Hi everyone,
We'll be in Tokyo for 8 days but will probably go down to Kyoto for a few day's visit. Is there a cheaper option than the 7 days national JR pass? Is there a cheaper pass just for Tokyo - Kyoto and back? We're on abit of a budget now that we're also considering Kyoto because we were just going to stay in Tokyo for the whole 8 days. Kyoto looks amazing! Some say even worth more a visit than Tokyo?
Thanks guys,
Khoi
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Comments
Thank you for contacting us.
There is a cheaper alternative. It is called the Kodama Platt: http://www.jrtours.co.jp/kodama/en/
The only catch is that the Kodama train is the slowest bullet train because it has more stops. However, if that does not bother you, you can save some money by using it.
Just remember to book the train at least one day before.
Best regards,
Japan Experience
Another option, if you're willing to pay 2000 yen more, is the japanican ticket.
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/VJOPENTK1/
You can take the Nozomi train which gets you into Kyoto in about 2 hours 20 minutes, while the Kodama train takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. Plus you get a free day pass for Kyoto city transportation.
It's up to you.
You should also visit Nara for at least half a day - it has some of Japan's best sights like the Todaiji Temple.
Hope that helps.
we are staying in Japan for 9 nights arrive Narita 24/07 depart 02/08 and only need Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Omagari and back to Tokyo including Narita express and Kakunodate 1 day stop over . What is the best value pass for this trip please?
Nick
I suggest you consider the JR East Tohoku Area Pass.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_tohoku.html
It seems you only save about $50 max with the above mentioned alternatives and I'll probably be using more than that to travel around Tokyo anyway so I guess the JR 7 Day Pass is more convenient and cheaper in the end.
I would earnestly advise against relying on JR alone to get around Tokyo.
Even if I had a valid JR Pass, I would still want to make use of Tokyo Metro and Toei subway.
The subway system blankets the city though and you can get virtually anywhere. If you are going all over for a few days, you might consider a 2 or 3 day subway pass.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03