First trip to Japan in June
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
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First trip to Japan in June
my husband and I will be heading to japan at the end of June. We will be spending 5 nights in Tokyo, 4 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Hiroshima and 1night at a ryokan in Miyashima. We might do day trips to Nikko and Nara. Does it sound like a good allocation of our time? Also we are thinking about buying a one week jr pass. We will be using to go from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo. Is it worth it?
thanks,
claudina
thanks,
claudina
#2
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Tokyo - Kyoto = ¥13,060
Kyoto - Hiroshima = ¥11,090
Hiroshima - Tokyo = ¥18,560
Total = ¥42,710
7 day JR Pass = ¥29,110
QED
Although I would always argue for more time in Kyoto (and less in Tokyo), that won't work for a 7 day JR Pass; you need the Pass to start on day 6 (after 5 nights in Tokyo) when you go to Kyoto and still be valid on day 12 when you travel back to Tokyo (presumably to fly home).
The only downside to a JR Pass is that you can't use the Nozomi Shinkansen, the fastest (because they make the fewest stops) and most frequent trains. However, that's usually not an issue. Most trains from Kyoto to Hiroshima require a change of train at Shin-Osaka; however, there are two Hikari Shinkansens at 7.20 am and 8.00 am that do not require a change, so best to use those if you can.
Get a Suica card as soon as you arrive to use in Tokyo and for the subway/buses/local trains/vending machines/convenience stores everywhere. It makes life much, much easier. If you have an iPhone 8/X/XS, you can add a virtual Suica card to Apple Wallet and then use Apple Pay to top it up. Regular Suica cards need to be topped up -- cash only -- at a ticket machine.
Kyoto - Hiroshima = ¥11,090
Hiroshima - Tokyo = ¥18,560
Total = ¥42,710
7 day JR Pass = ¥29,110
QED
Although I would always argue for more time in Kyoto (and less in Tokyo), that won't work for a 7 day JR Pass; you need the Pass to start on day 6 (after 5 nights in Tokyo) when you go to Kyoto and still be valid on day 12 when you travel back to Tokyo (presumably to fly home).
The only downside to a JR Pass is that you can't use the Nozomi Shinkansen, the fastest (because they make the fewest stops) and most frequent trains. However, that's usually not an issue. Most trains from Kyoto to Hiroshima require a change of train at Shin-Osaka; however, there are two Hikari Shinkansens at 7.20 am and 8.00 am that do not require a change, so best to use those if you can.
Get a Suica card as soon as you arrive to use in Tokyo and for the subway/buses/local trains/vending machines/convenience stores everywhere. It makes life much, much easier. If you have an iPhone 8/X/XS, you can add a virtual Suica card to Apple Wallet and then use Apple Pay to top it up. Regular Suica cards need to be topped up -- cash only -- at a ticket machine.
#3
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,720
Likes: 0
While it depends on your interests, I'd say that for most first visitors to Japan, your allocation of time makes sense. For my interests, I'd shift a night fromTokyo to Kyoto -- but that's just me.
If you haven't already done so, do spend lots of time with japan-guide.com.
Enjoy!
If you haven't already done so, do spend lots of time with japan-guide.com.
Enjoy!
#4

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,860
Likes: 0
my husband and I will be heading to japan at the end of June. We will be spending 5 nights in Tokyo, 4 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Hiroshima and 1night at a ryokan in Miyashima. We might do day trips to Nikko and Nara. Does it sound like a good allocation of our time? Also we are thinking about buying a one week jr pass. We will be using to go from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo. Is it worth it?
thanks,
claudina
thanks,
claudina
Happy Travels!
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