I read a round trip via Shinkansen Hikari from Tokyo to Kyoto is Y27,040 which is more than a 7 day JR. Rail pass of Y239.
That being the case even if I only went to Kyoto it is a good buy. Plus I can ride the JR lines in Kyoto & Tokyo but not the subways. Is this correct?
Am I better off buying a pass
Hello there,
Yes that is correct! Additionally you can use to JR Pass for transport between Tokyo and Narita/Haneda Airport.
Hope this helps,
Daniel
One more question: the pass is for non-reserved seating. How does that work, do I need to be at the station very early to ensure I get on Shinkansen? If I don't use pass, is it refundable?
Hi again!
Here is how to make seat reservations (they are free of charge with the JR Pass):
http://www.jrpass.com/blogs/reserving-seats-boarding-the-bullet-train
If you wish to use a non reserved seat, just enter the train and take a non reserved seat. There are train cars with reserved seats and train cars with non-reserved seats.
The JR Pass is refundable if unused. Please note that a refund fee applies.
Hi again. I'm not quite clear on the changing of the voucher into the rail pass.
Am I able to obtain the rail pass say on a Friday but initiate travel on a Monday and that be the first day of the 7 day pass? Are the JR stations open on weekends?
Hello,
Stations are open in the weekend, at the same hours as any other day.
You can exchange the JR Pass then moment that you are in Japan and then select a "first day of use" up to 30 days in advance. This is the day when the JR Pass starts being valid. Does that clear things up?
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