Why so rush? I would just stay at Tokyo (or nearby) if so. Unless you already book accommodation for Kyoto & Tokyo and bought your 7 day JR pass.

If not I would say just save the money and venture around Tokyo and have 1 day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko or somewhere nearby.

Just stick to Tokyo only. Kyoto save it for next trip.

No. In general JR pass only worth it if you do return trip to/from Kansai/Tokyo.

Personal Quick Tips :

1. Buy ONLINE your Disneyland/ Disneysea ticket early, so you can skip queue. Also, they have "evening weekend" ticket that slash the price by 50% (I bought it in 2014 trip). For those just want a quick trip to Disneyland, this ticket will help you save $$$

2. Buy Kansai Thru Pass if you plan to travel within Kansai Region (Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe). It will help you to save $$$ (depend on your travel pattern, personally I save about 35%).

3. If you love to stay longer in Osaka, please check "Osaka Amazing Pass" (transport + entrance ticket included).

4. If you travel from Osaka to Tokyo, please check the following option (besides Bullet train) :

- JAL (Japanese Airlines) ~ I got my 50% discount in conjunction of their special season & early bird)
- Normal train ticket buy in advanced ~ you will get huge discount + complimentary drink

5. If you would like to travel by bus, besides JR Express, you also can consider Willer Express. All Willer Express ticket can be booked online and it's cheaper than JR.

evanyi, are you going to japan on your own without tour agency?
guess you must have done alot of homework......i thought of doing the same to save money but no confidentlah, so plan to use tour agency

Hi All,
I will be traveling on this coming 17th October until 24th October.
First time travel to Japan.
17th October afternoon will arrive at Narita Airport.
24th October afternoon depart from Narita Airport.
Now still planning on the following option, need some input for my planning

Accommodation: Now planning either Airbnb or Hostel, keen to try out capsule hotel as well. Need a place to sleep. Any recommendations are welcomed.

Option 1: 17th after landed on Narita, straight go to kyoto by Shinkansen (which means I will purchase a JR pass). 20th morning head back to Toyko and 24th depart back to home. (itineraries for Kyoto will be mainly temples and shrine, tokyo part still doing research, but Disneysea is a must go!)

Option 2: Only in Tokyo as Tokyo itself has a lot of interesting places and nearby cities for me to explore (itineraries still doing research).

I'm worried that Option 1 would be too rushed.
Or would it be better to have another trip in future solely on Kansai Region like Kyoto Osaka Nara etc.?

For first timer, is it better to explore Tokyo (and nearby cities) only?

I'm looking forward for all the feedback.
Thank you for your inputs.  

You done this again one more time you are out from here.
I am Serious here.

Please quote all message you want reply and done under one post.