The best train itineraries in Japan with the 7-Day JR Pass

You'll find passes for 7, 14 and 21 days' use on the lines of Japan's largest public transport company. As well as being very easy to use, this pass gives access to very comfortable and convenient trains, including the famous Shinkansen 🚅, Japan's high-speed bullet trains.

For the 7-day pass, some itineraries are more advantageous than others. If you're planning to stay in Tokyo for a week, there's little point in taking a JR Pass; we'd advise you to take a Tokyo Metro Pass instead. On the other hand, if you want to get around Japan, a JR Pass is the perfect option! Here are a few itineraries to get the most out of your 7-day pass, visiting at least two regions of Japan each time. Of course, this pass can also be used for a longer trip, even if you're traveling further afield! In fact, you can activate your pass on the date you take the Shinkansen for the first time to make the most of it. What's more, some of our itineraries start in Tokyo, but you can also start in Kyoto or any other city! It's this flexibility that makes the JR Pass a must-have for many travelers in Japan.

Route 1: Visit Japan's iconic landmarks

This itinerary takes in all of Japan's most famous landmarks. From Kyoto to Kanazawa, via Miyajima and Osaka, visit the big cities bursting with energy, the must-see historical and religious sites and the wonderful natural areas that are easily accessible with the JR Pass 7 days!

What to see at each stop:

Kyoto: Fushimi-Inari taisha, Gion district, Arashiyama bamboo grove.

Nara: Todaiji temple, Kofukuji temple, Nara Park.

Osaka: Osaka castle, Kayukan aquarium, Dotonburi district.

Hiroshima: Miyajima Island, Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku Dome.

Kanazawa: Higashi chaya district, Kanazawa castle, Kenroku-en park.

Route 2: Northern Japan!

Head to the lands of northern Japan to discover the volcanic and natural landscapes at the heart of the Ainu homeland, Hokkaido! On this itinerary from Tokyo, you'll start by exploring Aomori, the northernmost city in Tohoku, before arriving in Hokkaido. You'll then drive along the island's southern coast, discovering one of its best spa towns, Noboribetsu, before arriving in the prefecture's capital, Sapporo. On your way back to Tokyo, you'll stop in Hakodate, where we recommend a stroll past the charming red-brick warehouses of Kanemori.

What to see at each stop:

Aomori: Hirosaki Castle, Jomon archaeological site, Aomori Museum of Contemporary Art.

Noboribetsu: "Jigokudani" valley of hell, Dai-ichi Takimotokan hot baths.

Sapporo: Susukino, Buddha Hill, Sapporo TV tower.

Hakodate: Onuma National Park, Motomachi European Quarter, Goryokaku Fortress.

*A practical tip for your stay: For each itinerary, it's sometimes best to leave early in the morning or in the evening to enjoy full days at each destination.

Route 3: Head for Kyushu!

Kyushu, a land of rich history and nature, can easily be revealed to you in just seven days! With your JR Pass, travel to the south of the archipelago and discover Kyoto and Hiroshima along the way. On the island of Kyushu, explore Fukuoka, the historic crossroads of trade with China and Korea, a city awash with parks and temples! Then head even further south to Kumamoto and its superb feudal castle.

What to see at each stop:

Kyoto: Fushimi-Inari taisha, Gion district, Arashiyama bamboo grove.

Fukuoka: Jotenji temple, Nakasu district, Dazaifu-Tenmengu shrine.

Kumamoto: Kumamoto castle, Suizenji garden.

Hiroshima = Miyajima island, Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku dome.

Route 4: Shikoku and northern Kansai

Discover central Japan through Kansai and the island of Shikoku, starting and finishing in Kyoto! Enjoy the calm and natural landscapes of the smallest of the archipelago's main islands. From the typical Edo architecture of Matsuyama to the grandiose modernism of the Onaruto Bridge, Shikoku is packed with places to visit! Continue your journey and discover "the other side of Japan" along the northern Kansai coast, visiting places unthinkable in Japan, such as the Tottori dunes.

Here, the JR Pass remains the most advantageous option in terms of cost and travel comfort compared with the purchase of two regional passes (Sanyo San'in Area Pass and Shikoku Pass).

What to see at each stage:

Tokushima: Onaruto Bridge, Mount Bizan, Ohama Beach.

Kochi: Kochi Castle, Monet-Marmottan garden, Katsurahama beach

Matsuyama: Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen district, historic Mitsuhama district.

Fukuyama: Onomichi, Crescent Beach, Shinshijoji temple.

Matsue: Matsue Castle, Shiomi Awate Street, Matsue Vogel Park.

Tottori: Tottori Dune, Kannon-in temple, Iwami beach.

Practical tips:

• Leave your luggage in Kyoto and travel light!

• Spend a week in Kyoto and surrounding cities (Osaka, Nara...) before or after this itinerary to make the most of everything Japan has to offer! For your travels, you can use the Kansai Rail Pass, available here : Kansai Railway Pass.

Route 5: Tokyo to Kyoto via the Japanese Alps

Visit the Japanese Alps on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto! If you love nature and mountains, this itinerary is perfect for you. Thanks to your JR Pass, you can stop off in small towns at the foot of Japan's mountain range, some of which rise to over 3,000 meters. Between indefatigable Tokyo and mysterious Kyoto, take a break and get a breath of fresh air in the midst of Japanese vegetation.

What to see at each stop:

Nikko: Dayagawa River, Shinkyo Bridge, Tosho-gu Shrine.

Niigata: Sado Island, Yahiko Park.

Nagano: Jigokudani monkey park, Zenkoji temple.

Toyama: Kurobe Gorge, Kurehayama Park Observatory, Toyama Glass Art Museum.

Kanazawa: Higashi chaya district, Kanazawa castle, Kenroku-en park.