Rail Pass Received

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.

  • Tickets
  • Passport
  • Vax Card
  • Rail Pass
  • Credit Cards
  • Travel Bag
  • Electronics
  • Pocket Wi-Fi
  • Itinerary
  • Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Toiletries
  • Packing
  • Currency
  • Mobile Apps

My mind has not turned to my preflight checklist that includes my travel itinerary, clothing, toiletries, walking shoes, electronics and trip documentation. I started an extensive list of the places I want to go. This is the fun part when I get excited. Some places I can’t go, but I put it on the list just in case. Yesterday I looked for walking shoes but no luck. I need an affordable light-weight waterproof walking sneaker or shoe ($60-$120). I will go out this weekend and try again. I need two weeks to break-in my new footwear. A week before my departure, I will begin filling my bag deciding what will go and what will stay. My trip is less than four weeks away!

Return to Japan Blog