Dear JR Pass Expert,
I am planning a trip to Japan from March 22 to April 5, 2026, and I would appreciate your expertise on the most cost-effective way to handle my transportation (4 adults, one 2-year old and two 4-year old children).
My current itinerary covers the "Golden Route":
Sunday, March 22, 2026: Travel from NRT airport to Tokyo
Monday, March 23, 2026: Travel around Tokyo metro area
Tuesday, March 24, 2026: Travel around Tokyo metro area
Wednesday, March 25, 2026: Travel around Tokyo metro area
Thursday, March 26, 2026: Travel around Tokyo metro area
Friday, March 27, 2026: Travel around Tokyo metro area
Saturday, March 28, 2026: Travel to Kyoto
Sunday, March 29, 2026: Travel around Kyoto metro area
Monday, March 30, 2026: Same day Round trip Osaka and sleep in Kyoto
Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Travel around Kyoto metro area
Wednesday, April 01, 2026: Same day Round trip Nara and sleep in Kyoto
Thursday, April 02, 2026: Travel to Hiroshima
Friday, April 03, 2026: Travel around Hiroshima metro area
Saturday, April 04, 2026: Travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo through Himeji and Sleep in Tokyo
Sunday, April 05, 2026: Travel from Tokyo HND airport
Given the recent price increases for the National JR Pass, I am trying to determine if a 14-day pass is still worth it for this route, or if I should consider a different strategy. Specifically, I would like to know:
National vs. Regional: Would a 7-day National Pass (activated only for the Kyoto/Hiroshima leg) be better than a 14-day pass? Or would individual Shinkansen tickets combined with a JR West Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass save me more?
Metro & Local Travel: Since I’ll be in Tokyo and Kyoto during peak Sakura season, what is the best way to handle non-JR lines (subways and buses)? Is the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport still the recommended choice for tourists in 2026, or should I use the mobile versions on my phone?
Nozomi Trains: I understand the National JR Pass has restrictions on Nozomi and Mizuho trains unless a supplement is paid. Do regional passes or individual tickets offer more flexibility for these faster routes?
I look forward to your recommendations on how to mobilize efficiently while keeping costs down.
Best regards,
Daniel
