From: cmk0@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (CHRISTOPHER MARK KULP)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: How to get from Osaka Int'l Airport to Shin-Osaka station?
Date: 30 Dec 92 20:23:34 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

In article <1992Dec28.171655.12678@cbnews.cb.att.com>, merchant@cbnews.cb.att.co
m (shahrukh.s.merchant) writes:
>For various reasons, I will be flying into Osaka although I really want
>to get to Tokyo.  I assume the best way to do this is to take the
>Shinkansen to Tokyo station from Shin-Osaka (correct?).  My question
>is what is the best way to get to Shin-Osaka station from Osaka airport.
>
>Information that's a few years old tells me that I should take one of
>the "limousine" buses that do this route.  Is this still the best way?
>Is there now a train station at Osaka airport and, if so, is this a
>good option?  I will have luggage but nothing I cannot carry myself
>over short distances (not in a crowded commuter train, though).
>
>Other related questions:
>
>1. How long will the trip from Osaka airport to Shin-Osaka station take
>   and how frequently do the buses run?
>2. Is there a JR office or travel agency where I can buy Shinkansen
>   tickets at Osaka airport?
>3. I will be arriving at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, 9 Jan.  Will I have any
>   problems getting a seat on the train without an advance reservation?
>   (I have not been able to determine a way to make a train reservation
>   from the US--is there one?)

I can't answer all of your questions, but I worked for almost a year in Osaka
as an engineering intern.  I found out immediately upon my arrival that the
Shinkansen was the only practical way to get from Tokyo to Osaka.  There are
regular shinkansens that stop at some of the major in-between points, and the
direct trains.  There are also regular 'slow' trains available, but that would
take many, many hours.  The shinkansen should take (I don't remember exactly)
about 2 hours or so, and is exactly like a plane, except that there is no
baggage claim - travel light- I made the mistake of taking everything on my
trip and took up three seats, much to everyones dismay.  There are drinks and
light snacks served in the food car, just like amtrack.  The interesting thing
is that, from when I was there, the Shinkansen was the best way to travel.
The airline cost was only ~$10 to ~$20  than the Shinkansen, and my collegues
told me that the tolls for driving were 3/4 the cost of the Shinkansen ticket.

Shuttles are really the best way to travel from the Osaka airport to the
Shin-Osaka Station.  In a pinch the taxi's might do, but you might want to
enlist the aid of someone in finding and communicating to a taxi driver.
Alternatively, there is a train station in Itami (sp?), which is 2 miles
from the Osaka airport.

Something else that may help you out.  The Japanese rail company publishes a
listing of ALL of their schedules every year, and just about every office, and
many homes, have them, right next to the phone book.  A decent international
travel office may have this, but unfortunately it is published in Japanese.
However, the Japan tourism office has a 24 hour help line for english
visitors.  It is staffed by someone who will speak almost enough english to
solve any problem you may have.  I would contact the Japanese embassy and see
if they have the rail scheduling book or the help number.  Between these two
you should be able to get your travel plans straightened out.

Chris Kulp
cmk0@lehigh.edu


Sorry this was so vague, but hope it helps.  Let me know if there is any more
information I can help you with.
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Newsgroups: rec.travel