Don Katsu 0 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Hi, new here. I was wondering I know there is a direct bullet train going from Tokyo to Yuzawa really quick, but is there any local train that does it much cheaper? I know it will take longer, but... Thank you Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Hi Katsudon! There is a local line. You'd get the Takasaki line from Shinjuku up to Takasaki (in Gunma) and then move over to the Joestsu line which will take you to Echigo Yuzawa. It does take a fair bit longer, I'd guess around 4 hours compared to the less than 1.5 on the bullet. There's also the expressway bus that goes from Ikebukuro that you could get. Link to post Share on other sites
Don Katsu 0 Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 Wow that was super quick!! Thank you, thats just what I wanted to know. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 You're welcome. You planning a few trips? Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 You can get the expressway bus as Muika said, that would drop you at the Yuzawa IC, or you could get a ski package that will take you to the resort and back and the price includes your lift ticket. You can either take the day bus, cheaper and leaves at 7am from Ikebukuro BUT doesn't get you to the resort until 10-ish or you can take the night bus, a little more expensive but gets you there for first lift. Link to post Share on other sites
skidaisuki 0 Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Don - you must have plenty of time on your hands! Having taken local trains home from the mountains once or twice before, I'd say it's more for the sightseeing than money saving that you'd do it (remember that during the season you can get a day return by shink Tokyo-Eichigo Yuzawa, plus lift pass for just over 11,000 yen). Obviously local trains will be cheaper than going by shinkansen, but in my experience the cost saving : time ratio is pretty poor - it also involves changes, as so clearly explained by Muika above. Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Done it 30 years ago cos no bullet then. Kawabata's famous opening line. "Out of the tunnel, and it was snow country..." Was really crowded, too. Would I do it again? No way, They say money can't buy time, but it's the closest you can get. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 I don't think it will be as crowded now, Jynxx. I would agree though...... the time saved and much increased convenience/comfort of the Shink just makes it by far the best choice if you can. Link to post Share on other sites
funky chickenster 0 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I did it once when I was in Tokyo first year. Takes way too long, not enough gain for the cash saved. Take the shink and enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites
Don Katsu 0 Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 Thanks again for the info. I think it was always going to end up being the Shinkansen, but interesting all the same. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 You know you want to! Get on a Max and sit on the upper deck for some nice views. Well before you hit the tunnels anyway Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Indeed - out sit down stairs by the windows to look up people's skirts Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 many Scots ride that train then? Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Only TB. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 haha you betcha....always take the down stairs seat!! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 well if there are a alot of Scots, best not to take the downstairs seats. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Dunno what it is, but "Carry On Up The Kyber" was a bit of a shock. Link to post Share on other sites
A lawyer 0 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I once did the local train route, with a stop off at Minakami / Doai. It was interesting, but not something I would recommend if the reason for going is skiing! Link to post Share on other sites
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