Travel in Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto)

I know many people here have been to Japan, and I have searched and read through a lot of previous posts.

I'm still confused

We are landing on 14th May at Narita Terminal 2, and will be heading to Kyoto. So my guess is Narita Express to Tokyo then a train to Kyoto.

On the 18th we will be heading back to Tokyo, by train.

Then departing Japan on 23rd via Haneda Airport.

Big question is, Rail Pass or not? We would prefer Green Car.
How do you get around when actually staying in Tokyo?

I'm sure I will have more questions later, so any help is much appreciated.

Hi Hamster, I haven't been yet but have my trip planned and arrive in NRT just 4 days before you. The JR Pass is only going to be economic if you're going to use it for more than 2 trips. So if you're going to go from Kyoto to say Hiroshima or Osaka whilst you're there, and then back up to Tokyo and perhaps take a trip out of Tokyo somewhere else on the Shinkansen network then yes it will be of benefit. If just going Tokyo to Kyoto return it probably won't be. Green car is not often used by Japanese as far as I know, but is popular with tourists. It's what we've booked for our trip cos I like more room, but am told that standard cars on Shinkasen have more leg room etc than UK 1st class trains.

Some transport in Tokyo is covered by JR Pass - trains and buses on the JR network. Other transport is their underground system and you can pay cash or get a Pasmo card which is like an Oyster card and top up as you need.

Try looking at this site: http://www.insidejapantours.com this is the tour operator we've used to plan our trip and their website is very informative, and even if you're not booking a full trip with them they can help with a few things. Also, if you haven't found it already try http://www.japan-guide.com

The guy to really ask, gfonk, has just left today for a Christmas trip to Japan, it's a place he loves, but he has a lot of inside info. Hope that's useful.

John

Rail Pass def worthwhile if traveling to Kyoto, you really don't need to think about the green car as the remaining train is very pleasant, clean, roomy - although no carriage is equipped for large amounts of luggage. Green Car aint going to give you anything that special..
Strongly advise travelling with stuff you are comfortable to go on escalators with...
we found upright slim duffle-type bags the best.
NEX is very roomy, modern, clean and hi tech- easy run into central Tokyo. Tokyo main station/ shinjuku etc mess with your head a bit due to shear scale and confusing amount of lines- but a deep breath, don't let it phase you and it is logical.

Pass also allows rides on various other underground lines in Tokyo. As Bretty says.

Kyoto station again is a sight to behold. enjoy Kyoto remains one of best places visited..

Totally agree; rail pass and underground.

The express is so precise that there is a digital countdown timer for arrival in Tokyo in each carriage.

Taxis are best avoided as the traffic can be horrendous.

Check with your Tokyo hotel on the return trip as most have a bus connection to the airport.

Make sure that you carry your passport in your pocket if using the bus as there is a security check at the airport; they still let me proceed despite having packed my passport in my carry-on luggage which was somewhere in the luggage compartment underneath us.

Airport shopping is pretty basic so get your presents in Kyoto or Tokyo; chopsticks, Sake sets, beautiful hand-made origami paper that you can frame and the weird and wonderful toys.

I'm sure you have the Lonely Planet guide; Tokyo is totally bonkers, but you will love the place as it is so completely different.

Check out the MO cocktail bar; we had one drink each and I was so plastered that I said that we couldn't leave the hotel and would have to eat in one of the hotel restaurants.

If you do go to the MO, take a look at the grocery store adjacent to the underground entrance from the hotel; where else will you see perfect fruit, £300 for a melon!

Have a brilliant trip.

Thanks all so far, fantastic help
The JR pass doesn't seem to be much more expensive than the return, so its likely.

The shop opposite the MO sounds like a must! Especially as we are staying there.

[honey lamb]

Thanks all so far, fantastic help
The JR pass doesn't seem to be much more expensive than the return, so its likely.

The shop opposite the MO sounds like a must! Especially as we are staying there.

If you go to the MO, then definitely try the Molecular Tapas. It was great fun!

Hi all
I used the JR pass on my first trip to Japan as like bretty says its worth it if you will be doing more than one return trip.
Point worth noting is that you would be better off travelling the Shinkansen with carry on size luggage or large holdall style then you can place in the overhead rack and also a minor point but the JR pass only allows use of the kodama (which is the "slower" of the Shinkansen as it stops more frequently. If; 1 - time is off the Essence and 2 - you are only doing one return trip then would just buy your ticket at Tokyo station and opt for the nozomi train (that's the fastest one on the Tokkaido line)
Also you can buy a suica card (the Tokyo equivalent of the Oyster card) at narita airport and get a better deal on the NE'X
This makes trying to work out how to buy tickets sooo much easier as not all lines in Tokyo are JR lines and the fares are staged.
Once you have worked out how to use the special rapid trains in Tokyo it's fantastic.
Bit OT but saw an advert on the train in Tokyo today stating that you can now get download speeds of 110mbps on mobiles in Tokyo. We are just sooo far behind in uk it's crazy.
Anyway hope that helps
Any Qs feel free to ask.