JR Pass vs. Bus/Train Tickets?

Hi Zelda,

It would depend on the amount of days that you spend in each place. A 7 day JR Pass would be a good option if you can make the trip within this time period.

Here's a breaking of ticket prices without the JR Pass and possible savings that you could make:

Tokyo - Kyoto ¥ 13,420
Kyoto - Osasa (return) ¥ 1,040
Kyoto - Nara (return) ¥ 1,380
Kyoto - Hiroshima ¥ 10,990
Hiroshima - Fukuoka (Hakata) ¥ 8,900

For a total of ¥ 35,730 or ¥ 7,430 in savings as the 7 day JR Pass is ¥ 28,300. The JR Pass is also good for local travel around Tokyo and Osaka, possibly adding even more to your savings.

Hope this helps!
Daniel

PS: I can't give you a list of bus prices as prices chance by the day, moment of booking and bus company.

Thank you so much Daniel. This is extremely helpful! We will be in Japan for 14 days, so perhaps it does not make sense in the long run to purchase the pass. Knowing that we will be there two full weeks, would you suggest that we just purchase the tickets without a pass?

I really appreciate all of your guidance!

Zelda

Hi Zelda,

That would depend on where you wish to travel. A 14 day JR Pass certainly offers great flexibility but you'd have to explore Japan a little more for a 2 week JR Pass to pay off as the price in yen is 45,100. Given that you have two weeks, you could for instance explore Kyushu and add a visit to Beppu or maybe Nagasaki. An other option could be that you try to make the trip Tokyo - Kyoto ....Fukuoka in 7 days in use a 7 day JR Pass. Lastly if you would make the trip over a longer period than 7 days but without much additional travel, then I think it would be best to buy normal tickets for your travel.

Hope this helps!
Daniel