Transportation
For Tokyo intracity travel - the massive train/subway network gets you anywhere and everywhere. No worries, except for getting lost in some of the more massive stations like Tokyo and Shinjuku (never happened to me though). And the most important of the lines is - the circular JR Yamanote!
Tokyo <-> Kyoto route: The shinkansen is the fastest and easiest way to get to and from Kyoto (2hrs 40mins each way). If we are taking it, then it's best to get a 7-day Japan Rail Pass (28,300 yen) which itself is close to the price of the bullet train return trip (13,720 yen each way, about 27,440 yen total). Plus the JR pass covers all other JR travel. We can only buy it outside of Japan (not valid for locals, it's meant to subsidise foreigners' rail travel for tourism's sake). You will be given an exchange order, and upon arrival in Japan, the exchange order can be exchanged for a JR Pass (once they see your passport and visa type). Do note: JPR holders can only use the Hikari (see pic) and Kodama trains, not the newer, superfast Nozomi (but Hikari's good enough with limited stops, Kodama stops at every station). I hear the Shinkansen has special "multi-purpose rooms" reserved for babies or anyone feeling under the weather (motion sickness at 240km/hr?).
The JR pass also covers the Narita Express (NEX) costing 3,110 yen each way (to Shinjuku station). But since we are there for 10 days, it won't stretch to cover both airport transfers, so we'll have to choose when to use it. I say we use it when we depart.
There is now a NEX-Suica combo ticket (3,500 yen) that comes with a 2,000 yen Suica stored value smart card (500 yen for card deposit, 1,500 yen for travel fares). That is a great deal! Plus the Suica is now valid on almost ALL rail lines, subways and buses in Greater Tokyo, including non-JR tracks. With this card, you don't need to queue up to buy single-trip tickets! We can use it in the first few days in Tokyo. The Suica can also be used as e-money at shops, kiosks and vending machines (just look for the green logo/penguin mascot). It is valid for 10 years, can be topped up indefinitely and nice as a souvenir. The deposit can be refunded (210 yen service charge) if you don't wish to keep the card.
More info on travel passes in Japan
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html
For Kyoto, we'll be relying on bus passes as most of the sightseeing spots are easier reached by special buses than trains/subway. Each trip is 220 yen (flat rate). An all-day pass costs 500 yen.
Tokyo <-> Kyoto route: The shinkansen is the fastest and easiest way to get to and from Kyoto (2hrs 40mins each way). If we are taking it, then it's best to get a 7-day Japan Rail Pass (28,300 yen) which itself is close to the price of the bullet train return trip (13,720 yen each way, about 27,440 yen total). Plus the JR pass covers all other JR travel. We can only buy it outside of Japan (not valid for locals, it's meant to subsidise foreigners' rail travel for tourism's sake). You will be given an exchange order, and upon arrival in Japan, the exchange order can be exchanged for a JR Pass (once they see your passport and visa type). Do note: JPR holders can only use the Hikari (see pic) and Kodama trains, not the newer, superfast Nozomi (but Hikari's good enough with limited stops, Kodama stops at every station). I hear the Shinkansen has special "multi-purpose rooms" reserved for babies or anyone feeling under the weather (motion sickness at 240km/hr?).
The JR pass also covers the Narita Express (NEX) costing 3,110 yen each way (to Shinjuku station). But since we are there for 10 days, it won't stretch to cover both airport transfers, so we'll have to choose when to use it. I say we use it when we depart.
There is now a NEX-Suica combo ticket (3,500 yen) that comes with a 2,000 yen Suica stored value smart card (500 yen for card deposit, 1,500 yen for travel fares). That is a great deal! Plus the Suica is now valid on almost ALL rail lines, subways and buses in Greater Tokyo, including non-JR tracks. With this card, you don't need to queue up to buy single-trip tickets! We can use it in the first few days in Tokyo. The Suica can also be used as e-money at shops, kiosks and vending machines (just look for the green logo/penguin mascot). It is valid for 10 years, can be topped up indefinitely and nice as a souvenir. The deposit can be refunded (210 yen service charge) if you don't wish to keep the card.More info on travel passes in Japan
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html
For Kyoto, we'll be relying on bus passes as most of the sightseeing spots are easier reached by special buses than trains/subway. Each trip is 220 yen (flat rate). An all-day pass costs 500 yen.Useful guides:
http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/useful/useful-trans.htm
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Oh, and taxis are much more affordable here in Kyoto. Almost comparable to Singapore rates. Great when you have luggage or when individual bus/rail tickets cost more than sharing a cab.
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