Tokyo - Kyoto - Kutchan - Tokyo & sleeper train

Hi there,

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass will cover your itinerary (and make some great savings). For the overnight train from Tokyo-Kutchan, you have 2 options for using a JR Pass:

1. Akebono from Ueno-Aomori sleeper then normal trains from Aomori up into Hokkaido (Ueno-Aomori), (Aomori-Kutchan)
2. Shinkansen up to Aomori and then Hamanasu from Aomori-Kutchan (sample itinerary)

Of the two options, option 2 will be the fastest, but perhaps option 1 will be the most restful! Please note that only the most basic of sleeper cars is free with the JR Pass (nobi nobi seat carpeted areas) and you should reserve your sleeper train as soon as possible as they do fill up.

Please note that the other classes of sleeper that are direct Tokyo-Sapporo (Cassiopea, Hokutosei) are only partially covered by the JR Pass, and will require the purchase of a shared or private compartment - the line fare of ¥12,500 will be covered by the JR Pass, but the cabin fare (¥14,500-¥21,500) will not.

You can look up precise train timetables and costs at the Hyperdia travel planning website and learn how to use Hyperdia through our video blog.

Hope this helps!

Sorry just to confirm that i understand the above, option 1 & 2 have no additional charges for overnight trains?

I understand they do not have bedding, we are just wanting to not pay any additional on top of the JR Pass.

Do you know how we can make reservations from Australia and hoe far in advance? (We are travelling early January 2012)

Thanks sssoooooo much!!!!

Hi there,

Yes that's the case. option 1 & 2 are 100% covered by the JR Pass as long as you use the most basic accommodation (nobi-nobi).

The only fly in the ointment with sleepers and the JR Pass is that the sleepers can only be reserved once you get to Japan and you present your rail pass - the JR-East online system currently does not have them available for reservation online. If you know anyone in Japan who can make the reservations on your behalf (perhaps your hosts?) this may be one way around it, especially as you have a good deal of time before you will travel.

Hope this helps!