What is the Suica card?

The Suica card is an IC card issued by the JR East Railways that people can use for travelling, shopping, and other transactions in Japan. It works as a prepaid electronic money card that you can top up or recharge to be able to pay for subway, train, and bus fares, drinks and snacks from vending machines, items bought at convenience stores, and more. With it, there is no need to wait in line at ticket vending machines, or rifle through your coin purse for exact change.

How do you buy a Suica card?

There are three ways to acquire a Suica card.

1. You can buy a Suica card at the JR East Ticket Offices or Midori-no-madoguchi, and JR East Travel Service Centers at the major JR East Stations in Tokyo.

If you are flying in to Japan via Narita or Haneda Airport, you can head straight to a JR East Travel Service Center at either airport to purchase your Suica card. Here are maps on where you can find these offices:

• Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3
• Haneda Airport International Terminal

In central Tokyo, you can purchase your Suica card at the JR East Travel Service Centers found at the following locations:

• Tokyo Station
• Shinjuku Station
• Shibuya Station
• Ueno Station
• Ikebukuro Station

2. You can get your own Suica card at ticket vending machines once in Japan.

It is also possible to purchase your own Suica card at ticket vending machines found at train stations in the JR East region. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Tap the screen and select the “English” language option.
2. On the next screen, choose the “Purchase New Suica” button.
3. You will be presented with two choices: “MySuica” and “Suica”.
4. If you want a Suica card that has your name on it and can be replaced in case you lose it, press the “MySuica” button. You will be asked to input your full name, birthday, sex, and phone number in order to create the card. If you are okay with having a regular, blank card with just the Suica logo on it, choose “Suica”. You do not have to provide any personal information for this one.
5. Decide how much credits you would like to put into your Suica card. You have six choices: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.
6. After selecting your desired card value, insert bills and/or coins into the machine’s bill and coin slots to pay for your purchase.
7. Your new Suica card should be ready in seconds.

3. Purchase your Suica card online before you leave for your trip.

If you do not want to have to deal with figuring out how the ticket vending machines work or how to find your way to the JR East Travel Service Centers after a 12-hour flight, you can always buy a Suica card online, weeks or months before your departure.

We recommend purchasing your Suica card online through a company called simcardgeek.com. They can ship your Suica card to your home address, so you can have one with you ready for use as soon as you arrive to Japan.

How much does a Suica card cost?

Suica cards, whether for adults or children, are sold for the following prices:

• 1,000 yen
• 2,000 yen
• 3,000 yen
• 4,000 yen
• 5,000 yen
• 10,000 yen

Out of the total cost, 500 yen serves as a deposit that you can get back when your return your Suica to any JR East service centre at the end of your trip, while the rest is the amount of credits that you can use for train and bus travel, and others.

If you get an adult’s Suica card, the adult’s rate is deducted per use. If you get child’s Suica card, the child’s rate is deducted per use.

How do you use the Suica to get around?

At train stations, you have to touch your Suica card onto the card readers at the ticket gates. You do this at your departure station right before entering the ticket gates to your train platform, and also after getting off the train to exit your arrival station. Doing so automatically deducts the exact fare from your card.

When riding buses, you also just touch your Suica onto the card reader by the doors or next to the driver upon getting on or getting off to have the exact fare automatically deducted from your card.

How do you use the Suica for shopping?

You can use your Suica card to buy a wide variety of goods and items while in Japan.

• While aboard a train, you can pay for food and beverages you buy from the train trolley service using it.
• You can get bottled water, soda in cans, coffee, ice cream, and other goods from vending machines using your Suica instead of bills or coins.
• Many convenience stores and restaurants also accept Suica as methods of payment. Just check with the staff in advance.
• At many train stations, you can use your Suica to rent coin lockers for your luggage.

Where can you use the Suica card?

A Suica card has wide coverage all over Japan. Upon purchasing it in Tokyo or some other areas in the JR East region, it is valid in several other transportation networks from as far north as Hokkaido to as far south as Kyushu.

It can be used to travel on JR and non-JR train and bus lines within a city or from one city to another, as long as both the departure point and the arrival point belong to the same area. For example, you can use it if travelling between Kyoto and Osaka, as both cities are in the JR West/Kansai area. Take a look at this Suica Map for more details on where you can use your Suica.

Also, just recently, the Tokaido-Shinkansen and Tohoku/Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen lines have started accepting IC cards, including Suica, for non-reserved seats. Your Suica card has to be registered first to be able to avail of this service. More information is available on the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen Reservation Information Page.

How do you recharge your Suica?

You can recharge your Suica card at the ticket vending machines and recharging machines at JR and non-JR railway almost anywhere in Japan. You can top it up as many times as you need in multiples of 1,000 yen, to a maximum amount of 20,000 yen. You must pay for the load in cash (bills and/or coins), as the machines do not accept credit cards payments.

What is its validity period?

Your Suica card is valid for a period of 10 years. If you get one on your first trip to Japan, you can choose to keep it and not return it yet for a refund, so that you can make use of it once again if you come back to the country within the next decade. If you fail to use your Suica in 10 years, the card becomes invalid, and you will have to get a new one for your next Japan trip.

The post The Prepaid Suica Card; Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Long-distance travel

There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to long-distance travel within Japan. Which one to use depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, how fast you wish to arrive to your destination, and what amenities you would want to have to ensure that your trip is as comfortable as you would like it to be.

Plane

There are many airline companies that offer domestic travel in Japan. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are the big two that operate the majority of the flights in the more than fifty airports all over the country. There are also a number of smaller airlines — such as Peach Aviation, Vanilla Air, Jetstar Japan, Air Do, Air Asia Japan, Spring Airlines Japan, Starflyer, IBEX Airlines, and Fuji Dream Airlines — that offer flights at cheaper rates, perfect for travellers on a budget.

Shinkansen

Most of Japan’s major cities are connected by a high-speed bullet train network that is run by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). Known as the Shinkansen, these bullet trains can travel up to speeds of 320 kilometres per hour.

Shinkansen lines run from Hakodate in the north to Kagoshima in the south, from Tokyo in the east to Hiroshima in the west, and vice versa, almost all day long. They offer comfortable, cushioned seats with sufficient foot space and luggage space in both their ordinary cars (regular type seats) and green cars (business class type seats); toilets; smoking areas; electrical outlets in every seat; and food trolleys with quite a good selection of beverage, snacks, and bento.

If you expect to use the Shinkansen a couple of times in your trip, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which offers unlimited rides on most of the Shinkansen lines and JR-operated trains, buses, and ferries across Japan, for 7, 14, or 21 days. Check out our post on Japan Rail Pass FAQ’s for more information.

Regular trains

Some Japanese cities are not part of the Shinkansen network, so getting there can be done via regular trains.

In the Hokkaido region, for example, the Hokkaido Shinkansen line only goes up to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. So, from there, you take a local train, a rapid train, a limited express train, or a combination of these to get to Sapporo, Wakkanai, Asahikawa, Kushiro, Abashiri, and other parts of Hokkaido.

Highway Buses

Highway buses are recommended to budget travellers who do not mind travelling slower or spending the night on a reclined seat to save a night’s worth of hostel stay or several thousands of yen on a Shinkansen ticket.

To illustrate, a one-way, 135-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around 13,000 yen, while a one-way, 9-hour overnight bus ride costs only 4,000 yen.

The JR Group and Willer Express have highway buses that serve interregional and intercity routes all over the country. They typically offer reclined seats with trays and cup holders, overhead luggage racks, storage trunks, electric outlets, and toilets. Learn more about the different highway bus routes, ticket prices, and reservation procedures on Japan Bus Online.

Travelling within a city

Getting around any Japanese city has been made easy and convenient for tourists by city buses, metro and subway trains, and cabs.

Metro or subway

Japan’s popular tourist cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, are served by extensive metro and subway train networks operated by Japan Railways and other private companies.

Train operations typically begin at around five in the morning, and end around midnight, and trains come and go every three to twenty minutes or so. A lot of a city’s most popular sightseeing spots are a short walk or bus ride from metro and subway stations.

City buses

City buses are an alternative to the metro and subway to get around many cities in Japan.

In Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sendai, Nagoya, Kanazawa, and other favourite tourist metropolises, there are even special city buses that follow a tourist sightseeing route, meaning they only stop at the most famous attractions in the city to give visitors quick and convenient access to places that are high on their must-see lists.

Cabs

Some of the most interesting hidden gems and off-the-beaten path attractions in Japan are way out of the train and bus routes, so taking a cab is a good way to reach them.

There are usually cab or taxi stands found outside train stations and other landmarks in any Japanese town or city. For non-Japanese speakers, it is advisable to have the Japanese address of your destination on a piece of paper or marked on a map to easily relay to the cab drivers where you want to go.

Other modes of transport

Rental cars

Much of the Japanese countryside tends to not be very accessible via public transportation, so rental cars are a convenient and economical option, especially if travelling with a group or with tons of luggage.

You can rent a car at a rental car company booth found at airports and major train stations once you are in Japan, or make an advanced online reservation through these car rental companies’ websites, such as: Toyota, Nippon, Nissan, and Times.

Ferries

An archipelagic nation made up of more than 6,800 islands, Japan has a reliable ferry network that offers a wide variety of amenities, which include tatami mats and beds for long-distance routes, restaurants and lounge areas, and even public baths. Check out aferry.com for information on the different routes and bookings.

Bicycles

Biking is a fun, healthy, and economical way to explore Japan, particularly the small towns, where tourist spots are not that far away from one another but are too taxing to get to on foot.

Many hotels and hostels in the country provide free bicycles for their guests or rent them for a small fee (typically around 1,000 yen for one whole day of use).

Some of the best places in the country to explore by bicycle are Kyoto, Biei, Shimanami Kaido, Hagi, Otaru, and Naoshima Island.

The post The Japanese Transportation System appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

What is the PASMO card?

The PASMO card is a kind of smart prepaid card that you can use not only for trains, subways, and buses, but also for buying goods and paying for transactions across Japan. It can be recharged or loaded with credits to cover your public transportation expenses, and purchases from many convenience stores, restaurants, and vending machines. It is one of the two IC cards that can be purchased in the Tokyo region (the other one being the Suica card), and is valid on various JR and non-JR train, metro, subway, and bus lines nationwide.

How do you buy a PASMO card?

You can buy your own PASMO card as soon as you land at Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport. Just look for a ticket vending machine that offers the option to buy a PASMO card. You can also purchase one at various JR and non-JR train stations in the Tokyo area.

To purchase a PASMO card using a ticket machine, follow the steps below:

• Many ticket vending machines have different language options available for non-Japanese speakers. Select “English” on the screen to proceed.
• Touch the button with the label “PASMO”.
• On the next screen, you are given two choices: a “Personal user PASMO”, if you want to have your name printed on your PASMO card (be prepared to input a number of personal details necessary for the issuance of a replacement card if you lose your original one); or a “General user PASMO”, if you are fine with a regular, nameless PASMO card.
• Select how much stored value you would like on your PASMO card. The options are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. All include a 500 yen deposit.
• Pay for your purchase by inserting bills or coins. Credit cards are not accepted.
• The next screen shows a summary of your transaction. You can touch the “Back” button if you made a mistake, or the “Receipt” button to create your card.
• Your PASMO card and your receipt should be ready in a few seconds.

How much does a PASMO card cost?

There are PASMO cards available for adults and children. They cost 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen, and include a 500 yen deposit. At the end of your trip, you can get a refund of the deposit and the remaining balance in your card by returning it to a non-JR train or subway station within the Tokyo area.

Adult PASMO cards are charged with adult rates, while child PASMO cards get charged with child rates.  If you are travelling with a kid, you can purchase a child PASMO card for him or her by presenting the necessary documentation that proves his or her age.

How do you use the PASMO card to get around?

To get to the train platforms at train, subway, or metro stations, you just touch your PASMO card onto the sensors or readers at the ticket gates. And, once you arrive at your destination station, get off the train and head to the ticket gates where you touch your PASMO card once again onto the sensors or readers. The total fare for the journey is automatically deducted from your card.

To use your PASMO card on buses, touch it onto the sensor or card reader found next to doors or the bus driver once you board or alight. The exact bus fare should also be automatically deducted from your card.

How do you use the PASMO card for shopping?

The PASMO card can work as a wallet that you can use to pay for goods and services while you are travelling in Japan. It is very useful for the following situations:

• When purchasing foods and drinks from the train trolley services available on some long-distance railway journeys, you can pay using your PASMO instead of cash.
• If you want to buy soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, juice, and various food items from many vending machines across the country, you can touch it onto the sensor or reader and the total amount of your purchase is automatically deducted.
• When dining at some restaurants, you can pay for your meals with your PASMO card.
• A lot of convenience stores across Japan also accept PASMO cards as a mode of payment for purchases.
• If you need to store your luggage in one of those modern coin lockers at train or bus stations, you can use PASMO to pay for it.

Where can you use the PASMO card?

The PASMO card can be used on several JR train and non-JR/private train lines all over the country; many intercity express bus lines, overnight buses, airport shuttle buses, and city buses; and taxis around Japan. However, it does not work on Shinkansen lines and express train lines.

Some of the railway companies that utilize it are the Tokyo Railway, Toei Subway, Keisei Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Keikyu, Enoshima Electric Railway, Hakone Tozan Railway, Seibu Railway, Tobu Railway, Izu Hakone Railway – Daiyuzan Line, Tokyu Corporation, Tsukuba Express, Odakyu Electric Railway, Yokohama Subway, and Saitama Railway.

It also valid on several bus lines, including the Fuji Kyuko, Keisei Bus, Hakone Tozan Bus, Odakyu City Bus, Kanto Bus, Tobu Bus, Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu, Seibu Bus, Keio Bus, Keihin Kyuko Bus, and Kawasaki City Bus; and a number of tram lines, such as the Toei Streetcar.

How do you recharge your PASMO card?

There are many railway stations from as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kyushu that have recharging machines for PASMO cards. You can top up or reload your PASMO at one found at a JR or non-JR station in denominations of 1,000 yen.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Insert your PASMO card into the card slot.
• Touch the “English” language option for ease and convenience.
• Select the “Charge” button on the screen.
• Choose the amount you would like to load into your card. Options are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. Notice that the screen also shows how much money you still have in your card.
• Insert bills or coins into the money slot to pay for the transaction.
• Take your newly recharged PASMO card.

You can also recharge your PASMO card on buses by asking the bus driver, or at several shops and stores by asking a staff member.

What is the PASMO card’s validity period?

The PASMO card has a validity period of 10 years. You can keep your own card after your last trip to Japan, and still be able to use it on your future trips, with the deposit and remaining balance intact, within the next 10 years. Visit the official PASMO website for more information.

The post What is a Pasmo Card? All Your Questions Answered! appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Routes and ticket prices

The two tables below provide a summary of ticket prices for the different Meitetsu Bus routes between the Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya and various cities across Japan. The first table consists of routes with reserved seating, and the second table contains routes with non-reserved seating.

Notes:

• The departure and arrival point in Nagoya is the Meitetsu Bus Center at the Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Instructions on how to find it and a map of its bus terminals and stops are found here.
• Ticket prices may vary on some routes depending on the season.
• Online reservation, timetables, and more detailed information are available on the Meitetsu Bus official website.

Notes:

• Do not forget to take a numbered ticket upon boarding the bus.
• Press the “stop” button once you see your stop/destination displayed on the monitor.
• Pay the fare before getting off the bus. There is a machine where you drop your exact fare and your numbered ticket next to the bus driver. If you do not have the exact amount ready, exchange your larger bills or coins using the money-changing machine also found near the bus driver.

Seat booking and reservations

There are different ways to buy bus tickets for the Meitetsu Bus Service. You can go to a Meitetsu Bus Center and buy your tickets there, or use the following methods:

Online purchase

• com
• j-bus.co.jp

Bus Reservation Center

• 052-582-0489 (Japan)
• +81-52-582-0489 (International)

Convenience stores

• Circle K
• Lawson
• Family Mart
• 7-Eleven
• Ministop

The Shoryudo Bus Pass

If your Japan trip itinerary includes multiple places in the Shoryudo region, it might be economical to get the Shoryudo Bus Pass. With it, you get unlimited rides on highway buses that serve the different cities and towns in the Shoryudo area.

It is available in three types:

• Shoryudo (Takayama/Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Course) 3-day pass – which costs 7,500 yen
• Shoryudo (Wide Course) 5-day pass – which costs 13,000 yen
• Shoryudo (Matsumoto/Magome/Komagane Course) 3-day pass– which costs 7,000 yen

It is available for sale at travel agencies outside of Japan, and through the Meitetsu World Travel Inc. website.

You can find bus timetables, sample courses, and other information on the Meitetsu World Travel Inc’s Shoryudo Bus Pass page.

Advantages of using the Meitetsu Bus Service

It can save you a lot of money, if you do not mind spending a few more hours in transit.

Travelling around Japan via the Shinkansen and airplane can be quite expensive. A two-hour one-way bullet train ride between Nagoya and Tokyo, for instance, costs about 11,000 yen. But, if you take the Meitetsu Bus Service, you only have to spend about 5,000 yen to 6,000 yen for a one-way ticket. By plane, a one-way trip between Nagoya and Fukuoka can cost as much as 20,000 yen, and by bus, you only have to spend half that amount.

Its buses are modern and well-equipped.

All Meitetsu buses utilize state-of-the-art devices and equipment that accurately monitor driver distractions and surroundings. They offer restrooms and lavatories, air conditioning, air purifiers, wireless internet, and three or four cushioned, reclining, wide seats per row with spacious legroom electrical outlets. They also provide wet hand towels, green tea, blankets, and slippers.

Visit the Meitetsu Bus Service’s FAQ page for more details and information on their bus services.

The post Travel Across Japan With The Meitetsu Bus Service appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

What is Tokyo Shuttle?

Tokyo Shuttle is a recently launched bus service that provides a direct connection between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. It is offered by the Keisei Bus Company.

What are the advantages of using Tokyo Shuttle?

Tokyo Shuttle takes away the hassles of working out which of the several train options from the airport to the city centre to take or figuring out how to buy tickets from the ticket machines. It costs 1,000 yen (regular one-way fare) and takes about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.

Every passenger gets their own seat, so there is no need to worry about having to squeeze your way down the narrow aisle looking for a vacant seat or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow exhausted tourists throughout the entire journey that takes around an hour to an hour and a half.

Because it is a direct service, you do not have to get off the bus and drag your heavy luggage to transfer to another vehicle somewhere along the way. You can just sit or nap comfortably and uninterrupted on the cushioned seats or take advantage of the free wireless internet until you arrive to Narita Airport or Tokyo Station.

The buses allow each passenger one piece of large baggage or suitcase to store in the trunk and carry-on bags small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. However, the vehicles do not have toilets, so make sure to visit a restroom before boarding.

Also, in comparison to other direct transportation options between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station, Tokyo Shuttle is a cheaper alternative. A one-way ride on the Narita Express takes only 53 minutes but costs three times more at 3,020 yen. By JR Sobu/Narita Line Rapid, a one-way trip takes an hour and a half and costs 1,320 yen.

Every day, Tokyo Shuttle offers multiple departures, from around 6 am to 9 pm (if coming from Narita Airport) and from around 1:30 am to 7 pm (if coming from Tokyo Station). Click here for the complete timetable.

How much does a ticket cost?

The regular one-way ticket costs 1,000 yen (adults) or 500 yen (children), if bought on the day of departure. But, if departing from Tokyo Station via an early morning or late night bus, the one-way fare costs 2,000 yen (adults) and 1,000 yen (children).

If you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy a discounted rate of 900 yen (adults).

How do you reserve or book a ticket in advance?

Ticket reservations can be done through the following channels:

• Online: Keisei Bus’ reservation system and Rakuten Travel
• Convenience store terminals: Family Mart, Lawson, Circle K, 7-Eleven
• Keisei Expressway Bus Reservation Center Telephone Number: 047-432-1891 (Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm, Sun and holidays 9 am to 6 pm)

Where do you buy a ticket on the day of departure?

Once you land at Narita Airport, proceed to a Keisei Bus Ticket Counter at Terminal 1, 2, or 3 to buy your Tokyo Shuttle tickets.

If you are departing from Tokyo Station, you can drop by the Keisei Expressway Bus lounge to purchase a ticket or pay the fare upon boarding.

What is the Tokyo Shuttle Free Ride Exclusive Coupon or Ticket Set?

For people who travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station frequently, the Tokyo Shuttle Free Ride Exclusive Coupon or Ticket Set is a discounted offer that should not be missed.

For the price of 42,800 yen, it consists of 50 single tickets with no expiration dates (meaning they can be used indefinitely), valid for travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and vice versa. If you do the math, you will find that each ride only costs 865 yen, which saves you 144 yen per ticket.

It is available for sale at the Keisei Bus ticket counters at the 3 Narita Airport terminals and the Keisei Expressway Bus lounge at Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit. Visit the Keisei Bus website to read more about this offer.

Where do you wait for the shuttle?

Narita Airport

There are boarding areas for the Tokyo Shuttle buses at Narita Airport’s Terminal 1, 2, and 3. Here are maps to help you locate them:

• Tokyo Shuttle boarding area at Narita Airport Terminal 3
• Tokyo Shuttle north and south boarding areas at Narita Airport Terminal 2
• Tokyo Shuttle boarding area at Narita Airport Terminal 1

Tokyo Station

At Tokyo Station, the boarding area is bus stop #3, located a few steps from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit. Here is a guide for your reference.

What is the Tokyo Shuttle and SUBWAY Pass?

The Tokyo Shuttle and SUBWAY Pass is a special ticket offer that allows tourists to use the Tokyo Shuttle and the Tokyo Subway network at lower rates. It comes in the following types:

If you plan to utilize the subways several times a day on your trip, it may make sense to purchase one of these passes to save you even a little bit of money. They are available at the Keisei Bus ticket counters at Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

The post Traveling Between Narita Airport and Downtown Tokyo? Here’s all you need to know about the Tokyo Shuttle Service appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Japan is long. Although smaller in area than the state of California it consists of several islands stretching over 3,000 kms north to south. If superimposed on a map of Europe it covers the tip of Norway to the bottom of Portugal. That’s not a train journey I would recommend! Yet almost every tourist to Japan arrives armed with the JR Rail Pass.

The JR Rail Pass works fine if you are planning to stay on the tourist trail between Tokyo & Kyoto and even beyond. But what happens you need to get from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south- and fast (as will be the case for many rugby fans in 2019)?

Meet the Japan AIR Pass!

Not as widely known as its railway cousin the Japan Explorer Pass is another one of those amazing deals available only to visitors to Japan. Operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) this gives you the opportunity to fly to 30 x cities in Japan for a fixed fee starting from 5,400 dollars (50 dollars) to 10,800 yen (100 dollars approx) per flight for up to 5 one-way flights.

What’s the Catch?

Unusually for an offer like this there are no hurdles to climb to meet the criteria.You must simply be a tourist with a valid return flight ticket (from any airline) & you have the option to book your discounted flights online up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time. Once you’ve booked there’s no looking back. No changes & no refunds possible.

However discounted flights are unavailable when the Japanese are moving so watch out for blackout dates including the New Year holidays, the Obon festival & the beginning of the academic year.

Blackout Dates for Discounted Flights in 2018
March 16, 2018 to March 31, 2018
August 03, 2018 to August 16, 2018
December 21, 2018 to January 06, 2019

So far for 2019- we know..
March 15, 2019 to March 31, 2019

Explain The Different Flight Ticket Prices

The 5,400 Yen Ticket

Covers flights within Hokkaido and flights to/from the northern region of Japan known as the Tohoku region. For rugby fans one of the more interesting venues for the 2019 World Cup is Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture. Devastated by the events of March 2011 a purpose-built stadium is being completed this year and will host matches such as that of Fiji vs. Uruguay on the 25^th September 2019. From Tokyo you can fly to Akita (150 kms) or from Osaka to Hanamaki (70 kms) for approx. 50 dollars.

The 7,560 Yen Ticket

Covers flights between Tokyo & Osaka as well as between the islands of Okinawa- perfect for sun-seeking island hoppers!

The 10,800 Yen Ticket

This ticket is available for all other routes.

Notes: Economy Class only (though First-Class upgrades may be available on-board), No child rate although infants under 2 are free if they don’t require a seat.

How Do I Book My Discounted Flights Online?

Use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass Website- Click Here and check what’s available or Book Now!

Why fly JAL?

You get baggage allowance up to 2 x 23 kg bags, earn air miles, get a choice of hourly flights for major cities & advance seat reservation. In other words you fly in style- and it’s all included. The alternative is to work out a better deal with the Low-Cost Carriers such as JetStar and Peach Air, etc.

Safe Flight!

The post The Japan AIR Pass appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

What is a JR Pass?

A JR Pass, or Japan Rail Pass, is a transportation pass that is recommended to tourists who plan to do at least a couple of long-distance Shinkansen and several JR-operated ordinary train, bus, and ferry travels while in Japan.

It comes in three different types: 7-day (valid for 7 consecutive days), 14-day (valid for 14 consecutive days), and 21-day (valid for 21 consecutive days), and offers either ordinary seating or green (first-class) seating.

How much does a JR Pass cost?

The table below summarizes the costs of the different JR Passes:

Ordinary Seating Prices

Green Car Seating Prices

Notes:

• Adults – 12 years and older
• Child – 6 to 11 years old

Where is the JR Pass valid?

You can use the JR Pass on most JR operated Shinkansen, local, express, rapid, and limited express train lines. It is also valid on the Tokyo Monorail that links Haneda Airport and Tokyo, the JR Ferry that travels between Hiroshima and Miyajima, and a number of local buses in Sapporo, Hiroshima, Lake Towada, and others. It is also honoured on some non-JR lines in Aomori, Noto Peninsula, Toyama, and others.

The official JR Pass website provides a detailed map of the JR lines and Shinkansen lines where the JR Pass is valid.

Should you buy a JR Pass?

To determine whether or not a JR Pass can save you money, you should create an itinerary and take note of the ticket prices of all your potential train, bus, and ferry trips covered by the pass. Use Hyperdia to know the exact price of each journey, which includes the standard fare and the seat fee.

Example 1: an itinerary that only includes a return bullet train travel between Tokyo and Kyoto

Open Hyperdia and input Tokyo and Kyoto into the “from” and “to” search fields, select the date and time of travel, and uncheck the “NOZOMI/MIZUHO/HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)” and the “Private Railway” options, as these are not covered by the JR Pass.

Among the results, you should choose one of the several direct Shinkansen routes via the Shinkansen Hikari, as it can take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station in two and a half to three hours. You will also find that the total cost of a one-way trip is 13,080 yen in an unreserved car, 13,600 yen in a reserved car, and 18,380 yen in a green car.

So, if you plan to return to Tokyo within seven days, your total return trip only comes up to 26,160 yen, if in an unreserved car; to 27,200 yen, if in a reserved car; and to 38, 760 yen, if in a green car. None of these costs justifies getting a 7-day JR Pass, which is priced at 29,110 yen. Therefore, it is more economical to just buy single train tickets each time.

Example 2: an itinerary that includes a return bullet train travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, and day trips to  Himeji and Nara

However, if your itinerary includes a day trip to Himeji and Nara while in Kyoto, a 7-day JR Pass definitely pays off.

A return trip between Kyoto and Himeji via the Shinkansen Hikari costs around 10,000 yen, and a return trip between Kyoto and Nara via the JR Nara Line costs, 1,420 yen.

Your total travel expenses amount to around 40,000 yen, so getting a 7-day JR Pass can save you about 10,000 yen.

Who are eligible to purchase a JR Pass?

To be able to buy a JR Pass, you should be:

• A foreigner going to Japan for sightseeing purposes, with an entry stamp on your passport that indicates you are a “temporary visitor.” Someone with a “temporary visitor” entry status is allowed to stay in Japan for 15 days or 90 days to tour, sightsee, etc.
• Someone who has a Japanese passport but has been legally residing in a foreign country for 10 straight years or more. More information is available here.

Where can you buy a JR Pass?

You can buy a JR Pass online or through travel agencies in your country of origin. Make sure to do it at least a couple of weeks before you head to Japan, as shipping may take a few days.

You can also buy at a number of JR offices in Japan once you are already in the country, but the passes are sold at a higher price.

If you purchase online or through a travel agent, you will receive a voucher that you have to exchange for the actual JR Pass at a JR ticket office located at the major airports and train stations across Japan.

Here is a complete list of the JR Pass exchange and sales offices in Japan, and their opening and closing hours

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How do you use the JR Pass?

Once you have your JR Pass, you can start using it from your chosen activation date. Simply show it to a staff at a manned gate at any JR station.

If you want to get a seat reservation, just go to a JR ticket office at any JR station. Let a staff know of your departure and arrival stations, and date and time of departure, and they will be able to give you a reservation ticket that contains those information, as well as your car and seat numbers.

The post Is The JR Pass Worth The Money? appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Travel around Japan easier and cheaper with the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Here are the answers to some commonly-asked questions about purchase and use of this advantageous Pass!

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a special pass issued by the Japan Railways (JR) Group to travelers visiting the country. With unlimited usage of all railway lines operated by the JR companies and even buses, streetcars, and ferries, the JR Pass is one of the easiest and most economical ways of traveling around the Japan archipelago.

Who is the JR Pass for?

Any visitor to Japan who is there for sightseeing purposes are free to purchase the JR Pass. Here are the two broad conditions that you’ll have to meet:

1. You are a non-Japanese visiting the country for sightseeing purposes. In other words, you hold no special visa, and are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days as a temporary visitor.
2. Japanese citizens who don’t reside in Japan, and are just visiting for sightseeing purposes.

Why should I buy a JR Pass?

While it is true that the JR Pass is not for everyone, it is generally right to say that it’s a bargain to get the Pass if you plan to travel widely around the country. Transportation can be one of the largest costs of traveling in Japan. For example, a single train ticket for a one-way trip from Shinjuku to Shibuya in Tokyo costs ¥160. Thus, if you plan to visit a few major sightseeing spots, transportation can easily cost up to ¥1,000 per day.

As such, purchasing a JR Pass is a good idea, not only because it can help you save on transportation costs, but it also makes it easier to use the trains and buses. Having a JR Pass eliminates the hassle of having to buy tickets every time you take the train, or the inconvenience of purchasing a commuter pass card.

Are there different types of JR Passes?

There are quite a few different types of JR Passes available, depending on your needs. For example, if you only plan to travel within Tokyo, purchasing the “JR Tokyo Wide Pass” is a better price option than the standard JR Pass.

Visit the JR Pass website (http://www.japanrailpass.net/) to learn about all the different types of Passes available. Here is a list of the more common ones.

• Standard JR Pass (all Japan)
• Hokkaido Rail Pass
• JR East Pass (covers the eastern prefectures like Aomori, Nagano, and Sendai)
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• JR West Rail Pass (covers the western prefectures like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara)
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass (covers the southern prefectures like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima)

What does the JR Pass cover?

First and foremost, the JR Pass covers most railway lines operated by the JR companies. That includes the monorail lines, as well as the shinkansen or bullet train lines. However, do note that there are several types of shinkansen trains, and you cannot use the JR Pass to take the 2 fastest types: the NOZOMI and MIZUHO trains.

The JR Pass also covers local bus routes in most major cities, but express highway buses operated by JR Bus are not covered. The Pass also covers the ferry operated by JR West that runs between Hiroshima and Miyajima in west Japan.

Is the Narita Express covered by the JR Pass?

The Narita Express is a special train line that runs from Narita Airport into central Tokyo, stopping at major stations such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Tokyo stations. Rides on the Narita Express are covered by the JR Pass, so make sure you turn in your Exchange Order at the airport to get your JR Pass!

Similarly, the JR Pass covers the Nankai-Limited Express which runs between the Kansai International Airport and major train stations like Osaka, Tennoji, and Namba stations.

Can I use the JR Pass for the subways?

The subway lines in Tokyo as well as other major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto are run by a different company; hence you cannot use your JR Pass to take those lines. Similarly, train lines run by other companies, such as the Yurikamome line that connects Shingawa to Odaiba in Tokyo, or the Hankyu and Hanshin railway lines in West Japan, are not covered by the JR Pass.

When in doubt, bring your JR Pass to the station master’s office. The station attendant there will let you know if you can use the Pass.

How much is a JR Pass?

The price of the JR Passes differs depending on the type of Pass you purchase. Here are some examples:

• The JR West Kansai Area Pass costs ¥6,300 for a 4-day pass, while the standard nationwide JR Pass costs ¥29,110 for a 7-day pass. This is simply because the Kansai Pass can only be used in a smaller region of limited Prefectures.
• JR Passes for children usually cost half of an adult’s price.
• For JR Passes that include shinkansen or bullet train rides, you have the option of choosing between a Green Pass or an Ordinary Pass. The Green Pass allows you to book tickets in the Green Cars of the shinkansen, which are akin to First Class seating on an airplane. 

How do I buy a JR Pass?

Purchasing a JR Pass is a 2-step process. First, you’ll have to purchase an Exchange Order from an associated tour agency in your home country. Visit any tour company to find out more, or simply order online by clicking the book now link below:

BOOK NOW

After you arrive in Japan, you can turn in your Exchange Order at any major JR station to receive and activate your JR Pass. Take note that you’ll need your passport to do this, so make sure to bring it along. This is to prove that you are in Japan on a temporary visitor visa, and for the staff to check that the name on your Exchange Order matches your passport identity.

Do note that all JR Passes have a usage limit (e.g. a 7-day pass is valid for 7 consecutive days). As such, the staff will ask when you’d like your JR Pass to be activated. If you’re staying in Japan for more days than the Pass’ limit, make sure to plan out your itinerary to fully maximize the Pass!

Can I get a JR Pass in Japan?

Usually, Exchange Orders can only be purchased outside of Japan, which means that if you are in Japan, there is no way to obtain the JR Pass.

However, the JR Group is running a trial until 31 March 2019, where Exchange Orders can be purchased at specific major JR stations. Do note that the prices of Exchange Orders sold in Japan are higher than those sold overseas!

For more information on this, click here.

How do I use the JR Pass?

To take a JR train, simply flash your JR Pass to the station attendant at the station master’s office. The office is usually located next to the ticket gates. The attendant will check your Pass and wave you through. Do note that you cannot use the Pass to go through the ticket gates like the rest of the commuters, so make sure you head to the lane where the station attendant is!

The procedure is similar for buses, just show your JR Pass to the driver when disembarking. You’ll see other commuters taking tickets from a little machine when boarding, but there is no need for you to do that if you have the Pass.

For the Miyajima ferry, show your JR Pass at the ticket gates and you’ll be able to board the ferry without problems.

Must I use the JR Pass on consecutive days?

Most types of JR Passes are for consecutive days, so once you activate the Pass, you have a limited number of days left that you can use it. However, there are some special passes which allow you to choose certain days during which to activate your Pass.

For example, the JR East Passes allow you to choose any 5 days out of a 14-day period in which your Pass is valid for use. This allows for much more flexibility in your planning, and there’s no rush to zip around the city trying to hit all the major sightseeing spots in a set number of days. Overall, a much more pleasant vacation!

Can I reserve seats on the shinkansen?

Yes! To do so, you have to visit any JR “Midori no madoguchi” ticket office. Simply look for a green sign of a man sitting on a reclining seat. While at the office, you can reserve a seat on the shinkansen at no cost. You’ll receive an additional ticket that you’ll have to show to the station attendant at the ticket gates, together with your JR Pass.

Do note that there is no need to reserve tickets for the shinkansen. You can choose to show your JR Pass to the station attendant, and board the shinkansen in any of the unreserved seat carriages. However, there is no guarantee that you’ll get a seat in these carriages, especially during busy periods or the holiday season. Therefore, it is recommended that JR Pass holders reserve a ticket so you can travel in peace and comfort.

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