mag3 wrote:
> Have just returned from Japan after an almost
> 2 week stay. Having just written the
> "airline" trip report on rec.travel.air, I
> have a few other "general" observations and
> questions about the trip as follows.
>
> Arrival in Tokyo - Three words come to mind.
> HAZY-HOT-HUMID!!!!!! ARGGHHH!
>
snip
>
>
> Question 2: Does JR offer "monthly commuter
> tickets" for Japanese Citizens and/or
> residents as they offer the "Japan Rail Pass"
> for tourists etc.? (A "monthly ticket"
> meaning unlimited travel for that month for
> one price.) Some US transit systems (eg. NJ
> Transit) offer such a monthly ticket. You pay
> a different price based on the destination
> but it's unlimited travel during that month
> 24 hrs/day 7 days a week. I guess what I'm
> really trying to do is figure out how much
> the transit system costs the avg. commuter from
> say Shinjuku Sta. to Shinagawa Sta., and/or
> if you could actually get a "monthly ticket"
> for a Shinkansen train (other than Nozomi - I
> doubt you could there).
>
If you are just in Tokyo I found the Suicard or
Suica, I can't remember which, was very useful, it
is a rechargeable smart card, you just keep it in
your wallet and wave it over the turnstile as you
go through, it automatically deducts the fare.
You can load it up with credit at a machine.
I found it useful as I didn't have to shag around
working out the fare and using the complicated
fare machines. Also I love new technology and
coming from New Zealand where we don't use trains
or any other form of public transport, the novelty
value was irresistible !
Not speaking any Japanese - much to my Japanese
wife's disgust - I found it required as little
communication as necessary, and given you have to
contend with the heat and unfamiliar symbols and a
confusing route layout etc., this card made it all
a bit easier.
>
>
>
> __________________________________
>
> Regards, Arnold.
>
> (E-mail address altered, to prevent spamming.
> :-| Remove all asterisks and the *hates*spam*
> to get true address.)
>
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