Tokyo-Kyoto trip

Hi there!

The JR Pass covers all travel between Narita Airport - Tokyo and Tokyo - Kyoto by Shinkansen. In addition you can also use the JR Pass on local JR lines in Tokyo and around Kyoto making for very convenient travel. The price of a 7 day JR Pass about the same as a normal return ticket between Tokyo - Kyoto, so you would be making savings for sure!

Do note that the JR Pass can only be purchased outside of Japan, you can order one online here.

I hope this helps and have a pleasant journey!
Daniel

Thank you so much for your help! One last question - will the JR Pass get us on the high speed or bullet train to Kyoto? We'd like to get there as quick as possible. Thanks again.

Yes the JR Pass covers the Shinkansen (bullet rail) to Kyoto. You can either use the Hikari to get there in around 160 minutes. It's a very smooth ride!

Wonderful! Thanks. :)

Can you please let me know if we need to or should order our train tickets before arriving? We get there the morning of Monday, January 6th, and I'm assuming we can just trade in our mailed passes for the tickets and book right then to train from the Narita airport to Kyoto without having to wait a few hours till a train is available. Thanks very much!

Hi Again!

You don't have to reserve tickets before you arrive in Japan. January 6th is past the heavy holiday travel period and getting seats should not be a problem at all. So yes, you can exchange your JR Pass directly at Narita Airport and start using it right away.

Happy Holidays!