Order Your JRPass
Damien M
Damien M
over 12 years ago
1 response

Hi there, I'm after a bit of advice please.

I'm off to Japan on the 31st July, landing on the 1st August for a 3 week stay. I'm travelling alone so I'm very flexible on where/when I go to places.

I was thinking of spending around 4 or 5 days in the Tokyo area visting a number of the different districts with my 1st 2 nights accomodation already booked in the Taito district.

I was then thinking of heading west and calling in at Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and then finally Hiroshima. I would then return to Tokyo for a few more days there before flying back to the UK on 22nd August.

I am very flexible and can change my plans quite readily to be honest, especially if someone tells me that there's something really cool to see in another town/city.

I have also just realised that it is the aniversary of the bomb on the 6th August and that I'd like to pay my respects at the memorial service. This might mean spending just 3 days in Tokyo, then going straight to Hiroshima for the ceremony, and then making my way back to Tokyo over the next week and 1/2 or so.

Just really wondering if I really need a 14 day pass.....though to be honest I think I do, but then I will need to use it on consecutive days if I've read it correctly?

Any advice is welcome about splitting my journey up, going via a different route etc, my plans can change without any major problems.

Thank you in advance.

Damien.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 12 years ago
Expert

Hi Damien,

Well, that's a pretty big trip you've got ahead of you! If it's your first time in Japan it's a really great idea to spend a good week in Tokyo first. Once you've seen the city itself, you can venture out on day trips to Nikko, Yokohama or Kakakura for not much money if you get bored.

Once your first week is over, well, you've got bags of choice. With that much time available I would aim to get down to Kyushu and go hiking around Mt Aso, or even get down to Kagoshima on the new Sakura/Kyushu bullet and go visit, Sakurajima or any of the amazing coastline in Kumamoto. Fukuoka is a fun city on friday and saturday, but less so on a normal weekday. You should also add a few days at an Onsen to your list - Kurokawa onsen being a great one in Kyushu.

For jaunts Honshu bound, I've recommended Naoshima in the past as a great place to visit, really James bond hideout feel to the place and also Takayama as being a great example of a slightly older Japan off the beaten path.

For all these you'll be best off getting a 14 day pass, but yes, you can only use them on consecutive days I'm afraid.

Hope this helps!

M


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 17329 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