Thanks for doing this video mate! I’m doing this journey tomorrow and it really helped!

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped - you should have a new train to enjoy tomorrow too!

This is nice! How come I'd never heard of Kukatsu before. I love onsen and I will visit this place for sure. Thanks a lot.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

You should! I have 2 more videos featuring Kusatsu coming up before the end of the year too, so I hope you enjoy them.

Bet you must be a Japanese train fan as well! The last 651 series for limited express before retirement, so i must ride it before it does! Great video and just subscribled to your channel! Thanks for making these lovely videos!

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind words. I think the trains are one of the best things about Japan. Do you have a favourite company or stock? For me, I love Hankyu trains for their colour scheme, but my favourite stock is JR's 223 series. More train content coming soon!

Just been to Kusatsu a couple of weeks ago. Shinkansen to Karuizawa, rental car to Kusatsu. Driving over the singing road by car is one of the most hair-raising experiences of my life. Now, having said that, and with all respect, perhaps it's not fair to say that the Limited Express is faster than the Shinkansen, as it goes to a different place. The Shinkansen does not go there. You could make the same claim about a horse, if you ride from Ichigaya to Yotsuya. BTW, great to see your subscriber list growing, mate! I want to keep seeing your videos.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Glad you had a good time! It's a fair point about the title, but hope you enjoy the next videos.

I feel so lucky to found this KZread. This is exactly what I am planning to go Kusatsu onsen from Ueno station in March for my retirement trip from California. My next place is Kawaguchiko to see Fuji mountain, any suggestion from Kasatsu to Kawaguchiko? Shouls I return to Ueno via same train then catch Express bus from Shinjuku station? How should I transfer from Ueno station to Shinjuku station?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Sounds great! Kusatsu to Kawaguchi is quite a way, so I'd probably go back to Ueno first, yes. Apart from buses, Fujikyu do direct trains from Shinkjuku to Kawaguchi in less than 2.5 hours. Not available on the all country JR pass but possible on the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. Your Kusatsu trip would also be covered. www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokyowidepass.html

@susanhong5011

Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled Thank you so much, I appreciate you.

Super helpful and super informative! I'd like to ask, is the journey the same when going back to Ueno, Tokyo?

@japanunravelled

5 ай бұрын

Yes, it is, although there are limited services, so plan ahead.

Hi! I’m glad to find your videos. I’m thinking of getting the Tokyo wide pass going to Mt Fuji, Nikko and Kusatsu, based in Tokyo. I’m not sure if a day trip to Kusatsu is doable with experiencing the public onsens like Sainokawara and/or Otakinoyu. I can’t find the train schedule for the Limited Express Kusatsu. Thanks.

@japanunravelled

5 ай бұрын

If you check my replies to other comments there's a link to the timetable. I'd recommend staying overnight otherwise you'll feel rushed, and you want to see Kusatsu at night. Have fun!

Thank you for the video, very helpful! Based on Google Maps directions, it seems like this route is the same speed as the Shinkansen once you factor in the bus ride. It is cheaper though, but does that make a difference if you’re using a JR Pass or Tokyo Wide? Also, would the pass or a Suica cover the bus cost? I also see there’s an option to take the Shinkansen to Karuizawa and then another train from there. Do you think it would be worth it on the way back to stop in Karuizawa and explore for a bit?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! The bus ride is covered by the JR Pass. There's a lot to see in Karuizawa, but I don't think you could do both Kusatsu and there in one day.

Great video! Is there a time table for when the express train leaves each day? I'm hoping there is a 2pm or 3pm train due to arriving at tokyo at 1pm.

@japanunravelled

9 ай бұрын

Here: japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/timetable/00004067/00000188?direction=down&date=2023-09-08&next=00006276&move=expressTrain#80a60067

Hello, this is a very helpful video. I love that there are no transfers. I'm going to be staying in Shinjuku. Do we have to get on the limited express from Ueno station? Or is there a station near me where I can get on this rain? I will have a JR Pass and want to maximize its use since the prices will go up.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! According to Navitime you can get on at Akabane too, but you may still find Ueno is the nearest to Shinjuku.

Hi Andrew, I enjoyed watching your video coverage on Kusatsu. Thanks for the comparison of travelling on the Limited Express vs the Shinkansen 😊 I've planned to travel from Ueno to Kusatu on the Limited Express. I seek your advice, as I wish to travel to Hakone after Kusatsu and I couldn't find a better transportation but to travel back to Tokyo and to take the Odakyu Limited Express RomanceCar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone. Am I on the right track or there is a better route from Kusatsu direct to Hakone?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, you basically have to go back to Tokyo to get there. Nothing better as far as I know. Hope you have fun!

@waynelin6630

Жыл бұрын

@japanunravelled Thanks again. Greatly appreciated

Thanks for this! I was planning on getting the jr pass just for the shinkansen since i thought that was the best way to get from tokyo station to kusastu, so I have a lot more options than I thought now. Do you know the total cost of this trip was?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help. The round trip from Ueno costs 12,960 yen which includes the bus. I was using the Tokyo Wide Pass though, which costs only 10,180 yen for 3 days of travel.

Hello! Thanks for the informative video! I am planning a trip to Kusatsu and will take the limited express train from Ueno as recommended. Where can I buy the tickets? I am not getting the JR pass though.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Any ticket office or machine. Not using JR Pass? Consider this great alternative - the trip is fully covered: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokyowidepass.html?src=gnavi

@spongebracket

5 ай бұрын

​@japanunravelled can I just tap my suica card or is it reserved seating

Hello! My plan is to travel from Narita Airport to Ueno Station to Kusatsu Onsen. Do you know if the Tokyo Wide Pass cover (3 days) the limited express and bus to Kusatsu? Planning to go there in the Spring. Thank you!

@japanunravelled

5 ай бұрын

Included with the nationwide Japan Rail Pass but not the Tokyo Wide Pass. The bus is a few hundred yen though, so no worries. Enjoy!

May I ask if there is any earlier departure time from Ueno station to Takasaki as I am planning to go for a day trip there.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

These are your earliest options: japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00004067&goal=%7B%27lat%27%3A36.620853%2C%27lon%27%3A138.59647%2C%27spot%27%3A%2702304-on00296%27%7D&start_name=Ueno&goal_name=Kusatsu%20Onsen&date_time=2022-12-12T13%3A43&search_time_mode=first-operation&japan_rail_pass=true

@liny9759

Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled Thanks so much for your information

Is the JR Kanto Bus covered by the nationwide pass and did you have to do any booking or just board any bus from the station?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the bus is covered by the nationwide pass. Booking isn't required, just get in the line after you get off the train. I was using the Tokyo Wide Pass, so I had to pay separately for the bus. Anyway, have fun!

@Bearinfirefire

Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled thanks!! Before this I still wonder Tokyo wide pass is it cover this train to kusatsu

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

@@Bearinfirefire Definitely covered by Tokyo Wide!

Hi, Great video! Is this train covered by JR rail pass?

@shivangivyas1087

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, additional question, did you use JR rail pass or Tokyo wide pass or both? haha

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it is! And the bus too!

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Tokyo Wide, because I can't use the JR pass since I live here.

Any recommendations on returning to Tokyo from Kusatsu?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Good question! If you're using a JR pass, the last direct limited express back to Ueno is at 1543 on both weekdays and weekends. After that you'll need to take a local train to Takasaki, then change to the Shinkansen. Otherwise, there are direct buses to various places in Tokyo. I didn't get to stay over in Kusatsu, but I think the night time atmosphere would be worth it.

So if I am staying in Shibuya and I am going to Kusatsu Onsen I should first go to Ueno Station and catch this limited express? Google shows a variety of ways and I am all confused. I am very worried as I will be travelling to Kusatsu Onsen at the end of March all by myself - and it's my first time in Japan haha

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Yes - but there are only 2 or 3 of these trains each day (2 on weekdays/ 3 at the weekend japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/timetable/00004067/00000188?direction=down&date=2023-02-26&move=expressTrain&next=00006276&type= ). I think it's the easiest, but taking the shinkansen to Takasaki and then changing to a local train is only slightly more challenging. Give it a try!

@diyanakris

Жыл бұрын

This is helpful! I will be traveling to kusatsu by end of march as well and i have tokyo wide pass 😊

Hi there! are the buses included as long as you've got the JR train ticket?

@japanunravelled

9 ай бұрын

Good question - not included with train tickets. Included with the nationwide Japan Rail Pass and (if I remember correctly) both the JR East passes, but not the Tokyo Wide Pass.

@AndrewLinArchives

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!@@japanunravelled Forgive me for asking another question, but as long as you have the JR train ticket, do you know if you need to schedule the bus ride ahead of time? Thank you again so much!

@japanunravelled

9 ай бұрын

@@AndrewLinArchives No, you don't need to make reservations for a scheduled bus. These are more like city buses - just hop on whenever you want. The buses are all there waiting when the train arrives - look back in the video and you'll see that JR had loads of buses available!

@AndrewLinArchives

9 ай бұрын

Thanks again so much! you've been super helpful!@@japanunravelled

May I ask what is the best way from Sumida-ku to Kusatsu? I planted to stay at Kusatsu for 2 nights. Thank you

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

The train in the video.

@janetcheung25

Жыл бұрын

Your video is very helpful. Thank you. Do you know best ways from Kusatsu to Osaka?

Can you buy tickets at train station the same day ? or do you recommend to buy earlier (1-2 days before the departure day) ? thx

@japanunravelled

7 ай бұрын

You can buy on the day, but last time I looked it was reserved seats only - so book asap.

@SteuveTahiti

7 ай бұрын

Is highway bus confortable too compare to train during 4 hours of travel ? Thx @@japanunravelled

@japanunravelled

7 ай бұрын

Should be OK!

Physical keyboard for a smartphone or a very odd laptop screen?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Neither - it's a smartphone with a physical keyboard.

WHere to find info on the connecting bus? Google map doesnt seem to have any info on it.

@japanunravelled

5 ай бұрын

The timetable will be on the JR bus kanto site, and in the Japan travel (navitime) app.

@ibcyt

5 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled thanks

Is this the fastest route ? How much did you spend total as well

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Not sure! I'll keep track in future videos!

Hi, I'm trying to cover tokyo, mt fuji, kusatsu and karuizawa. How should I travel? Then to Kyoto.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

You can get to all those places by train.

@seabreeze667

Жыл бұрын

@Japan Unravelled how would u plan the travelling route? Tokyo > My Fuji > kusatsu > karuizawa ? From Google map, I couldn't make these places on the way 🤔 coz I hoped to stay at least 2 nights per place.

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

Watch this video and learn a better way of planning: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iIdky8-fkdXYido.html

Hi - can I pay by Suica or Pasmo for the bus to Kusatsu town or by cash?

@japanunravelled

6 ай бұрын

Both cash and IC cards including Suica and Pasmo are accepted.

@japanunravelled

5 ай бұрын

Yes!

Where can you get the train and bus tickets for this route?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

I used the Tokyo Wide Pass which covered the train, the bus was 710 yen extra. Train tickets you can get at any JR office or machine, and you can buy online at ekinet too. Bus you don't need tickets, just pay on the bus.

@LordBagdanoff

Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled can I pay for the bullet train ride by Suica card?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

I don't think so.

@LordBagdanoff

Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled where can I get the Tokyo wide pass?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

You can get it online: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokyowidepass.html?src=gnavi Or at KLOOK (5% off with first booking on app) bit.ly/KLOOK-Tokyo-Wide You can also purchase at stations - more details in the first link above.

Can i ask where i can book this tickets from

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

It's possible at any JR ticket office or machine.

@bee7697

Жыл бұрын

Its not available online? But oh ty so much for the reply

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

@@bee7697 www.eki-net.com

@bee7697

Жыл бұрын

Ty so much

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

@@bee7697 Enjoy!

How much was the ticket to Kusatsu on the limited express?

@japanunravelled

Жыл бұрын

I used the Tokyo Wide Pass, so I don't know. Jorudan will tell you prices though.

Hmmm.. wouldn't it be faster to take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa (1hr 4mins) and then take the bus from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen (1hr 16mins). that is only a total of 2hrs 20mins and that already includes the bus. the route you chose was a total of 2hrs 18mins and it doesn't include the bus travel time.

@japanunravelled

6 ай бұрын

Well yes, but, what's the waiting time for the bus at Karuizawa and how often are they? I think you'd find the times similar overall.