Welcome Today’s Guest Blogger Turner, from onceatraveler.com/.
Japan has quite possibly one of the most extensive and efficient transportation systems in the world, ranging from long and short distance buses, high speed trains, ferries, domestic aircraft, and a soon to be completed magnetic levitation track between Osaka and Tokyo. Due to visitors’ desires to see as much of the country in a limited time, it should come as no surprise that these methods are readily used and English friendly. But be warned: although Japan may have everything you want in a tourist destination, from comfortable hotels, sightseeing in every small town, and delicious food, the cost of getting from A to B can be ten to twenty times the equivalent transportation in China or Thailand (about 2-3 times that of the US); when I had a late night out in downtown Kagoshima and missed the 10:22 bus for a mere 290 Yen (~$3 US), the taxi home would cost me 2900 Yen… more often than not, I walked the ten kilometers uphill at 2 AM.
Although you may not be passing through an area as “small” as Kagoshima City, be aware that if you do wait until the end of the day to arrange a train bus, etc., you often end up with the fastest, i.e. the most expensive. Even during the day and staying on the beaten path in terms of attractions, the average traveler will find his wallet significantly shrinking with each excursion. What then, are some of the best ways to save a buck and still make the most of your time in the land of the rising sun?
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass is without a doubt the best decision you can make… as long as you’re a tourist, not a resident of Japan. Order one of these prior to departure and you will receive a claim slip that can be redeemed at any major train station for a pass with the trademark tsunami picture on a shiny cover, entitling the bearer to unlimited travel on the shinkansen (known to outsiders as the “bullet train”), the local trains, and even the ferry to the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture.
There are several JR passes to choose from, depending on your travel plans. If you’re restricting yourself to one island, try the Hokkaido, and Kyushu passes. If you want to spend one day in northern Honshu (main island) and the next in sunny Kyushu, go for the standard all-access pass, which is available for 7, 14, and 21 days (although you can buy as many as you like).
There are only two restrictions when it comes to these passes: you cannot ride the Nozomi high speed trains (the fastest of the shinkansen), and if you’re switching to local lines, the limited express trains are also off limits.
Useful links
Seishun Juhachi Kippu
The “youthful 18″ ticket was designed for eighteen-year-olds to travel on a limited budget. But you don’t have to be a teenager to take advantage of the cheap train travel. Three times a year – Feb 20th to Mar 31st, Jul 1st to Aug 31st, Dec 1st to jan 10th – these tickets are sold a week or so prior to implementation; for 11,500 Yen (~$110 US), the bearer receives a stamp card with five days’ worth of travel. Like the JR passes, they allow unlimited travel on trains and require you to purchase an extra ticket if you want to ride the limited expresses; unlike the JR passes, you are limited to local trains, friends can share, and the days of use can be separated: getting the ticket stamped on a Sunday doesn’t mean your fun has to end that same Thursday.
Useful links
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html
Ferries
There are many small islands south of Tokyo and Kagoshima Prefecture that merit visits: natural hot springs, looming volcanoes (usually the island is just one big volcano), and small town mentality. Although a few aircraft do fly to the semi-major destinations like Amami Oshima and Yakushima – home of huge cedar trees – most are only accessible by ferry.
Although in some cases the ferries only save you a few thousand yen and take significantly more time than aircraft, they’re a much more leisurely way to travel, with many containing first class suites, Japanese-style baths (ofuro), and, if you happen to choose an international ferry between Osaka and Shanghai, a full game of table tennis.
Useful links
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355_01.html
Planes
As a international traveler in Japan on a tourist’s visa, there are opportunities made available to you that residents of Japan cannot partake. Airlines in Japan, like the trains, buses, and everything else, are impossibly punctual: at the gate 15 minutes prior to departure for check in, boarding 5 minutes prior, and you go on time. I’ve seldom seen a late flight (though I suppose it does happen).
JAL (Japan Airlines), and ANA (All Nippon Airways) offer a “Welcome to Japan” special, with each domestic flight costing a flat rate of 13,650 yen; the catch is the flights have to booked outside the country, and there are many blackout periods… aren’t there always. Your best option would be to travel during your birthday week, where you and up to three friends can take advantage of a discount of 12,000 yen/fight within a week of your special day.
Useful links
http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=374&pID=770
To save money, DO NOT:
1. Take overnight buses and trains; despite the late hour, they are usually more expensive.
2. Ride limited express trains. If you have the choice between a local and limited express, always go for the local. Are you really in that much of a hurry? Enjoy the scenery.
3. Travel during peak seasons: April for the cherry blossoms, August for Obon holiday and fireworks displays, Christmas and New Year’s for the same reason. Obviously this is more of a guideline as most tourists and Japanese travel to see the cherry blossoms; just be aware of the congestion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33qxTMA9XTA
4. Hail a taxi. This is a good rule for any country, but just don’t bother in Japan; the prices are ridiculous, and unless you need to go somewhere between 12-5 AM, there will be a bus or train within walking distance.
5. Take a train or bus to Hokkaido. I’m fully supportive of you going to this northern island and seeing the delights of the Sapporo Snow Festival and the onsen (hot springs) in Otaru, but take a plane. The shinkansen train north will only go as far as Hachinohe, where you wait before transfering to a limited express to take to you the mouth of the world’s longest undersea tunnel (it really does beat the Chunnel), the Seikan.
To reach the city of Sapporo from Tokyo takes approximately 11 hours, 23100 yen by train, 1.5 hours, 12000 yen by plane. Half the price and one tenth the time?? There’s no comparison.
0 Responses to “Affordable Travel in Japan”