Tokyo Disneyland
Topic: Why do hardly any visitors from aboard ever visit.

#	Author	Message
81	karlg Tue 8/19/2008 10:51p	Re #80 Thanks for the recommendation. If all things are equal (it may not be an either or choice), I will probably go to Kyoto or Hakone over TDL on my trip in December (any problem getting to Hakone in December?). Does anyone know of something to see near Niigata? Oh. and sorry, but I'm still laughing over the "Disney should produce a travel book" :-).
82	The Goddess Mara Wed 8/20/2008 9:00a	No problem getting to Hakone: you take the Shinkansen. It often snows in Kyoto in the winter.
83	Mr X Wed 8/20/2008 4:28p	Hakone is very quick and easy (you can even get there more cheaply, and still relatively quickly (an hour or so) by regular train...so shinkansen is a luxury not a necessity). And, if you want leisurely but not so cheap, they have special "view liner" trains as well which have gigantic picture windows including a large seating section in the very front of the train (seats 20 or so, I believe, spectacular views to be had from there I think but I've never tried it). So, lots of transportation options for Hakkone. I would recommend the scenic ride down on the viewliner, with a quick and exciting bullet train ride to get back to the city.
84	Mr X Wed 8/20/2008 4:34p	Actually, Tokyo station to Odawara station (the Hakkone transfer point), takes 36 minutes and costs about $40 one way per person. The regular train from same points a and b takes 81 minutes, and costs $15 (keep in mind, it's nice scenery for much of the trip so it's not as much of a drag as it may seem, and obviously is a lot cheaper), on the Tokaido train line. If you're REALLY on a budget, there is another way involving two transfers that is as cheap as $10, but probably not worth it. Unless you are dying to take a bullet train (and one way is enough for the hype I think), or in a big hurry, I'd say the Tokaido line is the way to go. For $5 or so extra, you can also sit in the luxury car (Tokaido line "Green Car")which is very spacious and comfortable.
85	The Goddess Mara Wed 8/20/2008 4:40p	Those are great suggestions, X. I'm always in a hurry and so always take the Bullet Train.
86	Mr X Wed 8/20/2008 5:05p	No problem. I do realize that for most folks visiting from abroad time is at a premium. Obviously in those cases the bullet train is preferrable. But if you don't mind the 45 minute time difference, the savings can certainly add up for a family or whatever (a family of 4 saves about $200 round trip, that's practically a whole day at Disney!). I would highly recommend springing for the extra $5 and getting the green car though. It's still half the price of a bullet train ticket and there are many advantages. First of all, it's double decked so you can sit up high and enjoy the views. The seats are spacious, AND you have plenty of table space to put all your drinks and snacks (a necessity! easy to buy at Tokyo station at any convenience store or on the platform). The trains also have quite a holiday atmosphere as well, so it's pretty nice.
87	Megara Wed 8/20/2008 10:26p	I am from abroad and I go every year.
88	karlg Thu 8/21/2008 7:01a	Thanks for the opinions on Hakone. I got from the web that there were several different price/time options but it helps to get opinions. There is a good chance I will have a railpass and this would affect my cost options. I would probably get a JR Rail rather and a JR EAST Rail (as I remember it Niigata is on JR East, but almost everywere else I would go is not part of JR East. I would probably go the faster way regardless (particularly since the days will be short in December), but I am definitely going to prioritize this over going to TDL again.
89	Mr X Thu 8/21/2008 7:17a	Yeah, if you have the pass taking the shinkansen is a no-brainer.
90	leemac Thu 8/21/2008 8:15a	<<Disney bought out Birnbaum many years ago (about the time Birnbaum died). Birnbaum Guides ARE produced by Disney !>> I believe Steve sold out before he died. The books are produced as Disney Editions but the editor (who I believe is still Jill Safro) is independent - in theory to keep the books from sounding like corporate PR.

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