Hi. I'll be going to Japan for the first time this October and pretty much have my itinerary sorted out. Just few headaches which I need to seek help from the sifus here.

Day 1: Arrival at Haneda @ 10:30pm. was planning to catch 0:20 bus to Kyoto but 2nd thought, I'm afraid can't make it as I dunno the time taken at the airport. If flight delay, worse. So best plan should be staying at the capsule.

Day 2: Take shinkansen hikari with JR pass to Kyoto

Day 3-5: Touring around Kyoto & Osaka (use Kansai area pass)

Day 6: From Kyoto, go to Kawaguchiko + shop at Gotemba outlet for half day

Day 7: Day tour at Kawaguchiko

Day 8: Hakone day trip - back to Tokyo by night (last day of 7 days JR pass)

Day 9: Visit Disneysea

Day 10-12: Touring around Tokyo areas e.g. Asakusa, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tsukiji market, Ikebukuro, Shibuya etc. will buy 1 day pass each day

Day 13: Last round of touring during day time and return to KL at night

Headache #1: Is it worth it to buy JR Pass 7 days + Kansai area pass? 

Headache #2: What transport option to take (cost + time efficient way) from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko? Seems not many people sharing how to travel from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko.

I do see people recommend to take shikansen hikari from Kyoto-Mishima-Gotemba-Kawaguchiko: around 5 hours total; need to pay 1510 yen for the bus from Gotemba to Kawaguchiko - can somebody advise if this is the best way?


Thank you!!

Question..  if we go tokyo.. normally we can spend a few days visiting cities like shibuya ginza shinjuku harakuju asukasa etc.. hence staying in 1 place and just take the train will do

But how does it work in osaka? Kyoto seems a little far in comparison. You get what i mean?

Yes this is what i mean.. mean i can stay in osaka the entire trip..

We try to be as flexible as possible this time, hence we will have two weeks this round to cover Kansai and Northern Kyushu. Hopefully no rushing as both of us just want to spend time together and walking slowly to enjoy the view. We are not living in the same country, one year only meet once or twice.
Yeah, I'm surprised to see it covers Nozomi.

Anyway, if I want to book Shinkansen rides with JR Pass, I can only do it in the JR centre right? Looks like gotta spend some time there when we are in Osaka. Prefer to reserve seats and hope to get seats in Hello Kitty Shinkansen. Is there any way I can book Shinkansen rides online? Last time when I travelled from Tokyo to Osaka, I just bought the ticket separately in Shinjuku as I didn't buy any JR Pass that time.

Japan welcoming Olympic 2020. JR Rail Pass system also been upgraded.
Now you no needed claim passes from JR Central Office. You can printed it out from Machine (Light Blue Color) (24Hrs)
Select Language to English (Skip this part if you know Japanese)
Just need key in Exchange Order Number + Activation Date. Then Scan your Passport to confirm is you.
Done.
I still prefer old way because I can chit chat with the girls 

Flying in through Haneda or Narita? Haneda has no PPL or lounges which could be used with PP or any CC.

Got PP ma... saved on one meal lor.   

Joking. I really hate to be loitering around the departure areas when I'm flying. That is why I prefer to go into lounges, shake a leg, eat, drink, rest, sleep. read some magazines, watch tv, charge my phone etc.    Right fruitie?
Ah KIX... then confirm got lounge.

Hi Guys, I have 2 days free for my Tokyo trip.
Any suggestions for me? hehe thanks.

hm, shopping and dining.
November this year.

Thanks.

Hi guys. Can we do day trip osaka - amanohashidate. What can we expect there?

Is it a good idea to spend a day at Shiga? Assuming I have an extra day to spare in Kyoto. I have been to Kobe and I find it like a mini Osaka. I am thinking to skip Kobe and replace it with Shiga. I haven't figured out how to go to those attractions yet without a car, I hope it's doable.

Yeah JR Pass but mine will expire by then.
So IC card is fine to buy ticket on the spot.

I think Shiga is not too bad for day trip from Kyoto?

I'm not collecting any pass too. Osaka Amazing Pass will be posted to my friend's house in China, we got it from Taobao. Only JR pass needs to collect but we are flexible, can collect on second day, first day almost impossible to do it in KIX. Let's say I'm getting Kyoto pass, need to purchase on the spot from Kyoto Station. I don't like collecting passes too.

If only Japan allows mobile version. 

I will probably stick to Icoca too for Kyoto.

I'm thinking of getting a Kansai One Pass for my travels in Osaka and Kyoto. I know I can get it at KIX Airport but there's no mention of operating hours as I am arriving at 920pm which is a bit late..

Also I would like to get it at the airport to get discounts for Haruka train to transfer to Osaka

Klook's collection place is at somewhere near Namba and yes I find it inconvenient too. That's why didn't get from them.
Yeah, I reckoned that's what I'm going to do. Just IC card, no need to stress anymore.
I just dislike reloading it with cash only..
Yeah, or sites like Klook or KKDay, can Google for it.
I got mine from Taobao, much cheaper.
Anyway, does anyone know where can I buy daily unlimited 500 yen Nagasaki tram tickets? Real experience sharing is appreciated.

I am curious will you be penalised if you miss your reservation using JR Pass/Tokyo Wide Pass/etc?

Let's say you reserved a 12pm ride. But you missed the ride and you want to take the next ride at 1pm.

Will you be penalised? Will you be barred from the next ride?

And what if you arrived the station earlier and you want to change the reservation to 11am from 12pm instead? Are you able to do that?