Hello!
I am heading to Japan with a friend in 2 weeks and we are very excited!
We have booked all of our accommodations but need to coordinate transportation. I am wondering if someone could help us understand the most efficient and cost effective way to travel? We are trying to figure out whether we should purchase a 7 or 14 day JR pass. Or just purchase individual train tickets?
Some other questions: Will the pass be helpful in traveling from the airport? I'm assuming we will also need to buy passes for local subway travel in each city (tokyo, kyoto, osaka)?
I've copied our itinerary below:
April 1-8 Tokyo (arrive in HND, staying in Shinjuku)
April 8-10 Naoshima *we would like to arrive in Naoshima around 3pm on the 8th.
April 10-13 Kyoto (we may do a couple day trips to shrines, and visit Nara from here)
April 13-16 Osaka (flight departs from KIX, staying near Namba)
Thank you in advance for your help!
0
Comments
As is, a 7 day pass would not pay off for your plans. You should look at a few regional passes which might help you. The JR Kansai Wide Pass can help you from Kyoto to Uno for the ferry to Naoshima and back.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_08.html
Likewise, for Tokyo, it would be a huge waste if you spent 8 days there. There are numerous good day trips you can take to places like Nikko, Kamakura/Enoshima, Hakone, the Fuji 5 Lakes, Izu, Kusatsu, Karuizawa, the Hitachi Seaside Park, Takao, Kawagoe, etc. A Tokyo Wide Pass could save you a fortune.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_06.html
You can see previews of some of the best places to see on:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thejapanfaq/videos
Good luck.