Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gardimus · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Location: Formerly Ontario, Canada

I will be going to Japan for the break, and I am wondering how much I should expect to pay to travel by rail there.

I plan on travelling from Hiroshima to Kyoto, then to Tokyo, and finially from Tokyo back to Hiroshima.

How much should I expect to pay? It seems that the only rail pass that will accomidate all three cities is a 7 day pass and it would cost 250 000won.

Any advice on the cheapest method?

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

I am throwing a last minute trip to Japan together. My school was kind enough to give me some time off, but not kind enough to tell me about it more than a few days in advance. So, I'm trying to figure out what the best way to get a JR pass is. Should I get one before I leave korea, if so where? Should I wait and get one in Japan, if so where? Thank you kindly.

mortin21 · Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Location: Seoul, Korea

From my understanding, you can get regional passes once you get there and there is no price difference, so you might as well wait. However, if you want to get a pass like the OP then it is required that you get it in advance. I think you may be able to get it online and have it mailed to you (maybe?) but probably best to go to a travel agent and have it done that way.

ohfamous · Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Location: Off the beaten path

You have to buy the JR Pass outside of Japan. You can buy it at Shoestring Travel in Hongdae or TOP Travel or probably any travel agency. You pay here, they give you a voucher, and then you exchange the voucher for the actual pass in Japan. 250,000 won.

Also, if you haven't already, make sure to take a ferry to Itsukushima while you're in Hiroshima. The "floating" torii and temple are good pics and the "friendliness" of the deer rivals that of Nara!

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Would it be possible to buy a JR pass at the airport here in korea? I don't know if there is a travel agent in Bundang that sells passes. If I do end up having to go into Seoul, does anyone know whether travel agents work on Saturdays? Maybe I can swing by someplace on the way to catch my afternoon flight if an office will be open.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

oh, and where are shoestring travel or top travel in Hongdae? (if it's possible to give directions, this is korea after all)

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

Update for potential future JR Pass purchasers: A korean co-worker was able to order passes for me from a company called Japanese Tourism Club. For an extra 10,000 won they are delivering them to me at the airport. Well worth every penny.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

that sounds super suss...

how do they deliver it to you at the airport????

I would rather have it in my hand than waiting for somebody to deliver it to me...it is a recipe for a disaster if you are waiting for a guy from a travel agent to deliver it to you..

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

I know, I know. Have faith. . .blind faith. . .

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

From memory, a 1 week JR pass was 28,300 yen in August 2006. 5000 yen = 40000 Won. I purchased it at Busan Port. It's also obtainable from Japan Airlines. Ring them at Incheon Airport.

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Yes, get the rail pass. Hiroshima-Kyoto-Tokyo-Hiroshima will cost MUCH more than the price of a 7-day JR Pass.