10 days, 9 nights

Hi there!

Yes I do think that a JR Pass would be a great help during your travels. The price is roughly the same as the return Tokyo - Kyoto and any additional travel after basically is what you save. I would suggest activating the JR Pass on day 4 so it is valid until the end of day 10, this way you have your travel back to the Airport also covered.

Also the Suica + N'EX is a great way to make your way to Tokyo, you can buy it and exchange your JR Pass at the same time. Don't forget to put your first day of use on the 4th.

For the rest, it all looks good!
-Daniel

Thank you for that advice! What time is the last N'EX train? My flight comes in from Los Angeles, CA at 8:30pm and I'm worried that after customs that I may miss the last train out to Shinjuku Station.

Hi again!

That is indeed a little late, still I think that you don't have to worry about getting to Shinjuku on the same evening.

The last Narita Express departs for Tokyo at 21:44 there's also a local train connection available leaving at 22:16 but I would try to avoid taking this one as it is not very convenient.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

Is there an easy to to direct me to the JR ticket office at Narita airport? I come in on Malaysia Airlines so I think it's Terminal 2? Will the office be open at that time to purchase Suice & N'EX package and exchange my JR pass?

I'm very worried about the time crunch :(

Hi again!

No need to worry, immigration at Narita Airport is pretty speedy I usually clear customs and baggage collection in 40 minutes. Once you exit the arrivals area, simply head down to the train station, which is directly located below the Airport. Terminal 1 and 2 are almost identical so it does not matter which one you land at. The JR Office is open until 21.45 which should be more than enough time to get everything done.

So no need worry!
-Daniel

hi Daniel!

ok thank you for easing my concerns. you have been extremely helpful in my planning process. i leave in just 2 weeks so wish me luck haha :)

thanks,
kristin

Hi Kristin

*Good Luck with your travel!** :D

Make it an amazing trip and let me know if I can help with anything else in the meantime!
-Daniel

Daniel,

well since you asked... =P

1) Is there a direct JR Line bullet train that I could take from Shinjuku Station into Osaka to get to my hotel, the Swissotel Osaka, Nankai? I'm pretty sure I have to get ino Shin-Osaka station and transfer to a different line to get to Namba Station?

2) Is there a direct JR Line train that I can take from Osaka (which station?) into JR Nara Station? I think I have to go from Namba station back to Osaka station then that takes me into Nara?

3) Then from JR Nara Station I can take a direct JR train into Kyoto Station right?

4) Then from Kyoto Station, how do I get back to Shinjuku Station via JR?

Sorry for all of the questions! haha

Hi Again!

No problem, that's why I am here :)

1.) There's no direct bullet train from Shinjuku to Namba. The best way to travel is to take a local train from Shinjuku - Tokyo, board the Shinkansen here to Shin-Osaka and take local trains from there to JR-Namba. Here's the route in Hyperdia, it does involve a good amount of transfers. So grab an Eki Bento before you leave.

2.) There is a direct connection from Osaka as well as from Shin Imamiya and Tennoji just look for the JR Yamatoji Line bound for Nara.

3.) Yes you can take the JR Nara line heading toward Tokyo, this route is about an hour if you take an express train.

4.) From Kyoto - take the Shinkansen directly to Tokyo station you can transfer here to a local line such as the Yamanote line to Shinjuku again! All covered by the JR Pass! You can also ride the Shinkansen to Shinagawa in Tokyo and take a local train from there. This will shorten the trip by 4-10 minutes but I think Tokyo may be easier since you've already been there by then.

Enjoy!
Daniel

thank you daniel! you are a lifesaver and have really helped my travel planning. truly appreciate it! :)