamagori-tokyo. Will a 7-day JR Pass cover my whole trip form kyoto-gamagori-tokyo?

    Thanks!
    Ces

    1. Hi Ces!

      Yes you will be able to make the last part of your trip using a Japan Rail Pass.

      To go from Kyoto to Gamagori you will need to first take the Hikari or Kodama train on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen lines from Kyoto Station to Nagoya. Once there you will need to change to another Hikari or Kodama train straight to Toyohashi. Last but not least, from Toyohashi you will need to take the JR Tokaido Rapid/Local train to Gamagori.

      From Gamagori to Tokyo you will first need to take again the JR Tokaido Rapid/Local train to Toyohashi. Once there you will just need to take either a Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen straight to Tokyo Station. This trip will take you approximately 3 hours.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  92. Hi,
    I will arrive in Osaka on 22nd Feb, and plan to go to Himeji castle, Kyoto return trip, and around Osaka, then go to Tokyo on 26th Feb. In Tokyo, plan to go around Tokyo sightseeing and go back on the 2nd March.

    Is it worth it to get 7 day JR Pass, or just get the city pass (ICOCA) at Osaka and Tokyo?

    I heard that train can be very crowded if it’s not the JR Line. And that with JR Pass it’s first class travel (with a possibility to reserve seat). I’m considering that I will be travelling with my 70yo mom and we’ll be bringing luggages.

    Your help is much appreciated.

    1. Hi Fenni!

      The ICOCA prepaid id card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama. Given that you are planning to use it at Tokyo it might not be useful for your whole trip. The Japan Rail Pass will grant you access to all the mentioned trips:

      Osaka Loop Line while you are staying in the city.
      – When traveling from Osaka to Himeji Castle, you may take the direct access Hikari train from Shin-Osaka Station. From the JR Osaka Umeda Station, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over one hour. When you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and take the North Exit. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance. The castle is a 20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street.
      – Travelling between Kyoto and Osaka is now easier than ever. Just take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes.
      – To get from Osaka to Tokyo, you will need to take the Hikari bullet train in Shin-Osaka station to Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo.
      – When in Tokyo, 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

      Also please note the Japan Rail Pass will cover your transfers to and from main airports – should you be landing in Kansai airport you could take the Haruka Express all straight to Osaka.

      Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan since it guarantees a spacious and comfortable seat in the air conditioned cars of all the JR lines. The only thing you need to do is book your seat for free. You can do this a day in advance or just before boarding the train.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  93. Good day!

    I’m flying to Tokyo from the Philippines and I plan to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and back, then Osaka back to Tokyo. All in 5 days. Will a 7-day Japan Rail Pass be worth it? Thank you!

    1. Hi Din!

      The Japan Rail Pass will surely be worth it in your case:

      Narita airport to Tokyo would cost 1,000-3,000 yen each trip (upon arrival + upon departure will double the cost) depending on the station you are heading to.
      – Tokyo to Osaka would be between 13,500-14,000 yen, and you will make this itinerary twice.
      – Roundtrip between Osaka and Kyoto will cost you 1,000 yen.

      As you will see it would already pay off, and should you travel with a Japan Rail Pass you would have unlimited access too to other lines that will be useful in your trip:

      – The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Rapid Chuo Line, 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 will also be entitled to make full, unlimited use of the Osaka Loop Line.

      And the easiest – you can easily purchase it online here.

      Very happy travels!

  94. Hi,

    It is my first trip to japan and i am planning to travel during this April for 10 days covering toyko-osaka-kyoto-nara-toyko. I will be arriving at narita airport.

    I am looking at JR pass 7 days. May I know what is the difference between JR railway pass (¥29110)and hokuriku arch pass(¥24000)?

    As there are many types of JR passes. Hence i am confused and hope to hear your feedback

    Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Rine!

      The difference is the area they cover: the Japan Rail Pass can be used nation-wide while the Hokuriku Arch Pass is a more limited pass. For example, for your trip the Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover the Narita Express, which is the best option to travel between Narita Airport and central Tokyo. This trip is fully included in the Japan Rail Pass. Should you need to pay for these tickets separately besides the Hokuriku Arch Pass, your trip would be more expensive since the single-trip prices of Narita Express are the following:

      Tokyo Station – 3,020¥ / 4,560¥ Green Class (GR)
      Shinagawa – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR
      Shibuya – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR
      Shinjuku – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR
      Ikebukuro – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR
      Omiya – 3, 840¥ / 5,380¥ GR
      Yokohama – 4,290¥ / 5,830¥ GR
      Ofuna – 4,620¥ / 6,160¥ GR

      In your case, the 7-day Japan Rail Pass would be a better choice.

      Have a nice trip!

  95. Greetings,

    I am planning to go to Japan this summer for 8 days (including day of departure) and might arrive at Kansai International Airport.
    During my stay, I plan on only going around Osaka and Kyoto but might choose to visit Tokyo for 2 days.
    1. Will it be more favorable if I buy the National JR Pass or the JR Kansai Pass, keeping in mind that I might go to Tokyo?
    2. Does the National JR pass covers trips around Osaka using the local line especially when going to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto Station?

    Your kind advice are deeply appreciated as this is my first trip to Japan.
    Thank you

    Regards,
    Jun

    1. Hi Jun!

      If you want to have your round trip to Tokyo covered you should go for the nation-wide Japan Rail Pass. It will also cover all the trips you make in the Osaka Loop Line, which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka; the trips from Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Station on a Rapid Express JR train; and also trips between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as you have already discovered in this article you are commenting.

      Have a nice trip!

  96. Hi There,

    I am planning to visit Japan this September. I have a few questions of my own if you don’t mind answering them, please.

    1. Arrive at Kansai International Airport and will stay in Osaka for 6 days. In between those days, I will travel to Kyoto including Sagano Romantic Train, so should I bought Kansai Area Pass (4days) and JR West Pass (2days) to cover both areas?
    2. Day 7, I will use the 7days JR pass to Tokyo as I will leaving the country from Narita Airport. Part of the planned is to visit Mt Fuji & Hakone while I am in Tokyo.

    In your suggestion, will this be the best options for money instead of buying the 14 days JR Pass?

    Thank you.

    Best Regards,

    DotJohn

    1. Hi DotJohn!

      To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      It is generally adviceable to use the Japan Rail Pass when you travel through the whole country but we strongly recommend to check since transportation in Japan is expensive and sometimes the Japan Rail Pass pays off even when not used for the whole trip.

      Happy travels!

  97. Hellooo~

    I will be travelling to Japan from 07 – 21 April (14 days). Mostly staying in Tokyo.
    Only leaving for Kyoto on 15 & 16 Apr and continue to Osaka on 17, 18, 19 Apr
    Then back from Osaka to Tokyo on 20 April.

    May I know if I should purchase the JR Pass for 7 or 14 days for the above itinerary?
    Or would it be more cheaper to purchase one way trip each time I travel from the train station itself?

    Thank you in advance! (:

    Rgds,
    Kelly

    1. Hi Kelly!

      To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost:
      – Transfer from main airports to city centers (Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo and Haruka Express to Kyoto and Osaka).
      – 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.
      – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line.
      – Connection to many other areas that can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo, from Kyoto and from Osaka.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  98. Hello,

    I’m planning for a 7nights trip to Japan in March 2018. Mostly in Osaka, with dedicated day trips to Kyoto & Nara. I’m also travelling with toddlers so it’s important to have access to the nearest station for every attraction.

    I have the following questions :
    1) Which JR Rail pass would be most suitable ? Is it sufficient to cover the major attractions in Osaka or do I need to buy another pass like the ICOCA / Kansai Pass Thru?

    Looking fwd to your feedback!

    Thx

    1. Hi Sarah!

      The Japan Rail Pass affords full access to the Osaka Loop Line, which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka. When riding the Osaka Loop Line, you will notice connections to other lines not operated by the JR Group. Depending on what you want to see you might need an additional ticket.

      Should you travel with a JR Pass you would have included the day trips to Kyoto (as you have already read in this article) and Nara.

      Very happy travels!

  99. Hi KL
    I am planning to visit Tokyo end of April next year and want to see Kyoto head to Tottori then back to Tokyo to fly to Seoul. I am aware that there are regional jr passes available. I intend to buy the 7 day pass but unsure as to which one is better in terms of saving money! Any advice would be of great help! Thank you

    1. Hi Tayama!

      To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      We hope you have an amazing trip.

  100. Hi there

    Thank you for your website and your clear responses to other viewers on this website. I have a few questions of my own if you don’t mind answering them please.

    1) I’m arriving on Saturday 6/1/18 and leaving on 13/1/18. If I purchase 7 day pass and activate it on 6/1/18, that means it is covered for 7 days until the 12/1/18 and I am not covered for my last day on 13/1/18, is that correct?

    2) Must I order the JR Pass online or can I purchase at the train station?

    3) Does 7 day JR Rail Pass cover trips from Osaka/Kyoto to Hiroshima?

    4) Does the JR Rail Pass cover trips to Karuizawa Station from Tokyo Station?

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

    1. Hi KL!

      Thank you very much for your kind words 🙂 Below you will find our answers:

      1) The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 6th of January, the exact expiration time will be midnight on January 12.
      2) It is usually better to purchase it online from an official vendor like this: they are cheaper than purchasing in Japan and offer much flexible payment methods and curencies 😉
      3) Yes it does! To go to Hiroshima from Kyoto you can take the Hikari bullet train from Kyoto Station to the Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line for the remainder of the trip. If you want to start in Osaka, from the city center, take the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains). Both itineraries are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
      4) Yes it does! Several major Shinkansen lines are served by Tokyo Station and are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, including the Hokuriku/Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano and Karuizawa.

      We hope you have an awesome trip!

  101. i need to know is jr pass can use for route from kyoto(which station) to tokyo station. what is the cost.

  102. Hello, my family is traveling to Japan with the following route. I need to know if JR Pass could be use in all these routes and train station.
    1. kansai airport – osaka
    2. osaka – nara – osaka
    3. oksaka – kyoto
    4. kyoto – tokyo – haneda airport

    1. Hi Doreen!

      Yes – the Japan Rail Pass will cover all the mentioned routes:

      – 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, and once there transfer to a local train to Osaka Station.
      – To go from Osaka to Nara (and back), begin your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. These trains run once per hour; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass.
      – Osaka to Kyoto and Tokyo is fully covered as you have already read in this article 😉

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  103. Hi
    Traveling to Japan in End Jan 2018.
    Arriving at Narita airport and staying in nearby Tokyo Station for 4 nights. (Day trip to Hakone or Kamakura)
    Then traveling to Kyoto for 3 nights and hoping to do a day trip to Narra.
    Then we heading to Osaka for 3 nights before heading home via Kansai International Airport.
    7 day JR rail pass be worth the money?
    Thanks for you help!
    Eric

    1. Hi Eric!

      To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities (besides transportation connecting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which you have already learned in this article):

      – Transportation between Narita Airport to central Tokyo through the Narita Express.
      – When in Tokyo, 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.
      – To get from Tokyo to Hakone you will just need to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto and get off at Hakone-Itabashi. This is your final destination.
      – Should you prefer to visit Kamakura, you can take the JR Yokosuka Line, which is a direct connection from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
      – In order to get from Kyoto to Nara, begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station.
      – Finally to get from Osaka to Kansai Airport you can make full use of the Haruka Express.

      Happy travels!

  104. Hi I was wondering, if I am travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka and then back to Tokyo, is it worth it to buy the green pass? As I see that the Hikari trains don’t actually have the green pass compartments. thanks!

  105. Hello, my family is travelling to Japan with the following route. I need to know if JR Pass could be use in all these routes:
    Tokyo to Aomori
    Aomori to Saitama
    Saitama to Gunma
    Gunma to Tokyo
    Tokyo to Kyoto
    Kyoto to Osaka
    Osaka to Kansai Airport
    It will be a tight seven day trip, but i think its doable with the bullet trains, but would need your expert advice.
    Thank you very much

    1. Hi Chona Trinidad!

      The Japan Rail Pass can be used in your itinerary routes as follows:

      – To go from Tokyo to Aomori, you can take a Hayabusa train on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori and transfer to a local or limited express train for Aomori Station. The entire trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
      – To travel to Saitama you can take the JR Saikyo line or the Shonan-Shinjuku line to the JR Omiya Station.
      – Moving between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is easy and you have already read how in this article you are commenting 🙂
      – To go from Osaka to Kansai Airport you will be entitled to make full use of the Haruka Express.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  106. Hi
    Family of 4 traveling to Japan in March 2018
    Arriving at Narita airport and staying in Asakusa for 5 nights and wanting to do basic sightseeing in the area
    Then traveling to Osaka for 2 nights and hoping to do a day trip to Hiroshima and maybe Kyoto/Narra
    Then we head back to Tokyo to stay 2 nights before heading home via Narita airport.
    My understanding is that the first leg of the trip Narita to Asakusa is best with a Skyaccess train?
    My question is would a 7 day JR rail pass be worth the money?
    Thanks for you help!
    Larissa

    1. Hi Larissa!

      To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities:

      – Transportation between Narita Airport to central Tokyo through the Narita Express.
      – When in Tokyo, 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.
      – Transportation between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, as you have already learnt in this article you are commenting.
      – When in Osaka, you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line.
      – Transportation between Osaka and Hiroshima by taking the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfering to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains).
      – Transportation between Osaka and Nara by starting your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station and takinge the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  107. hi, i have purchased jr pass 7 days,
    but i dont know how to go tokyo from osaka, which station i should go? how to check the train time pleasE?

    1. Hi Chrissie!

      The details on how to move between Tokyo and Osaka can be read in this article you are commenting 🙂
      To check the train schedules we strongly recommend you to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool.

      Also since you are travelling to Japan we recommend you to do so with wifi connection from your own since public one is not reliable. We think best options would be to rent either a Pocket WiFi device or a SIM Card for the duration of your stay.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  108. Hi,

    We are travelling to japan in dec-2017.
    Our itenary is
    Day 1 – Arrive in Haneda airport(3 pm – local time) and go to kyoto
    Day 2 – Sight seeing in Kyoto
    Day 3 – Sight seeing in Kyoto for 1/2 day and travel to Hakone
    Day 4 – Sight seeing – Mt Fuji
    Day 5 – Activities in Mt. Fuji + Hakone Sight seeing & travel to Tokyo
    Day 6 – Tokyo Sight seeing
    Day 7 – Tokyo Sigh seeing
    Day 8 – Fly back home
    We are planning to buy JR pass – 7 days. Will that be sufficient to travel to these places or should we top up the JR 7-day pass.
    Any other suggestion to change our itenary..

    Thanks

    1. Hi Poorni!

      The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 1st of December, the exact expiration time will be midnight on December 7. In that case a 7-day pass would not fully cover your stay and you would need to pay the last day ticket separately.

      We hope you have an amazing stay!

  109. Hello!
    I will be staying in Tokyo for 4 nights and have a day trip planned for Osaka. What is my best option to get to Osaka, plus utilization of the light rail in Tokyo? Also do I need to buy tickets in advance?

    1. Hi Cliff!

      In this article you can already read how to get from Tokyo to Osaka using your Japan Rail Pass. When in Tokyo, 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

      We hope you have an awesome trip!

  110. Hi,
    My plan itinerary is Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Osaka and then will travel to Takayama for 2 nights. Then from Takayama to Tokyo (Ueno) for 2 nights and then to Haneda airport.
    Can you advise from Osaka-Takayama-Tokyo what train should I take?
    Will my 7 days JP Pass cover all the places? My travel period is from 5 – 12 Jan.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Jasmine!

      Yes – you can use your Japan Rail Pass for your itinerary:

      – You can go to and from Haneda Airport travelling in the Haruka Express at no additional cost.
      – From this article you already know that Hikari Shinkansen will easily take you between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
      – To get from Kyoto to Nara, begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. The rapid trains run twice per hour, and the 45-minute trip is covered by your JR Pass.
      – From Nara you can easily travel to Osaka taking the Yamatoji Rapid Train from JR Nara Station to JR Osaka Station.
      Takayama is easy to access using your Japan Rail Pass. If traveling from Tokyo, first take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. From either Nagoya or Toyama, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama. When traveling from/to Kyoto or Osaka, from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station, take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya, then take the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama.

      We hope you enjoy your stay in Japan!

  111. Hi thank you for the reply.
    I will take note on the Nozomi part but is it correct that I need to purchase it at any JR ticket office? and which line should i take after i purchase the Nozomi ticket?

  112. Hi,

    I have a last minute plan which I will extend my stay from Tokyo to Osaka (11/12 – 15/12) , I will check in on 11/12 midnight (Osaka) and plan to take the bullet train (Nozomi…?). And from Osaka, to have a day trip to Kyoto. Please suggest which type of JPR i should purchase and any recommendation to make my travel smooth? Thank you in advance 🙂

    1. Hi Nur!

      As stated in this article, the Japan Rail Pass will cover your trips between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in the Hikari and Kodama trains. Please note Nozomi is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. You will not have access to the ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ Shinkansen that are the fastest trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. However, you have access to the ‘Hikari’ or ‘Sakura’ Shinkansen that cover the same routes. The Hikari and Sakura bullet trains reach the same top speed as the Nozomi and Mizuho trains and use the same type of actual train, but have more stops along each route. For example, from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Hikari takes 15mins more than the equivalent Nozomi.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  113. Thank you! so, I may also use it to go from tokyo to osaka and back with the JR rail pass? Or would I have to stop at kyoto and spend day there before going to osaka?

  114. Hi! Planning on arriving Dec. 22 and staying in Tokyo til Dec. 26. Day trip to Gala Yuzawa for snow activity on 25.
    Then to Osaka Dec 26-30 and back to Tokyo for 2 nights, departure on Jan.1 out of narita.

    Does JR rail pass cover my trip to Gala Yuzawa, Disneysea and Universal studios? Thank you!

    1. Hello Joey,

      The Japan Rail Pass covers all your trips:
      Gala Yuzawa has its own bullet train station. The Joetsu shinkansen, included in the JR Pass, takes you straight from Tokyo to this location on the Niigata prefecture, in just two hours.
      For Tokyo Disneyland use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Travel time is 20 minutes and the park is a mere five-minute walk from the station.
      And last but not least, for the Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) take the Osaka loop line, from Osaka Station to Universal City Station. From Nishikujo Station, you can also take the JR Sakurajima line (also called Yumesaki line). The park is a five-minute walk from the station.

      Hope this helps 🙂

      Regards

  115. Hi

    I am traveling to Tokyo in dec with my kids 3 and 9 years.

    I wan check if I wan to travel to Osaka from Tokyo Narita Airport, which station will easier for me to transfer, Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station?
    As I will having a few baggages too.

    Thank you

    1. Hi Shellen!

      You might prefer to transfer at Shinagawa Station, specially if you come from the Narita Express: platforms are close and station is smaller, which makes it easier to navigate. Tokyo Station is easy too since you can just follow English signs but you do need to go up elevators/escalators.

      Have an awesome trip!

  116. Hi

    I m traveling to Tokyo in dec with family n with two kids age 3 and 9.
    Is it worth to get 7 days JR pass to travel from Narita Airport to Osaka then back to Tokyo?
    I will staying at Osaka for 2 nights.
    And with 2 kids And few luggages , which should I change at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa station Is better?

    1. Hi Shellen!

      To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

      Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities:
      – When you land at Narita Airport you will be entitled to travel on the Narita Express to central Toyko. From Tokyo you will be able to easily reach Osaka, as described in this article, as well as travelling back to Tokyo.
      – In Osaka you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line.

      We hope you have an awesome time!

    1. Hi Melyabani!

      As you can read in this article, to get from Tokyo to Osaka you will need to take either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo.

      Have a nice trip!

  117. Hi, Our itinerary is covering Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. We will be spending 2 nights in Osaka, 5 nights in Kyoto and we plan to take a 1way bullet train going to Tokyo for 5days. May I know what do you suggest of the kind of pass we need to take?

    Thank you so much.

    Kae

    1. Hi Kae!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itinerary, as well as many day trips from Tokyo, from Kyoto and from Osaka.
      Besides transportation between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, which you can already read in this article, the mentioned trips would be covered in the following way:

      – It will cover your transfers from main airports to city centers (either Narita Express to central Tokyo or Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka).
      – When in Osaka, you will be entitled to fully use the Osaka Loop Line.
      – When in Tokyo, 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 and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

      We hope you have an awesome trip!

  118. Hi, my family and I will be travelling to japan on January 2018. Just want to check what type of pass should we get for a cost effective way of travelling around japan.

    Details of trip:

    Arrive at Narita Airport, follow by going to Tokyo and stay for 4 nights with 1 day of Mount Fuji visiting.

    Then will be doing a One-Way trip to Kyoto and spend 2 nights in Kyoto.

    Last day will be departing Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport to fly back to Singapore.

    Please advise is it better to purchase a JR pass or any other pass that is more suitable for this travel pattern. Will greatly appreciate any help given. Thanks.

    1. Hi Jarrel!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your trip:

      – When landing at Narita Airport, you will be able to easily reach central Tokyo through the Narita Express.
      – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass will afford access to five different Tokyo railway lines: 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.
      – Day trip to Mount Fuji will be easily doable through the Gotemba trail (please check carefuly since last part of the trip is not included in the Japan Rail Pass).
      – Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy, as described in this article.
      – The Limited Express Haruka is the only direct train service from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station – and it is free with the Japan Rail Pass!

      We hope you enjoy your stay in Japan!

  119. Hi,

    Would like to ask for suggestions and itinerary,
    If my family and I would like to travel from Tokyo 3nights > Osaka 2nights > Kyoto 1night > Tokyo 2nights.
    JR Pass 7days is sufficient? We have total of 5 adults and 2 children (5 and 9 yrs).

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Vivian!

      The Japan Rail Pass would cover your whole trip, however to assess if it is more adequate to get a 7-day pass or a 14-day one we recommend you to check which are the individual prices of each trip in Hyperdia and compare it to the nation wide pass price. It will also be of great help if you want to check for which days of your trip (beggining or end) would be more adequate a 7-day one!

      The Japan Rail Pass would cover your full trip as follows:

      – Transport between Narita Airport and Tokyo city center would be fully cover since you would be entitled to take the Narita Express unlimitedly.
      – Transportation in Tokyo’s JR lines: 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.
      – Tokyo to Osaka by taking either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo.
      – Transportation in the Osaka Loop Line.
      – Osaka to Kyoto taking the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
      – Kyoto to Tokyo in the Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto Station to either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo.

      Happy travels!

  120. Hello, i will be traveling in Japan from 30th of December to 14th of January (flying in and flying out of Haneda Airport). We are planning to stay in Tokyo for 1st 2 nights and then travel to Osaka and stay there 4 full days (probably do two side trips),then move to Kyoto( 3 full days) and Takayama (2 full days) and back to Tokyo.
    My questions are:
    Should we activate our 14 day pass by taking train from airport on the 30th, or should we do it on 31st when we take train to Kamakura for NYE clebration?
    From which station train to Osaka from Tokyo leaves?
    What is the best way to get to Takayama?
    How can be sure routes we take on JR trains are covered by JR pass.
    Can you get discount for hotels/attractionswith JR pass?
    Thank you in advance .

    1. Hi Bernadetta!

      – The activation date of your Japan Rail Pass will fully depend on your itinerary. Please note that you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date.
      – Regarding the station where to take the train from Tokyo to Osaka, all the details are specified in this article you are reading 😉
      Takayama is easy to access using your Japan Rail Pass. If traveling from Tokyo to Takayama, first take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. From there, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama. If traveling from Kyoto or Osaka to Takayama, from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station, take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya, then take the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama.
      – To be sure that you take transportation included in the Japan Rail Pass please verify them at Hyperdia using the right filters, as explain here.
      – Holders of the Japan Rail Pass can take advantage of discounted prices with the JR Hotel Group.

      We hope you have a nice stay in Japan!

  121. Hi there

    I am spending 10 days in Japan, going from Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo.
    Will i need a national rail pass or can I get one that only includes these areas?

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Laura!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itineraries as well as others that will for sure be useful: airport transfers (for example, you are entitled to travel on the Narita Express from Narita Airport to central Tokyo) and transportation inside the city (for example, the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka Loop line are fully included).

      The pass costs about the same as rail fare between Osaka and Tokyo (round ticket) so it should pay off for your concrete trip.

      We hope you have an awesome trip!

  122. hai,

    can i know for itenery below :

    Kasai – Osaka
    Osaka – Kobe – Osaka
    Osaka – Nara – Osaka
    Osaka – Kyoto
    Kyoto – Tokyo

    Please advise which one is affordable price.

    1. Hi Safiza!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itinerary:

      – 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.
      – You have two options when traveling from Osaka to Kobe using the JR Pass. You may take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station. This trip lasts approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you may take a JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station to the Kobe Sannomiya Station, with a trip duration of around 20 minutes.
      – To go to Nara from Osaka begin your trip at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. These trains run once per hour; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass.
      – As you have already read in this article, travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is as easy as pie – and fully included in the Japan Rail Pass!

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

    1. Hi Titien!

      Yes – travelling to Sapporo by train is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass!

      From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku / Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate Station. This is the halfway mark of the nearly eight-hour journey. From Shin-Hakodate Station, you will take the Hokuto limited express or Super Hokuto trains to Sapporo Station.

      Since it is a long trip, you may want to consider a stopover in nearby Hokuto, as there are a number of temples, shrines, and other places of interest in the area, including a mountainous campground.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  123. Hello 🙂 Would like some advice. Me and my family of 5 will be travelling to Japan for 8 days. Our itinerary will start from OSAKA -> KYOTO->Mt FUJI-> TOKYO. All of it only covers one way trip. Will the JR 7 days pass be worthy? I’ve read online that some have mentioned that JR pass will only pay off if is a round trip. It will be more worthy to get separate tickets if is one way. Thank you.

    1. Hi Zyu!

      The most economical pass will always depend on your itinerary and that is why we always recommend you to check which is the cost of the individual trips at Hyperdia and compare it to the price of the nation-wide pass. Please note the Japan Rail Pass would cover your whole trip:

      – When landing at Kansai Airport, full transfer to Osaka in the Haruka Express.
      – Trip from Osaka to Kyoto as you have already learned in this article 🙂
      – Kyoto to Mount Fuji: just take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama and some Hikari trains) from Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto Station (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi Station.
      – To get from Mount Fuji to Tokyo take the JR Gotemba Line at Gotemba Station and travel until Kozu (Kanagawa). Once there take the JR Tokaido Line to Tokyo Station.
      – Airport transfers from central Tokyo, either if you are departing from Narita Airport (through Narita Express) or from Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail).

      Please also keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass will provide additional comfort by not needing to queue each time you aim to purchase a single ticket.

      We hope you have an amazing trip!

  124. Hi there Team!

    From reading the articles online here and also a LOT of peoples comments I thought I would ask mine to get some clarification…and some advice too!

    I plan on being in Japan beginning of May 2018. Most of the places I will be visiting will be in the “Tokyo” region. I do plan on visiting Kyoto and Nara when I get the chance. I’m hoping to stay for about 2 weeks (to get the best first experience I can!). Would it be worthwhile to get the JR pass for these 2 weeks since as it’s said, can use all the trains?
    A few of my itinerary/plans is/are as follows:
    Tokyo – Ghibli museum (as it closes may 15), sensoji temple, akihabara, shibuya crossing & around tokyo
    Kyoto – kinkakuji, fushimi inari shrine, gion district, kiyomizu-dera temple
    Nara – todaiji temple

    I will be staying in the Funabori area as the pricing to stay away from the major cities is less expensive. I know as well that the subway systems are quite convenient as well so I’m wondering if that would be better suited for what I have planned? I’ll be travelling by myself so I’m a little nervous and want to make sure I have all the correct information before buying the ticket here 🙂

    Any information will be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks so much!
    CM

    1. Hi Cailin!

      The most economical pass will always depend on your itinerary and that is why we always recommend you to check which is the cost of the individual trips at Hyperdia and compare it to the price of the nation-wide pass. Please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass would cover:

      – Airport transfers to central Tokyo, either if you are landing at Narita Airport (through Narita Express) or at Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail).
      – Transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto by taking the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station.
      – Transportation to Nara from either Tokyo or Kyoto.
      – Some lines within Tokyo.

      Very happy travels!

  125. Hi,

    We are planning to travel to Japan in January 2018 for 4 days. If we will buy the 7 day JR pass for $251/person, will that cover our day trip to Kyoto and Osaka? and also to go around Tokyo? Please advise.

    Thank you,

    Hanna

    1. Hi Hanna!

      As you can read in this article you are commenting, the Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trips Tokyo-Kyoto, Tokyo-Osaka and Kyoto-Osaka.

      Regarding transportation within Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass affords access to five different city railway lines and also the Tokaido Shinkansen makes stops at Shinagawa, Ueno, and Tokyo Stations. City lines included in the pass are:

      – The Yamanote Line, Tokyo’s most prominent rail 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 such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

      Happy travels!

  126. Hi,
    For my holiday next month, I plan to having trip Tokyo – Osaka, Osaka – Kyoto, Kyoto – Tokyo (within 3 days). What kind of JR Pass is suitable for me? Please advise which one is affordable price. I will go with my wife and 5 year old child.

    Thank you

    1. Hi Vaji!

      The Japan Rail Pass would for sure cover all trips you are looking forward to do. However we recommend you to check the individual cost of the trips at Hyperdia to assess if it is the most cost saving option for you. Remember the Japan Rail Pass allows you to travel through the whole country so should you want to make any day trip from there check the cost of it too!

      Very happy travels!

  127. Hi Lovely Staff from Jrail Pass,

    I am planning a 10 days trip for a one-way (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) trip. JR will be my main transport .

    Tokyo: Reaching Narita Airport in morning of 30th March 2018
    Kyoto: Reaching Kyoto in afternoon of 3rd April 2018 (by shinkansen)
    Osaka: Reaching Osaka in the afternoon of 6th April 2018 (by shinkansen)
    Kansai Airport: Reaching Kansai Airport in the morning of 8th April 2018

    What is the best JR pass for me?

    Appreciate your advise.

    Thanks in advance

    1. Hi SOH JIA SHENG!

      The Japan Rail Pass will cover the full itinerary you mention, as well as many day trips from all these cities. We really encourage you to surf our blog to get the best recommendations on what to see while in Japan!

      – To get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo you can take the Narita Express, included in the Japan Rail Pass.
      – From this article you have already learned how to move between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in the bullet trains using your Japan Rail Pass.
      – While in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different railway lines: 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.
      – Something similar happens in Osaka, where you are entitled access to the Osaka Loop Line.
      – From Osaka you can easily reach Kansai Airport through the Haruka Express.

      Very happy travels!

  128. Hi,

    I am arriving at Haneda Airport this January. Do Jrailpass covers any train lines from this airport?

  129. Hi
    I need your kindly advise :
    I am planning to visit Osaka – Hiroshima – Kyoto – Tokyo with that specific route order, does JR Pass cover this routes?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Teguh!

      Yes sure – the Japan Rail Pass covers your specific route! Find details below:

      – Should your flight arrive to Kansai Airport, you would be entitled to travel in the Haruka Express, which will take you straight to Osaka.
      – To get to Hiroshima, from Osaka city center take the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station and then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains).
      – To arrive to Kyoto from Hirshima you will need to take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station and, from there, you can take the Hikari bullet train to Kyoto Station.
      – Trip from Kyoto to Tokyo is already described in this article 🙂

      Besides these trips, you will also be entitled to travel in the Osaka Loop Line and in some Tokyo metropolitan lines (such as Yamanote Line), as well as getting back from Tokyo to the airport (either Haneda and Narita airports have direct connections included in the Japan Rail Pass).

      Happy travels!

  130. Hi
    I planned to visit Tokyo – Liyama – Kyoto – Osaka
    Does JR Pass cover this route? And what would be the train line and station?
    How long is every travel?
    Please advise.
    Thanks.

    1. Hi Avinia!

      You can travel all straight from Tokyo to Iiyama in the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Kagayaki and Hakutaka are the bullet trains that run from Tokyo to Kanazawa: you will just have to take the train at Tokyo Station and to drop off at Iiyama. It should take you around 108 min. When you want to travel from Iiyama to Kyoto you will have to transfer trains. One of the fastest ways of making this trip would be taking the same Hakutaka train from Iiyama to Kanazawa and once there take the Limited Express Thunderbird train to Kyoto. From this article you do already know how to get from Kyoto to Osaka 🙂 All os these trips are fully included in your Japan Rail Pass.

      We always recommend you to check the best itineraries at Hyperdia to make sure you are taking the most our of your trip. Hyperdia is the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool (website and mobile app), which enables you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

      Very happy travels!

  131. Hi,

    Planning to go to Tokyo in Nov. Going to be in Tokyo for 6.5 days and then going to Osaka for 5 days (w/ 1 of those 5 days going to Kyoto). Since it’s not the whole 14 days, I was wondering what would be the most efficient way to purchase the JR pass. If anyone has any helpful hints, thank you!!!

    1. Hi Fred!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cober your airport transfers, trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto as you have already read in this article, and most of your trips through the country. The most adequate ticket for you will depend on your itinerary, please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass will be more cost effective the more you travel. If you are planning to make many trips it might be cheaper to travel on the Japan Rail Pass even if you are not in the country during the whole validity of the pass. We recommend you to check the individual ticket cost of all your trips in Hyperdia and to compare it to the full Japan Rail Pass cost.

      Enjoy your trip!

  132. Hi, great article!

    I am going to Kyoto for one week (16th of october to 23rd), and have some questions for that matter:

    1. Can I use the same JR pass from – and to the airport (from Kansai KIX the 16th october – from Kyoto station to KIX Kansai the 23rd)?

    2. I would like to take a one-day trip to Tokyo – if I have a JR pass, can I also visit the other cities nearby with the same pass?

    3. If I only plan a one-day trip to Tokyo, and stay in Kyoto the rest of the time – is it necessary with a JR pass?

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Neda!

      Answering your questions:

      1. Yes – you can use the pass unlimitedly in the transportation that is included in the pass. To get to and from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station you can take the Haruka Express.
      2. Sure! You can travel as much as you can in the transportation included in the Japan Rail Pass, which covers trips practically over the whole country.
      3. To assess which option is more cost effective for your trip we recommend you to check which would be the individual cost of the trip using Hyperdia and to compare it to the Japan Rail Pass cost. As easy as pie!

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  133. Which JR pass should i use since my route is Kyoto – Nagoya – Shiragawa – Takayama – Osaka? Plan to buy the 7 day pass, kindly advise me…

    Thanks.

    1. Hello Ching,

      Hope you are well 🙂

      How long will you be there? It seems like you have planned a 10 day trip. For that time, the 7 day Japan Rail Pass may be the best deal for you. Including a single ticket at the beginning or at the end or your journey.

      If you have any other question, please let us know 🙂

      Regards

  134. Hello!

    I am debating if I should get the 7 day JR pass, I used the hyperdia and it showed that it’s better to buy the tickets individually. But I heard that we can use the JR pass inside the cities. I am just debating if it is worth it to use the 7 day JR pass and just pay 4700 yen more.

    The route is
    Day 1-5: Tokyo
    Day 6: activate the 7 daysJR pass to go to day trip Hakone
    Day 7: Tokyo to Kyoto
    Day 8: Kyoto to Nara for day trip
    Day 9 & 10: Kyoto
    Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka
    Day 12: Osaka to Kobe for day trip/ JR pass expires
    Day 13 &14: Osaka
    Day 15: Osaka to Tokyo

    1. Hello Joanne,

      The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO.
      Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro); the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe; the JR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata; the Ainokaze Toyama Railway beween Toyama and Takaoka; Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
      Before making any decision you can check all the advantages of using Japan Rail Pass and later you can go for whichever is the best option for you.

      Hope this helps.

      Have a nice trip 🙂

      Regards

  135. Hello!

    My partner and I are travelling from Australia to Japan.

    We land in Narita, spend 5 nights in Tokyo, then three in kyoto (the first being in kurama), then three in Osaka before departing to fly to Seoul.

    We are also hoping to do a day trip to Hiroshima on one of the days while we are staying in Kyoto.

    A j-rail pass seems like the best value (especially given the hiroshima trip) but not necessarily a full 14 day one to cover the whole amount given we are staying in the cities for a significant time.

    Is it better value to get the 14 day pass due to the travel inside the cities, or would it be better having a 7 day rail pass that covers the major shinkansen trips (tokyo to kyoto, hiroshima, kyoto to osaka) and just use smaller cards either side of this?

    Thanks!

    1. Hello Morgan,

      Both options can be suitable for your itinerary. So you can check on Hyperdia, compare prices and decide wich Japan Rail Pass is a better deal for you. But remember that the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass is either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The exact expiration time is either the 7th, 14th or the 21st night at midnight. Therefore, you won’t have the option of splitting the validity period of their passes.

      Hope you have a wonderful stay in Japan!

  136. Hello JR rail,

    We are taking a trip to Japan in November and trying to decide whether to purchase the 7 day rail pass.

    Our route is:
    Tokyo- Hakone- Kyoto – Tokyo

    Would it be cheaper to do this route with the rail pass? I can’t see anywhere whether we can get from Hakone to Kyoto with the pass.

    Thanks so much

    1. Hello Charlotte,

      According with your plan, you will need to take at least, two shinkansen bullet trains, so the Japan rail Pass would be a very good deal
      Anyways, you can compare prices on Hyperdia, and then decide what is the best option for you.

      Hope it helps 🙂

  137. Hello JRailPass,

    I am planning a Trip to Japan in April 1- 9. We will be flying into Haneda Airport and arriving to Disney Sea Resort. Day 3 we are leaving the Disney sea resort to travel to Osaka or Nara Park. We have a 7 DAY JR Pass. What is the best way to travel to Osaka or Nara Deer Park from Tokyo Disney Sea?

    1. Hi Cristy,

      From Disney Sea Resort to Osaka: At Maihama, the Disneyland station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Tokyo Station. There, change to JR Tokaido Shinakansen to Shin-Osaka. From Shin-Osaka, it depends on where you stay in the large area of Osaka City.
      From Disney Sea Resort to Nara Park: At Maihama, the Disneyland station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Tokyo Station. There, you need to walk for 10 minutes to change to the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line. After 4 stops, you will be at kyoto station. Walk for two minutes to take the Kintetsu-Limited Express until Kintetsu-Nara Station. From there to Nara Park you have 18 minutes walking.

      For more information about traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, check our trains and transportation guide. Also, have a look at Nara with the JR Pass to get the best experience of your Japan trip.

      Hope it helps.

      Kind regards

  138. Hello,
    Thank you for the great read- I am going to Japan for 14 days Osaka- Kyoto-Tokyo and some stops in-between … I am wondering what is best bang for my buck. The 14 day is quite pricey, so should I look into region passes? If so how do those work if I want to get from Kyoto to Tokyo. Thank you 🙂
    – Darah

    1. Hi Darah,

      There’s no dispute that the Shinkansen (bullet train €77.74– €106.49 one-way) is still the fastest and smoothest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto, and if you’re going to get the JR Rail Pass then it’s a no-brainer.
      Otherwise, the Seishun 18 ticket ( local train €17.89 one-way) is the cheapest way, but will take a toll on your time. If you want to go for the middle ground—not wasting too much time but not paying too much, you’re better off taking an overnight bus to Kyoto (at least €22.64 one-way). Taking a plane (at least €50.57 one-way, including airport fees and transfer costs) can still be expensive and time-consuming due to airport transfers, but if you snag a good deal during promo season, go for it!

      You can compare prices on Hyperdia, and then decide what is the best option for you.

      Hope it helps

      Regards

  139. Hi I’m looking to travel to:

    – Karuizawa
    – Kawaguchiko
    – Kyoto

    Does the JR Pass cover these 3 areas?

    1. Hello Ham,

      We are glad to confirm you that the Japan Rail Pass cover these three places you would like to visit. Also, if you are looking for some other destinations in Japan, please have a look at our travel guide blog, where you can find the best dstinations for your trip.

      Have a great journey!

  140. Hi, 4 of us will be landed in Tokyo HND on 10/12/2017 ~ 9pm and go around Tokyo for few days, then will travel to Osaka/Kyoto on 14/12/2017 and then return to Tokyo NRT on 17/12/2017 for a 3pm flight to TPE, just wonder the 7 days pass cover all these ? or I should start use the JR pass on 11/12/2017 instead, also , what is the different between the ordinary and green pass? is ordinary pass will cover all these travel?

    Thanks
    Ricky

    1. Hi Ricky!

      The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 10th of December, the exact expiration time will be midnight on December 16. In that case a 7-day pass would not cover your whole stay in the country.

      The Green Pass stands for a First class ticket, which allows you to access the most comfortable and spacious seating areas on all Shinkansen bullet trains and certain fast lines. Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan. In particular, if you are travelling in the summertime between June and September. This is because these compartments tend to be less crowded and it is easier to reserve your seat.

      Have an amazing vacation!

  141. Hi,

    Will be landed in Kansai airport on 10th Oct (morning) and leaving on 17th(night), will spent 1st 3 days in Kyoto and the rest of the days will be staying in Osaka area, plan to go day trip Nara, Kobe and Miyajima.
    1. what JR card would you suggest? Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5days) or Sanyo-San’in Area Pass (7days)
    2. Can either one of this card use within the kyoto region?
    3. Will it be cheaper if i buy bus pass in kyoto and Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5days) ?
    4. Can either one of this card use to/ from airport?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi JK!

      The Japan Rail Pass will cover all the mentioned trips.

      Haruka Express train, which will take you from Kansai Airport straight to Kyoto. The one-way trip takes around one hour and fifteen minutes and is free with the Japan Rail Pass. Yo can used to get from and to the airport at the beggining and at the end of your trip.
      – From this article you have already learned how easy it is to travel from Kyoto to Osaka 😉
      – To go from Osaka to Nara begin your trip at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.
      – To travel from Kyoto to Kobe you may take the direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Kobe Station. One Hikari train departs each hour, and the trip lasts approximately 30 minutes.
      – To get to Miyajima you will first need to reach Hiroshima. To do it from Osaka, take the Sanyo Shinkansen line in Shin-Osaka Station. From central Hiroshima, take a tram to the Miyajimaguchi ferry port. The good news is thatou can use your Japan Rail Pass to access the JR ferry for free. The ferry ride takes only about ten minutes.

      Since unlimited trips are included, you might take those trains as many times as you want, as well as being entitled to take JR lines within the city (for example, the Osaka Loop line).

      Very happy travels!

  142. Hi,

    My family will be arriving at Osaka (KIX) on 13 November,
    going to Kyoto on 16 November and finally arriving in Tokyo on 20 November.
    We will fly out from Tokyo (HND) on 25th.
    What pass would you recommend?

    1. Hi Chris!

      All the trips you mention are covered by the Japan Rail Pass:

      – Transportation from Kansai airport to Osaka in the Haruka Express.
      – Trips between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, as you have already discovered in this article.
      – Airport transfer from Tokyo city to Haneda Airport in the Tokyo Monorail.

      Have a nice vacation!

  143. Hi!

    I’m also planning a trip to Japan and I’m really questioning if I should buy the Japan Rail Pass.

    Here’s what I have in mind:
    – I’ll arrive at Narita airport and travel to Tokyo afterwards, where I’ll be spending a day and a half (2 nights). I plan on visiting the most relevant sightseeing places during that time (shibuya, asakusa, ginza, shinjuku, etc).
    – Afterwards, I plan on travelling to Kyoto probably using the bullet train.
    – I’ll be spending 4 days in Kyoto and I also wnat to visit the main turistic places there, probably using the local train lines. I’m also thinking about the possibility of doing a day trip to Nara during one of those 4 days.
    – Finally, I’ll travel to Osaka by train since my return flight will leave from Osaka’s International airport.

    I’m questioning about wether or not I should buy the JR pass because I worry that some local train lines (mainly in kyoto) will only work with private lines. Also, I’m only planning on using the bullet train once.

    I can’t make up my mind about wether or not I should buy a JR pass and, if so, which one would benefit me the most.

    Can you please help me?

    Thank you very much,
    Miguel

    1. Hi Miguel!

      The Japan Rail Pass will help you in most of the trips you have planned; however as you state within cities you might need to use IC cards. However we recommend you to check at Hyperdia what will be the cost resulting from making individually the trips that the Japan Rail Pass covers: some trips are expensive and it might pay off even when not being entitled to use city lines.

      – When you land at Narita Airport you will be able to easily reach Tokyo center with the Narita Express at no additional cost.
      – While in Tokyo you can use the following lines at no additional cost when travelling with the Japan Rail Pass: 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.
      – In this article you have already discovered how easy (and fast!) is getting to Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass.
      – To get from Kyoto to Nara, begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. The rapid trains run twice per hour, and the 45-minute trip is covered by your JR Pass.
      – When you need to head back to Kansai Airport your transportation will also be included: the Haruka Express, a limited express, airport rail link train service.

      Have an amazing trip!

    1. Hi Atel!

      In this article you should have already found all the details regarding the itinerary you mention, together with its stations.

      The Japan Rail Pass covers all these trips, however if you are not travelling any more it might not be the most convenient ticket for you. We recommend you to check Hyperdia for the exact price of the train rides: it will greatly help in assessing which the most convenient ticket will be.

      Happy travels!

  144. Hi, we will be making a similar trip to Narita/Kyoto/Haneda in 3 weeks’ time. Our flight lands in Narita at 3:20pm on Sunday, do we have enough time to get to a hotel in the Gion area in Kyoto by end of the day?

    That’s not a problem according to Hyperdia, but will there be any Hikari tickets when we are there?

    To be sure to get to Kyoto, should I consider flying to KIX instead since I cannot reserve the Shinkansen Hikari tickets until I convert my JR voucher to JP pass at Narita?

    We will have large luggages , should we make the N’EX/Sinkansen transfer at Tokyo or Shinagawa station? I understand that Shinagawa station is easier to get around but trains at Tokyo station have more spaces for luggages since that is the starting terminal.

    Thank you
    KY

    1. Hi KY Ho!

      We recommend you to check Hyperdia for the exact timing of the trains. It will enable you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

      If you travel to Kansai Airport instead of Narita Airport you will have a shorter trip to Kyoto since you can take the Haruka Express. The one-way trip takes around one hour and fifteen minutes and is free with the Japan Rail Pass. These train contain luggage racks.

      Please note that on regular Shinkansen trains travellers are allowed luggage on board for no additional cost. However, there is a limitation of two pieces of luggage, both of which should have a maximum weight of 60kg and a total of 250 cm in height, length and width. There is also a delivery service option.

      Very happy travels!

  145. Hi there,
    Our family will be travelling to Japan as per schedule:
    19 October arrive Haneda international airport 5 in the morning. Take bullet train to Kyoto.
    Stay in Kyoto for 5 days to all see Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Nagoya.
    24 October travel to Tolyo and stay for 7 nights. Please give me suggestions how to use JR Pass so we don’t waste more money on transport. Which Jr pass should i get? Thank you.

    Aileen

    1. Hi Aileen!

      The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your trip. However we would recommend to purchase a 7-day pass covering the biggest trips which seem to happen during the first days and while you are at Tokyo you might prefer to purchase an IC Card that fully covers transportation inside the city.

      – When you land in Haneda you would be entitled to take the Haruka Express at no additional cost to Kyoto.
      – Osaka and Kyoto are very well connected as you have already read in this article.
      – From Kyoto you will be able to easily reach Nara by taking the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station.
      – To travel from Kyoto to Kobe you may take the direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Kobe Station.
      – To go from Kyoto to Nagoya begin your journey from Kyoto at Kyoto Station. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen lines – using your JR Pass for passage on the Hikari or Kodama trains – to Nagoya Station.

      The option of getting a longer validity Japan Rail Pass is also available and would give you the extra comfort of not have to stand on a queue to get tickets and reserve places each time you want to take a train. If you decided to do so, you would have also included in you pass the Narita Express (Tokyo center to Narita Airport) and five different Tokyo railway lines (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).

      Have a nice trip!

  146. Hi , This is my first time in Japan. I will be there for 7days. Intend to travel fm Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. does the 7 days rail pass cover the airport to city transfer and rides within the 3 cities ?

    1. Hi Jen!

      Yes, the Japan Rail Pass will cover your airport transfers from Narita Airport (through the Narita Express), from Haneda (through Tokyo Monorail) and from Kansai (through Haruka Express). Also as you have already read in this article it fully covers the rides between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

      Have an amazing trip!

  147. Hello!

    Thank you for the reply above!

    Can i just check on my 2nd questions regarding the operating hours of the train during the New Years’ eve and New Years’ Day?

    Thanks for the great help!

    1. Hi Cherylyn!

      For the exact operation hours of trains please check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan.

      Have a nice trip!

  148. Thank you very much for your response.
    We are planning to go from Kansai Airport to 1)Kyoto, 2)Osaka, 3) Atami, 4) Tokyo and fly home from Narita Airport. Total is 7 days.
    Which 7-day JR pass should we purchase? Thanks.

    1. Hi Violetta!

      Actually there is only one choice that can be made when purchasing a 7-day Japan Rail Pass: if you wnat the standard or the first class. Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan. In particular, if you are travelling in the summertime between June and September. This is due to the endless colorful festivals and national celebrations, which attract many Japanese as well as tourists from all over the world.

      Have an amazing time!

  149. Hi,

    I will be going to Tokyo this December and below is my route:

    Narita Airport- Tokyo
    Toyko – Osaka
    Osaka- Kyoto
    Kyoto – Nara
    Nara – Osaka
    Osaka – Kansai Airport
    Is it worth the 7-day JR Pass or should I just buy individual tickets?

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Bernice!

      If you want the exact calculation we recommend you to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. If you introduce all trips of your route you will get the exact cost they would have and you will be able to easily compare it to Japan Rail Pass’ cost.

      Have an amazing trip!

  150. Hello!

    My family and I are heading to Japan in December to cross the new year.

    Our 10 day trip is looking like this: Tokyo >> Osaka >> Kyoto.

    May I know if there is a 10 day pass? Will the JR Rail pass cover all transport between locations and to/fro the airports?

    Additionally, will there be trains through the night of 31 Dec, and will this pass cover those trains?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Cherylyn!

      A Japan Rail Pass can only be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days, there is no possibility of having a 10-day Japan Rail Pass. JR Pass cannot be extended by 1,2, or more days. It is available for 7,14, and 21-days, non-extendable and non-transferable.

      As you have read in this article, the Japan Rail Pass fully covers trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. It also covers transfers from Narita Airport (through Narita Express), Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail) and from Kansai Airport (through Haruka Express).

      Enjoy your trip!

  151. Hello, In December 2017, we are going to Japan for 7 days. We will arrive at Osaka Airport, then either Kyoto first then Osaka or vice versa. Then either Hakone or Atami for 1 day, finally Tokyo and leave from NARITA Airport.
    1) Which JR pass should we get?
    2) Is it easier to go Osaka first or Kyoto? The hotel we are planning to stay in Osaka is in Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-Ku, and the one we are planning to stay in Kyoto is in Central Kyoto.
    3) Can we take JR to Tokyo from either Hakone or Atami?
    Thank you in advance for your reply!

    1. Hi Violetta!

      You can either start your itinerary from either Kyoto or Osaka, both are well connected between them and also to Kansai Airport. Once you land in Osaka Airport you can travel to either Osaka or Kyoto in the Haruka Express. The trip to Osaka will take around 1 hour and to Kyoto 1 hour and 15 minutes approximately. Travel between both cities is very easy, as well as going from any of them to Tokyo as you have already read in this article. To go from Tokyo to Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express in central Tokyo, included in your Japan Rail Pass too.

      You can also travel between Tokyo and Hakone at almost no additional cost if you hold a Japan Rail Pass: take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi.

      Have a nice trip!

  152. Hello – we are arriving in Osaka on 9/4 and plan on going to Kyoto right away to spend a couple days there. From Kyoto, we will be taking the train to Tokyo where we will stay 4 days and then fly out of Tokyo. I see that we can use the Japan Rail Pass from Osaka to Kyoto on the Haruka express train, but can it be used for –
    a) Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train
    b) travel locally in Tokyo

    Appreciate your help.

    1. Hi Neha!

      As you can read in this article, the Japan Rail Pass can be used to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari train from Kyoto Station and arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo.

      As for the local transport in Tokyo, you will be entitled to use all JR lines, among which the Yamanote Line might be the most useful. Please note that city’s metro is not included in the pass.

      Happy travels!

  153. hi, i have morning flight at 9am at narita, is that possible to take JR line from tokyo? or other station? what time JR train to Narita operate? where i can see the schedule for the train?

    thank you for the reply.
    Regards,
    Siska

    1. Hi Siska!

      First Narita Express leaves Tokyo at 7 am and gets to Narita Airport at 7:56 am. If you want to check the most updated timetables you might want to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool (website and mobile app).

      Have a nice trip!

  154. Hi

    I will be travelling to Japan with my husband in the month of November, 2017. We are planning to get a 7day JR pass. Will this pass cover the travel to the sight seeing places in Kyoto and Osaka?

    Please suggest.

  155. Hi, I am heading to Narita airport. From Narita airport to Osaka-Kyoto and back to tokyo,
    Can JR ordinary or green pass bring me to the city?
    Which means bullet train and normal train?
    Thanks

  156. Hi,
    I need advice for what kind of pass to buy.
    Also if possible please let me know the best routes & Line to take for each travelling.
    For which routes we need to make advance booking & also the frequency of each train & est traveling time.

    Arrival @ Narita Airport
    Day 1-3 – @ Tokyo (Staying @ Shibuya)
    Day 4 From Tokyo to Hakone For Mount Fuji. Stay over at Hakone area
    Day 5 From Hakone going to GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS. After that going over to Osaka to stay over
    Day 6 & 7 Osaka
    Day 8 Kyoto
    Day 9 Osaka –> Airport

    Thank you..

  157. Anyone can help.. JR pass which to buy?

    We plan to visit Japan 14 days
    Land at Tokyo Haneda take JR pass to Osaka
    Spend 2-3 night there then to Kyoto 2 -3night – Mt Fuji 2 night and back to Tokyo – Disneyland etc..

    Not sure if this will work well.. can someone help and suggest .. I read the JR pass and got confused. How to use and when can use to… thanks

    1. Hi bbsin!

      The Japan Rail Pass can be used unlimitedly in the included transportation during its scope of validity, which can either be 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. To assess which type of Japan Rail Pass is the most adequate for your trip we recommend you to draw all the itinerary and check which would individual costs be at Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. Please note all the mentioned trips can be made with the Japan Rail Pass at no additional cost:

      – From Haneda Airport you can easily reach Osaka through the Haruka Express.
      – While in Osaka you can make extensive use of the Osaka Loop Line to move within the city.
      While in Kyoto you will be able to use some JR lines too.
      – You will also be able to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo through the Gotemba route.
      – To get to Tokyo Disneyland from Tokyo, use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Travel time is 20 minutes and the park is a mere five-minute walk from the station.

      And last but not least, from this article you already know how easy it is to move between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass.

      Very happy travels!

  158. Hi,

    I need help calculating my japan trips please, if we don’t have the JR pass how much we need to pay for them:

    Tokyo to Osaka
    Osaka to Kyoto
    Kyoto to Mishima then bus to Kawaguchiko
    kawaguchiko to Mishma by bus then Tokyo

    Which station to use? and how to get the exact time table for trains in English

    1. Hi Taibah!

      You can find all information regarding stations, times and costs at Hyperdia – he number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It will enable you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

      Have a nice trip

  159. hi I will be travelling to Osaka , Kyoto and Tokyo 4 nights each can I use the bullet train and underground metro for all cities.

    thanks

  160. Hi,

    I am going to be arriving by plane in Osaka on the 30th of Sept, then on the 4th going to Kyoto and then travelling to Tokyo on the 7th and flying home from Tokyo on the 14th. A lot of my trip will be spent at theme parks (Universal and DisneySea and DisneyLand) but I will be exploring the cities for the remaining time. Would a JR Pass be economical or not and would a 7 day be better or a 14?

    1. Hi Matt!

      All your mentioned trips are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass:

      – From Kansai Airport you can easily move to Osaka in the Haruka Express.
      – It is very easy to move between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass as you have already read in this article.
      – Also you can reach Japan’s most important amusement parks with your pass; Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland among them.

      Happy travels!

  161. Hello,

    I am planning to visit Tokyo first, which I will be landing at Haneda Airport.
    Then, I plan to travel to Osaka ( 3 days) – Kyoto ( 3 days) – Tokyo ( 4 days).
    The return airport will be Narita Aiport.
    The trip is around 10 days.

    Could you advise whether a 7 day JR pass is sufficient for above mentioned ?

    thank you

    1. Hi Jess,

      Yes! The 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the perfect fit considering your travel plan. It covers the transfer from Haneda airport with the Tokyo monorail. However, your Japan Rail Pass will not cover the last three days of your trip (it will only cover one of your airport transfers but not the return one). We suggest you buy a 3-day JR ticket at any JR station and then a single Narita Express ticket. This way your entire trip will be covered! Enjoy Japan and don’t forget to share your photos with us.

  162. Hi there, hoping you can help us with this question,
    1- would a JP RAIL PASS COVER THESE LOCATIONS?- if so which one we should buy?
    August 27 – TOKYO
    August 28 – HAKONE
    August 29 – MATSUMOTO
    Matsumoto Castle
    August 30 – KYOTO
    September 1 – OSAKA

    2- what kind of transportation needed to reach to MOUNT FUJI?

    3- IF JP rail pass doesnt reach these destinations(if any- what can we do to make this itineary happen? which trains/lines?)
    THANK YOU SO MUCH
    CHEERS FROM CANADA-
    JESS

    1. Hi JESS!

      Yes – the Japan Rail Pass will greatly cover the described trip!

      – Please check at which airport you are landing since the Japan Rail Pass grants access to the transportation from the main airports to the most important cities in Japan.
      – While in Tokyo, you will be entitled to take some local lines such as 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.
      – To get from Tokyo to Hakone take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. From there take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi.
      – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are easily connected as you have read in this article.
      – To get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station, the gateway to climbing Mount Fuji. The bus operated by Fujikyu to reach the Gotemba climbing route. Please note that Fujikyu is not part of the Japan Rail Group, which means the Japan Rail Pass does not cover buses ran by this company.

      Very happy travels!

  163. Hi There

    i am planning to get 7day pass for JR

    would these spots be covered?
    • start Tokyo –
    • Hakone – Mount Fuji
    Hiroshima
    • Miyajima –
    • Okayama or Naoshima (Aka Art Island)
    • Kyoto –
    • Osaka – end

    1. Hi nur!

      Sure – the Japan Rail Pass will cover all your trips!

      – Depending on the airport you land, you will be entitled to take a transfer to Japan’s main cities (Narita Express if you land at Narita Airport, Tokyo Monorail if you land at Haneda Airport and Haruka Express if you land at Kansai Airport).
      – To get from Tokyo to Hakone take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass), get off at Odawara station, then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi. This is your final destination.
      Hiroshima can be easily reached from Japan’s main cities using your Japan Rail Pass.
      – To get to Miyajima island from central Hiroshima, take a tram to the Miyajimaguchi ferry port using your Japan Rail Pass to access the JR ferry for free. The ferry ride takes only about ten minutes.
      – From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to get to Okayama. If you want to go to Naoshima island, then take the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. Walk across the street to the ferry terminal, and you will reach the island by ferry.
      – Kyoto and Osaka are easily reachable as you have read in this article.

      Very happy travels!

  164. Hi
    Planning to travel to Tokyo on 1st of September, then travel to Osaka for few days with day trips from Osaka to Kyoto.
    I’m after a pass that we can use for travelling between cities ( Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) and inner suburbs in each city( traveling in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). which pass works for us the best without any extra charge. i mean i’m not sure if there is a pass that can be used everywhere or not.
    I’ll wait for reply.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Penny!

      The Japan Rail Pass will allow you to travel between these cities at no additional charge, however it doesn’t include all thw inner lines in each city. However the pass will allow you to take advantage of some inner lines:

      – The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote line, the most prominent rail line in Tokyo; the Keihin-Tohoku line, which runs parallel to the eastern side of the Yamanote; the Rapid Chuo line, which intersects the Yamanote line; the local Chuo-Sobu line that also crosses the Yamanote; and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.
      – The Osaka Loop line, which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka.
      Local Kyoto JR lines include the Sagano Line and the Nara Line.

      Happy travels!

  165. Hello,

    I will be in Japan for two weeks. I plan to stay in Tokyo for the first, and then travel to Kyoto and Osaka.
    How can I get from Tokyo to Kyoto, to Osaka, and then back to Tokyo?

    Thank you for replying to everyone very thoroughly!

    1. Hi Catherine,

      This article you are reading has all the details you enquire, please make sure to go through it. Basically Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are connected with by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass.

      Enjoy your trip!

  166. Hi there!

    I’m looking to plan my trip to Japan (Tokyo-Osaka-back to Tokyo) for about 12 days.
    It’s for 2 people, and we’re looking to spend roughly 4 days in Osaka and the rest of it back in Tokyo.
    We also intend to leave for Osaka almost right away after arriving at Narita airport, and if that’s the case, we will be able to take the train straight from the airport to Osaka right?

    Can you advise which is the best and most cost-efficient rail pass for our plans?

    Thank you!!

    1. Hi Desiree Leong!

      If you wish to travel from Narita Airport straight to Osaka you will first need to take the Narita Express to central Tokyo and once there take either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to Shin-Osaka. To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains also included in the Japan Rail Pass.

      Have an amazing vacation!

  167. hi

    I’m planning go to japan and plan to visit tokyo, mount fuji, kyoto, osaka
    total trip maybe 8 to 10 days, and will go around some places in each area mention,
    is it best to buy JR Pass for 14 days or do u have option for 10 days?? and also is the JR Pass can cover all my trip (mean that JR Pass can be use all around japan) ???

    1. Hi putu!

      A Japan Rail Pass can be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days, unfortunately at the time being there are no other validity period options. It can be used all around Japan and it covers:

      1. All JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO.
      2. All local JR bus lines.
      3. JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

      Very happy travels!

  168. Hi JRP,

    I’m heading to Japan from 28 Oct till 11 November. It will be one way trip from Osaka to Kyoto to Tokyo. I will be landing at Osaka Airport and depart at Haneda airport.
    My question is that is it worth to get a 7 days or 14 days JR pass since i’m not doing any round trip.
    My itinerary of consists few places such as Nara, Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studio in Osaka. Also, will travel some major places such as Shinjuku and Ginza. However, i wont travel to other prefacture.

    Thankss for you advise!

    1. Hi Chee!

      The Japan Rail Pass covers all the mentioned trips including airport transfers but remember the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass is either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The exact expiration time is either the 7th, 14th or the 21st night at midnight. Therefore, you won’t have the option of splitting the validity period of their passes. For that reason, if you want to travel with a Japan Rail Pass you will need to count how many consecutive days you will be using it or plan your trip accordingly.

      Please note that once activated, the date on the passes can no longer be changed.

      Have a nice trip!

  169. Hi,
    We are planning a trip to Japan in Nov. 2017. Our schedule is as follows :
    Reach Osaka on 26/11 at night .
    27/11 – Osaka castle, umeda sky tower, nipponbashi den den, Dotonburi.
    28/11 – universal studio
    29/11 – toyama mall
    30/11 – toyama glass making
    1/12 – shirakawa go
    2/12 – Tokyo,Akihabara, who buys
    3/12 – Tokyo tower, diver city, Tokyo plaza, Tokyo dome
    4/12 – Mt.Fuji, tokyo sky tree
    5/12 – Kyoto, shopping
    6/12 – Kyoto romantic train, gion, kinkakuji
    7/12 – Osaka, nara park, Osaka shopping
    8/12 – make music box, Shinsekai market, tsutenkaku tower
    9/12 rinku premium outlet
    10/12 airplane back to singapore

    Which rail pass should we Buy? We are a family of 4, with 2 teenagers aged 14 and 16.

    Thank you and regards.
    Jy

    1. Hi Joyce!

      The type of Japan Rail Pass that better fits your needs will depend on the amount of days you need it for.
      Transportation you could use for all your trips included in the pass would be:

      – When you land at Kansai airport, you can reach Osaka city through the Haruka Express.
      – While in Osaka, you can make use of your Japan Rail Pass to travel in the Osaka Loop line: Osaka Castle and gardens are just 5 minutes away by foot from the JR Morinomiya Station, the Osaka Station (reachable with the pass) is in the same general location as the Umeda Station, the JR Namba station will be your best stop if you can to visit the famous Dotonbori area…
      – The pass will also take you to the Universal Studios (Osaka): From Osaka Station, take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. From Nishikujo Station, you can also take the JR Sakurajima line.
      – To go to Toyama, you may take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama.
      – You will be able to move to Tokyo from Osaka very easily and at no additional cost.
      – Once in Tokyo, you can use many local lines, among which you have the JR Yamanote one.
      – To reach Mount Fuji, take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and then get off at Gotemba station.
      – 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.
      While in Kyoto, you will also be able to move with your pass using certain lines.
      – To go to Nara, begin your travels from Osaka at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

      And, last but not least, in the comfort of not having to queue each time you need to buy a ticket – specially nice when you travel with teenagers.

      We wish you very happy travels!

  170. Hello,

    I am planning 2 weeks trip to Japan.
    A week in Tokyo and visiting nearby places then travelling to Kansai region and travelling for a week there.
    Please suggest shall I buy 14 days JR to travel in and around Tokyo and Kansai region or separate for both (JR and Kanai thru pass) . Also is JR enough or shall I also buy suica card to move in and around Tokyo.

    Also does 7 or 14 day card include multiple trips in and around Tokyo and Kansai region or limited?

    Please suggest.
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Aditi!

      The assess if the Japan Rail Pass would be the best option for your vacation you need to know all the trips you would like to make. The pass is usually more cost effective when you travel around the country and hence while you stay at Tokyo it will be more adequate if you are planning multiple day trips than if you stay in the city for the whole week. Please keep in mind that while in Tokyo you can also use some JR lines such as Yamanote one, however depending on what you are planning to visit you might need to purchase an additional SUICA card.

      The Japan Rail Pass includes limitless trips in the transportation it includes and during its scope of validity, which makes your trip easier by not needing to purchase individual tickets for each trip.

      Have an amazing trip!

  171. Hi Team,

    I will be travelling to Tokyo in July for 9 days. Landed at Haneda Airport, back from Kansai Airport.
    I have purchased a 7days Japan Rail Pass. Will be staying at Tokyo for 4 nights. Where would you suggest to go using the JR pass for the rest of the days.

    Thank you

    1. Hi Twe!

      If you are staying in Tokyo there are many daytrips you can make from there using your Japan Rail Pass, see below our recommendations among which you can visit:

      – You can visit Mount Fuji and the Hakone area, specially given that you are travelling during the climbing season.
      Kamakura, just an hour away from Tokyo, is one of the most preferred options when it comes to visiting historical monuments, temples, and shrines.
      – Another great option would be a day trip to Nikko, the home of the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu, the leader to whom James Clavell’s great novel Shogun is dedicated and the one person who united all of Japan in times of war, conflict, and constant invasion.
      – Last but not least, you can consider visiting Yokohama, one of the most emblematic cities in the recent history of Japan. Getting to Yokohama will take you less than half an hour – take the JR Tokaido Line Rapid Acty for Odawara from Tokyo Station and get off at Yokohama Station.

      Very happy travels!

  172. Hi Rachel!

    The Japan Rail Pass will cover all of the mentioned trips (transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto and from Tokyo to Yokohama through the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station) as well as many others you might want to take too such as airport transfers and transportation inside the main cities. For example when in Tokyo you are entitled to take the Yamanote line.

    Have a nice trip!

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