14 Day or 21 Day Pass

NicolePoz

meer dan 11 jaar geleden

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Hi all, would anyone kindly advise me about our proposed itinerary in Japan? We are two first time travellers to japan, arriving May 27th and departing June 15th. We plan on getting the 14 day JR pass but could also get the 21 day pass if necessary. What would be best?

So far our itinerary is as follows:

Tokyo 5 nights -possible day trip to Nikko

Overnight in Yudanaka at a Ryokan, spend the next day at the Monkey Park

Shinkansen to Kyoto

4/5 nights Kyoto - day trip to Nara sometime here

2 nights Osaka - not sure about this part

Go to Naoshima and overnight there

Next day see hiroshima and overnight at Miyajima ( unsure about this part)

Back to Tokyo for 4 nights with a day trip to Fuji Q

Can anyone comment on the feasibility of this itinerary? Are we moving around too much? Could we get away with the 14 day rail pass or do we just spring for the 21 day?

Other places I was considering are Takayama, but unsure of how to fit it in, and Hakone, any thoughts on these destinations? Is takayama too difficult to squeeze in on this trip?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Nicole :

NicolePoz

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meer dan 11 jaar geleden

I forgot to add that we arrive and depart from Narita :)

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Toraneko

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meer dan 11 jaar geleden

The more long distance travel you can bundle together while still seeing Japan leisurely, the better. Given that about 9 nights are in Tokyo, a 14 day pass makes more sense. You can activate your pass in Tokyo, see Nikko, then go southwards and return to Tokyo within 2 weeks.
Since you're already seeing Tokyo, 2 nights in Osaka is rather a waste, since it's just a clone. But Himeji makes an excellent place to visit, and other nearby places like Hikone or Koyasan would be more interesting. After the temples of Kyoto close down around 5PM, you can zip over to Osaka for the evening. At night the city comes alive and has some great places to see, such as Dotonbori, plus the night views from the Umeda Sky Bldg, and Abeno Harukas Bldg are wonderful. There are many nearby sights for you to enjoy, including Nara, and Kobe.
Seeing HIroshima/Miyajima is also a great idea. Takayama and Shirakawago are great places too, but it'd be crazy to see them as a day trip from Tokyo or Kansai. If you choose not to see Takayama this time, one alternative is Miyama around 30km north of Kyoto City.
Some other places near Tokyo you can see since you have the time are Hakone and Kamakura.

HAKONE

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5206.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html

KAMAKURA

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html

http://en.kamakura-info.jp

And if you have never stayed in one before, I recommend you spend at least a night in a Japanese Inn or ryokan. There are some inexpensive ones in Tokyo, like the Kimi, the Tama, the Taito and the Tokyo Ryokan. See:

www2.dango.ne.jp/kimi/ryokan.html

www.tamaryokan.com

www.libertyhouse.gr.jp

www.tokyoryokan.com

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NicolePoz

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meer dan 11 jaar geleden

Thank you Toraneko for those suggestions.
So you suggest to just get the 14 day pass over the 21?
I think it makes more sense too, and just pay for individual tickets to and from narita,and possibly to Nikko aswell.
Im very excited!

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