Which JR Pass should I buy?

Hi Tricia,

Yes, a 7 day pass will serve you nicely here and you can start using it from Narita to Ikebukuro, taking about 90 minutes. Please be aware though that the Pass can't take you everywhere - for Takayama/Shirakawa-go you'll need other transport, likewise withing Tateyama. BTW make sure you are going to Tatayama on or after April 16th, otherwise it will be closed. Along with Shirakawa-go you also might go see Gokayama. The former you can see in just only a couple of hours. For Kanazawa, be sure to see the Kenrokuen Garden - many say it's the finest traditional garden in Japan.

For your time in Tokyo, you can also use a 3 day subway pass to save money:

http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03

There is also a cheap 1000 yen bus from Tokyo to Narita, since your pass will have expired:

http://accessnarita.jp/en/home/

These other links have good info you should look through:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5900.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7550.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6030.html

Hi Toraneko,

Thank you for your advice and the information!

Best Regards
Tricia

Hi Toraneko,

Apologies, one more question. Is it worth to get the 7 day pass for my above itinerary? For day 7, I'm planning to do a side trip from Karuizawa to Snow Monkey Park, then back to Karuizawa.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Best Regards
Tricia

Yes, it's worth getting the JR Pass for 7 days - use it Days 2-8, and use the cheap bus to get from/to Narita.