It's never too early to plan!

[JR 500系]

Guys I have another question. Do you know of any Tokyo hotels that are around US$100-150 or so range, includes breakfast, and a fantastic view of train lines from the hotel window? I know about Tabata METS hotel (where they claim to be the best train viewing hotel around), but they do seem hard to book, and a little off budget without breakfast...  

 

Any other better hotel fitting the description? Definitely needs to be near or walking distance to a JR station not too far away, since most train travels in Tokyo will be done from Tokyo station so being near that is a plus point. I'm currently looking at B Ochanomizu Hotel which is kinda in-between Akihabara and Ochanomizu stations..  

 

Time has come to look into hotels.  :)

Edited December 15, 2014 by JR500 のぞみ

[Eurostar25]

Hi JR500, we recently stayed in the Intercontinental overlooking Shinagawa station. Plenty of activity, only lines obscured were the Shinkansen tracks. Can't quite remember the price but it was at the upper end of your scale once we converted New Zealand dollars to yen and would be the equivalent of USD. Very good buffet breakfast included.

[katoftw]

Close to train station - price goes up.

In Tokyo - price goes up.

Breakfast included - price goes up.

 

I found other than in the B chain of hotels, breakfast was cheaper away from the hotels.  And you've already suggested late starts, so forget paying for breakfast and move straight onto the brunch/lunch menus.  Bento boxes etc will be cheaper than hotel provided breakfasts.  Most bento boxes average about an 1100jpy price.  So judge that versus your hotel breakfast costs.  And multiply by two.  And multiply by days needed.

 

For a hotel - in my original trip thread someone suggested a hotel the overlooked Shinjuku station.  I forget the name, but it should be on the first or second page of posts to find it.  It was southwest of the station.  Sunrise/sunset name or similar.

 

p.s. all my google adverts on website keep showing be great deals on hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, GRRR!!!

Edited December 15, 2014 by katoftw

[railsquid]

For a hotel - in my original trip thread someone suggested a hotel the overlooked Shinjuku station.  I forget the name, but it should be on the first or second page of posts to find it.  It was southwest of the station.  Sunrise/sunset name or similar.

Southern Tower ? Not all rooms overlook the tracks.

[railsquid]

There's also the Royal Oak Gotanda which is right next to the Yamanote Line and Tokyu Ikegami Line. No idea what the views are like.

[JR 500系]

Hi JR500, we recently stayed in the Intercontinental overlooking Shinagawa station. Plenty of activity, only lines obscured were the Shinkansen tracks. Can't quite remember the price but it was at the upper end of your scale once we converted New Zealand dollars to yen and would be the equivalent of USD. Very good buffet breakfast included.

 

Thanks Eurostar! I would reckon the hotel you're referring to is this: http://www.agoda.com/the-strings-by-intercontinental-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?asq=XqlQ7bJ0pUN0G2iz%2fnzAiANTvEcCiFxLnEG593Yl0Kf6EbhnLhQ6Supx6qw5TiDZ4Tmh2HAC6naUxI9eu383sdlBeffRC4MrZZE2Z5RjCwhaRwfaoz3Np3woUcZ%2fjNE%2bolrP5QOEQgdqyouGdCakzvI%2bLkOOGXnV3jAhw%2bn6sgUtHybmDKHjw7FcAzYTZUVMD1%2b%2feElxIup5zDMpggIA6QIjs5MTmZQIfBu9OAPn3ko%3d

 

The Strings by Intercontinental above Shinagawa station. It's nice, but a little too over budget. I did find another here: http://www.agoda.com/shinagawa-prince-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?asq=XqlQ7bJ0pUN0G2iz%2fnzAiANTvEcCiFxLnEG593Yl0Kf6EbhnLhQ6Supx6qw5TiDZ4Tmh2HAC6naUxI9eu383sdlBeffRC4MrZZE2Z5RjCwhaRwfaoz3Np3woUcZ%2fjNE%2bolrP5QOEQgdqyouGdCakzvI%2bLkOOGXnV3jAhw%2bn6sgUtHybmDKHjw7FcAzYTZUVMD1%2b%2feElxIup5zDMpggIA6QIjs5MTmZQIfBu9OAPn3ko%3d

 

Slightly cheaper and still near Shinagawa Station, but no breakfast deal included...

 

 

Thanks katoftw! Makes sense in a way, but for Tokyo, it's 5 days, and we'll be starting from the hotel for every trip. No doubt bentos are cheaper (and sometimes nicer), but the feeling of a hotel's breakfast is just different, in a way, and especially so if the spread is really good! I've been to some hotels whereby the breakfast buffet is fantastic and the feeling of looking forward to breakfast each day is really nice ~

 

However, for other areas, it'll be like 1 or 2 days, and leaving very early each day, so bentos are the way to go. Likewise, maybe because it's in areas outside Tokyo, the hotels tends to include breakfast in the deals and are often much cheaper than the ones in Tokyo.

[railsquid]

The Strings by Intercontinental above Shinagawa station. It's nice, but a little too over budget. I did find another here: http://www.agoda.com/shinagawa-prince-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?asq=XqlQ7bJ0pUN0G2iz%2fnzAiANTvEcCiFxLnEG593Yl0Kf6EbhnLhQ6Supx6qw5TiDZ4Tmh2HAC6naUxI9eu383sdlBeffRC4MrZZE2Z5RjCwhaRwfaoz3Np3woUcZ%2fjNE%2bolrP5QOEQgdqyouGdCakzvI%2bLkOOGXnV3jAhw%2bn6sgUtHybmDKHjw7FcAzYTZUVMD1%2b%2feElxIup5zDMpggIA6QIjs5MTmZQIfBu9OAPn3ko%3d

 

Slightly cheaper and still near Shinagawa Station, but no breakfast deal included...

 

I'm not sure what the view would be like from the Prince Hotel - it's a big complex set back from the street.

 

There's a Tokyu Inn a bit further down the road which is visible from the tracks. But don't expect much from the breakfasts.

Edited December 16, 2014 by railsquid

[JR 500系]

It's time to revisit this since it's like less than 3 months away YES! to be exact, 82 days away! YYYEESSSS.....

 

A question pops into mind again, I was sprawling around the net, trying hard to find a nice Hakone Onsen Resort, near to any of the Hakone Tozan line, providing 2 meals (Dinner and Breakfast) and also providing an en-suite open air onsen bath in your room that will not cost more than SGD$500... It's not too much to ask for, or is it? Can anyone provide some recommendations that suits the above? Thank you very much in advance!

[E6系]

Hello Mr JR500,

 

No, it is not to much to ask.  Setsugetsuka, my favourite onsen, is available for ¥40,000 per night.  But I strongly recommend the Wagyu Beef Shabu-shabu Hot Pot Dinner Plan, which is an extra ¥4000 per night.  Still, it is around your budget.  Also, Japanese room is better than western room ... ;) ... please enjoy.

[JR 500系]

Thank you E6 san! It would seem the Setsugetsuka you recommended is by far the nearest to station-private onsen bath in room-with dinner and breakfast best deal for Hakone! Reviews rank them silver medal too, so for that price i guess it's really worth it! Problem is only one night?  :(  Mrs wouldn't like that.....  Haha ~ 

 

Guys another question, forming up most of my trip now with the Railway Timetable which the recent shinkansen exhibition brought me. I guess it should be really accurate since it's last updated Oct 2014. The thing is, i'm having problems trying to link my Kyushu leg here:

 

1) I'm trying hard to ride on both the 885 and the 883, after hearing the really good ride the 883 Blue sonic provided and the sleek interior of the 885, especially in Green Class.

 

2) Day 14 will be Beppu-Hakata in Blue Sonic 883, Sonic 60. (So that settles the Blue Sonic in Green class).

 

3) Thing is Day 13, Huis Ten Bosch. I'm taking the HTB 3 depart Hakata and arrive HTB, that one is fine. But the return leg i'm trying hard to get to Nagasaki so that i can ride the 885 Kamome. But i cant leave HTB too early as there are night scenes and night lights to see. I cannot connect how to get from HTB to Nagasaki, in time to catch the Kamome from Nagasaki to Hakata (my hotel).

 

4) The latest Kamome 50 leaves Nagasaki for Hakata at 21:30. The Rapid Seaside Liner leaves HTB at 20:15, but arrives Nagasaki at 21:36, which means i missed the last Kamome. The earlier Rapid Seaside Liner leaves HTB at 19:12 and arrive Nagasaki 20:41, but i really don't want to leave HTB that early.... Is there any way i can catch the Kamome from here? The last resort is the Midori 32 which is my initial plan... 

 

5) If point 4 is impossible and we have to chose either the 883 or the 885 to ride on, which one would you prefer and why? Because i can change Sonic 60 from Beppu to Sonic 58, which is serviced by the 885 White Sonic.

 

Your advice is greatly appreciated! 73 more days to go! 

[katoftw]

Both the 885 and 883 go to Beppu. Maybe get off somewere in between and switch trains.

 

Also with your timetable, it will only be valid to March 2015.

 

Or dont try for Nagasaki, aim for Saga, which is where the trains split lines.

Edited January 26, 2015 by katoftw

[Kitayama]

4) Why do you want to go Isahaya - Nagasaki - Isahaya? If you leave HTB at 20.15, you will arrive in Isahaya at 21.06. Kamome 50 leaves at 21.47. 41 minutes between the trains.

[katoftw]

May I suggest you replan your last 3 days. One of the nights there you will get back to your hotel after midnigh, then need to be on a 9am train the next day.

 

Instead of going from Hiroshima to Kumamoto. Just go to Hakata instead.

 

The next day, catch a 8am Tsubame to Kumamoto, arriving @ 845am, then onto the SL Hitoyoshi @ 947am. By the time you arrive at Kagoshima-Chuo off the Hayato no Kaze, it will be 445pm. Enjoy Kagoshima, do the ferris wheel lite up at night, walk the main street, etc. Leave about 7-8pm and get back to Hakata around 9-10pm. OR stay a little longer and sleep the 1h45m return journey.

 

Then you have an extra 30-45mins in the morning and in the evening for the Beppu and HTB days starting from Hakata.

 

3 nights in Hakata means you'll probably qualify for a discounted hotel rate also.

Edited January 26, 2015 by katoftw

[katoftw]

4) Why do you want to go Isahaya - Nagasaki - Isahaya? If you leave HTB at 20.15, you will arrive in Isahaya at 21.06. Kamome 50 leaves at 21.47. 41 minutes between the trains.

If you wannt depart HTB later @ 21:32, and no wait at Ishaya for 41 minutes, then:-

 

21:32 HUIS TEN BOSCH [5 Min] JR SeaSide Liner. 21:37

21:42 HAIKI [45 Min] JR Sasebo Line. 22:27

22:35 HIZENYAMAGUCHI [45 Min] LTD. EXP KAMOME 50. 23:20-HAKATA

[JR 500系]

Both the 885 and 883 go to Beppu. Maybe get off somewere in between and switch trains.

 

 

Hey now I didn't think of that! Good idea! Haha ~  But at the reservation office the staff will probably go 'Uh?" when I ask them to place reservation on a back to back Sonic that goes the same way.... Haha ~

 

Also with your timetable, it will only be valid to March 2015.

 

 

Don't know about this... Please see attached pictures from the Railway Time Table. It seems it was last updated Oct 2014, and it is fully in English... Got it free at the Shinkansen Exhibition, which I think is kinda rare since mostly time tables are published in Japanese? I could only get as updated as Feb 2015 on the Kyushu website...

 

 

4) Why do you want to go Isahaya - Nagasaki - Isahaya? If you leave HTB at 20.15, you will arrive in Isahaya at 21.06. Kamome 50 leaves at 21.47. 41 minutes between the trains.

 

Thank you Kitayama san! I thnk katoftw has found an answer for me...  :)

 

 

May I suggest you replan your last 3 days. One of the nights there you will get back to your hotel after midnigh, then need to be on a 9am train the next day.

 

 

Sorry mate, I think you looked at the older schedule, the one which I uploaded. The newer one now sees Hakata as the base and all trains start/ end there, thanks to your useful advise on using Hakata as base since all my trains start there EXCEPT for the SL Hitoyoshi, which is nice since I can then take the 800 series Tsubame there, which seems to be the only 800 I'll be taking! Wait.... Is there N700 series running as Tsubame service? Now I need to check that!  

 

 

If you wannt depart HTB later @ 21:32, and no wait at Ishaya for 41 minutes, then:-

 

21:32 HUIS TEN BOSCH [5 Min] JR SeaSide Liner. 21:37

21:42 HAIKI [45 Min] JR Sasebo Line. 22:27

22:35 HIZENYAMAGUCHI [45 Min] LTD. EXP KAMOME 50. 23:20-HAKATA

 

Now this is good news! I like this! Thank you!

 

Is there any timing earlier, say leaving HTB at around 21:00, and still be able to connect like that? Just in case the Mrs get bored and wish to return early...

Edited January 27, 2015 by JR500 のぞみ

[E6系]

Hello Mr JR500,

 

Please look at the Kyushu section here: http://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/worthwhile-buying-green-pass.html

 

I agree with the claim that 787系 Green Car seating is the most comfortable in Japan.  Please consider a trip on 787系 in Green Car.

 

Also, suggest you give wife 2 night at Setsugetsuka ... then, how can she refuse your next train order?  Hahaha ... !!!

 

Good luck to you on your holiday !!!

[Kitayama]

Hey now I didn't think of that! Good idea! Haha ~ But at the reservation office the staff will probably go 'Uh?" when I ask them to place reservation on a back to back Sonic that goes the same way.... Haha ~

 

 

Don't know about this... Please see attached pictures from the Railway Time Table. It seems it was last updated Oct 2014, and it is fully in English... Got it free at the Shinkansen Exhibition, which I think is kinda rare since mostly time tables are published in Japanese? I could only get as updated as Feb 2015 on the Kyushu e SL Hitoyoshi, which is nice since I can then take the 800 series Tsubame there, which seems to be the only 800 I'll be taking! Wait.... Is there N700 series running as Tsubame service? Now I need to check that!

。。。

All JR companies do a major time table revision in March every year (as I wrote in Post 68 in this thread on 16 Nov 2014).

The new time tables are NOT published yet (except a preview of Hokuriku Shinkansen).

You have to be prepared for re-planning in case your plan includes trains that are either cancelled or re-scheduled.

All currently published timetables, including Hyperdia, shall only be considered as "best guess".

 

Normally, it is not a problem, but I have quite a few times been forced to change my plans because of the March time table change.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Kitayama

[Kitayama]

Day 13: currently your plan is to ride Hakata - HTB - return late night either via Haiki or Isahaya. In my opinion, you are missing a really beautiful line from Isahaya to HTB. I suggest that you go by Kamome in the morning to Isahaya and than the Sea Side Liner to HTB. Good views along the sea from both trains. In the evening, when the family is tired and it's dark, return the fastest way to Hakata by HTB or Midori.

[Kitayama]

 

Now this is good news! I like this! Thank you!

 

Is there any timing earlier, say leaving HTB at around 21:00, and still be able to connect like that? Just in case the Mrs get bored and wish to return early...

 

You can leave HTB / arrive Hakata: 19.49/21.35; 20.20/22.18, 20.53/22.49, 21.32/23.20  - so roughly two trains per hour.

 

In the morning, you thought about HTB 3 - leaving Hakta 8.34, arriving HTB at 10.14.

I suggested above an alternative route. Now I have checked a good connection for you:

Leaving Hakata 7.54 (just 40 min earlier) with a Shiroi Kamome (885) to Isahaya, quich change for the Sea Side Liner and arrive at HTB at 10.22 - roughly the same time as the HTB 3.  The extra 40 minutes will give you a 885 ride and nice coastal views.

 

All times shown are only valid until March 14. For exact times after March 15, please consult Hyperdia or JR once the new time tables are published in a few weeks time.

[JR 500系]

Hello Mr JR500,

 

Please look at the Kyushu section here: http://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/worthwhile-buying-green-pass.html

 

I agree with the claim that 787系 Green Car seating is the most comfortable in Japan.  Please consider a trip on 787系 in Green Car.

 

Also, suggest you give wife 2 night at Setsugetsuka ... then, how can she refuse your next train order?  Hahaha ... !!!

 

Good luck to you on your holiday !!!

 

Thank you E6 san! Now that is another train I would like to ride on.... The most comfortable green class in JR? Amazing! Now how would I be able to squeeze this train in? I know the 787 serves Kaio, Kamome, Nichirin, Sendai Express etc. services, but it's very difficult for me to try and link one up, unless of course I take a crazy way out by using the Sendai Express on the 787 leaving Kagoshima Chuo at night and then changing to the shinkansen in Sendai... But that would mean arriving REALLY late at night and the next day is the HTB....

 

 

You can leave HTB / arrive Hakata: 19.49/21.35; 20.20/22.18, 20.53/22.49, 21.32/23.20  - so roughly two trains per hour.

 

In the morning, you thought about HTB 3 - leaving Hakta 8.34, arriving HTB at 10.14.

I suggested above an alternative route. Now I have checked a good connection for you:

Leaving Hakata 7.54 (just 40 min earlier) with a Shiroi Kamome (885) to Isahaya, quich change for the Sea Side Liner and arrive at HTB at 10.22 - roughly the same time as the HTB 3.  The extra 40 minutes will give you a 885 ride and nice coastal views.

 

All times shown are only valid until March 14. For exact times after March 15, please consult Hyperdia or JR once the new time tables are published in a few weeks time.

 

Thank you Kitayama san!

 

That's a good idea, let me see how I can plan that in... Also, will be sure to check out the updated time table. Usually when does the updated time table comes up?

[JR 500系]

Some updates while we near the much anticipated holiday!

 

Hotels in Tokyo are booked, at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tamachi Tokyo, set in Tamachi station, 4 stations away from Tokyo and at a reasonable price. No breakfast, but at least it's very near Tamachi station which is really convenient, and there are many eateries around the vicinity so that can be easily settled. Also, free Hi-Speed Wifi will satisfy the Mrs, please looking at the map it seems that the shinkasen track can be seen!  

 

Setsugetsuka onsen hotel is also booked, for 1 night, for a nice feel around Hakone area. Depart from Shinjuku on a VSE 50000 and arrive Hakone-Yumoto, then switch to the Hakone Tozan train to Gora and check in. Then perhaps continue on the whole route around Hakone and back to Hotel to relax and a nice outdoor onsen bath with mountain view!

 

Guys I need some feedbacks. I decided to remove the Omiya museum and Tomix world trip, and would like to go somewhere north so that we can ride on the Hayabusa, but I has to be a day trip so I return to Tokyo.. Any suggestions?

[katoftw]

Hayabusa doesn't stop at Omiya? What about Takasaki? Check out the train yards, etc. Maybe go to Sakamoto Station and visit the Usui Pass Train Park?

[JR 500系]

Hayabusa doesn't stop at Omiya? What about Takasaki? Check out the train yards, etc. Maybe go to Sakamoto Station and visit the Usui Pass Train Park?

 

Thanks katoftw!

 

Yes the Hayabusa does stop at Omiya, but I was thinking of NO train related places of interest this day for the Mrs, hence the change of the Omiya Train museum and Tomix world to somewhere more sight-seeing or interesting...

 

A few places come up to mind:

 

1) Tobu World Square - This is nice and the Mrs. approved of this, but using the JR pass it is not convenient and also more expensive, since you need to pay for the tracks that Tobu owns. Also, not really a huge fan of Tobu so...

 

2) Aomori - This will be good for the Hayabusa ride, but really couldn't find much to see or do there that will really attract the Mrs. Some suggestions are here from JR East site: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/destinations/aomori/course/a_course.html

 

3) Perhaps Akita? But don't know what is of interest (sight seeing) there...

 

4) Perhaps Niigata? Also don't know what is of interest (sight seeing) there...

 

5) Perhaps Shinjo/ Yamagata? Also don't know what is of interest (sight seeing) there...

 

Looking for a nice eastern area as a day trip for sight seeing, should include a Hayabusa ride, and perhaps an E3 or E6 ride back. Thanks for suggestions!

[katoftw]

Matsushima / Sanriku Coastline just off Sendai??? http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5105.html

 

The tomix shop is open until 8pm M-F, and only a 5 minute walk from Omiya. You could probably still do the shop on the way back.

Edited February 18, 2015 by katoftw

[JR 500系]

Thanks katoftw!

 

We just decided, the Omiya Museum will be changed to Gala Yuzawa resort. The Mrs. would love to see Snow resort so it's a 'Let's Go!" That also covers the E4 as the only services that goes to Gala Yuzawa is the Tanigawa services, and often served  by the Max Tanigawa.

 

Return will drop by Omiya for the Tomix World. Then change to the Hayabusa 104 so that we can at least ride on the E5. That's neat ~