Travel: Japan - General
-
Hyperdia can be accessed/used in Japan, we used it to check the train schedule before we leave hotel.
Shinkansen is the fastest train in Japan, however there are different speed among different Shinkansen. Tokyo - Shin Osaka route is served by Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi (which is not valid for JR pass) is the fastest, follow by Hikari (the fastest Tokaido Shinkansen for JR pass holder) then Kodama.
JR pass is good if you travel extensively between cities using Shinkansen, for one-way Tokyo-Shin Osaka + local JR within cities, JR cost is not justified.
You can check the rough estimation on the total train cost (of the destinations intended) vs. JR pass cost using Hyperdia. -
Estéema:
I just scrolled up to read your earlier posts and I believe you bought the JR tickets (reserved seats on NOZOMI) not the JR Pass, correct me if I'm wrongZeit:
Esteema
You were not allowed to take Nozomi & Mizuho trains, right? If you had taken Hikari (2nd fastest Shinkansen), it'd have been 3h 10-15 min. Had you hopped onto Kodama Shinkansen, it'd be even longer.
Osaka to Nagoya is slightly over an hr (70-80min, depending on departure timing or u]depending on whether your hotel is in Shin-Osaka or Osaka (Umeda downtown)[/u]). The Shin Osaka-Osaka journey itself is 3-4min but allow for 10min to transfer to another platform within the JR station, if need be.
My Pillow
Please use HyperDia to search for your preferred departure timings, and remember to de-select NOZOMI/MIZUHO and Private Railway. Keep others checked.
If still very confused, please go to Tg Pagar Japan Rail counter (there's a nice Jap cafe there) to consult the staff, like Esteema did
Zeit,
Don't rmbr taking 3-hr rides coz we usually book our JR seats for super-fast trains. Not the fast or normal trains. Maybe u're referring to the normal train.
Whenever to traverse fr Osaka thro Tokyo to Hakone, we'll take JR. Local train don't bring us cross diff cities. Shinkansen operates within localities. Within Tokyo, we take the local subways. Similarly for Kyoto we take the subway to get fr one scenic spot to ano.
Pre-planning with Hyperdia is a good idea. However, you've got to be very thorough & then print your planned journey out. If I don't rmbr wrongly, u can't get access whilst in Japan. Correct me if I'm wrong. That's why we chuck our printout fr Hyperdia coz we're also the go-with-the-flow type & when on the ground, we just explore deeper into an area if it attracts us more. DH is a gadget buff & I explore all their electronics & kitchen/household stuff. Kids go either with me or DH. Then when in Nagoya, we found Toyota hv 2 diff museums besides other tourist spots. DH & kids wants the Innovation museum but we didn't book to go, hence we made extra trips forgoing pre-planned Castle visits, etc.
We found JR Pass very useful in that we didn't hv to fork out extra :moneyflies: to travel btwn cities and the forgiving part when we stay longer at some other scenic spots & missed our pre-booked seats, we just book again without penalty or extra-charges.
I find train staff always try their best & very helpful tho not all can communicate in English. Just ask them directions showing map for your intended tourists spots or hotel name.
Save up on JR valid travel days for crossing cities & leave last day for airport limousine. Convenient, inexpensive & luggage rolled into the bus compartments for you & u get on air-con bus without need to hold on to yr luggages. This would be the same as Dreamgear. Because it's not possible to hop onto that 2.5h fast train from Osaka to Tokyo if you're using the JR Pass. That was My Pillow's question whether non-NOZOMI trains might take longer than 2.5h.
cool_hi indeed got the JR Pass (and also the Kansai Wide Area Pass too?) so she was maximizing the value by visiting several 'less hot' destinations such as Nara, Himeji, Kobe and so on.
Agreed with ryka that if it's just Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto, then it's wiser to purchase the JR Tickets only. I'd definitely prebook only the NOZOMI departures to maximise my time. Thereafter, base myself 2-3 nights at either of them and join 1-day round tours out to the touristy sites so that I'm hands-free for the day
Btw, this changing of departure tickets (if you miss your train) is standard practice across many developed countries. I managed to change my train timing on the spot when I was late at some stations (be it in Europe or Taiwan), but whether your next available train is the high-speed one is all based on luck ie timing!
Also, that \"Local train don't bring us cross diff cities\" isn't true! You have to explore HyperDia to discover that there are many types of limited express rail, express rail (eg. thunderbird), etc. that can take you to diff cities (except Shirakawago of course). Shinkansen only serves the major cities, as you can see on the map I shared with Kevinlu. The orange lines refer to those local trains that branch off from Shinkansen.
Shinkansen alone has a few types travelling at various km/h as mentioned by ryka. I'm a collector of Shinkansen and JR subway train models. :rotflmao: -
zac's mum:
You guys are not potterheads I suppose
Universal Studios Osaka was quite disappointing so I should have just cut out those 2D1N from my itinerary.
Kevinlu might wish to read this excellent blog post by another forummer who did a comprehensive tour of Central Japan 3 years ago. I read her blog first before doing my own research. Personally, I found her itinerary too 'punishing' for young travellers. Her family practically lugged their bags (with some nights having the bags sent to their hotel in advance) and checked into diff ryokans in Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, etc
I'd rather pay for a 11-hr Japanican day tour of Shirakawago + Takayama from Nagoya
Don't think Kevinlu is up or experienced enough to accomplish that sort of commute/transit with his young children.
http://www.mumstravels.com/?page_id=1943
PS: I hope the blogger Dnls doesn't mind me sharing her blog link. -
Zeit:
Heh heh actually I am a major Potterhead.
You guys are not potterheads I supposezac's mum:
Universal Studios Osaka was quite disappointing so I should have just cut out those 2D1N from my itinerary.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter was not available at USJ Osaka in 2016. But anyway, my personal opinion rgdg Universal Studios, *always always always* go to the original one in Hollywood. They have the famous studio lot tour. No other country’s branch can ever beat that. I’ve just been to Universal Studios Hollywood this November 2017. Went there as a kid did the studio tour that’s why I insisted DH must go that one lol. And I had a blast doing the Harry Potter stuff in Hollywood (DH and DS went for other rides). -
Zeit:
thks zeit for the sharings. when i did the research on hyperdia, i forget to uncheck nozomi and mizuho -that caused my confusionEsteema
You were not allowed to take Nozomi & Mizuho trains, right? If you had taken Hikari (2nd fastest Shinkansen), it'd have been 3h 10-15 min. Had you hopped onto Kodama Shinkansen, it'd be even longer.
Osaka to Nagoya is slightly over an hr (70-80min, depending on departure timing or u]depending on whether your hotel is in Shin-Osaka or Osaka (Umeda downtown)[/u]). The Shin Osaka-Osaka journey itself is 3-4min but allow for 10min to transfer to another platform within the JR station, if need be.
My Pillow
Please use HyperDia to search for your preferred departure timings, and remember to de-select NOZOMI/MIZUHO and Private Railway. Keep others checked.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/#![](\"https://s14.postimg.org/c8fwvmvep/2017-12-26_2.png\")
https://s14.postimg.org/c8fwvmvep/2017-12-26_2.png\">
![](\"https://s14.postimg.org/l4qozjr5t/2017-12-29.png\")
![](\"https://s14.postimg.org/gwvwq8cpd/2017-12-29_3.png\")
![](\"https://s14.postimg.org/4v0iw4drl/2017-12-29_5.png\")
If still very confused, please go to Tg Pagar Japan Rail counter (there's a nice Jap cafe there) to consult the staff, like Esteema did
Estemma , how may days u spend in total then ?
Am doing/reading up whenever I have time, thinking yr end on osaka/Nagoya & Hokkaido - usually we include in hokkaido cos of yr end ski trip . i just came back fr tokyo/kawaguchiko/hokkaido -always domestic flight & local train. -this yr was my 2nd tokyo/hokkaido visit (based in tokyo longer this time, my last 2 trips i already spent longer in hokkaido) -
Thanks Zeit,
This is a very very good guide on how i should plan my Jap trip.
appreciate it!! Basically we had done some long trip before, but mostly is straightforward trips where we go and return at the same airport.
For this jap trip, it's gonna be a surprise trip for the kids, and wedding anni trip. So planning will be just by me.
First thing i hope to do first is to book the air ticket, and being first timer to Jap, Im having a hard time figuring out which is the most cost efficient way. to fly to and back from toyko, or to fly to toyko n back from osaka. Still waiting for good SQ promo.
The part where im most confuse is on the JR pass(because it's going to come up to 2k plus if im getting a 14days pass, plus never had the experience of taking JR before) i really don't know how to calculate which should i opt for.
1. if my ticket is open jaw, and my itinerary is toyko-ski resort- toyko-kyoto-osaka, does it means no need to buy JR pass and just buy the normal price ticket?
2. if i need to return to toyko, does my JR pass need to cover the days where i visit ski resort(not sure which one yet), or mt fuji?
Probably will spend a good 8 days in toyko, and the rest in osaka(not so sure what to do in osaka yet)
Not so worried about walking as it will be winter, kids will complain less.Zeit:
don't be confused. First things first. Who where what which?
Who - are your 6 and 8 year olds cooperative? Are they sleepyheads, whiners, slow walkers, first-timers?
Where - have you visited all the tourism sites for each of those cities mentioned by forummers here yet? Go have a read and consult your little kids and wifey if they are game. Some temples, museums and gardens can bore the hell out of 6-8 year olds.
What - what are their interests? Sanrio, Lego, Tomika, Plarail, Pokemon, Disney, Ghibli? Your wifey needs shopping?
Which - which is their preferred mode of transport? Can they train-hop or subway-hop?
Next, study the map of Japan very closely. It's elongated so you need to strategise a bit, eg buy open jaw airtickets or back-track. Circle those cities you desire to visit after your family meeting. Put down estimated no of nights you want next to city. Then connect the dots, i.e check HyperDia for train or bus timings and fares. Also, check if there are day tours from your base, e.g Nagoya, so you need not lug your bags everywhere.
Then calculate the fare breakdowns and compare with JR Pass' 7-day ot 14-day prices. Make a decision to buy or not to buy.
![](\"https://s14.postimg.org/5bqbwblrl/2361_01.png\")
Edited to add the last 'W' - 'When' you travel.
You asked about the est budget for 12-14 days for 2A2C. I think the period that you travel will tip the scales. Nov-Dec hols can be divided into 4 broad periods:
1. End of SA2 (i.e. you ponteng a few days or after PSLE)
2. Last 2 weeks of Nov
3. First 2 weeks of Dec
4. Last 2 weeks of Dec
Run a quick search based on your desired period on some hotel and airline booking websites and you'll see your budget fluctuate. F&B as all forummer have rightly pointed out is very cheap in Japan, more so if you have two 6 and 8 year olds who will pick the cheaper Kids' Meals -
Thanks for this awesome link, will read it up first..
Zeit:
zac's mum:
http://www.mumstravels.com/?page_id=1943
PS: I hope the blogger Dnls doesn't mind me sharing her blog link. -
Thanks for sharing...
may i ask if there is anything interesting in Osaka for your 6yo DS?
Another option i might take is that if there is nothing too interesting for kids, i will just stay in toyko and explore the neighboring towns.zac's mum:
To
Kevinlu: Just a little bit about my experience in Tokyo/Osaka in March 2016 with a 6 yo DS. He is an early riser and can walk long distances, won’t sit in pram kind. Suitable to take trains in Japan because there is plenty of walking (the stations are huuuuge and u need to find the correct platform. Communication in English with the staff is possible but it is chicken & duck talk sometimes. I can read a bit of Japanese so that helps when following the signs. I’m general, if u need to ask for directions on the street, the younger Japanese are more conversant in English. Or use your phone translator to help, they love tech haha.
The major places I planned for the kid were Disneyland & Disneysea. There is Thomas Land near Mount Fuji but small & hard to find if you don’t know Japanese. Tsujiki fish market for the adults. DH’s agenda was to eat high quality Japanese food. Absolutely the best experience because they do not export their best produce. No clothes shopping for us.
Kiddo was happy to walk around with us. We did Ueno Park and Daiba area (Toyota showroom). Tsujiki is crowded like a Taiwanese night market on weekends but he is trained to not wander away. I still put a “emergency contact info” card (in both languages) in his backpack just in case. Safety is not an issue though, just communication. In Tokyo the train signs have English, but not in Osaka, which is more like suburbia. Universal Studios Osaka was quite disappointing so I should have just cut out those 2D1N from my itinerary. -
Kevinlu:
Nothing interesting in Osaka as far as I know. So save the costly bullet train fare & stay in Tokyo. There’s plenty to occupy u for even 7-10 days in Tokyo, don’t need to rush. With kids, it’s sufficient to do 1-2 activities/places per day max. Otherwise cue the tantrums lol. Best u ask your DW for her input btw! To prevent arguments/unhappinessThanks for sharing...
may i ask if there is anything interesting in Osaka for your 6yo DS?
Another option i might take is that if there is nothing too interesting for kids, i will just stay in toyko and explore the neighboring towns.
Mt Fuji area u can find some day tours by bus which include lunch & hot spring. I didn’t research too much into those because DH is a gourmet snob and always wants to choose the best restaurants for meals
-
zac's mum:
So i guess my plan for now maybe is to stick to toyko, for now....
Nothing interesting in Osaka as far as I know. So save the costly bullet train fare & stay in Tokyo. There’s plenty to occupy u for even 7-10 days in Tokyo, don’t need to rush. With kids, it’s sufficient to do 1-2 activities/places per day max. Otherwise cue the tantrums lol. Best u ask your DW for her input btw! To prevent arguments/unhappiness
Mt Fuji area u can find some day tours by bus which include lunch & hot spring. I didn’t research too much into those because DH is a gourmet snob and always wants to choose the best restaurants for meals
1 question i have.. if im not travelling to osaka, kyoto....
And just go to mt fuji, neighboring town, ski resort.... do i still need to get the JR pass? or no need to at all?
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better 💗
Register Login