So I am about to buy the JR PASS from JTB
so i will traveling around both east and west as follows
TOKYO - SHINOSAKA - HIROSHIMA - SHINOSAKA - KYOTO - TOKYO
am i right in saying that i can only use the Hikari Shinkansen's not nozomi and mizuho?
can i use the NEX train using JR PASS?
have search all over for these answers but would like some feedback on actual JR PASS users.
many thanks
Not 100% sure but i think NEX trains are reserved seats only, so just make sure you get a reserved seat first before you hop on. (Free with JR Pass just go to ticket booking window at station)
Use Hyperdia to plan trips with JR pass. Go to search details and untick 'private railway' and untick 'NOZOMI / MIZUHO /HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)' (as they are not included in jr pass) and that will pretty much show you show you the best route using your JR Pass.
You can catch more shinkansen than just the hikari
Hayabusa is actually included, I have used JR pass (the standard one not green class) to make reservations on this no problems on my way up to Shin Aomori
http://www.jrpass.com/blogs/use-japan-rail-pass-on-hayabusa
NEX is all reserved seating, but I remember one trip I didn't have time to make a reservation so I just stood up in the baggage area between carriages and the ticket checking guy was not only ok with it, but pointed me towards a seat that hadn't been reserved.
Ah ok i didn't realise the hayabusa was included. Yeh they are very helpful, the first NEX i caught was pretty empty and i just hopped on without realising i needed a reserved seat but the conductor was apologising to me lol.
A tip with booking.
When we arrived at Osaka airport, with Jetstar, which was around 10pm, I booked my reserved seat tickets, the next morning the line was around the corner. Also try to book all the trains you think you will catch, that saves lining up again. This may or may not help depending on your arrival time.
If you can't catch the train you were going to originally catch, you can change the booking no charge. Peak times bookings are essential if you want a seat.
Watch leaving from Hiroshima as the train doesn't originate there. We got to the platform saw the train there and jumped on. We were on the non express which left 5 minutes before the express. Dumb, but wiser after the event.
Yep, the JR Pass will cover all the trips mentioned in your schedule.
Just stay away from the NOZOMI and MIZUHO bullet trains as they are not valid on the JR Pass.
The bullet train refers to a collection of these types of trains and they have different designs for different regions of Japan - hence the different names (also different speeds/stops)
The JR Pass will cover usage on the Narita Express between Narita to Tokyo so you're covered there.
Only thing is you've got to make sure the exchange office is open at Narita Airport because if you come in too early in the morning or too late and they're closed, you'll have to buy a separate ticket.
hope this helps
source - visited Japan more than 20 times using the JR Pass more than 15 times.
currently an employee at JTB
Correct no travel on Nozomi or Mizuho. I've used JR pass on NEX train from Narita airport no problem.
If you haven't already done so look at Hyperdia to plan your timetable it's an invaluable resource