How to ensure correct trains are used

Sutaylor

over 9 years ago

2 answers

We are going to Japan for 2 weeks from 25 March 2017. Our itinerary is as follows:

We fly into Tokyo, stay there for a few days then go to Nikko for 1 night, then Hakone for 1 night, then Kamakura, then Shirakawago, Kyoto, Mount Koya and Osaka. We fly out of Osaka.

As far as I can tell I am able to use the JR pass everywhere except that it only takes us half way to Nikko and Hakone. We can also not use it to go to Shirakawago, It also doesn't work on Mount Koya, but we can get to Mount Koya with it.

Is this correct?

Then my next question is, is there an app or something we can check that only gives us the option to use JR trains, as how do we ensure that we are using the correct trains?

Kind Regards
Susan

Daniel-san

19375 posts

7666 likes

over 9 years ago

Hi Susan,

The JR Pass covers travel to Nikko, Hakone (but not within Hakone), Kamakura, Kyoto and Osaka. As well as on local trains.

The following locations have limitations:

Shirakawago, the JR Pass covers the train to Takayama or Kanazawa, however from there you have to use the Nohi bus, which is not covered.

Koya-san, the JR Pass covers travel to Osaka or even Hashimoto station. From there the Nankai railway is required for travel to Koya.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

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Sutaylor

2 posts

0 likes

over 9 years ago

Hi Daniel

Thanks so much for your reply, very helpful

Is there a website that would only give us the options of trains to use on the JR pass or is that something you need to check yourself?

Kind Regards
Susan

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sseijiis

30 posts

13 likes

over 9 years ago

Hi,

Do you know websites http://www.hyperdia.com/ and https://www.rome2rio.com/?
In addition to helping you find transportation options, including the JR, schedules and boarding platforms.

Good trip

Obs. Despite speaking Japanese, I always copied the screen (from the iPhone) with the route and schedule to avoid mistakes!

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Daniel-san

19375 posts

7666 likes

over 9 years ago

Hi Susan,

I agree with the advice from sseijiis, these are very good options.

An alternative is using the App by Navi.

See:
https://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/navitime-japan-launches-app-displaying-train-routes-for-travel-when-using-japan-rail-pass

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