Where can I buy a Japan rail pass in the U.S.? Are rail passes good for bullet trains from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Answer 1

Here is a website for you to search aboutthe Japan rail pass:

At present, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover Nozomi-type Shinkansen “bullet trains” on the Tokaido/Sanyo lines connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka) and other cities. There are however many Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen trains on the same lines so you can travel freely with a rail pass. You should be aware though that long trips between Tokyo and Hiroshima or points further southwest (Fukuoka, Nagasaki etc.) may take a little longer than with Nozomi trains. If you want to use a Nozomi train, you will have to pay full price for tickets.

japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass



Information on getting a rail pass.

Here's How:
Make sure you are eligible for the pass.
The conditions are the following: If you are visiting Japan for temporary sightseeing (less than 90 days). If you are a Japanese national who lives permanently in a foreign country.
You should purchase an exchange order before entering Japan. Japanese travel agencies overseas sell the orders. Ask travel agencies in your area where you can get the order.
The price is fixed in Japanese yen, so your price depends on the yen rate on the day of purchase.
When you arrive in Japan, go to a Japan Rail Pass exchange office or a Travel Service Center located in major JR stations or airports.
Show your passport and the exchange order.
Tell them the day you want to start your travels.
Receive your pass with expiration date indicated.
You can use JR trains, JR ferries, and JR buses with your pass. Enjoy your trip!
Tips:
After you enter Japan, you can't buy the pass, so make sure to purchase before your trip to Japan.
You need to start your trip within 3 month after the purchase of the exchange order.
If you purchased an ordinary-type Japanese Rail Pass (not the green type), you can't use the green cars (first class) without additional charges.

Answer 2

It is not a problem, other than maybe inside the train stations and getting to the right track with the stroller. Most of the larger stations have elevators. I travel using the JR Rail pass, and it is great! Yes, it will be good until the end of the day on the Sunday you mentioned. There are no special train cars for children. I always upgrade and get the "Green Car" pass. As far as the stroller and luggage, you can put those behind the last row of seats in the car you ride in. Smaller items can go up over your head. I would recommend a small stroller! There is not that much room, and the storage is first come, first served. As far as hotels, I normally stay in very nice ones. Most cities have decent hotels right by (or attached to) the train station. Nagoya Station has a great Marriott ($130). Kyoto Station has Hotel Granvia ($190). Tokyo is a lot more difficult, because it depends what part of the city you stay in. I normally stay in Shinjuku, at the Century Hyatt ($225). For sight-seeing, most hotels offer bus tour packages, which I highly recommend. I've done them in many Asian cities, and they are safe and informative. You may also want to go to Hiroshima and tour the "Peace Museum," which is all about the atomic bomb dropping. It is a quite humbling experience for an American! You will see a lot of the countryside just traveling on the trains, although it goes by fast. I hope that helps!

Answer 3

Yes, you can use a rail pass, and you must get it before you go to Japan. japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass You can also get one through JAL airlines travel agencies. I've done it twice, and they are great -- but only if you are riding lots of trains. They are available for different time durations, and for all of the JR system or just within a region. They are also available in regular reserved cars or in Green (first class) cars, which are much nicer, quieter, and less crowded. A 14-day Green Car JR pass is 61,400 Yen -- about $545. As an alternative, all train stations take credit cards on site, so if you are traveling only Tokyo - Kyoto, round trip, it is not worth the cost, but if you are also traveling around Tokyo, from Narita Airport to and from Tokyo, and other places, they are worth it.

Feel free to email me if you need more info. I just got back Friday from 2 weeks -- including skiing! [e-mail]

Answer 4

In addition to John B's information, I'd like to add that Japan and especially Tokyo has many private railroad companies without a unified ticketing system. That means that each company has it's own tickets. It could be that the rail pass is only good for JR (Don't quote me on that, I've only been there twice).

Answer 5

www.iace-usa.com

The best place for a Rail pass PLUS all the explanations you need :)

Answer 6

They might have them at the places you exchange money.