Japanese Wedding, Shinkansen etc

[Laurelin]

Hi there

Although I'm not traveling to Japan the first time, I do have some questions. I'm invited to a traditional Japanese wedding, it's Shinto style and afterwards there will be a reception and then and afterparty. I'm a friend of the bride and since I'm coming all the way from Switzerland she offered me that I don't have to pay the goshugi, however, I'm a little afraid the girls at the reception desk will find it a bit strange if I don't hand them an envelope. So should I still bring an envelope and put in a kind letter or something the like?
And is there anything special I have to be aware off during the Shinto ceremony?

My second question concerns the Shinkansen. I will have to take the Shinkansen 3 times, from Nagoya to Kyoto and back and from Nagoya to Tokyo. How much does each Trip cost on the Hikari? The centrail Japan Railway HP is a bit confusing to me as what's regarding fares. I'm trying to figure out if a one week Rail pass would be cheaper than getting 3 single tickets...and is the Railpass valid to travel from Tokyo to Narita Airport?

Thanks ;-)

 

[Glenski]

Your friends will tell the people at the tables. I did that when friends of mine came to visit me for my wedding.

Train fares can be found on www.hyperdia.com
Yes, you can use the Rail Pass to get to the airport.

Shinto weddings & reception. Nothing special for you to do. Dress appropriately. Smile a lot.
http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Things/81.html

 

[Laurelin]

Thank you, the page for the trains helps a lot. So I guess it will be cheaper for me not to get the railpass (I thought the single tickets were more expensive)...

As for the wedding, what would be appropriate attire? I know I shouldn't wear white and it shouldn't show too much skin...how about other colors? Is it ok to wear naked legs (knee length dress)?

 

[Chidoriashi]

My guess is a standard dress (whatever that means) at knee length is fine. No shoulders is probably ok, but avoid too much cleavage I suppose.

As for the rail pass vs standard tickets.. it all depends on where you go and how much you use the trains. Like say you wanted to do a Tokyo to Hiroshima and back... Then I believe the week rail pass would be a better deal.

 

[Glenski]

"Naked legs"? Do you mean no stockings/hose? Japan is pretty conservative. Wear them.
This is a formal affair, not a beach party. Men will be in stuffy black suits. Women will wear conservative dresses or pants suits, even if they get rip-snorting drunk at the "afterparty".

 

[Laurelin]

Well, of course it's not a beach party, but here women don't necessarily have to wear stockings, even to more "formal" events (for example weddings here->men usually wear suits as well, women often wear cocktail dresses but without stockings etc), so that's why I'm asking. So no open-toed shoes either i guess.