Best Transportation Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Hiroshima/Tokyo?

Question

I'll be arriving in Osaka. What is the best way and/or most money-saving way in terms of transportation (train, bus?) if I wanted to go to Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Tokyo? And what order would be the best to go if I need to start in Osaka and end my trip in Osaka?

Answer 1

If you're going to be doing a lot of traveling between cities, your best bet is probably a Japan Rail Pass (like Eurail). They're expensive but much cheaper than buying tickets every time you need one. Check with your travel agent.
(7 days about $250; 14 days about $400; 21 days about $500). See: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html

Night buses are a cheap alternative for inter-city travel (Osaka to Tokyo, for example). JR Rail Passes can sometimes be used on some intercity buses, but I can't imagine why anyone who could go by train would want to go by bus ...

Within any particular area, private train lines are often (but not always) cheaper than JR. In the Osaka area, for instance, there are several: Hankyu, Hanshin, Nankai, Kintetsu - depending on where you want to go. JR Rail Passes are NOT valid on private lines.

Local buses tend to be very expensive and forget about taxis unless you're on an expense account.

The problem with your itinerary is that Osaka is near both Kyoto and Nara but between Tokyo and Hiroshima. You might consider leaving out one or the other this trip. Personally I'd recommend: Osaka --> Hiroshima --> Kyoto --> Tokyo --> Osaka --> Nara --> Osaka.

I've lived here more than 20 years. I use private trains as much as possible. Come on over!

Answer 2

Go to a KIN KEN SHOP (coupon shop at the station) then find a night bus ticket...if not just get a night bus it saves the hotel by sleeping in the bus.. the competition is so high that the bus company offers good price like 30dollars to tokyo - osaka. if you want to go bullet train get a JR shinkansen pass before you leave online. its only for tourist and you can ride as much as you want until it expires.

Answer 3

I assume you're just traveling, so the most affordable thing to do is to get one day passes. You pay a certain amount once and you can use them all day. If you're going to be there awhile I suggest a kaisuuken (a multi-use pass). It's discounted, moreso if you use it between 10am and 4pm, even more so if you use it just on the weekends. Be sure and find out which train lines you're going to use. If you're mainly using just one or two, it's more affordable to get tickets for each line. If you're going to be using a bunch, it's more affordable to get a one day pass you can use on most lines.
Taxis are REALLY expensive, so avoid them. Look or ask around for buses and trains.
If you're going to various cities it's definitely a good idea to check out JR. It's the only train line that crosses regions. They have a website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

Answer 4

A JR rail-pass would be your best bet.

Answer 5

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/