It's not only because of the price of fuel, is it? I was a little surprised at how expensive it was just to go from Tokyo to Hiroshima by shinkansen considering it's not really *that* far geographically. I would love to visit in Hokkaido also, but I don't know if we will be able to afford it!
What's your opinion on why it's so expensive?
2007-08-28 02:55:21 · 6 answers · asked by kiki 4 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
I live in Japan, so I can't get a Japan railpass. Do travel agencies ever have deals for when you buy more than one ticket/package? We are a family of 4.
2007-08-28 20:59:58 · update #1
Grumble, grumble, it IS too expensive! I live up in Hokkaido, and it's ridiculous trying to get off this island.
You need a Japanese friend who can help you get the discounts. There are several available, when you buy in advance, or for special days. Maybe not cheap, but at least less expensive.
And the boat is a good option if you have time. There's a ferry from Maizuru to Otaru (Otaru is in Hokkaido and VERY beautiful) that takes just under 24 hours, and the rates are reasonable if you don't mind going tatami-class. Nice, clean boats and some stuff to do. Great for family time, and it's an adventure. I took the ferry a couple of times from Nagoya to Tomokomai many, many years ago, and my cousin came up the Maizuru/Otaru route for Christmas last year.
Crystallized ginger really helps with seasickness, too, if that's a problem. And with a boat, you can take your own car. If you have one.
Hope that helps.
2007-08-28 22:23:52 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Supply and demand-JR charges what the market will bear. The highway buses would be the cheap alternative, but that's a long ride to Hiroshima. If you want to get from Kanto to Hokkaido cheaply, take the boat.
2007-08-28 03:07:48 · answer #2 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I think the answer is that people are prepared to pay that much, and there always seems to be a lack of price competitiveness in many Japanese industries.
One cheap way is to look at package deals - you can often find deals including hotels cheaper than the retail price of tickets.
2007-08-28 04:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by Ken Y-N 4 · 3⤊ 4⤋
If you book seats in advance, you can get the tickets up to 50% off.
http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~masaho/jp/fare/waribikiuntin.htm
(Sorry, Japanese only!)
If you use this early bird rate,
Tokyo-Sapporo :Â¥12,500
Tokyo-Asahikawa :Â¥14,650
Tokyo-Obihiro :Â¥14,500
Tokyo-Kushiro :Â¥14,200
Tokyo-Nemuronakashibatsu :Â¥16,750
Toyko-Hakodate :Â¥11,600
Tokyo-Memanbetsu :Â¥15.550
Tokyo-Wakkanai :Â¥17,500
You need to book at more than 28 days before.
2007-08-28 19:45:49 · answer #4 · answered by oncoshishin 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
if you are visiting Japan, not residing there, you should probably get a Japan rail pass if you are planning to go outside of Tokyo
2007-08-28 14:49:15 · answer #5 · answered by shazam 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
it is just as expensive as any other place
2007-08-28 13:31:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋