Hi, I will be in Japan for 8 days are I am planning to visit Kyoto and Tokyo. I will be arriving at Narita airport then I will be taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto first before coming back down to Tokyo and my departure is also from Narita airport.
Should I activate my JR pass when I first arrive in Japan and Narita or should I activate it when I am leaving Kyoto? I heard that the JR pass does not have much use in Kyoto as the day bus passes are more useful in Kyoto?
Thanks!
Hi there,
The key to using the JR Pass is using it on the days that you travel the most (and would have the most in travel costs). Going from Narita Airport - Kyoto is the most expensive route I see in your itinerary and it would make sense to start using the JR Pass right away.
The JR Pass is valid on local JR lines in Kyoto, these cover the south and west of the city but you'll need other transport to access the north and east of Kyoto.
Hope this helps,
Daniel
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