Cheap way to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka - alternatives to the JR Pass?
Me and my friends are going to Japan 2 weeks from now. We'll stay for 4 days in Tokyo, overnight in Hakone, 3 days in Kyoto (with a side visit to Nara) and 2 days in Osaka (Summer Sonic!!). So my question is, what is the most cost effective way to get around in these places?
So I found about the JR Pass which I find a bit pricey but it seems like I would be able to use all train services, including the Shinkansen. And that certainly would be convenient to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. But I don't think it will also allow me to access buses, can it? Are there any other alternatives besides JR Pass? Or is it cheaper to just get around by bus and just buy single journey tickets when travelling between cities?
Best Answer
In addition to the nationwide JR Pass, there are several area-only passes which offer unlimited train travel within a specific region, for example Kanto (Tokyo) or Kansai (Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto). There is a nice list with restrictions and prices on Japan Guide.
As Michael said, you still need to do the math to see if buying the pass is going to be worth it but there are many options available which might save you some money depending on your travel plans.
If moving long distances inside Japan as cheaply as possible is your prime concern, then highway buses might be a good option. Check out the highway bus page on Japan Guide for routes and operators.
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How do you get around Tokyo without JR Pass?
The TakeawayWhat is the cheapest way to travel around Japan?
Highway buses are one of the most economical ways to travel medium to long distances in Japan. While slower than trains, buses cost usually less than half, especially on the competitive Tokyo routes where discount fares can be incredibly low.How much does the bullet train cost from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 yen for a non-reserved seat or around 14,000 yen for a reserved seat.Is there an easy transport system to easily get around Tokyo?
The train and subway are the major public transport system used to travel around in Tokyo. Tourists opt to use the train or the subway for its convenience and inexpensive price. If you want to get somewhere farther that cannot be reached by walking or too expensive to take the taxis, taking the train is the way to go.JR Pass: Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen Bullet Train - Is it Worth It?
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Answer 2
- 1,750 yen from Tokyo to Hakone
- 14,280 yen from Hakone to Kyoto
- 2,000 yen for a Kyoto unlimited 2-day pass (1,200 for one day)
- 610 yen x 2 for round trip from Kyoto-Nara
- 390 yen from Kyoto to Osaka
The Japan Rail Pass is 28,300 for 7 days. If you are going round trip to Tokyo-Kansai within a week it is more than worth it. If you are going one way (or will travel more than 7 days apart) it probably isn't.
JR will take you from Tokyo to Hakone, Hakone/Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Nara, Nara to Osaka, Kyoto to Osaka, and Osaka to Tokyo. Within Kyoto, within Osaka, and within Tokyo you will likely have to pay for local subway or buses (and will incur those costs anyway).
Answer 3
Current price in JPY is ¥29110 for a standard 7-day pass. Anyway it is cheaper than 2 individual long-distance shinkansen trips.
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