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Tokyo-Kyoto-osaka

Sarah&Bobby
Sarah&Bobby
over 7 years ago
10 responses

Hello again,

Just seeking your advice on using a JR pass for our trip in September. Our itinerary is as follows;

09/09-13/09 -Arrive at Narita airport at 7pm. Stay in Tokyo for 3 nights.
13/09-15/09 - Tokyo to Kyoto. 2 nights Kyoto.
15/09-18/09 - Kyoto to Osaka. 3 nights in Osaka. On the 16/09 we were thinking of taking a day trip to Hiroshima. On the 18/09 we would travel Osaka back to Tokyo. Then depart Narita airport at 8:30pm.

Are we best to purchase our travel tickets separately or purchase a JR pass? If a JR pass is more economical, do we get the 7 day pass, and at what point do we activate it to get the best use of the JR pass?

Since we don't have airport/hotel shuttles, what is the best and most cost effective way to travel to/from the airport/Tokyo?

Thank you in advance

Sarah & Bob

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi Sarah & Bob,

Whether you visit Hiroshima or not makes quite the difference for using a JR Pass. A normal return ticket Kyoto/Osaka - Hiroshima is around 20,000yen using the Shinkansen. The cost of a 7 day JR Pass is 29,110, just making the visit to Hiroshima will nearly pay for the pass.

At the same time, even without visiting Hiroshima a 7 day JR Pass is still valuable to have. This because this cost of a 7 day JR Pass is about the same as a normal return ticket Tokyo - Kyoto. Add in at least travel back to Narita Airport and its still worth it.

I recommend using the Narita Express to travel back from Tokyo to Narita Airport, its the fastest and most convenient option. Also its covered by the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Sarah&Bobby
Sarah&Bobby
10 posts
over 7 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your advice. We have ordered our 7 day JR Pass. :-)
Since we won't be activating our pass on the day we arrive, what is the cost of the Narita express from Narita to Tokyo Station one way per person? Are there any other transport options which are cost effective?

Thanks again in advance

Sarah and Bobby

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hello Sarah and Bobby,

Thank you for ordering the JR Pass.

The Narita Express is about 3,000yen / one way per person. Its a bit expensive but the fastest and most convenient way to travel into Tokyo.

A more budget friendly option but still comfortable is using the Keisei Skylines see:

There are also budget options like using local trains (around 1,200yen/one way) or even a 1,000yen bus. These however are generally busy and not very convenient but can save a lot if you are on a low budget.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Sarah&Bobby
Sarah&Bobby
10 posts
over 7 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your quick and detailed response. We will consider the different options and pick what fits our budget.

Really appreciate your help once again.

Thank you

Sarah & Bobby


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