JR Pass vs. paying things individually

Hey everyone, I've once again been gone for a long time - the semester has been sooooooooo hectic. Done in three weeks thank God....

Anyways, I'm trying to get some financial statements together for a hopeful trip to Japan this summer. I'd be spending one week in Tokyo followed by two weeks in Matsue (in Shimane-ken), followed by one week in Hiroshima. I'm going to need a round trip Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima. I'll be using the trains in the Hiroshima and Matsue areas, however in Tokyo I don't think I'll need them too often because my friend has a car so he said we'd use that.

So my question is: would you recommend a 21-dy JR Pass Universal (US$514) or paying for my shinkansen ticket and train fares individually? I've been trying to find a website or a phone number I can call to find out how much a round trip ticket would be, but I'm unable to find one so far. Anyone have any experience or estimates? I'm trying to minimize my costs. Thanks so much and hopefully I'll be back on the forum more often once summer hits.



-lsl

Tokyo to Hiroshima

The link puts the round trip at over 35,000 yen, so you're looking at over $300 for just that round trip. Get the JR Pass. If you're going to Miyajima in Hiroshima, your pass will work for that ferry as well, plus you'll save time at every JR station from bypassing ticket lines and gate lines. I'm assuming you're flying back out of Tokyo, so I'd say the pass is your most efficient bet.

well, depending on the dates that you plan on riding the shinkansen, it might be better to get a JR pass for a shorter duration of time. If, for instance, you'll only be in Hiroshima for a week, wouldn't it be a better value for your money to get a week or two week pass, just to cover the period of time between your rides on the more expensive train?

Also, bear in mind that the JR pass only covers JR transportation; I don't believe that this covers the subway or other company's trains/busses/etc. If you don't plan on doing a whole bunch of travel other than your rides on the shinkansen, I'd say plan your purchase accordingly. But yes, a JR pass would definitely be a better value than a round-trip ticket.

Since Shimane-ken is right next to Hiroshima, I was under the impression the OP was taking a train from Tokyo to Hiroshima after his 1st week and returning to fly out of Narita after his 4th week.

MeAndroo said:

Since Shimane-ken is right next to Hiroshima, I was under the impression the OP was taking a train from Tokyo to Hiroshima after his 1st week and returning to fly out of Narita after his 4th week.

Click to expand...

Your impression was perfectly right - which is why it's frustrating because the pass barely covers my period in Shimane-ken and Hiroshima. And thanks for the link. The info is very helpful. And thanks for your input as well nice gaijin.

If timing isn't necessarily an issue would you recommend looking at the Seishun 18 Kippu for the trip back and use shinkansen on the way there? The S18K won't be valid until July 20th (I'd already be in Shimane-ken).

Definitely. Even though the ride will take you considerably longer, it's a great deal. I believe the 5 tickets are about $100 USD, so you'd be able to use the remaining 4 for your more ambitious travel days. Depending on how much you're running around, you could stand to save some nice pocket change, and you'll have the freedom to get off at any stop between Hiroshima and Tokyo if the mood should strike.