Should i get a JR rail pass for my trip to Japan?

Question

I am going to Japan in October for a total of 14 nights. My itinerary is:

Fly to Tokyo. Stay for 5 nights in Shinjuku

Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone to Takayama

Takayama to Nara

Nara to Kyoto

Kyoto to Osaka

Fly from Osaka

Should I get the JR pass? Which one should I get and How long should I get it for? Will it save me a lot of money or will I still need to buy a lot of extra train tickets? Any other help/advice is much appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

According to your description, the JR Rail pass will be very beneficial to you.  The cost of the rail pass will cover itself.  As a side note, you will still need to reserve a seat for the shikansens and other express trains with reservation seating.  

Answer 2

I've done the math(s) for you:

Pay as you go:

Tokyo to Hakone              4,000 yen

Hakone to Takayama      15,000

Takayama to Nara          11,000

Nara to Kyoto                   1,000

Kyoto to Osaka                3,000

Total                              29,000

JR Pass:

1 week 28,300   2 week 45,100    3 week 57,700

So it's certainly worth it over a 1 week period.  Over 2 weeks you should add things to your itinerary to get better value.

- TTC

Answer 3

JR pass might be cheaper.