Hello Daniel-san,
I am planning to travel in Japan from between August 18-27. I have already bought and received my 7-day JR pass, but I have several questions concerning itinerary choices and about how the train system works. I plan to stay in Osaka from August 18-24, and in Tokyo from August 24-27.
My itinerary is as follows:
8/18: Arrive in Osaka
8/19: Explore Osaka
8/20: Day trip to Kyoto
8/21: ???
8/22: Day trip to Hiroshima
8/23: Day trip to the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Himeji Castle
8/24: Leave Osaka for Tokyo
8/25: Explore Tokyo
8/26: Explore Tokyo
8/27: Leave at Narita Airport (11:30am flight)
Questions:
1. Can you please clarify the FAQ's response about the expiration date/time of the JR pass (the "midnight on the 7th" phrase confuses me)? If I want my last use of the JR pass to be for the train to Narita Airport on the 27th, is the earliest day I can activate the pass the 20th or the 21st? Regarding reserving tickets, how much time in advance can I reserve a train ticket, or can I reserve all of them when I activate the pass?
2. For day trips from Osaka to Kyoto and to the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge/Himeji, I would take the JR Kyoto and JR Kobe lines, leaving from Osaka Station, correct?
3. On 8/21, would you recommend that I go to Kyoto for a second day or go to Nara instead? If I choose to go to Nara, is there a way to go there directly from Osaka without having to transfer to the JR Nara Line in Kyoto?
4. On 8/24, would it be worthwhile to get off in Fuji City or somewhere for a couple of hours to see Mt. Fuji? It would be a bit difficult since I would be carrying a piece of luggage, and the weather would have to be good, but I'm not sure if I have time for a day trip to Mt. Fuji since I already don't have much time in Tokyo.
5. How can I use my JR pass for travel within Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo?
These are all the questions I have for now. Sorry for how many there are, but after reading about all the different railway companies, train types, and number of train stations in Osaka my head exploded! Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Cheers,
Frank