Have two weeks to spend exploring Japan? Good for you! Here is what to do to make the most of your 14-day Japan Rail Pass while visiting the nation of islands. The adage that you could reside all eternity in Japan and never succumb to boredom is true. The two weeks in Japan are a terrific foundation for this eternally intriguing nation, but more is needed.
Before seeing the vibrant ethnic diversity of the nation, you can enjoy the illumination and bustle of Tokyo with the Japan Rail Pass. The locations you discover by coincidence between visits to the primary sights constitute some of the greatest in Japan.Do take this as a guide, but also feel free to go your own unique way; that’s what renders Japan so accommodating.
It is simpler to navigate Japan’s cities thanks to a 14-day Japan Rail Pass, which grants unlimited sightseeing on nearly all of Shinkansen and JR lines throughout the entire nation. A 14-day timetable looks like this:
Day 1: Narita Airport to Tokyo
When you land at Narita Airport, visit the JR Travel Service Center in Terminals 1 and 2 to swap your Japan rail pass coupon for the real JR Card. Register immediately to reserve a spot on the following Narita Express trip to Tokyo.
Day 2-3: Tokyo
The time has come to begin your journey by spending a couple of days in Japan’s exciting capital. Shibuya’s booming shopping district, Yoyogi Park, the Meiji Shrine, Akihabara’s toy and anime shops, and the city’s restaurants and bars are all worthwhile attractions.
There are several JR lines in Tokyo where you may swipe your rail pass. You may visit a number of the sights adjacent to Tokyo Railway Station by using the JR Yamanote Line, including Shibuya Station, Shimbashi Station, and more.
Day 4: Tokyo to Nikko
Use the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station after changing to the JR Nikko Line at Utsunomiya Junction to get to Nikko. The JR Card is valid for the whole two-hour trip.
Day 5-6: Nikko to Takayama
Takayama is the following station on the schedule. It may be reached from Nikko by returning to Utsunomiya Junction on the JR Nikko Line, changing to a Shinkansen to travel to Omiya Station, getting on another Shinkansen to travel to Toyama Station, and then catching a Limited Express (Wide Sight) Hida train to travel to Takayama Station. The whole voyage takes roughly 6 hours, involves 3 train transfers, and is completely covered by the JR Card.
Day-7: Takayama to Bessho Onsen
Catch the limited-access Express Hida train to Toyama Station, change to a Shinkansen at Nagano Station, and then catch a further Shinkansen to Ueda Station to reach Bessho Onsen from Takayama Station. The JR Pass is valid for this segment of the journey, which lasts around three hours.
Day-8-9: Bessho Onsen to Matsumoto
Return from Bessho Onsen to Ueda Station by Ueda Railway train (not included in the Pass; one-way fare is 590 yen). Once at Nagano Station, change to the Special Express (Wide View) Shinano train to get to Matsumoto Station (included in the Pass).
Day-10-12: Matsumoto to Kyoto
You can travel from Matsumoto to Kyoto by taking the Limited Express (Wide View) Shinano train to Nagoya, where you can change to a Shinkansen to Kyoto. JR Pass covers the entire three-hour journey.
Day-13: Kyoto to Hiroshima
Leaving Kyoto in the early hours will allow you to fit in a visit to Hiroshima, which is a residence of the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Mazda Museum, and Shukkeien Garden. The Pass is valid for the approximately two-hour Shinkansen travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima Station.
Day-14: Hiroshima to Tokyo
Ride a Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station from Hiroshima, then change to a different Shinkansen at Tokyo Station to travel back to Tokyo. The JR Card is valid for the entire journey, which lasts approximately 5 to 5.30 hours.
It’s hoped that this 14-day Japan rail pass itinerary will help make the most of your upcoming Japan trip. Happy traveling!
