Fly-drive or Fly-rail Japan
 

We're planning a 2-week trip to Japan for June. I've been looking for a fly-drive or fly-rail type package like those common in Europe. Package would include roundtrip flight to Japan from the USA, a rental car, and then drive around the country and stay at package participating inns as you choose. Or the same using the rail system.<BR><BR>Anyone know of such a package for Japan? Thanks.

<BR>I don't know of such packages, but then I wasn't looking for one and had no intention of driving. The Japanese rail system is a great way to travel. The JR Pass is a real bargain.<BR><BR>Here are some sites to visit:<BR>http://www.japanrail.com<BR>http://www.jnto.go.jp<BR>

Definitely buy the rail pass. Driving here in Japan is confusing at best, and traffic is a nightmare. You can use a JR rail pass to get almost anywhere in Japan. I think a week's pass is only $250 or so, and you can use it on local trains as well as when you travel across the country.

And the 14-day pass is only $380.<BR><BR>The airlines (among others) have air/hotel packages, see japanair.com and fly-ana.com.<BR><BR>The Japanese airlines often have discounts on domestic travel for tourists. You could use the discount airfares to supplement your rail travel.<BR><BR>Also search the web for Chowari (a particular kind of discount airfare) and for Welcome Inn Reservation Group (for lodging).<BR>

I'm getting the impression that the answer to my question is, &quot;no, there aren't any fly-drive or fly-rail packages like those available in Europe for travellers to Japan.&quot; I've looked on several Japan-related travel websites with no luck either. So I guess we can put this option on the back burner.<BR><BR>Bill: thanks for the websites. Chris: We'll definitely go with the rail option.