We(me and my wife) are traveling to Japan in about a month's time for 8 days. We are landing in Osaka and then staying there for 4 days which includes a 1 day trip to Hiroshima. Then from Osaka, we move to Tokyo for 3 days and then from Tokyo to Adelaide.
So the itinerary is,
Osaka >Hiroshima
Hiroshima > Osaka
Osaka > Tokyo
Do you think it's worth buying the JR Pass for 7 days?
Your input is very much appreciated.
Thanks. Could you please explain? Sorry, it's a little complex for me.
JR pass cost: 29,110Y | $357 (roughly)
Osaka -> Hiroshima: 9,710Y | $119
Hiroshima -> Osaka: 9,710Y | $119
Osaka -> Tokyo: 13,620Y | $167
TOTAL separately: 33,040Y | $404
So it will save you approx $50, and you will be able to use it for some incidental trips around tokyo as well, but most subway systems are private so will be an additional cost (but most trips are like 200-300Y anyway so still pretty cheap
Correct. The JR pass can be used on the JR lines in Tokyo and Osaka (they're the "ring" around the city).
Thank you very much.
Will buy the pass from Sta Travel as they have Pass Protection for $8 per pass if something happens and I don't use the pass(i.e. earthquake or something similar happens and I can't land in Japan).
@Chandragupt: From Osaka you may want to venture off tangents like kyoto/nara/Kobe/etc which i'm pretty sure you can use JR for
though…JR may not be the fastest or most convenient depending on where you actually stay in Osaka
This site tells you all
https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/
It has a calculator
Based on what you posted you would be 4000 yen better off with the pass. Plus any additional trips you might take
Look here to see how you can possibly use the JR pass on trip from Airport to Osaka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-p…
All depends where in. Osaka you are staying and if you want to change trains etc - read the post for details
Also compare value of jr rail from Tokyo to airport. May be better to save the 7 day pass for that leg rather than using it on the first day (as you will be there for 8 days and the pass is only for 7)
Thank you. Your last point is spot on.
Thanks, ill check out the website!
yes worth it. get them.
Definitely worth it. Depending what time you land and how tired you'd be (eg. arriving at night and choosing to activate the JR pass that night won't make much sense). We activated ours about 4 days into our trip (for our Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima leg).
Also, if you're heading into Hiroshima - see if you can spare a few hours at Miyajima, it's beautiful there :)
++ miyajima
You can also use the JR pass for other JR transportation such as the JR ferry to Miyajima while you are in Hiroshima and the local JR trains. I did Tokyo -> Osaka/Kyoto -> Kagoshima -> Hiroshima -> Narita Airport on a 2 week JR pass a few years ago over a 18 day trip. Pretty crazy, but got to see heaps of stuff. If catching a JR train to Narita Airport make sure to book your seats on the NEX as its all pre-allocated
You can consider purchasing the Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass (5 days) for 13,500 JPY (https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/) and separate ticket for Osaka to Tokyo.
Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass - 13,500 JPY
Osaka to Tokyo - 13,620 JPY
Total: 27,120 JPY
Compared to JR Pass: 29,110 JPY
get a night bus from osaka to tokyo, and save even more money. sorry i dont have a link. Book online and save.
And booking a bus from Tokyo to Narita airport is about 900 yen (took it in march 2018). about 200 yen cheaper than the train. free wifi on the bus.
This is very good. Bullet train nozomi is fastest and stop least stations. JR pass does not allow you to take Nozomi bullet train. Nozomi comes every 5 min between Osaka and Tokyo but you won't be able to use it with the JR Pass. You'll be taking Hikari which comes twice a hour only. Hikari stops a few more stops than Nozomi. If you purchase full fare normal ticket, you'll be able to take any train and gives you more flexibility.
Also, Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass allows you to take Nozomi and Mizuho (another train JR pass does not allow it) but the downside is you won't be able to reserve seat. However, I noticed that Osaka - Hiroshima is less busier than Tokyo -Osaka.
But to get to Osaka in the first place is a that a cost we haven't included?
Remember the pass needs to be activated/stamped at a local JR office. If you don't need it on day 1, you can activate it on day 2 so that the pass lasts all the way til you leave.
Yes and it will inc going side trips i.e arashimaya, nikko, miyajima etc
It’s a pretty simple calculation. But yes, using JR bullet train lines it will be cheaper to use a 7 day pass