Traveling around Japan shouldn’t empty your pocket. With my JR Tokyo Wide Pass Itinerary, you can easily afford and visit the broader Tokyo area, which includes famous attractions such as Nikko, Mount Fuji, Yuzawa kogen ski resort, Komoro Castle Ruins, Shiraito Falls, the Izu Peninsula and many more. With this pass, you can ride unlimited JR trains, buses, and even the shinkansen bullet train for a predetermined length of time, making it simple to go around and see all the attractions.
The JR Tokyo Wide Pass provides something to everyone, whether you’re interested in historical sites, natural beauty, or modern attractions. In this itinerary, we’ll highlight some of the best places to visit with the pass and advise ways to make the most of your time there.
7:40 - Shinkansen ride to Echigo Yuzawa
We went on a day trip to Echigo Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture using the 3-day pass, JR Tokyo Wide Pass.
We rode a shinkansen (included in a pass) from Ueno Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station.
9:00- Touchdown Echigo Yuzawa Station
Arrived at Echigo Yuzawa Station around 9:00 AM. We walked to Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway Station and took the ropeway to Yuzawa Kogen Alpine Botanical Garden.
I was mesmerized by the scenic view above. I can still see the snow caps of the mountains that can be seen at the peak. We explored the place and rode the go-kart twice.
10:00 -Yuzawa Kogen - Mountain Go-Kart
Driving here in Japan for the first time, although only on a go-kart. Driving a go-kart at Kogen Yuzawa Alpine Botanical Garden was one of the most fun things I did today. I was hesitant to operate the go-kart because I don’t know how to drive very well. This was our second time(the staff even noticed us) Chriz Tine drove and I was the passenger on our first attempt.
Since I really don’t like losing to children, I decided to give it a try after watching children aged 5 and older try driving. I’m glad I did it because it turned out to be the one I enjoyed the most today. Because of this, I nearly lost my voice. Thanks to my videographer and driving instructor for holding the camera and the driving wheel for me.
11:00 - Chill at the Park
11:20 - Lunch
13:00 - Walked around Echigo Yuzawa station
We went down to make ample time for the bus schedule going to our next destination. Explored the area near Echigo Yuzawa station and relaxed at the foot bath.
15:00: Kiyotsu Gorge tunnel
After getting off the bus at Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi Station, we walked for about 30 minutes to reach the Kiyotsu Gorge tunnel. We enjoyed walking and seeing this beautiful scenery in front of our eyes.
18:00 - Ponshukan
We returned to Echigo Yuzawa Station to eat dinner after visiting Kiyotsu Gorge. After a delicious meal, we visited Ponshukan, which is located just within the station. 132 different types of sake for tasting are available at Ponshukan. We also got some omiyage, which was our final activity of the day. Then took the shinkansen (still covered with our Tokyo Wide Pass) back to Tokyo.
Day 2: JR Tokyo Wide Pass - Shizuoka Prefecture
7:30 - Shinkansen ride to Izukyuu-Shimoda station
We traveled to Izukyuu-Shimoda Station (the last station included in this pass). We were supposed to take the Odoriko Express train (also included in the pass) from Tokyo Station but ended up taking the local train to Atami and change to Izukyu line at Atami Station, as we weren’t able to get a seat reservation.
Nevertheless, we enjoyed the train ride while seeing the ocean view.
10:30 - Touch down Izukyu-Shimoda
I was amazed when we explored the area. It feels like we weren’t in Japan, flags of the US and Japan are decorated along the streets. Historically, this small town plays a big role in opening Japan to the world.
11:00 - Perry Monument
11:30 - Lunch at Kurofuneya
We walked through Perry road and his landing monument nearby the ocean. Then, we had our sumptuous lunch at Kurofuneya (super delicious) just a few walks away from the station.
12:30 - Bamboo Charcoal Vanilla
After lunch, we made our way to the station and had a Bamboo Charcoal Vanilla Flavor soft cream at Perry’s Black Ship House. We also bought some omiyage at the souvenir shop near the station before boarding the train and moving to our next destination.
13:30 - Touch down Izu-Kogen Station
We boarded the Odoriko train from Izukyu-Shimoda Station and got off at Izu-Kogen Station. We explored the place around the station a bit while waiting for the train for Jogazaki Kaigan Station. Luckily, we were able to ride the Resort 21 sightseeing train (included on our pass).
14:00 - Jogazaki Kaigan Station
14:30 - Kadowakicape lighthouse
We walked from Jogazaki Kaigan Station to Kadowakicape lighthouse for about 30minutes. We went on a wrong way and was about to go back to the station when a Japanese woman approached us and asked where we were headed to. We were happy as she walked us to our destination as she is also taking 散歩(sanpo or walking in English). We chatted on our way and thank her for guiding us.
15:00 - Kadowaki Suspension Bridge
We chilled a bit while sitting on rocks nearby the cliffs and then moved on to Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. After feeling the sea breeze and filling ourselves with so much relaxation watching the ocean while listening to the sound of the waves, we made our way back to the station and catch the train for Atami Station.
We tried to reserve a seat at Atami Station but unfortunately, Odoriko’s last train runs at 4:00 PM. As Tokaido Shinkansen is not included in our pass, we took the local train back to Tokyo after dinner.
What an amazing trip, relaxing and experiencing life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Day 3: JR Tokyo Wide Pass - Nagano Prefecture
7:30 - Tokyo to Nagano via Hokuriku Shinkansen
On the last day of our 3-day JR Tokyo Wide Pass, we went on another day trip to Nagano from Tokyo via Hokuriku Shinkansen.
We were not able to reserve a seat for our shinkansen ride as reserved seats were already sold out, so we went early and waited in line at non-reserved seat cars.
We boarded the 7:30am Asama train and it wasn’t crowded at the non-reserved cars(1-5). The three of us took a window seat each to enjoy the view outside while traveling.
8:50 - Sakudaira Station
We got off at Sakudaira Station(the last station covered by the pass on Hokuriku Shinkansen) and then changed train to a JR train and headed to Komoro Station (the last station in Nagano covered by Tokyo Wide Pass).
9:20 - Komoro Station
Just in front of Komoro Station is The Teishaba Garden filled with different types of flowers welcoming travelers coming out the station.
9:30 - Komoro Castle Ruins
We then headed to Komoro Castle Ruins, just a few walks from the station. This castle was the seat of power in the region for over 300 years. The site provides amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a must-see for every ages seeking a unique cultural and historical experience in Japan.
10:30 - Go back to Sakudaira station
After exploring around the Komoro Castle Ruins, we headed back to Sakudaira Station from Komoro Station to catch the shinkansen for Karuizawa. Since we still had 20 minutes wait time before the arrival of the shinkansen, we went outside the station and took a pose at 幸せの鐘(Shiawase no Kane) or Bell of happiness, which can be found in front of the station beside the Tateshina entrance.
11:05 - Touch down Karuizawa Station
After reaching Karuizawa via shinkansen from Sakudaira Station, we headed out at the North exit to catch the bus to Shiraito falls (not included on our pass) and costs 720 yen (one way).
12:00 - Shiraito Falls
We reached Shiraito Falls after more than an hour of traveling via bus. There were food stalls in front of the entrance to the falls, so we grabbed something to fill our hungry tummies. We tried 五平餅(goheimochi pr skewered rice cakes ) and then proceeded to Shiraito Falls.
12:30 - Selfie around Shiraito falls
You already know the drill. Never leave a paradise without taking a selfie.
Shiraito Falls gets its name from the thin and delicate streams of water that cascade down from a height of 20 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of gushing water adds to the serene atmosphere. The falls are fed by the melting snow of Mount Fuji, which makes the water crystal clear.
In addition to its natural beauty, Shiraito Falls is also known for its spiritual significance. The falls have been a site of worship for centuries, and there are several shrines and temples located nearby. Visitors can pay their respects at the shrines and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
12:40 - Taste apple flavored ice cream
After enjoying the view of the falls, we headed back to the bus stop and grabbed some apple-flavored ice cream, a must-try in the area since Nagano is known for its high-quality apple. Then, waited in line for the bus. Buses running to and from the area have around an-hour intervals, so we need to be conscious of time.
13:30 St. Paul Church
We get off at せいパウロ教会前(Seipauro Kyoukai Mae) and walked to St. Paul Church. The church is said to be one of the most historic buildings in Karuizawa.
14:00 late lunch
As we were already hungry, we looked for a place to eat. Chris and Jam tried their ramen and I ordered Bibimbap.
14:30 - Kyu-Karuizawa
Since we already recharged and have so much energy, we walked to Kyu-Karuizawa(Old Karuizawa) Ginza Shopping street. The place was crowded with locals and some foreigners. I was filming with my phone when suddenly it stops recording, we heard alarms going off at the same time so we were surprised and wondered what was going on. It was everyone’s phone warning of the earthquake with an epicenter at Ishikawa Prefecture.
15:00-Shaw memorial church
After everything settled, we made our way to the end of the shopping district and found another church(Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church). It is another historical church developed through an exchange of Western culture. We can see there were still spots ahead of the church but we decided to head back.
15:30 - Souvenir shop
On our way to the station, we stopped by a souvenir shop and bought Karuizawa-made jam. I bought cheesecake and apple flavor jam for myself.
16:30- Prince Shopping Plaza
Before heading back to Tokyo, we stopped by the Prince Shopping Plaza, an outlet mall situated just in front of the station. And after exhausting ourselves walking around a wide shopping plaza doing window shopping, we decided to head back to Tokyo.
Since we weren’t able to reserve a seat on a shinkansen ahead, we tried our luck again at the non-reserved seat but failed this time. The train was delayed and was so crowded due to the earthquake, so we had to stand the entire 1.5hr travel time.
The 3-day pass was worth it. I’ll tell you more about how much we saved using this pass on my next posts.
For now, that concludes my entire three days Itinerary using JR Tokyo Wide Pass. For more info about this pass, visit their official website: JR East
