should we purchase rail pass

Hi there,

I always recommend a 7 week JR Pass if you make a return Tokyo - Kyoto within it's validity period. This because the JR Pass is just about the same price as a normal return with the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, this means that any train travel you may do after basically is what you save.

For instance you can also use the JR Pass between Yokohama and Tokyo and other local JR lines.

The 23rd of Nov is indeed a national holiday but it's not one that will make travel a lot more difficult, just to be sure I would recommend reserving your train seats one or two days in advance, just for the added security.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

will the JR pass also allow us to use the local bus and subway systems in Kyoto

how do we reserve the train seats ahead of time. is this done once we are in Japan

Hi Again,

Unfortunately the JR Pass does not cover the Kyoto bus or Subway system. You can use local JR lines to visit places around Kyoto such as Fushimi Inari and Arashi yama.

As for seat reservation, you can make them once you are in Japan.
Just got to any ticket office at any JR Station, show your JR Pass and tell the JR Staff when and where you wish to travel, they will print the tickets for you!

because we are over the 7 day pass is 14 day pass still worth it/
first 7 days we go Day 1 -Narita to Tokyo
Day 4 - Toyko to Yokohama
Day 9 - Yokohama to Kyoto
Day 11- Kyoto to Toyko

Hi Again,

I think with that itinerary a 7 day JR Pass would be the best, just be sure to use it to cover your trip to Kyoto and back. This way you are sure about making the best use of your pass :)