Best rail option for 12-day trip to Japan in January 2025

Hello Monika,

I would recommend using a 7-day JR Pass from 14–20 January. I suggest activating your passes at the airport upon arrival, as exchange offices are only available at major JR stations.

Please find a full list of JR Pass exchange offices here.

Kind Regards,

Mariko

Dear Mariko,

Thank you for your recommendation. I would like to confirm that you recommend that we should purchase individual train tickets for the trip from Tokyo to Hakone on Jan 13 and then use the 7-day pass for the remainder of our itinerary. Is this correct?

Also, when you say "activating your passes" is this the same as "purchasing our passes" or is there something we should purchase before we arrive in Japan.

Thank you so much!
Monika

Hi Monika,

Getting the JR Pass is two fold:
1.) You buy your JR Pass voucher
2.) Once in Japan, you exchange/activate your voucher for the JR Pass - this is when your travel starts.

I also had a look at your travel plans, but the cost of a pass would be higher than a trip Hakone - Kyoto/Osaka - Tokyo. If budget is your main concern, then buying tickets out of pocket would likely be a better option.

Kind regards,
Daniel

Hi Daniel-san,

You and Mariko have been so helpful. Thank you for clarifying things.

One last question. To purchase the 7-day JR Pass voucher, I will do this on your website. Is that correct?

Thank you,
Monika

Hi Monika,

Yes, you can place your order here.

I hope this helps!

Kind Regards,

Mariko