7 or 14 day pass?

Hi there,

A 7 day JR Pass would be super cost efficient if you'd be back to Tokyo before it expires.

Still, I think the 14 day JR Pass is likely the better option. The 14 day JR Pass only costs about 3.000yen (that's about 30 bucks) more than a one way Kyoto - Tokyo. Given the extra flexibility and that the pass will also cover travel to Hakone and Nikko. It is in a much better position to give you a relaxing trip and it would definitely help you make savings as well. The JR Pass also covers travel to/from the airport.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Daniel-San,
thanks for your answer.
After reading some of the answers you gave, I actually think I can make it in 7 days and eventually buy the Hakone 2 day pass and the Nikko pass. All in all, together with the trip a/r to the airport (I am flying to Haneda) it should be more convenient this way than to buy the 14 day pass.
Would you agree?

Marta

Just to give you more detailed info, I was planning to activate it in Odawara after a night there (and having travelled there with the pass from Tokyo). This way, I can fully exploit the 7 days, be back in Tokyo the last day and then travel the next day to Nikko with the Nikko pass (is it 2000 yen, correct) and staying also one night there.
I should save about 10.000 yen, even more if you think that, even with the 14 day pass, I should spend 4000 yen in Hakone anyway.

That sounds right, one item of note is that travel time to Nikko is significantly longer with the Nikko pass. It will save you money for sure but will cost you a couple hours more in making the return this way.

Oh, meaning that there are Shinkansen that go there as well? I thought there weren't. Anyway, since I am going to spend the night there, I don't think it will be a problem. Else, I would have to travel there directly from Kyoto but I don't think that is feasible...

Most of the way yes, you can take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then the JR Nikko line. This is the fastest way.

Hi Daniel,
Am actually considering buying the 14 days at the moment since I would want to stay longer in the Kyoto area. This way I could use the pass also to Hakone and Nikko.
I am guessing the Hakone area is not included but I could get to Odawara faster (do the Shinkansen leave from Shinjuku or Tokyo station?) but what about Nikko? The a/r travel should be included (I am guessing, since you said Shinkansen and rhen JR Nikko line) but what about local travels there? Is there a pass for just that area?

Thanks again,

Marta

Hi Martha,

The Shinkansen to Odawara leave from Tokyo and Shinagawa stations but not Shinjuku. You can use the JR Yamanote line to Shinagawa or JR Chuo line to Tokyo stations. So you would make savings both time and money going to Odawara by Shinkansen.

For Nikko, you can use the JR Nikko line to Nikko. Most places of interested can be reached on foot from the JR station. Was there anything specific in the area you wanted to go to?

Nope, just sightseeing.
Finally, we've set up for the 7 day pass, travelling to Nikko and Hakone using the passes. I've booked the hotel in Tokyo strategically to leave to Nikko from Asakusa and then from Nikko I'll be back directly to Shinjuku, where I'll get on a direct train to Hakone. I'll sleep in Odawara next to the station and then, the next day, I'll activate the pass and start travelling towards south.
Thanks again for you help, it was much appreciated.

Marta