Do I Need JR Pass? Personal Scenario

sauce2k on 03/02/2018 - 18:01
Last edited 03/02/2018 - 18:02

Hey guys,

After couple days looking through forums and ozbargain posts I'm still finding it difficult to determine whether or not I should purchase a JR Pass for my Japan trip during Easter.

Below is my itinerary

27/03 - 31/03: Tokyo. Will explore the city not going to do any day trips

01/04 - 04/04L Kyoto. The only day trip we will do is Nara.

05/04 - 09/04: Osaka. Flying back on 9 April so minimal travel on the day.

My gf is saying that we don't need a JR pass because we can get around using normal metro.
Below is an estimate of travelling cost between cities.

  • Tokyo to Kyoto around $160
  • Kyoto return Nara around $20
  • Kyoto to Osaka around $16

If we were to buy the JR Pass, we were thinking to buy the 7 day one not the 14 days because we won't be using it in Tokyo.

Any help/guidance will be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Travel

Comments

  • altomic on 03/02/2018 - 18:10
    +3

    you don't need a JR pass. it would be a gross waste of money.

    kyoto to nara can be done by a regular train. same as kyoto to osaka.

    you could think about doing a night bus from tokyo to Kyoto (I did it last June) leave @ 11pm arrive 5am. bus cost 5,500yen (AU$65)

  • SydStrand on 03/02/2018 - 18:29
    +3

    Don't bother with JR Pass within cities as Metro tickets and ICOCA/SUICA fares are dirt cheap. Only buy JR Pass if you're bouncing around different cities, because it waives the expensive Shinkansen fares.

    • sauce2k on 03/02/2018 - 20:28

      Thank you heaps! I won’t bother with JR pass this time then.

  • tighttighttight1 on 03/02/2018 - 18:36
    +2

    If I remember correctly, the last time I went to Japan, I purchased a JR Pass because I calculated that it was cheaper if you are planning on going from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto region and back.
    Otherwise, it was not worth it.

    • sauce2k on 03/02/2018 - 20:27

      cool thank you! Yes we are not going back to Tokyo after Osaka, our flight back to sydney leaves from Osaka :) I guess that solves my question!

  • kacak on 03/02/2018 - 18:44
    +2

    As mentioned above, a return Shinkansen trip from Tokyo-Osaka (or Kyoto) within a 7-day period pretty much pays off a 7-day JR pass.

    Within a city, JR pass are not really useful as metros tend to get you to places closer and faster. So it’s really only good for inter city travel.

    Here’s a handy calculator you could use https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

    • sauce2k on 03/02/2018 - 20:28

      Thanks for the calculator !!

  • Caped Baldy on 03/02/2018 - 22:32
    +1

    Try hyperdia.com it will work out the cost via shinkansen. As others have said you're better off without the jr pass.
    The IC systems have been consolidated mostly so you can use a card from tokyo within other cities (there are still exemptions but you should be fine). I'm not sure about travelling between cities so it's best to check yourself what is best time and cost wise,

  • KaTst3R on 03/02/2018 - 22:45
    +1

    I bought a 7 day JR pass. I dont think i even used half of its value. Dont bother. Use hyperdia to determine pricing.

  • jjjaar on 04/02/2018 - 23:07

    I 100% agree you don't need a rail pass for this trip, however…

    we won't be using it in Tokyo

    It's important to know that you can use it on any JR line in Tokyo. It depends on where you stay and visit, but JR lines can be a super helpful way to get around. It's the easiest PT option between Shinjuku/Harajuku/Shibuya.

    https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/destinations/tokyo/index.html?src…

    When I do travel with a pass, it is great to use the JR lines for no extra cost.

  • myusername on 05/02/2018 - 14:41

    how many times do you expect to use the shinkasen?

    if answer is more than 4 times. then yes get the JR pass.

    get just your standard jr pass, once onboard and your tickets has been checked go for a wander and move yourself into the business class seating

    • kacak on 05/02/2018 - 15:56

      I think the key determinant is more the length of your trips (eg. A return from Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto would just about break even) rather than number of times. Hence use of the calculator I linked above.

      Also, your suggestion around green class seating would be frowned upon by locals and not exactly ethical (as much as I love a “bargain”).

      • coolhead on 11/03/2018 - 22:00

        hey mate so this is what i am planning for a trip in July-
        - Land in Tokyo - I am here for 5 days so do i need a JR pass for local travel
        - Tokyo to Osaka
        - Osaka - Kyoto - Osaka
        Osaka - Hiroshima - Osaka
        Osaka - Tokyo ..
        Now based on this a 14 day JR pass will be better… But even if i fly out from Osaka and do not come back to Tokyo, the calculator is saying its worth buying 7 day Jr pass.

        So I wanted to ask in Tokyo how would i travel locally? i.e. various area as I am here for 5 days
        and in Osaka for about 4 days.

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