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Aussie in japan,2-3 wks march 2017,trying to MAXIMIZE Jr pass for once in lifetime trip,any tips appreciated

Aussie Paul
Aussie Paul
over 7 years ago
4 responses

Gday folks,I get Narita airport 7pm on a sun night,I having trouble using hyperdia,would have to go through customs etc.What's the furthest from Tokyo I could get on a Sunday night? (Thinking if I activate at airport may as well keep travelling to maximize either Jr east or Jr pass).will be snowboarding some days myoko/nozawa.should I bus airport to alps,snowboard few days then activate? Are the "joyful" trains only weekends?is sunset express hard to book?I in Japan 18 days,thinking 2week jr pass and a Jr east flexi pass?any tips ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks Aussie Paul

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hello Paul,

It is hard to say how far you could travel from Narita Airport and also in what direction? The main issue with a late arrival is that you don't know how much time it will take from Narita Airport arrival to getting on the train. This can be anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on how busy the airport is. I would not plan on traveling too far with this in mind when you arrive in the evening. Trains run until around midnight, to resume the following morning around 6 am. To be save, I would at least stay your first night somewhere in Kanto.

Joyful trains all have their own time table, they are not limited to the weekend. The Sunrise express can be hard to book, especially during the weekend.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Aussie Paul
Aussie Paul
4 posts
over 7 years ago

Thanks Danielsan,I agree with comments on airport and unknown times,was thinking of trying to get to Nagano/Matsumoto, would get in v late but wanna travel far as in any direction to get a headstart the next day

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi again,

Matsumoto has a direct train from Shinjuku (146 Minutes) station and Nagano can be reached by Shinkansen from Tokyo (109 Minutes), or Ueno station. You would be well equipped to travel on the following morning by staying near any of these stations.

Aussie Paul
Aussie Paul
4 posts
over 7 years ago

Thanks dansan,I am looking to get Nagano/Nagoya and sort from there,can I go kiso valley/kamikochi in March? So joyful trains run during week?

Aussie Paul
Aussie Paul
4 posts
about 7 years ago

Is it possible to leave Tokyo early morning using Jr pass to see shin hotaka ropeway and make ainokura village by late afternoon? Would appreciate few tips


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