JR pass travel questions

Hi there,

I checked your itinerary and would also suggest buying normal tickets. You will spend a luxurious amount of time in Nozawaonsen and while staying there, a JR Pass would not do much for you.

Now to your other questions.

1.) Yes, you can use the Narita Express.

2.) If you buy a JR Pass, then doing so outside of Japan is the cheapest options. Normal tickets are best purchased within Japan.

3.) No, as this part is traveled on the Nankai Railway, a privately held company different from JR.

4.) I think near the start, as you'll likely do a good amount of travel around Tokyo.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Daniel-san,

Thank you very much for your reply. I am still a little confused? If you don't mind I have three more questions:

1) Given our itinerary do you think we are best to get a JR pass or just buy normal tickets when we get there?

2) Are the 'normal tickets' that you would buy when you get to Japan on the same fast trains that a JR pass holder would use but just in the economy section of the train rather than the first class section or is it a completely different rail network?

3) If you have a JR pass are you likely to need to use many other rail networks to get around in Tokyo?

Many thanks,

Ben

Hi Ben,

1.) As in my first reply, I think normal tickets would cost less.

2.) It would be the same train lines :)

3.) I'd say around 80-90% of Tokyo can be reached by JR. It would depend where you want to go.

Kind regards,
Daniel

Thank you very much Daniel-San.

One final question. When purchasing normal tickets (ie for trip from Tokyo to Nozawaonsen) is it best to pre-book these (when in Japan) to guarantee yourself a seat? Or can you just arrive at the station before boarding time and you will get a seat on the train that you would like anyway?

Many thanks,

Ben

Hi Ben,

During normal days it is fine (as trains rarely sell out) to do so when you get to the station but during periods of busy travel, doing so a couple of days in advance is recommended.

Kind regards,
Daniel

Thank you very much Daniel-san :)