JR passes (Tokyo, Kyoto and rest of Japan)

I would advise travellers for Japan-Travel to purchase JR pass prior to their trips (most of these passes are not available for sale within Japan as the savings are meant for non-Japan residents). Transportation costs make up a large part of my travel budget. JR pass will help you to save a lot on transportation cost if you plan your trip well. For instance, a train ride from Tokyo station to Kyoto station will cost you around ¥13,300 already. (The first time I went Japan, I bought the ordinary 14 day pass for ¥45,100, Rates have increased since then.)

Take a look at the rates of the JR passes in JR website.

You can use the JR pass on most trains within the Japan Railways network and even on certain JR buses and ferries. (Note that I haven't have a chance to use the pass on bueses and ferries yet. I blame it on the railway system being too comprehensive.) Honestly, it is so easy to move around between cities via bullet trains (aka shinkansen).





Another good thing about using JR pass is that you can make reservation for your seats. There are a number of cars within the train that are reserved. Without reservation, you will need to grab a seat within the unreserved cars on a first come first serve basis. It could cost a few thousand yens just to make a reservation. But this service comes free with the JR pass, which is really a big bonus, considering that you are getting your money worth even without this service)

The above JR pass is applicable for the whole of Japan but if you are focusing on certain areas such as eastern Japan (mainly the Tohuku region). You can also get the regional JR passes. For instance, a 5-days consecutive pass or 4 days flexible (to be used within 1 month) costs ¥20,000. More information can be obtained from the website of Japan Railways Group http://www.japanrail.com/

However, if you want to try out the Naomi (one of the fastest train type), you will be disappointed to know that it is not covered by this JR pass. I remembered there was once when a Naomi passed us at a train platform, you can literally feel the swiftness of the train as if a bullet has been shot out. Wow. One day, I will go and give it a try :)

Anyway if you want a feel of how fast is the train, you can take a look at the video below (taken by Missy on the platform).