Order Your JRPass
Back to Itinerary check

Cost effective? When should I activate the pass?

Edtomorrow
Edtomorrow
over 11 years ago
2 responses

I arrive in Tokyo on the 30 of October. I would like to use the pass as much as I could while I'm in Tokyo. I leave for Kyoto on the 5 November and I would like to travel around the Kyoto area aswell as the Lake Biwa . Then to Shizuoka on the 9 November. 12 November to Nagoya.

Are you able to travel using local trains in these other city local areas using the jr rail pass?

Thank you very much.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there!

The JR Pass can be well used in Tokyo (map of JR lines in Tokyo. While the JR Pass can also be used for transfer between the other cities you list and to a limited extent inside Kyoto and Nagoya, in general you will need to use the municipal subway or buses which the JR Pass will not cover.

Hope this helps!

edtomorrow
edtomorrow
1 post
over 11 years ago

Well since Im going to be in Japan for well over two weeks I dont want to activate the pass to soon. I can travel around Tokyo out of pocket cheap enough I think but the long trips out to Kyoto etc is where I would want to wait I think.

Would the trips from Tokyo to Kyoto, Shizuoka and Nagoya be worth the price of the Pass or should I just buy individual tickets?

Thanks again for your quick response..

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there!

It's a bit tricky because of your dates I think. From your itinerary you'll be travelling from the 5th to the 12th which is 8 days. If you can modify this to a 7 day trip between Tokyo and Nagoya, then you'll have the following costs (assuming Maibara for Lake Biwa):

  1. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13,420 (164mins, 513km)
  2. Kyoto > Maibara: ¥3,300 (20mins, 67km)
  3. Maibara > Shizuoka: ¥8,380 (103mins, 265km)
  4. Shizuoka > Nagoya: ¥6,180 (58mins, 185km)

JR ticket cost: ¥31,280 for 4 legs

As you can see, based on your locations listed to date you will make a small saving with a 7 day JR Pass, but would not make savings with a 14 day pass I think. 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!


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