7 day pass 0r 14 day pass?

Hello there,

I would advise starting with the Haruka + ICOCA package for your arrival. After which I would use the ICOCA card for local travel. Kansai is pretty compact when you look at it and ticket prices are low.

Then for the 2nd part, a 7 day JR Pass would work very well. Just a return Kyoto/Osaka - Tokyo pays for the JR Pass and any addition travel will go towards your savings.

The plan itself looks great. Travel from Hakone - Nikko should not take too long if planned ahead. I would advise the following route. Go to the Shinkansen station for Hakone, this is Odawara station. From here take a bullet train to Tokyo station and transfer at Tokyo station to the Tohoku shinkansen bound for Utsunomiya, at Utsunomiya transfer to the JR Nikko line, bound for Nikko. All covered by the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Daniel-san! Thank you so much for your quick reply and advice! It definitely helps me a lot in getting all my minds up. One question considering Haruka +ICOCA package, is it necessary to purchase it before we come to Japan, or we can buy it in Japan (where?)?

I've calculated that the 7 days JR pass would expire on the 29 dec while we are in Nagoya (Validate on 23 dec to Tokyo). Could you please advice which pass or ticket shall we take from Nagoya to Osaka?

Again, many many thanks to you! You gave such big help!!! :-D

Hi Again!

The ICOCA package can be purchased directly at Kansai Airport without having to buy it beforehand.

I assumed that you would travel to Osaka on the 29th, it less than 1h of travel. If possible I would advise taking a late train and try to arrive in Osaka on that day to get the most out of your pass. Otherwise you could buy a normal Shinkansen ticket at Nagoya station.

Hope this helps too :)
Daniel