Tokyo - Nagasaki - Hiroshima - Osaka

Hi there!

I think that you've already made a very good itinarary and you will be able to make good use of the JR Pass whilst traveling around. This includes a good amount travel on the Shinkansen, for instance you can use the Shinkansen to Hakone, most of the way to Nagasaki, Hiroshima and to Osaka.

What you could consider is visiting Hiroshima first before going on to Nagasaki. Travel travel - even with the Shinkansen - takes 9 hours from Tokyo to Nagasaki. You can split the time nicely by going to Hiroshima. The same also applies from Nagasaki - Koya san. This is a long journey and maybe it is better to visit Osaka first and make a day trip to Koyasan.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

Hi Daniel, many thanks for the suggestions, so JR pass 14 days or 7 days is most economical for us. Shall we activate it when we leave Tokyo for Hiroshima/Nagasaki? Many thanks.

Hi again Daniel-san

Read of one of your travel tips ... I was thinking to also purchase Suica + N'EX package for Tokyo. Is there anything train package for Osaka? We will be departing from Osaka to Hong Kong.

I also saw your recommendation re: Nikko, would the train trip from Tokyo is covered with JR pass? What would you do for 17 days in Japan? We have spent extensive time in Kyoto, Nara, Oji, Osaka and we really like see rural Japan. Do you think it's worth it to visit Nagasaki?

I look forward to hearing from you, Daniel-San, and many thanks in advance. Kind regards, Lucia

Hi Lucia,

I think that you would be fine with a 7 day JR Pass and activate it on the day that you travel to Nagasaki or Hiroshima.

The Suica card is also valid in Osaka, so you can simply keep using it - if you do buy it in Tokyo. The Suica card for Kansai is called ICOCA. You can also buy that if you don't have a Suica but want one for in Osaka.

Nikko is also a great itinerary stop, either as a day trip from Tokyo or as an overnight stay. The trip is covered by the JR Pass and it makes sense to travel there using it, because otherwise it can cost over 10,000yen for a return from Tokyo!

Nagasaki is well worth your time, it's a beautiful town with history (such as Dejima). The town is build on the side of a mountain overlooking Nagasaki bay, this results in some beautiful sunsets.

Lastly, what I would do with 17 days in Japan? Probably stick around Kyushu and Shikoku for most of time, both islands have much to offer but are a little of the beaten path. I would probably visit Beppu for a good onsen, go to Aso for hiking and enjoy a sunset all the way south in Kagoshima while watching Sakura jima blow it's ash in the wind. Around Shikoku I would visit Matsuyama Dogo spa to relax, go to Kochi to enjoy the palms on the beach and lastly head to Matsuyama to take the ferry to Naoshima before heading home. Oh and if I had time sneak in a visit to Kinosaki Onsen.

Let me know what you think :)
Daniel

Hi Daniel
I appreciate your travel insight, thank you very much. I shall look into our itineray closely and no doubt I will have more questions for you if that's ok. Once again many thanks, Lucia