If you arrive at Haneda by Tokyo Monorail, the station is located at same level as departure floor. (C) JP Rail

Since I have received many inquiries regarding late arrival and early departure at Haneda on my previous post, How to access from Haneda airport to downtown Tokyo, I show you more detailed time schedule and how to get on Tokyo Monorail and Keihin Kyuko at Haneda Airport.

Late arrival at Haneda

If you will arrive at Haneda before 22:00, you can access most of places in Greater Tokyo. You don’t need to worry about it. If you will arrive at Haneda after 22:00, you need to think about how to transfer to your accommodation. Don’t think about overnight trains and buses on arrival day. You cannot catch those after 22:00 arrival.

It is hard to say how long it takes to go through Immigration and Custom. Haneda airport is smaller than Narita airport. Most of gates are within 10 minutes away from Immigration and Custom. Usually it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. It depends on how busy Immigration and Custom are. It is quite fast to handle the baggage in Japan. Please try to go through Immigration and Custom as fast as possible.

Let’s see the sample schedule after arrival.

Access to Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, Maihama (Tokyo Disney Resort) – Tokyo Monorail

Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport International Terminal station. It is connected directly to the airport terminal building. (C) JP Rail

There are lots of signs at Hamamatsucho station. You can't miss it. (C) JP Rail

Access to Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro or any station on Yamanote line between Hamamatsucho and Ikebukuro
The last Monorail depart from Haneda airport international terminal at 00:10. This train connects with the last train of Yamanote line to Ikebukuro at Hamamatsucho.

Haneda 00:10 -> (Tokyo Monorail) -> 00:25 Hamamatsucho 00:31 -> (JR Yamanote line) -> 01:06 Ikenbukuro.

This Yamanote line last train stop at all stations between Hamamatsucho and Ikebukuro. For example, Shinbashi 00:33, Yurakucho (near Ginza) 00:35, Tokyo 00:38, Akihabara 00:42, Ueno 00:46.

Access to Odaiba
The last train is 23:55. You need to get off Monorail at Tennozuisle (天王洲アイル) and transfer to Rinkai line. Please see the map at Tokyo Monorail website to get the detail about transfer to Rinkai line from Monorail.

Haneda 23:55 -> (Tokyo Monorail) -> 00:06 Tennozuisle 00:23 -> (Rinkai line) -> 00:06 Tokyo Teleport

Tokyo Teleport station is near Odaiba station of Yurikamome. Yurikamome from Shinbashi to Odaiba is more popular route to get Odaiba. But this route is much faster and easier. The fare is 330+200=530yen.

Access to Maihama (Tokyo Disney Resort)
The last train is 23:31. You can take JR Keiyo line train at JR Tokyo station. However Keiyo line platform of Tokyo station is very far from other trains’ platform. For example, if you transfer from Yamamote line train to Keiyo line train at Tokyo station, it takes at least 10 minutes. Tokyo station is one of the biggest station in Japan. You may loose your way. So transfer at Tennozuisle and Shinkiba is much easier.

Haneda 23:31 -> (Tokyo Monorail) -> 23:47 Tennozuisle 23:53 -> (Rinkai line) -> 00:03 Shinkiba 00:15 -> (JR Keiyo line) -> 00:21 Maihama

The fare is 330+320+150=700yen.

Access to Shinagawa, Kamata, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yokohama, Asakusa, Roppongi – Keihin Kyuko

Transfer gate of Keihin Kyuko and JR lines at Shinagawa station. Both Keihin Kyuko Shinagawa station and JR Shinagawa station connected directly each other. (C) JP Rail

Access to Shinagawa

Weekday : Haneda 00:01 -> (Keihin Kyuko Airport Express) -> 00:23 Shinagawa

Weekend/Holiday : Haneda 00:02 -> (Keihin Kyuko Local) -> 00:08 Keikyu Kamata 00:10 -> (Keihin Kyuko Rapid Limited Express) -> 00:17 Shinagawa

The fare is 400yen.

Access to Kamata

Weekday : Haneda 00:23 -> (Keihin Kyuko Local) -> 00:31 Keikyu Kamata

Weekend/Holiday : Haneda 00:02 -> (Keihin Kyuko Local) -> 00:08 Keikyu Kamata

The fare is 290yen.

Access to Shinjuku, Shibuya or any other station on Yamanote line between Shinagawa and Shinjuku

Weekday : Haneda 00:01 -> (Keihin Kyuko Airport Express) -> 00:23 Shinagawa 00:38 -> (JR Yamanote line) -> 01:00 Shinjuku

Weekend/Holiday : Haneda 00:02 -> (Keihin Kyuko Local) -> 00:08 Keikyu Kamata 00:10 -> (Keihin Kyuko Rapid Limited Express) -> 00:17 Shinagawa 00:38 -> (JR Yamanote line) -> 01:00 Shinjuku

JR Yamanote line train stop at all stations between Shinagawa and Shinjuku. For example, Osaki 00:41, Ebisu 00:48, Shibuya 00:53, Harajuku 00:55, Yoyogi 00:58. The fare is 400+190=590yen.

Access to Yokohama

Weekday : Haneda 00:01 -> (Keihin Kyuko Airport Express) -> 00:10 Keikyu Kamata 00:32 -> (Keihin Kyuko Rapid Limited Express) -> 00:44 Yokohama

Weekend/Holiday : Haneda 23:52 -> (Keihin Kyuko Local) -> 00:01 Keikyu Kamata 00:09 -> (Keihin Kyuko Rapid Limited Express) -> 00:21 Yokohama

Access to Asakusa

Many Keihin Kyuko trains go through Toei Subway Asakusa line. You need to change the train at Keikyu Kamata or Sengakuji. But you can change it at the same platform most of times.

Weekday : Haneda 23:39 -> (Keihin Kyuko Airport Express) -> 23:50 Keikyu Kamata 23:52 -> (Keihin Kyuko Rapid Limited Express) -> 00:23 Asakusa

Weekend/Holiday : Haneda 23:20 -> (Keihin Kyuko Airport Express) -> 23:48 Sengakuji 23:49 -> (Toei Subway Asakusa line) -> 00:08 Asakusa

The fare is 600yen.

Midnight bus services

Keihin Kyuko operates bus service as well. They have several bus routes. Please see Keihin Kyuko Bus website Late night and early morning service to get the details.

Early departure at Haneda

The schedule of the first trains are following:

Keihin Kyuko : Shinagawa 05:02 -> 05:16 Keikyu Kamata 05:19 -> 05:27 Haneda International Terminal

Tokyo Monorail : Hamamatsucho 04:58 -> 05:12 Haneda International Terminal

There is no trains and bus to catch these above trains. If you want to take these first train, you need to take taxi to get Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa.

If you take a flight before 6:30am at Haneda, I don’t think it is in time by above trains. You can access to Haneda from Omori station or Kamata station in early morning. Please see Keihin Kyuko Bus website Late night and early morning service to get the details. Otherwise you need to go to Haneda in midnight and stay overnight in the airport.

Early arrival at Haneda

Keihin Kyuko 05:26 departure to Shinagawa

Tokyo Monorail 05:17 departure to Hamamatsucho

Most of trains start to operate around 05:30am in Greater Tokyo. Even Shinkansen starts to operate at 06:00am. The first arrival flight is around 05:00am at Haneda. There is no problem to access to downtown Tokyo.
*If you want to exchange Japan Rail Pass after arrival at Haneda, Take Tokyo Monorail and JR Yamanote line to Tokyo station. The exchange window at Tokyo station open at 07:30am. Shinagawa station is the closest location to Haneda. But they open at 09:00am

Late departure at Haneda

There is nothing to worry about. The trains are operating between 05:30 and 00:00. You can access to Haneda anytime.

Completely different looking from original KIHA 185 series (C) Jonathan Ayre

Limited Express “A Ressha de Iko (Take the ‘A’ train)” was introduced in October 2011. This is the first express train to Misumi in more than 20 years. JR Kyushu tried to expand the market to Amakusa and tie up with Seacruise ferry service to Amakusa. It is easily connected with them at Misumi station and port of Misumi. Port of Misumi is located just in front of the station You cannot miss it.

This train is named from jazz standard “Take the ‘A’train”. So this music will be played at the bar. Misumi station is the gateway of Amakusa. So “Take the ‘A’ train” means this train take you to ‘A’makusa.

Let’s see the details about Takes the ‘A’ train.

*My frequent visitor, Mr. Jonathan Ayre has copyright for all images on this post. Thank you very much for your support.

Route, schedule and time required

This is not a scheduled train. It is operated in weekend and holidays during spring, summer and autume. There are only two round trips between Kumamoto and Misumi. It is very short trip and takes only 1 hour. All trains stop at Uto station between Kumamoto and Misumi. And this train is extended to operate from Hakata to Misumi on some dates.

Please refer “Seasonal trains schedule’” to get most updated train operation schedule.

View Limited Express A Ressha de Iko in a larger map

Hotels in Kumamoto
Hotels in Amakusa

Stations

x:All trains stop

Accommodation

This train is remodeled and designed by JR Kyushu chief designer, Eiji Mitooka. He designed most of JR Kyushu trains, such as Hayato no Kaze, Umisachi-Yamasachi, 787 series, 883 series and 885 series. Every single JR Kyushu trains have a great deal of personality and Eiji Mitooka use traditional Japanese touch. You will be excited when you will get on this train.

This train offers Bar service. This bar is only one in all JR trains. Beer, highball, wine, snack and appetizer are served in the bar. All seats of this train are ordinary seats and reserved. There is no green car. This is very popular train. Try to make a reservation A.S.A.P.

Train formation

*R=Reserved seat B=Bar counter space
Smoking is not allowed on this train.

Images

Isaburo and local train at Yoshimatsu station

When you go to Kagoshima, Kyushu Shinkansen is the best way to get there. It is fast and the trains come very frequently. But if you have a time, please consider the route from Kumamoto to Kagoshima-Chuo via Hitoyoshi and Yoshimatsu on Hisatsu line (肥薩線). It is very scenic route. JR Kyushu operate very attractive trains on this route.

I got on three trains, Kumagawa (くまがわ) from Kumamoto to Hitoyoshi, Isaburo (いさぶろう) from Hitoyoshi to Yoshimatsu and Hayato no Kaze (はやとの風) from Yoshimatsu to Kagoshima-Chuo, to travel on this line. I would like to share my experience with you.

Limited Express Kumagawa from Kumamoto to Hitosyoshi

Kumamoto can be accessed by Kyushu Shinkansen very easily. Actually you can complete this travel in one day from Osaka.

Two train sets of KIHA 183 at Kumamoto station. Limited Express Trans Kyushu Limited Express (Left) and Limited Express Kumagawa (right) (C) JP Rail

By the way, I took Kumagawa 3 at 11:44 am from Kumamoto. Kumagawa is operated by KIHA 183 series. This is very common diesel train set in Kyushu. Limited Express Kumagawa was only two cars set. Please check the details at my post, Access to Mt. Aso, Beppu and Hitoyoshi from Kumamoto and Oita. Trans-Kyushu Limited Express (Kyushu Odan Tokkyu) / Kumagawa

When I got on Kumagawa, I was so excited. Because I started my trip for Hisatsu line. (C) JP Rail

The seat was very common. It is 2+2 seat configuration. (C) JP Rail

This train went on Kagoshima line until Yatsushiro. The scenery was nothing special. After stopping at Yatsushiro, the train went into Hisatsu line. The first part of Hisatsu line between Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi is called “river line”. Because this line goes along Kuma river (球磨川). I have a seat at the left side (seat 7A). Kuma river was on the right side. But I knew it would be left side later. After half way to Hitoyoshi, I saw Kuma river at my side. You can enjoy Kuma river at either side. But I recommend you the left side (seat A/B).

The weather was not perfect. But I enjoyed the scenery of Kuma river. (C) JP Rail

The commemorative stamp was provided by the attendant on board. (C) JP Rail

Eki-Ben (boxed meal that is sold at the station) is very popular in Japan. But regular Bento is much cheaper than Eki-Ben. I bought this bento at 398 yen. It was sold at the convenience store in the station. Half price and more volume! (C) JP Rail

Cruising local train Isaburo from Hitoyoshi to Yoshimatsu

I transferred train at Hitoyoshi from Limited Express Kumagawa to Isaburo. Arrival time was 13:10 and departure time was 13:21. There was only 11 minutes to transfer. But it was easy transfer since Hitoyoshi station was very small.

Cruising local train Izaburo (left) and Limited Express Kumagawa (right)

Isaburo is a sort of local train. You can take this train with a basic fare only. But most of seats are reserved seat. I recommend you to reserve it. Especially Japan Rail Pass cover any reserved seat with no extra charge. The pass user should do it! Please see the details about this train at

This car was used for commuters. But it was renovated completely. This is no longer that it used to be. (C) JP Rail

The seat was boxed style for 4 passengers with the table. There was only me in this section. But I didn't stay there most of time.

There was a public space with huge glass window at the middle of train. I spent most of my time there. (C) JP Rail

This train is a local train. So it stopped all stations. Each stations looked very old and historic. The scenery was completely different from the section between Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi. This section of Hisatsu line between Hitoyoshi and Yoshimatsu is called “Mountain line”. The train was climbing up the hill and I had very unique experience. The train went through two Zig zag (=switch back) and the spiral way because of very steep. The attendant guided was on board and she guided about history and scenery. I asked attendant how to look after the tourist from outside of Japan with Japanese speaking guiding. She said, ” Even though I cannot speak English very well, I try to communicate with gesturing, writing and showing some pictures. I am not 100% sure. But most of tourists seemed to enjoy.” I received some comments about language barrier from the readers. I understand you worry about this issue. But most of Japanese can understand much more than what you expect.

At Okoba station. Everybody left their own name card on the wall. (C) JP Rail

At Yatake station. This station is located at the highest elevation on Hisatsu line. (C) JP Rail

I couldn't see anything because of rain! But it was one of most three scenery from the train in Japan. I supposed to see Kirishima mountains. (C) JP Rail

The bell of the happiness at Masaki station (C) JP Rail

It was raining. But I really enjoyed this 1.5 hour train trip.

Limited Express Hayato no Kaze from Hitoyoshi to Kagoshima-Chuo

After I arrived at Yoshimatsu at 14:47, I changed the train to Kagoshima-Chuo. The next train was a black cool train, Hayato no Kaze. I had 15 minutes to transfer. But Yoshimatsu station was very tiny. I could change the train at the same platform. Please see the details about this train, Hayato no Kaze at Very popular cruising train to Kirishima and Yoshimatsu from Kagoshima. Limited Express Hayato no Kaze

Isaburo (left) and common local train (right) at Yoshimatsu station. Hayato no Kaze would be other side of same platform as Isaburo. (C) JP Rail

This train was commute car sets too. It didn't look like any more. (C) JP Rail

Lots of wood materials are used in the train. (C) JP Rail

The seat looked good but not comfortable so much. But it was okay because of only 1.5 hour trip. (C) JP Rail

Hayato no Kaze have a public space too. (C) JP Rail

Hayato no Kaze is a limited express train. But it is not a fast train. It stopped at both Osumiyokogawa and Kareigawa station for about 5 minutes for viewing the station. Because these stations are heritage buildings and are more than 100 years old.

Hayato no Kaze stopped at Osumi-Yokgawa for 5 minutes. (C) JP Rail

I saw some cherry blossom at Kareigawa station. (C) JP Rail

If the weather was good, I supposed to see Mt. Sakurajima and a beautiful Kinko bay scenery. But it was rain, rain and rain. (C) JP Rail

I arrived at Kagoshima-Chuo station. This was a first visit for last 20 years! The station was completely different. Now Kagoshima-Chuo is Shinkansen station. There were lots of shops in the station.

Kagoshima-Chuo is the biggest station in south Kyushu. (C) JP Rail

You can move to Kumamoto and Hakata easily from Kagoshima-Chuo. If you want, you can go back to even Osaka after this rail trip. (C) JP Rail

I spent 5.5 hours to complete this train trip. If you take Shinkansen from Kumamoto to Kagoshima-Chuo, it takes 1.5 hour. Shinkansen is fast and convenient. But there are too many tunnels because Shinkansen takes the shortest route. That means not much scenery. If you are looking for something different, try to take this route.

Sanyo / Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura and Mizuho are operated by N700 series. (C) JP Rail

JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass was released on the same day as Kansai WIDE Area Pass on April 10, 2012. This pass is the combination of existing JR West Sanyo Area Pass, JR Kyushu Rail Pass and unlimited ride in Shikoku. This is the first rail pass that cover most of west part of Japan. Especially this is the first pass that include Shinkoku other than Japan Rail Pass.

Let’s see the details of this pass and compare between this pass and JR West Sanyo, JR Kyushu pass.

Area

There are two types of pass available, Sanyo-Shikoku-All Kyushu ver and Sanyo-Shikoku-Northern Kyushu ver. Both All Kyushu and Northern Kyushu cover all JR lines in Shikoku and Sanyo area where is between Osaka and Hakata. As you guess, All Kyushu ver. cover all lines in Kyushu and Northern Kyushu ver. cover all JR lines in north part of Kyushu. Please refer the following links to see the area:

Sanyo-Shikoku-Northern Kyushu ver official page.
Sanyo-Shikoku-All Kyushu ver official page.

Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Kumamoto
Hotels in Matsuyama

If you have Sanyo-Shikoku-All Kyushu ver pass, you can go most of places in Kyushu and Shikoku, and Okayama, Hiroshima and Miyajima. But this pass still has the same problem as existing JR West Sanyo Area Pass. The problem is that the pass do not cover Kyoto and Nara. I have no idea why JR West do not include these popular destination. Even though I don’t recommend to use JR lines to go to Kyoro, the pass should include Kyoto and Nara.

Anyway, you need to pay extra if you want to go to Kyoto and Nara. Please see my post, How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area to get the details about the pass in Kansai area.

Valid period

This pass was started to sell on April 10, 2012. Now you can purchase and use this pass in all year round.

Technically you can take Nobi Nobi sear of overnight train Sunrise Seto from Takamatsu in Shikoku by this pass. But this train goes to Tokyo. It is not realistic to use this train.

Valid trains

You can get on any trains’ reserved seat. Even Nozomi and Mizuho that are not covered by Japan Rail Pass are covered by this pass. Green seat pass is not available. If you want to take a Green seat, you have to pay Green seat surcharge and express surcharge too. There is no overnight train in the area where is covered by this pass. So this pass is available for only daytime train only.

Price

Duration is fixed at 5 consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night. The prices are the following:

These prices are very attractive. Because if you have a round trip between Shin Osaka and Hakata by Shinkansen Nozomi/Mizuho, the single fare is 29,780 yen! It is cheaper than All Kyushu ver. pass! But if you have only Shin Osaka and Hakata round trip, existing JR West Sanyo Area Pass is available at 20,000 yen for 4 days. So if you go to Kyushu from Osaka, you can get your money worth anyway.

In case that you go to Shikoku, you can still get your money worth easily. Please see the sample fares below:

Round trip for Shin Osaka-(Shinkansen Nozomi/Mizuho)-Okayama-(Ltd Exp Shiokaze)-Matsuyama — 22,140 yen
Round trip for Shin Osaka-(Shinkansen Nozomi/Mizuho)-Okayama-(Ltd Exp Nanpu)-Kochi — 20,880 yen
Round trip for Shin Osaka-(Shinkansen Nozomi/Mizuho)-Okayama-(Ltd Exp Uzushio)-Tokushima — 19,920 yen

You can get your money worth of Northern Kyushu pass for even Shin Osaka-Matsuyama round trip. Even if you don’t have any plan to go to Kyushu and just travel to Shikoku from Osaka, use Northern Kyushu Pass at 22,000 yen.

And also this pass do not cover Kyoto and Nara. But you can use this pass for the transfer between Kansai airport and Osaka. One way trip fare from Kansai Airport to Shin Osaka by Limited Express Haruka is 2,470 yen. If you arrive in Kansai airport, you can get your money worth easily.

Compare JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass and other passes

If you travel in Kyushu and/or Shikoku from Osaka, this JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass is the best choice for you. But if you travel in only Kyushu or travel only from Osaka to Hakata, you need to consider about other passes.

Compare JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass and JR Kyushu Rail Pass

The only difference is area that the pass cover. Kyushu Rail Pass cover JR lines in Kyushu area only. And also Kyushu Rail Pass do not cover Sanyo Shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura. Sanyo Shinkansen is owned by JR West. But this pass is managed by JR Kyushu. So even though this section is in Kyushu, it is not covered by JR Kyushu Rail Pass.

I show you all adult prices and compare among these passes.

If you arrive/depart in Fukuoka and travel in Kyushu only, your choice is Kyushu Rail Pass obviously. However if you trip to somewhere outside of Kyushu, you need to consider about JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass. For example, if you want to go to Hiroshima from Hakata, round trip fare by Shinkansen is 17,400 yen. Please look at the difference. The biggest difference is 15,000 yen between Northern Kyushu Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu 5 days and Norther Kyushu Area Pass 3 days. This biggest difference is still smaller than single fare. If you trip from Hakata to farther than Hiroshima, Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass is the right choice.

Compare JR Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass and JR Sanyo Area Pass

Sanyo Area Pass cover only Kansai airport-Osaka-Okayama-Hiroshima-Hakata only. If you go to Hakata, Hiroshima or Miyajima from Osaka or Kansai airport only, this pass is the right choice. But if you want to have even small trip in Kyushu or Shikoku, Sanyo Area Pass is not your choice anymore. Look at the price difference between Sanyo Areal Pass 4 days (20,000 yen) and Sanyo Shikoku Kyushu Rail Pass Northern Kyushu 5 days (22,000 yen). It is only 2,000 yen.

If you have a small trip to Takamatsu in Kyushu from Okayama in Sanyo area, just round trip basic fare (by local train) is 2,940 yen. This small trip makes you get your money worth. We have same situation in Kyushu too. If you have a trip to Nagasaki from Hakata, just round trip basic fare (by local train) is 5,460 yen. You don’t need to think about the combination of Sanyo Area Pass and single ticket. Sanyo Area Pass do not have a great deal.

Conclusion

As I mentioned to you, this pass is useless for sightseeing in Kansai, like Kyoto and Nara. However, if you think about trip to Kyushu or/and Shikoku from Osaka, this pass can be your choice. I think JR lines is the best way to explore in Kyoto and Nara. Please see the details about the rail pass in Kansai at “How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area”.

If you travel in both Kansai area and Kyushu/Shikoku, you can travel to Kyushu and/or Shikoku at the first part of your itinerary. Because you can use this pass for the trip from Kansai airport to Osaka area. If you still have a time after arrival, you can go Hiroshima, Hakata, somewhere in Kyushu or Shikoku. You can save your days of the pass. After you finish your travel in Kyushu and/or Shikoku, stay in Osaka or Kyoto or somewhere in Kansai and enjoy your trip there by other Kansai rail passes.

When you think about the combination of Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Area Pass and other Kansai Rail Passes, don’t forget that Japan Rail Pass 7 days is 28,300 yen. Your total cost (Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Area Pass and other Kansai Rail Passes) may be higher than 28,300 yen. However, even if your total cost is higher than Japan Rail Pass 7 days, Japan Rail Pass may not be your right choice. Because you may spend your budget for some transfer that is not covered by Japan Rail Pass, such as Kyoto subway and bus services. Please read my post, “Japan Rail Pass is the best way to explore Kyoto? How to use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto“.

Of course, Kansai Airport Express Haruka is covered by this rail pass

Now JR West seem to try expanding the market. Kansai WIDE Area Pass have been released on April 10, 2012. This pass is quite different from other Kansai area passes, like JR West Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass. Because this is the first ever rail pass that include both Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Himeji) and outside of Kansai area, such as Kinosaki, Shirahama, Shingu, Okayama and Kurashiki.

Let’s see the details of this pass and make sure the difference from other passes.

Area

Kansai WIDE Area Pass cover not only Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Kansai airport, Nara and Himeji. It includes some attractive spots outside of Kansai area. I would like to introduce some popular spots. Please refer the map at Kansai WIDE Area Pass official page.

Limited Express Kounotori and Kinosaki are operated by the newest 287 seires. (C) Jonathan Ayre

• Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) – One of popular hot springs resort in norther Hyogo Pref. It can be accessed by limited express Kounotori from Osaka and limited express Kinosaki from Kyoto.
• Amanohashidate (天橋立) – It is connected directly with Kyoto by limited express Hashidate. You need to pay some extra because this train goes through Non JR line. But even Japan Rail Pass do not cover it either. Please see the details about extra at limited express Hashidate.
• Shirahama (白浜) – This popular hot springs area is located in Kii peninsula. It can be accessed by limited express Kuroshio from Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Tennoji.
• Shingu (新宮) – This town is located at the south end of Kii peninsula. It is the gate town of UNESCO World Hertage Site, “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. This can be accessed by limited express Kuroshio from Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Tennoji too.
• Okayama (岡山) – This city is located in Chugoku region and have one of three best landscape garden, Kourakuen Garden. It can be accessed by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka in one hour.
• Kurashiki (倉敷) – It is 15 minutes away from Okayama by local train. The preserved “Canal Area” is quite popular. There is Shin-Kurashiki station on Sanyo Shinkanse. But this station is not located in Kurashiki area. And Sanyo Shinkansenn between Okayama and Shin-Kurashiki is not covered by Kansai WIDE Area Pass either. Get on local train from Okayama when you get there.

I recommend you to stay, but you can go to all above spots in one day. If you are looking for ideas to go somewhere other than Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara and Himeji, this pass can give you something different.

Hotels in Kurashiki
Hotels in Okayama
Hotels in Shirahama

Valid period

This pass was started to sell on April 10, 2012. Now you can purchase and use this pass in all year round.

Valid trains

Please take a look at the map at Kansai WIDE Area Pass official page one more time. You can take all local, rapid trains and Non Reserved seat on the following express trains.

• Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin Osaka-Okayama only)
• Limited Express Haruka (Kansai airport-Shin Osaka/Kyoto)
• Limited Express Kuroshio (Kyoto/Shin Osaka-Shirahama/Shingu)
• Limited Express Kounotori (Shin Osaka/Osaka-Kinosaki Onsen)
• Limited Express Kinosaki (Kyoto-Kinosaki Onsen)
• Limited Express Hamakaze (Osaka-Kinosaki Onsen)
  This express trains goes to Tottori. But this is outside of the area where is covered.
• Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka-Tsuruga)
  This express trains goes to Kanazawa and Toyama. But these areas are outside of the area where is covered.
• Limited Express Hashidate (Kyoto-Fukuchiyama)
  This express trains goes to Amanohashidate. But this is outside of the area where is covered. And this train is not mentioned on the official page. But technically you can take this train between Kyoto and Fukuchiyama with no charge.
• Limited Express Super Hakuto (Kyoto-Kamigori)
  This express trains goes to Kurayoshi. But these areas are outside of the area where is covered. And this train is not mentioned on the official page. But technically you can take this train between Kyoto and Kamigori with no charge. However you can take Sanyo Shinkansen by this pass. Aioi staiton on Sanyo Shinkansen is two stations away from Kamigori. Shinkansen is much faster than this train, Super Hakuto.
• Limited Express Wide View Hida (Osaka-Maibara)
  This express trains goes to Takayama. But this is obviously outside of the area where is covered. And this train is not mentioned on the official page. But technically you can take this train between Osaka and Maibara with no charge. However there is only one round trip a day. It is not much useful.

Price

It is sold at 7,000 yen for 4 consecutive days. Child (6-11 years) is half price, 3,500 yen. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.

ex) If you start to use this pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 4.

This is very attractive price. Please see the following regular fare standards:

• One way trip from Kansai Airport to Shin Osaka by Limited Express Haruka — 2,470 yen
• One way trip from Kansai Airport to Kyoto by Limited Express Haruka — 2,980 yen
• Round trip between Shin Osaka and Himeji by Shinkansen — 6,260 yen
• Round trip between Shin Osaka and Okayama by Shinkansen — 10,700 yen
• Round trip between Osaka and Kinosaki Onsen by Limited Express Kounotori — 9,880 yen
• Round trip between Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen by Limited Express Kinosaki — 8,400 yen
• Round trip between Shin Osaka and Shirahama by Limited Express Kuroshio — 9,880 yen
• Round trip between Shin Osaka and Shingu by Limited Express Kuroshio — 13,000 yen

If you use Haruka from Kansai airport to Shin Osaka and have a round trip to Himeji, you get your money worth. I have never been impressed by JR West’s rail pass before. But this is such a great deal!!!

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and other passes

I have already written about JR West Rail Pass – Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass (Surutto Kansai Pass). Please refer my post, How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area.

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and Kansai Area Pass

You can choose 1 to 4 days from Kansai Area Pass. Please refer the official site. The prices are 2000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 6,000 yen. Kansai Area Pass cover only Kansai area and do not allow you to take any express trains except Airport Express Train Haruka. I recommend you to use 1 days pass for transfer from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka/Kyoto. As you saw the regular fare above, 1 day pass rate 2,000 yen is cheaper than one way trip to Shin-Osaka from Kansai airport.
If you compare both 4 days passes, the price is only 1,000 yen difference. Kansai WIDE Area Pass include more places and more trains. I cannot find any reason to choose Kansai Area Pass 4 days.
Even if you stay and travel in Kansai area only, Kansai Area Pass in not right choice. Kansai Thru Pass is better choice.

Compare Kansai WIDE Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass

As I mentioned on my post, How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area, Kansai Thru Pass is the best rail pass for sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. Because this pass includes Kyoto municipal transportation (subway and bus) and Osaka municipal transportation (subway and bus). This is a huge asset to explore in Kyoto and Osaka. Especially you cannot go to any popular spots without subway and bus services in Kyoto. All JR rail passes, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Area Pass, even Japan Rail Pass, do not cover any subway and city bus services. Kansai Thru Pass cover all major private rail lines too. In Kansai area, there are many private rail lines. When you go to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka, private lines, Hankyu (Umeda-Kawaramachi), Keihan (Yodoyabashi/Kyobashi-Shijo/Sanjo), Kintetsu (Namba/Tsuruhashi-Nara, Kyoto-Nara) are more convenient.

Conclusion

So if you are sure that you stay and travel in Kansai area only, I don’t recommend you to use Kansai WIDE Area Pass. But if you are interested in the area other than Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara and Himeji, this pass may be suitable for you. Kansai Thru Pass is a good rail pass. But this pass never cover the area other than Kansai area, such as Kinosaki, Okayama and Shirahama.

If you stay in Kansai area for 3 days or less, you should stay in Kansai area only and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. But if you stay for 4 days or more, you can enjoy both Kansai are and outside of Kansai.

ex) If you stay in Osaka for 5 nights,
Day 1 Kansai airpot – Shin Osaka (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 2 Day trip to Shirahama (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 3 Day trip to Kurashiki (Kansai WIDE Area Pass)
Day 4 Day trip to Kyoto (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 Day trip to Nara (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 6 Osaka – Kansai airport (Kansai Thru Pass)

Even though you use Kansai WIDE Area Pass for 3 days, you get your money worth.

I hope this pass encourages you to explore outside of Kansai area. I love Kinosaki and Kurashiki. If you have an extra time, I strongly recommend you to go there!

No worry about airport access trains. But most of trains do not have this space. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

I have received the question about luggage very often. I understand that you worry about the luggage when you travel by trains. However I do not have any experience about managing a big luggage, such as hard shell suitcase, large backpack, on board. Because I am from Japan. I have my family member and many friends there. I am a domestic traveller with a small bag.

When I was thinking about this issue, one of my frequent reader, Mr. Jonathan Ayre offered me to share his experience and sent me very detailed information. As probably you know, since he has been to Japan many times and has been to most of places in Japan, he is very knowledgeable.

I would like to share this information with you. And I would like to thank you, Jonathan for your effort.

Takeshi wrote:
All trains in Japan do not have any baggage cars either. So you don’t need to check in and you cannot if you want. You need to carry your luggage into the cabin space. The rules of Japan Railways says, “You can carry two pieces of baggage. The total length of height, width and depth must be under 250cm and the weight must be under 30kg per baggage.” But no one check your baggage before on board. This rule is actually not very strict. Even most of Japanese do not know this rule. Even though you are allowed these big baggage into the cabin, you may not be able to find the space.

Takeshi wrote:
Ltd Exp Nichirin (787 series): When I got on Limited Express Nichirin in Kyushu, I found a luggage space. This train set 787 series is used for most of Kyushu trains except Sonic. I don’t think all 787 series have this space. But if you take this type train set, you may be able to find it. Please see the image gallery on my facebook page.
Ltd Exp Hokutosei (B solo compartment): This is a basic single compartment. It is very tiny. But it can accommodate a suitcase. Please see the image gallery on my facebook page.
Exp Hamanasu (Carpet car): It is very challenging. If you have a backpack, you can keep your baggage on your space. But if you have a suitcase, it is very hard to keep it on your space. the width is only 70cm. There is no extra space. Please refer the image gallery on my facebook page.

Takeshi wrote:
I was in Japan on this past March. I spent 5 minutes to find coin lockers in Tokyo station. But the first one that I found was full. I needed to spend another 5 minutes to find even regular size locker. Most of coin lockers are very popular in major stations, like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto. It’s better to give yourselves a little extra time to find it．

There are mostly four types of lockers in Japan.

• Small: (H)257mm X (W)355mm X (D)575mm or (H)317mm X (W)355mm X (D)575mm
• Medium: (H)550mm X (W)355mm X (D)575mm
• Large: (H)880mm X (W)355mm X (D)575mm
• Extra large: (H)1153mm X (W)355mm X (D)575mm

I put several images of coin lockers. I took these pictures at Otaru station. These are kinds of old type lockers. As Jonathan said above, in Tokyo area, lockers can be paid by Suica (rechargeable smart card). It looks different and a bit complicated to use.

Udo Jingu shrine is located at Nichinan coast. It is very scenic! (C) JP Rail

Udo Jingu shrine (鵜戸神宮) was one of the place where I really loved to go. When I had a trip to Takachiho, I had a time to go there. I use a local bus on the way and get on cruising train Umisachi-Yamasachi on the way back from Udo Jingu shrine.I would like to show you how to access to Udo Jingu shrine by both transportation.

My itinerary and summary of access to Udo Jingu shrine

Udo Jingu can be accessed by local bus only. We can catch this bus at several Japan Railway’s stations, Miyazaki (宮崎), Miyazaki airport (宮崎空港), Aoshima (青島), Aburatsu (油津) and Obi (飫肥). If you use Japan Rail Pass and want to minimize your extra cost, try to catch a bus at Aburatsu. This station is the closest station to Udo Jingu shrine.

When I had a trip to Udo Jingu, I caught a bus at Miyazaki airport. Because I visited Takachiho before this trip. I got on limited express Nichirin from Nobeoka to Miyazaki airport. Most of limited express Nichirin connect to Miyazaki airport. It is easy to transfer from train to bus and the fare is a bit cheaper than getting on at Miyazaki station. And also that is one of the reason why I would fry back to Osaka by the flight. I wanted to check in the baggage before going Udo Jingu.

Anyway my itinerary was the following:

March 18, 2012
08:15 Depart from Takachiho bus center by local bus to Nobeoka (Link to My trip to Takachiho)
09:45 Arrive at Nobeoka station
10:28 Depart from Nobeoka station by limited express Nichirin 3
11:47 Arrive at Miyazaki Airport station
13:07 Depart from Miyazaki Airport by Miyzaki Kotsu local bus to Obi via Udo Jingu and Aburatsu
14:05 Arrive at Udo Jingu iriguchi (iriguchi means “entrance”)
15:20 Depart from Udo Jingu iriguchi by Miyazaki Kotsu local bus to Obi via Aburatsu
15:41 Arrive at Aburatsu station
15:50 Depart from Aburatsu station by limited express Umisachi-Yamasachi
17:11 Arrive at Minami Miyazaki station
17:13 Depart from Minami Miyazaki station by local train
17:18 Arrive at Miyazaki Airport station
I flew back to Itami (Osaka) airport.

I use the bus on the way and the train on the way back. I tell you about both bus and train.

Miyazaki Kotsu Bus (宮崎交通バス)

Common commute bus is used for this route. (C) JP Rail

This is operated by common commute bus. It is not operated by highway motor coach. I think most of you take this bus from Miyazaki station or Miyazaki Airport station. Since this bus service is a commute service, this bus stops at many bus stops and very slow. I recommend you to take this bus from Miyazaki Airport station.

Timetable

As of April, 2012, the timetable are the following:

These above timetable show you only major bus stops. There are more than 30 bus stops between Miyazaki station and Udo Jingu shrine.

Fare

One day pass gives you a good deal! (C) JP Rail

It is 1,470 yen between Miyazaki station and Udo Jingu. It is 570 yen between Udo Jingu and Aburatsu. But forget about this regular fare if you use the bus from Miyazaki station or Miyazaki airport. Because Miyazaki Kotsu sell 1 day unlimited ride pass at 1,800 yen. Even though I travelled from Miyazaki station to Udo Jingu and from Udo Jingu to aburatsu, 1 day pass was still cheaper than regular fare. You can buy this pass at Miyazaki station bus center, Miyazaki airport bus stop, Aburatsu station bus center, Nobeoka station bus center, Takachiho bus center and many more places in Miyazaki.

I made a huge mistake! I got on the bus from Takachiho to Nobeoka station too in same day as trip to Udo Jingu. Both bus from Takachiho to Nobeoka and to Udo Jingu are operated by same company, Miyazaki Kotsu. If I bought this one day pass at Takachiho, I could make a big save. But I forgot to buy a pass before I got on the bus from Takachiho. This pass cannot be bought in the bus. Don’t make a same mistake as me!

This one day pass cover all local bus services in Miyazaki prefecuture that are operated by Miyazaki Kotsu. It does not cover any express bus services and the bus goes to other prefectures. If you will use the train to Aburatsu both way and get on the bus at Aburatsu, the fare will be 1,140 yen for the round trip. Single fare is cheaper than one day pass.

Bus stops

Miyazaki Airport station is located at west end of terminal building. (C) JP Rail

Miyazaki station
First of all, get off Miyazaki station from west exit (西口). Please refer this page of Miyazaki Kotsu website. Look at the map on the top of page. You see “西1″, “西2″, “西3″, “西4″, “A”, “B” and “C” in the map. The bus to Udo Jingu stop at 西3. Take the bus that has route 965 to Aburatsu and Obi (965系統/油津・飫肥行き). If you want to buy one day pass at Miyazaki station bus center, it is located around “B” in above map. It is not complicated. You can find it easily.

Miyazaki airport
If you arrive at Miyazaki Airport station, there is only one exit and it is located at the terminal building. It is small airport and easy to find the location. The bus stop is located at other end of the terminal building. Walk about 50m from the exit of station, you will see a bus stop and small ticket booth. You can buy one day ticket there.

I took this picture when the bus just passed by Michi no Eki Phoenix. (C) JP Rail

Michi no Eki Phoenix
This is not related to Udo Jingu. But this is the best view point of this route. Nichinan Coast is one of the best drive route in Japan. Michi no Eki Phoenix is just located at the center of Nichinan Coast. There are restaurant, souvenir shop and view point. I visited there in cloudy day. You can see the beautiful images in this website.

I regretted that I couldn’t get off the bus there. I should have done the following schedule:

12:12 Depart from Miyazaki Airport by Miyzaki Kotsu local bus to Obi via Udo Jingu and Aburatsu (I could take this bus. But I had a lunch at the airport and took 13:07 departure bus)
12:42 Arrive at Michi no Eki Phoenix and take a lunch there
13:37 Depart from Michi no Eki Phoenix by Miyazaki Kotsu local bus
14:05 Arrive at Udo Jingu iriguchi (iriguchi means “entrance”)

By the way, Michi no Eki (道の駅) means road side station. It is a rest stop. But usually Michi no Eki focus on more local. They sell local products and serve local food. If you have a time, take some rest there and enjoy local taste.

Udo Jingu iriguchi bus stop is one of those bus stops. You cannot see any shrine at bus stop. (C) JP Rail

Udo Jingu iriguchi
This bus stop is located in local residential area. It doesn’t look like the bus stop where is the closet to Udo Jingu. But you will see the white pole sign at the other side of bus stop. And Udo Jingu iriguchi bus stop is located right after short tunnel. You may be able to find this white pole sign right after the bus get off the tunnel at the right hand side. After you get off the bus, please refer these following images.

I spent 1 hour and 15 minutes. I could see everything there.

Aburatsu station

JR Kyushu Nichinan line Aburatsu station (C) JP Rail

This is the easiest bus stop in this route. The bus stop is located just in front of the station. You cannot miss it.
As you saw my schedule above, I had only 9 minutes to transfer to limited express Umisachi-Yamasachi. If the bus arrive on time, it was completely no problem. But the bus was late about 5 minutes. It was very tight. Please be careful if you do this schedule.

Nichinan line and Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

Umisachi-Yamasachi stop at Obi station for 10 minutes. You can buy some local food. at the platform

If you really want to save your extra cost on Japan Rail Pass, you can take a train from Miyazaki to Aburatsu. There is only one round trip of Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi on weekends only. In other days, your choice is only taking local train. Nichinan line is a rustic local line. There are only about 15 round trips between Miyazaki and Aburatsu. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes to access to Aburatsu from Miyazaki. So please check both train schedule and bus schedule from Aburatsu to Udo Jingu.

In my trip, I got on Umisachi-Yamasachi on the way back to Miyazaki from Aburatsu. I heard this is very popular train. So I booked my ticket right after tickets are started to sell. But when I got on, there were lots of empty seats. I think the reason why it was Sunday but not high season.

I was very impressed the atmosphere and service by attendant in this train. I really enjoyed it. But Nichinan line goes through more mountain side than road. I had much better view of Nichinan Coast from the local bus on the way to Udo Jingu. If you expect lots of nice view on this train, you may be disappointed. I still recommend you to get on this train if you have a chance. But don’t expect so many chances to watch the view from this train. If you want more details about this train, please see

Miyazaki Kotsu Sightseeing bus Nichinan-go

Miyazaki Kotsu operate sightseeing bus on the day when Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi is operated. If you don’t use Japan Rail Pass, the fare is 2,800 yen for round trip. You can choose three types of trips, one way rail and one way bus, round trip by rail, and round trip by bus. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take this bus too. But one way fare is 2,000 yen. It is way higher price than round trip ticket.

Timetable

Miyazaki station 09:00 – 12:55 Nango station
Nango station 13:30 – 17:30 Miyazaki station

The bus stops at Aoshima, Horikiri pass, Udo Jingu shrine, old town of Obi and Harbour town Meitsu. There is a Japanese speaking guide on board. You can get on this bus without reservation when the seat is available. Miyazaki Kotsu has online reservation. But it is in Japanese only.

Takachiho Gorge and Manai Falls (C) JP Rail

Takachiho (高千穂) is known as the land of Japanese Mythology (日本神話). There are lots of shrines and places that are related to Mythology. And also Takachiho Gorge is one of the “Must-See” spot in southern Kyushu area.

I visited there in mid March, 2012. I would like to share my experience with you. I hope this will be helpful for your trip to Takachino.

My itinerary and summary of access to Takachiho

View Trip to Takachiho in a larger map

You cannot access to Takachiho by any railway service now. We need to get on the bus. Now we can access to Takachiho from three cities in Kyushu, Kumamoto, Nobeoka and Hakata (博多). We can use Japan Rail Pass to access to those three cities. But Japan Rail Pass do not cover any bus service to Takachiho.

In my trip, I got on Airport shuttle bus from Kumamoto (熊本) station to Kumamoto airport. (We can get on Express bus to Takachiho. But I need to join my mother at the airport. So I took the bus to airport.) And then I got on the express bus to Takachiho. On next day, I got on the commute bus from Takachiho to Nobeoka. My itinerary is the following:

March 17, 2012
08:00 Depart from Kumamoto station bus stop by Airport shuttle bus
08:53 Arrive at Kumamoto airport.
10:04 Depart from Kumamoto airport by Express bus to Nobeoka via Takachiho
12:09 Arrive at Takachiho bus center
I visited Takachiho shrine, Takachiho Gorge, Amanoiwato shrine and Amanoyasukawara.
I watched Kagura in the evening.

March 18, 2012
08:15 Depart from Takachiho bus center by local bus to Nobeoka
09:45 Arrive at Nobeoka station

Takachiho Railway used to operate the passengers train service between Nobeoka (延岡) and Takachiho. But the truck received huge damage by Typhoon in 2005. It could not be recovered due to financial shortage. I saw some old trucks along the road side.

I explain about the details of these bus services.

From Kumamoto station and Kumamoto airport to Nobeoka station via Takachiho

Kumamoto-Nobeoka express bus is operated by regular type coach. (at Takamori Chuo) (C) JP Rail

There are joint express bus service to Nobeoka via Takachiho by Kyushu Sanko bus and Miyazaki Kotsu bus. Since it is very easy to access by Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata and Osaka, the bus from Kumamoto is most popular way to get Takachiho.

They operate only two round tips a day. Once you miss the bus in the morning, you must wait for next bus until late afternoon. They don’t take a reservation. When I got on this bus in mid March, I worried about the seat. But there were a few passengers in the bus. I checked several travel forum. It is very rare that the bus is full in even high season. Most of the motorcoach in Japan have spare seat on the isle. You don’t need to worry about the seat.

The coach do not equip a washroom. The bus stop at Takamori Chuo for 5 to 10 minutes. You can take a break at this stop. But if you take a bus from Kumamoto station, you will not have a chance to go to washroom for 1.5 hour.

Timetable

As of April, 2012, the timetable are the following:

* to Nobeoka via Takachiho — Pick up only / to Kumamot via Takachiho — Drop off only

Rate

*Child rate (6-11 years) is half price of above rate.

How to buy a ticket and pay bus fare in the bus

The zone ticket machine is looks like this. (C) Wakkubox GFDL http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/">CC-BY-SA-3.0</a&gt

You can buy a ticket at the following locations:

• Kumamoto station information center (9:00-16:00)
• Kumamoto kotsu center (6:40-22:00)
• Kumamoto airport (vending machine)
• Takachiho bus center (8:30-17:00)
• Nobeoka station bus center (9:00-17:30)

Otherwise you can pay by cash in the bus. There is a money changer beside driver seat. Exchange the bill and prepare an exact fare before getting off the bus. But 5000 yen bill and 10000 yen bill cannot be changed in the bus. Either purchasing a ticket or paying fare in the bus, fare zone ticket when you get on the bus. The ticket machine is located at the entrance door.

Bus stops

View Kumamoto station bus stops in a larger map

If you take a bus at Kumamoto statin, the bus depart from bus stop #3. Exit from Shirakawaguchi (白川口) exit at Kumamoto station. When you exit the station, you will see JR Kyushu Kumamoto Hotel (light brown colored 10 story building) on your right side. Bus stop #3 is located behind this building. If you want to buy a ticket before ride, you need to go to information center beside bus stop #1. You may see Hotel New Otani on your left side at the Shirakawaguchi exit. Informatiion is located beside this hotel. Don’t expect the building. Information center is a small booth. Both bus stop #1 and #3 (information center) are located within 50m from the Shirakawaguchi exit. Don’t worry. You can’t miss it.

Takachiho bus center. Ticket window and waiting room in the building. (C) JP Rail

If you stay in Kumamoto, you may be able to take a bus at Kumamoto kotsu center (熊本交通センター). The downtown core of Kumamoto is not located at the station. It is near Kumamoto castle. Kumamoto kotsu center is located in the heart of downtown Kumamoto. Your hotel may be closer to Kumamoto kotsu center than Kumamoto station. If you take a bus here, the bus stops at bay #6. Please see the map on the right and make sure locations.

If you take a bus at Kumamoto airport, the bus stop is located near arrival exit. The ticket vending machine is located at outside of domestic terminal building. It is very small machine. If you cannot find it, ask information desk at the airport.

In Takachiho, you will get off the bus at Takachiho bus center first. You can find it when you get on the bus. Takachiho is very well known spot in Kyushu. But it is not spoiled. You will not see many tourist gift shops and restaurants around bus center. You may be perplexed.

If you take a bus at Nobeoka, the bus center is just located in front of the station. It is quite easy because Nobeoka station has only one exit. You can’t miss it!

From Nobeoka station to Takachiho

Local bus to Nobeoka at Takachiho bus center (C) JP Rail

Nobeoka is the closest JR station from Takachiho. But if you access to Takachiho from the places other than Miyazaki, Beppu or Oita, Kumamoto is more convenient because of Shinkansen. Nobeoka is located at the east coast of Kyushu island in Miyazaki Prefecture. It is 4 hours away from Hakata by limited express Sonic and Nichirin. But Kumamoto is only 40 minutes away from Hakata by Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura. So if you will trip to Takachiho and other places along the east coast Kyushu, Nobeoka is the right place to access to Takachiho. But if you want to go just Takachiho, you need to consider about the round trip between Kumamoto and Takachiho.

If you get on the bus at Nobeoka station bus center, there are some more bus on top of express bus services between Nobeoka and Kumamoto. Other than express bus services are operated by common commute bus. This is not a highway motor coach. Some of the bus take by-pass road. Other bus service take an old road. If you take a bus that takes an old route, it takes 30 more minutes.

Timetable

As of April, 2012, the timetable are the following:

* This mark means the bus service that take an old route.
The earliest and latest bus services are not scheduled on Sat, Sun and Holidays.

Fare

One day pass gives you a good deal! (C) JP Rail

It is 1,740 yen between Nobeoka and Takachiho. It is same fare as an express bus service. Please see the above about purchasing ticket and paying fare in the bus. It is same rule as an express bus.
If you have a round trip from Nobeoka to Takachiho, purchase one day unlimited ride pass. The pass gives you unlimited ride on Miyazaki Kotsu local buses at 1,800 yen. It is almost same price as one way fare! Actually I had a trip to Nobeoka from Takachiho and Miyazaki to Udo Jingu on same day. I forgot to buy this pass. This was a huge mistake! You can purchase this pass at Nobeoka station bus center, Takachiho bus center, Miyazaki station bus center and many more places in Miyazaki prefecture.

From Hakata station and Tenjin bus terminal to Takachiho

I have never got on this bus service. This express bus service is operated by both Miyazaki Kotsu and Nishitetsu Bus co. It takes 3 hours 30 minutes. There are four round trips a day. This is operated by highway motor coach that equip a washroom. You must make a reservation when you get on this service. But I could not find any English information in both Nishitetsu website and Miyazaki Kotsu weibsite.

Timetable

As of April 13, 2012, the timetable are the following:

This bus service stops at Tenjin bus terminal too.

Fare

The fare is 3910 yen between Takachiho and Hakata station/Tenjin. This bus service is operated between Hakata and Nobeoka. But we cannot use this bus service for Takachiho-Nobeoka transfer.

Tips in Takachiho

Kagura for the tourist is performed every night at Takachiho shrine. (C) JP Rail

As I mentioned above, Takachiho is not spoiled. I stayed at Hotel Grateful Takachiho. This hotel has nothing special. But this is one of a few western style hotel in Takachiho. It is the newest hotel there. So it is clean and neat.

When you go to Takachiho Gorge, you need to go down the hill for 1.5 km from Takachiho shrine. It is a paved road and takes about 20 minutes. But you need to hike up on the way back. I went there with my mother. She almost gave up. But we went down. Hopefully we could get a cab down there. So if you don’t want to go up the hill on foot, take a taxi from the town. But I strongly recommend you to go this point. This was a breathtaking view. You can enjoy the view from the trail or on the rental boat. There are some souvenir shops and restaurants. This spot is spoiled.

Takachiho Gorge and Takachiho shrine are located in town of Takachiho. But other spots, like Amanoiwato shrine, are a bit away from town of Takachiho. I took a taxi from Takachiho Gorge to Amanoiwato shrine. The fare was 2200 yen.

The hall of Kagura at Takachiho shrine (C) JP Rail

If you stay overnight in Takachiho, you cannot miss Kagura (神楽). It is Shinto native dance. Original Kagura is performed all through the night. But short version Kagura is performed at Takachiho shrine every night. It takes jst one hour from 20:00 and admission is 500 yen per person. This is very interesting and one of popular attraction in Takachiho. But if you see this without any knowledge about Shinto and Japanese Mythology, it might be boring. All performance look same.

If you are not interesting in Kagura, you don’t need to stay in Takachiho and transfer to Kumamoto or Miyazaki. Nobeoka is the closet city from Takachiho. But Nobeoka is one of those small cities in Kyushu. If you don’t want to go to Kumamoto, take a train to Miyazaki from Nobeoka. Miyazaki is one hour away from Nobeoka by limited express Nichirin. This express train is covered by Japan Rail Pass fully. I got on this train after I arrived at Nobeoka. And I visited Udo Jingu shrine and got on the popular train Umisachi-Yamasachi. I would like to write about access to Udo Jingu shrine in next post.

When you travel outside of your country, how do you get internet connection? Late days some of you care about internet connection more than cell phone connection. Yes, I am! No connection, No life for me.

Whenever I’m in Japan, internet connection is the biggest issue for me. I got a connection when I stayed in my parents home or stayed in hotel. But how do we get it when we are travelling? There are many coffee shops, like Starbucks, in Japan. They have a WIFI spot. But these WIFI spots are not for everyone. In north America, anyone can get a connection very easily at coffee shop. But it is different system in Japan. Only customers who have an account with major cellular companies in Japan or registered at major portal site, like Yahoo Japan, can access this WIFI spot. So basically this service is just for domestic customers.

When I travelled Japan in this month, I tried to use WiMAX. I was very satisfied with this connection. As you saw Facebook page, you know I uploaded pictures almost everyday when I was in Japan. That means I got connection most of times when I stayed in Japan. And this is very fast internet connection too. I could use this connection for Skype. I did not have any problem with it.

I used two types of devices. I review for this internet connection.

Data Card / USB stick

I used rental USB stick. I needed to install some application and devices. But it was so easy to install it. When I was travelling Japan, I always carried this device. I could get a connection in most of places and even getting on the trains. I could not get a connection in the tunnel and underground. So it was almost impossible to get a connection in Shinkansen except Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Shin Osaka) because of too many tunnels. But when I was on the train from Sapporo to Otaru, from Kokura to Hakata, and on the bus from Kumamoto station to Kumamoto airport, I got a connection all time.
This device does not need any outlet power. As long as it connects with PC, it can be used. We don’t need to worry about the charge. When I got on the trains that have a power outlet, I always can charge my laptop. This was a good asset for me. Especially most of trains in Japan do not have any power outlet. We must be careful about charging.
If you travel alone and use only laptop, this device is very useful. But if you travel with your friend, using two or more devices, using smart phone or using the device that does not have USB connection, you should think about Mobile router.

E Mobile WiMAX router

I bought this router for my mother. She sometimes enjoy Skype with my daughter. I tried to connect from three devices, my windows laptop, Android phone and Android tablet at same time. I didn’t have any problem. I carried this and used at 12th floor of Osaka station building. It was no problem at all.

This is very handy too. It is almost same size of iPhone. But we need to charge. The maker says the battery life is 4.5 hours. So I estimate it would be less than 4 hours.

How to rent these devices

You can rent at Narita airport, Haneda airport, Chubu airport, Kansai airport and New Chitose airport.
Softbank Global Rental
Narita airport facilities and services guide

Hamanasu just arrived at Aomori station (C) JP Rail.com

In my site, JPRail.com, the post that is written about Overnight Express Hamanasu is very popular. I got on Carpet car of Hamanasu on March 19, 2012 from Aomori to Sapporo. I would like to share this experience with you. And I tell you what I did before I got on the train.

How did I reserve this train?

As probably you know, Hamanasu Carpet car is so popular and it is very hard to reserve. So I decided to make a call to JR West Odekake net on one month prior to departure date. JR start to sell at 10:00am on the day of one month prior to departure date. But I could not make a call at 10:00 am sharp. I made it around 11:00 am in Japan time. All upper spaces had already gone. I could get lower section #9. Even though Japan Rail Pass cover fully Hamanasu Carpet, JR West still charge express surcharge. JR West do not take any Japan Rail Pass reservation. If you use JR West Odekake net, you need to pay express surcharge anyway. Japan Rail Pass cover only basic fare.
So I recognized how popular Hamanasu Carpet car was. The possibility to reserve Hamanasu Carpet after arriving Japan would be almost 0%.

I arrived Aomori by Super Hakucho. It was heavy snow storm!

Eat and shower before getting on Hamanasu from Aomori

I arrived at Aomori station at 19:51 from Shin Aomori by Super Hakucho. I have almost 3 hours to eat and rest before getting on Hamanasu. As you know, Hamanasu does not have any shower and dining facilities. There is only soft drinks vending machine. If you want to take a shower, eat something or purchasing something to eat and drink, you need to prepare before boarding. I show you what I did in Aomori before boarding.

View Around Aomori station in a larger map

Aomori Machinaka Onsen (青森まちなか温泉=Aomori downtown hot springs)

Aomori machinaka onsen is 10 minutes away from Aomori station. (C) JP Rail.com

I was going to get in another overnight train Hokutosei on next day. Hokutosei have a shower room. But I was afraid that I was not able to take a shower because the space is very limited. So I wanted to take a shower before getting on Hamanasu just in case. I found this facility, Aomori Machinaka Onsen. This is a public hot springs that is located in downtown Aomori. This facility does not have any information fro foreign travellers. It is 100% Japanese circumstance. I cannot recommend everybody to use this facility. However this is very convenient and you can enjoy shower and hot tub at very reasonable price. So I tell you how to use this facility.

1) When you go in the building, you will see the locker for your shoes. Take of your shoes and put it in this locker. Put 100 yen into the locker and lock it. When you open the locker, your 100 yen is refunded.
2) You see the reception desk ahead. The rate is 420 yen for adult and 150 yen for 6 year to 11 years. You can rent bath towel and facial towel at 200 yen. They also have Towels, disposable shaver and toothbrush at 350 yen. You can pay here. If you rent it, they take your shoes locker key. When you return the towels, you will receive your locker key.
3) Go to second floor. On the second floor, to the left for male (男湯) and to the right for female (女湯).
4) Go in the locker room. You can use the locker at 100 yen. This is same as shoes locker. Put 100 yen into the locker and lock it. 100 yen will be refunded when you open.
5) Enjoy hot springs and try to communicate to Aomori local people! This is Japanese style. Don’t wear a bathing suit!

Deep fried chicken is my most favorite food!

If you want see the image, check their images gallery.

This hot springs facility have very casual Japanese restaurant, “Furukawa-tei (ふる河亭)”. Hamanasu departs from Aomori station at 22:40. So I decided to eat dinner here. I ate deep fried chicken dinner (Chicken, veg, miso soup and rice) at 650 yen and paid another 300 yen for small glass of draft beer. They don’t have any English menu. But if you try to eat here, you need to buy a ticket at the vending machine.

FamilyMart is one of major franchise convenience stores in Japan.

FamilyMart (Convenience store ) in front of Aomori station

We need to buy something eat before getting on Hamanasu. This train do not have any dining car and on board sales. There are a few soft drink vending machine. The train arrive Sapporo at 6:07. But the train might be late. So I recommend you to buy something to eat for breakfast.
There is FamilyMart in front of Aomori station. It is very easy to access from the station. And they open 24/7.

Lovina (station shopping complex)

This is located at Aomori station. This five stories building have about 50 shops. But most of shops open until 20:00. If you arrive by 20:00, you can get some food here. There is only one shop that open until 22:00. It is Italian Tomato Cafe Jr. You can eat some light meal, like pasta and pastry. You can see the menu here. It is in Japanese, but there are lots of images and you may be able to guess it.

Gusto

Most of menus are less than 1000 yen.

Leaving from Aomori station by Hamanasu

Type B berth of Hamanasu is same accommodation as other limited express, like Hokutosei.

Aomori station is not a big station. There are 3 platform. But one of three is used for Aoimori Railways. Platform #3-#6 are used for JR trains. It is easy to find the direction. (Station map)

Hamanasu was supposed to come into Aomori station platform #3 around 22:15. But it was late and came around 22:30. If you cannot reserve any reserved seats unfortunately, you must be platform by 22:00 at the latest to get a seat in non reserved seat car. If you get it this train in high season, you need to show up much earlier. When I got on, only Carpet car was sold out. Another reserved seat, Dream Car had lots of empty seat. Some passengers could use one whole block (=4 seats). There were lots of space left in type B berth too. It might be easier to reserve than Carpet and Dream. Japan Rail Pass cover only basic fare if you take type B berth. But if you want to take Hamanasu and secure your space before boarding, consider about this berth. The additional cost is express surcharge 1260 yen + accommodation fee 6300 yen.

Section #9 is my assigned space.

I got on Carpet car. I have got on Nobi Nobi seat of Sunrise Seto before. This is very similar to Carpet car. But this Carpet car is much better than Nobi Nobi seat. Because I could use pillow and blanket. Sunrise’s Nobi Nobi do not have anything. This is a big difference for sleeping. Especially my space had small space underneath stairs. This is very useful to store my carry bag.

I have received some comments about safety for ladies tourist. Because there is no walls among the spaces. There are some spaces just for ladies. But I saw many female passengers at other spaces. When I got on Sunrise Seto, I have seen many young female passengers at Nobi Nobi seat. Of course I cannot guarantee it. But it is much safer than what you think in my opinion.

I tried to wake up until the train went into Seikan tunnel. But I was to tired to keep my eyes open. zzzzz

Arriving at Sapporo station

Hamanasu at Sapporo station

When Hamanasu was reaching Tomakomai, the train stopped. The conductor said the freight train ahead of Hamanasu had a problem. He did not know what kind of problem it was. After 5 minutes, he said the freight train hit a deer. It takes sometime to recover. As a result, Hamanasu was late for 84 minutes! This experience taught me that we must have something to eat!

Power outlet in the mini lobby. It did not work.

Before I arrived at Sapporo, I spent my time in small lobby space. I found the power outlet there. I plugged my laptop in, but it did not work. I have received several comment about a power outlet in Carpet car. I did not check it but Section #17 suppose to have it.

That was very nice train. Especially if you can get Carpet car, you can get very deep sleep. Dream car was good. But Carpet car is much better than Dream car.