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Japan Weekly National Train Ticket JR PASS AUD $312 Delivered with Free Travel Guide

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Japan Weekly National Train Ticket JR PASS AUD $312 Delivered with Free Travel Guide
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rainy118 on 22/08/2015 - 19:51 japan-rail-pass.com (2515 clicks)
Last edited 23/08/2015 - 06:31 by 1 other user

Been calling lots of travel agency in Sydney, all quoted AUD$330 or something.
Just did some google research and this one cost only $312 with free express post (minimum ordering $650) and free travel guide.

seems a legitimate company with the review below:

https://www.ekomi.co.uk/review-japan-rail-pass.html

if you prefer local company and spend less than $650 you can purchase from website below

https://www.sachitours.com.au/Japan_Rail_Pass.html

same cost as above with free delivery but without free travel guide.

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closed Comments

    • SuiCid3 on 22/08/2015 - 20:04
      +14

      Pointless comment is pointless

    • TassieJones14 on 22/08/2015 - 20:06
      -3

      What's wrong with you; go get some friends in real life (IRL).

      • Letrico on 22/08/2015 - 21:17

        Attack of the jv fan down voters

      • XCelR8 on 22/08/2015 - 21:43
        +2

        Meh, i was just too late to upvote you, im sure it would have swung the other way with a few upvotes earlier. Mob mentality.

    • Nutrino on 22/08/2015 - 22:02

      Can we stop picking on jv. He/she is just a little kid.

  • chinezejew on 22/08/2015 - 20:06
    +1

    Real simple.
    Got them to do Jr for me last week.
    Next day delivery to melbourne.

    I have yet to use the tickets, but they are listed as one of the authorised sellers of JR in australia.

    Fill out the form. Ensure to confirm the 1st day commencment of use.

    • King Steuart on 23/08/2015 - 11:38
      +4

      Quick note on JR pass as I got stung by Flight Centre. If you get in to Japan at 10PM and you're going to be there for more than 7 days don't activate your pass until the next day.

      Flight Centre told me it would be active until 10pm on the 8th day as it would be 7 lots of 24 hours, but it's just 7 calendar days.

      So if you get in late to Japan it's probably cheaper if you go your own way to your hotel and then activate your pass the next day.

  • asupre2541 on 22/08/2015 - 20:09

    I've been to Japan before (only 2 weeks, Osaka and Tokyo) and i used the public trains mostly, where tickets are around $2 a trip. When would the JR passes be worth it?

    • kellyly on 22/08/2015 - 20:22
      +12

      mainly good for shinkainsen especially if you have multiple stopover.
      I did osaka/kyoto, osaka to nagoya, nagoya to tokyo, tokyo to atami, atami to shizuoka, shizuoka to osaka and it was worth it.

      • Darkscythe on 22/08/2015 - 20:27
        +7

        Yep, anytime you need to do multiple long distance trips via bullet trains, these things end up being a massive cost saver.

        • asupre2541 on 22/08/2015 - 20:30
          +1

          Ahh i see, nice to know. Been planning a trip back that will cover other cities so this might be something i need. Cheers!

        • Mr Wowtrousers on 22/08/2015 - 21:18
          +1

          @asupre2541:

          Shink is better than flying if you can line up the cities. No customs, no getting there hours beforehand etc. Expensive, but convenient. If you are going to be sticking around only a couple of cities, cost 'savings' would be debatable.

        • Kiwires on 22/08/2015 - 23:56
          +17

          @asupre2541:
          After 2 trips to Japan over the last 2 years, I'm sorta figuring out when it's best to get the JR Pass and when to use it.
          1. A 1-way ticket from Hiroshima to Osaka is 10,800Yen. From Osaka to Shinjuku(Tokyo) is 14,720Yen. A 7-Day Pass is 29,100Yen.
          If you're not planning on heading anywhere else, don't get the JR Pass.
          2. I thought we'd use the JR Pass for local travel around Tokyo but it's too bothersome to find a JR Station where you can use it or to get on the Yamanote Circle Line. Ended up using the Toica IC for local travel instead as you can get where you want to go quicker.
          3. For our next visit, I'll still get the 7-Day Pass even though we'll be there for about 2 weeks. We'll do our intercity travelling inbetween, e.g. stay in Hiroshima for 3 days, travel up to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano and into Tokyo over 7 days using up the JR Pass and spending the remainder of our stay in Tokyo.

          Avoid my mistake in getting the JR Pass for the duration of your stay unless you're planning on travelling extensively over the country.
          My 2cents.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2015 - 01:25
          +4

          @Kiwires:

          I second your comment! We were slightly disappointed knowing the JR trains are not as convenient as the other company for inner Tokyo travel.

          But… milked the JR pass well going back and forth Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.

          Only if we have a Brissie - Sydney - ACT - Melbourne line here.

        • Radio8tiv on 23/08/2015 - 18:11

          @Kiwires:
          couldn't agree more
          im going for 12 days next week and worked it as cheaper to just get a 7 day pass for the intercity stuff
          fly into osake hang for a few days, then Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, then a few more days before we fly out, will only need the JR pass for the long distance
          for the Osaka and Tokyo portions we are using an IC card which you can get cheap in combo with the haruka ticket from Osaka airport, which can be used in many locations in japan as they are now shared

      • cookie_lu on 23/08/2015 - 02:25

        Ah reminds me "Mizuho" and "Hikari Rail Star".
        Very fast bullet train. Comfortable too. Very polite conductor.

        I wonder those other ticket or pass options, which Shinkansen train/class Is included.

      • azm on 23/08/2015 - 09:20

        Good to know the options but wondering whether the hotels are cheap or expensive if it is for family

    • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2015 - 20:31
      +2

      Its for Shinkainsen

    • Daabido on 22/08/2015 - 20:44
      +5

      In addition to the Shinkansen as noted, Tokyo has two different train providers (JR and others). You can use your pass on the JR lines. I can't remember about Osaka whether it was JR.

      If you go down to Hiroshima, one of the two ferries that goes to Miyajima island in Hiroshima Bay is a JR ferry and you can use your pass for that.

      • cosmic on 23/08/2015 - 23:39

        Tokyo has far far more than two train providers, but yes you can only use the JR Pass on the JR (other than the monorail to/from Haneda Airport). Same with Osaka. The private network is a lot more convenient within both cities. The Pass is also invalid on the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansens, which are the fastest for their routes.

        • Kiwires on 24/08/2015 - 21:37

          This reminds me of my first visit to Japan in 2013. Travelling on the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo using a JR Rail Pass but got on the wrong train (Mizuho) cos there were 2 trains leaving 5 minutes of each other and I picked the earlier one. Duh!
          The conductress was very polite and explained my mistake when she came around (they actually bow when entering and leaving the carriage!). She let me stay but as there were no unreserved seats in that section, I ended up sitting in the space between carriages where the toilets were for the 2.5hr journey.
          I imagine it happens a lot with tourists?
          You save about 20 mins between the Hikari and Mizuho Shinkansens and there's one almost every 20 minutes. Not much difference unless you're in a real hurry.

    • RI4V4N on 23/08/2015 - 08:40

      Just to give an idea, the Shikansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is like 120 dollars each way if you didn't have the pass. Assuming Osaka would be much more..

      • cosmic on 24/08/2015 - 00:08

        The last part is not quite true: Shin-Osaka would only cost a little more than Kyoto when travelling direct from Tokyo (like 5 bucks). However, cost for shinkansen tickets have gotten a lot more expensive in the last decade; 120AUD wouldn't cut it these days.

        • RI4V4N on 24/08/2015 - 19:04

          Ah, well I last went over 2 years ago - when the AUD was particularily high, so fair point.

  • SuiCid3 on 22/08/2015 - 20:09
    +11

    Generally, a trip from Tokyo > Osaka > Tokyo makes this a very well valued purchase.
    Anything shorter, you will need to calculate if it will be worth buying or not.

    http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
    Use this site to calculate your fare costs and if the pass will be worth your while.

    • rover on 25/08/2015 - 14:03

      Also get a data sim card in Japan (most modern unlocked smart phones will work fine) so you can use Hyperdia while you are there.

      I used Hyperdia before my first trip to Japan. Because we went Tokyo-Kyoto and all of side trips were in the Kansai region, I just used the JR-West rail pass for travel to Nara, Himeji and Osaka (as well as transfet Kyoto-KIX). Arriving in Tokyo and leaving through Osaka meant we didn't need the rail pass. Travellers can even consider an overnight luxury sleeper highway coach (forget comparisons with an Aussie long haul coach!) to get maximum Ozbargain points by saving a nghts accommodation.

      Last trip though I used the 14 day pass and really got my money's worth!

      As others have said, don't just get a rail pass that covers your stay. Plan your travel (try to clump the big trips within 7 or 14 days) and see what works best. Check out what travel options are available in each city (eg for tokyo http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/practical/tonai_tic…). See exactly what ticket you need each day, e.g. when exploring central Kyoto the daily subway pass is good, but to see the major temples the bus pass is better, in Tokyo if you are seeing things on the Yamanote/Chuo lines the JR only Tokunai Pass is fine otherwise get a Metro or JR/Metro ticket.

  • hypie on 22/08/2015 - 20:33

    How much are domestic flights in Japan? This seems like a fairly expensive way of getting around?

    • Daabido on 22/08/2015 - 20:48
      +16

      By the time you get to Haneda airport in Tokyo, wait around for your flight, take your flight and make your way out of the airport wherever you're going to the city, the bullet train would be usually competitive in time, plus it is an absolutely awesome way to travel. The Economy class has huge legroom like you wouldn't believe. Even if flights were cheaper, I wouldn't travel any other way.

      • mmd on 23/08/2015 - 01:36
        +3

        Also waiting for your luggage as well.
        You also get nice views of the countryside instead of clouds.

      • RI4V4N on 23/08/2015 - 08:41

        There's really cheap bus routes between tokyo/osaka/kyoto, but then you realise the tokyo-kyoto bit is like 6+ hours…

    • Mr Wowtrousers on 22/08/2015 - 21:20
      +5

      Domestic flights are getting cheap(er) with the advent of JETSTAR and PEACH, but it is much of a muchness compared to Shinkansen. If I could get to a place by shink for around the same price, I would rather do that. As mentioned by others, no customs, no early arrival, usually central station location and legroom is massive and there's usually power outlets.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2015 - 21:54
      +3

      There are ways of seeing the world and then there is flying

      • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2015 - 01:28
        +4

        I would pay 20 percent premium to use the bullet train over flying. Simply for the convenience and leg room.

        City point to point travel is similar (if not quicker) than flying.

        • travs on 23/08/2015 - 13:06

          I definitely agree with. The main train station in any major city is pretty centrally located. Can't say the same w/ airports. You also have to pay to get to teh airport via train first, go through security, wait to board etc. Even with Japanese efficiency, plans can run late; trains are basically never late.

          Train is the way to go by far in Japan, unless you're heading to the extremes of the country and are crunched for time. The Bullet train in Japan is an experience worth doing.

          Pro tip 1: if you're in tokyo station, check out the "Eki-ben" store in the main concourse. Great prepackaged lunches from all over Japan.

          Pro tip 2: You can use the "black cat" delivery service (aka Takkyubin) to send your bags ahead if you've got big bags. I've done this a couple of times and just taken a day pack when I've had big luggage to deal with.

    • belongsinforums on 23/08/2015 - 08:40
      +1

      Jetstar is so cheap in Japan right now, comparatively. Great for longer distances and travelling to other islands/countries. This pass is useful if you want to see a lot of cities over a short period of time (new city each day)

  • gembel on 22/08/2015 - 20:33
    +5

    cheapest local in Australia is here
    http://www.traveljapan.com.au/rail-pass

    $313 for 7 days. You can pick up from their offices around Australia.

    • rainy118 on 22/08/2015 - 21:14
      +5

      mine is $312 AUD.

      https://www.sachitours.com.au/Japan_Rail_Pass.html

    • parcus on 23/08/2015 - 19:35

      Bought mine from Travel Japan as well, but in-person from their Sydney office. Not sure if it's online too, but they do charge a fee (2.5% if memory serves correct) if you pay by credit card.

    • Bro-Die on 24/08/2015 - 02:40

      I bought online from Travel Japan in June and got a 7 day pass for $293. Picked up from the Melb CBD office. Currently in Japan and the pass saved me heaps while traveling across the country!

  • sraymond on 22/08/2015 - 20:54

    Flight Centre will price match any deal.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2015 - 01:30
      +5

      Not a fan of flight centre. Their "price match" policy is my pet hate.

      If I could get the same item for the cheaper else where, dont see a reason why I would go flight centre for "price match". As well the hassle of going to a flight centre shopfront.

      • sraymond on 24/08/2015 - 16:48

        Sometimes Flight Centre is closer than the other agents offices.

  • CyberMurning on 22/08/2015 - 21:33
    +2

    Long time ago I used two weeks Jr tickets for backpacking in Japan, travelling by skinkansen from north Sendai to south Hiroshima, return back to Tokyo, stopping in more than 10 cities between. Worth it.
    If I remember, normal cost return ticket Tokyo Osaka was around $300. Go figure. Most local can't afford!

  • gonesellin on 22/08/2015 - 21:33
    +3

    JR rail pass is a must. You can use it for most metropolitan trains as well as intercity.

    • shiny1 on 22/08/2015 - 23:30

      I disagree. When I went to Japan, I thought I had to get a JR pass. Turns out, I could just get a SUICA card and top up whenever I needed to. I could travel on the JR lines and the Metro lines, and even buy from convenience stores. It really depends on how much intercity travelling you are doing. If you only need it for 1 or 2 stretches, it's cheaper to buy things separately. In my experience, JR pass is not worth it (mostly inner Tokyo travelling).

      • gonesellin on 23/08/2015 - 00:56

        Yeah I guess we did a lot of travelling throughout the country.

        • altomic on 23/08/2015 - 01:49

          yeah, definitely worth it if you are travelling between cities.

  • effgee on 22/08/2015 - 21:45
    -2

    Nvm, wasn't obvious on my mobile.

  • gm3stevens on 22/08/2015 - 23:36
    +1

    If you itinerary only cover the Kensai area, say, Osaka, Koyto, Nara, Wakayama and Shiga, then buying the KANSAI THRU PASS is more economical.

    A 2 day ticket costs 4000 yens and a 3 day ticket for 5200 yens.

  • effgee on 23/08/2015 - 00:03

    Loving the discussion.
    Looking forward to posts on Japanese sim cards…

    • rover on 26/08/2015 - 10:26
      +2

      I got a 15 day Yamada data sim card from LAB1 in Ikebukuro (right next to station). The staff got it all set up for me in a few minutes. I think 2800Y for 15 days, 100MB data fast speed per day and then throttled after with no download limit with 100MB limit resetting the next day. Good value for light usage (skype, email, maps, Googling).

      • effgee on 26/08/2015 - 19:26

        thanks. Sounds good. I assume it's data only ?

        • rover on 27/08/2015 - 10:00

          Yep, no calls or SMS. I used Skype to make Skype calls or calls to landlines.

  • jayc on 23/08/2015 - 01:03
    +1

    OP, minimum order of $650 is required for free delivery on www.japan-rail-pass.com

    • rainy118 on 23/08/2015 - 06:27

      Thanks will amend it

  • cannedhams on 23/08/2015 - 01:14

    jetstar has pretty cheap japanese domestic fares at the moment I think

  • paperkut on 23/08/2015 - 02:36
    +3

    If you have time but not money, I think taking the bus (Willer Express) is a pretty fantastic way to travel from one city to another.
    Probably paid about Y5000 From Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka, the bus was so comfortable and there were overloads of japanese food kiosks and snacks at the rest stops.

    Also what my Japanese friend suggested is the Seishun 18, if you happen to travel at the right time. Its Y11500 for 5 days, can be non-consecutive and can be used by more than 1 person: eg. if there's 5 people you'll can travel together with 1 ticket for the day and it will be stamped 5 times).
    Despite the name (meaning Youth 18) there is actually no age limitation. Not valid for shinkansen but you can pretty much travel anywhere, just takes longer. Pretty awesome to just get off somewhere for a couple hours then continue on.

    • supaderp on 23/08/2015 - 07:19
      +3

      Only if you are a small-medium sized man. A man with broadsholders would find it extremely uncomfortable sleeping on the bus with the non adjustable arm rest.
      But if you want to save time and accommodation, travel while you sleep using overnight bus. Paying $25-50 extra will land you a luxury seat on the bus which is good for most Australians ( since we are slightly bigger than most males in Asia)

    • rover on 26/08/2015 - 14:20

      The Seishun 18 is great value. But travellers should think carefully about using this on longer trips. Going from Tokyo to Kyoto on local trains can take up 9 hours with 4 changes. But maybe good for a leisurely trip over a couple of days or more with stop offs in say Shiojiri and Nagoya.

      Similarly, Kyoto to Hiroshima is a long trip with many stops, but stops could be had in Okayama, Himeji and Osaka.

  • SydneyLockOutLaw on 23/08/2015 - 03:09

    Thanks, i need to get this soon,

    Need a 2 week one.

  • belongsinforums on 23/08/2015 - 06:19
    +1

    Cheapest I found last time was with H.I.S. http://www.traveljapan.com.au/our-branches

  • supaderp on 23/08/2015 - 07:10
    +6

    Not worth it if you haven't explored Tokyo yet. You need a minimum of 1 week in Tokyo, unless you are into shrines and temples then go other cities. I travel far for food, Tokyo has a lot of small stores which sells unique delicacies which you cannot find in your takashimaya. They are usually cheaper since they don't emphasise on packaging and worth trying before the older folkes retire.

    I don't use trip advisor for food reviews because 80% of the time its misleading. Try using,
    http://www.gnavi.co.jp/en/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCepCfC6Iz0-6YLvaEdYpFA?app…
    There are more but I can't think of them ATM. Most of them are food bloggers.

    Once you have learnt the basics and had enough of Tokyo, explore Osaka, then Hokkaido, ect.
    One thing I learnt is that, if you cannot communicate with their language, communicate with food. I often ask random locals about " where can I buy this" and they all are surprised that a foreigner knows about their childhood delicacies. Sometimes they are willing to go out of their way to find it for you or even help you order it from online ( i believe it's called Rakuten)and get it delivered to your accomodation.

    • gembel on 23/08/2015 - 09:40
      +1

      i use this http://tabelog.com/en/

      its the Japanese Urbanspoon. Reviews are in Japanese though but all u need are location and photos and rating lol

  • friftymama on 23/08/2015 - 09:14
    +2

    Ah happy memories as backpacker. I used my pass extensively. After I had seen the major cities I wanted to see, I went to the Northern most point Hachinohe and the southern most point my pass would take me -Hakata. It just doesn't compare to plane travel. I SAW Japan. I think I found my love of train travel after this experience. (China's train network is also incredible but unfortunately they still allow smoking in the cars…yuk). Happy travels!

  • garylovesbeer on 23/08/2015 - 10:38

    Used our 7 day JR passes to go Narita-Tokyo-Sapporo-Abashiri-Sapporo-Otaru-Sapporo-Tokyo-Odawara-Tokyo-Kamakura-Tokyo-Narita. And the Yamanote line around Tokyo

    Great value for us! My wife got a bit sick of traveling.

  • spuderump on 23/08/2015 - 10:41

    All I can recommend to anyone going tot tokyo is the robot restaurant.

    Its japan to a tee.

  • Phoebus on 23/08/2015 - 10:41

    It's always cheapest and fastest at HIS.
    You just go there, pay and they give it to you. No waiting, no delivery fees.
    https://www.traveljapan.com.au/rail-pass

    • Daibaw on 23/08/2015 - 21:31

      Agreed. HIS has been consistently cheap and my past experience with them has always been good.
      One thing also worth noting is that HIS is a major travel agency from Japan with offices all over the country (and several branches in Australia too) with no legitimacy issues whatsoever. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.

  • piggiepanda on 23/08/2015 - 11:06

    Hi guys, would like some opinions. I'll be travelling in NOvember. Will be going for food and shopping that's the main purpose. Haven't planned out the whole trip yet but definitely will be going to USJ, Kyoto, Akihabara, Nakano Broadway, Odaiba, Studio Ghibli & Fujiko F Museum (if i can get tickets), Pokemon Centre and more to add to the list.. WIll be staying in SHin-Osaka first for 5 days and then in TOkyo for another 5 days. WOuld you guys think its worth getting a 7 day JR pass? Ohh, also might do a return trip from SHin-osaka to HIda(?).. THnaks

    • sheepy on 23/08/2015 - 15:27
      +1

      I highly recommend japan-guide.
      It gives you the cost and time required for different ways of intercity transportation (by clicking the link "getting there and around" when you selected a city).
      You can work out if JR Pass is required for your itinerary.

    • quint_10 on 24/08/2015 - 12:52

      Depends…
      on whether you are flying back out of Kansai airport.
      Btw for there are heaps of tips online about getting tickets to various things, but my tips are to avoid going on weekends, and for USJ you could try buy online (but in Japanese and may need Japanese address) and consider the useful express pass that saves time, line up early and go straight to HP world once you get in.

      • piggiepanda on 24/08/2015 - 15:07

        I'll be landing in Osaka and fly out from Tokyo (Haneda Int. airport(?))…
        Not really planning on going sight seeing to far away places so was looking into this Suica card. But unsure if it covers all trains with the exclusion of shinkansen. I mean does it work like our opal system here?

        I was told by friends that the express pass is useful but the price is expensive, almost the same for an entry pass >.<
        From the sound of it you seem to have been there. How was HP world? I thought it was just another theme for the year like the Monster hunter, Attack of titan and resident evil. xD

        • quint_10 on 24/08/2015 - 18:36

          If you are landing in Osaka and flying out of Haneda (yes that's the closest and easiest airport to Tokyo), than not worth getting the JR pass, just get a 1 way shinkansen ticket (or cheaper bus).
          Yes the Suica covers all trains (and most buses, and besides shinkansen) within Japan; if you arrive in Osaka, you'll probably buy the ICOCA instead of Suica (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html).

          I went to USJ last week, super crowded but that was peak season (summer holidays, just after a long weekend). HP world is massive (google search it if you like), I made the mistake and didn't plan properly and had to get a timed entry ticket in the nighttime, enjoyed the limited time I was in there just for the atmosphere, didn't have time to go into any of the rides or many shops.(btw, resident evil was scary but great, had an express pass for that). I think in November, it will be less crowded, this calendar for express pass costs give some kind of indication that it won't be as busy http://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/common/expresspass/attraction/po…

        • piggiepanda on 26/08/2015 - 11:20

          @quint_10: As have everyone told me i most probably wont be getting the JR pass then. Btw, do you know if the ICOCA can be used in tokyo and other train stations? or do i have to get another Suica card when i arrive in Tokyo? I remember reading somewhere that they're trying to combing everything into 1 card, but not sure if that has happened. yet.

          When you mention "I made the mistake and didn't plan properly and had to get a timed entry ticket in the nighttime, enjoyed the limited time I was in there just for the atmosphere, didn't have time to go into any of the rides or many shops" what did you mean? Is it that you had to pay an EXTRA entry ticket to get into HP world?
          Heard from a friend that its actually REALLY huge. She was like you NEED to go visit that place, even if you're not a fan you'll still love it.lol

    • rover on 25/08/2015 - 16:37
      +1

      USJ, Kyoto, Akihabara, Nakano Broadway, Odaiba, Studio Ghibli & Fujiko F Museum (if i can get tickets), Pokemon Centre

      Oh, my kind of trip. Looking at those you might also be interested in J-World in the same shopping centre , Sunshine City, as the Ikebukuro Pokemon centre. Lots of good anime shopping on nearby "Otome Road", if you can manage to fit in with the target niche market of the area (we got the best anime good bargains there compared with Akiba/Nakano). Ikebukuro is also good to walk around if you've happened to watch Durarara, even so great area for shopping.

      In Osaka, you may be interested in Den-Den town.

      Don't forget to book your Ghibli from JTB well in advance, they sell out. They are so cheap to buy in Japan, but not worth the risk of missing out. Also the ticket machines in Lawsons are apparently difficult to use even if you are have reasonable Japanese.

      If you are going in to Osaka and then out of Tokyo then you probably don't need a 7 day JR rail pass. But look at a JR-West pass, you can use this to do side trips from Osaka (eg Nara, Kyoto, Himeji if any of those take your fancy) and on a JR trip from KIX to Osaka (I think it is even worth gettting 1-day JR West pass for this, check Hyperdia).

      We also enjoyed Toei Kyoto Studio Park, accessible from Osaka.

      • piggiepanda on 26/08/2015 - 12:09

        Guess we have the same interests XD
        Ikebukuro? I'll have a look into it. Do we need tix to enter J-World? This "Otome Road" will need to look into it more. I've watched it before but AGES ago..lol. How does it relate to Durarara?

        Will have a look at Den-Den Town. Any recommendation for foods? I wanna try out the Final Fantasy Eorzea cafe..XD

        There's sooooo many things to plan out. What worries me most is the transportation. Not really sure how it works. >.<

        • rover on 26/08/2015 - 14:07

          Durarara is set in Ikebukuru, so it is a great place to go if you're into location hunting. There are Durarara vending machines on "Otome Road".

          One Durarara location is Sunshine City, a big shopping complex, it has J World, a Pokemon Centre (these are just big Pokemon shops) and Namco Namjaland. If you're into Moomins (the Japanese are right into this Finnish animation) there is a themed cafe.

          Get you J-World tickets at japanican.com. Do't get your Ghible ticket there unless you really want an english guide (you certainly don't need one to thoroughly enjoy it and I think a guide would actually spoil it). Get you Ghibli tickets at JTB. J-World has a cafe with various Jump themed dishes.

          Running on the west side of Sunshine city is "Otome road", it's got it's own Wikipedia page with a link to an english guide. As the shops here aim for the teen/young adult female audience, shonen/seinen merchanise they may have can be picked up cheaply. You may want to avoid the levels in shops marked "B/L".

          In Shinjuku, Square Enix has the Artnia Cafe. About 20 minute on foot from the JR station but easier got to by Subway.

          If Sunshine City didn't fulfil your Jump quota there is a Shonen Jump store in Tokyo Dome. I wouldn't go out of my way for that, but it was on our way to the Moomin Cafe/Bakery.

          Transport is easy, particularily in the big cities. Stations have ticket machines with an English option. You look at the big map and pick your destination station (they will be in Romanji as well as Kanji/Hiragana), the map will show the station name and fare from where you are. Buy a ticket from the machine of that value. Even easier with a Suica card. You can also buy daily tickets from the machine (i think they are under the 'discount ticket' options). If you are going to Ghibli meuseum on the Chuo line and use a daily JR Tokyo ticket you need to use the excess fare machine, put your ticket in the machine when you get to Mitaka station and pay what it says (about 80Y). Don't forget to take the CatBus to the museum!!!

          Look at online guides (eg japan-guide.com) for travel in Japan or get yourself a travel guide.

  • gm3stevens on 23/08/2015 - 12:50
    +3

    If you move from city to city in Japan, then buying the JR pass is a must cause the transport in Japan is expensive.

    However, looks like that you will spend time mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo only, it may not be justified to buy the pass. The cost from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen costs around 14450 yens and if you take the bus as suggested by paperkut, it will be much cheaper.

    I would suggest you to buy the Osaka Amazing Pass3000yens for 2 days for travel within Osaka and get the 3 day Tokyo Subway Ticket 1500 yens for 3 days for travel in Tokyo.

  • justtoreply on 23/08/2015 - 19:58

    Just be aware that you might have to queue for hours to pick up your JR Rail pass when you get there.

    We took cheap flights to Nagoya (maybe it was Narita, can't remember). JR'd to Tokyo.

    Finding the booth in Nagoya was not easy… it was much further away than we expected. And a queue of only 30 people with 3 staff serving took about 2 hours. IIRC.

  • gembel on 23/08/2015 - 20:53
    +1

    recommended itinerary to use 14 days JR Pass:
    Osaka -> Kanazawa -> Takayama -> Nagoya -> Nagano -> Hakodate -> Sapporo

    went from Kansai to Hokkaido all with JR Pass, was really worth it. The train to Hakodate from Aomori goes under the sea, quite cool.

  • greencomet on 24/08/2015 - 09:11
    +1

    We got 14 day passes when we went last year, they took a while to collect in the airport once we got off our flight due to the line. If you're just staying around Tokyo save your money and get a Suica card instead as JR passes are really only worth it if you're travelling around on Shinkansens.

    We travelled from Tokyo - Hiroshima - Osaka - Kyoto - Nagoya -Tokyo, which would have cost us a heap of money without the JR passes.

    Here's a quick video I took while travelling.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu4S4kkN7Wg

  • JuggaloG on 24/08/2015 - 15:20

    Thanks! I leave Sunday and I was going to just buy it there, or direct, but with the exchange rate I think I was better off doing it this way :)

    • Baa on 24/08/2015 - 16:59
      +2

      FYI these rail passes can only be purchased outside Japan.

      • JuggaloG on 26/08/2015 - 07:41

        Oh awesome, well I did well by buying them on Tuesday, thanks :)

  • tko6070 on 24/08/2015 - 18:52

    http://willerexpress.com/st/3/en/pc/buspass/
    Better option to save money, covered night buses.
    Can you 1 night, 1 day bus in a second day of use.

    This would easily cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more!

  • Kiwires on 24/08/2015 - 21:40

    For free Starbucks wifi anywhere in Japan, check this out before you go: http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/index_en.html

    • gm3stevens on 26/08/2015 - 15:39
      +1

      I would say it's better to buy a data sim to be used in Japan so that you can use the map/navigation or translation apps while you are on the road.

      I always bought it from bMobile and have it delivered to the hotel or you can get it from Travel Sims Direct when they are on sale.

      If you simply want to use the free wifi in Japan, then install the Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi which will connect to all free Wi-Fi spots in Japan free of charge. If you are travelling in the eastern Japan area, NAVITIME for Japan Travel is another app to be used.

  • imahapyboy on 27/08/2015 - 07:53

    $312 for weeky train ticket? wow

  • JayCeeJay on 02/09/2015 - 14:18

    is it just me or all passes has increased by $30+

    • gm3stevens on 03/09/2015 - 10:23

      Not surprising. The pass is based on Janpanese yens and A$ to yens drops about 7% in these 10 days.

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