How to Travel Japan by Train Without JR Pass, Best Alternatives 2024

[@KenshoQuest]

We appreciate the commissions we earn when you purchase through our affiliate links 💕Shinkansen tickets: geni.us/shinkansen Hokuriku Arch Pass: geni.us/hokurikuarchpass Tokyo Wide Pass: geni.us/tokyowidepass Kansai Wide Area Pass: geni.us/kansaiwideareapass

[@wlxgrf]

you deserve all the likes - and i mean ALL THE LIKES - for this informative video!!! Our heads were spinning from all the useless-to-vague misinformation flooding social media surrounding rail travel around Japan.

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it helped!

[@nobodynothing00000]

I made 3 Bullet Train Trips, green car reserved seat: Tokyo to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo and came in well under the pass threshold.

[@LOVEJESUS-mc3nk]

you used JR pass?

[@nobodynothing00000]

@@LOVEJESUS-mc3nk no I didn't need to buy one I only made 3 trips

[@gunjangupta1759]

Thank you! Another very handy pass is JR Kansai- Hiroshima are pass for 17000 which also covers Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yojimbo_2000]

Great vlog. We used the JR pass last year but now it is not worth the cost for us. We usually stay in a large city for 3-4 days and visit the surrounding area. JR pass only pays off if you take multiple long distance Shinkansen trips. The regional passes look like a great option.

[@liswong7787]

I have watched a lot of your videos and have got a digital SUICA card, UBIGI SIM card, apps you recommended, Japanese Translation, bought the Shinkansen tickets via Klooks and the JR websites, bought some merino wear. I am flying in a weeks time. The past 1 week has been intense with lots of planning and reading. Now I am ready! I am grateful to both of you for providing so much clear, simple yet detailed information on travelling to Japan. Purely important information that we need. Thank you very much. 🌻😊

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you so much for supporting our channel! Have a wonderful time in Japan!

[@abhimanyubhardwaj8892]

After listening to this video, I have cancelled my trip to japan and have developed love for my Australia 😊

[@nvsteine300]

Aloha kensho quest, I recently came back from a two week trip from Japan. I planned my trip around your videos. It was a great help. Can’t wait for my next trip.

[@KenshoQuest]

Aloha and mahalo for letting us know you had a great trip!

[@optom888]

Just recently discovered your channel. Love your well presented and useful advice on a myriad of topics. Would appreciate further info on the Tokyo Wide Pass. Keep up the great work😀

[@eisenklad]

my plan for my trip is using combination of Narita Express and tokyo wide pass. i might not get the Tokyo wide pass, instead opting for tokyo 1 day passes for each day. (considerably way cheaper, 15,000yen vs 4,800yen for 3 days) my itinerary is day 1 Narita to Ofuna using the N'Ex, then using suica card from Ofuna to Gotemba. day 2 climbing mt fuji day 3 coming back down from fuji and head to kanagawa, using suica card. day 4-6, using tokyo pass to visit various places around tokyo and yokohama (might need a 1 day Yokohama-Minatomirai pass) day 7, using suica card to Odaiba during the day, evening i'll use the N'Ex return leg to reach a hotel right next Narita airport. day 8 is a super early flight out of narita i was leaning towards getting the Jr East pass and visiting Niigata for 1 day but i didnt want to repeat my 2019 trip of train rides for half the day. this time i'm taking it slowly.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing. I’m sure others will find this useful!

[@chaikristinjournals]

Thank you!! I’m going first 2 weeks of March and this helps a lot!!!

[@nateshf9303]

“To buy or not to buy?” the JR Pass is now the #1 question for everyone traveler.

[@KenshoQuest]

This is a great question that does need some clarity. We will try to help with this in an up coming video :)

[@dean93arr]

The answer is never fix, tailor it to your trip.. for me 7 days trip to tokyo-fuji-osaka-nara-kyoto, all transport cost around ~23000 yen, with JR pass 50000yen and you still need to pay for transport that not cover in JR.. key point is do your research before going.. calculate total cost of your transport and decide which one is better.. nowadays you can get rough estimation of train/bus/taxi fare from google maps/ navitime apps.. you can benefit from JR pass if you travel far distance using shinkansen, back and forth.. for me 7days trip, JR is not worth it anymore..

[@LOVEJESUS-mc3nk]

so dont buy??

[@nateshf9303]

@@LOVEJESUS-mc3nk Since my wife and I are going to Hokkaido and then down to Kochi and Beppu Onsen via Kanazawa on a 20-day trip, the 14-day full JR pass is still worth it. If you are just doing the "golden route" (which we always avoid) then don't buy the 7day or 14-day pass. Hope this helps.

[@riffgroove]

I was in Japan on a two-week trip this past December. We visited 6 different cities and used public transportation the entire time. The JR pass was invaluable.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mazinalansari88]

What do you suggest? I am flying to Osaka. I will stay 2 weeks and. I planned to give a visit to 6 districts except Shikoku

[@riffgroove]

@@mazinalansari88 If you're only staying in Osaka, then I would just look at a regular city pass.

[@karencarvalho9265]

Always amazing tips from the channel. Thank you very much

[@dean93arr]

My 7days trip tokyo-fuji-osaka-nara-kyoto, transportation cost ~23000yen (including shinkansen/bus/taxi/trains).. JR pass is 50000yen, double the cost plus with JR pass i still need to pay for taxi/bus/train that not covered by JR.. so yeah for me its not worth the money anymore.. the important thing is do your research, calculate your estimated cost and compare, hope this clear up for those who still confuse whether to buy JR pass or not..

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@miduk8154]

😳 that's crazy.. would you mind sharing your itinerary for that 7day?

[@dean93arr]

@@miduk8154 sure, how can i share it? Through your email?

[@SKWEEZ123]

Hey would you mind sharing your itinary

[@varshapawar7789]

Superb video. Very informative. Thank you so much for sharing such vital information. We are planning the trip in Nov '24. We wish to cover main places from Hokkaido (north) to Nagasaki (south) . Will try to fit the trip in 12/13 days. Please make a video on cheaper accommodation/ hotels or any other options.

[@alanauswild5862]

Thankyou both for your detailed information , well done ! first timers to Japan in early October .

[@KenshoQuest]

Have a wonderful time in Japan!

[@earlysda]

JR Seishun 18 ticket is the best way to see Japan slowly.

[@randallrowberry1205]

wow they really make it a whole other chore to plan all the individual trips. That adds a lot of stress if you don't have your trip details planned down to the day. Might as well get the JR

[@RG-vh6kg]

This is by far the most comprehensive video on the Pass system I have come across. Thank you for sharing it so systematically and saving me time and anxiety! I will definitely look into the affiliate links you've shared :)

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad to have helped! Is there a particular pass you are interested in?

[@bordz68]

This video helps me a looooooooot! As budget traveller I needed this! You guys have no idea how you helped me on the other day is on my flight

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad to have helped!

[@Hoakaloa]

I'm thinking of a Japan vacation in 2026. I'm sure things will change a bit by then; maybe an IC option for Android phones? Thank you so much for your extremely clear and helpful videos. I grew up in California and have lived in Hawaii now for 22 years so...trains? The options in Japan are spectacular!

[@KenshoQuest]

We’re California transplants who lived in Hawaii! Train transportation in Japan is amazing! I’ve ridden Amtrak trains in California, but it isn’t something I’d necessarily recommend. I’m happy to ride Japan trains every day. 🌸 Heidi

[@DM-dy6vn]

Been to Japan 10 times since 2014 before pandemics broke out. Have enjoyed the advantages of the JR-pass a lot. また行くつもりはね～、もう終わりだ

[@agustinacarrizo9535]

Thank you for your videos, they are always so clear!

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad you think so!

[@seagull7853]

Great video! simple to understand, much better than staring at websites comparing and reading changes made 1 by 1.

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernardkersting1270]

I really appreciate your great channel. Very useful information and up to date which has been of great benefit in my planning to travel in Japan in April 2024.

[@KenshoQuest]

Great to hear! Thank you.

[@ffyoshida7144]

This was super helpful, thank goodness for you both! I feel like you've held my hand since I started my Japan-booking journey a few short months ago...LOL Big mahalo guys, keep up the great work!

[@KenshoQuest]

Aloha, So glad it was helpful!

[@evangelineaguirre2004]

Thank you. You are always very informative and helpful in many ways regarding Japan travels.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the kind words. 💕

[@nightwing4k]

Thankyou soo much i was almost going to buy the jr pass but i just want trains from nrita to tokyo and Tokyo to kyoto to osaka the arch pass saves me money in a lot of different ways thanks again

[@niicegirld]

The most simple and well explained video! Thank you!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Are you visiting Japan soon?

[@m10stuff]

Thank you so much for your videos. We are heading home from Tokyo now. You helped us a lot. It was a great trip!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for letting us know! Glad to hear that you enjoyed Japan!

[@Kirra_zip]

Terima kasih banyak informasi nya sangat membantu, ini informasi yg saya cari terutama untuk saya yg berencana untuk mengunjungi Tokyo, five Fuji lake, enoshima dan kamakura musim dingin nanti, dan subtitle nya sangat membantu

[@gwarlow]

0:27 Great information. Thanks for sharing!

[@erinbiskup9283]

So glad I found your channel! Such great information! Thank you!

[@azeemsiddiqui4764]

I plan to go to Japan around Dec 2025 and visit all the irl equivalent places to Pokemon Red cities. Thankfully I can just get a JR East pass.

[@Oceanlover99]

What an awesome informative channel, planing our first Japan family holiday, so helpful thank you 🙏🏼

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Glad to have helped.

[@alicegar-ts5tm]

Great video ❤ Thanks for clarifying so many things. Trying to find info on transportation is wild.

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! We have lots of videos here on Kensho Quest about Japan transportation.

[@cryptonist91]

Thank you very much for the video! Really feeling illuminated hahah, had a alot of questions regarding regional JR passes, especially Hokuriku. Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Here’s our video about the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJClnYl8Ys2Srs0si=8baqzedsDNJ9tPsw

[@vivianwong56]

Thanks for the info and I appreciate it!

[@jerryitaly3579]

Very good information!!

[@xGoldenArrow]

I hear Klook upcharges and that it's better to buy train tickets and shinkansen tickets at the train station

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, you are correct. It's about 10% surcharge. this is why they offer some coupons to help sweeten the deal. they change, so you can see them during the checkout process to see if it is worth it for you. the main reason to buy from Klook is the convenience. they also have a coupon right now: SAVE $10, limited time only code: SKS100FF

[@hwangjoanne]

This is such an amazing video. It's informative, concise, and easy to follow. Thank you so much!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Will you visit Japan soon?

[@hwangjoanne]

@@KenshoQuest I plan to visit this July. I am educating myself about the transportation options and was so glad to have stumbled upon your video!

[@krystalvm2601]

TY so much. Your contents are so helpful very detailed.

[@KenshoQuest]

You are so welcome!

[@macynthiafernandez7196]

Very helpful! Thank you❤

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! We also made a video on How to Plan a Trip to Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DCgXl9bd2KjbMsi=B-iby2xmlcTMl8_S

[@killerangel-qy9ug]

I absolutely love you guy's videos. Theyve helped me so much with the information ive been looking for. So blessed that i found this page. Thank you guys so much. Excited for the next video.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks!

[@JUANORQUIO]

That's Awesome! Cheers for more incredible and lovely globetrotting adventures!

[@KenshoQuest]

Cheers!

[@camilogonzalez7770]

Once again, thank you very much for the very useful and instructional videos. I am spending 28 days in Japan , tokyo, takayama, kanasawa, hiroshima, kytoto, suszuka area (F1) and back to tokyo. Still figuring out if it is worth it (JR Pass) adn where else to go..

[@oetamis]

Hi! So much Information, thank you! What would you use for following itinerary (21 days): Tokyo Osaka Kyoto Nara Kobe (maybe we‘ll stay only in kyoto and do day trips) Fuji Hiroshima One way flight but only once would be fine too I‘m just dont know which regional jr passes I could combine

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi since you are traveling for 21 days your itinerary my not require any pass unless you will be in an area for between 5-7 days where the transportation will cover. The one that might work for you is the Kansai Hiroshima pass which is valid for 5 days and covers a lot of transport in the Kyoto/Osaka to Kobe, Nara area as well as to Hiroshima. If you will be in Kansai area for more days the you might combine with the Kansai ARea pass.

[@oetamis]

@@KenshoQuest thank you very much!

[@Navigator200]

Love your videos on these topics. The only critique I have is I think it would benefit the viewers if you gave the price in Yen, and dollars when discussing train cost.

[@KenshoQuest]

Noted. We usually don't convert prices to USD, as the exchange rate is constantly fluctuating. If we say the price converted to USD in a video today, it might be different by the time someone watches the video a month later. Plus it's good to start getting practice doing the conversions oneself, before arriving in Japan. 🌸 Heidi

[@jefuryo]

I think the only time I would not buy the JR PASS is if the alternative is not complicated

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I were just in Japan for 2O full days. Of those 20, we had a 14-day pass that we used to go to Sapporo, Shiobara, Beppu, and Kurobe. Sapporo > Beppu one way alone would’ve cost $230USD.

[@KenshoQuest]

Sounds like an awesome trip and a perfect example of when the JR Pass is still financially worth it. Thanks for sharing :)

[@ukgladiatorsfan]

I’m in Japan currently I ended up buying a JR west Hiroshima pass which ended up being much cheaper

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nishadjan]

This was awesome

[@carloscanizares4699]

Really practical information as always. Thanks so much! The non-JR passes are intriguing and no channel has mentioned it (as far as I’m aware) in my feed. Question: is the Tokyo wide pass the one where you get off/on at Otsuki station? Or is that if you took the Japan wide JRP?

[@KenshoQuest]

It’s the Whole Japan Rail Pass that ends at Otsuki Station, since that’s as far as the JR line goes. The Tokyo Wide Pass goes all the way to Kawaguchiko Station, as it includes the Fujikyu Railway. 🌸 Heidi

[@TheJayCruise]

Going Kyoto -> Himeji -> Hiroshima -> Osaka, I think Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass the correct pass.

[@KenshoQuest]

HI, yes this is the correct pass but you might want to use the JR calculator to see if it will be cost effective for your itinerary.

[@mooman547]

Thanks so much!

[@pianolove237]

thank you for the great video! will you guys be covering the new takayama-hokuriku pass as well? since many nature places you showed in this video can be reached with this pass!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sherimorenbest1413]

Thank you so much

[@Arun-s2q7b]

Great video, I really enjoy the way you both present in an easy to understand way. Could I ask a question? For someone arriving in Osaka, visiting Hiroshima, Wakayama, Nara (days 1-7) Kyoto (days 7-11), Kanazawa, Takayama (days 11-14) and then Tokyo (4days) over 20 days, what would you recommend

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, so glad to know the video is easy to understand. For your trip you might consider the kansai Hiroshima pass then once you head north to Kanazawa use the hokuriku arch pass to Tokyo and continue using it in Tokyo. For the remaining times you can use an ICOCA card which you can get on arrival in Osaka.

[@lincolnbaker7710]

Hey guys amazing video as always! Do you know if it’s possible to get the arch pass for 14 days? Thanks for all your hard work!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! You could get two of the 7-day Hokuriku Arch Pass to use back to back, as long as the dates don’t overlap. That would cost 60,000 Yen per person (2x 30,000 Yen). What we often do is get a pass that only covers part of our trip and buy individual tickets or use an IC card for the times when we aren’t moving quickly from city to city. 🌸 Heidi

[@EvaExplores-x2x]

with the price hike, buy Suica card for local transportation, buy Shinkansen tickets separately.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes!

[@ramonamacabugao4836]

You guys are the best helping us save and enjoy. Thank you. Is there a pass that includes ferry rides to Busan? We are going next month to Fukuoka - is Aomori area included in the regional pass too ? Thank you guys! Last year you guys helped me and my family to enjoy the Sanrio Shinkansen ride as I followed your instructions. Thanks a lot of that!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. We don't know of a pass that includes ferry rides to Busan. There also isn't a regional pass that includes both Fukuoka ( in southern Japan ) and Aomori ( at the northern tip of Honshu Island ). Those are both covered by the Whole Japan Rail Pass. 🌸 Heidi

[@Thiagolt]

Great information. I will arrive in Japan in the city of Osaka. I plan to take these trips: *Osaka -> Kyoto (3x) *Kyoto -> Osaka (3x) *Osaka -> Nara *Nara -> Osaka *Osaka -> Hiroshima *Hiroshima -> Osaka *Osaka - Nagoya *Nagoya -> Osaka *Osaka -> Kobe -> Himeji *Himeji -> Osaka Osaka -> Tokyo Tokyo -> Yokohama Yokohama -> Tokyo I will return to my country from Tokyo. Is it worth buying the JrPass?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. The JR Pass might be worth it for your trip. It partially depends how long your trip is. The JR Pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 days. We explain how to calculate whether the JR Pass is worth it in our recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTVi6OMjq1gotUsi=JcUvPauhvVTZR1r9

[@Thiagolt]

@@KenshoQuest thank you

[@jd5787]

Very informative thanks! Any guide/suggestions on what is beta to see and do in kansai and Tokyo? It's overwhelming 😁 Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, so glad it is helpful! As for what is better to see and do that depends on your interests. But in general if you want to see ancient Japan with temples and traditional culture then go to Kansai area, especially Kyoto. But Osaka will have modern Japan so this is always a good choice. If you want to see hi-tech Japan then Tokyo is an amazing and gigantic place where you can spend many months and still not see it all.

[@elijahshort2373]

Thanks guys

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@ramonahockett3549]

So grateful for all your videos. There is so much planning, I'm overwhelmed. Onegaishimasu, do you have a best recommendation for a pass if I am traveling from Narita to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima, and Hiroshima to Tokyo? Arigato gozaimasu.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. How many days will you spend in Japan? If you will cover all the way from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo within 7 days, it would be worth getting the Whole Japan Rail Pass. Here's our video on how to calculate whether the JR Pass is worth it for your itinerary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTVi6OMjq1gotU

[@ExploreMore-Travel]

niceee video

[@BasicStealthcamping]

Thanks! I was looking at the pass and at individual ticket prices and thinking..why bother!

[@JeanC...]

Thank you for such an informative video. My sister and I will be traveling to Japan in September for 2 weeks. The first week, we'll stay in the Shinjuku area (visit Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and possibly the Ghibli Park) and then we'll go to Kyoto (2 days), Hiroshima (1 day), and Osaka (1 day) to finally fly back home from Narita Airport. Would you recommend that I buy the JR Pass or rather purchase the individual Shinkansen tickets plus the IC card?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. I would get an IC card for the time you spend in Tokyo. The 7-day Whole Japan Rail Pass would be a good option to cover the days you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima to Osaka, and back to Tokyo. Here's our video comparing the cost of buying individual Shinkansen tickets vs the JR pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTVi6OMjq1gotU

[@kyliemiriam]

Hi, thanks for the video. Can I use ICOCA card to go to Uji/Nara from Kyoto by JR trains?

[@Nisie6]

Hello! Great information, but still have questions. What would you recommend for this itinerary: Fly in: Tokyo (Mt. Fuji-day trip) 7 days, Kyoto 3 days, Osaka (1 day trip to Kurashiki, Hemeji Castle) 3 days, Hiroshima 1 day, Fly out: Osaka. Thanks for any suggestions.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. I would recommend using an IC card to pay for transportation within Tokyo. We have a separate video on how to get to Mt Fuji: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammVaX1vhNmBn7s Then you can use a single-journey Shinkansen train ticket to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. Here's our video on how to buy one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKiwfHhppdJ1hpY Then you may be interested in the Sanyo-San'in area pass for 7 days that you are in the Kansai and Hiroshima area. Here's our affiliate link for that regional pass: geni.us/sanyosaninpass 🌸 Heidi

[@Nisie6]

@@KenshoQuest Thanks for the information.

[@davidrona]

I plan to visit tokyo, kanazawa , kyoto, osaka and not sure if i should take the train or fly back to tokyo to catch my return flight. i def wanna take the shinkansen but don't wanna pay the big rates..also wanna check out the Spacia X while there... i heard i can connect my suica ( IC) local train card to a JR pass to get a one way discount on shinkansen... great video..learning about that golden line on your video

[@darrylk808]

Good info but Japan has too many rules and doesn't fit with our style of travel. So many rules/restrictions in Japan.😁 Now we just buy one-way tickets as we need. We usually fly into one city and fly out another about a month later and just wing it in between.

[@KenshoQuest]

Aloha, that's cause you are a pro ;) How is Malaysia 🤙🏼 We are freezing in Hokkaido 🥶

[@darrylk808]

@KenshoQuest still in CA, heading to KL Thursday, then on to Penang. We may be in trouble as we arrive on CNY and haven't booked a bus or train yet. Oh well, it's all about flexibility. The cold in Hokkaido is why we decided to go south.😁 We are such light weights.😂 We will just watch your video on the snow festival from warm Malaysia.🥵

[@KenshoQuest]

@@darrylk808 Ah man, it was complete madness with all the CNY preparations going on. You might need to hire a grab to Penang. A friend had to do that last year and he said it was reasonable!

[@darrylk808]

@@KenshoQuest we actually have hired a car/driver in the past. Never did grab long distance. I'll have to look into it.

[@magma9138]

THANK YOU!!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@sagarchopra7159]

What pass would you recommend for Osaka-Kyoto-Kanazawa-Okayama-Kyoto-Tokyo-Yokohama-Fuji-Nikko-Tokyo All this is spread over 9 days..thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

If you can get all your travel within 7-days then the whole JR Pass might be worth it for you. Otherwise, you may not need a pass, just IC card and purchasing individual shinkansen tickets.

[@qhadj5387]

This is a very comprehensive summary. Thank you for sharing. I was wondering, a family, do we share one IC card, or each member need to have their own? Are the apps available for android?

[@KenshoQuest]

Each person needs to have their own IC card to use it for transportation. The digital IC cards are only available on Android phones that were purchased in Japan. We talked more about IC cards in our Tips for First Time Visitors video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gITVoq18ZdmGotUsi=ftOOQ_qVBJDT_BgW

[@TheFreedom4you]

Where are these “golden Route pass tickets” sold? The arch Pass requires transfers to slow trains. And requiring you to go all the way north, adding hours to your journey

[@KenshoQuest]

Here's our Guide to the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJClnYl8Ys2Srs0 The pass can be purchased from JR www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/hokuriku-arch-pass/ or Klook. The Hokuriku Arch Pass does requiring traveling in a specific arched route on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Thunderbird Limited Express train. The only other pass that covers both Tokyo and Kyoto is the Whole Japan Rail Pass.

[@uspopo]

Thank you for the useful info. I'm interested in the Hokuriku Arch Pass. I can begin my train journey in Osaka, correct?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, you can start from Osaka. Here’s our Guide to the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJClnYl8Ys2Srs0si=H7rD2xYFmUQbIlJK

[@sophiey7466]

Thanks you guys for making such informative videos! We plan to take train to Kyoto after landing in Tokyo in early July. Do you think we can just go to the train station without reserve tickets? We are not sure if the flight will be delayed or how long to setup everything at the airport? I see the train to Kyoto is pretty frequent. Thanks a lot 🙏

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, since you are not traveling during a busy holiday season AND as long as you are not traveling late at night ( after 10pm ) you should be able to purchase tickets on the spot and get on a shinkansen train to Kyoto, as you already mentioned they are quite frequent! You can purchase your ticket at the airport from the JR ticketing office or their reserved ticketing machines.

[@sophiey7466]

@@KenshoQuest Thanks a lot! I feel much relieved 😀

[@gindavid9424]

Thank you for all the support. We love your channel! But may i ask, what is the better or/ best option for transpo to do, card wise, Will be staying in tokyo dec20-26, osaka dec26-30, tokyo30-jan3

[@KenshoQuest]

I'd opt for a SUICA card. It should work fine in Osaka as well.

[@Fedelujo]

I will go to Kyushu next october so I'm thinking about purchasing all kyushu jr pass. But I think it won't last for the entire time I'll spend there because I will stay 13 days. What do you think?

[@KenshoQuest]

HI, we recommend using the pass during your most heavy transit days of long distance. This way you will get the most value out of the pass. Probably the 7 day will serve you best. So activate your pass on the day you start doing a lot of travel. While 7 is not quite enough an IC card will help with the rest of your travel. You could also consider getting a 7 and maybe a 3 day one as well...

[@DamienGribbon]

Hi Guys. Managed to sneak in on last cheaper JR Pass trip in Oct 23. Loved Japan so much, I'm going back this year. Was wondering about the other regional passes you've mentioned. Do you need to go through the manned checkpoints for these too? and get the stamp, the same way we did for the JR Pass?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, you will need a temporary visitor stamp in your passport for many JR regional passes. There are some passes that are also available for Japanese to use, so those don’t need it.

[@jamesnesran2348]

thanks!

[@larock0wns]

Great video. One question though, if you buy tickets from Klook/Smart EX, are the tickets just on the phone and you can tap and go? or do you have to go to a kiosk and print out a ticket?

[@KenshoQuest]

You still need to go to a ticketing machine to print the tickets. Here’s our video on how to purchase and redeem Shinkansen tickets from Klook: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKiwfHhppdJ1hpYsi=ILZhRIC-nz6XtIRT If you purchase from Smart EX it is possible to load the Shinkansen ticket onto an IC card and tap that at the ticket gate. That’s a bit more complicated than just printing the ticket at a machine.

[@DamienGribbon]

Thanks

[@talialeon8943]

Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you!

[@melaniesoohoo6510]

Great video! Thank you! Does the Sanyo San'in pass cover fare from Hakata to Kyoto? Also can I use this pass on the Nozomi train? Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, yes it does cover from Hakata to Kyoto, though it does not cover riding the Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto. but you can take other trains that are covered. The Nozomi is not included.

[@melaniesoohoo6510]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you for your help!! Take care!!

[@KhalidHussain-zy8zn]

omg so many passes my head got dizzy

[@KenshoQuest]

And that’s just a few of them!

[@19WILLIAMSON77]

what is the best option if we only visit tokyo (3 days) osaka (3days) and kyoto (5days), then we move back to tokyo for our flight back

[@KenshoQuest]

In that case, I would just buy single journey Shinkansen train tickets. Here’s our video explaining how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKiwfHhppdJ1hpYsi=JnKSW3XvswBBK6-t

[@ManuelAguilar-tp4eu]

Great informative video - Thank you very much. We will be dropping off an organized tour in Kyoto and will be continuing on our own to Osaka, spending 3 days with one dedicated to doing a day trip to Himeji. From Osaka, we will go to Hiroshima, spending 2 days, with one dedicated to the Miyajima. Would it be worth buying the Sanyo San's Area pass to cover all the transportation? Appreciate your input. Thanks again

[@KenshoQuest]

HI, yes the Sanyo San'in Area Pass will cover your route. However, it might be a bit overkill since you won't be going to Fukuoka. Instead, you might be interested in the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. You can also use it to visit Himeji if it works with your travel dates. (aff link) geni.us/kansaihiroshimapass

[@shana625]

Great video, thanks a lot. I don't think going to Kyoto/Osaka from Tokyo using the Hokuriko is worth it with the time it takes. 2h30 to stop at Kanazawa + 2h30 to go to Osaka, so 5h traveling. Using the tokaido Shinkansen line is like 3h.

[@KenshoQuest]

The Hokuriku Arch Pass is only worth it if you want to stop off and sightsee along the way. Not if you’re using it just to get from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka. We really enjoyed exploring the Hokuriku area and will probably use the arch pass again to stop at different places. 🌸 Heidi

[@PurpleCreativitymiaemma]

Love love your video, I subscribed right away . We going to stay in Tokyo for 3 night ( we plan one day trip to Mt Fuji) then go to Osaka for 2 night then Kyoto 3 nights , come back to Tokyo for next day flight out . What do you think the best pass should we get ? We are traveling for first time ( 2 adult and 2 kids ) Thank you so much in advance 😊

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, thanks for the compliment! For your itinerary you may not need a pass at all. If you will be visiting many places around the Osaka Kyoto area then the Kansai wide pass will serve you well. Otherwise, you may get by just fine using an IC card which you can get upon arrival in Tokyo. From Tokyo to Osaka and back, just purchase individual Shinkansen tickets.

[@PurpleCreativitymiaemma]

Thank you for your prompt respond, we were looking for airbnb at area shinjuku, but after looking at your airbnb vs hotel video , I changed my mind , I might just find hotel instead , do you have any advise what area we should look that not over crowded but still nice and easy to access everywhere with family to stay ? Thank you

[@RealityHurts923]

Can someone clarify please? So JR pass only covers the bullet trains to other cities and not travel within Tokyo itself like subways and busses correct? Also after Tokyo, was planning to stay in Osaka and day trip from there to Hiroshima and Kyoto. I’m sure bullet train for each and back to Osaka. Would JR pass be worth it for that? Does price depend on distance?

[@normangee7896]

it covers subways that are part of the JR system. Certain subways are run by JR, but there are many other company lines.

[@nateshf9303]

Use your JR Pass wisely for long distances only. Osaka to Hiroshima is about 2 hours one way, not a day trip. I definitely would not go back n forth, big waste of time. Also, don’t use your JR Pass to get around Tokyo. Another waste.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. The Whole Japan Rail Pass includes both bullet trains as well as local JR trains and buses (not highway buses), as well as the Miyajima Ferry. It does not cover non-JR subways. We go over exactly what is included in our video with Pro Tips for Using the JR Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKq1iKCMr8d0oLM From Osaka you could use the Sanyo-San’in Rail Pass to visit Hiroshima and Kyoto: geni.us/sanyosaninpass (affiliate link) Although you'd probably want at least a day each for Hiroshima and Kyoto. 🌸 Heidi

[@RealityHurts923]

@@nateshf9303Thanks for the info! We really wanted to minimize hotel changes and dealing with luggage so was hoping to stay in Osaka and do 1 day trip to Hiroshima and 1 separate whole day trip to Kyoto. As for Hiroshima, we don’t plan to do Miyajima, at least not this time. Plan was to head out early morning, take in what we can and head back up to Kobe by dinner time. Would the JR be useful for this? Just starting to seem to need all these passes 😅

[@nateshf9303]

@@RealityHurts923 I get it now. Peace Memorial is a 35- mins walk from Hiroshima Station so it’s totally doable. Look into the 7-days Kansai Wide Pass ($81USD). If you only have one day in Kyoto, then head to Sanjo and Gion areas. (My wife and I always stay in Sanjo by the river.) Also keep in mind Shin-Kobe and Kobe-Sannomiya Station are two different places. Enjoy!

[@twinklestar7351]

Hi, I love your video, very informative. I have a question about JR Pass. Can I use it from Hakata Fukuoka to Osaka to Tokyo?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, you can. Here’s our separate video about the JR Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIbRZoB5jqudhLcsi=qsJrhFPuPQ1wxf80

[@jeddgo]

Hello. First of all. Would really like to thank both of you for making such informative videos. One or maybe 2 questions I had. So we (wife and I) will be going for a total of 16 days. Would the regional pass still worK?? I think it is only good for 7 days, so this option is not valid for us. 2nd question, I have seen some videos where some says you would need to exchange the online ticket for a paper based ticket. Is this true? If so, then how would we know in what cases we would need to exchange to paper tickets. We would prefer to do everything via the Suica card if possible. Thank You very much for your help.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. There are many different regional passes. Are you referring to the Hokuriku Arch Pass? If you decide to get a JR Pass or a regional pass, it does not need to cover your entire stay in Japan. It only needs to cover the days your will be riding Shinkansen bullet trains or exploring a particular region of Japan. If you would prefer just to use your Suica card for local transportation, there is no need to get a regional pass. If you opt to buy a regional pass, you would use that instead of paying by IC card. Train passes are often the size and shape of a paper ticket and can be inserted into an automatic ticket gate. If you choose to make seat reservations, you will be issued additional papers with your seat information, but those don't need to be inserted into the ticket gate. Here's our video explaining about the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJClnYl8Ys2Srs0 And here's an introduction to Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan, in case you're planning to travel from city to city: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGStdYWZatifa6s

[@msong8243]

Thank you so much for your informative video. We will be travelling to Tokyo to Hiroshima, Horishima to Osaka (stay for 7 nights to explore the surrounding area including kyoto ), and then Osaka to Tokyo, what would be the best pass to buy for this itinerary? We have excluded the JR pass given its price. Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, you might consider purchasing individual shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Hiroshima, then use the Kansai Hiroshima area pass, though only 5 days so get an IC card as well to help with local transportation in the Osaka/Kyoto area. Then return from Osaka to Tokyo via purchasing another single ticket on the Tokaido shinkansen.

[@logandotn]

I would like to request you for a video of using Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima, if possible

[@KenshoQuest]

Noted. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@mooman547]

This will be our first trip to Japan and we were wondering if you might suggest an amount to put on our Icoca card? We will be using public transport exclusively for about 6 days. Thanks in advance for your help!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. You don’t need to put the whole amount on your IC card at once. It’s easy to recharge when needed. I like to start with 4,000 to 6,000 Yen. I don’t like to put too much, in case the card gets lost. 🌸 Heidi

[@saml1965]

Thankyou for the video! If you're travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto, then on to Osaka after 4 days, is it best to buy two single journey Shinkansen tickets?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, if you want to take Shinkansen trains for both stretches.

[@saml1965]

Many Thanks!!

[@nateshf9303]

You do NOT have to take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka.

[@NeedsMorePete]

Hi guys! Thank you for your video as I’m trying to do some research for my Japan trip later this year as far as train pass options go. Can I ask what you would recommend for a 18 day trip (7 in Tokyo, 4 in Kyoto and 7 in Osaka), with travel being confined to within those cities whilst there?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, with your itinerary you may not need a pass at all. Since you will be confined to those 3 major cities then purchasing individual shinkansen bullet train tickets will be the most economical way. Unless you travel a lot between cities you will not need any type of pass. For all travel within the cities purchase an IC card upon arrival. Either an ICOCA, SUICA or PASMO will work well in all three places. I hope this helps!

[@NeedsMorePete]

That is very very helpful - thank you so much!!!