2 weeks. Should I get a pass?

Hi there!

I think the idea to base yourself out of Kyoto makes a lot of sense - there's nothing worse than lugging baggage around while you are on holiday.

Looking at your itinerary without Hiroshima, I think I'd recommend purchasing a Haruka + ICOCA on arrival into Kansai to give you transport into Kyoto and some prepaid travel on the metro/JR with ICOCA card. After this, within Kansai it would really depend on the amount of travel you do as to whether a regional pass makes sense, but you should plan on purchasing single tickets up to Tokyo.

If you do include Hiroshima/Miyajima, then the situation gets a little more clear. Here are your rough costs:

1. Kansai airport > Kyoto: ¥3,690 (75mins, 99km)
2. Kyoto > Hiroshima: ¥10,990 (112mins, 380km)
3. Hiroshima > Kyoto: ¥10,990 (126mins, 380km)
4. Kyoto > Osaka: ¥540 (28mins, 42km)
5. Osaka > Kyoto: ¥540 (29mins, 42km)
6. Kyoto > Nara: ¥690 (44mins, 41km)
7. Nara > Kyoto: ¥690 (44mins, 41km)
8. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13,420 (161mins, 513km)
9. Tokyo > Otsuki: ¥2,860 (85mins, 87km)
10. Otsuki > Tokyo: ¥2,860 (76mins, 87km)
11. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥3,140 (58mins, 79km)

JR ticket cost: ¥50,410 for 11 legs

• 14 day Japan Rail Pass (¥45,100) saving: ¥5,310

As you can see, with Hiroshima a 14 day pass becomes a good choice. In addition to the savings you'll also have the flexibility to change plans and use the rail pass within Tokyo.

Please note that for Mt Fuji I have assumed you'll go to Kawaguchiko. The JR Pass will take you as far as Otsuki. From here you should use the non-JR Fujikyu lines up to Kawaguchiko itself (¥1110 each way).

On balance, if you include Hiroshima, a 14 day pass is a good idea. However if you do not include this leg, or are very firm in your plans, then a 14 day pass may not be the best choice.

Hope this helps!

Great! Thanks for all that info. I guess the final decision lies on whether or not we are going to Hiroshima. :)

Yep - you got it :)