The future of rail travel has already arrived in Japan. Accountable, on-time arrivals; exceptionally smooth, high-speed rides; gracious attendants who function ice-cold Asahi -- all these are just a few of the reasons why train travel is the best way to see this wonderful country. Here are nine tips to make your journey much easier.
1. Buy Your JR Pass Ahead of Time Save yourself time and purchase the Japan Rail Pass in front of your journey. This special pass is only available to foreign tourists and Japanese citizens who are residing abroad and meet special requirements, so if you fall under one of these categories, you can purchase it online, choosing from a seven-, 14- or 21-day pass. You'll receive an exchange arrangement in the email that you must validate at ? ? ?the ?airport or in a designated JR station before gaining access to the JR train lines.
2. There's an App for That Download the HyperDia program, which enables you to research train and metro times, plan your day's travel, know your exchanges and even find your platforms. Lots of Japan's rail stations also accommodate a large number of independently run subway lines (more on that later), so it can take some time to traipse your way through them.
3. Make Reservations, When Necessary With the JR Pass, you have freedom to maneuver around the country, but that does not mean that you have free reign of their passenger automobiles. Pay attention to reserved, non-reserved and ?female-only?? automobiles -- you will see that last one on some subways. Particular trains require reservations -- these constraints are indicated on the overhead stage boards -- and you will have to visit the ticket office in the station to get on these. Pet e Pure Even when you're not traveling to a reservation-only train, you can still reserve and guarantee your seat on a standard train by stopping in at a ticket office before departure. Bonus: There's no charge for making reservations.
4. Line Up Early Generally, booking a seat is not necessary on non-reservation trains, but queuing early and in the designated lanes certainly is. When you access the train stage, boards will suggest which cars are for non-reservation passengers. By lining up early, you'll not only ensure you get a chair, but you will also ensure you've left enough time to board the train. Japanese trains run on time every time so don't dawdle at the takeaway sushi bar lest you end up waiting for another one.
5. Snacking and Sipping Are Encouraged On most trains, an attendant will occasionally pass through the aisles selling foods, snacks, soft drinks and adult beverages -- you can also bring your own food on the train -- so while your bullet train streaks across the countryside, you can kick back and relax with a plate of sushi and a can of locally brewed beer. Major channels will have takeaway food choices featuring everything from bites in the 7-Eleven to specialty kiosks selling sushi and bento boxes.
6. Store Your Bags Where You're Supposed To Unless a guardian luggage angel appears to help you lift your 50-pound bag overhead, then tuck your suitcase behind the last row of the car -- that's exactly what the distance is?? designed?? for. And no matter what you do, do not use an open seat for your bag. Conductors will request that you transfer your stuff, as trains fill up fast and chair area is at a premium.
7. Day Trips Made Easy Not every city on your itinerary requires an overnight stay, but doesn't the thought of lugging your suitcase around with you seem like, well, a drag? Fear not -- train stations have lockers available for hourly rental, letting you create a pop into a town for a day excursion without toting your luggage the entire time. Lockers are large enough to fit a 50-pound bag and include easy-to-use instructions in English, to boot.
8. Avoid Extra Fees The JR Pass, although expansive, does not allow you access to every rail line so listen so you stay away from boarding a train that may incur an extra fee. Thehdstandard.com Your rail pass will record the specific train lines you've got access to, but normally only applies to JR bullet trains, JR express trains, JR local trains, JR buses, the Tokyo Monorail and the Miyajima ferry.
9. Strategy to Ride Private Subways Unlike the subway systems of New York City or London, Japan's metro lines are independently owned, meaning you?'ll?? potentially will need to buy individual one-way tickets for each trip you take. But a better choice is to buy a Suica pass or a PASMO card. Both are electronic prepaid cards that may be used on subways, buses and also the JR East (and even at vending machines and some convenience stores as well) in several big cities.
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