I am looking for a travel agent/consultant who is very familiar with Japan's transportation system (mostly trains, some buses and ferries). I could use expert and reliable help with figuring out best options for transportation for my itinerary for 30 days, with all relevant details (specific routes, lines, trains, schedules, connections as applicable, station and track info, etc.) to come up with a "transportation plan" assuming a JR Pass. Based on my dates and itinerary, I need advice re. which pass would provide the best value for the money, when and where to start using it, etc. Probably someone local would be ideal due to the fact that many websites are only in Japanese. Using Hyperdia assumes knowing a lot about station names, locations and local specifics, knowledge that I don't have. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I have a friend who is a travel agent in Japan. She is American but is a permanent resident of Japan. You can reach her at [email protected] She helped us with transport questions on our trip and also booked a machiya house for us. A number of other Fodorites have used her as well. Do tell her that I sent you.

Have a wonderful trip.

You don't need a travel agent/consultant. Start by posting your itinerary and people here can help you out. Hyperdia is easy to use - ok, some of the station names can be slightly quirky sometimes but that's not a major issue. At least for trains, Hyperdia can give you all the information you need, including fares, track numbers, where to change etc.

Thanks so much! I am contacting her as I really feel that i could use some help.

While I appreciate the offer and the help I get many times on this forum, what I would like to have is unreasonable to assume from those who donate time and share knowledge here. If I have a question or two, that's different. I will see where I will get with my pursuit for professional help. If I end up doing it on my own and I run into specific problems, I might ask for some help from those who have more experience than I have. Thanks.

Hi Kathie:

Kim might not be in business anymore or maybe she is away but she didn't reply to my 2 messages. Regardless, thanks for the suggestion.