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JR pass or separate tickets

Anila
Anila
4 days ago
1 answer

Hi,
We (3 adults) are visiting Japan for ~15 days and want to use public transport i.e. trains, buses. Can you advise what is the best pass/ticket for our itinerary?

Day 1 - landing 7 pm at Narita. Narita to hotel in Tokyo
Day 2 - train from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Day 3 - Hiroshima, Miyajima island, etc.
Day 4 - Hiroshima to Osaka (may go to Himeji on this day or Day 3 depending on ease of travel)
Day 5 - Osaka to Nara and back
Day 6 - Osaka
Day 7 - Osaka to Kyoto
Day 8 & 9 - Kyoto
Day 10 - Kyoto to Hakone
Day 11 - Hakone
Day 12 - Hakone to Tokyo
Day 13, 14, 15 - Tokyo. Might do a day trip to Nikko on one of these days
Day 16 - Flight out of Narita

Is it best to get a JR Pass? Should we also get an IC card? Will JR pass cover travel on the metro within each city?
I have read a lot of articles and forum discussions but can't identify what is the best.

Thanks in advance for your help!

avatar
Daniel-san
19096 posts
3 days ago
Expert

Hello there,

In terms of ease and comfort, a 14-day JR Pass would be the best match for your trip. Especially if you do end up doing a few day trips like Nikko.

If you are looking for the most economical option. Then I would suggest getting normal tickets between Tokyo and Kyoto and using a Hiroshima Area Pass for travel between the Kansai Area and Hiroshima.

An IC card is always recommended, as it makes paying for almost anything easier.

The JR Pass covers the local JR Network in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and even Hiroshima but other trainsport like the tram/metro is not included.

Kind regards,
Daniel


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