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AIR: Japan Airlines (JL), All Nippon Airways, Japan Air System and several other airlines maintain an extensive network covering Japan proper and its islands. Tokyo’s domestic airport is Haneda (HND). A monorail service runs from Hamamatsu-cho to Haneda. One international airline, China Airlines, serves Haneda. Other international flights to and from Haneda are made via Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka or Nagoya, Main routes are Tokyo–Sapporo; Tokyo–Fukuoka; Tokyo–Osaka; and Tokyo–Naha. Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines at Tokyo International Airport’s domestic departure counter and at Osaka International Airport. SEA: There are frequent services by high-speed boat, ferry or hydrofoil to Japan’s islands. Popular routes include Tokoyo–Hokkaido (in the north) and Tokyo–Okinawa (in the south). Major sea routes include Awaji Island: Akashi–Iwaya; Shodo Island: Himeji–Fukuda, Okayama–Tonosho and Takamatsu–Tonosho; Shiraishijima and Manabejima Islands: Kasaoka–Shiraishijima–Manabejima; Ikuchijima and Omishama Islands: Mihara–Setoda. Bullet train services travel frequently to ports. RAIL: The Japan Railways Group (JR) runs one of the best rail networks in the world, and is widely used for both business and pleasure. Express and ‘limited express’ trains are best for intercity travel. Very frequent services run on the main routes. Shinkansen, the ‘Bullet Trains’, are the fastest, with compartments for wheelchair passengers, diners and buffet facilities. Supplements are payable on the three classes of express train and in ‘Green’ (first-class) cars of principal trains, for which reservations must be made. Other types of train include Tokkyu (Limited Express), Kyuko (Express), Kaisoku (Rapid Train) and Futsu (Local Train). For short-distance trains, tickets can only be bought at vending machines outside train stations. Discount fares: The Japan Rail Pass, an economical pass for foreign tourists, which must be purchased before arrival in Japan, can be obtained from Japan Airlines (JL users only) or authorised travel agents and agencies. It can be used on all trains except the new ‘Nozomi’ super express trains, and also on Japan Rail buses and Japan Rail ferries. A Japan Rail Pass brochure is available from the Japan National Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). A seven-day pass currently costs ‰28,300. For travellers without a Japan Rail Pass, there are var
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