14-Day JR Pass Itinerary

14-Day Japan Rail Pass Itinerary: Hokkaido to Kyushu

Day 1-2: Hokkaido (Sapporo)

• Arrive in Sapporo and explore the city.
• Visit Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, and Susukino.
• If visiting in winter, enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival or explore hot springs in nearby Noboribetsu.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at Nijo Market.

Day 3: Hakodate (Hokkaido)

• Take the JR train to Hakodate (approximately 4 hours).
• Visit the Hakodate Morning Market, Hakodate Mountain for stunning night views, and Goryokaku Fort.

Day 4-5: Sendai (Tohoku)

• Travel south to Sendai (about 4 hours by Shinkansen).
• Explore Sendai’s famous Zuihoden Mausoleum, Aoba Castle, and the Tanabata Festival (if visiting in summer).
• Take a day trip to Matsushima Bay, known for its scenic views of pine-covered islands.

Day 6-7: Tokyo (Kanto)

• Arrive in Tokyo (2.5 hours by Shinkansen from Sendai).
• Spend time in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Akihabara.
• Explore iconic landmarks like the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba.
• Take a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura for historical sites.

Day 8-9: Kyoto (Kansai)

• Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen).
• Visit famous temples such as Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera.
• Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take a boat ride on the Hozu River.
• Stroll through the Gion district and maybe spot a geisha.

Day 10: Nara (Kansai)

• Take a short day trip to Nara (45 minutes by train from Kyoto).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and the Great Buddha.
• Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Day 11-12: Osaka (Kansai)

• Travel to Osaka (15 minutes by train from Kyoto).
• Explore Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and the Umeda Sky Building.
• Don’t miss Osaka’s famous street food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Spend a day at Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Day 13: Hiroshima (Chugoku)

• Head to Hiroshima (about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen from Osaka).
• Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle.
• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 14: Fukuoka (Kyushu)

• Travel to Fukuoka (about 1 hour by Shinkansen from Hiroshima).
• Visit Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle ruins, and the Kushida Shrine.
• Explore the Canal City shopping mall and enjoy the food scene, especially Hakata ramen.

Japan Rail Pass Pricing (as of 2025):

The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. There are two types of passes:

• Ordinary Pass (Standard Class):
  • 7-day: ¥50,000
  • 14-day: ¥80,000
  • 21-day: ¥100,000
• Green Pass (First Class):
  • 7-day: ¥70,000
  • 14-day: ¥110,000
  • 21-day: ¥140,000

Note: Prices are subject to change; it’s advisable to check the latest rates before purchasing.

japanrailpass.net

Green Pass vs. Ordinary Pass:

The Green Pass offers enhanced comfort, including:

• More spacious and comfortable seats.
• Quieter and less crowded carriages.
• Additional amenities such as complimentary drinks and snacks on certain trains.

While the Green Pass is approximately 30% more expensive than the Ordinary Pass, it provides a more comfortable travel experience, especially on longer journeys.

insidekyoto.com

Considerations:

• Seat Reservations: Both passes allow free seat reservations, which is recommended during peak travel seasons.
• Nozomi and Mizuho Trains: The Japan Rail Pass does not cover the fastest Shinkansen trains (Nozomi and Mizuho). However, you can board these trains by paying an additional supplement fee. japan-guide.com

This itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of Japan’s diverse regions, from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the historic sites of Kyushu. The Japan Rail Pass provides a cost-effective and convenient way to explore these areas.