Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Kyoto to Tokyo and back

Larry
Larry
almost 13 years ago
2 answers

I was in Kyoto this past November, and will be returning again next November. I did not have the chance to visit Tokyo during my recent visit, but I will next year.

I am trying to determine if it would be worth buying a JR pass that will allow me to travel to and from Tokyo and Kyoto? Would I also be able to use it if I wanted to travel to Nara or Kobe while I am staying in Kyoto?

I will be there 15 full days, but I am not yet sure if I will buy a 7 or 14-day pass. Can I use it to get to and from Kyoto from Kansai International as well? If so, then a 14-day pass might be best?

Thanks in advance,
Larry

avatar
mari
1950 posts
almost 13 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The general rule of thumb for buying a 7 day JR Pass is that it is worth buying if you do 1 return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto (¥26,840 return).

You can use the JR Pass to travel to Nara, Kobe and Kansai International Airport, so it's possible that a 14 day rail pass will be worth it for you. To decide if it is worth it, you need to make sure that the ticket costs exceed the ¥45,100 cost of a 14 day japan rail pass. You can check on individual ticket prices at the travel planning website hyperdia.

I'm not sure from your question how many trips you intend to take (for example, I'm not sure if you are doing more than 1 tokyo-kyoto trip), but for your reference, here are the costs of the legs you mention:

  1. Kansai airport > Kyoto: ¥3690, (75mins, 99km)
  2. Kyoto > Nara: ¥690, (49mins, 41km)
  3. Nara > Kyoto: ¥690, (46mins, 41km)
  4. Kyoto > Kobe(hyogo): ¥1050, (56mins, 75km)
  5. Kobe(hyogo) > Kyoto: ¥1050, (55mins, 75km)
  6. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13420, (161mins, 513km)
  7. Tokyo > Kyoto: ¥13420, (165mins, 513km)
  8. Kyoto > Kansai airport: ¥3690, (79mins, 99km)

TOTAL: ¥37700 for 8 legs

Based on these legs, a 7 day rail pass is certainly worth it, but you will need to ensure you do some more travelling to make a 14 day rail pass cost effective.

Hope this helps!

Larry
Larry
2 posts
almost 13 years ago

Thank you, Mari! The 14-day pass might not be the best option regardless, as I will be there for 16 nights (15 days), so only one of my Kyoto-Kansai trips would count.

Now to decide on which part of my journey to do most of my in-country traveling ... ^^

Larry

avatar
mari
1950 posts
almost 13 years ago
Expert

:D

If you have any other questions I'll be happy to help!


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $331.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 18116 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes