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Should we get a JR pass?

kathleenoc
kathleenoc
over 8 years ago
4 responses

Hi! My husband and I are going to Japan this month. Our entry point is Tokyo and flight out from Osaka. We plan to stay in Tokyo for 4 days then transfer to Osaka for 3 more days. While in Osaka, we plan to day trips to Kyoto everyday.
Should we get a JR pass? will it be worth it?

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For your trip I advise purchasing normal tickets. A JR Pass works great when used for a return Tokyo - Osaka or Tokyo - Kyoto. One way however is more economic to just buy normal tickets. Osaka and Kyoto are only 30min/560yen apart by local train and travel between them does not cost much either.

Hope this helps you,
Daniel

kathleenoc
kathleenoc
4 posts
over 8 years ago

How about if we tour around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto? It still wouldn't be economical to buy the JR pass?

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi again!

Generally local transport does not cost a lot compared to longer distances travel, I did take this into account and stand with my previous post.

Though a JR Pass could quickly because a great option if you where to include a day trip or two. For instance, by visiting Hiroshima from Osaka. Also using the Shinkansen from Kyoto - Osaka costs ¥ 2,820 for one way, so it may be worthwhile using a JR Pass if you want to use the Shinkansen instead of local trains between Osaka and Kyoto. This however is pure luxury :)

kathleenoc
kathleenoc
4 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi. Just wanted to confirm if I understand it correctly cause we plan to do day trips in Kyoto for 2 days. So it's better to purchase JR pass if we plan to go to Kyoto from Osaka for 2 consecutive days?

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Well, only if you want to use the bullet train. These are ¥ 2,820 for one way while local trains just cost 560yen/one way. The train time is the same.

kathleenoc
kathleenoc
4 posts
over 8 years ago

Alright. Thank you.


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