Japan visit from Nov 9 to Nov 22, 2013.

Hi there,

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We would like your advise about using the JR pass. From Nov 9 -15, we plan to go from the Kansai Airport toHimeji, then along the San-in coast visiting Tottori, Matsue, Izumo, Shimane, Hamada, returning to Osaka on the 15th. We go to Koyasan on the 16th and return to Osaka on the 17th. From the 17th to our departure on the 22nd, we plan to spend most of our time seeing the beautiful fall foliage in the gardens of Kyoto using Osaka as our home base.

Is there a station at Kansai airport where we can activate the pass? Would the office be open at that evening hour? We arrive at 7pm from Hawaii. Would you advise traveling all the way to Himeji that evening or go the following morning. Your suggestions and recommendations would be most helpful and welcome. Harry

You can activate your JR Pass right away at the JR ticket office of Kansai Airport, which is opened between 5:30-23:00.

The trip to Himeji takes about 2 hours from Kansai Airport so you would arrive a little late (the last train leaves at 21:37). So you may want to stay the first night around Kansai Airport or in Osaka and travel on the next morning.

The area around Shimane is very beautiful, if you have the time consider a visit to the Adachi museum of art which is not to be missed!

I hope this helps!
Daniel

Thank you for the helpful info. Would you have any favorite "must see" places or sites to suggest to us along our route. Any suggestions would be so welcomed. Thank you. Harry

Hi Harry,

As mentioned the Adachi museum of art is really impressive. In Izumo be sure to visit Izumo Taisha which is one of the most important shrines in Japan.

Also for autumn viewing and a great hike I would recommend a visit to Kurama in Kyoto which is one of the part less frequented by foreign visitors but really is worth the time. Additionally Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari are beautiful places in Kyoto and make for excellent spots to see the Autumn leaves fall.

Koya-san is also great but that's already included in your plan :)
-Daniel

Hello again! Danielsan,
We also are interested in the Aquas Aquarium in Hamada, and would like your opinion. With our rail pass, would we be able to go to Hamada and then, all the way back to Osaka? Thank you for your help.

Hi Again!

This is a hard one,it is certainly possible but you should really ask yourself if the accompanying train ride is worth it. The trip Hamada - Osaka takes 401 Minutes, it is covered by the JR Pass but is would take up most of your day.

Here is the route in Hyperdia.