Korean Job Discussion Forums

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

I was wondering what trains this works on? Does it just work on trains going from city to city(ie Tokyo to Kyoto) or does it also work with the subways in the cities? Thanks for any answers. Going to get the pass anyways but would be even better if it worked on the subways too.

b-class rambler · Joined: 25 Mar 2009

It works on all JR trains, not trains of any other operator.

JR (or strictly speaking, the 7 JR companies it was split up into upon privatisation) basically runs the national rail network. There are other major train operators in Tokyo and other big cities, but any travel you do around the country would be on a JR train.

Subways are not run by JR, but JR does have a lot of suburban lines running all over every city.

Incidentally, you can also use the JR pass on a handful of other modes of transport run by JR - a few ferries and buses. Also, on the shinkansen, you can't use it on the fastest one, the Nozomi, unless you pay a supplement.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

oh my goodness YES IT WORKS ON SUBWAYS TOO!

Where ever you see the 'JR' logo, you should be fine. I used it in the Osaka & Tokyo metro and had no problem. Walk up to the gate, flash your pass, they open the gate, you walk in Wink

Nozomi is the 'Super Express', however you may still get a damn fast bullet 'Express' train with no problem.

Will you use the Green or regular pass? The Green isn't that much better, however seats do tend to fill up in the coach part (regular)

b-class rambler · Joined: 25 Mar 2009

nspidle · Joined: 28 Apr 2009

To further agree yes. It works all over Japan. When I was there I didn't use it for the subway. I didn't know you could (or maybe you cant). I also used to to take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Then I used it to take the train from Kyoto to Nara and back. Overall was worth it.

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

I've had a JR pass on three different occasions. It's fantastic (as long as you're planning to travel around the country and not just in one location).

You can only use it on JR lines. So I believe it works on some subways, but it doesn't on most as JR doesn't have too many subway lines.

If you're near Hiroshima and going to Miyajima (a pretty spectacular location) it even works on the JR ferry too.

sjv8603 · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Location: busan

Since we're on the subject, do any of you know a site with the timetables for the JR trains? I'm trying to figure out if I'll need the pass for 1 or 2 weeks...

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

I use this site:

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

It's fantastic. Just enter where you want to go and when and it'll figure out the various routes you can take and how long it will take down to the minute. The best thing about transportation in Japan is that it's exact. So if a train schedule says it'll leave at 4:02 and arrive at 5:43 it really means that. I really miss the accuracy of Japan...

The one thing you'll need to remember is that it will show the different options and if you're using the JR pass you can't take the Nozomi Shinkansan trains (bullet train) for free. I can't remember what the other ones are called right now, but you can take any JR train that isn't a Nozomi for free I believe.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

One important factor is that the pass cannot be purchased within Japan. It MUST be purchased outside of Japan, before you arrive. This effectively excludes all expat teachers currently working in Japan. The Hikari series of trains are the ones I used most.

The Korail website has a discount package which includes the KTX to Busan, the Beetle Ferry to Hakata, & a 7 day JR pass. I'm not sure if the 14 day pass is on discount offer. There are dozens of travel agents in Korea that will sell the JR pass, or any JAL office.

http://www.japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass.html

Don't bother with the green 1st class ticket. Use the 9000 yen saved, to pay for an air con room in a good hotel, instead.

sjv8603 · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Location: busan

I am thinking of going to Yakushima before touring the other parts of Japan, thus I'll wait until I'm return from ther to activate the pass. It seems bus is cheaper than train to head towards Yakushima.

I tried to find some info on buses with no luck, anyone have a good link for that?

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

try the tourist organization: www.jnto.go.jp

daniel-andersson · Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Location: Seoul (but from Sweden)

I also suggest:
http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

just mark no airplanes/NOZOMI

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

JR Pass is a serious deal. Been doing some research ahead of a trip there soon and there is no way I would not go without it.

Trumpcard · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I'm off to Osaka for 7 days. Never used a JR Pass before. Wasn't really planning on travelling elsewhere other than perhaps to Kobe or Kyoto. However if I did venture out it would be to limb Fuji once and for all. JRPass still a good deal then? Can it be used on the subway system in Osaka? How much is it?

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

The nearest bullet train station to Fuji is 'Shin Fuji'. Busses are infrequent, & only run about once every 2 hours. You're better off staying in the Fuju Go Ko (5 lakes) area in Kawaguchiko or Fuji Yoshida. Or continuing on to Tokyo & getting a bus or train from Shinjuku to Hakone or Kawaguchiko. Avoid Hakone on weekends, when it's packed with daytrippers from Tokyo.

My cousin has done the climb to the summit of Fuji, & didn't recommend it.