Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

I'm going to visit Japan for Chuseok in September.  I have 2 questions.

1)  Is it worth getting a rail pass if I'm only going from Osaka to Tokyo, Tokyo to Kyoto? (or even just regular round trip?)


2)  Where in Busan can I get a Japan Rail Pass?  Possibly a place that speaks english? 


Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

i got my chinese visa from a very helpful, sufficient english speaking korean young lady. they sell everything and were quiet during the week. 

it's called hanatour, kyungsung and in the centum city building above pizza hut on the second floor. go up there and walk through the hallway down to the end; it's the last one on the left, just before the restaurant. 

as for whether u need to book it before you go, i went to tokyo last year and it was easy to get around so you can probably just get your ticket when you're there. i did a great day trip to mount fuji with viator- highly recommended!

Re: Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

most people go to kangsan travel in jangsan i think but most places would sell them. most places now have someone working there that speaks english. in 2001 outlet basement the guy speaks english, in centum lotte travel beside the outback the one girl in there speaks english...as for needing one, check on line for rates. they are posted. then decide. there is no buying a 2 day one so perhaps just buying tickets is better but you never know. good luck.

Re: Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

If you are just doing Osaka / Kyoto to Tokyo it's probably cheaper to buy a single fare. If you check out  http://www.hyperdia.com/ you get all the times and prices. A quick check showed that one way from Osaka to Tokyo is about 80 bucks. Wheras the rail pass is going to cost you close to 300.

 But, if you do plan to other journeys around the place then single fares can mount up quickly and the pass may be worthwhile.

If you do decide to buy you can get one easily down at the ferry port from either the Kobee or Beetle office on the second floor. They are all English fluent. Just get off at Jung An station and follow the signs.

By the way if you stay in Kyoto I can highly recommend this ryokan. It's like a hotel, but has the traditionial style rooms with the tatami mats and futons. Great service and friendly staff. And bang in the middle of the town center.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298564-d644517-Reviews-Matsui_H...

http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/matsui.htm

Re: Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

Thank you so much for the helpful info.  I really appreciate it.

Has anyone been to Nara?  I think it's by Kyoto.  Is it easy to get to?  Worth it?

Re: Where to get a Japan Rail Pass in Busan

As mentioned by Mattsid, the agency at the international ferry terminal is where I have gone in the past to pick up the Rail Pass.

A one way ticket from Osaka to Tokyo will cost you around 12,000 to 15,000 yen.  A 7-day rail pass will cost 28,300 yen (and note, you cannot buy the rail pass once you are in Japan).  The rail pass does not include the Nozomi Shinkansen trains, but it does include the Kodama and Hikari.  The rail pass also allows you to ride any other JR trains during the 7-day time period.  This is useful in Tokyo and Osaka, which both have private local JR lines that can get you to destinations quicker than the subway can.

You can also use the rail pass for JR trains running to Nara.  Nara is about 45 minutes away by train from either Kyoto or Osaka (note: leave from Osaka Station, not Shin-Osaka station), and is certainly worth a day trip (I took my mom with me to visit there this spring).  Most of the temple are located in Nara park, and it is quite pleasant to stroll around.  The natural aspect to it makes it a different experience from the temples in Kyoto.

By the way, when in Kyoto it is worth it to look at a one day bus pass for 500 yen.  Buses are more convenient than the subway, and should be fairly quick too since you won't be there in peak season.  Worthwhile sites include Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and the garden at Heian Shrine.  A nice ryokan located in Gion district is Tanaka-ya: http://www.hanakiya.jp/mysite3/index.html

Hope that all helps.