Anyway I can get away with a 7-day JR pass? Also, how does this itinerary look?

Hi Matthew,

I think that you will do great with just a 7 day JR Pass, I would use it from day 7-13. This way you would have all your expansive JR Travel covered by the pass, your day trip to Nikko and you could even move your trip to Nara to day 13 if you wish to maximize savings.

You could indeed consider the Hakone Free Pass for your visit there but I think that you will be best off just buying normal tickets when you visit the area as a day trip.

I think that it all looks fine for the rest, so have a great time in Japan!
Daniel

Thanks for the reply Daniel. I have 2 more questions:

1/ So it would be cheaper to get the 7 day JR pass plus separate tickets for the other trips rather than spread our trip out and get the 14 day JR pass?

2/ Would it be possible/ would you recommend swapping out Takayama/Shirakawago/Kanazawa for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route instead?

Regards

Mathew

Hi Mathew,

1.) Yes using a 7 day JR Pass in a smart way + buying some local tickets as you travel will be the most economic option. Just be sure to have your long distance travel behind you when the Pass expires.

2.) As for going to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it will eat up a good amount of time. You would need 2 nights and a full day in between to really see and travel the route. You will be giving up a lot though, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa are all amazing places too. I would say, decide what you wish to see most and go with that, both options are possible.

I hope this helps!
Daniel