12 days in Japan

Hi there,

This is a close call but I would advise buying normal tickets. As the ticket prices do not exceed the price of a 7 day JR Pass.

5 Nights in Tokyo -> ¥ 3,540
1 Night in Hakone -> ¥ 14,080
1 Night in Kanazawa -> ¥ 6,700
4 Nights in Kyoto -> ¥ 560
1 Night in Osaka -> ¥ 1,180
Departure from Osaka Aiport

Hope this helps!
Daniel

Thank you very much for your quick answer!
What about the trains between narita airport and Tokyo, Osaka and Osaka airport and of course city trains?

Hi Again!

Yes those are covered, such as the Narita Express between Tokyo and Narita Airport, all local JR trains in Osaka/Tokyo and the train to the Airport. These are all pretty low cost though :)

Thanks again. Even after including these train rides, still it will be cheaper for me not to buy the free pass?

Yes, that is when looking at the 7 day JR Pass.

However if plans change and you would add one more leg cross country, then a 7 day JR Pass would be worth it. For instance a visit to Hiroshima, Takayama or Kinosaki-Onsen.

Can you explain why comparing 7 days pass with 12 days trip?

Well, a JR Pass is best used when traveling longer distances, especially when you use the Shinkansen (bullet train). For instance a return Tokyo - Osaka will already pay for a 7 day JR Pass. Local travel, usually within cities, simply does not add enough in travel costs to a point where a JR Pass would pay off. Therefor in most cases it makes sense to use a JR Pass for travel nationwide and buy tickets outside of this period when you are exploring Tokyo.

Keep in mind that a pass can be bought in a period of 7, 14 or 21 days.

Does that help?

Oh so you suggest that it may make sense buying 7 days jr pass for the time I leave Tokyo which is about half of the entire trip?
Your information really helps!