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what type of rail pass should we get?

Jan 5 Arriving at Narita Airport. Travelling to Nozawa Onsen then travel to Tokyo. Total days 11. There are 4 adults travelling with snow gear.
Can you recommend a cost effective pass and how do we organise it. We are from Australia.
Thank you.
Laurence

Comments

  • Hi Laurence

    The JR East Pass might be worth looking into for your trip. This pass is valid for 5 days over a 14 day period. This would cover your travel on the Narita Express, and travel from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen (however you would need to pay extra for the bus from Iiyama to Nozawa 700 yen one way). This JR East Pass costs AUD $251, slightly more than paying for separate tickets, but would allow more flexibility.

    If you wanted to purchase separate tickets you can only do this in Japan. A round trip on the Narita Express is 4,000 yen, and from Tokyo to Iiyama 17,000 yen return, so would be a cost of 21,000 yen / AUD $239. Again you would need to add on the bus fare to Nozawa onsen.

    Hope that helps.

    Best regards

    Japan Experience
  • thank you:)

    Just wondering - how do we purchase the rail pass from australia.

    Our flight overseas is on the 2nd January. If we order the tickets online will we receive these before leaving.


    We live in Melbourne Australia.

    Thanks,
    Laurence.
  • You can order online and have it delivered to Australia. I should take 3 business days to ship to Australia, however due to the holidays it can take longer.

    Or the alternative would be to ship to an address in Japan before you arrive as there is also public holidays in Japan over the New Year. Shipping the pass to Japan would take two business days. It will need to be sent to an address such as a hotel, as someone will need to sign for it on your behalf.

    Hope that helps.

    Japan Experience
  • does the jr east pass also cover the subway lines? We are staying in shinjuku or do we have to pay extra for a subway pass. thank you. laurence
  • Hi Laurence

    No unfortunately the JR East Pass does not include the Tokyo Metro. If you want to use the Metro it's best to get a Pasmo card which is a pre-paid top up card, that takes off credit every time you use it. Once its run out of credit you will need to top it up at a station in Tokyo. They are very useful.

    You can find more information here: https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/services/pasmocard

    Hope that helps.

    Best regards

    Japan Experience
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