Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nikki15]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some advice from experienced travellers who could point me in the right direction.

First, my husband and I are thinking about heading to Hiroshima for a few days at the end of July. I have been to many other parts of Japan, but we both have an interest in seeing Peace Park and another small island of the coast of Hiroshima. I found a cheap flight through Jeju Air that takes us to Fukuoka, but the train from Hakata to Hiroshima looked as though it cost over $100 each person, one way. Is this accurate? Is there a cheaper way to get to Hiroshima?

Anyone have experience taking the ferry to Japan? I read that the departure/arrival card could only be filled out in Korean?

Second, we would like to find a nice beach vacation for this coming winter. I know this is far in advance, but we want to start making some decisions now. This will be our big vacation for the year, so we don't mind spending some money. We have one week in December around Christmas. So, I know prices will be elevated. We don't want a party scene at all, and would like to stay in decent hotel or resort on a beach. Some snorkelling, and other excursions would be great. We have been thinking about Palau, Ko Phi Phi in Thailand and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Thanks!

[jc1257]

I took the ferry last July to Fukuoka. Unless they have changed the policy, you don't have to fill out the card in Korean. I would have been in trouble if that were the case. The card had English instructions as well.

As for the train, I don't remember the exact cost, but $100 up to Hiroshima sounds about right. It's expensive to take the train in Japan, but a very nice trip.

Hiroshima is very pretty and the peace park area is quite moving.

[nukeday]

might be possible to take a bus from fukuoka to hiroshima at perhaps half that price. however, it's a lot slower. interested? i could try to dig up some old links.

i used to use private bus companies to travel from osaka to places like tokyo and hiroshima.

[nikki15]

Thank you for your replies.

We looked at buses, but the only one we found going to Hiroshima doesn't start until August.

[Caffeinated]

Shinkansen tickets from Hakata-Hiroshima should be about 8500 yen. You could also take the regular trains but be prepared to spend a handful of hours on the train in between transfers. Check jorudan.co.jp for train routes and fares.

There should be daytime (JR Bus) and overnight buses (Willer) as well. here's the page for the Hakata-Hiroshima bus. The multicolour links will lead you to the timetable (10 buses leave Hakata from7:20 to 22:35) and fares (currently 54% off if reserved 7 days before).

http://www.jrkbus.co.jp/kosoku_hiroshima/kosoku_hiroshima.html

[b-class rambler]

[nikki15]

Thanks for your replies, you all have been very helpful.

I got confused about the airports, as we were looking at so many different flights to different places. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I appreciate it.

Again, thanks everyone for your help and the links

[legrande]

I've seen services talked about which offer transport to Hiroshima, as in-

Pusan, South Korea to Hiroshima, Japan
A new service was begun in 2001 between Pusan, South Korea and the large city of Hiroshima, Japan, on the Inland Sea. The Pukwan Ferry company runs this passenger service every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Pusan at 5 pm, and arriving in Hiroshima at 9am the next day. It takes 16 hours. The ship leaves Hiroshima every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 5pm.

See the Korean Tourism information for schedule and fare information.

[b-class rambler]