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Is it worth buying a JR Pass?

kaasuen
kaasuen
about 9 years ago
2 responses

Hi all!

I will be travelling in Japan from June 2nd to 12th (will be staying in Tokyo from 2nd to 8th) and is planning going from Tokyo->Kyoto on the 8th, travel within Kyoto on the 8th, Kyoto->Osaka on the 9th, travel within Osaka from 9th-12th and leave Osaka in the morning to return to Narita AIrport (unfortunately my airplane ticket is for Narita Airport).

My questions:
1. Is the above itinerary worth purchasing a 7 day JR rail pass for the last 7 days of my trip (so I can use it on Shinkansen trains in the country)?
2. Can I use the JR rail pass for N'EX when I return to Tokyo?
3. Will there be any changes that affects my itinerary in terms of what pass to buy after the changes made on March 14th in the JR lines? Will the price change?

Thanks so much!

avatar
Daniel-san
18829 posts
about 9 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

1.) Yes the JR Pass will cover all Shinkansen travel in addition to the return to Narita Airport. The 7 day JR Pass is about the same price as a normal return Tokyo - Osaka. Any additional travel basically is free, including local travel in Osaka and to Narita Airport.

2.) Yes!

3.) No they only thing that will change is that the JR Pass also includes the new Hokuriku Shinkansen after the 14th of March, the price however will remain unchanged.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

kaasuen
kaasuen
2 posts
about 9 years ago

Thanks Daniel! A follow up question, which local travels in Osaka can I use with the JR Pass? I plan on staying in Shinsaibashi area. Am I also able to use it within the Kyoto area?

Thanks for all your help!

avatar
Daniel-san
18829 posts
about 9 years ago
Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
about 9 years ago

You did not explain your plans for your city stays, but just ONE day in Kyoto, and 3 in Osaka? Unless you have some event or other reason, the reverse makes more sense. Plus, do all you can to squeeze in at least half a day to see Nara - it has some of Japan's very best places and you will kick yourself later if you skip it. Actually if you are seeing a lot of Tokyo, you can largely omit Osaka entirely. After seeing Kyoto or Nara it's easy to zip on over after the temples and shrines close around 5PM and enjoy the Osaka night life. Dotonbori is one of the best areas of the city at night, with great food and a lively atmosphere:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJ_MeXbeow

Also the night views from the Abeno Harukas and Umeda Sky Bldg are truly fantastic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AyUZmGbW8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1wuyAGgyQ

In the Kansai area you also might want to see Himeji, Japan's best surviving castle, as well as Hikone.

For Tokyo, you are also allocating the majority of your time. If you haven't planned it yet, you might consider some day trips to Kamakura/Enoshima, Nikko, and Hakone.


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