We will be traveling to Japan for the first time. Here is our itinerary. I am having a bit of trouble finding information on some of the routes and how to make the best use of the JR pass. Any information that anyone could provide to get the best out of our pass would be greatly appreciated.
I am assuming we will need a 14 day pass, but will take advice from others.
Day 1-4 Tokyo
Day 5 TRAVEL Tokyo to Takayama
Day 6 Takayama
Day 7 TRAVEL Takayama to Shirakawa-go
Day 8 TRAVEL Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa
Day 9 Kanazawa
Day 10 TRAVEL Kanazawa to Mount Koya
Day 11 TRAVEL Mount Koya to Kyoto
Day 12 & 13 Kyoto
Day 14 TRAVEL Kyoto to Hiroshima with a stop in Himeji
Day 15 TRAVEL Hiroshima to Tokyo
Here is the information that I have gathered so far, the rest I am very confused on and would love help (or corrections to anything below):
Tokyo to Takayama - JR Pass will cover Hikari train to Nagoya, then it looks like we have to take "Ltd. Express Hida" train - not sure if this is covered with the JR Pass or if there is another route we should take?
Takayama to Shirakawa-go - must take a bus (do I need reservations?)
Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa - This is where I am most confused and having a very hard time getting information
Kanazawa to Mount Koya - This is another that I could use help. I am not sure the best way to go using the JR pass. Also the least amount of changeovers would be appreciated.
Mount Koya to Kyoto - same issue found with the previous route.
Kyoto to Hiroshima - I see we can take Shinkasen Kodama to Shin-Osaka and change to the Sakura train to finish the route to Hiroshima. Questions - is the Kodama covered by the JR Rail pass? Does this route take us through Himeji.
Hiroshima to Tokyo - must use Hikari and Sakura trains for JR pass (no Nozomi trains)
Thank you very much for your help!
