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Japan Rail Pass or local tickets/passes?

marionkahane
marionkahane
over 6 years ago
3 answers

Dear Daniel
We will be travelling for 19 days in Japan in April, with a child of 5 years old. I am not sure if it's worth buying a Japan Rail Pass or not with our trip. Maybe it's better to book tickets locally? Our itinary is the following:
- arrival in Nagoya: 2 nights - Takayama: 2 nights - Osaka/Kyoto/Nara (maybe Koyasan): 4 nights - Hokkaido: we take a flight to Hakodate and will be travelling to Sapporo: 5 nights - Tokyo: last 4 nights Thank you in advance for your advice.
Warm regards
Marion

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Daniel-san
19261 posts
over 6 years ago
Expert

Hi Marion,

How will you travel to Tokyo from Sapporo? Do you want to use rail or air travel?

Knowing this would help me find the best option for you.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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marionkahane
marionkahane
3 posts
over 6 years ago

Dear Daniel
Thank you for your quick reply. Depending on prices we will decide to either fly or take a train. We have not decided yet. We look forward to your suggestions.
Best regards
Marion

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Daniel-san
19261 posts
over 6 years ago
Expert

Hi Marion,

It's hard to make a direct price comparison as flight ticket prices are changing on many factors. If you find a really good deal, I'd say go for it. At the same time, train travel always costs about the same.

A 7-day JR Pass could be a good option if you'd use it from Tokyo - Kyoto (about 14.500yen) and Sapporo to Tokyo (about 24.000yen), while the pass is just 29.100 at to that any additional travel and savings just keep adding up.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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marionkahane
marionkahane
3 posts
over 6 years ago

Hello Daniel
In the meantime we decided to only go to Hakodate (not Sapporo) and then take a train back to Tokyo.
What would you recommend in that case?
Best regards
Marion

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Daniel-san
19261 posts
over 6 years ago
Expert

Hi again,

There's not that much difference in doing Hakodate instead of Sapporo price-wise. I would stay with my original advice. A 7-day JR Pass would still be cost efficient.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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