Hi All,
Have a similar enough question to OP that I thought it would be okay to post here. Mods feel free to move if needed.
Have a first time to Japan 12 day trip coming up in March.
Cities:
- Tokyo (3 nights)
- Kyoto (4 nights)
- Miyajima (1 night)
- Hiroshima (2 nights)
- Tokyo (1 night)
Skinkansen Trips:
- Tokyo Kyoto
- Kyoto Miyajima/Hiroshima
- Hiroshima Tokyo
1) It appears that for this routing we will be using the Nozomi Line, Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen's. Is this correct?
1.5) Out of curiosity it appears there is a name change from Tokaido to Sanyo (and back) on leg between Kyoto and Hiroshima. Why? Just curious. All appears to be in JR West.
2) Looking at the map provided in the link above, it appears that this trip spans JR East, JR Central, and JR West...even if just a bit in JR East. Is this correct?
I used the rail calculator linked above to determine if a JR Pass makes financial sense and this (below) says it does not. Not included in this calculation is the cost of our local trains. I am unsure the cost of what we'll spend on local "in city" transportation doing typical tourist things.
3) Can anyone provide an affirming or dissenting opinion regarding potential value of JR Pass for this trip?
I am generally of the opinion that "booking direct" is best and I like to avoid 3rd party intermediaries when possible. I created an account with SmartEx, and have downloaded their app. I have also added/funded a digital Suica card in my Apple Wallet. It appears I can link my digital Suica card in the SmarEx app allowing what I understand to be greater flexibility for physically accessing/using any Shinkansen tickets I purchase in app. My understanding of Klook is that the main advantage it provides is a greater window for booking in advanced (90 vs 30 days) and a better UI.
4) Is my understanding of the above correct?
5) Finally, it will be my wife and I (2 adults) traveling together. If I elect to use the SmartEx app to buy individual Shinkansen tickets does it make sense for me to buy both tickets on my phone? Or would it be easier in the moment for my wife to have her own individual SmartEx app and ticket on her phone so we would each person our own individual tickets on our individual phones?
Thanks all. I sincerely appreciate your help.
JR Rail Pass Calculation