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Should I buy a JR Pass? Which one?

UStourist
UStourist
about 2 months ago
1 answer

Hi, everyone, I am touring Japan in week's time. I'll be arriving at Narita airport, and hotel will be at Shinjuku. After two days in Tokyo, I plan to take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, possibly also to Osaka, even to Nara, over two days. I wonder if I an buy (maybe a 7 day?) JR pass that allows me to take the N'EX train (or some other train) from Narita to Shinjuku, and then after 2-3 days, from Tokyo to Kyoto-Osaka-Nara, then back to Tokyo, all using the same JR Pass? On Klook.com, the JR West pass (for Osaka/Kyoto area) does not start from (or include) Tokyo, so which JR Pass will cover Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto/Nara areas? Will that same pass also cover Narita Airport to Shinjuku of Tokyo?

How much is it and is it more worthy than to buy separate tickets? A link to a webpage showing such a Pass would be greatly appreciated. I also wonder if I need to book the train ticket (or a pass) beforehand or just to buy it right before boarding? Should I reserve a seat? It's all quite confusing.

Also within Tokyo, what is the best public transportation ticket to have for tourists? I guess I will be using the subway a lot (buses can be confusing). Maybe 72 hour Tokyo subway ticket (maximum duration available on a ticket)?

Thank you all!

Alexis
Alexis
1038 posts
about 2 months ago
Expert

Hi there,

The only passes that will cover Tokyo/Osaka/Nara/Kyoto is the JR Pass and the Hokuriku Arch Pass, which will cover Shinjuku and Narita as well. The Hokuriku Arch Pass is a cheaper option compared to the JR Pass but it comes with significantly higher travel times between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo, so it’s dependent on your priorities.

For any pass, after it has been activated you’ll need to make seat reservations before boarding the train, unless it is unreserved seating in which case you still make a reservation but you can just sit anywhere. This reservation can be made as soon as you have activated the pass in advance, or it can be made last-minute but it poses the risk of there possibly not being any seats remaining.

The Tokyo subway ticket could be a good option but double-check how much it costs and if it’d be your most cost-effective option. If not, you can just use a Travel Card like a Suica which can be topped up as you go.

Kind regards,

Alexis


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