A big part of enjoying a trip to Japan is being able to get around effectively so here are some of our top tips for transport in Japan. There's a heck of a lot of information on this subject so I'm going to split this topic in two. In this post I'm going to concentrate on:
- the tips for saving you some cash where possible
- how to find the best routes and the options to get where you want to go, and
- all the general hacks and hints you'll need to master Japan transportation, get around efficiently and see as much as possible in the time you have available.
Other articles include: Using the Tokyo Subway, how to get from Narita Airport into Tokyo and Everything you need to know about the Japan Rail Pass
Public transport in Japan is almost always exceptionally clean and well maintained, that is the case whether it's the latest bullet train or an old monorail from the 1970s. It's also very efficient, it's exceptionally rare for a train, subway or even a bus not to run on time.
I was somewhat surprised the first time that I heard an announcement in Kyoto station that apologised and announced the delay of my bullet train. The announcement was for the train running three minutes behind schedule, by the time the Japanese then English announcement played the train was already on the platform, to be honest by my watch it wasn't even late.
Table of Contents
Hyperdia.com
You absolutely need to know about the Hyperdia website. It covers most transport options available. You just plug in the information on where you want to go from and to within Japan. Then select the date and time of day, and select or deselect any options you don't want to use.
For example, if you are travelling with the JR Pass (which I'll cover below) you'll want to deselect the Nozomi Shinkansen option. You can use this website for something as simple as finding how long a subway ride between two stops takes, check the time for the last train back to your accommodation or look at all the options for travelling from one side of the country to the other.
I use this site extensively for both pre-planning my trips and for checking options on the go when I'm in Japan. Like most things related to transport in Japan - it's very reliable.
The JR Pass
The single biggest cost-saver in each of my trips to Japan has been the JR Pass, it's meant my travel in-country has cost me half or less than it would have without the pass. There are a few tricks with it, mainly that it's only available to those entering Japan on a foreign passport and the 90-day visa.
You have to buy the JR Pass at home before you travel, it can't be purchased in Japan. To work out if it'll be good value for you you'll need to have a reasonably good idea of where you are going and over what time period. There are various versions, a 7,14 or 21-day version and a standard or green (first) class version.
The general rule is that if you are doing a return trip between Tokyo and Kyoto within a 7-day time-frame then it's worth getting the card, this works for either the standard or green class. You can use Hyperdia to work out the costs of your key travel requirements if you are considering a longer time-frame or want to see how much you will save.
You can't use the super-fast Nozomi shinkansen (bullet train) service with the JR Pass but it would only save you a couple of minutes anyway and everything else JR is covered including ferries like the one to Miyajima Island near Hiroshima.
We get so many questions on this subject that we just added a dedicated post explaining everything you need to know about the Japan Rail Pass.
Update: Japan Rail is currently trialling a local purchase for the pass in a limited number of station offices. It is slightly more expensive to purchase the pass in Japan than in advance of your trip.
PASMO, SUICA or ICOCA Card
Stored value cards for transport in Japan seem to be more about convenience than saving money but I wouldn't be without one. We've been using the same PASMO cards for years and when we first got them there was quite a decision to make on which to get based on where we were going and where they could be used.
In 2013 that changed and these cards and a handful of smaller ones formed an alliance meaning you can now use them almost interchangeably across the country. They can be used on trains, subway, buses and even some ferries.
I mostly use the ICOCA card as they can do a little more than the others outside these major cities. For example they work on the buses and private train lines in Nara, Hiroshima and Mt Koya. Your decision will more likely be based on where you fly into and where you want to start using the card.
ICOCA is owned by JR West so is the easiest card to purchase in Osaka and Kyoto. If you fly into Tokyo Suica is owned by JR East and Pasmo by the company that runs Tokyo Railway and the subway. You can buy a card and top them up in increments of 1000 Yen at machines in most stations. A few machines are in Japanese only but almost all have an English button and are very simple to use.
I usually use machines in the bigger stations and top it up with what I think I'm going to need so I don't have to keep doing it. If you end up with money still on your card when it's time to leave Japan or you want the 500 Yen fee you paid for the card with the initial purchase refunded you can do that at machines or kiosks at larger stations that sell that card. I've not needed to do it but I've been told the easiest place for the refund is the machines at the airport.
Our personal experience is that the cards work more widely than just these major cities, for example we used our PASMOs in Sapporo with no problem on trains, subway and buses. You can also use them on any local JR train in Japan. As an added bonus you can also often use them on vending machines and in corner stores like 7 eleven which is handy for a quick purchase.
The notable times you can't use these cards are for the airport limousine or highway buses, long-distance trains and the Shinkansen. On some trains called 'limited express', you can pay the base fare on your card but need to buy a supplement fee ticket at the special machine. Think of these cards as being for local, around town transport.
Taxi
I'll cover types of transport further in my next post but just a quick word on Taxi in relation to your budget. Taxi's in Japan are very expensive even for a relatively short distance, think twice before you take a taxi from the airport to your city accommodation, it's normally a very long and exceptionally expensive trip. We have used taxi's occasionally in Japan for short distances such as a central train station to our accommodation with luggage but rarely use them other than that.
Japanese taxi drivers are very honest, they don't expect (or accept) tips but they also most often don't speak English. This is further complicated by the Japanese system of addresses. If you think you might want to get a taxi back to the hotel later pick up the business card with Japanese directions from the front desk and keep it in your wallet. A hotel concierge will always be willing to write out another address in Japanese if you need it to give to a driver.
Another tip with taxi's in Japan is that they are small cars, two large suitcases will be beyond the capacity of some although we've always managed when we need to.
Airport to Accommodation options
The two most practical options for getting to and from the airport in Japan are the train or the airport limousine bus service. The train is generally faster but you'll need to get from the central station to your hotel either by walking, taxi or joining a subway or local train which aren't designed for luggage. The airport limousine bus can be an easy option if your hotel is one of the stops on its circuit, especially if it's your first trip to Japan it can just make your arrival a little more straight-forward.
We've used both options and flown in and out of Osaka, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda) and Sapporo airports with no real problems. My preference is the train from Osaka and Sapporo, bus from Haneda and either from Narita.
You'll find full details of all the options on getting from Narita Airpot to Tokyo city in this article.
Free or City Passes
These type of passes are designed for local and foreign tourists visiting certain areas. They often provide significantly discounted transport options and a range of included activities which depending on your interests and time available can be excellent value.
Normally I'm not a fan of anything quite so structured but we've tried a couple when they worked for us including the Osaka Amazing Pass, Hakone Free Pass and the Tobu Nikko Pass. Each represented really good value for us and we thoroughly enjoyed each day.
The language barrier
I'm assuming that because you're reading my English language blog that you speak and read English, I'm not assuming that everyone does. I wish I spoke more than a few words of Japanese, travelling anywhere is enhanced by the ability to communicate and engage with the locals and in Japan that will be limited if you only speak English but you can get around and have a fantastic time, we have done it a number of times now and plan to go again soon.
With transport, you'll find it's easy to get around within, and to and from the main centres and more popular tourist areas. The train and subway signs, for instance, are usually also shown in both Japanese and English, there are also English subway maps as well as free walking maps widely available.
Do you have any top tips for transport in Japan to share? Please leave any tips and experiences in the comments below and feel free to ask any questions.
Nicole says
Hi Toni,
Thanks for your great tips! We're travelling 22nd of April - 6th of May to Japan and will stay 5 nights in Tokyo, then 4 nights in Kyoto, then travelling via Nara to 3 nights Osaka (incl. day trip to Himeji), and then back for 2 nights Tokyo. I calculated that the JR pass is not cost efficient, so expect to buy a Suica card and individual tickets for the long trips.
As we'll be there during Golden Week, we best buy these individual tickets upfront so we can reserve seats. Is there an option to buy these already whilst still in Australia?
Also, Klook offers options for Kansai wide passes for 3 to 5 days (e.g. Kansai Wide Excursion Pass for 3 days, and JR Kansai wide area pass for 5 days). It's confusing if these are better value than e.g. using the Suica card. Do you have any experience with these?
Thanks!
Nicole
Toni Broome says
Within Kansai the only part I might do by shinkansen would be the Himeji day trip (around Y8040). Kyoto to Nara and on to Osaka is around (Y1530) so in total, probably less than the cost of the Kansai passes. I would choose Shinkansen tickets for the Tokyo - Kansai return sections and a Suica card for the rest. Himeji takes about the same time by special rapid from Osaka station, still a comfortable trip and the cost is less than half)
Nicole says
@Toni Broome, Thanks for confirming this! How can we best pre-book the Shinkansen tickets for the Tokyo - Kansai return (as we want to book reserved seats)? Is that possible whilst still in Australia?
Regards,
Nicole
Toni Broome says
If you are using a JR Pass and want to pre-book specific tickets before leaving Australia the only way to do that right now is by buying the pass from Japan Railways direct and then using their website, it is more expensive but if you are concerned about booking specific trips early that is you best option. There is more information on this in the Japan Rail Pass article.
If you wanting to buy only that return ticket I would use the official Japan Rail website, you can do it up to one month ahead and you will need to create a login to use, you will be able to book specific seats and luggage seats if necessary this way.
John says
Hi,
What is the best website to by the JR rail pass
Toni Broome says
Hi John. We have purchased most recently here through JR Pass, they are a dedicated distributor, the price was competitive and delivery with FEDex was an additional cost for Australia but fast and reliable. For our trip this year, I will probably order through Klook, I have booked various tickets and tours through them in the past and it has all gone smoothly including one weather-related cancellation. They have recently started fulfilling JR Pass orders from here in Australia. Their price is slightly lower than some others on our comparison and they don’t charge an additional delivery fee. They deliver through Australia Post with a tracking number.
You won't find big price differences through reputable sites but there is some advantage to shopping around. As it is a significant purchase our most important consideration is always a company we know and trust, we want to be sure our vouchers turn up and there are no nasty surprises so I don't use a wide range of suppliers myself.
John says
@Toni Broome,
Hi Toni, thank you for that, could you also advise if the bus fare from Nagano to Hakuba is included as part of the JRrail pass, or do I need to purchase bus tickets separately.
John
Toni Broome says
As far as I know, Japan Rail doesn't run buses between Nagano and Hakuba.
Jodie Millikan says
Hi Toni
Your post on Japanese transport has been helpful and I think I'm on the right track but just hoping you could add any advice. Here is our itinerary and I'm thinking that it would be better to use the ICOCA card and just buy individual tickets for our Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo leg instead of buying a JR card. Is that correct? 2 adults and 1 child
Toyko - 3 nights (we are planning on just travelling around the city, so could use ICOCA)
We head up to Sapporo after that which all transport has been taken care of and then we fly from there down to Osaka.
Osaka - we wanted to do a day trip to Kyoto (return) and then will take a one way train from Osaka to Tokyo. The other days we will be around Osaka city.
Hopefully I'm on the right track and it's more cost effective not having a JR pass as I assume we can purchase the Kyoto day trip on the Special Rapid Train once we get there. And just organise our individual tickets from Osaka to Tokyo before we leave home.
Toni Broome says
Hi Jodie. You are definitely on the right track, with your Hokkaido travel booked the remainder doesn't justify the cost of the JR Pass so individual tickets for the shinkansen and an IC card for the rest makes sense. As you are flying into Tokyo you will be best with the SUICA available from JR Tokyo stations or the PASMO cards which you can pick up in the subway offices. You can use any of the 3 cards all around the country but the ICOCA is issued by JR West so the pickup point (and if you wanted to return for a refund) would be somewhere like Osaka or Kyoto. With Suica you can do that in Tokyo which might work better with your plans.
For getting from Osaka to Kyoto return it will depend a bit on where in Kyoto you are headed and where you are staying in Osaka. JR trains go into Kyoto station but with Hankyu or Keihan railways you can go directly into Gion so it will often work out faster and cheaper, we use those options quite often if we don't have a JR pass active.
Cheryl says
Hi Jodi
We are travelling to Japan for the first time in May this year. We will initially be spending 7 nights in Tokyo and will be using the transport system to get around Tokyo. We will then be travelling to Kyoto for 7 nights and will be travelling around Kyoto to see the sights. We will then be flying out of Osaka to return home. Can you suggest the best transport pass for us?
Thanks, Cheryl
Toni Broome says
As you have only one long distance trip mentioned, from Tokyo to Kyoto, you will be best to use an individual ticket for that. Depending on when in May you might want to book that early in your visit, trains are particularly busy during Golden Week. For the rest I'd pick up a Suica or PASMO card in Tokyo, they can be used on trains, subways and many buses in both cities. There is a deposit on the card, I think it's Y500 that you won't be able to refund at Osaka airport but we find it worth it for the convenience. You can also use the card on many drinks machines and at convenience stores which saves building up a pocket full of change.
Cheryl says
Thanks so much for your advice. It all makes sense to us however our travel agent is pushing the JR pass suggesting it would be great value but I’m not sure. As you have suggested the only long distance trip we will be doing is from Tokyo to Kyoto. Whilst in Kyoto we will probably do a couple of day trips and of course we will need to travel the airport in Osaka. Would the PASMO card cover day trips out of Kyoto? I have done some rough calculations on Hyperdia and am not sure we need the JR pass. I guess I’m just wanting some clarification on whether or not you still think we are best without the JR pass? Regards, Cheryl
Toni Broome says
I have heard from too many people over the years who were pushed to buy the pass and just didn't get the value out of it. It is one of the best travel bargains we have ever found BUT it's not suited for every trip. No one wants to waste their travel dollars, regardless of their budget. A PASMO card can be used on the subways and buses in Kyoto and the trains to nearby areas on day trips, you aren't limited to only JR, that choice is useful for places like Osaka and Arashiyama where other company stations might be more convenient. The only reason I would suggest you take another look at the pass is if you planned to do some long day trips, I'm talking about things like Hiroshima and Kanazawa rather than Nara and Osaka.
Cheryl says
Toni, if we were to take a day trip to Osaka and Uji from Kyoto would we be able to do this on the PASMO? Should we purchase the PASMO and the fare from Tokyo to Kyoto here or in Japan. If in Japan, can we purchase them at any station. We will be staying in Shinjuku near Higashi. Thanks again for your help and your valuable time. Thanks, Cheryl
Toni Broome says
The PASMO is a good option for local trains such as those between Kyoto and Osaka or Uji. With the card you can use JR trains if you are near Kyoto station or use Keihan trains if you are down around Gion or Shijo. I have some information on getting to Uji in this article.
For the Tokyo to Kyoto section I wouldn't have any concerns booking it in Tokyo as you are there a week before you move on to Kyoto. You can't purchase Shinkansen tickets at the smaller JR stations but you are about a 15-minute walk from the main Shinjuku station which has a good JR East Travel Service Centre, it's easy to find and has English speaking staff. My exception to booking a single ticket before I go would be if using the Shinkansen on a popular route like Tokyo to Kyoto during Golden Week which is 29 April t 6 May this year. During Golden week a lot of Japanese have time off and travel so the intercity trains are busier during that period. During Golden week even with a booking I'd use a luggage forwarding service rather than taking a large suitcase on the shinkansen as storage space is limited.
Cheryl says
Thanks again Toni. We won’t be arriving in Japan until the 19th of May so we won’t be there for Golden week so I guess it will be fine to take our suitcases on the train with us to Kyoto? Cheers, Cheryl
Toni Broome says
In the past that would be correct but Japan Rail has announced they changing the luggage rules in May this year impacting that route but the information that has come out is ambiguous. I am trying to clarify it with JR East at the moment so I can update our articles. The measurement they give is in centimetres that should be the sum of the height, width and depth of the suitcase. But it also says 160cm is cabin bag size and would go overhead when this is the size of my large American Tourista case that would definitely not go overhead. From what I can read between the lines I think you will be fine, assuming you don't have oversized luggage it appears it will just mean that you need to book your seat (and your suitcase), you are already booking your seat and there is no extra cost for the bag so they will seat you in a row at the back of the carriage and your bags will go behind you. If you don't book and just get on with a larger suitcase, it looks like there will now be a Y1000 fee and the inspector will stow your bag.
I'll let you know when I have clearer information but I wouldn't be too concerned in the meantime.
Cheryl says
What a coincidence we also have large American Tourister suitcases! Let’s hope they don’t change the rules for luggage on this route. Hope to hear from you if there are any changes. Thanks again, Cheryl.
Cheryl says
Hi Toni. We are looking at getting either the airport limousine or a shuttle bus from Narita to our hotel in Shinjuku. Is there any particular company you would recommend and can we purchase the tickets on arrival at the airport or is it best to purchase them here before we leave? Roughly how much do they cost? Thanks again, Cheryl
Toni Broome says
If your hotel is one that the airport limousine bus stops at and at a time that is convenient to catch it (they don't line up with some early flights or late night arrivals) I find that a great simple option. While it does take a little longer than the NEX into Tokyo station, you arrive at your hotel directly, you don't need to then add on time to catch a subway, walk with your cases or then catch a taxi. Shuttles are also door to door but can be quite expensive if the limousine bus works. There is an article on our site going up later this week on all the ways to get from Narita Airport into Tokyo which will give more detail on the options and who they are best suited to. I'll pop back and link it here when it's published.
Cheryl says
Unfortunately it looks like it doesn’t stop at our hotel but drops us off at the Shinjuku express busway terminal which is about a 15 minute walk from there. It is possible there may be four of us travelling so I’d be interested in getting an idea the best way for four of us to travel from the airport and if not then two of us. Look forward to your information on this. Thanks
Toni Broome says
Our article on options for getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo city discusses and compares the various transport choices. Shinjuku Higashi is a little away from the main part of Shinjuku so that's a bit of a walk with suitcases. I would take the NEX through to Shinjuku station or the bus to one of the major hotels nearby then a taxi for the couple of kms to your hotel, the taxi pricing for short distances across town is similar to Australia.
Clare says
Hi Toni,
Great blog! Just wondering how long it takes for Klook to send a JR pass to Sydney?
Toni Broome says
It's within 7 business days to Australia but I prefer to give myself a little more time if I have it.
Kerry Toner says
hello just found your blog on transport in Japan.
We are going to Osaka Kyoto Tokyo what travel pass do you think we would need.thankyou
Toni Broome says
Hi Kerry, in deciding your best options there are a few things that will be considered. How long you are there for? Are you doing a return trip between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka or one way only? Are you planning any day trips out of the cities?
Japika Talwar says
Hi,
I am reaching Tokyo and flying out of Osaka. I will be there for 7 days.
My plan is to do Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka. Does it make sense for me to buy a JR pass? And if not what are the tickets/cards I will be requiring for the trip.
Also, do I buy there Sioca, Pasmo or ICOCA card?
I had read on your website which side of the train to sit on while traveling to Hakone from Tokyo. Unfortunately I can not find that article again.
Since I am very short on time and this is my first trip I would like to take the Romance car since I am staying in Shinjuku.
Thank you so much for your help!
Toni Broome says
Our article on the JR Pass should answer a lot of your questions. With just the trips mentioned here on a 7 day period, the JR Pass would not be economical.
Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA are collectively referred to as IC cards, or tap and go cards. They store a value you put on them and then deduct the correct fare depending on what station you top on at and where you exit. They can also be used in other places such as convenience stores and at drinks machines. Suica and PASMO are purchased usually in Tokyo, they are issued by JR East and Tokyo Subway. The ICOCA card is issued by JR West and will usually be purchased in Kyoto or Osaka. For day to day use it doesn't matter which you have, they can all be used and recharged across the county.
If you sit on the right-hand window seat leaving Tokyo towards Hakone, either on the JR or Odakyu (Romance Car) line you can see Mt Fuji on a clear day.
Dianka says
Hi! Thank you for your post!!
I´d like to know your opinion in regard to our family trip this spring.
Because we travel for work, we will be based in Yokohama for almost a month. During that time we will be visiting the surrounding areas incluiding Tokyo (3 or 4 times a week), Kamakura (twice during the trip) and Hakone (3 consecutive days). No long distance trips this time. So, still would you consider to buy de JP Pass? We arrive in Narita and depart from Haneda.
Thanks in advance!
Toni Broome says
Hi Dianka, I wouldn't use a JR pass for the trip but you might find the Hakone Free Pass an option for your time there depending on what you plan to do. Other than that either an IC card as the locals use such as ICOCA, PASMO or SUICA are convenient but not discount cards.
Dianka says
Thanks for your advice! Sure we will get our PASMO and discounted PASMO for the kids. We found out that since kids pay about half the fare, we need to ask for the kids card in one of the kiosk since they are not available in the machines. Cheers!
Toni Broome says
Yes you will need the children's ones from the kiosk, and take their passports to prove their age.
Jessica says
Hi,
I've been pouring over your blog for the past few days planning our trip to Japan in May and have found it very helpful so thank you!
Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on our itinerary and the JR rail pass.
Our itinerary so far is as follows:
Fly into Tokyo (5 nights)
Tokyo to Hakone (1 night)
Hakone-Kyoto (4 nights in Kyoto)
Kyoto-Osaka (4 nights in Osaska)
Day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima (& possibly another day trip from Osaka too)
Osaka to Tokyo to fly back home
Using the Hyperdia website you suggested to calculate the trips, I think it's more economical to buy the JR pass (14 days), but wanted to see what you think and whether I've worked that out correctly.
Thanks!
Toni Broome says
Hi Jessia. Thank's for your feedback and using our site. I agree with your calculations, on the base trips you mention the individual tickets would be Y50,980 so that makes the pass good value, you may also get added value from airport to city trains, another day trip or some city trains depending on what you do on the other days. Have a great trip!
Jo says
Hi, your blog is so helpful. I'm travelling to Japan in September fly in and out from Tokyo. Tokyo-Kanazawa (3 days), head to South korea for 4 days. From there I will fly back to Tokyo (2 night). Day trip to Hakone. Kyoto-Osaka-Nara-Kobe (7 days). I'm unsure whether to purchase the JR pass. Could you please advise your thoughts. Many thanks
Jo
Toni Broome says
Hi Jo, does the 7 days for Kyoto-Osaka-Nara-Kobe include the train trip to and from Tokyo?
Jo says
Hi Toni,
Thanks for your quick reply. Yep the 7 days will include the train trip to and from Tokyo as I try to fit the 7 day JR pass not sure its worth the price.
Have you got any recommendation to travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa as I wont have my JR pass for that period?
Many thanks,
Jo
Toni Broome says
Hi Jo. Yes, the 7-day pass from Tokyo to Tokyo for the Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka and Nara trips is worth getting, it will save you money on that route. The 3 days from Tokyo to Kanazawa on the Hakutaka Shinkansen is Y27,840 return, if you were also planning to use the NEX into Tokyo (Y2820) that might be worth considering the 7-day pass at Y29,110.
Just throwing another idea out there. If the sequence of the 2 nights in Tokyo between South Korea and the 7 day trip to Kansai isn't fixed then the 14-day pass sounds like it would cover the Kanazawa and Kansai trips for Y46,390 which is a better saving. It sounds counter-intuitive as you won't use it for those 4 days you are in Korea (unless it is useful for getting to an airport at the Japan end) but could be worth considering if it doesn't conflict with other plans.
Jo says
Hi Tony,
Thanks so much for your advice. I decided to change my Itinerary
Fly to Tokyo ( stay for 5 mights)
Tokyo- Kyoto (2 nights)
Kyoto- Osaka (6 nights)
Osaka- Nara (day trip)
Osaka- Kobe (day trip)
Osaka-Kinosakionsen (day trip)
Then fly from Osaka- Seoul
Then Seoul- Tokyo
Can you please let me know if its still worth to get JR pass or is it better just use ICOCA card? Also, travel within each area (Tokyo or Kyoto or Osaka)ICOCA card is it cheaper and more flexible?
Many thanks,
Jo
Toni Broome says
Hi Jo, that sounds good. I don't think the JR Pass would be good value but you may want to look at the JR-West pass particularly for the Kinosaki Onsen trip, it doesn't include the bullet trains but for the trips out of Osaka that isn't such a big issue, you can use rapid and special rapid trains and the train to the airport
Netta says
Hi,
Thanks for the info - I am still weighing up the cost comparisson for my trip and whether to get a 14 day JR pass or not.
Land in Narita then will get express train to Tokyo where we stay for 3 days (was excluding this trip from JR pass as dates would be longer then 14 days otherwise)
Would activate on trip from Tokyo - to Hakuba (bullet train to Nagano, then extra cost for bus to mountain)
Then want to go to Kyoto , then back from Kyoto to Narita (where we will stay at an airport hotel)
Do you tink it may be cheaper to purchase these trips individually as we are having to pay for additional sections even if we do buy the JR pass?
Much appreciated.
Toni Broome says
Hi Netta, the route Tokyo - Nagano - Kyoto - Narita would be cheaper with individual tickets than the 14-day JR pass. The trips would be around Y37,000 and the pass Y46,000.
Aliya says
Hi Toni,
I am going to be travelling to japan in august and am not sure which train passes to get?
I am going to be travelling around Tokyo for 7 days with a day trip planned to mt fuji and then onto Kyoto for another 7 days with day trips planned to Osaka, Hiroshima and Nara.
Do you think it would be better value to get a 14 days JR pass or instead use the ICOCA card and top up as needed?
Thanks!
Toni Broome says
Hi Aliya. Does the travel from Tokyo to Osaka, Hiroshima and back to Osaka or Tokyo, where-ever you will fly out from all fall within the 7 days? If it does the 7-day JR Pass will be the most economical option and then use individual tickets/ICOCA or an alternate pass for Mt Fuji or other trips from Tokyo during that first week. An option to consider is the Tokyo wide pass for that period, it is 3 consecutive days for Y10,000 and covers the various transport options you need for Mt Fuji which isn't all JR. There are a variety of other places covered that you may want to use the pass for on the other 2 days if you decide to go with that option.
Claudio Melchiorri says
Hello, very interesting blog and thank you for your efforts! I wonder if I can pick your brains please - our itenerary is as follow:
Day 1-4: Tokyo (with a day trip to Hakone and/or Nikko)
Day 5-7: Karuizawa
Day 8-10: Kanazawa
Day 11-15: Kyoto (with day trips to Nara, and Hiroshima and/or Osaka).
Would a JR Pass be convenient? Any other suggestion?
Many thanks! Claudio
Toni Broome says
Thanks Claudio. The 14 day JR Pass won't be cost effective however the 7-day would be worthwhile if you used if from the day you leave Karuizawa for Kanazawa then the trip onto Kyoto and the return trip to Hiroshima, that would be Y39,720 value for Y29,110 price, you may also get additional value if you fit the Nara and Osaka trips into that 7 days. That would mean taking an individual ticket from Tokyo to Karuzawa which is around Y5700. There aren't really any other passes that fit your longer distance trips but while in Tokyo I'd suggest looking at the Hakone Freepass if you choose Hakone and I have info on Nikko in this article.
Charlene says
Hi,
This is my first time travelling to Japan and I'm confused by the transport here.
Here's the plan of my trip:
D1 - Arrived in Tokyo : Should I travel to Osaka straight/Spend 1N in Tokyo and travel to Osaka the next day?
D2 - Osaka (3D2N)
D4 - Kyoto (3D2N)
D7 - Tokyo(4D3N) - Flight to SG
I'm planning to get JR pass and ICOCA card. Is it ideal?
Much appreciated if you can advise on this.
Thanks & regards.
Toni Broome says
Hi Charlene, it would depend on what time we arrived into Tokyo but if there was time I'd go directly through to Osaka that day, especially as you have time to explore Tokyo at the end of your stay. I'd do it that way as it takes a while and extra cost to get into Tokyo from the airport, find and check into your hotel unpack, repack and get back onto the train the next morning. Although it makes a longer day of travel going from plane to train it means day 2 is started fresh and you can get directly into enjoying your trip rather than having a second travel day.
The JR Pass is very slightly (Y250) more than the JR bullet train tickets from Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Kyoto. Whether it pays off will depend on whether you are doing much in the way of side trips on JR out of Osaka or Kyoto. You will find ICOCA (or PASMO / SUICA) very useful on subways in Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka and private railways which we use quite a bit in Osaka and Kyoto.
If it helps the transport felt a lot less confusing once we started using it on our first trip than we had expected.
Lenny says
hi,
how u doin?
was reading ur article regarding ur trip to Japan. Me and my husband are planning to go in September but still confuse on ow we do our itinerary. How does Jr pass works. And to use Hakone Free PaSS? I would much appreciate it if you can help me out.
Here is my plan.
2n/3d OSAKA ( have auntie lives in Osaka but she dont have idea traveling around Japan)
3n/4d KYOTO
3n/4d Hakone/Mt Fuji Tour
5n/6d TOKYO
Questions:
Is it worth it going to around MT FUJI? is it close to get there from HAKONE?
Can we use JR pass around this area? ( Hakone and Mt Fuji?)
What are your tips and recommendations?
Thank you. Hoping for your reply back.
Thank you
Have a great day
cheers.
Warm Regards,
Leny
Toni Broome says
Hi Leny, a good place to start would be our articles on using the JR Pass https://www.2aussietravellers.com/japan-rail-pass/ and the Hakone Free Pass https://www.2aussietravellers.com/hakone-freepass-value/. With the itinerary you set out it is unlikely that the JR Pass would be economical for your with one way travel between Osaka and Tokyo.
You can use the JR pass to get to the gateway points to Hakone (Odawara) and Fuji 5 lakes district (Otsuki) but will use transport companies within the areas. There is another pass, the Fuji Hakone Pass that may work better for you than the Hakone Free Pass if you want to see both areas.
Landy says
Hi
Sorry havent done a indepth list yet but wanting advice regarding travel.
There's going to be 3 of us need to know if worth getting jr and local city cards too.
Planning to land osaka stay 3 days
Kyoto 7 days shall do 2 day trips out
Then Kyoto to mt fuji stay at onsen for 2 nights.
Mt fuji to tokyo and 7 days there maybe 1 day trip out.
When i plug it in places its around 1000 aus for single fairs but with jr pass around 1500 plus fees for local subway passes .
Feeling getting around japan is confusing.
Planning april 2019 at this stage.
Thank you for any help.
Landy
Toni Broome says
Hi Landy, it's hard to say for certain from the info here but generally if you fly into Osaka and out of Tokyo, or complete the return trip over more than 7 days the pass won't be economical and you'll be better with individual tickets.
Diana says
Hi, I will be travelling to Japan from 2-9 October. We will arrive in Narita and fly to Australia from Osaka.
I will be staying in Tokyo until 5 October and the rest will be in Osaka.
Here is my plan:
2Oct: arrive in Narita, go around Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya area
3 Oct: Disneyland and Tokyo Tower
4 Oct: Ueno park and Sensoji Temple Asakusa
5 Oct: Go to Osaka
6 Oct:Go to Kyoto
7 Oct:Go to Nara
8 Oct: Sightseeing in Osaka
9 Oct: Osaka aquarium and go back to Australia
Could you please kindly advise, if I need JR pass for this?
What kind of pass that would be benefit for me? Or do I just buy Suica or ICOCA?
What do you think of Keisei Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket (one way)?
Many thanks in advance
Toni Broome says
You won't need a JR pass for the itinerary you have planned, it would be more expensive than the individual tickets. I would use an IC card, something like a Suica or Pasmo as you can use those on a variety of transport options in the cities you are visiting and between the cities on the second half of your trip. They aren't discount tickets but will be convenient.
Whether the subway day tickets and things like the Keisei skyline + subway are worth while depends a lot on how much you will be hopping on and off the subway, where you are staying and where you are going. For heavy use they will pay off, if like us you ride a couple of subways but walk around a lot in those areas we usually find they aren't a significant saving. You can plug trips into Hyperdia to be sure.
Sally says
Thanks for this great blog! I'm planning a trip to Japan for September 2018, to include Tokyo, Fuji 5 Lakes area, Kyoto, and Hiroshima (flying home from Osaka), but have a 4 day/3 night gap between Fuji and Kyoto to fill. I thought Kanazawa and Takayama would be a good choice, but the transport to make that sort of trip work doesn't seem to make sense. What do you think? Is there some transport option I'm missing? Or would you recommend a different place(s) in between? We're planning to get the JR rail pass, but I'm not opposed to long distance buses.
Toni Broome says
The Fuji 5 Lakes area will be amazing. Our transport preference is generally the high speed trains but Fuji is a bit out of the way from the major lines and the easiest connection is back via Tokyo or Yokohama so that will already involve some backtracking before you head on anywhere else. I would consider the highway bus to Takayama (for example https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/ or http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/ for a night or two, then Nouhi bus to Kanazawa for another night and high speed train down to Kyoto from there.
Another option is a night or two at Hakone, you can get the express bus to Gotemba and the Hakone free pass covers out as far as Gotemba and all the transport options for sightseeing in the area. We've been there a few times and the sights and onsen are beautiful. There is a bullet train station in the Hakone area at Odawara to continue on to Kyoto.
Have fun with your planning, it sounds like a fabulous trip.
Pamela says
Thanks so much for all this useful information. I've read it over and over.....off to Japan on Wednesday and feeling completely clueless though very grateful to have all your hints and tips - which I've paid attention to! The brolly for one will be staying behind.
I think the Narita Express from the airport to Shibuya will work best for our accommodation (then a taxi), looked like a few changes with the Skyliner, not great with luggage.
Will pop in and comment on return!
2 Aussie Travellers says
Have a fabulous trip Pamela, I just got back from a short visit to Northern Japan this weekend and already can't wait to get back there again!
Clare says
Hey thanks so much, on my way to Hakone now and have been reading through your trip, it is really helping me plan my day! Also, just wanted to let you know that the JR pass can now be bought in Japan at select locations for a bit more money. Cheers!
2 Aussie Travellers says
Thanks for that Clare, I hope you had a fabulous day there. I've updated the Japan Rail Pass article for the trial of local sales, I'd missed this one, will fix it up tomorrow. Thank you!
Ryan Biddulph says
Hi Toni,
Phenomenal breakdown! I only laid over in Osaka for a few hours but goodness, I hear you on the exceptionally clean and well maintained....everything LOL. Cleanest place I have ever seen. Cleanest country. From bathrooms to everything. Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
Vicky says
Thank you for your valuable input with the questions asked for us first time travellers. If you were to travel from Osaka thru Kyoto, w Osaka as your base , 5 nights, 7pax, which mode of transport would you recommend, Suica, JR, KLOOK or your preference, thank you again.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Vicky, if you mean just travelling within and between Osaka and Kyoto I would use the Suica (or other stored value card). The JR Pass won't be economic for trips of that distance and you can't use it on the buses and subways which are the predominant way of getting around within the cities.
Angelina says
Hi again
is it better for me to stay at osaka 5 nights n travel to kyoto n back to osaka again or stay at osaka 3 nights n 2 nights at kyoto? we are going to visit universal as well. is it easy to buy the ticket there or buy online from here?
thank youuuuu ??
Angelina says
Hi
Im going to japan on 8 april 17
planning to stay at osaka 5 nights n travel to kyoto from osaka but will not stay overnight at kyoto.
then will go to tokyo n spend 5 nights there
what is the cheapest transportation i can choose?
thanks for you guidance
this is my first time to japan
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Angelina, we normally stick to the bullet trains over that distance but with your itinerary the JR pass doesn't look like it would be good value. You can buy a single ticket but if budget is a consideration then the Willer Express buses are an option, I've not used them but backpacker travellers have recommended them. You can book online in English, they are usually about half the price of the train or less and if you use the overnight option then you also save that nights accommodation arriving fairly early the next morning. It does leave you with the issue of what to do with your luggage until the night on the day you leave and from early the next morning but many places allow you to store it and collect / check-in later or there are lockers at train stations as long as you don't have a huge suitcase.
Gillian says
Hi, we will be in Japan in early December - we fly in and out of Tokyo Haneda.
We will spend the first 4 days in Tokyo and then a late flight or train to Hiroshima.
We would like to stop at Hakone on the way back to Tokyo. Which train would be best from Tokyo to Hiroshima and then Hiroshima to Hakone. Thanks
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Gillian. I would use the Shinkansen (bullet train) for the distance travel, we have flown internally in Japan, to Sapporo for instance, but most times by the time you allow to get to the Airport and waiting time and that Airports are less central than train stations we find the train is not much slower and it's more comfortable. Using the bullet train you will use two main routes that join up in Osaka (or other mid stops like Kyoto or Kobe). You will need to change train there but we have always found they are well lined up and it's quite and easy to do. The Tokaido route runs from Tokyo to Osaka, Odawara, the stop you want for Hakone is the third stop out from Tokyo. Then the Sanyo route is what you take from Osaka on to Hiroshima. Assuming you are using the JR Pass which excludes the Nozomi train you could take something like the the 5pm Hikari to Kobe, then have around 15 minutes to switch platforms, grab a bento or hot drink and get on the Hikari railstar. It's all well signed in English (just watch the boards they switch frequently between Japanese and English) plus there will be English announcements to). Then continue on to Hiroshima, you'll arrive at around 10.30 and there are several good hotels very near the station which we find convenient to stay at in Hiroshima. This site is in English http://www.hyperdia.com/ just put in your departure and arrival locations, untick the nozomi (and any other options you don't want like flights or coach in the advanced section) and put in a preferred departure or arrival time and you'll get all the options for your date and time of travel. If using the JR Pass you can pre-book all your tickets at the desk and they will find you the best options for the times you want and make sure it all joins up alright, we normally mention if we have luggage too large for the overhead shelf and they will put you at the front or back of the carriage where the storage is. Hope that helps, have a great trip.
David says
Thanks for all of your great reviews, these are very informative. My wife, 4 month old daughter, I are heading to Japan in January for 13 days. We'll be in Tokyo for the first 4, then head to Kyoto for at least 5, then possibly somewhere for 2, then back to Tokyo for the last 2 or 3. I'm likely going to buy a JR Pass for at least 7 days but am considering 14 depending on other day trips from Tokyo. My question is, can you start the JR Pass at any point or does the clock start when you pick up the pass at the airport? I was considering the limo bus service from the airport to our hotel to start, then we use the 7 day pass for Kyoto and day trips to Nara and maybe Osaka.
Also, do you have any other places you would recommend staying? As we are traveling with a little one we're trying to limit hoping around too frequently.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi David, yes activating the pass and the start date for the pass can be different so you can exchange the voucher at the airport or in Tokyo when it suits you and set it to start it on the day you plan to leave for Kyoto for example. If your hotel is on the limo bus route (or close to it) then that can be a very good option, we have used it from both Narita and Haneda on different trips and it's a comfortable and relaxed option especially as you are travelling with a young child. Sometimes jumping on a train and finding your way to the hotel after the flight can be more than you really want to take on.
I believe the decision to avoid hoping around bases and accommodation too much is good, especially for a first visit and with a baby. If you want to explore slightly further afield the JR pass and the great transport system means that is easy to do but with the extra luggage and routine that a baby requires having only a couple of base changes will make that easier. There is plenty to see in both cities and within a day trip distance from either.
Have a wonderful trip,
Sana says
Hi - thank you so much for this blog! It has been so helpful. My husband and I are visiting Japan from 11/18-11/27. We fly into Tokyo and fly out of the Kyoto. We are spending the first 3 days in Tokyo and then the remainder of the trip in Kyoto with day trips planned to Nara and Hiroshima. We're still unsure whether the JR Pass is our best option because we are not doing a round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. The resources you've provided are great but we're still so overwhelmed! Since we're leaving soon any help and guidance would be awesome! Thanks!
2 Aussie Travellers says
How exciting, your trip is coming around really fast. If you are spending the days within Tokyo you are more likely to use the subway that the JR network so that won't be covered on the JR pass so the 7 days would be enough if you start it the day you move on to Kyoto. A 7 day pass is Y29,110 and the fares are approximately: Tokyo to Kyoto Y13,600, Kyoto to Nara return Y1,420, Kyoto to Hiroshima return (extra if you go to Miyajima) Y22,180 and Kyoto to Kansai Airport Y3370. The Hiroshima round trip is almost as expensive as the Kyoto-Tokyo one so it would be worth while to have it. There is also some convenience to having to just show the pass onto the platform and also to the free booking of seats. The pass would give you a total of Y39,150 travel or a Y16,970 saving.
We use a PASMO pass in Tokyo and Kyoto for the subway, it's a reloadable debit card for public transport, I don't think it saves money but can make things quicker and simpler. The SEICA card works much the same way.
If budget is a consideration there are cheaper ways to get from one place to another such as the overnight buses but I would use the bullet and express trains personally, the other options are much slower and chew up a lot of your limited time in the country.
Have a wonderful time.
vanessa says
Hi ! Your posts are great and informative to read. Thanks. I want to ask .. we are a group of 8 people. We'll be in Japan 30 Jan 2017 - 12 Feb 2017. We arrive in Tokyo at 9.30pm. We will stay overnight in Tokyo and next day plan to go to Osaka (3days) to Kyoto (2days) and back to Tokyo. Which would be the best pass for us ? We want to visit Mnt Fuji also. what would you recommend, a day trip after from Tokyo, so that we wont need to carry the luggage around ?
and .. we will be arriving through Haneda Airport at night. What would be the best way for us to get to Osaka.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Vanessa, what a great group trip. If you are doing most of the travel in a 7 day period the JR Pass is usually worth considering. The price should be around Y29,110 and the individual bullet train tickets between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo would be Y29,470. That isn't much of a saving but if you use the train for Mt Fuji in the same period or other side trips while in Kyoto and Osaka they will also be covered. We also find it more convenient than paying for individual tickets and you get free seat bookings with it which might be particularly useful if your group wants to be seated together.
We normally would do side trips like Mt Fuji from a base so we don't have to deal with luggage or change accommodation. We have done Hakone not Mt Fuji from Tokyo but will no doubt do Mt Fuji from there in the future.
There are a range of options to get from Haneda to a Tokyo hotel, depending on where you are staying. At night on a first visit public transport might be a bit intimidating if you are tired and just want to get to your hotel. Another option is what they call the Limousine Bus Service which is a coach, very comfortable and they handle the luggage in and out of storage but not as glamourous as it sounds. It goes directly to some hotels others you will need to walk to one nearby or get a taxi connection a short distance. When we have used the service from Narita we usually pick a hotel that it does go to directly.
Have a fabulous trip!
vanessa says
Thanks for your reply. Hope you don't mind helping me out here. My first time to Japan with the kids and I have been reading up about the trains but the names have been giving me headaches.
I wish to travel in this route Tokyo - Kyoto (2nights) - Osaka (3nights) -Tokyo . The kids want to experience the bullet train. What would you recommend. There are a few JR passes. Which one should I get ? You have vast travel experiences in Japan. It would be great if you could guide me I the right direction.
Our accommodation in Osaka is near JR Osaka Station.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Vanessa. As far as I know if you want to use a JR pass the only one that works for the Tokyo to Kyoto route is the original JR Pass (NOT east or west), and with your timing it sounds like the 7 days pass would work for you. You'll use the bullet train (shinkansen) from Tokyo to Kyoto and back again, either the Hikari or Kodama service. From Kyoto to Osaka you might prefer the limited express or special rapid service, they are direct. In Kyoto and Tokyo the bullet trains operate directly from the central train station, in Osaka it is a separate station so a local train is required to get into the city. To use the bullet train from there back to Tokyo you can either take a local train from the JR Osaka station to Shin-Osaka (less than 5 minutes) or the limited express to Kyoto then switch there to the bullet train.
I sounds fabulous what a great experience for your children too. Have a great trip and let me know if that doesn't make sense or you have any other questions.
vanessa says
Hi,
Thanks so much for your reply. It does help me a lot. It will be my guide. Just a couple more questions tho.
1. We will be leaving from the Shinagawa Station for Kyoto. Because we arrive in Tokyo late at night and cant exchange our vouchers to JR Pass until next day. Would you know if we can exchange our vouchers at Shinagawa Station?
2. Can we reserve all our seats for the rest of the duration of our travel from Kyoto to Osaka to Tokyo?
The kids are excited but no one can help me. So I want to get as much infos and plan ahead. I am learning more about Japan as I go but many things still puzzles me esp the train.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Vanessa, yes there is an exchange office at Shinagawa station, it's open from 9am to 7pm. You can definitely book a number of trips all at once, we do it ahead because it saves time in the queue later and then we just work to that timing on the day. Have fun!
Gabi says
Hi Could you please advise who you buy your JR Passes from in Australia? My travel agent is able to source them but then I noticed it would be cheaper to buy online just not sure which website to use. Thanks for your help. I have posted before and asked whether I need a JR Pass for our trip. We have now added Hiroshima and Miyijima onto our itinerary so the JR Pass will be good value.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Gabi, we've used a few different places to buy the pass over the years, most recently and the one we'd use again is ACP Rail although I just went to find the link and the booking part seems to be offline at the moment. I did a bit of research before buying online and at the time their reviews were good and our experience was good for price, ease and quick delivery. Our worst experience was our local flight centre unfortunately with us literally getting the passes the day before we left after many weeks of follow up, I now order early (but not too early) to avoid the stress. The base price is in Yen so depending on the exchange rate each distributor uses (many only update once a week or even less) and what markup and fees they add in it will vary so worth price shopping the places you are comfortable with.
With Miyajima you can use the pass for the local train out there and the ferry, a couple of people we met had missed the fact it's a JR ferry and had paid separately for their ferry ticket. Have a great time!
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Gaby, I actually followed up with them when their site was still offline for purchasing last night and they're no longer selling the JR Pass which is a shame. I was contacted a month or so back by another online seller that I will probably try myself next time but I don't have another tested one to recommend. Sorry.
Gabi says
Hi, really enjoy reading your posts. My family and I are travelling to Japan in October. We fly into Osaka (2 days) - Himeji - Kyoto (3 days) - Nagoya (2 days) - Tokyo (4 days) - Day trip to Hakone. We are unsure whether to purchase the JR Pass. We have been told individual tickets on a trip such as this will work out cheaper. We are two adults two children. Could you please advise your thoughts. Many thanks.
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Gabi, as a general rule of thumb the JR pass works out about the same price as a return bullet train pass from Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto or Himeji) to Tokyo. Therefore most people will say going around Kansai then one way to Tokyo usually won't work out cost effective. You can do the prices exactly based on hyperdia.com but I think in your case it would be very close but not worth while unless you think you may do other JR side trips or want the convenience. Working it out on one adult is roughly: Osaka to Himeji (Y4620) Himeji to Kyoto (5790) Kyoto to Nagoya (6000) Nagoya to Tokyo (11290) and the return trip Tokyo to Odawara (Hakone) Y7880 or about Y27700 total and a JR 7 day pass is about Y29000. This assumes using the bullet trains, an express for Osaka to shin Osaka and bullet train to Odawara both ways, it assumes you use no other JR travel in the 7 days. Personally for what you have described I'd pay for individual tickets and instead of using the bullet train for the Hakone day I'd get the Hakone pass we discuss in this post from Shinjuku station https://www.2aussietravellers.com/hakone-freepass-value/ which means you get all the transport around Hakone too for less than just the train trip. We used the bullet train on that only because we still had days left on it but given the quality of all the other transport covered by the pass I wouldn't hesitate to use their train from Tokyo if we did it again.
Gabi says
Hello many thanks for your detailed reply. It was much appreciated. Very much enjoy reading your blog, its helping me organize our upcoming trip to Japan. We cant wait 🙂
Anh says
Hi,
I will be visited Seoul for a week last week of March 2017 then fly to Osaka, wonder if you have been visitted there yet and any recommendation for Seoul
I am planning to travel to Japan for 2 weeks starting at Osaka International Airport, I will buy the JR pass online and exchange it at Osaka airport and about hotel or airbnb which one is better and should I stay at hotel in Kyoto or Osaka that included washer and dryer since we travel with less luggage, just wonder if the luggage about 22 inch will be ok to travel on the train, and which train should I take from the Osaka airport to hotel that covered by jr and I like to see places at Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kobe. I see your posts all about those cities that I will add to my list, but not sure where to start first and go on to another that make my trip smoother and no waste time back and forth.. will stay 6,7 days . Please help me on thhis
After that I will travel to Tokyo for a week, Mt Fuji, Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitsujiyama Park, Sakura Furusato Hiroba, Showa Memorial Park. Kawachi Fuji Garden, Ashikaga Flower Park are on my list, do you have any recommendation which places is best to see at Tokyo and around Tokyo..that covered by JR pass and which one to take to go to Tokyo International Airport
Thank you very much
2 Aussie Travellers says
We still have South Korea on our wish list, sounds like you have a fabulous trip planned! You will be fine with the mid sized luggage on the trains, we have travelled with larger with no problems, especially with longer distance travel in the airport trains (Haruka Express from Osaka, Narita Express in Tokyo), bullet trains and limited express. The JR pass will cover the airport trains and the other side trips you want to do. We don't find it much use in Kyoto or Tokyo themselves but in between and for the side trips it's great. If you are planning to stay in each place rather than make day trips from a base I would probably head out to Hiroshima first to see there and Miyajima (pass also covers the ferry), then come back in for Kobe/Osaka/Nara/Kyoto section - they can easily be done from one base point if you have the JR pass and prefer not to spend to much time shuffling your luggage around between hotels. I'll have a new post up in a few weeks on the JR Pass, when it's useful and how to get the best value out of it which might be helpful for you. Have a wonderful trip.
Anh says
Hi, If I stay at one base, which base is better Osaka or Kyoto. we have 3 couples, so should I book hotel or apartment, which one is better and cheaper and how is washer and dryer there if hotels do not have one?and how is the weather in Spring, need thick jacket? and what is the best way to exchange currency there, ATM, bank,post office or at shop?I can buy the jr pass at the JapanRailPass . net website, is it correct one?and should I rent the wifi device?
hope to see your post about jr pass soon.
Thanks
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Anh, We have stayed in both Osaka and Kyoto multiple times. For us Kyoto is normally our pick and we usually stay in Osaka for a night or two at a time but there are great food options there and plenty to see in the city, we just prefer Kyoto or Tokyo for a large city. We use hotels or serviced apartments like Citidine. We won't use AirBNB in Japan as it's against most peoples rental agreements and we don't want that hassle on holiday when we speak so little of the language, we've heard both good and bad first hand experiences but as we travel as a couple not a group the other options work just as well for us.
You'll definitely want a jacket and dress in layers in spring, I've been known to wear a scarf too but I'm from a tropical climate, at other times just a long sleeved shirt is enough.
We take a bit of cash to get started then get cash out at Post Offices and 7-eleven stores that are everywhere from our Australian Eftpos or a Mastercard that can access our bank accounts. Those machines have an English button like the train ticket machines whereas the bank ones usually don't do English and often don't take foreign cards even if you can read Japanese. Japan is very cash based so we carry more cash than we would at home but have felt safe doing that and not had any issues.
That is a different website than we have bought our Japan Rail Pass through so I'm not sure about it. I'll link our one in the post because we know they deliver quickly and it's a smooth process. On the wifi device I haven't used one over there as our hotels have had wifi included and you can always use a Starbucks if you need it while you are out and I haven't found it a problem but I will probably get one next time to stay connected as we move around for convenience especially on the longer train trips.
Fairlie says
I'm back again to ask a question about luggage...how did you manage luggage on Shinkansen trains (say between Tokyo and Kyoto)? Some people seem to say you can only take carry-on luggage sized bags...what type/size of luggage do you recommend? Thanks!
[email protected] says
At the back of each carriage is a storage space for luggage, I think it fitted two big cases on each side. It doesn't sound like a lot but we've travelled with luggage loads of times across our various trips and never had a problem getting a spot there because most Japanese use cabin bags that go above the seat. We usually made reservations for our longer trips and if I remembered I'd say that we had large cases and they'd sit us in the seat in front of the storage but otherwise it's fine back there. The only time that was at all difficult was the Sapporo airport train during the snow festival - the most busy time of year for the city and it's really cold so I guess people bring bigger bags but even then we managed OK. You can pay for a bag transfer service but I think that is usually next day delivery so we've always found it easy enough to take with us.
Fairlie says
Madly taking notes...! This is very useful, I look forward to the next installment. Where is the best place to buy ICOCA cards?
[email protected] says
Thanks for the feedback I'll update the post too. Which card you get will probably be more guided by where you fly into and where you first want to use it. ICOCA is owned by JR West so is the easiest to pick up in Osaka, Kyoto etc while Suica is JR East and Pasmo owned by Tokyo railways and subway network so are usually the ones you come across in Tokyo. All are very useful and I'd use any. The benefit of ICOCA is that it also works on some smaller private buses and train networks where the others still don't like the one out to Mt Koya or buses in Hiroshima and Nara, they are ones most people won't use very often on their travels. Hope you're enjoying the planning stage for the trip!