How to read JR pass train journey

Hi Meg!

Here are some answers to your questions:

Jan 29 - Kansai Airport at 5pm to Tokyo by JR pass A) is there a luggage locker at Kansai Airport for JR pass holder?

B) I notice there are 2 transfers for route 1 (start at 5pm) ie at Shin Osaka and Shinagawa. 1) Does it mean that i have to get down at the Shin Osaka to board the Shinkasen Hikari train to Shinagawa and at Shinagawa to transfer via JR Yamanote to Shinjuku?

Yes, you will need to change trains to the bullet train at Shin Osaka, and then transfer from the bullet train at shinagawa to the JR lines to Shinjuku.

2) Are these transfers easy to find? are the signboards in English? are the transfers within the same building or I have to go out to outside train station?what should I look out for in order to board the correct train?

These transfers are inside the station, however you will have to change areas between the local JR services and the JR shinkansen bullet train services at each station. At both stations there is english signage and maps. At 5pm they will be busy so be sure to visit the JR ticket counters or information desks for help if you need reassurance.

3)If I get lost, is there a English speaking customer service centre to assist at transfer?

Yes - the JR ticket offices will have english speaking staff and both stations have customer service desks who will be able to help.

4) Do I have to reserve seat for 2 transfers and different train?

You don't have to, but I reccomend reserving your seats at the start of your journey at Kansai Airport. For JR Pass holders, seat reservations are free.

I plan to go to Kawaguchiko on 30Jan. How do I get there using JR pass?

The rail pass will take you from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Otsuki station. From here you will need to use the non-JR Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko. This should cost around ¥2200 return.

On Feb 1, I plan to travel from Kawaguchiko to Kansai Airport,Osaka. 1) How do I use JR pass? is there a JR line from Otsuki - Kansai Airport, Osaka

Yes - from Otsuki you will be able to use the following itinerary.

If I take JR line from Kawaguchiko to Osaka. Which station do I stop ie Osaka or Shin Osaka? Pls advise as I will be >staying in Chisun Inn Umeda Osaka 1-3-25 Edobori,Nishi-ku, Osaka, 552-0002 JP Phone: 81 6 6447 0047 | Fax: 81 6 6447 0895

For this hotel, I recommend you travel to Osaka station. Here are directions from Osaka station to your hotel.

Also, does the above itinery worth me buying the 7Day pass?

Looking at the legs you've mentioned, here are your single ticket costs:

1. Kansai airport > Tokyo: ¥15930, (264mins, 613km)
2. Tokyo > Otsuki: ¥3060, (85mins, 87km)
3. Otsuki > Osaka: ¥16000, (277mins, 604km)
4. Osaka > Kansai airport: ¥2600, (54mins, 57km)

TOTAL: ¥37590 for 4 legs

As a 7 day rail pass is ¥28,300, I can recommend you use a 7 day rail pass for this trip.

Hope this helps!