
Autumn and spring are the good season to travel in Japan. In fall season, you may see the fall foliage in most part of Japan. You will be impressed by this amazing scenery.
JR Group operate lots of seasonal trains in the fall season. In this post, I show you many seasonal trains that will run in major tourist spots in October and November.
*The schedule of some trains, such as Resort Shirakami are not available yet. I will update it when it is available.
*Winter seasonal train schedule (December to February) will come up in late October. But you will find all JR Kyushu seasonal trains’ schedules until February, 2019.
JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido area)
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train
This train is operated by “Torokko” (open air type passenger’s car). This is a cruising train that goes through Kushiro marsh. Please refer the detail about this train at Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.
Operation dates
Oct 1-8
Timetable
Train# | Kushiro | Toro |
---|---|---|
#2 | 11:06 | 11:54 |
Train# | Toro | Kushiro |
---|---|---|
#1 | 12:17 | 13:05 |
If you are looking for more information about Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, please see the post, Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.
JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)
Genbi Shinkansen

This newest Shinkansen train is called “The World Fastest Art Gallery”. There are many artwork displayed in the train. This train is operated as train name, “Toki”.
Operation dates
Oct 13.14.20.21.27.28
Nov 3.4.10.11.17.18.23-25
Timetable
Station train# | Echigo Yuzawa | Niigata |
---|---|---|
Toki 451 | 08:24 | 09:14 |
Toki 453 | 12:44 | 13:38 |
Toki 455 | 15:20 | 16:14 |
Station train# | Niigata | Echigo Yuzawa |
---|---|---|
Toki 452 | 11:26 | 12:20 |
Toki 454 | 14:02 | 14:56 |
Toki 456 | 16:42 | 17:36 |
All trains stops at all stations between Echigo-yuzawa and Niigata.
You can find more information about this train at the post, The world fastest art gallery, Genbi Shinkansen.
Rapid DL Banetsu Monogatari, Koyo Banetsu Monogatari, Koyo Halloween Train
This train is originally operated as “SL Banestsu Monogatari”. But steam locomotive was breakdown. It is operated by diesel locomotive and old style carriages between Niitsu and Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Operation dates
Oct 7,8,27,28
Nov 3,4
Timetable
Niitsu 10:05 – Aizu Wakamatsu 13:35
Aizu Wakamatsu 15:25 – Niitsu 18:4Niitsu, Gosen, Sakihana, Mikawa, Tsugawa, Hideya, Nozawa, Yamato, Kitakata and Shiokawa.
*Diesel locomotive train depart later and arrive earlier.
If you need more info about this train, please see the post, Popular Steam Locomotive train, SL Banetsu Monogatari.
Rapid Resort Minori
This train connects Sendai with Shinjo via Naruko Onsen. It is operated by specialized train. You can see some images at JR East Sendai branch site.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8.18-21.25-30
Nov 2-4.9-11.17.18.23-25
Dec 1.2.8.9.15.16.22-24
Jan 12-14.19.20
Feb 2.3.9-11.16.17
Mar 2.3.9.10.16.17.23.24.30.31
Timetable
Sendai 09:13 – 11:00 Naruko Onsen 11:23 – Shinjo 12:26
Shinjo 15:01 – 16:00 Naruko Onsen 16:02 – Sendai 17:39
This train makes a stop at Matsuhima, Kogota, Furukawa, Iwadeyama, Yubikan, Kawatabi-Onsen, Naruko-Gotenyu, Naruko-Onsen, Nakayamadaira-Onsen, Akakura-Onsen, Mogami and Semi-Onsen.
Izu Craile

This is another JR East’s new train. It runs between Odawara and Izu. All seats are Green reserved seat.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8.13.14.20.21.27.28
Nov 3.4.10.11.17.18.23-25
Timetable
Odawara 11:40 – 14:08 Izukyu-Shimoda
Izukyu-Shimoda 15:20 – 17:12 Odawara
You can find more information about this train at the post, Cruising train Izu Creile offers you very comfortable train experience to Izu peninsula from Odawara.
Toreiyu Tsubasa

This is the first ever Shinkansen train that has foot Onsen bath in the car.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8.13.14.20.21.27.28
Nov 3.4.10.11.18.23-25
Timetable
Station | Toreiyu Tsubasa #1 | Station | Toreiyu Tsubasa #2 |
---|---|---|---|
Fukushima | 10:02 | Shinjo | 15:00 |
Yonezawa | 10:36 | Oishida | 15:16 |
Takahata | 10:44 | Murayama | 15:28 |
Akayu | 10:50 | Sakuranbo-Higashine | 15:34 |
Kaminoyama-Onsen | 11:08 | Tendo | 15:40 |
Yamagata | 11:26 | Yamagata | 16:13 |
Tendo | 11:37 | Kaminoyama-Onsen | 16:23 |
Sakuranbo-Higashine | 11:45 | Akayu | 16:45 |
Murayama | 11:50 | Takahata | 16:52 |
Oishida | 12:00 | Yonezawa | 17:07 |
Shinjo | 12:16 | Fukushima1 | 17:41 |
You can find more information about this train at the post, Toreiyu Tsubasa. First ever Shinkansen train that has foot bath.
POKÉMON with YOU train
Simply it is Pokemon theme train as you see google image above. It offers fun and it is very kids friendly train. It runs two locations in Tohoku region.
POKÉMON Train Kesennuma
Oct 6-8.13.14.20.21.27.28
Nov 3.4.10.11.17.18.23-25
Ichinoseki | Kesennuma |
---|---|
11:01 | 12:51 |
Kesennuma | Ichinoseki |
---|---|
14:37 | 16:35 |
POKÉMON Train Miyako
Jul 27-30
Morioka | Miyako |
---|---|
08:51 | 11:16 |
Miyako | Morioka |
---|---|
14:07 | 16:33 |
Shu*Kura
Shu*Kura runs as promoting Niigata local product, especially Japanese Sake (pure rice wine). It is like Sake tasting train. You can enjoy many kinds of Sake on board.
This train runs on several routes in Niigata prefecture. There are three routes in this spring.
Koshino Shu*Kura
Oct 5.19-21
Nov 2-4.23-25.30
Joetsu-Myoko | Tokamachi |
---|---|
10:02 | 12:32 |
Tokamachi | Joetsu-Myoko |
---|---|
14:50 | 18:38 |
Yuzawa Shu*Kura
Oct 12-14
Nov 16-18
Joetsu-Myoko | Echigo-Yuzawa |
---|---|
10:02 | 13:11 |
Echigo-Yuzawa | Joetsu-Myoko |
---|---|
14:45 | 18:38 |
Ryuto Shu*Kura
Oct 26-28
Nov 9-11
Joetsu-Myoko | Niigata |
---|---|
10:02 | 13:06 |
Niigata | Joetsu-Myoko |
---|---|
14:52 | 18:38 |
You can find more information about this train at the post, Enjoy premium Japanese Sake on board. Cruising train Koshino Shu*Kura.
Narita Express #8 and #41

Narita Express runs Narita airport and downtown Tokyo or Yokohama, Ofuna. One round trip of Narita Express extend to run to Kawaguchiko via Shinjuku. You can get Lake Kawaguchi area from/to Narita airport directly by this train. But if you use this train by Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass, the basic fare and limited express train seat fee between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is not covered. Tokyo Wide Pass covers base fare fully but limited express train seat fee between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is required. The seat fee is 400 yen for Ordinary class and 1,000 yen for Green class.
Operation dates
All Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Timetable
Narita Airport Terminal 1 | Narita Airport Terminal 2,3 | Tokyo | Shinjuku | Kawaguchiko |
---|---|---|---|---|
09:15 | 09:19 | 10:21 | 10:47 | 12:43 |
Kawaguchiko | Shinjuku | Tokyo | Narita Airport Terminal 2,3 | Narita Airport Terminal 1 |
---|---|---|---|---|
14:20 | 16:10 | 16:33 | 17:25 | 17:29 |
*Narita Express makes a stop at Shibuya, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Otsuki, Tsuru-Bunkadaigakumae, Fujisan and Fujikyu-Highland.
Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan
This train connects Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) directly. Transfer at Otsuki station is not required. But if you use this train by Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass, the basic fare between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is not covered.
Operation dates
All Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Timetable
Shinjuku | Kawaguchiko |
---|---|
08:14 | 10:26 |
Kawaguchiko | Shinjuku |
---|---|
16:00 | 18:04 |
*Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan makes a stop at Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Takao, Sagamiko, Uenohara, Shiotsu, Otsuki, Tsurushi, Tsuru-Bunkadaigakumae, Mitsutoge, Fujisan and Fujikyu-Highland.
Rapid Resort Shirakami

This train connects Akita with Aomori through Gono line that has one of the greatest scenery. This train is operated by the specialized train or the newest Hybrid train. This train has only reserved seat.
Operation dates and timetable
Station/train# | Akita | Aomori | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 8:20 | 13:29 | Oct 1-31 Nov 1-30 |
5 | 13:53 | 19:40 | Oct 1-31 Nov 1-30 |
Station/train# | Aomori | Akita | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
2 | 8:10 | 13:27 | Oct 1-31 Nov 1-30 |
4 | 13:51 | 18:56 | Oct 1-31 Nov 1-30 |
Station/train# | Akita | Hirosaki | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
3 | 10:51 | 15:49 | Oct 1-21, 24-31 Nov 1-10, 15-18, 21-30 |
Station/train# | Hirosaki | Akita | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
6 | 16:06 | 20:45 | Oct 1-21, 24-31 Nov 1-10, 15-18, 21-30 |
This train makes a stop at Oiwaki, Hachirogata, Moritake, Higashi-Noshiro, Noshiro, Akita-Shirakami, Iwadate, Juniko, WeSpa-Tsubakiyama, Fukaura, Senjojiki, Ajigasawa, Mutsu-Morita, Kizukuri, Goshogawara, Mutsu-Tsuruta, Itayanagi, Kawabe, Hirosaki and Shin-Aomori. If you need more information about this train, please refer Rapid Resort Shirakami.
SL Ginga

This steam locomotive train connects Hanamaki and Kamaishi. The interior is amazing. It display the world of Kenji Miyazawa who is a poet and author of children’s literature.
Operation dates
For Kamaishi
Oct 6,13,20,27
For Hanamaki
Oct 7,14,21
Timetable
Hanamaki | Kamaishi |
---|---|
10:37 | 15:07 |
Kamaishi | Hanamaki |
---|---|
10:55 | 15:20 |
Rapid Kirakira Uetsu

This train connects Niigata and Sakata or Ugo-Honjo on Uetsu line. You can enjoy local foods and beautiful coast scenery of Sea of Japan. It is operated by specialized train “Kirakira Uetsu”. You can see some images at JR East Niigata branch site.
Operation dates
Oct 5.12-14.19-21
Nov 2-4.9-11.16-18.23*.24*.25*.30
Dec 1.2.7-9.14-16.21-24.28-31
Jan 1-6.11-14.19.20.26.27
Feb 2.3.9-11.16.17.23.24
Mar 1-3.8-10.15-17.21*.22*.23*.24*.29-31
Timetable
Niigata 10:11 – 12:51 Sakata
Sakata 16:10 – Niigata 18:31
Departure time at Sakata is 15:00 on Oct 13 and 14.
The following schedule is applied to the train that runs on the *mark dates. This train extends to run to Akita.
Niigata 09:32 – 12:03 Sakata 12:05 – 13:47 Akita
Akita 14:07 – 16:03 Sakata 16:10 – 18:31 Niigata
On Oct 26, 27 and 28, Kira Kira Uetsu will run by a different timetable as follows:
Akita 08:51 – 13:01 Niigata
Niigata 13:59 – 19:12 Akita
HIGH RAIL 1375
This train runs on Oumi line which goes on the highest elevation in all JR lines. You can enjoy mountain fresh air by riding this train.
Operation dates
Oct 5-8.12-14.19-21.26-28
Nov 2-4.9-11.16-18.22-25
Timetable
Kobuchizawa | Komoro |
---|---|
10:30 | 12:31 |
Komoro | Kobuchizawa |
---|---|
14:22 | 16:54 |
Kobuchizawa | Komoro |
---|---|
18:12 | 21:41 |
JR Central (Chubu, Tokai and Hokuriku)
Overnight Rapid Moonlight Nagara
Rapid Nice Holiday Kisoji
This train goes on Chuo line and stop at the station where is near the post towns in Edo period. Any surcharge to take this train is not required. If you want to go to Matsumoto from Nagoya by single ticket, this train gives you the cheapest way to get there.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8
Nov 4,17
Timetable
Nagoya 08:15 – 11:10 Shiojiri
Shiojiri 14:18 – 17:18 Nagoya
*This train stops at Nakatsugawa, Minami-Kiso, Agematsu, Kiso-Fukushima, Yabuhara, Narai, Kiso-Hirasawa.
JR West (Kansai, Hokuriku and Chugoku)
Hanayome Noren

This is new train that will start to run in this fall in Kanazawa. This train takes you to Wakura Onsen in Noto peninsula.
Operation dates
Oct 5-9,12-16,19-21,26-28
Nov 2-4,9-11,16-18,23-25,30
Timetable
Kanazawa | Wakura Onsen | |
---|---|---|
#1 | 10:15 | 11:42 |
#3 | 14:15 | 15:32 |
Wakura Onsen | Kanazawa | |
---|---|---|
#2 | 12:07 | 13:21 |
#4 | 16:30 | 17:54 |
The train makes stops at Nanao and Hakui. All seats are reserved. You cannot take this train without booking.
Belles montagnes et mer
This is new train that will start to run in this fall in Takaoka. This train runs on both Himi line and Johana line.
Operation dates
Himi line (between Takaoka and Himi)
Oct 7,14,21,28
Nov 4,11,18,25
Johana line (between Takaoka and Johana)
Oct 6,13,20,27
Nov 3,10,17,24
Timetable
Shin-Takaoka | Himi | |
---|---|---|
#1 | 10:01 | 10:55 |
#3 | 13:54 | 14:58 |
Himi | Shin-Takaoka/Takaoka | |
---|---|---|
#2 | 11:05 | 12:10 |
#4 | 15:15 | 15:48* |
Train #4 runs between Himi and Takaoka only. It does not go to Shin-Takaoka.
Train makes stops at Takaoka, Fushiki and Amaharashi.
Takaoka | Johana | |
---|---|---|
#51 | 9:38 | 10:22 |
#53 | 13:08 | 13:55 |
Johana | Takaoka | |
---|---|---|
#52 | 10:42 | 11:30 |
#54 | 14:10 | 14:59 |
Train makes stops at Shin-Takaoka, Tonami, Fukuno and Fukumitsu.
Hello Kitty Shinkansen
This is one of scheduled Kodama train that is operated by specialized “Hello Kitty” wrapping fleet.
This train will be introduced in the end of June.
Operation dates
Oct 1-20,25-31
Nov 1,3,5-12,16-25,27-30
Timetable
Hakata | Hiroshima | Okayama | Shin-Osaka | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kodama 730 | 6:40 | 8:13 | 9:57 | 11:13 |
Shin-Osaka | Okayama | Hiroshima | Hakata | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kodama 741 | 11:29/td>
| 12:32 | 13:55 | 15:38 |
This train stops at all stations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata on Sanyo Shinkansen line.
OO (maru maru) no Hanashi
This is the newest train by JR West. This train runs along the coast of Sea of Japan. Please check the images at the following link:
JR West official site
Operation dates
Weekend and holidays until the end of February, 2019 except December 29,30 and January 1.
Timetable
Shin-Shimonoseki 09:59 – 10:08 Shimonoseki 10:21 – 12:18 Nagatoshi 12:22 – 12:57 Higashi-Hagi
Higashi-Hagi 14:13 – 15:31 Nagatoshi 15:33 – 17:39 Shimonoseki 17:43 – 17:50 Shin-Shimonoseki
This train makes a stop at Kawatana-Onsen, Kogushi, Takibe, Kottoi, Hitomaru, Hagi and Senzaki (to Shin-Shimonoseki only).
SL Yamaguchi

Due to Sanyo line closure by heavy rain storm, steam locomotive could not be sent to Yamaguchi line from the base. This train has been suspended. This train will be back on September 29. After this date, this train will run as normal schedule and the original operation days.
This train is operated by C57 type steam locomotive between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. This train has only reserved seat. (Japanese site link)
Operation dates
Sep 29,30
Oct 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-24
Timetable
Shin-Yamaguchi 10:50 – Tsuwano 12:59
Tsuwano 15:45 – Shin-Yamaguchi 17:30
This train makes a stop at Yuda-Onsen, Yamaguchi, Niho, Shinome, Choumonkyo, Jifuku, Nabekura and Tokusa.
JR Shikoku (Shiokoku)
Shiman Torokko train
This train is operated along Shimanto river by open air car. This open air car has just renovated by most popular train designer, Eiji Mitooka.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Timetable
Uwajima 10:29 – Kubokawa 13:16
Kubokawa 14:14 – Uwajima 16:46
*All seats are reserved seats. Reservation required to take this train. Non JR pass travelers must pay 510 yen for reserved seat.
JR Kyushu (Kyushu)
Limited Express Yufuin-no-Mori

It is very popular train that connect Hakata and Yufuin. Currently Kyudai line near Yufuin is damaged and this segment is closed. Yufuin no Mori will run but it will be different route and different timetable until July 13. Kyudai line will be opened on July 14. It will be back to normal on this date.
Station/train# | Hakata | Kurume | Yufuin | Oita | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beppu | |||||
#1 | 09:24 | 09:59 | 11:36 | – | – |
#3 | 10:24 | 10:58 | 12:39 | 13:25 | 13:36 |
#5 | 14:35 | 15:07 | 16:44 | – | – |
Station/train# | Beppu | Oita | Yufuin | Kurume | Hakata |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#2 | – | – | 12:09 | 13:46 | 14:16 |
#4 | 14:41 | 14:59 | 15:50 | 17:31 | 18:06 |
#6 | – | – | 17:08 | 18:47 | 19:18 |
Limited Express Aso Boy!
This train suppose to run between Mt. Aso and Kumamoto by the train that have the panoramic windows at the both end. But due to massive earthquake in last year, this segment is still closed. This train will run between Beppu and Asp.
This train has only reserved seat. Please see the post, Access to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto. Kids friendly train, Limited Express Aso Boy! to get the details about this train.
Operation dates
Oct 1-8,12-14,19-21,26-28
Nov 2-4,9-11,16-18,23-25,30
Dec 1,2,8,9,14-16,21-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,11-14,18-20,25-27
Feb 1-17,22-24
Timetable
Station/train# | Beppu | Oita | Aso |
---|---|---|---|
#92 | 10:05 | 10:29 | 12:16 |
Station/train# | Aso | Oita | Beppu |
---|---|---|---|
#91 | 15:16 | 16:58 | 17:11 |
This train makes a stop at Nakahanda, Miemachi, Ogata, Bungo-Takeda, Bugoogi and Miyaji too.
Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

This train goes through Nichinan coastline. Please see the details at my post.
Operation dates
Oct 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-24,28-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,12-14,19,20,26,27
Feb 2-5,7-12,14-17,23,24
Timetable
Stations | to Nango | to Miyazaki |
---|---|---|
Miyazaki (宮崎) | 10:11 | 17:15 |
Minami-Miyazaki (南宮崎) | 10:17 | 17:10 |
Aoshima (青島) | 10:36 | 16:48 |
Kitago (北郷) | 11:00 | 16:22 |
Obi (飫肥) | 11:12 | 16:00-16:12 |
Aburatsu (油津) | 11:32 | 15:50 |
Nango (南郷) | 11:47 | 15:35 |
This train makes stops at Tayoshi, Kodomo no Kuni amd Nichinan too.
SL Hitoyoshi
This train is connects Kumamoto with Hitoyoshi by steam locomotive and specialized passenger’s cars.
Operation dates
Oct 1,2,4-8,12-14,19-21,26-28
Nov 3,4
Timetable
Station/train# | From Kumamoto to Hitoyoshi | From Hitoyoshi to Kumamoto |
---|---|---|
Kumamoto (熊本) | 09:45 | 17:14 |
Shin-Yatsushiro (新八代) | 10:25 | 16:30 |
Yatsushiro (八代) | 10:30/10:36 | 16:23/16:25 |
Shiraishi (白石) | 11:18/11:23 | 15:22/15:30 |
Isshochi (一勝地) | 11:38/11:48 | 14:57/15:07 |
Hitoyoshi (人吉) | 12:09 | 14:38 |
A Ressha de Iko (A列車で行こう=Take the ‘A’ train)

This train connects Kumamoto with Misumi. Misumi is the gateway station for Amakusa. JR Kyushu add one more trip after March 16.
Operation dates
Oct 1-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6
Only two round trips, #1,#2,#5 and #6 will run on the following dates:
Dec 25-27
In 2019
Jan 4
Timetable
Station/train# | Kumamoto | Uto | Misumi |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | 10:35 | 10:45 | 11:12 |
#3 | 12:23 | 12:36 | 13:03 |
#5 | 14:37 | 14:47 | 15:15 |
Station/train# | Misumi | Uto | Kumamoto |
#2 | 11:20 | 11:46 | 11:57 |
#4 | 13:50 | 14:22 | 14:31 |
#6 | 16:19 | 16:51 | 17:01 |
Limited Express Hayato no Kaze

This train runs between Kagoshima-Chuo and Yoshimatsu. It currently runs as the scheduled train and it runs everyday. However after March 17, this train will runs as the seasonal train. Please see the details at Limited Express Hayato no Kaze.
Operation dates
Oct 1-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-25,27-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,12-14,19,20,26,27
Feb 1-17,23,24
Timetable
Station/train# | Yoshimatsu | Kirishima Onsen | Kareigawa | Kagoshima Chuo |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 11:25 | 11:52 | 12:03 | 12:53 |
#3 | 15:01 | 15:32 | 15:43 | 16:44 |
Station/train# | Kagoshima Chuo | Kareigawa | Kirishima Onsen | Yoshimatsu |
#2 | 09:26 | 10:30 | 10:41 | 11:11 |
#4 | 13:23 | 14:18 | 14:25 | 14:54 |
This train makes stops at Kurino, Osumi-Yokogawa, Hayato and Kagoshima too.
Comments
Hi , I will arrive to Japan in April 23rd will spend 3 days in Tokyo then I want to go to Hokkaido . I decided to stay there maybe 4 to 5 days. The first place is 1,Hokodate, 2,Lake Toya , 3,Otaru and 4,Sapporo then back to Tokyo.
How long does it take from Hokodate to Lake Toya, from Lake Toya to Otaru and from Otaru to Sapporo?
I want to know if rail go to these area and after I arrived is it easy to get the areas by public transit ? Can I use the JR Pass in these cities?
Also from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu do i use the train or bus ?
Can I use the JR Pass inside Sapporo city?
Where can i get the schedule for April and May on the schedule from Tokyo to Hokkaido? Also the schedule in Hokkaido?
If i get the regular JR Pass do i need to reserve seat? From tokyo to Hokkaido do i have to change the train?
thank you
Hi Monica,
You can find the timetable of trains in Hokkaido. You can find the trip time there:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/train/index.html#ip1
You can use JR pass to get these cities. But JR pass covers only train. You cannot use it to take a local bus, an express bus, subway in Sapporo and streetcar in Hakodate and Sapporo.
Please see the links below. You can find the info which you need now:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2017-hokkaido/trip-to-hokkaido-in-2017-winter-part-6-takikawa-to-lake-toya-via-noboribetsu.html
You have to book a seat for Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. You cannot take this train without seat reservation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I’m planning to do a day trip to Kawaguchiko on a Saturday in Oct from Shinjuku Stn. When I searched Hyperdia, it suggested Holiday Rapid Mt Fuji/Yamanashi-Fuji. Are they covered by the Japan Rail Pass? If not, is Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan the only direct train to Kawaguchiko? I also want to confirm that the Kaisoku Fujisan only makes 1 trip per way, correct? For direct train to Kawaguchiko, when/where do I pay for the Otsuki-Kawaguchiko portion of the trip? Which train can I make reservation online in advance? My other option is to take Azusa/Kaiji to Otsuji Stn then the Fujikyu train to Kawaguchiko Stn.
I would appreciate your advice on the best way to get to Kawaguchiko. Thank you.
Hi Bea,
You can take Holiday rapid by JR Pass. But as you think, you have to pay extra for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. You can ask the conductor to pay extra on board. If you cannot meet conductor, you can pay extra when you exit Kawaguchiko station. You can show your JR Pass to the staff and they will tell you how much you have to pay.
You cannot book a seat online. You have to do it at the ticket window after you arrive in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for all your useful information over the years.
The link for the rapid resort Minori has changed.
The new link is:
http://jr-sendai.com/train/minoritrain/
Hi Peter,
Thank you very much for the info.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi. Sharren again. Urgent advise required. Due to semi closure of Kansai airport. We may hav to defer our flight on the 13th Sep to Nagoya instead. Is the shinkansen operating from nagoya airport to osaka? Taking the bullettrain is the fastest n most straightforward way right? As we r travelling with a toddler. Our hotel is near universal studio station.
Hi Sharren,
Sorry for the extra trip between Osaka and Nagoya. Your route is the following:
Nagoya airport (bus or train) Nagoya station
Nagoya (Shinkansen) Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka (local train) Osaka
Osaka (local train) Universal City
Please refer the links below to find more info about Nagoya airport and station.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thankyou takeshi for taking the tym to reply. Also prayers for japan n all those affected by the disaster. Appreciate the info u shared. Cheers
No worries, Sharren.
Chers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling from tokyo to nagano (19 Sept), Kanazawa to Kyoto (25 Sept) and then Kyoto to Tokyo (29 Sept). In addition, i will also take the Narita Express to and from Tokyo on 15 Sept and 29 Sept.
By my calculations, it does not seem worthwhile to buy the JR pass but to buy individual tickets.
Would there be any pass that would be worthwhile such as the JR tokyo wide pass to cover Narita, tokyo travel (will be in tokyo from 15-19 sept) and to Nagano?
Thank you very much.
Hi Roy Tan,
JR pass does not work as you think. You cannot get the worth of it. Regular fare ticket is your choice for Tokyo-Nagano, Kanazawa-Kyoto and Kyoto-Tokyo. Nex round trip ticket is available for Narita-Tokyo round trip by Narita Express.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html?src=pcbp
If you are okay with other transportation between Narita and Tokyo, there are other deals available. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am flying to Nagoya & arrive next morning into Chubu Centrair International. Then I will take a train to Kobe. After 3 days in Kobe, I will take train to Kyoto, spend 3 days there before returning to Nagoya (3 days in Nagoya). Could you advise best rail services for my itinerary? Is it better to buy a 9 days JR pass for my journey or take different rail lines from Nagoya-Kobe-Kyoto-Nagoya? I hear that it is cheaper to buy JR pass outside Japan. I am quite concerned about train costs (e.g. Meitetsu Line) so your advise to save costs will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Tammy,
JR pass is available for 7 days and 14 days. But even 7 days pass (29,100 yen) is too expensive for your trip. You cannot get the worth.
There is no deals available for Nagoya to Kobe. Shinkansen is the best choice to get Kobe but you have to pay a regular fare. Please use hyperdia to get a fare and a timetable:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
When you staying in Kobe, Kyoto and Nagoya, you can use a local deal, such as subway pass, city bus pass. Please see the links below to find the deal:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
You may have Kansai one pass. It does not give you any unlimited ride but it offers you convenience. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For taking train from Kobe to Kyoto, use a regular fare ticket or if you buy Kansai one pass, just use it to take a local train.
For Kyoto to Nagoya, you may use Platt Kodama. It’s cheaper than regular Shinkansen fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Platt Kodama must be purchased at least one day before travelling day. And also this is not available further than Shin-Osaka. Kobe is not in the area of this deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m interested to to take “TOHOKU EMOTION” sometime in November 2018 but I can’t seem to find any information. Any idea about this train schedule for November and whether it’s covered by the JR east pass (Tohoku area)? Thank you.
Hi Kate,
This train is not a regular train. The ticket is available at only JR East travel agent. This train’s ticket is sold as a package tour which include fare and meal on board. JR East Pass and any other pass do not cover this train. You cannot book online. You have to make a call at 03-3843-2001 or talk to the agent in the store.
This is very hard to book actually. I have tried it but still cannot make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com