Travelling around japan

Hi there,

I will be travelling to japan in august. As this is my first trip, I will be staying in Tokyo for my stay, but will be planning to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, I assume that a JR card is good value for money for travelling to these places? Also, can anyone recommend other places that I will be able to visit in a day and be able to return to Tokyo?

Thanks in advance.

It takes about three hours to get from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka one way. It is possible, but not very enjoyable to visit the cities in one day trips from Tokyo.

A 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs about the same as a regular round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka by shinkansen (bullet train).

Other places to visit:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html

Close to Tokyo:
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1103.html