Tag Archives: shinkansen

Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass

The Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is a new rail pass, introduced just after the Hokuriku Shinkansen was finished. This new line extends the Shinkansen all the way to Kanazawa from Tokyo. The pass therefore takes visitors on an arch route from Tokyo to Osaka via the northern coast. It includes tourist hotspots such as Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen, Kyoto, Kobe, and NaraContinue reading “Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass”

JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass is an interesting new pass that has opened to celebrate the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen line. It allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains from Tokyo and Yokohama in Kanto all the way up to Otaru and Sapporo in Hokkaido, via Tohoku. Highlights in between include the Kakunodate, Sendai, Hakodate andContinue reading “JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass”

JR Kanto Area Pass

The JR Kanto Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area. This includes tourist hotspots such as Mount Fuji, Nikko and Yokohama. It is valid for 3 days and can be started from Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo. What does it cost? 3 day pass: Adults 8,300 yen (about $66/€60), Children 4,200 yenContinue reading “JR Kanto Area Pass”

See the northern snow on the cheap: JR East Pass

The JR East Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains in Kanto and Tohoku.  This includes the use of Shinkansen (bullet) trains and limited express trains.  It is a flexible 5 day pass. What does it cost? Adults 22000 yen (about $180), Children 11000 yen (about $90) When can I use it? Anytime. Is itContinue reading “See the northern snow on the cheap: JR East Pass”

Train Guide

Japan is the king of trains.  While other developed countries have cut services and lines, Japan continues to be a pioneer in train travel.  Fast, on time and easy to use. Most station signs, in-train signs/information and announcements are done in English. Train Schedules We recommend Jorudan or  Hyperdia. Suica and Icoca cards   Suica (Tokyo) and IcocaContinue reading “Train Guide”

How to get to Tokyo

By air There are two main airports for Tokyo, Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both offer cheap ways to get into Tokyo. It’s best to compare prices online, so check our air travel guide.Some travel centers, such as the Japan Travel Centre (UK), offer cheap tickets for under 25s, so call your localContinue reading “How to get to Tokyo”

Get a Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass is usually the best rail pass for any budget traveler in Japan.  It allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains all over Japan, including the Shinkansen (bullet) trains. 7, 14 and 21 day passes are available.  Perfect if you are here on a 1-3 week holiday. Be sure to checkContinue reading “Get a Japan Rail Pass”