7 Days in Japan end of May
Mar 21, 2015 | 9:16 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: C1
Programs: AA,BA,AS,UA,HH
Posts: 24
You have to buy the voucher for the JR Pass outside of Japan. Most travel agents can arrange this, or you can buy it online. You then exchange the voucher for the Pass when you are ready.
First class is not worth the extra money, in my opinion. Unlike European trains, you get only a little more space, no other freebies. Second class already has more room than the average coach class airline seat.
First class is not worth the extra money, in my opinion. Unlike European trains, you get only a little more space, no other freebies. Second class already has more room than the average coach class airline seat.
Mar 21, 2015 | 9:18 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: C1
Programs: AA,BA,AS,UA,HH
Posts: 24
No, No. Hiroshima and Miyajima are very close together and can be done in a day trip from Kyoto/Osaka. Nagasaki is a LONG way from Miyajima and you just cannot do them together in one day.
For your short 7 day itinerary, you should forget about Nagasaki. Leave it for another visit in the future.
For your short 7 day itinerary, you should forget about Nagasaki. Leave it for another visit in the future.
Mar 21, 2015 | 3:12 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: united mileage plus
Posts: 145
You can pick up your rail pass in Narita airport (not sure about Haneda but probably there, too). If you're landing in Narita you can start using your pass immediately by taking the N'ex train into Tokyo. The JR Yamanote line that I mentioned in my earlier post is a great way to get around the city and there is much to do in Tokyo itself. Your visit to Meiji Shrine can be combined with a walk around Harajuku (one of the great spots to see young Japanese fashion - Shibuya is another). Harajuku is a stop on the Yamanote line. It is as another poster corrected me . . .not a subway. It's a train that goes in a loop around the city. I live in NYC and it reminds me of a subway. Again, I would suggest that you use Tokyo as a base for any nearby day tips and Kyoto (or Osaka) as the base for the rest of your trip. Your pass will give you flexibility and freedom to hop on and off many local trains as well as the fast trains. Use it to have adventures but don't let yourself become so attached to it that you can't have a change of plan or lazy day. Relax and take in the wonder of being there. Have a great trip.
Mar 27, 2015 | 5:05 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: C1
Programs: AA,BA,AS,UA,HH
Posts: 24
You can pick up your rail pass in Narita airport (not sure about Haneda but probably there, too). If you're landing in Narita you can start using your pass immediately by taking the N'ex train into Tokyo. The JR Yamanote line that I mentioned in my earlier post is a great way to get around the city and there is much to do in Tokyo itself. Your visit to Meiji Shrine can be combined with a walk around Harajuku (one of the great spots to see young Japanese fashion - Shibuya is another). Harajuku is a stop on the Yamanote line. It is as another poster corrected me . . .not a subway. It's a train that goes in a loop around the city. I live in NYC and it reminds me of a subway. Again, I would suggest that you use Tokyo as a base for any nearby day tips and Kyoto (or Osaka) as the base for the rest of your trip. Your pass will give you flexibility and freedom to hop on and off many local trains as well as the fast trains. Use it to have adventures but don't let yourself become so attached to it that you can't have a change of plan or lazy day. Relax and take in the wonder of being there. Have a great trip.