JAPAN FORUM

tonyf · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:08 am Post subject: Trip to japan railpass?

Hello,
We are planning a trip to Japan December 28th, 2009 to January 10th, 2010....
our plans include:
December 28th to December 31st in Tokyo
Osaka January 1st to 4th
Kyoto January 5 and 6th
Hiroshima or Kobe January 7 and 8th
Return to Tokyo the 9th and fly out of Tokyo Narita January 10th...

My questions are:
(1) Should we buy the JR Pass since our schedule may not fit it being economical
(2) Are there Tokyo or Osaka subway/train passes and how much approx. do they cost?
(3) We are travelling with two of our University-age children, so are there any discounts for families or students?
(4) Jan. and 8th are flexible....any suggestions for destinations?

Thanks so much! We hope someone can help us find our way.

Tony

Craig Fryer · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:21 am Post subject:

Hi Tony,

Unless you particularly want to be in Tokyo on New Years eve, I would suggest you go to Osaka/Kyoto first and then spend your time in Tokyo before you leave. All transport out of Tokyo is extremely busy around New Years.

If you go to Hiroshima, then a 7 day Japan Rail Pass is worth it. If you don't then its not really worth it as you are much more restricted in the frequency of the Shinkansen you can take.

Here is a comparison of the Tokyo train passes, but I think for the short time you are there you should just buy the individual tickets. http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/suica.htm

In Osaka and Kyoto it will be just as good on the individual tickets. There is no saving using the passes and they require a deposit.

I am not aware of any discount for university students.

You have not allowed much time in and around Tokyo, have you been there before?
_________________
Craig Fryer

Editor - Japanese Lifestyle www.japaneselifestyle.com.au

Please DO NOT email or PM me a question. Please place your questions in the forum.
All information provided is on an as is basis and is without warranty.

tonyf · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:32 pm Post subject: 1st time to Japan

Hi Craig,
Thanks very much for your reply...our daughter is working in Osaka and she wants to visit Tokyo over the new year so our plans include staying there over the new year.
This is our first trip to Japan so we are trying to plan as much as we can through the internet. Our daughter is also giving us some feedback on what to do but we have found it quite an exercise to get everything arranged....
Thanks for the heads up on the train availability from Tokyo to Osaka...Can we make reservations from here in Canada? I think we will keep relatively close to Osaka/Kyoto and Kobe this trip so your advice on the railpass is appreciated.Any suggestions on an alternate destination to Kobe would be great.
Tony

Craig Fryer · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject:

Since you are not using the Japan Rail Pass you should be able to make reservations on the Nozomi Shinkansen via a travel agent in Canada.

It will depend on your interests, but you can spend many days in Kyoto exploring the gardens, temples and shrines. Right nearby is Nara and not far away is the best castle in of Japan, Himeji Castle.
_________________
Craig Fryer

Editor - Japanese Lifestyle www.japaneselifestyle.com.au

Please DO NOT email or PM me a question. Please place your questions in the forum.
All information provided is on an as is basis and is without warranty.

tonyf · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much for the advice..I will update the forum as our trip to Japan
takes shape...