Tokyo, Kyoto and Hokkaido

Hi there Ru chan,

Here is a little breakdown ticket prices.
Narita --> Shinjuku ¥ 3,110
Shinjuku --> Kyoto ¥ 13,220
Shinjuku Odawara, for Hakone (return) 6,260
Kyoto --> Kansai Airport ¥ 3,490
Shin-Chitose --> Sapporo
Sapporo --> Hakodate :¥ 8,790
Hakodate --> Noboribestu ¥ 6,900
Noboribestu --> Sapporo ¥ 4,560

For a total of ¥ 46,330 the 14-Day JRPass is 45,100 so you would save ¥ 2,340 this is excluding trips to Otaru and Muroran as you were not sure about them yet. Also you can use to JR-Pass on local JR-Lines in Tokyo to add to the savings.

For Hokkaido:
You can use the JR-Pass in Hokkaido but the Hokkaido pass can also be used. The 14-Day JR Pass is about 2000Yen cheaper than a 7-day JRPass + 3 day Hokkaido pass. However you would not be able to use it all days, so for instance the journey to Kansai Airport would not be covered. The 14Day Pass is probably the best option as it will cover all the days and give more flexibility.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hope this helps,

Hi Daniel.

Thanks for your reply and for finding me the prices for all my trips.
I was just wondering if the prices are including seat reservations? Because the couple we are travelling with would not be buying a JR pass like us, so if we want to sit together can we save money by not reserving seats?

Sorry just to clarify, if I buy the 14 day JR pass can I also use it to travel from Kyoto to Kansai airport?

Thanks for all your help.

Ru chan

Hi again,

Yes you can also use the pass on non reserved seats, these however are limited so you will have to come early to the train track to be sure of seating. Reservations usually cost 500 Yen for the Shinkansen and 250 Yen for a limited express. Seat reservations are Free if you use the JR-Pass.

Yes, you can use the Haruka limited express train that is very convenient and runs directly from Kyoto station to Kansai Airport in about 80 minutes for free with the JR-Pass

Enjoy your travels,
Daniel.

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your prompt reply. I've checked the train prices on Hyperdia but I'm still a little bit confused.

On the site it dispalys 2 prices: e.g. Tokyo to Kyoto; fare 7,980 and seat fee 5,540. Total cost 13,520.

So is 13,520 the complete train price we pay? The seat reservation is on top of this (but free to JR PASS holder)?

Many thanks,

Ru chan

Hi again,

Hyperdia can indeed be a little confusing. Someone else posted about this yesterday as well.

If you travel by Shinkansen or Limited express train you should look at the Total about that is made up of the fare and seat fee. The only case that a seat fee is not applicably is when you travel by local train.

The reservation fee is usually already included, you can see the price of a reserved seat and un reservedseat if you click on the part arrow window on the right of usefull links.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for explaining all this. It all makes sense now. Ok we'll be buying the 14 JR Pass for our trip.
Thanks for helping me plan my trip more smoothly and for your great advice.

Ru