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Tokaido Shinkansen or JR 7 day rail pass?

Tucker
Tucker
almost 9 years ago
5 responses

Hi,
It is my first time coming to Japan and I am unsure if it is best to buy the JR 7 day rail pass or is there a pass for the Tokaido Shinkansen line? As this is the only train line we will be using. I read in someone else's question and answer that the metros around the city's are not included in the JR rail pass so I am undecided if it is the best option.
It would be great if someone could clear this up for me.
Thank you! :)

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 9 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The JR Pass is valid nation wide, including the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Whether a JR Pass is useful depends on how much travel you plan to do. For instance, a return Tokyo - Osaka will quickly pay for the JR Pass.

The pass also covers local JR lines, such as in Tokyo and Osaka but does not include transport run by other companies such as the metro.

I can tell you exactly if you let me know where and when you wish to travel.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Tucker
Tucker
5 posts
almost 9 years ago

Thanks Daniel, yes this helps a lot!
Looks like the JR pass will be my best option then I think. I arrive in Japan near the end of May and will be travelling from Tokoyo - Mt Fiji return, Tokoyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka, Kyoto to Nara and then Kyoto back to Tokyo.

Once we buy the JR rail pass can we book our journeys in advance?

Thanks again!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 9 years ago
Expert

Hi again!

Yes that does look like a good option! I would recommend looking into travel to Fuji and especially access details, as that can be tricky from Osaka.

Trains can be booked the moment that you are in Japan. There are train services every 10min or so on the Tokaido Shinkansen with up to 1,323 seats each! So there are more than plenty of seats to go around.

Hope this helps too :)
Daniel

Tucker
Tucker
5 posts
almost 9 years ago

Ok great! We travel Tokyo - Fuji - Tokyo. Is that an easier route? Thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 9 years ago
Expert

Yes making a (day) trip from Tokyo is much easier.

Tucker
Tucker
5 posts
almost 9 years ago

Thank you!! :)

Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
almost 9 years ago

Actually, just going Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo almost covers the cost of the pass but is a little short. Fortunately it's easy to make up the difference by either taking a side trip or going to/from Narita on the Narita Express.
Going on day trips for example to Nikko from Tokyo or to Himeji from Osaka/Kyoto would work nicely and are well worth it.
Regarding going to Mt. Fuji, you didn't specify if you wanted to go to the Fuji 5 Lakes area or Hakone. Both have merits but you should do more research:

HAKONE:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html

FUJI 5 LAKES:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6904.html

Tucker
Tucker
5 posts
almost 9 years ago

Thanks for the information! I will buy the JR rail pass and use it for my travel to from Tokyo to Osaka/Koyoto then back to Tokoyo and also for day trips and my journey to Narita airport.
Thanks for the links on Fuji. From what I have research so far Fuji 5 lakes seems to be the better option but I am still researching it.
Thank you both for being so helpful!


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