is a 7 day pass cheaper?

Hi Brenda,

A 7 day pass will certainly give you great flexibility for your trip, but to see if a 7 day pass is more economical than individual tickets you need to spend more than ¥28,300 (price of 7 day pass) on JR tickets. Lets take a look at your itinerary:

1. Hakata > Hiroshima: ¥8900, (69mins, 280km)
2. Hiroshima > Kyoto: ¥10990, (126mins, 380km)
3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13420, (161mins, 513km)

JR ticket cost: ¥33310 for 3 legs

• 07 day rail pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥5010

As you can see, not only will you make good savings with a 7 day pass, but you'll also retain travel flexibility while you travel up Japan. Don't forget that you can also make good use of the JR Pass in Tokyo. Here's a map of JR lines in Tokyo for reference.

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

Thank you so much! That was very helpful and efficient.
I notice that you quoted a pass for Ordinary seating, rather than Green Car seating. Am I correct that you can reserve seats on the Green Cars, but not on the Ordinary? Either way, what would the savings be based upon two Green Car passes......same itinerary as I originally gave.
Really.....I am so impressed with this site!
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for the kind words - Yes, the quotes I calculated are for normal seating, but the savings would approximately the same ratio. Total green car tickets would be ¥44330, whereas a 7 day green pass is ¥37,800. Total saving of ¥6530. Please note that on the Kyoto to Tokyo leg green car accommodation is not as frequently available as standard class.

The JR Pass enables free seat reservations on both Ordinary class and Green Car seating, so whichever pass you choose you will be able to reserve your places.

Hope this helps!