Ann7544

Going to Japan in April: 5 days each in Tokyo and Kyoto...Just got a 7-day JR voucher (based on the VERY helpful advice from this forum a couple of weeks ago) to use for the round trip bullet train Tokyo/Kyoto plus one side trip from each city. A little pricey - almost $700 for two people! - but I was warned.

My next question is what's the best/most economical mode of transportation in the two cities? I heard I could get the Airport Express (bus?) tickets from Narita to our hotel in Tokyo (in Ginza) which is also good for one day subway ride. Has anyone heard of that and is it the best option with luggage?

Should I get some kind of a pass for the remaining 3 days in Tokyo or just pay as we go? It's our first time in Japan so we will most likely hit all the popular tourist places. The same question goes for Kyoto... our hotel in Kyoto is in the center (Karasuma Oike station). Should we take a taxi from and to the Kyoto train station on our first and last day considering that we will have our luggage with us? For the remainder, should we get a pass or pay for each ride? We are in a relatively good condition and do not mind walking, but I'm sure that we will have to use public transortation as well.

Please advise. Many thanks!

gearsau

I just looked in Google Maps, and Karasuma Oike station, would appear to be about 2 kilometers or so from Kyoto station. Taking a taxi, would be the best solution.

Regarding transport in Tokyo, the Yamanote line runs around the center of the city, and for a few dollars, you can do a complete circuit. If you are staying in the GINZA area, the YAMANOTE line runs very close to there.

Others have mentioned some passes , but, these have been intorduced my 5 year stay in Tokyo.

Unless you are travelling all over Tokyo, its probably just as easy to purchase the train tickets as required.

Regarding your question about transport from Narita to Ginza, here is your answer. http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/bus..._shiodome.html

You would be amazed what information is there on GOOGLE.

emd3

I assume you will be activating your JR pass two days before you leave Tokyo, since pass is good for 7 days. Be aware that the JR pass is good for use on the JR lines in and around Tokyo, so you can use it on all the JR lines in/around Tokyo for those last 2 days in Tokyo. For example, the Yamonate line that makes the circle around Tokyo is a JR line train so your pass is good on that.

map of all of the JR lines in/around Tokyo:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf

emd3

BTW, contrary to Tokyo, the cabs in Kyoto are NOT expensive. Cabs are a good option to/from Kyoto station.

gearsau

Depending on when you activate your seven (7) day pass, you would work it so that it expires on your last day in Japan, and that will get you out to Narita as well.

So, when you arrive in Japan, pay for the bus into the Ginza, and pay for your transport around Tokyo. Activate the pass for transport to Kyoto and then use it back to Tokyo and Narita.

Ann7544

Thanks so much - you guys are terrific!!