Wah, like this next year return Nippon

2016 = Hokkaido Shinkansen

Hokkaido must do via flight to save time.

My experience, Tokyo-Shin-Aomori = 3 hr 30 mins
Shin-Aomori-Hakodate = 2 hours
Hakodate-Sapporo = 3 hours

Total = 8 hours plus.

In this case, I took flight between Sapporo and Haneda only need around 1 hr.

I took train way up as I was able to stop and see Sendai, Aomori, Hakodate. Otherwise if you don't have such plan, take flight. My flight that time from CTS (Chitose airport, Sapporo) to Haneda (HND) was around RM 3xx.

This post has been edited by Kampung2005: Apr 14 2015, 11:44 AM

Haven't been to Europe, but will be there in 2 weeks time.

Comparing Europe and Japanese rail, at least from my booking experience is:

- In Japan, if you get JR Rail Pass, there is no need for reservation (except on some Hayabusa services). Whereas in Europe, unless you ride train so often to even consider a rail pass is necessary. That rail pass only confers discount rather than being wholly covered by pass cost.

- Thus, in Europe, it makes more sense to simply get early bird deals than getting a rail pass there.