JR Pass-Is it really worth it?
 

Hi happy wanderers! <BR>I have another question on the JR Pass. I'm alittle concerned becos it is sooo expensive even if it's only meant for foreigners. <BR> <BR>On my first wk in Jpn, I'll be shuttling DAILY betw Osaka and Kyoto for 4, 5 days. So that wld make the 7-day pass worth it, right? <BR> <BR>But on my 2nd wk there, I will be in Tokyo and probably travelling only WITHIN Tokyo for the next 5, 6 days. However, on my LASTday in Tokyo, I will need to take the train back to Osaka for my flight home. <BR> <BR>Q1 Shld i go for the 7-day pass since getting around Tokyo is possible via the subs? <BR>Q2 Shld I go for the 14-day pass since i will be spending a total of 14 days in Japan,and i need to take the train back to Osaka for the flight home, anyway? <BR>Thank you! <BR> <BR>7-day pass: US$280 <BR>14-day pass: US $470

Compare the price of the Railpass with the price of a round trip ticket between Osaka and Tokyo. I know they have special discount fares if you spend more than 7 days in one place between rides and there is some arrangement for commuters between Osaka and Kyoto. Look it up at the Japan National Tourist Organisation (www.jnto.go.jp). <BR> <BR>In Tokyo, the Railpass allows you to ride only the JR lines, not the subways. If you don't plan some daytrips the pass is not worth it. <BR>

I'm going to Japan this summer and I have a similar plan except I will be spending less time than you will in Tokyo. <BR>I estimated that round trip between Osaka and Kyoto is 1060yen, and between Osaka and Tokyo is 25960yen. Also Kansai airport to Osaka is 2250yen. <BR> <BR>I don't think it's worth it only for use between Osaka and Kyoto. <BR> <BR>I will get the 7-day pass and activate it on the days where I can use it to and from Tokyo. <BR> <BR>I do not think a 14-day pass is worth the cost. <BR> <BR>I'd also appreciate comments, particularly on my estimates.

I think your estimate is right. Have your both considered to fly into Japan through Osaka and return through Tokyo, thus saving the return trip to Osaka ?

Florence, yes, I will look into your suggestion and thanks. My only concern is if it will cost more coming from NY (JFK, Newark or LaGuardia) if I travel into Osaka and return from Tokyo.

CB, I can't help you there, I live in Switzerland, but in my experience it shouldn't change the price to fly into one city and leave through another.