How to best use a 7 day JR pass for an 8-day stay

Hi there!

I think in your situation I recommend activating your 7 day pass on day 2 (the Tuesday) through to the final monday. On arrival you should purchase either:

• metro pass with the Keisei Skyliner to get you into Tokyo from Narita on the Keisei Skyliner train inclusive of 1 or 2 days unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro.
• [Narita Express + Suica metro prepaid card] deal. This is similar in terms of cost, but rather than some days of full metro cover gives you ¥1500 of Metro and JR travel which can be used however you like. Travel into Tokyo is covered on the slightly slower Narita Express rather than the Keisei Skyliner train. You can also use the Suica card to purchase food from convenience stores.

These deals are only available at Narita, so you'll be able to make good savings on your travel around Tokyo by going for these on arrival, and also will be able to beat the queues at the JR Pass Exchange desk.

Hope this helps!

Mari, thank you very much. This is very helpful.

I love this tip... was just thinking the same questions, but now its all answered... Metro pass plus 7 days.. Japan here I come.

Glad I could help!

Mari, this one is not related to my original question, but since you seem to be quite familiar with Japan, I will
just go ahead and ask and try my luck :-)

I have one free day while in Osaka. I am debating whether I should do a day trip to Nara or Kobe. Which city
would you recommend.

Thanks again for your help.

:) not a problem haifeng

I think unless you have a specific thing to see in Kobe, I would recommend Nara. Other good alternatives for day trips from the Kansai area are Arashiyama, Hiroshima & Naoshima.

Hope this helps!