Memoirs of Beijing

For the October National Holidays, my sister and I decided to visit Japan.  As we will be arriving from two different places (Beijing & San Francisco), we had to individually do the pre-Japan items namely visa, tickets, hotel and JR pass.

On my previous trip to Japan, my friend and I didn’t factor in the cost benefits of getting a JR pass.  All we know at that time, is that it was very expensive.  On my upcoming trip, my sister already planned the whole itinerary thus knowing how much we would need to shell out in case we don’t go for the JR pass.

What is a JR Pass?

The Japan Rail pass is a rail pass sold to overseas visitors and Japanese nationals qualified to live in a foreign country by the Japan Rail Group.   The pass offers unlimited travel on JR group’s extensive train networks, local JR bus companies and JR Miyajima ferries.

The price for each pass differs between time period (7-day, 14-day, 21-day), variety (green/first-class, ordinary) and user (adult or child). 

Prices are quoted in Japanese Yen and the actual cost in local currency is calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued.  The Exchange Order must be purchased prior to your arrival in Japan and will be converted to the Japan Rail Pass on specified counters at the airport or city centers.

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It’s Spring again and Cherry Blossom Festival will soon kick off in Japan. These trees will be in full bloom starting mid-March to mid-May in different locations. Usually once the flowers first bloom, you have between 5 to 12 days to enjoy them before it’s gone.

One of our plans this year is to witness this event and to start it off, we need to apply for a visa to visit Japan. The Japanese Embassy’s visa section in Beijing is located at the 2^nd floor of Silver Tower at East Third Ring North Road. However, starting 1 March 2010, visa application can only be coursed through accredited travel agencies.

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