Advise for the first visit to Japan

Another question:

My son was born in April 4, 2008... And we will be in Japan from March 28 till April 9, 2014. Is my son could use the trains and Jr and travelling from Osaka to Japan free or half a price of adult?

Hi there!

I think your kids are going to love this trip!

1.) To get around Osaka/Tokyo, either use the Subway or local JR network, they cover the city very well and you can reach pretty much any place with them. Since you are traveling around so much, consider buying an IC card to make life a little more convenient. They are valid on most kinds of transport.

2.) Fares depend on distance traveled. For local travel (within a city) they are typically between 150-250 yen per ride for adults and half price for children below the age of 12. The price for a ticket between Tokyo - Osaka with the Shinkansen is ¥ 14,250 for adults and also half price for children below 12.

3.) I would say: Don't forget a visit to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, this is one of the must see places in Japan and I am sure your kids will love it. Also while in Osaka make a day trip to Kyoto for a visit to Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari I am sure that your kids will love running along the thousands of Tori gates.

Have a great trip!
Daniel

PS: Your children need to be below the age of 12 when traveling in order to qualify for a child ticket - or be below 12 when the JR Pass is activated.

Dear Daniel-San

Thanks for your reply and suggestions.

I have more questions :)

1. Do I need to have IC card for each member of my family? Or one is enought? What about Suica card?

2. Are children below 5 years can ride local subway and JR network free?

3. Will come for more question if you don't mind

Thanks a lot

Hi Muna,

Here we go:

1.) Everybody needs to have their own Suica card, you buy them at any JR Station where they are valid. Suica is just one of the many IC cards available, you can use Suica but any other IC card will work as well.

2.) Yes, as long as they do not require their own seat, it is expected to take your child on your lap when the train gets busy, so other people can sit.

3.) Give them to me!

Daniel

Thanks for your help.

1. I booked in three hotels in Tokyo and want your opinion in which one will suit us most depending in many factors which are, I have 7 kids we don't want to walk too much, depends in our trips in Tokyo and places that I mentioned above.

Hotels are

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Celestine Hotel
Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka

1. Could you please suggest more places in Tokyo that we could add to our itinary.

Please forgive for asking too many questions.

Hi Again!

Based on location I would go for Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, this is very close to Shinjuku station which makes for a great base to explore Tokyo.

Other places I would certainly add include

Ueno park and the close by Ueno Zoo. Ueno park also offers many interesting places and museums.

Asakusa and the Daimon gate. One of the most famous parts in Tokyo with many small stands and a beautiful pagoda temple.

Your kinds may also like:
A visit to the Pokemon Centre

and maybe a visit to the Sony Building in Ginza which is the showroom for all new Sony products, they have some very cool gadgets.

Have a great time in Japan!
Daniel