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Plan Your Trip to Japan: Best of Japan Tourism

By Management

Explore Japan

In the Land of the Rising Sun, ancient temples sit alongside neon wonderlands and shinto shrines offer pockets of peace amid metropolises. Add tea ceremonies, snow monkeys, sushi, kimonos, and karaoke to the mix, and you’ve got one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

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Japan travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness

According to forum posts, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass offers significant benefits in terms of flexibility and potential cost savings for travelers planning multiple trips across Japan. Some travelers highlighted that the JR Pass allows for spontaneous day trips and additional journeys at no extra cost, which can lead to substantial savings, especially with expensive bullet train fares.

Convenience for Intercity Travel

Travelers have called out the convenience of the JR Pass for intercity travel, particularly using Shinkansen and express trains. It covers most JR trains, buses, and even ferries, simplifying the travel process as there's no need to purchase separate tickets for each journey.

Local Travel Benefits

For many users, the JR Pass is also beneficial for local travel within cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Despite local fares being relatively low, the ability to use the pass on local JR lines adds an element of convenience and savings over multiple trips.

Considerations and Limitations

However, it's important to note some limitations and considerations such as the inability to use the pass on certain train lines and the need for seat reservations on specific services, which could affect travel planning. Some travelers expressed concerns about tight transfer times and the process of exchanging the voucher for the actual pass upon arrival in Japan.

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Day Trips from Tokyo

According to forum posts, some recommended day trips from Tokyo include Nikko, Hakone, and the Fuji Five Lakes. Nikko is highlighted as doable in a day, and Hakone, known for its scenic beauty, is better experienced with various modes of transport rather than on foot. The Fuji Five Lakes is another recommended destination, with some travelers opting for organized tours to fully enjoy the experience.

Additional Day Trip Suggestions

For many users, Nokogiriyama offers a less crowded alternative with a great hike and spectacular views, particularly enjoyable by ferry from Kurihama on a sunny day when Mt. Fuji is visible. Another recommended day trip is to Karuizawa, where attractions like Shiraito Waterfall and Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza are accessible and make for a fulfilling day trip from Tokyo.

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Train Options

According to forum posts, the most common and convenient way to travel between Osaka and Kyoto is via the regular commuter train services. These trains are frequent, with services available in less than an hour's journey time.

Specific Lines and Recommendations

Some travelers mentioned specific train lines such as the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid service, which provides a direct route between the two cities. This train is highly recommended for its efficiency and frequent departures.

Additional Advice

For many users, staying in one city and making day trips to the other using these trains is a practical recommendation due to the close proximity and excellent rail connectivity between Osaka and Kyoto.

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Shinkansen and Local Trains

Some travelers have highlighted the use of the Shinkansen (bullet train) for quick and efficient intercity travel, such as from Kanazawa to Tokyo or Osaka to Tokyo, with a typical cost around 14,000 YEN. Local trains are also a favored option for intra-city travel and connecting smaller towns.

Buses

For budget-conscious travelers, highway buses have been mentioned as a cheaper alternative, costing approximately 6000 YEN per person for routes like Kanazawa to Tokyo. However, the journey duration is longer, about 8 hours, and might not be suitable for those with motion sickness.

Car Rental

Car rental is discussed primarily for rural exploration where public transportation is less frequent. Costs and convenience vary significantly depending on the region; rural areas may benefit from car rental, whereas in cities like Osaka, public transit is recommended due to traffic and parking challenges.

Luggage Services

Travelers have also discussed luggage forwarding services as a convenient way to manage baggage while traveling across Japan, especially when using public transportation extensively. This service allows for easier mobility and is well integrated with Japan's transportation network.

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Online Purchase Challenges

Some travelers have found it challenging to purchase tickets online for the Ghibli Museum due to the requirement of a Japanese address and phone number. Users suggested using the address and phone number of the hotel where they are staying, as one possible workaround.

Assistance from Locals

According to forum posts, another method involves having someone in Japan purchase the tickets on your behalf. However, it is important to note that the person buying the tickets may need to accompany you to the museum, as ID checks are conducted at the entrance.

Physical Purchase in Japan

For many users, buying tickets directly at a Lawson kiosk in Japan has been a suggested option. However, this method is risky as tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive in Japan.

Third-Party Services

Travelers have called out the possibility of using third-party services that purchase tickets for you. Although details on specific services were not abundantly clear, this could be a viable alternative if other methods fail.

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Availability

According to forum posts, the Japan Rail Pass can be purchased inside Japan, although it is generally more expensive than buying it outside the country.

Online Purchase

Some travelers mentioned that it is possible to buy the JR Pass online while in Japan. The official site offers this option and sends a reservation number via email, which can be shown at an exchange office to obtain the pass.

Physical Locations

For those preferring immediate physical purchase, the JR Pass is available at designated sales agents and certain rail stations in Japan. This option is suitable for travelers who may not have a fixed address or those who decide to purchase the pass spontaneously while traveling.

Validity and Conditions

Travelers have called out that the pass bought in Japan may have different conditions or prices compared to those purchased from outside. They advised checking the official website for the most accurate and current information.

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Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, one common route from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku involves taking the Keikyu Railway from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa and then transferring to the JR Yamanote Line to reach Shinjuku. This route costs approximately 410 yen from Haneda to Shinagawa and an additional 200 yen to Shinjuku. Alternatively, travelers can take a monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsucho (490 yen) and then the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (220 yen).

Late-Night Travel

For late arrivals, some travelers mentioned a late-night bus available from Haneda to Shinjuku, which could be useful for those landing around midnight. However, if timing is tight, taking the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa followed by the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku, then a taxi, is advisable.

Bus Service

The Airport Limousine Bus is another recommended option, linking Haneda Airport directly to major hotels in Shinjuku or to Shinjuku Station itself. After reaching Shinjuku, taxis are available to get to specific hotels or destinations within the area.

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Hotel Recommendations

Some travelers have recommended staying at the Cross Hotel in Kyoto due to its friendly staff, comfortable beds, and excellent location near Pontocho Alley and shopping areas. Another suggestion is the Toyoko Inn and Comfort Hotel chains, which offer clean rooms and free breakfast, noted for their affordability and proximity to the main station.

Traditional Options

For a more traditional experience, the Hoshinoya Kyoto offers a distinct stay, albeit a bit farther from central areas. Users have also mentioned the Super Hotel chain as fitting within budget constraints while providing a reliable service.

Ryokan Experience

For those interested in a ryokan experience, the Sakura Ryokan near Kyoto Station was highlighted for its accessibility and comfort, ideal for family stays.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.