Using a Japan rail pass is the most convenient way to travel around Japan, removing the hassle of buying separate tickets for each journey.
However, the National Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) doubled in price in 2023, making it harder to save money. But don’t worry; other regional passes, including the Japan West All Area Pass, are worthwhile.
The Japan West All Area Pass covers many of Japan’s popular destinations, making it ideal for first-time visitors. You can purchase the pass through the official JR website before arriving in Japan.
Check out the itinerary below to make the most of the Japan West All Area Pass. I’ve included transport details, hotel recommendations, and top attractions. You can view them all on my Google Map.
Day 1: Fukuoka
Fly into Fukuoka and start your adventure!
We arrived late in the evening, so went straight to the hotel and didn’t explore much of Fukuoka. You could take a day off somewhere else in the itinerary to spend some time here. Or extend your trip!
Remember, don’t activate your Japan rail pass until the morning you want to start using it. As the pass is valid from midnight, you’ll lose a day of use if you activate it on the evening you arrive.
Where to stay in Fukuoka
We stayed at the Toyo Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Hakata Station. It was reasonably priced at around £60 per night, including a buffet breakfast.
To get here from the airport:
- Take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal.
- Take the metro to Hakata station (¥260).
- Take the East Chikushi exit from the station and walk to the Toyo Hotel.
Day 2: Itsukushima (Miyajima Island)
Picking up the Japan West All Area Pass
Head to the Hakata Station ticket counter to collect your Japan West All Area Pass. Just show your booking email and fill out a short form. The staff spoke good English, and the process was quick and easy.
Getting to Miyajima
- Take the Shinkansen from Hakata to Hiroshima Station (1 hour).
- Transfer to the San-yo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 minutes).
- Walk to the JR ferry terminal (5 minutes).
- Board the JR ferry to Miyajima Island (10 minutes – included in your pass!).
You can check the ferry timetable here: JR Miyajima Ferry Timetable
Things to do on Miyajima Island
Spend the afternoon and evening wandering through the scenic town. There’s lots of street food, bars and shops to explore. Visit the Itsukushima Jinja shrine and take in the famous floating Torii Gate. Deers are on the island, but beware, they will steal your lunch!
We had dinner at Niwa Cafe Miyama, which was one of the only places open on a Saturday night. The food was delicious, but it was also the most expensive meal we had in Japan!
Where to stay in Miyajima
We stayed at Sakuraya, a charming Ryokan with a traditional tatami room and an indoor onsen. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal and costs £65 per night.
Day 3: Mt. Misen and travel to Onomichi
Spend the morning hiking Mt. Misen. There are three trails to the summit, each taking 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the ropeway, which takes about 20 minutes (¥2000 round trip).
We took the Momijidani Course, which takes you through the stunning forest. To get here, head to Momijidani Park and follow the trail toward the ropeway, but stick to the right. The trail is easy to follow and well-signed. At Mt. Misen Main Hall, there is a vending machine for drinks and benches where you can rest. Make sure you keep going up from here to reach the peak for the best views.
On the way back, we took the Daisho-in Course. This route had great views and was the least steep of the three (we probably should have gone up this way!). It passes through Mt. Misen Gate and ends by the Daisho-in temple.
Getting to Onomichi
- Take the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
- Take the San-yo Line train to Itozaki Station (1 hour 50 minutes).
- Transfer to another San-yo Line train to Onomichi (7 minutes).
Where to stay in Onomichi
We stayed at Green Hill Hotel Onomichi, across the road from the train station on Onomichi Wharf. The hotel costs £70 per night, including breakfast.
Day 4: Onomichi – Cycling the Shimanami Kaido
Onomichi is the starting point for the famous Shimanami Kaido, a stunning 70 km cycling route that takes you across 6 islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
I’ve written a detailed guide on cycling the Shimanami Kaido, check it out for more tips!
Day 5: Himeji Castle and travel to Kyoto
Getting to Himeji Castle
- Take the San-Yo Line to Fukuyama station (20 minutes).
- Transfer to the Shinkansen to Himeji (1 hour 12 minutes).
- Take the Himeji Castle Exit out of the station.
Look for the coin lockers on the right side of the exit and leave your luggage here for the day. Take a picture of the locker receipt; you’ll need the code to open the locker when finished.
Stroll down the high street and explore Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved castles, and Kōkōen Garden. The entrance fee for the castle and gardens is ¥1050.
Getting to Kyoto
- Take the Shinkansen on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Shin Osaka Station (46 minutes).
- *Change to the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto Station (50 minutes).
- If you stay in Nakagyo, transfer to the San-in Line to Nijo Station (6 minutes).
*The Japan West All Area pass does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Osaka and Kyoto.
Where to stay in Kyoto
We stayed at The Royal Park Canvas Hotel in Nijo. It’s directly across from Nijo Station, which was super convenient for exploring all of Kyoto’s attractions. The hotel costs around £80 per night.
Day 6-9: Kyoto
Kyoto is packed with historic temples, bamboo forests, and scenic rivers. Here’s how we spent 4 days in Kyoto:
Day 1: Hozugawa river boat ride, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Torii gates), evening in Osaka
Day 3: Day trip to Amanohashidate*
Day 4: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Samurai Museum, Kiyomizu-dera temple
*Note that your Japan West all Area Pass will end after day 8 (day 3 in Kyoto), so take any longer-distance day trips by then. Most of the activities on day 4 are walkable or would be a few pounds on the metro or bus.
I’ve covered this itinerary in detail in my Kyoto 4 day itinerary guide.
Onward travel from Kyoto
The Japan West All Area Pass coverage doesn’t cover onward travel to Tokyo, but there are a few options.
We took a night bus from Kyoto to Tokyo, but I wouldn’t do this again! The hotel and travel savings weren’t worth the lack of sleep, especially since the Shinkansen will get you to Tokyo in two hours. It will cost about ¥14,000 though.
Another overnight option is the Sunrise Seto/Izumo, Japan’s last surviving night train. The train can be boarded at Osaka bound for Tokyo. Advance Reservations are mandatory and sell out fast! Book tickets on the JR West website or in person at the ticket office.
Planning a trip to Tokyo or Mt. Fuji? Check out these guides!
Tokyo 7 Day Itinerary: The Best Things To Do In Tokyo
Epic Fuji Hakone Pass 3 Day Itinerary
Leave a Reply