First Time -Family of 4

Hi there,

The JR Pass is best used when you travel longer distances, as it stands, you would not make savings using a Japan Rail Pass.

In Tokyo in depends on what you do and how much you travel. Overall day tickets for the Tokyo Metro or JR network can provide good value. The same goes for Kyoto, where day passes for the bus are really good. In Kyoto you can also consider renting a bicycle, I find that the best way to get around there.

Kind regards,
Daniel

Hi,
There are several passes for within Tokyo, but for the subway the 2 or 3 day subway pass is the most worthwhile. It would be rather difficult to make a 1 day pass pay off.
You are also putting in a huge amount of time in Tokyo - I suggest you spend about 3 or 4 days, which are enough, unless you have something specific you want to attend there. There are many good day trips you can take though, like Hakone or the Fuji 5 Lakes area, Karuizawa, Kusatsu, Izu, Kamamura/Enoshima, Kawagoe, Takao, Okutama, the Hitachi Seaside Park, Nikko, etc. A Tokyo Wide Pass can save you a lot.

Also please be aware that at the end/start of the year, around Dec 27-Jan 3 many places will be closed - be sure to check each place before leaving.

Good luck.

Hi Toraneko - san,

Thank you for your reply. We're thinking to stay in Tokyo as our home base and from there we travel every day from one place to another then back to our hotel in Tokyo at night. It is economical?

For Dec 27 - Jan 3, what do you mean many places? Even public parks ? How about Gion st? Eki stations?

Thanks and would love to hear from you soon

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for the info would definitely consider renting a Bike.

Hi,
Going around the Tokyo (Kanto) area for day trips is fine. Although Nikko is better with an overnight.
For many places being closed, of course the public parks and stations are open. But almost everything with a door or gate will be closed. Museums, department stores, banks, castles, many restaurants, etc. Some temples, shrines and convenience stores are open for New Year's though. Before going someplace during that period, I suggest you look at the website of the place and make sure it is open beforehand.

Since you'll be in Japan for New Year's, I suggest you see how Japanese celebrate it. There is no grand party in the streets with champagne singing Auld Lang Syne, but at many shrines and temples on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day there is a wave of people going to visit, called Hatsumōde. In Osaka one very busy place is Sumiyoshi Taisha, and in Kyoto there is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You might see a very long line of people waiting to go say a prayer for the new year.

Good luck.