Here are some tips on saving your transportation costs, such as Shinkansen and JR trains, when traveling around Japan. We’ll share the available options for the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), how they work, whether you need the passes, and how to purchase them.
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What is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)?
Our family travels to Japan annually to visit Nami’s family, and we’ve learned a great deal about planning ahead to save on each visit. Transportation cost, including airfare and shinkansen (bullet trains), are among the areas I make sure to consider, as they could easily add up.
If you’ve traveled to Japan before 2023, you might be familiar with Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). It is an option that allow unlimited travel on all JR Group (Japan Railways Group) limited express trains, express trains, and rapid and local ones. JR Pass holders can show the ticket gate officer and board the train. You can also make seat reservations at the ticket office or on a machine.
However, there has been a price change with JR Pass in October 2023, so I wanted to share the update and provide our recommendation for you to make better decision before purchasing any passes.
Regional JR Pass
The general JR Pass covers all the trains mentioned above from the southern island of Kyushu all the way up to northern Hokkaido! This may be a great option if you plan to travel all over Japan. However, if you plan to focus on just one region of Japan, there are specific JR Passes for different regions, including JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu. We’ll get onto the pricing of these later on.
If you only plan to stay in one area like Tokyo, the rail pass is probably not worth it. However, if you know you’ll be taking the bullet train to Osaka from Tokyo and perhaps other cities within Japan, this pass could be a money saver.
Types and Validity of the Japan Rail Pass
Before we start, it should be noted that the JR Passes are only available to foreigners and Japanese nationals living abroad permanently and visiting Japan under the “temporary visitor” status. Japanese Immigration Law allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for sightseeing, etc. If you fall under this criteria, a temporary visitor stamp will be placed on your passport.
Three types of JR Passes are available: the Ordinary Pass (for standard classes), the Green Pass (for superior class), and the Child Pass for children aged 6-11. For infants aged 0-5, a rail pass is not necessary, as stated by Japan Rail, but this means they are not entitled to a seat either. If they require a seat, you will have to purchase one separately. From there, the JR Pass is available in various durations: 7, 14, and 21 days.
Remember that this pass does not apply to metro lines and other private lines; it only works on JR lines. In case you are wondering (see the chart below), the “Green Car” is the equivalent of a business class car with wider seats.
Fastest Train Option
As of October 2023, JR Rail Pass users can purchase an additional ticket at the station to ride the Nozomi Shinkansen on both the Tokaidō Shinkansen (between Tokyo and Shin Osaka) and the Sanyō Shinkansen (between Shin Osaka and Hakata), or the Mizuho service running on both the Sanyō Shinkansen and the Kyūshū Shinkansen. These are the fastest Shinkansen trains, with tickets costing between 4,000 and 6,500 yen.
For more details, visit the official website. Previously, JR Pass holders couldn’t ride on these fastest trains.
You are free to use all other Shinkansen trains and specified trains and buses.
How Much Does the Japan Rail Pass Cost?
Since the passes are priced in Yen, the prices could fluctuate in your currency depending on the exchange rate. The prices for the three different types and durations of JR Passes vary, as shown in the chart below (prices are in yen as of October 2023):
Oct 2023 Price Increase
Since October 2023, Japan Rail announced sharp price increases for all tickets. The prices are as follows:
Regular Pass
7-Day Pass – JPY 29,650 to 50,000 (69% increase)
14-Day Pass – JPY 47,250 to 80,000 (69% increase)
21-Day Pass – JPY 60,450 to 100,000 (65% increase)
Green Car Pass
7-Day Pass – JPY 39,600 to 70,000 (77% increase)
14-Day Pass – JPY 64,120 to 110,000 (72% increase)
21-Day Pass – JPY 83,390 to 140,000 (68% increase)
Compared to the previous prices, the new prices represent significant increases. Previously, when traveling throughout Japan, the JR Pass was almost always a better deal. However, with the new prices, it’s worth carefully calculating and planning your itinerary for your trip to Japan.
The advantage of the price hike is that it allows users access to the fastest Nozomi Shinkansen and enjoy various attraction discounts.
In the big picture, we still find it hard to justify spending 50,000 yen on the 7-day pass. For instance, a round-trip Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs 28,100 yen, and from Tokyo to Fukuoka, it’s around 48,000 yen. And during peak holiday periods such as the New Year, Japan’s Golden Week, or cherry blossom season, ticket prices for trains and other modes of transport are typically higher. Therefore, the decision to purchase a JR Pass will depend on your itinerary and schedule.
You can check all the details of each JR Pass here!
How to Obtain Your Japan Rail Pass
The most crucial part of the Japan Rail Pass is that you have to purchase it outside of Japan as it is not available for purchase within Japan. You can purchase a voucher (exchange order) from various authorized websites, which will be sent to your home address.
Upon arrival in Japan, you can exchange the voucher for your rail pass at any major JR station, airport, or designated exchange office. During the exchange, you can specify your desired starting date to adjust your itinerary.
Japan Rail Pass Tips and Notes
- Remember, the Japan Rail Pass is not a ticket; you will need to bring your pass to a JR office in Japan to exchange it for actual tickets.
- The exchange process is painstakingly slow. It took us over an hour to exchange our four passes and book tickets for our trip. For individual travelers, expect about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to bring your passport for the exchange. Japanese residents abroad using the Japan Rail Pass should also have their foreign residence card or proof of residency.
- We highly recommend planning your trip in advance, including knowing which day and train number you intend to take, and booking your entire trip at once at the JR station. Use Google Maps to plan your trip or check out our 100 Places to Visit Around Tokyo eBook.
- Keep your Japan Rail Pass handy along with your train ticket when entering and exiting stations, as you’ll need to show it each time you travel.
- You can always cancel and reschedule your tickets to accommodate your travel schedule.
- We do not recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel around peak periods such as Golden Week, Obon, or around New Year. Seats are sold out in advance, and you may be unable to reserve any seats using the JR Pass.
Bonus Tip: Using the Japan Rail Pass on Narita Express
You can ride the Narita Express from the airport to Tokyo for free if you have a Japan Rail Pass. Otherwise, I would recommend taking the airport limousine (it’s a 50-seat bus, not a limousine) to the hotel from the airport instead.
It costs less and takes you directly from the airport to all the major hotels, so you don’t have to drag your luggage around the subway systems (some of the older stations have no elevator or escalator). It’s a simple and hassle-free way of getting to your accommodation, especially after a long flight. If you arrive at Haneda Airport, the pass allows you to ride the Tokyo monorail for free!
