Korean Job Discussion Forums

[B.Alexander13]

Anybody know how to get to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka from Hakata port in Fukuoka? I'm looking into take the ferry from Busan to Hakata port and then traveling from there?

I figured the trains would be the best bet....but I was wondering how long it would take to go from this side of Japan to the other...

Any recommendations on any cities closer or anything to do would be much appreciated. It

[devanna]

Definitely the train/Shinkansen because by any other way would probably not be worth your time or money. From Osaka to Tokyo, it's about 2 1/2 hrs, and from Osaka to Fukuoka is 1 1/2 hrs.

I'd also say, if you can, get the Japan Rail Pass. The Japan Rail pass costs less than the cost from Tokyo to Fukuoka and back (at least, it did when I went to Japan) and you can use it on all JR rails, which pretty much means you can get anywhere you need/want to go. I think it also works on one of the ferries from Busan, though I haven't used it there before.

As for places to see...well...hmmm....I've been to pretty much all the big attractions in Tokyo, though the nightscene there is the best I've been in. Osaka has the Castle and other little monuments, though Kyoto is BEAUTIFUL if you're looking for the natural part of japan. Hiroshima is awesome, if only for the temple and the memorial. Nara (close to Kyoto) is also a great place, especially if you want to be chased/bitten/eaten by deer. Yokohama and Hakone/Kamakura area are also great places to visit when you're in the Tokyo area. Yokohama has a great aquarium where they film a lot of different jdramas. Hakone has the best hot springs. And Kamakura has the big daibutsu (Buddha statue).

Japan is like my second home, so if you need any specific advice on a city (tokyo, osaka, kyoto especially ^^), feel free to PM me or something

[JBomb]

Get a rail pass and validate it in Hakata. I did the same route back in February for a couple of weeks. You can't ride the super fast Nozomi express but the Hikari is still pretty pretty fast. Just has a couple of extra stops. It takes about 6 hours to get to Tokyo from Hakata and you may have to transfer at Shin Osaka. You take the same train to either Osaka or Kyoto when you are heading back. Also the JR pass works for the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, which is the best way to get around the city. It encircles Tokyo touching all the major neighbourhoods. I would highly recommend getting accommodation by one of the stations it goes to as it will save you subway costs. I would also recommend Kyoto as it is indeed beautiful. Nara is also great with all its deer and old temples. You might also want to check out Himeji if you are into Japanese castles as well. I thought that one was even better than the Osaka one.

[B.Alexander13]

Thanks for all of you input. Much appreciated!

[shostahoosier]