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#61
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koneko wrote:
Bob Myers wrote: Can't hurt. At worst, they will stick to their guns and not drop the price - but you might be able to get some concessions from them, especially if you can go in armed with the right information. Fare info, etc., regarding the JR trains, including the shinkansen, is pretty easy to get. Again, try the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO); they've got a great English-language web site: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ I checked, and they ARE charging us more for the Shinkansen tix!! I guess I will tell them never mind, I will book those myself! Wow, it was a huge mark-up too. It's funny, though, b/c I calculated the rest, and we are still saving money by taking the package, just these extra tix alone are totally crazy-overpriced! Get a rail pass. Just the cost of travelling round trip to Tokyo-Kyoto makes it worthwhile. You can't use it on non-JR lines, but it's still useful. It's pretty easy to get shinkansen tickets on your own, especially at the major train stations (Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shinagawa). Figure out what train you want in advance, using either the Hyperdia site above or the JR site, and it will make things easier for you when you go to the ticket window. Basically, besides the time you want to travel, you'll need to tell the clerk whether you want a smoking or non-smoking car (non-smoking is in the minority!) and if you want the "Green Car" (first class, and IMHO not worth the extra charge). I wouldn't until the day of to get the tickets, but 2-3 days in advance should be no problem. I found this site: http://www.world.eki-net.com/ Do you know if this is reliable? I thought maybe I could reserve my shinkansen tix this way... my adobe isn't working, so I can't see where I can pick up the tix though. I just need to make sure I can get back to Tokyo from Kyoto! =) But if you think that I can get Shinkansen tix easily enough when I am in Japan (maybe while I am in Tokyo?) But I rather it was taken care of. That's the reason why I went with the package the first place. :-/ Honestly you probably don't need reservations and can make them at the time of travel. You just walk up to the Shinkansen ticket window and make a reservation; I've only once had to suffer through a bad seat by doing it this way, and it gives you much more flexibility. John W. |
#62
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Go Fig wrote: Does it include 'transfers' to hotel ? I asked, and they said no! Isn't that horrible?! |
#63
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Thank you once again, everyone. You've saved me a lot of time,
trouble, worry, and money! I looked up the map of Narita online, as suggested above, and I think I know where to find the JR counter. I might just pick up a shinkansen ticket as soon as we get into Tokyo. Or, I can wait until we get into Tokyo and get to one of the stations as also mentioned above and purchase the ticket then. That makes an awful lot of sense! I guess there's really no need for me to depend on the agency to make those reservations, huh? And I should be able to get 2 tickets easily, right, as long as I don't wait until the day of travel? And just to confirm... the JR pass works for both the shinkansen (except the nozomi), and the JR metro trains in Tokyo, yes? thank you for the tip!! Also... where is the "Station" from which the shinkansen depart in Tokyo? I was a little confused with that. Do hotels usually have shuttles that go back and forth to the stations? Is it possible to take the bus? I am worried about how expensive it will be in Tokyo to take a cab, when we get back there from the Shinkansen! I read that carrying suitcases on the shinkansen is a huge pain... what do people usually do? I realize I am going to be in big trouble, as I already know I am going to by a lot of goodies, and I'm the first to admit that I'm no weight-lifter! Thanks again, everyone for being so patient with all my questions, and for being so kind and sharing all your knowledge! You are really wonderful!! |
#64
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"koneko" wrote on Thu 20 Jan 2005 05:40:04p
Also... where is the "Station" from which the shinkansen depart in Tokyo? The shinkansen platforms tend to be slightly away from the other train platforms in any given station, presumably because they need guaranteed quality of track. At Tokyo Station itself, I think the shinkansen platforms are at the Eastern end of the station (i.e. still in the same station, just not the "next platform" along). I was a little confused with that. Do hotels usually have shuttles that go back and forth to the stations? I don't think so. Some might have "Limousine Bus" stops - cost about JPY3000 for one way to Narita Airport, but not to anything local in the city. take a cab, when we get back there from the Shinkansen! It would be relatively expensive to get a cab, although I suppose there will be two of you to "share" the cost and maximise the convenience. I read that carrying suitcases on the shinkansen is a huge pain... what do people usually do? If you have one medium-size suitcase, it can fit in the aisle (you might have to pull it into your legspace when the food trolley passes by). The overhead shelves seem a bit narrow for large luggage - and of course lifting a heavy bag overhead is no joke either. Sometimes there's a bit of space in the vestibule area or behind the seats at either end of a carriage, but not much. If you get the really expensive "Green Car" tickets (note: there are two classes of JR Pass - the more expensive one allows you to travel in the shinkansen Green Cars for no additional cost), there's actually enough legroom to put a good size suitcase in between yourself and the seat in front, and leave space for your legs if you're short. Not really worth it, in my opinion. -- Chris Concatenate for email: mrgazpacho @ hotmail . com |
#65
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koneko wrote:
Thank you once again, everyone. You've saved me a lot of time, trouble, worry, and money! I looked up the map of Narita online, as suggested above, and I think I know where to find the JR counter. I might just pick up a shinkansen ticket as soon as we get into Tokyo. Or, I can wait until we get into Tokyo and get to one of the stations as also mentioned above and purchase the ticket then. That makes an awful lot of sense! I guess there's really no need for me to depend on the agency to make those reservations, huh? And I should be able to get 2 tickets easily, right, as long as I don't wait until the day of travel? No worries. Just take them your rail pass and you should be fine. And just to confirm... the JR pass works for both the shinkansen (except the nozomi), and the JR metro trains in Tokyo, yes? thank you for the tip!! Correct. There really is no reason to not buy the rail pass. It's an exceptionally good deal. Also... where is the "Station" from which the shinkansen depart in Tokyo? I was a little confused with that. Do hotels usually have shuttles that go back and forth to the stations? Is it possible to take the bus? I am worried about how expensive it will be in Tokyo to take a cab, when we get back there from the Shinkansen! A lot depends on the hotel. Probably not a shuttle, but they can help with either bus routes, walking, or a cab. If you're getting the hotel on your own get one close to a station. The shinkansen will leave from Tokyo station. I read that carrying suitcases on the shinkansen is a huge pain... what do people usually do? I realize I am going to be in big trouble, as I already know I am going to by a lot of goodies, and I'm the first to admit that I'm no weight-lifter! Try to get an end row (my luggage can go behind the last seat) and flip the seats so you have two facing each other. Even if you're not on the end you can then put your luggage up in one and sit in the other (unless, of course, that seat has been reserved; I've really only been on a couple of trains too crowded to do this). You might also consider a backpack if you can; makes life much easier. John W. |
#66
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koneko wrote:
Thank you once again, everyone. You've saved me a lot of time, trouble, worry, and money! I looked up the map of Narita online, as suggested above, and I think I know where to find the JR counter. I might just pick up a shinkansen ticket as soon as we get into Tokyo. Or, I can wait until we get into Tokyo and get to one of the stations as also mentioned above and purchase the ticket then. That makes an awful lot of sense! I guess there's really no need for me to depend on the agency to make those reservations, huh? And I should be able to get 2 tickets easily, right, as long as I don't wait until the day of travel? No worries. Just take them your rail pass and you should be fine. And just to confirm... the JR pass works for both the shinkansen (except the nozomi), and the JR metro trains in Tokyo, yes? thank you for the tip!! Correct. There really is no reason to not buy the rail pass. It's an exceptionally good deal. Also... where is the "Station" from which the shinkansen depart in Tokyo? I was a little confused with that. Do hotels usually have shuttles that go back and forth to the stations? Is it possible to take the bus? I am worried about how expensive it will be in Tokyo to take a cab, when we get back there from the Shinkansen! A lot depends on the hotel. Probably not a shuttle, but they can help with either bus routes, walking, or a cab. If you're getting the hotel on your own get one close to a station. The shinkansen will leave from Tokyo station. I read that carrying suitcases on the shinkansen is a huge pain... what do people usually do? I realize I am going to be in big trouble, as I already know I am going to by a lot of goodies, and I'm the first to admit that I'm no weight-lifter! Try to get an end row (my luggage can go behind the last seat) and flip the seats so you have two facing each other. Even if you're not on the end you can then put your luggage up in one and sit in the other (unless, of course, that seat has been reserved; I've really only been on a couple of trains too crowded to do this). You might also consider a backpack if you can; makes life much easier. John W. |
#67
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"koneko" wrote in message ups.com... Thank you once again, everyone. You've saved me a lot of time, trouble, worry, and money! I looked up the map of Narita online, as suggested above, and I think I know where to find the JR counter. Really, you can't miss it. As soon as you leave the customs area, you will see ample signage directing you to the JR station. might just pick up a shinkansen ticket as soon as we get into Tokyo. Or, I can wait until we get into Tokyo and get to one of the stations as also mentioned above and purchase the ticket then. That makes an awful lot of sense! I guess there's really no need for me to depend on the agency to make those reservations, huh? And I should be able to get 2 tickets easily, right, as long as I don't wait until the day of travel? Agreed; while you MIGHT be OK in waiting until the day of travel to get the ticket, there is some risk involved with that - and as long as you know when you want to leave anyway, and are reasonably certain of being able to get to the station on time, why wait? Get your tickets 2-3 days in advance, and then don't worry about it. And just to confirm... the JR pass works for both the shinkansen (except the nozomi), and the JR metro trains in Tokyo, yes? thank you for the tip!! Yes. Also... where is the "Station" from which the shinkansen depart in Tokyo? The shinkansen departs from several of the major stations in the Tokyo area. Toyko station itself, and Shinagawa station on the south side of the city, are probably the easiest for catching a train to Kyoto. By the way, it may be best for you to spend the money on a taxi to the station when leaving for Kyoto; while it's obviously possible to get to the right station using the local trains, please keep in mind that hauling you luggage around may be more of a problem than you want to deal with - and the local train have basically no space for luggage; you'll have to keep it with you the whole way. I was a little confused with that. Do hotels usually have shuttles that go back and forth to the stations? Some do, especially those in the vicinities of Shinjuku and Tokyo stations. (In Shinagawa, the major hotels are directly across the street from the station.) You should, if possible, contact your hotel in advance to find out. Is it possible to take the bus? I am worried about how expensive it will be in Tokyo to take a cab, when we get back there from the Shinkansen! Possible, yes, but I wouldn't recommend the bus for the first-time visitor. Of the various forms of public transport in Japan, the bus is the least English-language-friendly by a wide margin. Taxis aren't all that expensive in Tokyo, either. I read that carrying suitcases on the shinkansen is a huge pain... what do people usually do? There's not a huge amount of baggage storage on the shinkansen, but then most of the people on the train won't have that much baggage. (The shinkansen is in large part used for business travel, so many of the passengers are just travelling for the day or at most overnight with a small bag.) There is a small storage compartment at either end of each car for larger items. If you can be in line for your car early (the places where each car will stop are marked on the platform), then you should be able to be one of the first aboard and will have little trouble finding a place for your suitcases there. I realize I am going to be in big trouble, as I already know I am going to by a lot of goodies, and I'm the first to admit that I'm no weight-lifter! For your trip to Kyoto, you may want to consider leaving part of your baggage, including souvenirs, etc., in Tokyo for the short time you'll be away. Ask you concierge at the hotel if they can store it for you, or see if you can find storage lockers at the train stations. Thanks again, everyone for being so patient with all my questions, and for being so kind and sharing all your knowledge! You are really wonderful!! Glad to help, and I hope you enjoy your visit to Japan! Bob M. |
#68
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#69
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Hey Koneko,
I would ditch the package tour and wing it. There are plenty of resources available online as well as in various guidebooks (like Lonely Planet) that will help you survive your first trip to Japan. We first went to Japan in October 2003 for 2 weeks. Within those two weeks we visited: Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Tokyo. We purchased a Japan Rail Pass. Packed with us what we considered essential guidebooks and a few printouts from JNTO's website. Overall, the experience of planning this trip on our own was fun. One big plus is that we are on our own time and not someone elses. The risk we saw with a package tour is the possibility of being in a group with less than desirable travelmates. For accomodations we found a number of places that were within our budget (which is cheap but good). We had a mix of japanese-style accomodations, tiny rooms, and business hotels. But in general, it was a good experience. :-) So, depending on how locked in you are with this package tour, it wouldn't hurt to check out an "independent" tour. Incidentally, we're planning our next trip to Japan this coming spring. Cherry blossom season! So some places that are hot for cherry blossoms are booked up. Keep that in mind. ;-) Good luck! |
#70
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bunster wrote: Packed with us what we considered essential guidebooks and a few printouts from JNTO's website. It seems like JNTO's website is a big favorite among the posters here! =) Which guidebooks did you like besides LP? Overall, the experience of planning this trip on our own was fun. One big plus is that we are on our own time and not someone elses. The risk we saw with a package tour is the possibility of being in a group with less than desirable travelmates. So, depending on how locked in you are with this package tour, it wouldn't hurt to check out an "independent" tour. I really had a hard time deciding on this... but I realized our "tour days" really only consist of two half-days... I hope it turns out all right! But you are right, I am having a blast reading all the recs on this thread, and planning the trip! =) The price seemed really good(altho we didn't have time to schedule a ryokan stay, b/c of the tight schedule... sigh) Incidentally, we're planning our next trip to Japan this coming spring. Cherry blossom season! So some places that are hot for cherry blossoms are booked up. Keep that in mind. ;-) We are going to be in Japan the exact same time!! early April!! =) I think that's why I had a hard time booking the places I wanted. Will you be visiting multiple cities? =) |
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