Hi
We are two adults, two children aged 9 and 11, a little overwhelmed about the best way to travel around.
Here is our broad itinerary which starts and ends in Osaka....
14 July arrive Kansai Airport - make our way to Namba base for 5 nights
15 July - Day trip to Kyoto (return to Osaka)
16 July - Day trip to Kyoto (return to Osaka)
17 July - Sightseeing Osaka (maybe Himeji Castle)
18 July - Day trip to Nara (return to Osaka)
19 July - Travel to Mt Fuji and stay overnight
20 July - Travel from Mt Fuji to Tokyo for Tokyo base for 5 nights
21 July - Sightseeing Tokyo
22 July - Sightseeing Tokyo
23 July - Day trip suggestion?
24 July - Sightseeing Tokyo
25 July Travel Tokyo to Kansai Airport Osaka
It' seems a busy time of year with festivals, so assume we should book seats wherever possible as soon as we exchange the pass. (You can't book until then?)
We also wonder if getting a green pass would mean there was more availability for seat bookings (though would like to save money if this wasn't necesary).
Anyway, you can see we're a little puzzled.
Any advice and help appreciated.
Regards
Phil
0
Comments
You simply do not travel enough to make a JR Rail Pass pay off, unless you added a lot more travel.
For Jul 19, you are going to need to decide if you prefer to see the Hakone area or the Fuji 5 Lakes. For transport, the Hakone area is more convenient.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html
If you pick Hakone, the Hakone Free Pass can save some money. The Loop Course is a common way to see the area.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html
For July 23, there are many possibilities, but the two that most people would pick are Nikko or Kamakura/Enoshima. But there is also Takao, Okutama, Karuizawa, and Kusatsu.
You should expect extremely hot and muggy weather. Bring lots of sunblock and drink lots of fluids during the day.
For the Kansai area, you could possibly get some savings from a Hankyu Tourist Pass
https://www.kansai360.net/m/en/ticket.html
for some of your plans.
As for getting around Tokyo, a 2 or 3 day subway pass can save money and is quite convenient.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03
You can find regular rail fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com
Under "More Options", be sure to uncheck the Nozomi box if on a JR Pass since you can't ride that train using the pass.
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 regards.