Rail pass or not ?

[Nyanko]

I'll be making a journey from Tokyo to Kyoto (and back) at the begining of May - is it worth me buying a JR Rail Pass or is it cheaper to by a ticket when traveliing ?

Many thanks

[MeAndroo]

If I recall correctly, the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen is about $100 US, and the JR Rail Pass was about $250 US. If you're planning on doing any other traveling while in Japan, then I'd say it's worth it. You'll save a bit of time each time you use it and it's convenient.

[Amos]

If you read through these two posts:

http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29236

http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28771

you'll get lots of advice on railpasses and whether they are worth it for you. Check out the links to Japan Rail's website, where you can download timetables and view price lists.

If you are only doing the return trip to Kyoto then it probably will be cheaper to by the tickets when there. The rail pass can be used for the overland JR trains in Tokyo, but you can also get day passes that cover these for around ｣7-10.