Cost effective? When should I activate the pass?

Hi there!

The JR Pass can be well used in Tokyo (map of JR lines in Tokyo. While the JR Pass can also be used for transfer between the other cities you list and to a limited extent inside Kyoto and Nagoya, in general you will need to use the municipal subway or buses which the JR Pass will not cover.

Hope this helps!

Well since Im going to be in Japan for well over two weeks I dont want to activate the pass to soon. I can travel around Tokyo out of pocket cheap enough I think but the long trips out to Kyoto etc is where I would want to wait I think.

Would the trips from Tokyo to Kyoto, Shizuoka and Nagoya be worth the price of the Pass or should I just buy individual tickets?

Thanks again for your quick response..

Hi there!

It's a bit tricky because of your dates I think. From your itinerary you'll be travelling from the 5th to the 12th which is 8 days. If you can modify this to a 7 day trip between Tokyo and Nagoya, then you'll have the following costs (assuming Maibara for Lake Biwa):

1. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13,420 (164mins, 513km)
2. Kyoto > Maibara: ¥3,300 (20mins, 67km)
3. Maibara > Shizuoka: ¥8,380 (103mins, 265km)
4. Shizuoka > Nagoya: ¥6,180 (58mins, 185km)

JR ticket cost: ¥31,280 for 4 legs

• 7 day Japan Rail Pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥2,980

As you can see, based on your locations listed to date you will make a small saving with a 7 day JR Pass, but would not make savings with a 14 day pass I think. 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.

Hope this helps!