Dec 2024 Japan Trip (no Disney)

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I really enjoyed your TR, especially the Kobe info. I am trying to decide between Hiroshima / Miyajami and Kobe as day trips for my adult ds and I.

I bought Shinkansen tickets for our travel from Tokyo --> Osaka. The website said that I need to get the tickets when I'm in Japan using the card that I used to purchase the tickets. Any idea how I'd do this? Are there machines that I can use?

 

[nono]

Hmmm, there may be special pick-up machines or else just go to the office. At first it can be super confusing because the differences between machines can be subtle. My suggestion is to see if you can find a place to stand and kind of take in the whole view of the ticket machines. Sometimes, you can see how they vary (color, etc) and that can clue you in on what machines do which processes.

I'm glad my report was helpful! I really liked how Kobe wasn't overrun with tourists. We are planning to go back and see more next time.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Hmmm, there may be special pick-up machines or else just go to the office. At first it can be super confusing because the differences between machines can be subtle. My suggestion is to see if you can find a place to stand and kind of take in the whole view of the ticket machines. Sometimes, you can see how they vary (color, etc) and that can clue you in on what machines do which processes.

I'm glad my report was helpful! I really liked how Kobe wasn't overrun with tourists. We are planning to go back and see more next time.

I like what you did in Kobe (esp the Maritime Museum) and may decide to visit here over Hiroshima (I've been there before). Will have to discuss with ds and see if he has a preference.

 

[wanderlust7]

I really enjoyed your TR, especially the Kobe info. I am trying to decide between Hiroshima / Miyajami and Kobe as day trips for my adult ds and I.

I bought Shinkansen tickets for our travel from Tokyo --> Osaka. The website said that I need to get the tickets when I'm in Japan using the card that I used to purchase the tickets. Any idea how I'd do this? Are there machines that I can use?

Did you buy direct through smart-ex? We were able to use QR codes to directly tap into the shinkansen gates. Just had to look for the gates that take QR codes.

If you do need to pick up physical tickets, I see instructions for the machines here. I don't find these machines particularly intuitive in general, so the detailed instructions really help or watching a youtube video.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Did you buy direct through smart-ex? We were able to use QR codes to directly tap into the shinkansen gates. Just had to look for the gates that take QR codes.

If you do need to pick up physical tickets, I see instructions for the machines here. I don't find these machines particularly intuitive in general, so the detailed instructions really help or watching a youtube video.

I bought online through JRWest, which I believe is a legitimate channel. But I do have to pickup my tickets. The website said I needed the cc I used to book the tickets and a 4 digit pin, which I set up when purchasing.

 

[wanderlust7]

I bought online through JRWest, which I believe is a legitimate channel. But I do have to pickup my tickets. The website said I needed the cc I used to book the tickets and a 4 digit pin, which I set up when purchasing.

Yes, it's a legitimate channel. But if you're picking up the tickets in Tokyo, then you're picking up a JR West ticket in JR East. You have to find the right machine. This thread might be helpful link.

 

[Jodo98]

Can you please tell me how the weather is in December? Im look for a family trip to go in September
October November or December and weather will dictate it. Is it cold?

i read from someone living in Japan that they think December is the best time to visit.