Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

5 Days Each in Tokyo and Kyoto

cokes
cokes
over 11 years ago
6 responses

Hi there! My husband and I are planning a 10-day trip to Japan during the first 10 days of November. Our planned itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 - Arrive via Narita Airport; Train/Subway to Tokyo Hotel
Day 1 to 6 - Stay in Tokyo
Day 3 - Day trip to Nikko
Day 4 - Day trip to Hakone/Gotemba

Day 6 - Tokyo to Kyoto via Train
Day 6 to 10 - Stay in Kyoto
Day 8 - Day trip to either Kobe or Nara

Day 10 - Kyoto to Kansai Airport via Train (Fly out of Kansai)

Questions:
When I checked Hyperdia, it seemed like all these trips cost about the same as buying a 7-day JR Pass, unless my math was really off. Was wondering if it would still be worth it to buy the pass or just buy separate tickets instead (and make use of a Kansai Thru Pass for example). I'm starting to get confused by all the passes available! :s Your advice will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Lets take a look at the costs of travel from day 3-9:

  1. Tokyo > Nikko: ¥5630, (121mins, 150km)
  2. Nikko > Tokyo: ¥5630, (117mins, 150km)
  3. Tokyo > Odawara: ¥3840, (35mins, 83km)
  4. Odawara > Tokyo: ¥1450, (36mins, 83km)
  5. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13420, (164mins, 513km)
  6. Kyoto > Nara: ¥690, (44mins, 41km)
  7. Nara > Kyoto: ¥690, (44mins, 41km)

JR ticket cost: ¥31350 for 7 legs

  • 07 day rail pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥3050

Based on the above itinerary you'll make a small savings with a rail pass for this period. Aside from this small saving I think I would still recommend the 7 day pass as it will give you added flexibility for this period (for example, day trip to Hiroshima while you are in Kyoto and free use of the JR lines in and around Tokyo). Also, the JR lines between cities are generally simpler to navigate for tourists than the non-JR lines that you'd have to use with a Kansai Thru Pass.

You could look at the Kyoto city bus pass or subway passes to help you around in Kyoto itself, or simply purchase ¥100-200 bus or subway tickets. Kyoto and Nara are very much suited to exploration on foot, so I think you'll get the most out of simply paying for the odd subway or bus ride as you need to.

Hope this helps!

cokes
cokes
6 posts
over 11 years ago

Thanks a lot Mari! Very helpful!


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