Travel in Japan: 2022 travel & transport planning.
If you're anything like me, you'll probably be eagerly waiting for Japan to open to tourists without the strict conditions that currently apply (keep an eye on the official embassy websites, NHK, Japan Times and japan-guide.com for up-to-date info).
I'm putting together an itinerary in hope of independently visiting Japan soon and things are a little different than before; there are a few changes that impact travel planning, especially if you intend to travel by train in Japan.
Below are the main points I've come across so far - I haven't added detail because it's changing rapidly and will most likely be different as soon as I post this, but I have added some useful resources at the end to check out. I'll come back and update on other changes if, as and when I experience them.
1) Hyperdia Rail Timetable
No real-time route/timetable search function.
If you've read my other blog posts you'll know that HyperDia is a train timetable tool available in English and is invaluable to searching your rail (and other public transportation) options - routes, times and fares.
HyperDia no longer feeds real-time timetable information. Although you can search routes, the results will only give basic options rather than up-to-date connections, route information and timetables.
There's no information about whether it's a permanent pause or whether it will resume service again once foreign tourists are allowed back into Japan for independent travel - we'll have to wait and see.
Solution:
HyperDia is a good start to see what options and services exist. From here, the detective work starts! Google can be a really useful tool in Japan travel planning and rail journey options can be found using the apps Jorudan or Navitime (both have websites too). Also, it's a good idea to visit the JR or private train line sites to keep up-to-date with their service announcements. As mentioned in another point below, timetable search is now somewhat more accessible on JR sites.
2) Train Luggage Restrictions
Travelling with large luggage on shinkansen now requires reservations.
Travelling on trains around Japan is a wonderful thing. Travelling with luggage on trains on Japan can be less of a wonderful thing! My post Luggage Tips & Practicalities for travelling in Japan highlighted some tips to make your travels less stressful, which still apply to some degree...but there are some major changes when it comes to luggage on shinkansen...
It's been widely known that there is space behind the first/last seats on shinkansen for luggage storage which often resulted in a free-for-all. You'll see this referred to in many blogs, guides and videos. However...
It is now necessary to reserve one of the end seats if you have oversized luggage. The aforementioned space behind those end seats is for use by those passengers only. I believe that on the shinkansen trains without compulsory seat reservation, a reserved seat carriage has been enabled for this reason.
Solution:
Book the seats as soon as you can. Alternatively I highly recommend using luggage forwarding services in Japan with Yamato or Sagawa.
3) JR Pass purchase.
More options to purchase, including online direct from JR.
In addition to purchase via an authorised agent in your country of residence pre-departure or the ability to arrange at some JR outlets within Japan, it appears that it has now been made possible to purchase passes online via the JR Pass official site. Digging deeper, it seems that a small number of major stations have ticket machines with passport validation ability from which passes can be picked up. Due to the lack of tourism since this has been introduced, only time will tell how this system will fare.
4) JR Pass Online seat reservations.
JR Pass seat reservations can be made prior to travel.
If you decide to purchase your JR Pass online via the official JR website, it is now possible to make seat reservations using the same site - useful if you know your itinerary and would like to make sure you have seats secured (especially on the busy lines)
5) JR Online ticket purchases/seat reservations.
Some JR tickets & reservations can be purchased online prior or during travel.
Some of the Japan Rail area english language websites now support searching timetables and purchasing tickets online. If you don't intend to purchase a JR Pass, this can be useful to secure your travel arrangements before arrival (depending on the rules for ticket use) or whilst on the move in Japan.
Resources:
