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Is it cheaper to use the JR Pass

jcmlat
jcmlat
over 8 years ago
3 responses

Hello,
I am looking to travel to Japan in early December 2015 – 8N/9D – DIY

Is it convenient to carry up & down from train a 25” luggage from train??

Can the pass be used from Narita Airport to Tokyo City or go straight to Kyoto from Airport

Can it be used also on local train in Tokyo like from Tokyo city to Shinjuku or do I need a metro.
Also usable for local train in Kyoto or buses etc??

Thought of going straight to Kyoto first after arriving Narita Airport but maybe you can advice I should stop in Tokyo first then proceed to Kyoto on the 4th day.

Can the pass also stop in Hakone – was thinking of a side trip…nearby Kyoto or Tokyo.

KIV Itinerary as follows:

1st 3 night in Tokyo or Kyoto – explore Tokyo city (arrival in Narita Airport after 6am - so got plenty of time)
4 to 6 night - in Kyoto
7 + 8 - back to Tokyo
9th depart - 11am flight

Thank you for your advice.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Taking a suitcase with you on the train rarely is a burden, though more than one might be. Most Shinkansen and limited express trains.

The JR Pass can be used from the Airport (both Haneda and Narita Airport) to Kyoto. Locals trains run by the JR are also included and are enough to cover most of the Tokyo, including access to Shinjuku. Local buses and the metro are not included.

You can use the JR Pass to travel with the bullet train to Hakone (Odawara station) but other (non JR) transport is required from there.

In general your itinerary looks good and you can make considerable savings with the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

jcmlat
jcmlat
3 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi Daniel
Thank you for your information.

That means, can use the JR Pass "unlimited travel" for bullet train + local train in Tokyo as long as it is JR link but not the buses or metro in Tokyo, is that correct.

What about in Kyoto Or Hakone, only can use the train but not the buses, is that right??

If decide to go also to Nara or Osaka , is there a limitation on how many rides on the bullet train & also on JR local trains in Tokyo??
example : Tokyo/Kyoto/Nara/Osaka/Tokyo

Thank you & look forward to your information.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi again!

Yes that is correct. Unlimited in the sense that you may make as many train rides as you like. You could make the return Tokyo - Kyoto 10+ times if you feel like it. As long as you stay within the validity period.

Travel to Hakone and Kyoto is covered by the JR Pass, you can even use the bullet train. Other transport, such as the bus in Kyoto or local transport in Hakone is not included.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

jcmlat
jcmlat
3 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi Daniel
If used the JR Pass from Narita Airport to Kyoto, where do I take the bullet train in Narita Airport??

Also I am spending 1-5 in Kyoto (4N) + back to Tokyo 5-9 (4N) - does that mean on the 7th night - is the last night to use the JR Pass.

If that is the case, hope you can recommend which transport, I can use which is convenient. Is it cheaper to get the JR Train or the subway card??

Or buying a top card which I gather there is no discount at all.

Thank you for your advice.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

There's no Shinkansen at Narita Airport, to get there, take the Narita Express to Tokyo station and Shinkansen from there. A 7 day JR Pass is recommend if you use it to travel at least from Tokyo - Kyoto and back to Tokyo, which I see you will do.

After the JR Pass expires, you can use local tickets in Tokyo. There are day passes available at ticket machines or you can buy a top up card. It depends on where you will travel what works best, although an IC card like Suica is the most flexible.

Hope this helps,
Daniel


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