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Trip Tokyo -Kyoto-Tokyo

aksent
aksent
almost 12 years ago
1 response

Can you please tell me whether it is worth buying Rail Pass if we are planning on going from Tokyo to Kyoto for 3 days and returning back to Tokyo.Can we use the same pass to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport.
Thank you.
Aksent

avatar
mari
1950 posts
almost 12 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For a 7 day rail pass to be economical, you need to spend at least ¥28,300 on JR tickets. Here is the cost breakdown of the legs you mention (including return to Narita):

  1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥2940, (62mins, 79km)
  2. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13220, (164mins, 513km)
  3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13220, (161mins, 513km)
  4. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥2940, (58mins, 79km)

TOTAL: ¥32320 for 4 legs

As you can see, including the Narita Express return you will make savings of ¥4020 with the JR Pass. In addition to this, you are free to use JR lines for the remaining time in Japan. Here is a map of JR lines in Tokyo, and good day trips from Tokyo for reference.

Hope this helps!

jag3131
jag3131
1 post
over 11 years ago

Hi Mari,

I'm have a query similar to the one above. However on Hyperdia, I see the below prices. Do these prices look reasonable, or have I made a mistake?

Narita Airport> Tokyo ¥1,280 LTD. EXP NARITA EXPRESS 46
Tokyo> Kyoto ¥7,980 SHINKANSEN HIKARI 469
Kyoto>Tokyo ¥7,980 SHINKANSEN HIKARI 469
Tokyo>Narita Airport ¥1,280 LTD. EXP NARITA EXPRESS 46

I think if these prices are correct, it is not economical for me to buy 7 day JR pass? Does the time of travel make a significant difference?

Thanks

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I think you're just looking at the base fare. In Japan, a train fare is made up from a basic fare ("Fare" on hyperdia) and a seat fare ("Seat fee in Hyperdia). The idea is that the seat fee is the variable part of the travel costs, but the basic component of travel is equal for all travellers. Both must be paid, but the Japanese like to itemise things :).

The key think to look at in hyperdia calculations is the "Total" figure:

hyperdia total fare

Here is how your itinerary looks with the full actual costs of travel:

  1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥3,140 (62mins, 79km)
  2. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13,420 (164mins, 513km)
  3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13,420 (161mins, 513km)
  4. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥3,140 (58mins, 79km)

JR ticket cost: ¥33,120 for 4 legs

Time of travel does not make a difference to the trains you intend to use so that is not a factor you need to roll into your calculations I think.

Hope this helps!


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