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plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
over 11 years ago
8 responses

My girlfriend and I will be staying 9 days in Japan and will be arriving to Narita (Terminal 2).

We plan to stay 4 nights in Tokyo, then 2 nights in Kyoto and we still haven't decided what to do with our last 2 nights (perhaps one last night in Tokyo).

Can you please recommend the bast deal for traveling around in Tokyo and then to Kyoto. We were considering a trip to Nikko and also Takayama.

Since the 7-day JR pass will not be valid for the whole of our stay, is there a good deal that you can recommend?

Thanks.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For your planned itinerary I would advise:

  1. [Narita Express + Suica combined deal] (return). This will give you discounted travel into and around Tokyo from Narita and back.
  2. 7 day Japan Rail Pass for your Kyoto, Nikko and Takayama travel.

By activating the rail pass on Day 2 or 3 you will ensure you have good JR coverage for your trip and wil maximise your savings. For reference, here is your itinerary breakdown:

  1. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13420, (164mins, 513km)
  2. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13420, (161mins, 513km)
  3. Tokyo > Nikko: ¥5630, (121mins, 150km)
  4. Nikko > Tokyo: ¥5630, (117mins, 150km)
  5. Tokyo > Takayama: ¥14600, (275mins, 532km)
  6. Takayama > Tokyo: ¥14600, (273mins, 532km)

TOTAL: ¥67300 for 6 legs

  • 07 day rail pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥39000
  • 14 day rail pass (¥45,100) saving: ¥22200

Hope this helps!

plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
8 posts
over 11 years ago

Thanks a lot for your useful advice.

plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
8 posts
over 11 years ago

Just another question.

How can we have access to the train timetables and how do we book our seats in advance for each trip?

Thanks.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
8 posts
over 11 years ago

Thank you very much for your tip.

I was checking on the best way to make a 1-day train trip to Nikko, from Tokyo Station and then back using my Japan Rail pass.

What would the best itinerary and times be?

Thanks for your ongoing assistance.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For Nikko from Tokyo station you should aim to get the Yamabiko bullet train to Utsunomiya, and from there use the JR Nikko line to Nikko. There is at least 1 train every hour on the Nikko line so you shouldn't have to wait long. Here's a sample itinerary for you.

Hope this helps!

plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
8 posts
over 11 years ago

Thank you very much. Will I be able to use my Japan Rail pass for the whole of this trip or will I need to purchase any separate train ticket?

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For your trip as detailed the JR Pass will cover all the travel and you won't need a separate ticket provided you do all the travel within the validity period.

Hope this helps!

plemoscarvalho
plemoscarvalho
8 posts
over 11 years ago

OK, thank you. Do you think it is advisable to reserve any seats in these trains? And can you provide me with a sample itinerary for the return trip to Tokyo?

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

In general provided you don't travel during rush hours or public holidays you will be fine to simply turn up and travel. But, if you want to be absolutely sure, you can place reservations for all your travels on arrival in Japan once you have your Japan Rail Pass.

Here's an itinerary for your trip back to Tokyo:

  1. Tokyo > Nikko: ¥5630, (121mins, 150km)
  2. Nikko > Tokyo: ¥5630, (117mins, 150km)

You can look up precise train timetables and costs at the Hyperdia travel planning website and learn how to use Hyperdia for JR Pass holders through our video blog.

Hope this helps!


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