It is hard to overstate my excitement for a trip to Japan in just over a month.
It will be my first proper time in the country (Narita Airport when I was 11 years old doesn't count), and in addition to skiing, I'm hoping to ride a lot of trains.
Does anyone here have expertise with Japan rail/metros? I find it in general to be a little overwhelming. Beyond getting a Japan Rail Pass, I'm not sure where to begin.
I have a few goals/major legs of the trip:
Airport to Tokyo
Sunrise Express from Tokyo to Okayama
-Okayama to Osaka probably by rail
Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka back to Tokyo
Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo to Liyama
-round trip to and from Nozawa Onsen
Nagano Shinkansen from Liyama to Tokyo.
Tokyo to Airport
Would a japan rail pass make sense for this number of trips (4 night/5 day)? I've read the Sunrise Express fills quickly, and probably should purchase tickets ASAP - assuming rooms are even available still.
Thanks in advance for the help.
It will be my first proper time in the country (Narita Airport when I was 11 years old doesn't count), and in addition to skiing, I'm hoping to ride a lot of trains.
Does anyone here have expertise with Japan rail/metros? I find it in general to be a little overwhelming. Beyond getting a Japan Rail Pass, I'm not sure where to begin.
I have a few goals/major legs of the trip:
Airport to Tokyo
Sunrise Express from Tokyo to Okayama
-Okayama to Osaka probably by rail
Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka back to Tokyo
Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo to Liyama
-round trip to and from Nozawa Onsen
Nagano Shinkansen from Liyama to Tokyo.
Tokyo to Airport
Would a japan rail pass make sense for this number of trips (4 night/5 day)? I've read the Sunrise Express fills quickly, and probably should purchase tickets ASAP - assuming rooms are even available still.
Thanks in advance for the help.