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Regional Pass or National JR Pass in Japan for 7 days

Flying into Tokyo-Narita. Spend just 7 days in Japan. Would like to include Kyoto & Nara. Afterwards fly from Tokyo to Seoul. (Before returning to Cnaada).

Given the cost of rail between Tokyo-Narita aiport (twice), getting just from Tokyo to Nara, is it worth it for us to JR National Pass or just the Regional. It seems with National Pass we have abit more choice for fast/bullet trains.

Is Kyoto train station in its downtown/near walking distance sights?

Comments

  • Hi,
    With the Tokyo-Kansai round trip plus using the Narita Express once, you do make a 7 day pass pay off. The 2nd trip on the N'Ex is icing on the cake.
    There is a cheaper alternative though - you can use the japanican ticket from Tokyo to Kansai round trip, and it is far less expensive.
    http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/VJOPENTK1/
    For getting to/from Narita there is the 1000 yen bus.
    http://accessnarita.jp/en/home/
    The fare for Kyoto to Nara is not covered, but overall still works out cheaper for you. However, if you wanted to go beyond Kansai or stop off along the way, then the 7 day pass would be the way to go.

    Near Kyoto Station there are a number of good sights - the Honganji Temples, Shoseien Garden, Toji Temple, Railway Museum, and more, but many of the best sights are too far to walk. There is the Kyoto subway, but it doesn't stop close to a lot of good places. There is however a 500 yen bus day pass.
    You can also take a JR train down the Nara Line 1 stop from Kyoto Stn to see Tofukuji, and 1 more stop beyond that to see the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Heading northwest from Kyoto Stn you can also take a JR train to the Arashiyama district and anywhere in between. I suggest you research where you want to go during your visit, and look at a site like google maps to see where they are and how to get there.

    You can see regular fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia.
    http://www.hyperdia.com
    Under "More Options", be sure to uncheck the Nozomi box if on a full JR Pass since you can't ride that train using the JR pass. If the japanican ticket though you can use the Nozomi and you arrive about 30 minutes faster.

    You can see previews of some of the best places to see in Japan on:
    https://www.youtube.com/user/thejapanfaq/videos

    There are also loads of other tips on
    http://www.thejapanfaq.com/the-best-japan-travel-tips/

    Best wishes.
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