1st time in Japan- going for 15 days

Hi I was hoping I could get some advice on my itinerary and on whether I should get a 7 or 14 day JR Pass.

My husband and I are going to visit my sister in-law who lives in Tokuyama in Dec.

I have read a lot of entries on this site and have come up with this possible itinerary.

Day 1: land at Narita, We will either stay in tokyo one night or go straight to Nagayo

Day 2: Explore Nagoyo

Day 3: Go to Osaka. I am thinking about making this our base and doing day trips from here.

Day 4: Kyoto/Osaka

Day 5: Nara/Osaka

Day6: Kobe/ Osaka

Day7: Travel to Tokuyama

Day 7- 11: Explore Tokuyama and Hiroshima

Day 12- 15 Go back to Tokyo

This is just an idea, are then any areas I should add or skip?

We would like to see a little bit of everything (ie nightlife, history etc.).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

A 14 day rail pass will pay off for your itinerary.

The itinerary looks good for a person looking for a little bit of everything.

Nagoya or Nagano? Looking at the itinerary of places I guess you meant Nagoya?

Thank You for your help.

I was confused by the JR Pass because we are traveling in the off season. It looks like you get a bit of a discount on individual trains.

Are there many JR trains/buses for city travel?

I am also wondering whether it is better to use Osaka or Kyoto as a base?

Thank you, again.

Are there many JR trains/buses for city travel?

Depends on the city. Tokyo, Osaka have JR trains that you can use to get around in, however a city like Kyoto uses lines and routes not operated by JR.

See the individual pages here on Japan guide for each city to see.

Hi,

When are you traveling? I am traveling with a big group, also 15 days, starting October 7th.

Anyways, since you are going to be in Osaka, I would suggest also going to Himeji as well. Himeji castle is a must see

I am able to plan my trip as follow with 15 days (7th-15)

Miyajima to Hiroshima to Himeji to Kobe to Osaka (Namba, Umeda area) to Nara to Kyoto to Nagoya to Hakone to Yokohama to Tokyo (Shinjuku/Harajuku/Shibuya, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Roppongi, Daiba) to Nikko

I can provide a spreadsheet of my plan if needed. And yes, I will also be using the JR Pass for the first time, so I am also wondering which subway line I could use. I never used the pass ever in my life....

Thanks
Godwine

oops, keep thinking of 15.. i am going to be there from Oct 7-22