I finally got the courage to call a few travel agencies for prices for
Chicago> Tokyo> Beijing
Chicago> Tokyo … Osaka> Beijing.
So far, the lowest price I’ve been quoted is $850 ( for the first route) but I would have to get a train back to Tokyo (from Kyoto) which would add to the cost. I’m waiting to hear back from one more agency. A third gave me a quote for $1,000 for the second route (from Osaka). Also, they’re all direct flights. I was sure that I’d have to stop in LA. And the $850 fare is on United so I would get miles.
I can get a Japan railpass for 7 days ($260) or 14 days ($413). Considering a one-way train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is $122, that may be the way to go. The bus is only $55 but it takes about 5 hours longer than the train.
I love researching and planning. It’s like my Virgo ways clash with my creativeness and desire to be footloose and fancy free. Although the latter could cost a pretty penny in Japan.