Narita-Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo-Narita

Hi there!

The JR Pass will cover the trip on the Narita Express from Narita airport to Shibuya and back. You'll also be able to use the JR Pass around Tokyo and to Maihama for the Disney resort. As the best way to Osaka from Tokyo with kids is on the bullet train, overall I think you'll save money with a 7 day pass.

Here is your cost comparison:

1. Narita airport terminal 2 > Shibuya: ¥3,110 (82mins, 92km)
2. Shibuya > Maihama: ¥380 (54mins, 26km)
3. Maihama > Osaka: ¥13,960 (231mins, 569km)
4. Osaka > Narita airport terminal 2: ¥16,250 (268mins, 634km)

JR ticket cost: ¥33,700 for 4 legs

• 7 day Japan Rail Pass (¥28,300) saving: ¥5,400

Note that I have assumed you'll stay inside the Disney resort rather than commuting between Shibuya, and have also not included any extra travel using the JR Pass around Tokyo (which could mean even more savings).

Don't forget that your 4yr old will be able to travel 100% for free on JR trains, bullet trains and the subways, so that should make getting around easier!

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the very detailed reply! I'm sosprry I forgot to mention we will be in japan for 13 days total. So the 7day jr pass won't cover our trip back to narita airport. Here's what I had in mind:

Day 1-2 around Tokyo
Day 3-4 Disney sea and Disney resort - will not stay inside the resort we will travel back to Tokyo daily
Day 5-7 Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo
Day 8-12 travel around Tokyo
Day 13 Tokyo - narita

Should I get the 14 day jr pass? If I just get he 7 day jr pass it will just be barely break even right (5,400 savings less 3110 trip back to narita). Would be very grateful for your advice!

Also, I am from Manila, Philippines. If I order online today, when will I receive the tickets/voucher? We leave on Nov 1.

Thank you so much!

Hi there!

If your itinerary is unchanged, then I can only recommend the 7 day pass to you for your period of travel down to Osaka. As you rightly point out, even then your savings will be small, though you will retain good travel flexibility. A 14 day pass will probably end up costing more than purchasing JR tickets.

However, your final decision should very much depend on what sort of travel you intend to do during day 8-12, and also during your trip to Osaka. For example, excellent day trips from Osaka are journeys to Kyoto, Nara and down to Hiroshima/Miyajima World Heritage Site. Similarly from Tokyo, a highly recommended day trip from Tokyo is to the Nikko World Heritage Site.

If these trips (or trips like them) were included in your itinerary then it would certainly mean a 14 day pass may become worthwhile:

1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Shibuya: ¥3,110 (85mins, 93km)
2. Shibuya > Maihama: ¥380 (54mins, 26km)
3. Maihama > Shibuya: ¥380 (51mins, 26km)
4. Shibuya > Maihama: ¥380 (54mins, 26km)
5. Maihama > Shibuya: ¥380 (51mins, 26km)
6. Shibuya > Osaka: ¥13,750 (210mins, 556km)
7. Osaka > Hiroshima: ¥10,150 (104mins, 345km)
8. Hiroshima > Kyoto: ¥10,990 (126mins, 380km)
9. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13,420 (161mins, 513km)
10. Tokyo > Nikko: ¥5,630 (121mins, 150km)
11. Nikko > Tokyo: ¥5,630 (117mins, 150km)
12. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥3,140 (58mins, 79km)

JR ticket cost: ¥67,340 for 12 legs

• 14 day Japan Rail Pass (¥45,100) saving: ¥22,240

Also, I just noticed that the link to the JR map in my last reply was broken - here's a working link!.

You can look up precise train timetables and costs at the Hyperdia travel planning website and learn how to use Hyperdia for JR Pass holders through our video blog.

Our Philippines delivery takes 2 business days, so if you were to place your order today, then your rail passes will be with you by Wednesday the 24th - in good time for your trip.

Hope this helps!

Thanks a bunch! I will get the 7 day pass as advised!

I already got the 7 day pass. Could you please tell me where I can exchange the voucher for an actual JR pass? We will be arriving 8:30pm at Narita Airport Terminal 1.

Thank you!

Sorry I meant TERMINAL 2 =) Thanks!

Hi there! You can check this map of the JR area in Narita Terminal 2. You should aim for the JR east travel service centre to exchange your voucher.

Hope this helps!

Can I order the jr pass online from the philippines and have it delivered to a friend in Tokyo instead? We are leaving on Thurs nod afraid with the postal system here it might not make it on time. Spending 13 days in Tokyo so I don't have to activate the pass until after 4 days from arrival.