Originally Posted by
Rusell
My questions are simple since I have already been to Tokyo twice and I already have a Suica card from last visit, so I will be using this for subways in Tokyo:
While i'm in the Osaka/Kyoto/Nara area, would it be better and cheaper to purchase a Kansai Area Pass instead then purchase a 7 day JR pass. Instead of buying a JR pass for 14 days to cover both Tokyo and Osaka areas.
If I were to buy a Kansai Area Pass, how many days access should I need 2,3 or 4 days?
Should I start my 7 day JR Pass on Day 6 so Hiroshima Shinkansen train is covered under the pass?
The math isn't difficult, either, just a bit time consuming. Friendly reminder to check
HyperDia | ???? ???? ??? ???? ??? ???????
Since you're flying to ITM, your larger transportation costs are just going to be
Day 6 Go to Hiroshima for the day from Osaka
Day 7 Travel to Tokyo on Shinkansen train, then settle into Hilton Tokyo
Day 11 Exploring Mt Fuji
Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima - 9,710 yen one way incl. Unreserved Seat Fee on Sakura (If riding with friends)
Shin-Osaka to Tokyo - 13,620 yen one way incl. Unreserved Seat Fee on Hikari
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/t...sai_hiroshima/ 13,500 for 5 days + 13,620 = 27120 + Fuji transportation
vs JR Pass 29,110 which I'd start on Day 6 or Day 2*
*Only you can estimate how much travel you and your friends will have around Kansai and if they'd insist on riding the Shinkansen between the cities for the novelty (and as JR Pass holders which wouldn't be covered under a Kansai Area Pass). The Rapid between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto is 560 yen but same route is 1,210 on Thunderbird or 1,420 on Kodama unreserved. Some JR West regional passes will cover the Thunderbird, none cover Shin-Osaka to Kyoto as it is a JR East Tokaido Shinkansen. An extra 3,000 to ride with your friends to Kyoto once doesn't warrant adding 7 days to a JR Pass. Just pay out of pocket, meet them in Kyoto Station taking a less expensive train, or start the JR Pass on Day 2.
Depending on where you go to see Mt. Fuji, you might wind up with surcharges on private rail lines
https://jprail.com/destinations/chub...o-mt-fuji.html
Haneda is less expensive to take the train but Narita isn't that costly if you take the 1000 yen bus.