Itinerary Summary
Start in Tokyo, then board the Nozomi for Kyoto: Fushimi Inari on day three, the Sagano Scenic Railway along the Hozu Gorge on day four, then another Shinkansen leg west to Hiroshima. Day six mixes th…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo Station Arrival and an Ekiben Dinner Underground
14:00
2h
Airport rail link to Tokyo Station
Clear immigration and take the Narita Express or a Haneda monorail and train combination into central Tokyo. Both routes end near Tokyo Station, where lockers and coin storage help if your hotel check-in is later.
📍 Narita or Haneda to Tokyo
17:00
1h
Tokyo Station Marunouchi brick facade
Walk the restored red-brick facade on the Marunouchi side and watch commuters pour through the station. The plaza in front is free and lit after dark, and the underground passages connect to nearby department stores.
📍 Marunouchi, Tokyo
18:30
1.5h
Gransta ekiben dinner
Choose a boxed ekiben from the Gransta basement, where counters sell regional rice dishes and grilled fish. Take it back to your hotel or eat at a standing counter; most shops close by 21:00 and accept IC cards.
📍 Tokyo Station
💡 Pro Tip: Narita and Haneda both connect to Tokyo Station by rail in 30 to 60 minutes. A nationwide Japan Rail Pass was repriced in 2023, so compare its cost with individual Shinkansen tickets before buying; it does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho trains without a supplement. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Japan visa section. Station ekiben counters close around 21:00.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$79035%
Rail-side city hotels, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$45020%
Ekiben station bento, ramen, Hiroshima okonomiyaki and oysters
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Japan Rail Pass good value for Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima?+
It can be, since the Tokyo to Hiroshima return trip is long and expensive. Compare the pass price against single tickets for every leg you plan, and remember that Nozomi and Mizuho services are excluded, adding time to each journey.
Which Shinkansen trains can I ride with a Japan Rail Pass?+
The pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines plus most JR local services, but not the fastest Nozomi or Mizuho departures. Reserve seats at a JR ticket office or machine before boarding; unreserved cars fill up in peak blossom and foliage weeks.
What is the best season for a Tokyo to Hiroshima rail trip?+
Late March to early April brings cherry blossom and November brings autumn foliage, both fine from a train window but busy and pricier. May and October offer mild weather and normal rates, while mid-June to mid-July is the rainy season across central Japan.
How do I get to Miyajima Island and does the tide matter?+
Take a JR train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, then a short ferry covered by the JR Pass. The Itsukushima torii appears to float at high tide and stands on mudflats at low tide, so check a tide table if you want a particular view.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,790–2,690 (≈ €1,560–2,340), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Rail Journeys
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