Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Do i need a national Japan rail pass?

joseph
joseph
over 11 years ago
1 response

Hi i am travelling to Japan over December-Mid January.

We are flying to Niseko to ski then planning around a week in Tokyo and a week seeing Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukouka

Our plan is simply spend week in Tokyo over NYE then use a rail pass to see Mr Fuji then travel through those cities

(in order: tokyo - Mt Fuji - Kyoto - Osaka - Hiroshima - Fukouka)

then fly back to Tokyo from Fukouka.

My question is do i need a national rail pass to do this? I have seen there is a Western Japan pass but not sure this would cover everything.

thanks

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The only rail pass that would cover all of your itinerary is the nationwide pass as the legs around Tokyo and Mt Fuji will not be covered by the rail pass.

As a quick check on wether a 7 day nationwide pass would make sense for you, lets take a look at your costs:

  1. Tokyo > Otsuki: ¥2860, (85mins, 87km)
  2. Otsuki > Kyoto: ¥14650, (235mins, 561km)
  3. Kyoto > Osaka: ¥540, (28mins, 42km)
  4. Osaka > Hiroshima: ¥10150, (104mins, 345km)
  5. Hiroshima > Hakata: ¥8900, (69mins, 280km)

JR ticket cost: ¥37100 for 5 legs

As you can see you'll make good savings with a 7 day pass, however would make even more savings if you included your ¥21,520 return leg to Tokyo from Hakata/Fukuoka which would effectively be free within the 7 day pass.

Hope this helps!


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