How to use JRpass for my trip to Tokyo in Dec

Hi there!

Yes, you can use the Narita Express to Tokyo with the JR Pass no problem. Here's a breakdown of your itinerary:

1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Osaka: ¥15,850 (272mins, 635km)
2. Osaka > Kyoto: ¥540 (29mins, 42km)
3. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13,420 (161mins, 513km)

JR ticket cost: ¥29,810 for 3 legs

• 7 day Japan Rail Pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥1,510

You can look up precise train timetables and costs at the Hyperdia travel planning website and learn how to use Hyperdia for JR Pass holders through our video blog.

Hope this helps!

can JRpass use for keisei skyliner ? and JRpass can be use on several JR rail road in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto right? if I am taking private rail road in those 3 cities what kind of rail road pass should i purchase ?

Hi there!

As the Keisei Skyliner is not operated by JR you are unable to use this with a JR Pass.

Within Tokyo there is an extensive JR network (here's a map). While there is a local JR service in Osaka and Kyoto it's more likely that you'll use the Metro or bus services in these cities which are not operated in JR. I recommend paying as you go for using these services. If you think you'll do a lot of travel, then the best option is to look into the various municipal passes which are available in [Osaka] and Kyoto and use the JR Pass to travel between them.

Hope this helps!

Hi JC, I'm too planning the same kinda of route as you. But the reply i see is kind of confusing me. sorry if i use your thread to obtain more info.
Hi mari, maybe you can help to refine the following:-
1) is JR EAST pass the same as JR Pass?
2) Which actual pass (JR East or JR Pass) to buy to get on board to Osaka, to Kyoto to Tokyo?
3) Can we use the pass to get from Narita to Tokyo and transfer to the bullet train to Osaka?
4) However, closer to my departure from Haneda, is it better to buy as i travel around Tokyo city or a prepaid pass that wouldallow me to move around the city and link me to Haneda monorail? I'll probably be spending 2 days in Tokyo.

Hi Mark - not a problem!

1.The JR-East Pass is not the same as the JR Pass (Nationwide). The JR-East Pass only covers the JR-East rail network in Japan - here's a map of the various JR network coverages:

On the other hand the JR Pass covers the whole of Japan and all JR networks with 1 pass. Here's a map of the Nationwide JR Pass coverage for reference.

2.The only pass that covers the trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto is the Nationwide JR Pass. The JR East Pass validity zone stops just south of Tokyo.

3.Yes, you can use the Nationwide JR Pass (or JR Pass) on the Narita Express and also for the shinkansen to Osaka. Note that with the Japan Rail Pass you will be able to use the Hikari class bullet trains to Osaka, of which there are 2 per hour. You can also use the Japan Rail Pass on the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda airport if needed.

4.The JR Pass becomes break even with a return trip from Tokyo to Osaka, so if you have this while you are in Tokyo for the last 2 days you'll have good JR coverage and also coverage on the Tokyo Monorail. You may want to also pick up a special discounted 2 day metro card while you are at Narita. This will give you discounted travel on the Tokyo Metro and will fill in most of the gaps that JR doesn't have a service to for ¥490/day. Here's a map of Tokyo Metro coverage for reference. Note this special priced 2 day pass is only available at Narita. You can buy normal day passes in all Tokyo Metro stations if you're not able to purchase on arrival, but they are more expensive.

Hope this helps!

Love this info. You have define it so detail. Sure does help. Thanks Mari!!
The Tokyo Met pass:- Is this the 2 day metro pass that needs to be activated to the date i prefer?

Hi Mark,

The Metro pass will start on the first day you use it, so you don't need to specify an activation date at purchase.

Hope this helps!