Double‑checking 14‑day JR Pass route: Tokyo → Fuji → Takayama → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka → Tokyo + day trips

Hi everyone,

I am planning a 14‑day trip to Japan and would like to confirm if my planned routes are fully or partially covered by the Japan Rail Pass and if the 14‑day pass is truly worth the investment for this combination.

Main long‑distance routes (with JR Pass activated on 06/07)

Can you please confirm if all or only part of these routes are covered by the Japan Rail Pass 14‑day consecutive (valid 06/07–20/07), and suggest the best train options (for example local, Limited Express, Shinkansen tiers) where possible?

1. Tokyo → Fujikawaguchiko (Yamanashi) – 06/07

   • Routes possible:
     • Direct Limited Express Fuji Excursion (with extra fee for the non‑JR section)
     • JR trains with transfer and payment for the private line section
   • Question: Is the coverage and cost structure correctly described?

2. Fujikawaguchiko → Takayama – 08/07

   • Likely combination of JR lines and private bus;
   • Question: Is it correct to say only the JR operated segments are covered by the JR Pass (not the buses or private lines)?

3. Takayama → Kanazawa – 10/07

   • Hida limited express (Takayama → Toyama) plus JR train to Kanazawa
   • Question: Are these fully covered by the JR Pass?

4. Kanazawa → Kyoto – 12/07

   • Limited Express Thunderbird direct or JR via other routes
   • Question: Is this route fully covered by the JR Pass?

5. Kyoto → Hiroshima – 16/07

   • Via Shinkansen (Sanyo Line, Hikari/Kodama, not Nozomi/Mizuho)
   • Question: Is the 1h45–2h travel time realistic and fully covered?

6. Hiroshima → Osaka – 18/07

   • Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin‑Osaka, then possibly JR to Osaka Station
   • Question: Fully covered by JR Pass?

7. Osaka → Tokyo – 20/07

   • Shinkansen on Tokaido Line (Hikari/Kodama, not Nozomi)
   • Question: Is a 3h30 window a reasonable estimate for this route with the JR Pass?

Additional day trips using the JR Pass (where possible)

I will also do day trips from each city; can you confirm which of these are JR covered and whether they add value to the 14‑day pass?

• Takayama → Shirakawa-go (bus or train/bike combo)
• Kyoto → Kobe (JR Kobe Line option)
• Kyoto → Nara (JR Nara Line)
• Hiroshima → Miyajima (JR Sanyo Line plus ferry or tram)

Main question

Is a 14‑day Japan Rail Pass (06/07–20/07) truly worth it for this combination of long‑distance routes plus day trips, or would a shorter pass plus some regional passes (for example Kansai area, Hiroshima) be more efficient?

Any feedback on the best train options, realistic travel times, and potential savings for this itinerary would be very welcome. If you can highlight any risks or better alternatives (for example changing the activation date or skipping a leg), that would be extremely helpful.

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise!