JR Pass Green confusion

Hi Asher,

To answer your questions:

1) When you exchange your voucher you can specify an exact start date up to 1 month in the future. This should let you get your seats reserved in good time.

2) The Rail System is a little complex. Luckily there are some good online resources. Hyperdia is one of the better sites, and we have a guide on how to use it for JR Pass holders here. In your case, you will want to take the Bullet train from Hakata (Fukuoka Bullet station) to Tokyo.

Here is a sample itinerary that matches your journey: http://goo.gl/zg83q, with 1 transfer at Osaka. You should make sure you use the "Sakura" bullet train up to Shin-Osaka as they have excellent new Green Car carriages. The train up to Tokyo from Osaka will also have a green car seat. You can discuss this further with the staff when you reserve your tickets.

3) JR Kyushu shinkansen do have green car seats, as you can see here. However, as you will be travelling north, you will travel on the JR-West Sakura and the JR-Central Hikari services up to Tokyo. (each JR zone lines overlap their neighbouring JR zones so that services can be made up and down the country).

Hope this helps and you have a very relaxing journey to Tokyo!

M

Thank you SO MUCH! I can't tell you how much your info has helped put my mind at ease.

Very expertly given advice.

Ummmm..
Just one concern...the OP says s/he is currently in Japan?

You must be in Japan on a Temporary Visitor Status (i.e. tourist visa). If you are residing in Japan, you cannot use a JR Pass. And normally you should buy the exchange order before arriving in Japan. Some late buyers have it sent to them after they've arrived in Japan, but you can't get it within Japan.

Fukuoka is a nice city though with lots to see and do.
There is good info seeing Fukuoka on:

http://www.thejapanfaq.com/fukpic.html

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LcPcmoSg-j4RLa6iC7ayvBAbOn8-028

One of the best places there is the Nanzoin Temple - it is mind blowing and completely FREE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT4VQFmHFyM