Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Should we get a JR pass?

rica3
rica3
about 11 years ago
4 responses
Hi There!
My group of 10 will be travelling to Japan May 2013.
There will be 7 adults, 3 children (14, 10 & 9 yo).
Do you recommend we get a JR pass?
Is there a different rate for children?
Can we use the pass travelling within the cities using local trains?
Here is our initial itinerary....
Day 1 - arrive KIX & stay in Osaka
Days 2-4 - Osaka (day trip to Nara)
Day 5 - travel to Kyoto
Days 6-9 - Kyoto
Day 10 - travel to Tokyo (day trips to Kamakura, Takaosanguchi)
Days 11-16 - fly out of Narita
If you recommend buying tickets as we move between cities,
Pls also suggest what passes we can get while taking trains within the city
so we avoid buying tickets and lining up everytime we board a train.
If we go to NARA, is it better to take it from Osaka or Kyoto?
Thanks and will be awaiting your response.
) R
avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

In general the JR-Pass makes a great option if you do a certain amount of long distance travel.
With your itinerary you will only travel one way from Kyoto to Tokyo, so it would not make for a very economic option, even with the day trips added in.

You may be better of buying tickets as you go, for this I would recommend that you get everyone an IC card like ICOCA which is a rechargeable prepaid card that you can use to pay your fare by simply sliding it over the ticket gate. Since you are flying into Kansai Airport the ICOCA + Haruka ticket may be a great option.

For Nara, it does not really matter from where you travel. From Osaka it is 57 Minutes and from Kyoto 59 Minutes both are direct train lines.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

rica3
rica3
4 posts
about 11 years ago

Hi Daniel

Your quick response is much appreciated and your suggestions very helpful.
I hope you dont mind more inquiries.

-Can we use the ICOCA card to board the LIMOUSINE BUS from KIX to NAMBA OCAT? (Our hotel is nearby) -Or should we take the NANKAI EXPRESS (with 1 train transfer to JR NAMBA)? -Or take the HARUKA (with 1-2 train transfers to JR NAMBA)?

Which is more convenient? considering we are arriving 7pm (tired but raring to go)
and with 2 small kids in tow?

-What card should I purchase for our KYOTO-TOKYO leg?

Thanks and will wait for your kind response,
) rica
avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 11 years ago
Expert

Hi Rica,

You won't be able to use the ICOCA card on the limousine bus but it is a very nice ride into town.
Alternatively you can take the Nankai Airport express directly to Namba too! See route 3.

I think if you are carrying a lot of luggage the limousine bus is the way to go!

For Kyoto --> Tokyo,
I would recommand that you buy single Shinkansen tickets for this trip. This because you then can make seat reservations and will be sure to have seats together.

Let me know if you have more questions!
Daniel

rica3
rica3
4 posts
about 11 years ago

Thanks again, Daniel.
Will let you know if I have more questions.
Warm regards,
Rica


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