I have a lot of Japanese friends which advised me to buy a JR Travel Pass in order to save money while traveling in Japan with Japan Rail Pass. But the thing they didn’t mention was that the only way to buy the JR pass, which in fact have great discounts, was before I arrived in Japan.
JR (short for Japan Rail) is an extensive network of railways that zig zag through the whole country, reminding of the pixelated snake from the famous Nokia game. So if you want to travel through Japan it will be quite difficult to avoid taking the train. And why would you want to do this, since it is the most convenient way to travel around?
Shinkansen, the Japanese bullet train.
Unfortunately in Japan best usually means expensive and the average cost of a ticket could set you back with around $150. To ease the tourists, the JR had issued special tourist passes that have great discounts and variety of options to be utilized.
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day Pass.
One of the most convenient ways to travel in Japan is by train.
For a detailed information about the types and prices of the JR Pass and how to purchase them, visit this really detailed website: Japan Rail Pass. It has useful information and tips on who is eligible for a JR Pass, the validity of the tickets, how to make a reservation and the difference between the Japanese rails.
Sounds like the perfect way to see such a dymanic country … can’t wait to zoom along at close to 185 mph across the Japanese countryside!
It is quite an adventure to explore Japan in this way. Make sure to get the JR Pass as it can be quite expensive.