Volunteers can get from Tokyo to Kessenuma via:
- Shinkansen (bullet train) ~$60 (June update: ask for volunteer pricing)
$163+ volunteer shuttle (free) - Iwate Kotsu bus service ~$94
- Asking around for a volunteer rideshare (your time)
Train information
Hyperdia – A useful English-language resource for checking train times and fares.
Hyperdia – A useful English-language resource for checking train times and fares.
Bus information:
Company name: Iwate Kotsu
Booking office is open until 6pm – but they didn’t speak English on phone*
tel +81 01 9325 2525
Route: Ikeburo train station (West Tokyo) to Kessenuma Bus Stop
Overnight bus takes about 7 hrs. No bathroom on board, but 3 stops en route.
Departs Ikeburo 11pm, arrives Kessenuma at about 6am.
One way ticket costs 7,650¥.
*If you don’t speak Japanese and want to book a ticket, I found it necessary to go through a translator. I used the free Tokyo Tourist Information Center (TIC), open until 7pm.
+81 03-5220-7055 – they may ask you to be there in person, so here’s how to get there via subway:
Take the Yamanote line to Tokyo station
Yaesu north exit to Daimaru dept store
Use Nihonbashi exit.
TIC is on first floor in the tower in the Maronouchi Trust tower on the right.
They will walk you through the booking online and direct you to a FamilyMart convenience store, where you can print out a ticket and pay (I paid in cash).
Private ride
Think of organizations in Japan organizing volunteers and call them. Ask around.