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It's more cost effective in Japan to fly from Tokyo to Osaka than to take the Shinkansen too (Shinkansen costs ~140USD, flights 120USD). However flying is a lo
by new299 12y ago
It's more cost effective in Japan to fly from Tokyo to Osaka than to take the Shinkansen too (Shinkansen costs ~140USD, flights 120USD).
However flying is a lot more time consuming and inconvenient. The Shinkansen system integrates well with the regular train/subway system. And of course serves locations without airports.
- minikomi 12y agoIt costs a bit to get to/from the airport too, whereas with shinkansen you have all-you-can-ride JR within the city you arrive at, until you exit the final gate. I'd say there comparable in price.
- new299 12y agoIt depends where you are. In areas not well served by the JR you can end up spending quite a bit on the Metro. But you're right the costs are comparable. However given that, I think convenience is the deciding factor in the Shinkansen's favor.
- mrtron 12y agoI would never even think about flying. Shinkansen from Tokyo-Osaka is a massive step up in convenience and comfort.
- nandemo 12y agoPerhaps Tokyo<->Fukuoka is a better example. Shinkansen is ~250USD while fligths are ~150USD, and Fukuoka's airport is only 15min away from downtown by subway.
- new299 12y agoah interesting. I don't do that route. I do the Tokyo<->Osaka route about once a week and wouldn't even consider flying because of the convenience. Flights too Fukuoka would probably be faster too (Shinkansen would take 5 hours). I can see flights being more convenient there.