Budget Travel Guide: How To Maximise The Japan Rail Pass During Sakura Season

Budget Travel Guide: How To Maximise The Japan Rail Pass During Sakura Season

Sakura season is just around the corner! Bookmark this, it'll come in handy.

Exploring Japan during the sakura season is easily at the top of any traveller’s bucket list. What could be more mesmerising than trees blanketed by spools of cotton candy flowers, made even more enigmatic by their fleeting quality? Indeed, the sakura season is a coveted season among locals and tourists alike, especially since the flowers only bloom for a good week or so before falling to the ground once more.

Coinciding your trip with the sakura season takes plenty of research, opportune timing and, in more cases than not, a tinge of sheer luck. However, don’t let this put you off! Travelling during the sakura season brings with it fizzles of excitement and anticipation, and might not be daunting as you think. One of the best ways to approach it is to first understand the different blooming periods:

Japan is a large country, and naturally boasts a range of blooming peaks. Blooms arrive the earliest in Okinawa in mid-January and move across the country to finally reach Hokkaido towards the end of April. These dates are just rough estimates; actual bloom forecasts will only be announced less than two weeks before the flowers burst into bloom. Talk about living on the edge! However, do note that there have been reports of the season arriving early this year; blooms are estimated to open on March 20, up to six days earlier than the usual forecast. This is just a conjecture at this point, and we’ll be updating this article with the updated forecasts as we go along.

Due to this, many often ‘chase the sakura’ across different regions over the period of one to three weeks. If you have the time and money to spare, it’s always good to buffer more time – a.k.a. plan for a longer trip – so that you won’t be caught off-guard should the season be delayed. Transportation in Japan can prove to be incredibly expensive, and you’ll find that having a Japan Rail Pass will be a total godsend.

Why the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass is essentially a secret weapon that when used correctly, is the key to conquering Japan whilst saving more money than you can imagine. These Japan Rail Passes come in three different duration configurations – the 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes, which allow you to travel around Japan for their respective durations. The passes also grant you unlimited travel on most rail lines, including the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train), with the exception of the Nozomi and Mizuho variations. And if you’re thinking what’s so great about the Japan Rail Passes, how’s this for size: a 7-day pass costs approximately S$335, while a one-way Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka (two popular Sakura hotspots) costs about ¥14,250 (~S$170). If you take that into consideration, a return trip between Tokyo and Osaka would cost even more than 7 days of unlimited travel with the Japan Rail Pass. Nifty, huh!

In fact, the Japan Rail Pass is not only good for inter-city travel, but also for intra-city travel as well. For example, it’s valid for travel on Tokyo’s Yamanote line, which will bring you to most of the city’s top sightseeing (and Sakura!) spots. The pass is also valid on the Narita Express from the airport to Tokyo centre, the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus within Hiroshima, as well as the JR ferry to Miyajima.

With the Japan Rail Pass, you can also choose between Ordinary Car passes and Green Car passes. Think of the Green Car passes as an upgraded ‘luxury’ option, where you are granted access into train cars fitted with large seats that recline forty degrees, and where you can stretch out with plenty of legroom. There are also private compartments on certain Limited Express trains – perfect for families or large groups of friends. Purchase your Japan Rail Pass from Klook before you depart; make your purchase online, and pick up your exchange order from Klook’s centrally located office (think: right smack in the middle of CBD!). Exchange this voucher at any of Japan’s international airports or JR stations for your rail pass and you’ll be all set!

GET YOUR JAPAN RAIL PASS NOW!

And for even more savings, use the promo code <CHERRY18> upon checkout to receive S$18+18=36 off! More on this later.

Klook Pro-Tip: The Japan Rail Pass is valid for a consecutive number of days, which starts from your first journey. So do make sure to count your days wisely and activate your Japan Rail Pass when it best suits your schedule!

So if you’re looking to traverse Japan on a sakura hunt, the Japan Rail Pass can and will be, your best bet. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got two options for you: a conventional (Tokyo-Osaka) route, or a more alternative (Fukuoka-Osaka) route. It’s up to you to pick which you prefer; both itineraries are tailored to maximise (read: get the most of) the Japan Rail Pass! The sakura in Osaka (or the general Kansai region) blooms later than the rest, hence it’s recommended to make Osaka your last stop. These two itineraries and cost breakdowns run for two weeks with the 14-day Japan Rail Pass, but do feel free to mix and match the options with the 7-day rail pass, or even extend your trip with the 21-day pass. Some places mentioned in the itineraries might take quite a bit of travelling, but hey, isn’t that what train journeys are all about? So arm yourself with a Japan Rail Pass, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. A gorgeous sakura adventure awaits!

Conventional Sakura Route: Tokyo – Osaka

Day 1-3: Tokyo

Image credit: Yoshikazu Takada

For the uninitiated, Tokyo is the place to start any exploration of the country. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is a glorious whirlwind of gleaming skyscrapers, impeccable cuisine and impossibly polite citizens. And of course, it’s also home to some of the country’s most spectacular Sakura spots. Activate your Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport the moment you land, and hop onto the Narita Express into the city. The journey takes approximately one hour; other routes are much longer and comprise multiple changes. The Narita Airport is hence the easiest and fuss-free way to get into Tokyo, which you’ll definitely appreciate after a long flight!

The Narita Express will bring you to the central stations of Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Shinagawa – all of which lie on the Yamanote line. The Japan Rail Pass is also valid for travel on the Yamanote line, which basically includes all of the city’s most popular locations. Yes, the pass allows you to travel all around Tokyo as well!

Klook Pro-Tip: Use Hyperdia to check on train timings. Do take note that trains in Japan run to the minute – not a minute faster or slower!

Chidorigafuchi, Kitanomaru Park; Ueno Park | Image credit: (left) Yoshikazu Takada, (right) Takashi. M

Spend the rest of your time exploring Tokyo’s sakura spots, such as Shinjuku Gyo-en Park and Yoyogi Park – both of which can be found along the Yamanote line. However, venture a little further out (for just a small price on the metro or subway) and you can also visit Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park and Meguro River. Paddle and swan boats can be rented at Chidorigafuchi as well, making for an idyllic way to spend an afternoon. During sakura season, Ueno Park also comes to life with a sprawling festival that offers a wide array of food and drinks stalls.

What else to do in Tokyo: Robot Restaurant, Tokyo Disneyland/sea, Tokyo Tower Observatory, Mt. Fuji day trip, Kimono experience, Street go-karting experience

Day 4: Tokyo – Nagoya – Tokyo

Image credit: rumpleteaser

Nagoya is known as a smaller and less-crowded version of Tokyo, this adage applies to the general sakura crowd as well. Head to Nagoya on a day trip and explore the sakura spots of Tsuruma Park, Yamazakigawa Riverside, and Nagoya Castle.

At Yamazakigawa Riverside, you’ll find the Shikinomichi, otherwise known as the ‘Path of Four Seasons’. During sakura season, this path is lined by hundreds of cherry trees and is designated one of Japan’s top 100 sakura spots.

How to get there: 104-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Nagoya station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Nagoya: Nagano Snow Monkeys day trip, Maid Café, Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Shirakawa-go and Takayama day trip, Legoland Japan  

Day 5: Tokyo – Kanazawa – Tokyo

A quaint castle town, Kanazawa is bursting at the seams with rustic charm and nostalgic architecture. Famous for its gold leaf production – the city supplies a whopping 99% of Japan’s domestic gold leaf market – one unique and insta-worthy treat to dig into would be a gold-leaf wrapped cone of sakura soft serve. Other than soft serves, you can also dig into sakura-flavoured mochi and other treats.

The Japan Rail Pass can be used onboard a JR Bus (which departs just outside the main station) that functions somewhat like a loop bus and will bring you around Kanazawa’s major sights – one of which is Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Needless to say, the garden boasts both sakura and landscape views. Other places to visit are Kanazawa Castle Park and Kazue-machi Geisha Street.

How to get there: 176-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Kanazawa station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Kanazawa: Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya tea houses, Nagamachi Samurai house area

P.S. Don’t forget to use the promo code <CHERRY18> to receive S$18+18=S$36 off your Klook purchases! How this works: spend a minimum of S$300 (perfect for a Japan Rail Pass!) to receive S$18 off your purchase, and receive a coupon that’ll get you S$18 off your next minimum S$150 spend on activities. This basically means discount upon discount!

Day 6-8 – Tokyo – Osaka

Osaka Castle in the day and night | Image credit: Reginald Pentinio

Next up, move on to explore the Kansai region! Shinkansens run between Tokyo and Osaka multiple times a day, so pack up your luggage, buy yourself a Bento (Japanese take-out meal), and hop onto the train.

Klook Pro-Tip: If you have many pieces of luggage with you, or simply wish to save yourself the hassle of bringing them on the train, you can choose to send your luggage in between cities with the Takkyubin luggage service. This can easily be arranged by your hotel concierge.  

Once in Osaka, check out the sakura spots of Osaka Castle, Expo 70 Commemorative Park, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Once night falls, over 4000 trees at Osaka Park are illuminated. Don’t miss this beautiful sight! Fun fact: sakura viewing in the day is known as “hanami” (flower viewing), while sakura in the night is referred to “yozakura” (night Sakura).

How to get there: 173-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Shin-Osaka station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Osaka: Universal Studios Japan (+ express pass), Local Food Walk, Samurai & Ninja experience, Takoyaki Cooking Class, Arima Onsen Taikounoyu Spa  

Day 9: Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima – Osaka

Image credit: Spiegel

Many visit Hiroshima due to the historical significance it holds; nuclear bombs were dropped on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Unbeknown to many, there’s a startling significance of the sakura season in Hiroshima – the sakura’s fleeting nature represents life’s beauty and fragility, which can be drawn in parallel to the sheer number of lives lost in Hiroshima, that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of peace. In Hiroshima, a structure called the A-bomb Dome was the only building left standing near the nuclear bomb’s hypocenter and has been preserved to this very day.

Sakura spots in Hiroshima include the Hiroshima Peace Park (where the A-bomb Dome can be found), Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkei-en Garden.

Klook Pro-Tip: The Japan Rail Pass can be used for the Hiroshima hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, which makes getting around the city a breeze.

What else to do in Hiroshima: Mazda Museum, Okonomi-mura

Image credit: Ryan Latta

Miyajima is a fantastic day-trip to take from Hiroshima; it’s not recommended to squeeze both Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day as there’s just so much to do! We hence recommend staying a night in Hiroshima so that you can experience both on consecutive days.

The island of Miyajima is famous for its torii gate – the gate appears to be floating during high tide and during low tide, visitors are even to walk right out to the gate itself – and free-roaming deer. The island is also surrounded by oyster beds and is full of stalls selling every variety of oyster you can imagine. At Miyajima, popular sakura spots include Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and Momijidani-koen Park.

How to get there: 89-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Hiroshima station via Shinkansen, 29-minute journey (one-way) from Hiroshima station to Miyajima-guchi station via JR Sanyo line, 10-minute journey (one-way) from Miyajima Ferry terminal to Miyajima

Day 11: Osaka – Himeji – Osaka

Image credit: Reginald Pentinio

Himeji Castle underwent a lengthy five-year restoration period and only just opened up to the public in 2015. This castle is often perceived to be Japan’s most spectacular castle! Sakura trees can be found in both the free and paid areas of the castle grounds, and it’s not uncommon to find a long snaking queue waiting for entry.

Klook Pro-Tip: Since Himeji is only about half an hour away from Osaka, it’s recommended to visit in the afternoon after lunch to see the sakura in the day, do some shopping along Castle Street (a street full of shops that leads from the station to the castle), then feast your eyes on the night sakura illuminations once it gets dark.

How to get there: 28-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Himeji station via Shinkansen

What else to do at Himeji: Himeji Central Park, Japan Toy Museum

Day 12-14: Osaka – Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto – Osaka

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to Kyoto, a city retaining much of the old-school Japanese charm. Many travellers end up falling hopelessly in love with Kyoto, and we hence recommend you to stay two nights to fully experience all that the city has to offer. Also, the sakura spots here in Kyoto are heralded to be one-of-a-kind!

Take a stroll along Philosopher’s Path, a stone path lined by hundreds of sakura trees. Hei-an Shrine is a popular spot for viewing weeping sakura trees, which are characterised by their dangling branches. Have a picnic under the sakura trees at Kyoto Botanical Garden, take lots of photos at Keage Incline, and marvel at the blooms surrounding the Kiyomizudera temple. If you’re looking to experience traditional Kyoto, the Higashiyama District – which leads from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizudera Temple – is a good place to start. Other prominent sakura spots include Okazaki Canal and Maruyama Park.

What else to do at Kyoto: Traditional experience, Sushi-making class, Kimono rental, Geisha districts tour

On your third day, take a day trip to Arashiyama, which is home to a tranquil Bamboo Forest. We also recommend embarking on the Hozugawa Boat Ride! Boatmen paddle traditional boats down the river with oars and bamboo poles, allowing passengers to soak in the spectacular sakura scenery over a leisurely two-hour ride.

Klook Pro-Tip: This boat ride is often combined with a journey of the Sagano Scenic Railway, which also passes through plenty of Sakura trees.

How to get there: 24-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station via JR Special Rapid service, 12-minute journey (one-way) from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station via JR Sagano line.

 

Breakdown of costs for above itinerary: 14-Day Japan Rail Pass VS point-to-point tickets

  • 14-Day Japan Rail Pass: S$534
  • Point-to-point tickets:
    • Narita Express – Tokyo: ¥3,020 (~S$36)
    • Tokyo – Nagoya – Tokyo: ¥10,680 x 2 = ¥21,360 (~S$255)
    • Tokyo – Kanazawa – Tokyo: ¥13,920 x 2 = ¥27,840 (~S$333)
    • Tokyo – Osaka: ¥13,940 (~S$167)
    • Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka: ¥5620 x 2 = ¥11,240 (~S$134)
    • Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima: ¥180 x 2 = ¥360 (~S$4)
    • Osaka – Himeji – Osaka: ¥1,490 x 2 = ¥2,980 (~S$36)
    • Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka: ¥560 x 2 = ¥1,120 (~S$13)
    • Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto: ¥240 x 2 = ¥480 (~S$6)
      • Total: ¥82,340 (~S$984)

Total cost savings : S$984 – S$534 = S$450 with the Japan Rail Pass

ENJOY LOTS OF SAVINGS WITH THE JAPAN RAIL PASS!

In fact, save even more when you book with Klook. Spend a minimum of S$300 to get an extra S$18 off with the promo code <CHERRY18>; a 341-day Rail Pass already costs S$539, so you’ll be well covered! You’ll also receive another coupon worth S$18, which you can use to further discount your next spend of S$150. Pretty worth it, we say!

Alternative Sakura Route: Fukuoka – Osaka

Note that the Osaka route remains the same, and the following Fukuoka route will replace the above Tokyo route.

Day 1-2: Fukuoka

Start off your sakura escapade in Fukuoka, one of Japan’s hidden gems. Sakura blooms earlier in Fukuoka, so starting your trip towards the end of March gives you a good buffer should the season be delayed. Fukuoka is also a good base to explore the surrounding region! However, don’t activate your Japan Rail Pass until Day 3 – you won’t need it for travelling around Fukuoka itself. For a unique perspective, head to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins at Maizaru Park. Fukuoka Castle was once Kyushu’s largest castle, but now comprise a couple of walls and turrets as an echo of its former glory.

Klook Pro-Tip: Make your way to the top of Fukuoka Castle’s main citadel for a bird’s eye view of the sakura trees!

During sakura season, multiple festivals erupt across the nation; these comprise an eclectic range of food stalls peddling snacks of every variety, a cluster of which are set up in most public parks. One of the best things to do during sakura season is to have a picnic below the willowy pink canopy; either purchase your food from the festival stalls or do a takeaway from a department/convenience store and stretch out alongside locals. A great place to do this in Fukuoka is at Ohori Park, which also offers water sports (think: paddling across the lake on a water tricycle!) for those looking for a more diversified experience. We easily spent an entire day here!

What else to do at Fukuoka: Downtown & Street Shopping tour, Alleyway tour, Traditional Japanese Shopping tour

Day 3: Fukuoka – Okayama – Kurashiki – Okayama – Fukuoka

On your third day, activate your Japan Rail Pass and head out of Fukuoka on a day trip to Okayama and Kurashiki. Do remember to make seat reservations before your journey – these are free and complimentary with the Japan Rail Pass.

Klook Pro-Tip: For outbound journeys from Fukuoka, do take note that the main station is called ‘Hakata’, and not ‘Fukuoka’.

Image credit: (left) kimubert, (right) zengame

Okayama is home to Koraku-en Garden, which is one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Needless to say, Koraku-en is one of the prefecture’s top Sakura viewing spots! Other fantastic sakura spots at Okayama include the Asahi River Cherry Road, located along the banks of the Asahi River, as well as Handayama Botanical Garden.

Image credit: Rob White

After lunch, head over to Kurashiki, which is home to a preserved heritage area called ‘Bikan-chiku’. Known for rows of traditional houses flanking a river, the streets of Bikan-chiku are filled with dozens of antique shops, candy stores, and establishments offering traditional Japanese souvenirs.

How to get there: 114-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Okayama station via Shinkansen; 17-minute journey (one-way) from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station via JR Sanyo line

What else to do at Okayama: Sega Joypolis, Okayama Digital Museum

What else to do at Kurashiki: Boat ride along Kurashiki Canal, Kumano Shrine, Ivy Square

Day 4: Fukuoka- Yanagawa – Fukuoka

Known as the ‘Venice of Kyushu’, Yanagawa consists of a criss-cross labyrinth of canals that are best explored via a gondola ride. Hop on board an hour-long gondola tour of the town’s canals, and be paddled around by your own private guide. Your guide will bring you along narrow canals and under bridges, all whilst serenading you with traditional Japanese songs. Pass by, or under, arching sakura trees as you explore this little town in the most unique way possible.

After the gondola ride, fill up on “Unagi Seiro Mushi”, Yanagawa’s speciality dish. The dish contains grilled Unagi (eel), thinly-sliced egg and rice – steamed together in a bamboo steamer. The dish is usually served in a lacquer wooden steamer, which is said to help better preserve the flavour.

How to get there: 50-minute journey (one-way) from Nishitetsu-Fukuoka (Tenjin) station to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa station via Limited Express train

What else to do at Yanagawa: Yanagawa Castle, Yanagawa Historic District

Day 5: Fukuoka – Nagasaki – Fukuoka

Image credit: Maru Fish

Together with Hiroshima, Nagasaki was one of the two cities hit by a nuclear bomb during World War II. Tateyama Park and Nagasaki Peace Park are two of the city’s top sakura spots, drawing hordes of history buffs and nature lovers to its shores.

One interesting place to visit is Gunkanjima, an abandoned island off the shores of Nagasaki. Gunkanjima is also known as ‘Battleship Island’, as it resembles a battleship from an aerial view. Travellers aren’t allowed to visit the island by themselves and have to join a tour.

How to get there: 131-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Nagasaki station via Limited Express train

What else to do at Nagasaki: Huis Ten Bosch theme park, Chinatown, Penguin Aquarium

Day 6: Fukuoka – Beppu – Osaka

Image credit: (top) Melanie Ko, (bottom left) Hans Johnson, (bottom right) Chris Gladis

Many flock to Beppu for their hot springs – which can be a real treat during the cool spring weather! Home to over 100 onsen (Japanese hot springs), Beppu has more hot springs than anywhere else in Japan. Another highlight of Beppu, however, is their ‘Hells of Beppu’ – a collection of hot springs that are so called due to their hellish colour. Indeed, some come in hues of bright orange or red!

Klook Pro-Tip: Some onsens also offer sand baths, so be sure to check those out for a unique experience.

Other than enjoying the hot springs, Beppu is also home to multiple sakura spots! Head to Beppu Park, Lake Shikada, Sakai River, or embark on the Beppu Cableway up Mount Tsurumi, which is a volcano located on Beppu’s outskirts.

How to get there: 95-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Beppu station via Shinkansen and Limited Express train

What else to do at Beppu: Kimono rental, Kijima Kogen Park, African Safari Park

Day 7: Fukuoka – Kagoshima – Fukuoka

Image credit: Hans Johnson

Kagoshima is home to a variety of sakura spots – Yoshino Park, Senganen Garden, Kotsukigawa Riverside, Hirakawa Zoo – but the most interesting of the lot has to be Sakurajima’s Dinosaur Park. Sakurajima is an active volcano and is located right in the middle of Kagoshima Bay. The volcano is accessible via ferry and boasts many attractions around the ferry terminal, with the Dinosaur Park being one of them!

The Dinosaur Park is home to 7 large dinosaurs, each of which are equipped with stairs and tunnels for visitors to explore! There is even a long slide, that’s 10 metres high and a whopping 50 metres long! The park is fantastic for a family holiday and sees many families arriving with picnic baskets in hand. This is even more so during sakura season when the multiple cherry trees burst into full bloom.

How to get there: 97-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Kagoshima station via Shinkansen and Limited Express train

What else to do at Kagoshima: Shiroyama Lookout, Kirishima, Yurigahama Beach, Yakushima Island

Day 8: Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Fukuoka

Image credit: Tanaka Juuyoh

The most iconic thing about Kumamoto is its castle, which is only befitting of the castle being one of the city’s most prominent sakura spots as well! Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s largest and most complete castles, the grounds of which are home to over a thousand sakura trees. Another fun thing to do in Kumamoto would be to try finding the miniature replica of Mount Fuji hidden in Suizenji Ko-en, a garden that’s another of the city’s sakura spots.

Klook Pro-Tip: Don’t miss out on trying raw horse sashimi, which is one of Kumamoto’s signature dishes!

How to get there: 49-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Kumamoto station via Shinkansen

What else to do at KumamotoContemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens

In addition, use the promo code <CHERRY18> to get S$18+18=S$36 off your Japan Rail Pass and activities! Spend a minimum of S$300 to get the first S$18 off, then receive an S$18 coupon for your next purchase of minimum S$150. Planning a sakura-hunting trip with the Japan Rail Pass? Get even more savings right here!

Day 9: Fukuoka – Osaka

And it’s time to explore the Kansai region! The Osaka itinerary follows the above as stated in the conventional (Tokyo-Osaka) route.

How to get there: 163-minute journey (one-way) from Hakata station to Shin-Osaka station via Shinkansen

Breakdown of costs for above itinerary: 14-Day Japan Rail Pass VS point-to-point tickets

  • 14-Day Japan Rail Pass: S$534
  • Point-to-point tickets:
    • Fukuoka – Okayama – Fukuoka: ¥7,340 x 2 = ¥14,680 (~S$175)
    • Okayama – Kurashiki – Okayama: ¥320 x 2 = ¥640 (~S$8)
    • Fukuoka – Yanagawa – Fukuoka:¥ 850 x 2 = ¥1,700 (~S$20)
    • Fukuoka – Nagasaki – Fukuoka: ¥4,710 x 2 = ¥9,420 (~S$112)
    • Fukuoka – Beppu – Fukuoka: ¥7,340 x 2 = ¥14,680 (~S$176)
    • Fukuoka – Kagoshima – Fukuoka: ¥11,070 yen x 2 = ¥22,140 (~S$265)
    • Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Fukuoka: ¥4,930 x 2 = ¥9,860 (~S$118)
    • Fukuoka – Osaka: ¥9,610 (~S$115)
    • Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka: ¥5620 x 2 = ¥11,240 (~S$134)
    • Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima: ¥180 x 2 = ¥360 (~S$4)
    • Osaka – Himeji – Osaka: ¥1,490 x 2 = ¥2,980 (~S$36)
    • Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka: ¥560 x 2 = ¥1,120 (~S$13)
    • Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto: ¥240 x 2 = ¥480 (~S$6)
      • Total: ¥98,910 (~S$1,183)

Total cost savings : S$1,183 – S$534 = S$649 with the Japan Rail Pass

GET YOUR JAPAN RAIL PASS RIGHT HERE!

Whichever route you pick, the Japan Rail Pass is bound to bring you massive savings! Besides being valid for both intercity and intracity travel (for certain locations), the Japan Rail Pass also allows you to make seat reservations for free (don’t underestimate the importance of these for long journeys!). In addition, you can also do away with physical tickets; all you have to do is to flash your pass at the station gantries to gain entry! If you miss a train, you also have the flexibility to make another seat reservation and hop onto another one – entirely free of charge.

Take your pick from 7-Day, 14-Day or 21-Day Rail Passes – whichever suits your schedule. And during a time where everything in the country goes up in price due to the popularity of the sakura season, the Japan Rail Pass is one way to guarantee savings! We recommend buying your Japan Rail Passes from Klook – all you have to do is book yours online, collect your exchange order from Klook’s CBD office, and exchange the voucher at either a) any international airport in Japan, or b) any JR office in Japan. Each voucher is valid for a period of 90 days, so don’t worry about buying yours in advance! Don’t forget to use the promo code <CHERRY18> to enjoy S$18+18=S$36 off a minimum spend of S$450 (S$300+150). Yes, it’s that easy!

And if you’re wondering why to buy from Klook, here are some benefits:

  • Best price guarantee – find anything cheaper and they’ll refund you the difference
  • Instant confirmation
  • User reviews – there are over 2 million (!!) to help you make an informed decision
 In addition, subscribe to Klook’s mailing list right here to receive some of the best deals and activity updates straight into your inbox!
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Experience the beauty of the sakura season for yourself – words simply don’t do it justice – and trust us when we say you won’t want to leave home without the Japan Rail Pass. 

KLOOK YOUR WAY TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE NOW!


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About Author

E-lyn Tham
E-lyn Tham

Having a strong conviction that getting lost is just another adventure in itself, E-lyn takes particular delight in wandering stranger lands, inhibitions and fears thrown asunder. There’s so much left in the world to see, and there’s nothing she would like better than to spend her days dreaming whimsical, thinking adventure, and laughing curious.

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