Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

Help with 11 days in Japan (with a 7 day pass)

sst742
sst742
almost 8 years ago
2 responses

Dear Rail Pass Gurus,

My wife and I are arriving in Japan on November 15 and leaving on November 25th - both from Narita airport. We hope to utilize a 7-day rail pass during our travels as we are willing to spend time in Tokyo at either the beginning or end of the trip. Outside of Tokyo, we'd like to activate the rail pass to see more of Japan. We don't want to try to arrange accommodations in too many cities so we are happy to make day trips from other places in Japan but need some advice on how to figure this out and how to make the most out of our pass as we want to use it as much as possible. Thank you in advance for your advice.

ST

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The first thing that comes to mind here, is make your base in the Kansai Area for a while. Kansai is the area where Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Wakayama are located. Its a great place to make day trips from using the JR Pass. While there is plenty to do in these cities, you can also make a day trip somewhere else, think of Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Kanazawa, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Koya-san, the list goes on.

I can give you some specific recommendations if you tell me a bit more what you'd like to see and do.
Daniel

sst742
sst742
2 posts
almost 8 years ago

Daniel,

Thanks for taking time to reply to my question. For this trip, my wife and I would like to have more "experiences" rather than checking off all of the main sites in the guidebook. For example, we would like to:

Stay at a Ryokan
Experience a Japanese Spa
Take train day trips that are interesting themselves and not just a means of transportation.
Walk through interesting marketplaces
See views/landscapes unique to Japan

That said, I would still like to take my wife to places she has not been like major temples/gardens in Kyoto as well as the major sites in Tokyo. I like your idea of staying in the Kansai area but could use some advice on whether it makes sense to stay in one place, or if it is worth it to stay in two different places while we are there. Thanks again,

ST

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hello ST,

I recommend a visit to Kinosaki Onsen you can combine staying at a Japanese Ryokan with a Japanese Spa (Onsen). Its an easy trip to make from anywhere in Kansai and a great experience. You can use a limited express train that trough mainland Japan and is a pleasant ride.

In Kyoto, I recommend a visit to Nishiki Market its a great visit to make and and of the core experiences in Kyoto. Alternatively you can go to Kanazawa and visit the local Omi-cho market. Kanazawa is well recommended btw as well, the castle is beautiful and the close-by Kenroku-en is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.

If you do want a variety in experiences, then staying in a couple of different places is the way to go.

Hope this helps,
Daniel


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