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Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe-Nara-Hiroshima-Nagasaki-Tokyo

jsukyn
jsukyn
almost 8 years ago
3 responses

I'm going to Japan in May for two weeks and planning to visit the following places: Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Tokyo, not necessarily in that order. I fly to and leave from Osaka.

My questions are:

Is it doable to visit all of them within two weeks' time?
Is it worth getting a national rail pass or just regional ones as I do mostly concentrate on the Kansai region.
Any suggestions on the best order of route to take for those above places
How many days are recommended to spend in each of the places?

Many thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

It would be possible but keep in mind that Tokyo and Nagasaki are completely different directions and you'll be traveling quite a bit all together. This means that a JR Pass will give you excellent value but you'll also be on the "railroad".

In terms of a route I would start in Osaka, travel to Tokyo, then back to Kansai (Kyoto/Nara/Kobe/Osaka) and make your way to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, before returning to Osaka. Alternatively you could switch Hiroshima/Nagasaki around with Tokyo.

The amount of days very much depends on what you want to see and do. I recommend making a list for each city and make an estimation of how much time you would need for each.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

jsukyn
jsukyn
3 posts
almost 8 years ago

Thank you very much, Daniel!

I have a couple of further questions.

  1. Regarding the travel between Kyoto and Nara/Kobe/Himeji, as they seem to be very close by, I plan to stay in Kyoto and do day trips to the three places, I wonder if JP rail pass is the most economic option or if there is other transport available? So that I can shorten my JP rail pass length (7 day rather than 14 day) as I'd only need the rail pass for the other destinations, which I can group togather.

  2. When I visit Tokyo, I'd like to stay in Tokyo and do day trips to Fuji (not climbing), the 5 lakes area and perhaps Jigokudani Monkey Park, I wonder if they are all possible to do on a day trip basis? What travel options are there?

Thanks a lot!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

Hi again!

1.) There is alternative local transport available, think of the JR Special rapid service to Osaka, Kobe and even Himeji. At the same time, a JR Pass does have its perks, as you can take the Shinkansen every time to these places, making for faster and more confortable travel.

2.) Jigokudani is quite a trip from Tokyo, I would advise 1 night stay around Nagano to make the best of the trip. Fuji does make for a great day trips, great places to view Fuji from include Fuji Five lakes of which the 1st is called Kawaguchiko, Hakone or Izu.

Hope this helps!
Daniel

jsukyn
jsukyn
3 posts
almost 8 years ago

Thank you, Denial, for your speedy response!

I'm not sure what the JR Special rapid service is? Is it not included in the JR pass?

Can JP rail pass be used to travel between Tokyo and the Fuji, Five lake areas? What the best travel options are?

Thanks again!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 8 years ago
Expert

The JR Special rapid is local train service but it only stops at major stations like Kyoto and Osaka, it is considered a local train as it does not have seat reservations and is far less comfortable. It is however a good budget option if you do not have a JR Pass.

For Fuji see:
http://www.jrpass.com/blogs/itinerary-tip-mt-fuji


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