Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

14 Days in Japan, advise needed.

dt0809
dt0809
over 10 years ago
1 response

Hi all

I would be spending 14 days in Japan in April 2014 to catch the Cherry Blossoms season. I intend to purchase the 2-week JR Pass. I have some questions and would like to seek some advise.

Day 1 - arrive at Narita (in the afternoon) and remain at Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
Day 3 - Tokyo
Day 4 - Side trip to Mount Fuji Five Lakes. - Is it true that the JR Pass doesn't cover the full cost for this journey?
Day 5 - Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 6 - Kyoto
Day 7 - Kyoto
Day 8 - Day Trip to Osaka
Day 9 - Day Trip to Nara
Day 10 - Day Trip to Kobe and Himeji (Is it possible to cover these two places in a single day? I only intend to cover the Castle and Park at Himeji)
Day 11 - To Hiroshima
Day 12 - Day trip to Miyajima
Day 13 - Day trip to Fukuoka
Day 14 - Back to Tokyo

My flight back home is at 12pm on Day 14. That would mean that I have to reach Tokyo by the morning.
I note the JR Pass doesn't cover the Shinkansen Nozomi direct train from Hiroshima to Tokyo. I've a few clarifications here.

  1. I would have to go about changing trains - which route would provide the shortest travelling time, and if so, how long?

  2. What is time does the bullet trains operate until?

Thanks.

avatar
Daniel-san
18829 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi there!

Great itinerary! Including a visit to Fukuoka is brilliant. Did you plan of visiting anything particular there? If you have the time be sure to check out one of the Yatai's (local food stalls).

Traveling traveling to the Mount Fuji Five Lakes does include railway travel on the Fujikyu line, which is privately owned and does not accept the JR Pass. The best way to get to Mount Fuji Five Lakes with the JR Pass is to travel from Tokyo to Otsuki and from there take the Fujikyu line, this last part is around 1,100yen.

A visit to Kobe and Himeji. You can certainly make a quick stop at Himeji just to view the castle and castle gardens. Kobe is a different story. Kobe city and surrounding area have a ton to offer in terms of attractions and sightseeing spots. If there is something specific you would wish that see that you should have enough time to visit it when you come from Himeji. However if you really want to get a good feel for Kobe a couple of days would be a better option.

Now to your questions:
1.) The route Fukuoka - Tokyo by JR Pass does involve one transfer at Shin-Osaka. The full route takes about 360 Minutes, including transfer time.

2.) Because of safety reasons, bullet trains operations shut down after midnight and resume the next morning around 6 A.M. This means that the last train will arrive at it's destination around 12 p.m. midnight. For instance if you want to take the last train from Tokyo - Kyoto, you would have to board the train around 9 p.m. to arrive around midnight.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

PS: When you look up Fukuoka in Hyperdia, search for Hakata station, which is the main station for Fukuoka.


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17323 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes