JRパス

Hi there,

For a 7 day rail pass to be economical, you need to spend at least ¥28,300 on JR tickets. Here is the cost breakdown of the legs you mention (including return to Narita):

1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥2940, (62mins, 79km)
2. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13220, (164mins, 513km)
3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13220, (161mins, 513km)
4. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥2940, (58mins, 79km)

TOTAL: ¥32320 for 4 legs

As you can see, including the Narita Express return you will make savings of ¥4020 with the JR Pass. In addition to this, you are free to use JR lines for the remaining time in Japan. Here is a map of JR lines in Tokyo, and good day trips from Tokyo for reference.

Hope this helps!

Hi there,

I think you're just looking at the base fare. In Japan, a train fare is made up from a basic fare ("Fare" on hyperdia) and a seat fare ("Seat fee in Hyperdia). The idea is that the seat fee is the variable part of the travel costs, but the basic component of travel is equal for all travellers. Both must be paid, but the Japanese like to itemise things :).

The key think to look at in hyperdia calculations is the "Total" figure:

Here is how your itinerary looks with the full actual costs of travel:

1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥3,140 (62mins, 79km)
2. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13,420 (164mins, 513km)
3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13,420 (161mins, 513km)
4. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥3,140 (58mins, 79km)

JR ticket cost: ¥33,120 for 4 legs

• 7 day Japan Rail Pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥4,820

Time of travel does not make a difference to the trains you intend to use so that is not a factor you need to roll into your calculations I think.

Hope this helps!