Excluded JR lines, sleeper cars and journey times with JR Pass
Hi, would you be able to confirm the following questions:
What JR lines are excluded from the pass (I was told that you can not travel on JR bullet train)
Using the JR Pass with the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
This question is understandably something that travellers are concerned about - it all just seems to good to be true! Fortunately, the JR Pass is indeed one of those few remaining "great deals" in travel. All lines operated by Japan Rail are available for use with the JR Pass, including the Shinkansen Bullet Train lines. The fly in the ointment is that the JR Pass cannot be used on "Nozomi" class Shinkansen Bullet Trains.
What the heck is a "Nozomi" train?
Nozomi in general does not refer to the actual physical model of train, but rather indicates wheather the Bullet Train is on a "Super Express" schedule which typically only stops at major business centres. In reality, the Nozomi schedule trains are only 10-20 minutes faster than standard schedule Bullet Trains, but for the time conscious workaholic Japanese every second counts !
Does the Japan Rail Pass include sleeping carriages?
Unfortunately, “Sleeper Cars” are not valid with the Japan Rail Pass. You can however, pay an additional charge to cover the cost of the sleeping cabin and the cost of the train journey if you wish to upgrade.
How long is the journey from:
Journey Times:
- Tokyo to Mt.Fuji(Kawaguchiko): 2.5 to 3 hours
- Tokyo to Kyoto: 2hours 40 minutes
- Mt.Fuji(Kawaguchiko) to Kyoto: 5 hours
- Kyoto to Osaka: 30 minutes
- Osaka to Tokyo: 3 hours 15 minutes
Related Pages:
- Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama
- Excluded JR lines, sleeper cars and journey times with JR Pass
- Japan Rail Pass to travel to and from Narita Airport
- About Japan Rail Pass
- About SUMO
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