Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo-Nara-Kyoto-Osaka

michaelwsinger
michaelwsinger
over 11 years ago
1 response

Greetings -

Trying to figure out if the 7 Day Rail Pass would be worth it or not - I am getting into Tokyo on Sept 1st, then going to Nara on the 4th, Kyoto on the 5th, Osaka on the 6th then flying out of Osaka?

If the Rail Pass is not worth it, how does one buy tickets for the rail and would you advise buying them in advance?

Thanks so MUCH!

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi Michael,

For a trip like this you'll need to spend over ¥28,300 on individual JR tickets for a 7 day pass to be worthwhile. Lets take a look at your costs:

  1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥3140, (62mins, 79km)
  2. Tokyo > Nara: ¥13950, (225mins, 555km)
  3. Nara > Kyoto: ¥690, (44mins, 41km)
  4. Kyoto > Osaka: ¥540, (28mins, 42km)
  5. Osaka > Kansai airport: ¥3340, (57mins, 64km)

JR ticket cost: ¥21660 for 5 legs

As you can see you'll need to spend a further ¥6640 on JR tickets for a 7 day pass to be worthwhile. If your itinerary is fixed, I would recommend individual tickets. If you think you'll do any further travel it may be worth using a 7 day pass - a return trip to Hiroshima for example would more than make a 7 day pass worthwhile for example.

If you do decide on single tickets, you can purchase these simply from the JR ticket office on arrival at a JR station in Japan. You can purchase in advance, or on the day of travel. Provided you are not intending to travel during rush hour times, I would recommend you purchase them on the day of travel.

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