Osaka - Nara - Tokyo - Kyoto

Hi there!

1.) Using a JR Pass would certainly be worth it, the pass is about the same price as a normal return ticket Osaka - Tokyo on the Shinkansen. You will be making some very good savings with all the additional travel.

2.) The JR Pass is also good for travel on the local JR network in both Tokyo and Osaka, this is enough to reach most places in the cities so I don't think that you would need the use of a local pass.

3.) That really depends on how you travel to Fuji and what area around the mountain you visit. I would recommend reading this website to get an idea of the possibilities.

4.) Yes children below the age of 4 travel for free, some rules and restrictions apply though. Please read our Blog Post for all the details.

Have a great time in Japan!
Daniel

Thank you for the reply! Appreciate it very much.

1. If I replace the Osaka-Tokyo part with Osaka-Hiroshima, is it still worth to get the JR pass?

2. And, is the proposed itinerary doable?

3. What are the must-see places in Osaka and Kyoto?

4. Is Spa World in Osaka a good place for kids (I have 2 boys, 6 and 3 yo)?

Thanks!

Hi Again,

1.) Although it would be close, I do think that it would be better to buy normal tickets if you visit Hiroshima instead of Osaka.

2.) Yes it is certainly doable, there are no excessive travel times or other things that would worry me.

3.) In Kyoto I would visit Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kyoumizudera, Ginkakuji, Nishiki Market and Gion. In Osaka there's so much to see and do that it is hard to make a list. My personal favorites are Namba, Shinsai Bashi, Den Den Town, Shinsekai, Osaka castle.

4.) I looked up Spa World Osaka and I think it looks great. Your kids would probably like it too but it's hard for me to say fore sure, as I've not visited it myself.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

I have confirm my itinenary!

6 Jun - Reach Osaka Kansai airport (traveling within Osaka)
7 Jun - Traveling within Osaka
8 Jun - Day trip to Nara (will return to Osaka)
9 Jun - Universal Studio Japan (Osaka)
10 Jun - Travel from Osaka to Kyoto for 2 nights stay in Kyoto
11 Jun - Travel within Kyoto
12 Jun - Travel from Kyoto to Osaka
13 Jun - Day trip to Hiroshima (will return to Osaka)
14 Jun - Travel wthin Osaka or Day trip to Kobe
15 Jun - Depart Osaka (Kansai airport)

So, according to what you mentioned in your earlier post, it is NOT necessary to get the JR pass?

Hello again!

Yes, right now there's not enough travel cost for a JR Pass to pay off :)
The only really expansive is Osaka - Hiroshima which is ¥ 10,430/one way the rest of your train routes have much lower travel costs for instance Kyoto - Osaka ¥ 560/one way and Osaka Kobe ¥ 410 yen/one way.

The cost of a 7 day JR Pass is ¥ 29,110. And your travel costs would amount up a little below this. You could of course consider the JR Pass for convenience sake since you just need one ticket for your travel.

Hope this helps!
Daniel