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Which passes (JR & Regional) is recommended?

Jacklyn L
Jacklyn L
almost 2 years ago
1 answer

Hello Daniel-san,

We will be visiting Japan for the first time in late March this year. Expert advice is needed and greatly appreciated.
Below is our itinerary:

Tokyo - 4 nights (with daytrips to Kamakura/Yokohama & Nikko)
Nagoya- 2 nights (with daytrips to Shirakawa-go & Matsumoto castle)
Kyoto & Osaka - 5 nights (with daytrips to Nara park, Himeji castle, Hikone Castle)
Back to Tokyo - 3 night (1 overnight in Mt. Fuji area)

  1. For Tokyo days, should we get passes or IC cards for subway? If so, which ones?
  2. We have luggage (240cm), is it easy to obtain seats with big luggage on shinkansen in ordinary cars during Cherry blossom season? Which JR pass do you recommend Ordinary or Green, 7 or 14 days? Is JR pass upgradable?
  3. Do you recommend to use takuhaibin for hotel to hotel? Is this one day delivery service from Tokyo to Kyoto?
  4. For Kyoto & Osaka days, should we get Regional pass for bus & subway? If so, which ones?
  5. Which navigation apps is best besides Google which does not distinguish JR pass routes?
  6. Do you think our daytrips schedule is doable?

Thank you in advance!

avatar
Daniel-san
18919 posts
almost 2 years ago
Expert

Hi Jacklyn,

1.) I highly recommend reading this article about Suica and IC cards. It will answer your question better than I can :)

2.) It depends on different factors, including your budget. Personally, I really enjoy the Green Car for the extra peace and comfort it offers. Suitcase reservations can be made at the time of reserving your seats, and should be no problem at all when doing a day or two ahead of time.

3.) It depends (again!) but can be a great help if you have luggage and don't want to carry it with you all the time. Especially, when you may be making stops during your trip to sightsee on a single day.

4.) Day passes usually pay off when you use the metro at least 4 times on a single day. So consider getting one if you plan to do so. They can be got directly from the ticket vending machine.

5.) See: https://www.jrpass.com/blog/hyperdia-alternatives-how-to-plan-for-jr-pass-travel

6.) Yes, for sure! But do plan your timetable ahead for time for the day, so you know then the last train/bus is and you don't get stuck anywhere.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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