Travelling to Japan? A JR Pass might not be what you’re looking for, read on to find out!
Train travel is one of the quintessential experiences when travelling in Japan so it’s no surprise a JR Pass might be the first thing you look to get.
Travelling via Japan rail can be really pricey — a single 2.5hr trip from Tokyo to Osaka via the Shinkansen will set you back ¥14,720 (~S$150). But that also means if planned out well, you can get a lot more value than what you pay for a JR Pass.
Other than Whole Japan JR Passes, there are regional passes which can be half the price of the Whole Japan JR Pass.
During an eight-day trip exploring the Kansai region, we travelled with the 5 Day Kansai-Hiroshima JR Pass (~S$148) and managed to cover nine cities while saving a total of ¥20,880 (~S$206) — as compared to travelling on single-trip tickets.
Unlimited rides on the Shinkansen aside, some JR passes also cover unlimited transport on the local JR Trains, JR ferries as well as JR buses.
The biggest problem though is planning your route and deciding which of the 20 over different JR passes you should get. Follow these nine steps and you’ll never have to google elsewhere for answers to your JR Pass.
JR Pass Itineraries:
5 Day Kansai Hiroshima Pass: 8-Day Japan Itinerary: 9 Cities in Kansai for under S$900 — Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okunoshima, Naoshima, Kyoto, Nara
7 Day Whole Japan JR Pass: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto
7 Day Whole Japan JR Pass: 8-Day Japan Winter Itinerary For Less Than S$1.2k — Tokyo, Fox Village, Kawaguchi, Nagano Snow Monkey Park, Takayama, Shirakawago, Osaka.
1) Plan Your Route
Photo credit: Japan-guide
Which cities would you like to visit? If two or more fall under Shinkansen lines that aren’t adjacent to each other, chances are, you will require a Whole Japan JR Pass.
The most common route for this pass is a round trip from Tokyo to Osaka because that alone will exceed the cost you pay for the JR Pass.
2) Decide on Your JR Pass
Whole Japan VS Regional JR Passes
There are over 20 different JR Passes — with varying days, time flexibility and regions covered. Most people gravitate towards the Whole Japan JR Pass — you get unlimited rides on most of the JR trains and free seat reservations. But it also comes with a hefty price tag of ¥30,000–60,000 (~S$292–596).
Whole Japan JR Passes: 7 days, 14 days, 21 days (all Whole Japan JR Passes are for consecutive days only)
If you’re planning to cover cities across different regions e.g. Tokyo in the Kanto region and Osaka in the Kansai region, the Whole Japan JR Pass is the only pass that covers this journey.
Read also: 10-Day Japan Itinerary — Tokyo to Osaka With the JR Pass for S$1.1k
Japan is huge and perhaps the best way to really get the most out of your trip is to explore in regions. If you plan your route well and know the specific areas you’d like to cover, the regional passes are definitely more cost-effective.
Here are some of the key regional passes to check out:
*Pro-tip: Still can’t decide on which JR pass to get? Use this handy tool on Klook — select the areas you’re travelling to and hit “search”, it’ll show you the various options available!
3) Purchase Your JR pass in Singapore
Plan at least two weeks ahead before your trip and order your passes online via Klook — they’re definitely cheaper than getting from Japan.
Some passes like the Whole Japan JR Pass will require a physical exchange voucher (received via mail in Singapore) while others can be collected straight in Japan by showing an electronic exchange voucher. More on collection in point (6).
4) Use Japan Travel by Navitime to Plan Your Routes
Some trains don’t arrive frequently so failing to plan your route can result in a 1-2 hour wait at the station (when you could spend the time exploring instead). While Google maps does a pretty good job when you’re on the go, it doesn’t show you which transport pass is valid for which trains.
On the other hand, Japan Travel by Navitime has a Tourist Pass option so you can plan your route accordingly to the train pass you have. It also shows the train timetable as well as other transport options like buses, taxis, and ferries. What’s more, the service is free and comes as a website and app (available on iPhone/Android)!
*Pro-tip: Use the app instead of the website as the app will show you additional details such as which train platform number and carriage to board from.
5) Trains covered by JR Pass
When searching for trains via Japan Travel, you’re likely to see different types of Shinkansen trains with varying durations such as Nozomi/Mizuho, Hikari and Kodama.
Nozomi trains are the fastest as they make the least stops, followed by Hikari and Kodama which stops at every station. JR Pass holders are only allowed on Hikari and Kodama trains. To get an idea, here are the stops each train makes from Tokyo to Osaka.
Nozomi (2.5hrs): Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka
Hikari (3hrs): Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka
Kodama (4hrs): Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Mishima, Shinfuji, Shizuoka, Kakegawa, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi, Mikawa-Anjo, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka
6) Collecting Your JR Pass in Japan
Whole Japan JR Pass: Prepare your passport and physical exchange voucher (mailed to your address in Singapore) and head to the nearest JR Travel Service Centre. There’s usually one at the airport and major stations like Tokyo or Shin-Osaka station. You will be asked when you’d like to activate the pass so you can collect it first and have it start later on the trip.
Regional JR Pass: You’ll need to confirm when booking but most JR West Passes don’t require a physical exchange order. If you’re ordering from Klook, it will be sent to you electronically once the booking is confirmed. Afterwhich, head to the collection counter with your QR code ready in hand. These passes only activate on your first ride out.
Things to note:
1) Physical exchange order — Klook no longer has a pick-up option. You have to book 14 days in advance and it’ll be mailed to you.
2) Electronic exchange order — You’ll receive it via email or on the Klook app, attached with a QR code.
*Pro-tip: For a fuss-free method, you can also use the green-ticketing machines at certain train stations to redeem your regional JR Passes by scanning the QR code.
7) Making Seat Reservations
Seat reservations can only be made when you have collected your JR pass and are free for Whole Japan JR pass holders. Regional JR pass holders might need to pay a top-up fee for reservations, depending on the type of pass.
To reserve, just head to any “Travel Services”, “Train Reservation”, or green ticketing machines at any major JR station with your start/end station and time.
If you have a change of plans, changes/cancellations to the reservation are free for Whole Japan JR pass holders.
8) Entering the Station With Your JR Pass
You no longer need to show your JR pass to the ticketing officer to enter the station (for both Whole Japan and Regional JR pass holders). Now, simply insert your ticket into the gantry machine and walk in!
Note that JR Stations are separate from the local metros so if you’re travelling on a metro, you’ll need to exit and locate a separate JR Station gantry.
9) Finding The Right Platform And Seat
At the entrance gantry, look out for the large overhanging electronic board. This will tell you what platform your train is at.
Once you’re on the right platform, the electronic boards here will tell you which “cars” are for non-reserved ticket holders. Always check the time of departure because there are always multiple trains departing from the same platform.
If you have reserved tickets, check the Car number on the floor. This could be different for different trains (e.g. Hikari or Kodama).
If you arrive early and would like to queue up for non-reserved seats, there are usually at least two separate queues. Check the edge of the platform to make sure you’re in the right queue.
Other frequently asked questions about JR Pass
1) Osaka Station Vs Shin-Osaka Station
You might realise some of the stations has “Shin” in front such as Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe, which are in fact different stations from Osaka and Kobe Station.
Local lines can bring you to the Shin-xxx stations but the Shinkansen will leave from the Shin-xxx station. When you arrive at Shin-Osaka via a local train, you will need to enter a separate gantry for the Shinkansen platform.
Dotonbori, Osaka – A Gastronomic’s heaven
2) Ordinary Car Vs Green Car
Green Car basically means more premium and spacious seats, which are usually available on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Tokkyū (limited express) trains. Kind of like first-class seats on flights.
Honestly the Ordinary cars are already quite spacious and comfy but if you’re holding on to an Ordinary Car Japan Rail Pass and would like to experience the Green Car, you can pay a top-up fee at the JR counters for a single upgrade too.
FAQs about Whole Japan JR Pass
1) I’m travelling from Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto – Tokyo and nothing else in between. Is it still worth getting a Whole Japan JR Pass?
Yes! Just the round trip between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto is worth the 7 Day Whole Japan JR Pass. But on top of the two rides, you’ll be able to use the pass on local JR trains or buses in each city.
If you’re flying in from Tokyo and out from Osaka (or vice-versa), it might make more sense to purchase a single Shinkansen ticket (¥14,720) and get a regional pass instead. Check out our eight-day Kansai itinerary for more ideas! 🙂
2) Does the JR Pass cover the ride from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station/Kansai Airport to Osaka station?
Yes to both! From Narita (NRT), you can take the JR Narita Express (NEX) and reach Tokyo station in 53 minutes for free. However, if you plan to activate your JR pass later in the trip, a cheaper (& faster) alternative is the Keisei Skyliner (41 minutes to Tokyo Main Station).
From Kansai (KIX), both the Kansai Airport Rapid Service (65 minutes to Osaka Station) and the Limited Express Haruka (50 minutes to Shin-Osaka) are covered by the JR Pass. If you’re travelling to/from the airport without your JR pass, pre-book the Nankai Line Airport Express instead. It only takes 35 minutes from Namba station and costs ~S$11 on Klook.
3) Should I begin my trip from Tokyo or Osaka?
For me, the biggest deciding factor was whether I’m there for USJ in Osaka or the Tokyo Disney Parks. Since these parks take up an entire day and you won’t be using the JR Pass that day, it makes sense to activate the pass later when you’re leaving the city because these train rides will cost more.
Can’t decide which theme park to check out? Read our extensive theme park guides to find out more!
Universal Studios Japan: The Ultimate USJ Guide And Tips To Planning A Magical Experience — Universal Studios Japan
Tokyo Disney Parks: The Ultimate Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea Guide — 11 Tips & Tricks to Maximising your Tokyo Disney day
Fuji Q Highland: The Best Roller Coasters in Japan Most Tourists Miss — Fuji Q Highland Guide
We hope you found this JR Pass Guide useful especially for those residing in Singapore!
Let us know in the comments sections below if we missed out anything you’d like to know about travelling with Japan Rail Passes. That way we can keep the guide up to date! 🙂
This post was brought to you by Klook.
Hi,
Its my 1st time booking JR pass from Klook from Singapore.
May I ask what is the date to choose when booking? The date to collect the E-voucher or the date reached in Japan to collect the JR Pass? If to collect in Singapore, where and when to collect prior to travel?
For using the promo code, how can I use it for everyone in the trip individually?
Do I have to download the Klook app on their phone and purchase?
Or can i go to the Klook website on desktop to book individually?
Hope you can help to share your experience with me.
Thank You.
Hi,
Thanks for writing in! The date selected on Klook is the collection of the exchange voucher from Klook’s office. They will also prompt you to select a collection time after picking the date. The office address can be found on the product page.
The pass will only be activated when you take your first ride with the actual pass (collected at the JR station in Japan using the exchange voucher). So you can actually collect it up to 90 days before your trip begins.
The promo code only works on the account’s very first order so to fully maximise the code, it’d be better to get everyone to book with their own accounts. It works on both the app and on desktop too; you just need to sign-in to the respective accounts.
Hope that helps!
Hi, I’d like to ask about the Whole Japan JR pass.
My family is planning to start from Tokyo, since flight tickets have already been bought, then move to kyoto or osaka. Was wondering if the 7day pass would be enough, since we’re planning on spending around 5-7days in tokyo then spending another week between kyoto and osaka. And for the passes, are they consecutive day passes like once u activate it u have 7 days to use it from activation date or are they the type where within 14days u can use it for 7 seperate days.
Hey Charissa,
You might find this article helpful: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-budget-guide-jr-pass-tokyo-to-osaka/
It covers a 10D itinerary starting from Tokyo and covers Kyoto and Osaka. The trick is to only activate the pass when you’re done with Tokyo so you can use it for the longer journeys which are more expensive. And yes, the Whole Japan Pass runs consecutively from the day you first use it.
Additional question ^^””, but would it be cheaper if i took the regional passes for kyoto, osaka and use the normal railway or fly over to osaka form tokyo?
Not too sure about flights but if you’re only planning to travel 1 way from Tokyo to Osaka then it definitely makes more sense to buy a single ticket for around ¥13,000 and a Kansai thru pass which covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe as well as the airport ride to Kansai Airport in Osaka.
Cherie, cu went to tokyo right? cld u share bt hw u travelled within tokyo? or hw ur friends or anyone u know travelled when they were there?
Hi,
I am thinking of getting “7 Day Whole Japan Rail Pass” from Klook due to their $20 promotion discount. My question is how reliable is their Exchange Order (MCO). Is there anyway I can verify the authenticity of the MCO before I fly to Japan?
Rgds,
K K Chua
Hi Chua!
We have used it personally and so have many of our readers. Klook is an official partner so they will not be any problems!
Hi, if I purchase a kansai Hiroshima pass from Klook, do I need to fill up an exchange order? I thought I must provid traveler info beforehand I can redeem the physical pass at KIX airport? Thanks!
Hello! JR Passes can be quite complicated and inconsistent in terms of their collection and usage. For the Kansai Hiroshima Pass from Klook (https://www.klook.com/activity/3278-5-day-jr-kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-jr-pass/?utm_campaign=SG-TTI-WEBSITE-ARTICLE&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=3278&aid=312), we didn’t need to fill up an exchange order. We simply collected the actual pass at the airport by showing the staff our Klook confirmation.
This guide might come in useful too! https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/
Hi,
I need your advice on my japan tour. I follow my hubby for his business from 25th Jan2018- 2 nd feb 2018 From 2nd feb , we plan to go osaka n kyoto n depart on 4th feb to Hiroshima becoz our return flt is Sin-hiroshima-sin
Kindly help me on what type of jr pass i nd to buy so that i can travel to osaka, kyoto n other places of intetest around hiroshima when my hubby is at work. What type of jr pass he needs to buy to travel to kyoto , osaka and back to hiroshima
Appreciate your kind reply
Thank you so much
Cheers
Lilian
Hi Lilian,
We suggest using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass!
You can also find more information in our post here.
https://thetravelintern.com/jr-pass-japan-budget-itinerary-osaka-hiroshima-kyoto/
Hi Travel Intern, hope you can help advice which Pass to get.
I will arrive in Nagoya and plan to go to Takayama, Ainokura, Kanazawa, Uji, Hiroshima and Osaka.
Do you suggest I get the Whole Japan Pass? Or is there a more economical way ?
Thanks
Hi An Lim! I think based on your situation you should get the Whole Japan Pass to access those areas!
thanks
Hi I’m landing in Tokyo and stay for ard 3-4days then Osaka then Kyoto, the whole trip is exactly 7days. Flying back to Sg from kansai airport.
Is it better for the route to be tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto or Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka?
Also can u advise from the itinerary, which jr pass to get? Thanks a lot
Hi, the only JR pass that covers the route from Tokyo to Osaka is the 7 day whole JR Pass (http://bit.ly/2r1PZsL). However, if you’re only travelling from Tokyo to Osaka one-way, you won’t be able to get the full value you’ll be paying for other than the convenience of buying single tickets while travelling on JR lines within Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka as well as the ride from Tokyo to Osaka.
Regarding which city to begin from, unless you’re bounded by the 7 day pass, this doesn’t really matter anymore. If you’re planning to get the pass, I would suggest starting from the city you’d like to spend more time in so you can activate the pass only when leaving the city. e.g. If I plan to spend an entire day in Tokyo Disneysea, I would begin from Tokyo so that day wouldn’t be wasted on the JR Pass. Have you seen our Tokyo to Osaka itinerary? this might be useful: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-budget-guide-jr-pass-tokyo-to-osaka/
Hi if im travelling one way form Tokyo to Osaka, which pass will be applicable to me!m? And would it make sense for me to get a pass?
Hi Tim! If you are only doing Tokyo to Osaka, it won’t! However if you do lots of day trips from Tokyo, then take a one way trip to Osaka, it will! Check out this post where we did something similar.
https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-budget-itinerary/
Hello Travel Intern,
Thanks so much for this site. I would like your advice on whats the best for our itinerary.
7/4/18 Arrival at Narita at 8 am. Intend to travel direct to Osaka on same day
10/4/18 Osaka to Kyoto
13/4/18 Kyoto to Tokyo
21/4/18 Depart from Tokyo
Is the 1 week JR pass the best for us in view of our schedule above?
If we get the 1 week JR pass and activate it on 7/4/18, we can use the Narita Express to Tokyo and thereafter take the Shinkansen to Osaka as well? The JR pass covers Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo but wont be able to take us from Tokyo to airport on our departure day. What is the most economical way to get from Tokyo to Narita? Is using the Skyliner from Tokyo to Narita a good alternative in our case?
Many thanks
Shirley
Yes! The round trip from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto to Osaka itself is worth the value of the JR Pass.
The NEX will bring you to Tokyo station where you can transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Osaka.
For Tokyo back to the airport, this would be the cheapest option at ¥2200 instead of ¥3000 for the NEX: http://bit.ly/2nUYotB (it leaves from Ueno station)
Hi Travel Intern!
We are bound for Japan on May 21-26. Entry- Tokyo Exit-Osaka.
is purchasing a JR Pass worth it? if it’s not, what can u recommend as an alternative? Thank you.
Hi Triz,
It will only be worth if you are doing lots of day trips out of Tokyo before travelling to Osaka. If you are only using it as one way transport from Tokyo to Osaka not really!
Here’s an example of us doing day trips then travelling from Tokyo to Osaka.
https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-budget-itinerary/
can’t i use the JR Pass when i roam around Tokyo? example Asakusa to Shibuya to Disneyland?
can’t i use the JR Pass when i roam around Tokyo? example Asakusa to Shibuya to Disneyland?
Hi Travel Intern,
I have a question about the Shinkansen seat reservation. We would be travelling to Aomori for a day during the peak season on 29 April. Planning to board the northbound train at 6:32am and return by 7pm. Is it possible for me to reserve the seats from here in Singapore? Just to make sure we can board the first train northbound. Or our only way of reservation is when we reach Narita airport on 28 and ask for it?
I’m just concerned since it’s peak season. Hope you can help me on this. Thanks!
Hi JD, it’s only possible to reserve at the JR Station when you arrive on the 28 after activating/validating your JR Pass.
Hi, need some advise on Whole JR Pass. Intended to visit Mt Fuji & Gotemba in Tokyo then take a shinkansen to Hakodate , then to Sapporo. Do you think its worth it than a flight? Is all these routes covered in the Whole JR Pass. TIA for your advise.
Hi Joan, yup the route is covered by the Whole JR Pass. I’m not too sure about whether the cost is worth it as we didn’t take that route, but I think you can find out via http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
Hi, I will like your advice on which passes should we get for our itinerary, or getting the whole JR pass will be more worthwhile? Activating it when on the 7th-13th?
6/11/18 Arrival at Haneda at 6am
7/11/18 Tokyo to Kyoto
10/11/18 Kyoto to Osaka
13/11/18 Osaka to Tokyo
15/11/18 Departure from Haneda
much appreciated
Hi Shin!
I think as long as you take the Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo route the Whole JR Pass will be worth it.
https://www.klook.com/activity/1420-7-day-whole-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass?aid=312
ok much appreciated. we will be adding in Kyoto as well, so it will be worth it .
Hi =) Could you kindly advise if the 7 day whole japan rail pass is the best for me? I am arriving at Narita Airport (Tokyo) and will only be travelling to Kyoto. After Kyoto I will travelling back to Tokyo for the remainder of my trip. Am I right to assume that in Kyoto I would have to use Suica as the JR pass would not be able to be used on the local buses & etc.? Once my JR pass expires when I am back in Tokyo, I can just use the Suica to travel around Tokyo?
8th Nov – Arrive at Narita Airport at 9pm
10th – Going to Kyoto on the earliest train
12th – Going to Tokyo on the last train
18th – Leaving Narita Airport back to SG
Yup, as long as you’re travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto both ways, the 7-day JR Pass will be worth it!
The JR pass can also be used on the local JR trains/buses but the Suica/Icoca cards can be used on all the transports including the local subway companies. Here’s what I would do:
8th — Activate the JR pass and take the NEX from Narita to Tokyo
8 – 14th — Use the JR pass on the train from Tokyo – Kyoto – Kyoto as well as local JR trains & buses (lots in Kyoto)
15th – 18th — You can get a 72 hour Subway pass for travelling within Tokyo
I recenty got a JR pass to travel around in Hiroshima. When I travelled from Hiroshima to Kyoto, I was asked to top up because from Osaka to Kyoto is NOT covered by JR pass!
That’s strange! Was it a Whole Japan JR pass or was it a regional area pass?
We’ve travelled with the Kansai Hiroshima Area pass and that covered our journey from Hiroshima to Kyoto. This map shows the area of coverage: http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/
The only reason why you might have been charged is if you were on a Nozomi/Mizuho train because those are not covered by the JR Pass (more in point #5)
I need your assistance to advise which train pass should I get if I intend to go to these places:
1. Dotonbori
2. Universal studio
3. Rinku outlet
4. Osaka castle
5. Aquarium
6. Winter ski & snowboarding
7. Nara park
Hi Jasni, I don’t think you need any JR Passes based on what you are going. The single train rides will be cheaper. However if you are doing many activities in Osaka you might want to consider the Osaka Amazing Pass which includes transport within Osaka.
https://www.klook.com/activity/1323-amazing-pass-osaka/?aid=312
Hi
I’m target to do all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Next Saturday I will travel from Osaka to Mie, Shiga, Tsuruga (Fukui ken)
Can I use JR pass for these routes?
Then from Tokyo to All Tohoku (except Yamagata which I have been)
wow nice, I hope to do that one day too! I’ve never been to Mie, Shiga and Tsuruga but I’m sure there are JR trains to these cities. To be sure, you might want to double check the routes on Hyperdia: http://www.hyperdia.com/
Not too sure how long it will take to cover all 47 prefectures but the maximum number of days the JR pass covers is 21 which is probably the most value for money pass because it’s only ~$33/day compared to the 7 day pass at ~S$50/day!
All the best on your trip!
Hi Cherrie, a lot of people asking about the JR Pass, but I think you deserve praise for your wonderful and very informative posts 🙂 thanks for sharing! I am going first-time to Japan and covering Tokyo-Nagano-Kyoto-Osaka and your posts are super helpful. I am excited to explore the places you went to also. More support to you 🙂
Aww thanks Eminess! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
I just want to say thanks to Admin who sharing very useful information to each of us. Many people are getting confused about JS pass and for this purpose, this post is very helpful for them. Now if we talk about the country Singapore, so we all know that this is one of the most exquisite travel destinations which offer a lot of amazing adventures to the travellers. But it is only enjoyable for those who take with them all the important things for making the journey convenient and for survival in the conditions. First of all, you can start by making your holiday bookings online with the Klook Promo Code on great discounts to ensure everything gets managed well in advance. The second thing and very important thing is that to do for preparation is packing your stuff for the trip.
Hi! Planning my 9 days trip to Japan and I’m quite confused as to when I’ll activate my JR pass so that on my last day I’ll be able to use it for the Narita Express. I’ll be in Japan from May 20-28. I plan to stay 5 days in Tokyo and 4 (or 3) days in Osaka. Thank you in advance!
You can get it activated on the 22nd then. That way you can use the pass on the JR lines during your last 3 days in Tokyo, the long ride from Tokyo to, Osaka and back to Tokyo airport. Don’t forget to get your exchange your voucher for the actual pass when you arrive in Tokyo! Head to any JR East Travel Service Centre and let them know when you’d like to start using the pass so they can stamp and validate the pass.
Thank you so much Cherie! Definitely cleared this out for me! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this useful information with us. Keep share, we would like to hear more from you.
Hello, planning a 2 week trip to Japan next year, landing in Osaka (2 nights) and travelling to Kyoto (4 nights), Nagano(2 nights) then Tokyo (6 nights) and flying from Tokyo. I have an itinerary planned but would require a pass for just 8/9 days which is not possible with the JR pass. Is it worth getting the trips separately? or paying for Osaka – Kyoto and using a pass from leaving there? or extending my Osaka stay and reducing my Tokyo stay to use the pass for just the 7 days? I feel the 14 day pass is too much for what I need.
Hi Hayley, paying the Osaka–Kyoto separately might be a good option! It’s only ¥500 (~S$6) so you can save on that journey and use it on the longer routes like Kyoto–Nagano and Nagano–Tokyo. Get a reloadable card such as the ICOCA (in Osaka) to supplement your JR Pass. You can also get the 24,48 or 72 hour Tokyo Subway Pass (it’s more useful than the JR Pass for getting around Tokyo).
Hi! Very informative article.
I’m going to spend 13D12N only at OSAKA/KYOTO.
Other than Kobe, is there any other places near Osaka/Kyoto that worth a 1-day visit?
Here’s my current planned route.
20/12 – KIX- KYOTO.
22/12 – KYOTO – NARA – KYOTO
25/12 – KYOTO – OSAKA
26/12 – Universal Studio
30/12 – OSAKA – KOBE – OSAKA
1/1 – OSAKA – KIX
Need some advice on which pass should I get.
Thanks for helping, much appreciated!
Hi Chien, have you seen this Kansai Itinerary? We did this with the 5-day Kansai-Hiroshima Pass but if you’re not going as far west, a cheaper alternative is the JR West Kansai Pass which comes in 1,2,3 or 4 days. The journey between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara isn’t very expensive so perhaps a reloadable ICOCA card might be more cost efficient.
Since you have quite a number of days there, I’d highly recommend checking out Naoshima and Teshima Island (these can be done on a day trip from Osaka). Hope this was useful! 🙂
Hi Cherie, hope you are doing well.
We are looking to travel to Tokyo-Hokkaido-Niseko from 21-30 Nov. We will land in Narita airport on 21 Nov and roam around in Tokyo 4 days, will visit Disneyland (Day2) & DisneySea (Day3). Planning to take JR train to Hakodate then self drive to Niseko and flight back from Chitose airport. Will it be worth it to buy the 6days JR East – South Hokkaido Japan rail pass? Thanks in advance
Hey Felicia,
a single trip between tokyo to Hakodate is already ¥23,500 so the pass might be worthwhile if you plan to take further day trips from Tokyo! However, if you only plan to stay in Tokyo, perhaps get the Tokyo Subway pass instead! the 72hr option is only ~$15 and covers more areas within tokyo that the JR trains might not cover. Then get a single ticket between tokyo to Hakodate.