What is JR Pass?
• Japan Railways (JR) operates bullet trains all over the country
• JR Pass is a local travel option that is money-saving for most visitors.
What are the benefits & costs of JR Pass?
• Offers unlimited travel on most bullet train connecting major cities.
• Also valid on some useful local trains/trams/buses/ferries (e.g., Kyoto-Nara train, Miyajima ferry)
• Discounts offered on JR-affiliated hotels (e.g., Hotel Granvia).
• Pass available for 7/14/21 days for $250-500.
Is it worth buying a JR Pass?
• Depending on how much you plan to travel long distance on bullet trains.
• 7-day pass costs same as return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. If you will travel more, JR pass is cheaper.
What about the fine print?
• JR Pass is not valid on the most frequent bullet trains with fewest stops, but the difference is marginal e.g., for a Tokyo-Kyoto trip 165 mins vs. 135 mins & train every 30 mins vs. 15 mins.
• You cannot use the pass on metro in Tokyo or Kyoto.
• This is no sham, just a legit initiative to promote tourism in Japan.
How to buy a JR Pass?
• Order JR Pass online (cheaper) before coming to Japan. You will receive a voucher by courier.
• Exchange the voucher for the pass at any JR ticket office in Japan e.g., Narita airport/Tokyo station.
How to use a JR Pass?
• Ideally, make reservations when you exchange their voucher for the Pass.
• However, you can use the pass to get JR train tickets at any time at any station.
• If you miss your train, just take the unreserved coach on the next train. Seats are usually available. Check here for more details.
Note: Tabi Audio has NO AFFILIATION with JR Pass.
• Japanese-style inns with bamboo floor mats (“tatami”), floor beds (“futon”), sliding screen doors (“shoji”) & communal spring baths (“onsen”).
• You wear traditional robes (“Yukata”) & enjoy Japanese meals (“kaiseki” - multi-course with sashimi, pickled vegetables, tempura, rice, miso etc.) in your room, on low-rise tables.
• Cost $150-250 pp/night, but worth one night for the experience
• Standard hotel rooms, slightly smaller/more expensive than in the west, but always clean & reliable
• Both local & international chains with 3-5 star amenities
• Stay near main train stations (Shinjuku/Shibuya station in Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima station) for easier transport to destinations
• Cost $150-$300 per room night.
• Small, stacked chambers for one person, sometimes with personal TV.
• Includes lounges, lockers, and gender-segregated baths
• Conveniently located near major train stations
• Cost only $30-40 pp/night. An option for the 'adventurous'
• You can book one for Tokyo here
• Very legit, not seedy. Emerged post-war catering to couples without privacy at home.
• Offer variety of exotically themed rooms - disco, opium den, Bali-style, space-age, and more - you choose
• Clean and discreet - you will not even see receptionist directly.
• Cost $60-120 for 3-12 hour stay. Unique experience for a couple.
• You can book one for Tokyo here
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JAPAN AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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