Order Your JRPass
Back to General Japan Travel

Tricky schedule - advice needed.

Sky
Sky
almost 9 years ago
1 response

So, my upcoming trip to Japan looks something like this:

6/7 - Arrive in Tokyo
7/7 to 16-7 - Spend time in Tokyo
16/7 - Travel to Kyoto
17/7 to 23/7 - Staying in Kyoto and also visit Nara, Himeji Castle and maybe Osaka.
23/7 to 25/7 - Mt Fuji, staying in a ryokan for 2 nights
25/7 - Going back to Toyko (Narita area) and spend a final night in the area
26/7 - Flight back home

Now the schedule is what it is as we were really uncertain on how to do with the whole travelling bit and we had to take other things into consideration. 7 day pass is obviously too short to cover the timespan from when I leave Tokyo to the time when I go back, but 14 days is obviously too long. Are there any alternative options that won't murder the wallet too much? :-)

Apart from that, I assume that an IC-card is the best way to go for the public transports in the cities?

I appreciate any help that I will receive.

Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
almost 9 years ago

Hi,
Unfortunately for your plans, a JR Pass would not be cost effective. You can get regular fare tickets to take the train (and use the Nozomi, which is faster), or you can fly cheaply on a low cost carrier like Jet Star or Peach. In the Tokyo area as well as Kansai, you could still get some huge savings with regional passes. You have a tremendous time in Tokyo, and you can easily take some day trips to see Nikko, Kamakura/Enoshima, Kamikochi, Izu, and Karuizawa. Using a (or even 2) JR Kanto Area Passes can save a lot. For Kansai, getting between cities is not that expensive, but to go to HImeji for example you could save some using a JR Kansai Area Pass. Other passes that might help are the Kansai Thru Pass if you travel a lot.
In addition, there are other numerous great places you can visit in the area. Okayama is not far and it is famous for its castle, plus Korakuen, one of Japan's Top 3, and also the Handayama Garden. If you'd like to get off the beaten trail for a while, the half day hike up to Konpirasan in Kotohira is stunning. Going to Takamatsu is also nice - it has one of Japan's finest gardens also, called Ritsurin.

Best of luck.


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