2.28.2023
Ticket Please
As soon as I ordered JR Rail Pass, it arrived. Delivered by FedEx, my rail pass voucher is in hand 5 days later. The rail pass is essential for travel in Japan outside of Tokyo. Tourists save thousands of dollars in tickets on the Shinkansen, aka the bullet train. They are “the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan.” The Japan Rail (JR) network is everywhere to get you to just about any place. Riding the trains and subway in Japan is like riding a bike. Once you learn you never forget. As the Yamanote Line is the quintessential way to get around Tokyo, the JR network is to Japan. Driving to Nagoya from Tokyo takes about 4.5 hours, but the Shinkansen only takes 2.5 hours. And with the rail pass, there is no cost. That round trip ticket on the train is more than the 7-day rail pass. During this trip, I’m planning to travel from Tokyo to Nagoya to Osaka and back to Tokyo. That cost is at least $800 dollars. The rail pass was $220. Do the math. When going to Japan, don’t leave home without it. You must purchase the rail pass before you leave. You cannot buy it in Japan because it is only for tourists. When you purchase it online, where you want it to be sent. I will pick my pass up at the airport upon arrival.