Japan Rail Pass, in japan, rail is the way to go!

IN JAPAN, RAIL IS THE WAY TO GO

Vacation Agent Magazine / BY JAMES RUGGIA

Safety, access and ease of use make the Japan Rail Pass the best choice

The only destination in the world that can compete with Europe when it comes to offering an easy, efficient, far-reaching and state-of-the-art rail system is Japan, where some 26,000 trains depart daily on 12,400 miles of track. As does Japan, the system has an immaculate record for safety. The Shinkansen, better known as the “Bullet Train,” has carried 8 billion passengers and never suffered even a single fatality due to a crash or mishap. The Bullet Train is one of the icons of travel in Japan. Such trains as the Super Ozora, Narita Express and Sonic provide visitors an easy and economical way to tour Japan, allowing them to skip the hassle of airports and move easily about a country that is roughly the size of California.

The visitor to Japan fully endorses the ease and convenience of the system. And though your clients may be hesitant to put themselves into situations where their lack of Japanese could hinder and confuse their journey, the signage in most rail stations features plenty of English, and the high frequency of departures gives visitors plenty of options. Even if they miss a train, there’s usually another one due shortly. Furthermore, Japan is an extremely safe country where most educated people speak at least a little English and people are very generous when it comes to helping a stranger find his or her way.

For Americans, the Japan Rail Pass offers the easiest access to the system.

The Japan Rail Pass is sold in seven-, 14- and 21-day versions, in two classes: “Ordinary” (coach) and “Green” (first). The seven-day pass is priced at 28,300 yen ($269 at a rate that equates the dollar to 105.3 yen) and 37,800 yen ($359), the 14-day at 45,100 yen ($428) and 61,200 yen ($581) and the 21-day at 57,800 yen ($549) and 79,600 yen ($756). The pass is not a flexipass -- it is valid for consecutive days. Although Green class definitely offers greater comfort, the difference between the two classes is not as extreme as the difference between classes on an airline. Green cars offer larger seats, more legroom and more luggage space.
 
Japan Rail offers three kinds of trains: the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Limited Express/Express and Local. The Bullet Train runs on a high-speed network connecting Japan’s major cities. Limited Express and Express trains provide long-distance service to cities not served by the Bullet, and local trains provide commuter service in urban areas and to smaller towns in rural areas. The Japan Rail Pass covers almost all of the Shinkansen trains. All Limited Express and Express trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass or appropriate regional pass. The Japan Rail Pass covers only the base fare portion of sleeper costs. Most long-distance trains (Shinkansen, Limited Express) and some local trains offer a choice of Ordinary and Green cars.
 
Thanks to an extensive network, visitors can get just about anywhere in Japan by rail. For clients looking to get a real taste of the country, it makes more sense to travel this way than by flying point to point. Hot-spring resorts, small towns, fishing villages, rural communities and the cities all combine to make Japan an extremely diverse country, and the train gives clients the most intimate access to that diversity.
 
For more information on traveling in Japan by rail, please contact: New York Travel, Inc. ((212) 704 - 0300 / Agent: Suzuki).