Korea and Japan railpass

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limas
limas

Hi All

Getting ready for trip to Korea in three weeks.

Question about transport: Obviously aware there is the JRP and that you have to work out what will make best sense for you to get depending on your itinerary and the same applies for Korea. Can anyone tell me more about the Korean/Japan combined pass and how this works? I know you get a trip on the ferry as part of this (which we were going to book separately originally).

My basic itinerary is (but still with some flexibility:

Seoul - 1 night
Busan - 4 nights (I have family here!)
Travel to Japan
Hiroshima - 3 nights
Miyajima - 1 night
Kyoto - 4 nights
Then I have two nights where I am thinking somewhere central (Japanese Alps etc, but some flexibility on this
Tokyo - 3 nights

Additionally if the Korean/Japanese rail pass is not a good idea, does anyone though if we need to book the hydrofoil in advance turn up on the day? Have no idea how to book from the UK (can seem to only book online from Japan in English anyway!). No one seems to know, and my brother who is currently in Korea is struggling to find out!

Thanks in advance!

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chrisj
chrisj

I wouldn't bother with the Korea railpass (the saving is negligible), but definitely get a JR pass BEFORE you enter Japan. Look up the 'Beetle' website for the Busan to Hakata Fukuoka discount on the fast boat.

http://www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english/

Why not stop at Kawaguchiko, Fuji Go Ko, to see Mt Fuji. Or Moto Hakone? I've looked up the Beetle website when I was in Korea, so it's available not only in Japan. Nagoya is an often overlooked city too with lots to see if you seek it out.

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limas
limas

Thanks Chris for tip of Korean railpass.

I've looked at the website but was thrown by the user conditions that the internet ticketless service was only available in Japan:

https://www.jrbeetle.co.jp/SHIPS2e/SP2P/index2.asp

However, I heard someone else say they registered and booked anyway so more confident now!

I originally had Mount Fuji scheduled for these free days, but we read that Mount Fuji 'climbing season' for shall we call ourselves, unseasoned hikers/climbers, was in July/August. But very keen to go if this is feasible!

Thanks again!

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chrisj
chrisj

There is a gondola at Hakone, so no climbing whatsoever: http://www.treklens.com/viewphotos.php?l=3&p=608983

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limas
limas

Excellent, I like that! Thanks!

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