Hello,

We have an upcoming trip August 27-31 where we arrive Narita and have to transfer to Osaka on the same day, then move to Kyoto on the 28th and back to Osaka on the 30th before flying out of Osaka on the 31st (hectic i know but catching some friends on a preset schedule). Would a Japan Rail Pass make sense for 2 adults given these sure journey legs?

Thank you.

For Narita-Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka-KIX, it would not make sense, cheaper to buy individual tickets. Don't forget the Kansai day pass from JR West, which you don't need to buy in advance. That will save you money on the trip from Osaka/Kyoto to KIX.

Buy the Narita-Osaka ticket all together if you are OK not leaving the station at Tokyo or Shinagawa, you'll save a little bit.

Depending on arrival time at NRT, you could also consider flying to Osaka. If you have BA miles, domestic awards with JAL are good value. (I think 4.5K miles and a peppercorn fee).

Ditto for Star. 5,000 UA miles for one-way domestic on NH and a lot of their codeshares.

Earlier this year, I redeemed UA miles for HND-KIX and BA miles for KIX-HND (because NH had more convenient times on the first leg). IIRC, fees were reasonable for the UA mile redemption. But the BA redemption was dirt cheap - like $3 or $4.

(KIX is convenient for me because I have friends in the area. For the OP, ITM may be better).

Hi all, thanks for the advice. Arriving 1330 and looking to do the Narita-Osaka via train option. If i read the above correctly, i can purchase a slightly cheaper ticket direct assuming i just stay in-station (no prob w that).

How am i for time in getting to Osaka assuming we get out of immigration and luggage around 14:30? Would we be able to be there by 7 safe enough?

Where in Osaka are you heading?

Fastest will be:

Narita Express No. 30
Narita Airport: 14:44
Tokyo: 15:42

Nozomi No. 237
Tokyo: 16:00
Shin-Osaka: 18:33

Commuter Train
Shin-Osaka: 18:45
Osaka: 18:49

Yes, it possible to arrive at Osaka station before 7 p.m. if you can catch 14:44 (2:44 p.m.) Narita Express out of Narita Airport.

If your final destination at Osaka is elsewhere then likely will be past 7 p.m.

You should really consider flying from Narita to Osaka (KIX) and getting the Kansai Wide Pass. There are several low cost carriers leaving from Narita's new Terminal 3. This would save you from having to go from Narita into Tokyo and then doing the train to Osaka. When you arrive at KIX you can pick up the Kansai pass at the station where the train leaves for downtown Osaka. The KIX airport is lovely and light. You just walk out the front of the airport and walk directly into the station with the train. It's literally less than five minutes from the airport door to the train. You can order the pass online and they will have it ready for you when you arrive. You can use the pass while in Osaka and back and forth to Kyoto (which is only about 40 minutes away)

Good suggestion regarding flying to Osaka from NRT on one of LLC out of NRT. However, as OP has indicated that the travel date is (was) August 27. It is already August 29 at Japan. This suggestion will be little late for OP�, unless OP's travel date is August 27, 2016...