Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

Worth getting pass or seperate tickets?

Kirsty Bristol
Kirsty Bristol
over 10 years ago
3 responses

Hi there we are travelling to Japan for two weeks with most of the first week in Tokyo. I would like to know if it is cheaper/easier to just get a one week JR pass for the following journey or to get separate tickets. 16th October Tokyo to Koyasan (I think this is not possible on JR), 18th October - Koyasan to Osaka, 20th October - Osaka to Kyoto, 22nd - Kyoto to Umezako day return, 24th October - Kyoto to Tokyo, 26th October Tokyo to Narita airport. Thanks so much for your help! Kirsty

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Kristy!

The JR Pass is great if you can use it to cover your long distance with it, for instance a return Tokyo - Osaka will quickly pay off. Since there's more than a 7 day gap between your travel to Koya (via Osaka) and back to Tokyo, I do think that it would be better to buy normal tickets as you travel.

To travel to Koya-san, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin Osaka (¥ 14,050/covered by the JR Pass), take a local train to Shin-Imamiya station (¥ 160/covered by the JR Pass) and from there board the Nankai Ltd. Exp. to Gokurakubashi (the station for Koya san, ¥ 850/not covered by the JR Pass).

Hope this helps!
Daniel

Kirsty Bristol
Kirsty Bristol
3 posts
over 10 years ago

Thanks Daniel, that's great. I don't speak Japanese, is it difficult to get served at railway stations in English or can you easily use ticket machines? Cheers!

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Again!

Most stations have an map with place names written in English with the corresponding fare's. Also most major stations such as Tokyo and Kyoto have a special English speaking ticket desk, which is a great help if you want to buy special tickets, like bullet train tickets. Otherwise just tell the staff something like ''to Osaka please'' and they will show you the price and print the tickets for you.

I hope this helps too!
Daniel

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 10 years ago
Kirsty Bristol
Kirsty Bristol
3 posts
over 10 years ago

Perfect thanks so much!!


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