Originally Posted by
MattPol
Shinakansen service to Tokyo-Kyoto, RT.
Shinakasen. Love it. A highspeed water-buffalo.
Originally Posted by
MattPol
Is there any reason to spend the few extra bucks and go for the unlimited JR pass?
JR pass is also valid on the Narita Express and local trips you make on JR trains, so it might end up costing you a few pennies less than individual ticket fares... but since you don't appear to have many long-distance plans, it won't be a big saver.
Advantages of pass -
- Some people like to have the freedom to jump on and off trains at will - Make a quick trip to Karuizawa for the hell of it etc. If that's not your style, then that's not a meaningful benefit.
- Some people like not having to calculate fares or think about how much journeys are costing them. If you use a SUICA for local trips, you can more or less do the same.
- Some people like having the freedom to make reservations and then not use them (but I don't think that's a nice thing to do).
Disadvantages of pass -
- You can't ride the Nozomi trains, so you're limited to a couple of departures per hour between Kyoto and Tokyo
- You have to go to the manned gate at the ticket gates, which can be a bit of extra walking