Hello all,
My partner and I are looking forward to our very first trip to Japan- we’re from New Zealand.But we were quite overwhelmed with train services offered. Can you please advice if it is worth getting the 7day JR pass with the following draft;
1st May -5th May : Tokyo, reaching Narita Airport approx at 4.30pm.
6th May - 8th May : Kyoto
9th May - 13th May: Osaka, Nara, Kobe. We will be departing from Kansai airport at 7pm.
Thank you so much. We also appreciate if there is any suggestions on places to visit along the way or within the area.
Regards,
Ed
Comments
Unfortunately with a one way itinerary like yours, you simply don't make a 7 day pass pay off. If you used a 7 day pass for May 6-12 and you did a day trip to go see Hiroshima/Miyajima from Kansai, then at least a 7 day pass would pay off.
The cheapest way from Narita would be the 1000 yen bus.
http://accessnarita.jp/en/home/
Within Tokyo, a 3 day subway pass is a good way to save money.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03
As far as other places to see, one good day trip from Kyoto would be to see Himeji with Japan's finest castle, and the Kokoen Garden next door is worthwhile also.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3500.html
Since you are already seeing Tokyo, you can largely skip Osaka during the day. After the temples of Kyoto close down around 5 PM, you can zip over to Osaka for the evening. At night the city comes alive and has some great places to see, such as Dotonbori, plus the night views from the Umeda Sky Bldg and Abeno Harukas Bldg are wonderful.
You can see regular rail fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com
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.