Korean Job Discussion Forums

Zach with a Z · Joined: 19 Feb 2009

Hi.

I am headed to Japan for Cheasuk (sp...?)

I've got a very limited amount of time, and I am aware that I will be rushed..

I arrive at 6pm on Tuesday in Fukuoka and leave Sunday at 2pm from Nogoya.

Basically I was planning on Hiroshima and Kyoto/Nara....

I've seen temples before and I while I agree blah blah temple or such and such gardens are both very nice, I have a very limited amount of time.

Realistically, what SHOULD I see and do?

I am still figuring out the bus/train situation... Is a Jrail pass (7 day) my best option?

Any advice would be great.

thanks

Ralphie · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Location: Beijing, PRC

Yes, your best bet would be to get a JR Pass. Travel agents can sell them to you before you leave for your trip. You can't get a JR Pass deal once you enter Japan. Here's a link to one such agency in Itaewan: http://www.xanadu.co.kr/eng/ticket/jrpass.asp

If you've got a big budget, you can fly domestically within Japan for a fix fare of 10,000-13,000 Yen per flight. But like the JR Pass, you have to buy the discount air passes before you enter Japan.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

Have fun! I'm heading to Tokyo myself for the holiday next week!

Enigma · Joined: 20 Mar 2008

The JRPass MAY be your best option - it really depends where you plan to go.
The cost of a 7-day JRPass (including the 30,000won commission at Xanadu) is about 420,000 won. A shinkansen (bullet train) ticket from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Nagoya is about 18,000 yen which is only around 250,000 won. Each stop you make increases the price, but if you don't make too many stops or stray too far from the direct route between Fukuoka and Nagoya, you're probably better off WITHOUT the rail pass.

Here's a good site for checking train schedules and ticket prices:

http://www.hyperdia.com/

Zach with a Z · Joined: 19 Feb 2009

I am looking at making stops in Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka...

using that site to look up trains... Do I have to pay a reserve seat price and a fair price? So a one way ticket from fuk to Hiroshima is 9,000 yen? Am I looking at this right?

Basically I am looking at Fuk to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Osaka, then small trips of Kyoto and Nara taking a train from one of them to Nogoya....

But it looks like each train ride is (excluding kyoto/Osaka/nara) is over 100,000 yen.... (100$) Is this correct?

thanks in advance for the additional info

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

Look into the Kansai rail pass. There is one that covers Hakata to Shina Osaka which includes Hiroshima. This includes the Hikari and Kodoma Bullet trains. Another version of the pass covers Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and some of the other lines in and around. Here is site:

http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/jrp/index.html

Might be a cheaper option. Other than that do your research first and prioritize what stuff you absolutely want to see. Time is limited and it will save you time if you have less on the ground planning to do.

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

I am also planning a sudden and unexpected trip to Japan. I was able to reserve some KTX tickets to Busan, but now I need to know the best way to secure a ferry to Fukuoka and the best place to buy a JR pass.

I am leaving for Busan tomorrow evening (Thursday), which is too soon for the travel agencies to secure a JR pass. My Korean credit card also presents some hassles whenever I try to book online.

My question: do the experienced ferry runners out there think that I will be able to purchase Ferry tickets and a JR pass in Busan, the morning of departure? The website for the ferry is showing vacancies, but I don't know a thing about the JR pass in Busan.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

edit: the morning of departure for the ferry from Busan to Fukuoka will be this Friday, I hope.

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

You can buy the JR Pass in the ferry terminal building at the travel agent inside. They have all the order you need to purchase in order to get the Pass once you arrive in Japan. You can redeem that at Hakata Station and start rocking out. Hakata Station is the main station in Fukuoka and it is a quick bus ride from the ferry terminal. In fact, most of Fukuoka is pretty close to both airport and the ferry. In regards to the ferry you need to book it online. Go here: http://www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english/

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

I would seriously consider buying (or trying to buy) your ferry tickets early only because the Chuseok season is approaching and a lot of people may have the same idea that you do for the next few days.