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How to best use a 7 day JR pass for an 8-day stay

haifeng
haifeng
over 11 years ago
6 responses

I will arrive in Japan (Narita) on a Monday, and take the NEX to Tokyo.

I will then visit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. I will ride the JR from Osaka to Tokyo then to Narita via NEX on the following Monday, and leave Japan from Narita. That's a total of 8 days (Monday to Monday, inclusive). I plan to buy a 7 day JR rail pass online before traveling to Japan.

Since I will stay in Japan for a total of 8 days, my question is which 7 days should I activate the JR pass for? Should I pay for the NEX ticket to Tokyo upon arrival, and activate the 7 day JR rail pass for Tues through the following Monday? Will that be the best use of the 7 day pass?

Thank you for your answer in advance!

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi there!

I think in your situation I recommend activating your 7 day pass on day 2 (the Tuesday) through to the final monday. On arrival you should purchase either:

  • metro pass with the Keisei Skyliner to get you into Tokyo from Narita on the Keisei Skyliner train inclusive of 1 or 2 days unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro.
  • [Narita Express + Suica metro prepaid card] deal. This is similar in terms of cost, but rather than some days of full metro cover gives you ¥1500 of Metro and JR travel which can be used however you like. Travel into Tokyo is covered on the slightly slower Narita Express rather than the Keisei Skyliner train. You can also use the Suica card to purchase food from convenience stores.

These deals are only available at Narita, so you'll be able to make good savings on your travel around Tokyo by going for these on arrival, and also will be able to beat the queues at the JR Pass Exchange desk.

Hope this helps!

haifeng
haifeng
6 posts
over 11 years ago

Mari, thank you very much. This is very helpful.

rjm.designer
rjm.designer
3 posts
over 11 years ago

I love this tip... was just thinking the same questions, but now its all answered... Metro pass plus 7 days.. Japan here I come.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Glad I could help!

haifeng
haifeng
6 posts
over 11 years ago

Mari, this one is not related to my original question, but since you seem to be quite familiar with Japan, I will
just go ahead and ask and try my luck :-)

I have one free day while in Osaka. I am debating whether I should do a day trip to Nara or Kobe. Which city
would you recommend.

Thanks again for your help.

avatar
mari
1950 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

:) not a problem haifeng

I think unless you have a specific thing to see in Kobe, I would recommend Nara. Other good alternatives for day trips from the Kansai area are Arashiyama, Hiroshima & Naoshima.

Hope this helps!


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