Hi
We (2 adults) are planning to go to Japan in May 2015. Our draft plan is as follows:
Day 1- 6: Tokyo
Day 7-8: Takayama [Depart from Tokyo by train on Day 7]
Day 9-13: Kyoto [Depart from Takayama by train on Day 9]
Day 14: Leave Kyoto for Tokyo to transfer to Narita Airport
Questions
(1) Should we buy the 7-day Japan Rail Pass?
(2) At which point should we start using the Japan rail Pass?
(3) Is our route sensible?
Any advice will be much appreciated.
Chow
Singapore
0
Comments
The Japan Rail Pass validity period will only begin when you go to exchange your voucher into the actual pass. You can decide on the date the pass begins, as long as it is within 30 days of the exchange. Therefore you can start using it when you are ready to make your first trip.
The route you have chosen is possible, and will give you the chance to experience a more traditional Japan. In order to travel from Tokyo to Takayama, and Takayama to Kyoto, you will have to go through Nagoya. Kyoto to Tokyo is one direct train using the shinkansen Hikari.
However, you will have to return to Tokyo on the 13th, as the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass is based on calendar days (midnight to midnight) instead of a 24 hour period. This means if you start your trip on the 7th at 10AM for example, it will still expire at midnight on the 13th, and not the 14th at 10AM.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Japan Experience