Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

Cost effect travel in Japan

SiuYel
SiuYel
about 11 years ago
8 responses

Hi There

I need some advice on how I can make our trip to Japan the most cost effective. We have a limited budget and would like to see how we can save money on travel in Japan. We will be there from June 26th til July 17th and don’t mind taking slower modes (non bullet trains) of transport if it will save us money, or using a combination of different passes, I'm also not sure if the 14 day or 21 day JR Pass would suit us.

Our rough itinerary is as follows:

  • Arrive Narita Airport > Tokyo (we arrive 1030pm)
  • Tokyo (with day trip to Nikko) ( Tokyo 4 days)
  • Tokyo > Mount Fuji (Mount Fuji 2 days?)
  • Mount Fuji > Kyoto (Kyoto 3 days)
  • Kyoto > Hiroshima (Hiroshima 2 days)
  • Hiroshima > Miyajima (Miyajima 2 days)
  • Miyajima > Nagasaki (Nagasaki 2 days)
  • Nagasaki > Kumamoto (Kumamoto 3 days)
  • Kumamoto > Osaka (with day trip to Nara) (Osaka 3 days)
  • Osaka > Kansai Airport Departure

I’m open to suggestions on places for an onsen experience, or festivals. We are hoping to hike Mount Fuji (for the sunrise) while we are there and wondered if an overnight in the area was worthwhile, or would this be better served as a day trip from Tokyo.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I think a 14-day Rail Pass would suit you best. You could start using it the day you travel from Mount Fuji to Kyoto and use it to cover all of your long distance travel up to Osaka and supplement the rest with local tickets and day passes. Don't forget to exchange your Pass when you are in Tokyo as the only possibility to do this around Fuji is @Odawara station.

When you arrive in Tokyo consider using a [Skyliner + 2 Day Metro pass]. It offers really great value, especially if you plan to travel around in Tokyo a lot. For your day trip to Nikko use the Tobu line from Asakusa and is only 1320 Yen for one way!
For your daytrip to Nara just buy local tickets as they are only ¥780 one way.

For onsen:
If you are in the Fuji area consider Benifuji no Yu is a very nice onsen that offers a beautiful view on Fuji-san.

From Kyoto Kurama Onsen is certainly worth a visit too! The area is great for Hiking and after an exhausting hiking trip you can relax in this very peaceful place (of course you can go directly to the onsen too!).

If you intend to hike all the way to the top of Fuji a nights stay is really recommended seeing the rising sun! There are several huts along the trail where you can stay the night but be prepared to pay at least 8,000Yen/person for the night. It is something most people may do once in a lifetime so don't pass it up!

Hope this helps!
-Daniel

SiuYel
SiuYel
8 posts
about 11 years ago

Thank you so much Daniel for the prompt reply! Great advice, thank again!


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