Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Osaka - Kyoto - Nagano - NozawaOnsen - Hakuba - Tokyo

jodes
jodes
over 10 years ago
3 responses

We are looking at travelling in January 2014 and wondering what is the best pass to use for our travels
Here is the itinerary,
9th January Osaka Airport - city
10th January Osaka - Kyoto
12th Kyoto - Nozawa Onsen - is train the best way or bus?
12-18th Nozawa Onsen - Fire Festival and skiing
18-25th Nozawa Onsen - Hakuba - Happo one skiing
25th - 28th Hakuba - Nagano - Tokyo
28tj - Tokyo - Narita

We are wondering what would be the best JR Pass for our travels. We have a family of 5 3 adults and 2 kids (12,17).
As our trip exceeds 14 days with skiing intervals in between what would be the best and most economic way to use the JR Pass.

Thanks Jodes

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Jodes,

I looked at available routes and ticket prices to see what would work out best for you. With the long intervals, I think the best way to go is simply to buy tickets as you travel, you actually won't be doing that much of train travel in any case.

To get to Nozama Onsen from Kyoto:
Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya - from here board the limited express train to Nagano station - you can either take a direct bus from Nagano station or take a local train to Togari Nozawa Onsen, which is the train station for Nozawa onsen. The whole trip is covered by the JR Pass, if you have one.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

jodes
jodes
3 posts
over 10 years ago

Thanks Daniel,
Are the buses from Nagano more frequent than the train and if we are all carrying skis, boots, poles and luggage this will fit onto all trains.
Jodes

jodes
jodes
3 posts
over 10 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Could you also give us the price estimate of all these trips above. Do we have to prebook any train journey prior to the day of travel.
Jodes

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Jodes,

I think the bus from Nagano is probably your best option, because luggage space on local trains generally is limited to the overhead racks. Unfortunately I could not find any detailed information about the bus service between Nagano and Nozawa, I would suggest contacting your accommodation about this. Trains depart every hour.

9th January Osaka Airport - about 1,200 yen depending on where you stay in Osaka.
10th January Osaka - Kyoto 540 yen / local train
12th Kyoto - Nozawa Onsen - ¥ 11,060 price if you did the whole trip by train.

18-25th Nozawa Onsen - Hakuba - Happo one skiing Best traveled by [inner resort shuttle] 5,900 yen.

25th - 28th Hakuba - Nagano - Tokyo. ¥ 7,870, I would suggest taking this direct train service, it only departs once a day and is thus best reserved in advance.

Tokyo - Narita 3,140 yen / Narita Express.
28tj - Tokyo - Narita

I hope this helps!
Daniel


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