Would I need a JR Pass for getting from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka?

[Colin]

I intend to visit Japan for 8 nights. 2 nights in Tokyo, 2 nights in Kyoto and 4 nights in Osaka. Would I need a JR Pass to get around and also travel within the cities? Or is there a cheaper way to get around?
Also, I would need to get from Narita Airport to Hatchobori station in Tokyo for my first stay, how do I get that at the lowest cost?
Thanks!

[mrkirkland]

Hi Colin,

Regarding JR pass, probably won’t save you any money, see my previous post here:

Should I get a JR Pass?

Hi David, You probably won’t save much (or any) money if your only Shinkansen trip is Osaka to Tokyo and back. The return journey normally costs JPY 27,240, and the 7 day JR pass is normally around JPY 29,110. Transport between Osaka and Nara is pretty cheap (700yen or so each way). The real savings with the JR pass are when you take multiple Shinkansen trips. And here’s our full article on Rail passes: Hope that helps!

Here’s our article on cheap options from Narita to Tokyo

How To Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo | Tokyo Cheapo

Hope that helps!