The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is the most cost-effective way to travel in Japan. Is it worth buying? You bet it is! I’ll show you how to SAVE 48% with unlimited potential to save more.
All JR Passes – 7, 14 or 21 days – are excellent value and cheaper than buying individual tickets. All include FREE travel on the fast and super-stylish Shinkansen bullet train.
Save money the Train Hacker way, and I’ll reveal a Japan Rail Pass discount code and where to buy your 2024 JR Pass with FREE delivery.
Let’s dive straight in!
Japan Rail Pass: Unlimited Travel in Japan + FREE Delivery
- Unlimited travel on JR trains (bullet train, regional, local & airport) + some ferries & buses
- FREE FedEx/UPS home delivery
- FREE Japan Rail Pass guide
- 4/5 Get Your Guide customer rating (Trustpilot)
Japan Rail Pass >>
Shinkansen Bullet Train Tickets
- Save money compared to a JR Pass
- Tokyo > Kyoto return from ¥26,640
- Tokyo > Osaka return from ¥27,640
- Same price as buying in Japan & easy pick up (QR code or booking ref.)
Japan Rail Pass: Discount code, lowest prices and FREE delivery – Quick links
- Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass online?
- Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
- Japan Rail Pass: Frequently asked questions
- What is a Japan Rail Pass?
- Who is eligible for a JR Pass?
- Can I buy a JR Rail Pass in Japan?
- What type of JR Passes are available?
- Where can I use a Japan Rail Pass?
- Can I use a JR Pass on Shinkansen bullet trains?
- Are there additional supplements or reservation fees?
- Green Car vs Ordinary Car: What’s the difference?
- Japan Railways Network Maps: Where can I travel to?
Note on prices: Prices are correct in local currencies starting 4 January 2024. Prices change due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass online?
I’ve travelled and lived in Japan for nine years; a Japan Rail Pass is the best way to travel the country. From first-hand experience, I’ve found the cheapest way to buy a Japan Rail Pass.
Look at the best place to buy your Japan Rail Pass worldwide and in selected countries popular with Train Hacker readers.
Best place to Buy a Japan Rail Pass Worldwide (with Discount Code and FREE Delivery)
Like most things that cost money, there’s no simple answer to the best place to buy a Japan Rail Pass. But I’ve got it covered!
And what’s more, I’ve got an exclusive Japan Rail Pass discount code, including FREE delivery.
Japan Rail Pass: Japanese ¥ Yen prices
Japan Rail Passes are officially sold at these Japanese ¥ Yen prices:
| Green Car | Ordinary Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | |
| 7 days | ¥70,000 | ¥35,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥25,000 |
| 14 days | ¥110,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥80,000 | ¥40,000 |
| 21 days | ¥140,000 | ¥70,000 | ¥100,000 | ¥50,000 |
Note: Green Car is first class, and Ordinary Car is standard/second class. Child prices are for 6 to 11-year-olds—children under five travel FREE.
Japan Rail Passes are sold at the same Japanese Yen price; however, I’ve found significant cost differences when sold in other currencies.
Often, you’ll pay more, but as I’ll reveal, you can also spend less!
Japan Rail Pass: Savings in local currencies
Japan Rail Passes are around 12% cheaper in local currencies than the actual market exchange rate price when converted from Japanese ¥ Yen! I found the same results with $ US dollars, £ British pounds, $ Australian dollars, $ Canadian dollars, $ Singapore dollars, $ Hong Kong dollars and € Euros!
The average savings of 10% can be very significant when buying multiple passes, including Green Car passes.
But that’s not all! It would be best to consider delivery costs, time, and other hidden charges.
Here are my top recommendations for where to buy from and why!
Why should you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Klook?
Klook is an online travel agent that sells tours, tickets, and activities, including Japan Rail Passes.
Japan Rail Pass: Unlimited Travel + FREE Delivery
- Unlimited travel on the JR rail network (incl. Shinkansen high-speed & airport trains) & more
- 7, 14 or 21 days passes + first or standard class
- 50% OFF child (6-11 years old) & FREE (5 & under)
- FREE Japan Rail Pass digital guide
- FREE global delivery
Here are the reasons you should buy online from Klook:
1. Japan Rail Pass discount: Best prices with unlimited travel
2. Cheapest prices: Klook has the lowest Japan Rail Pass prices for both the passes and delivery (with no extra charges). On average, Japan Rail Passes from Klook cost 12% less in local currencies than the official provider.
3. FREE 4-day shipping: Klook offers FREE 4-day delivery to all countries worldwide.
4. Shipping to Japan: Klook delivers Japan Rail Passes to addresses in Japan for FREE.
5. FREE Japan Rail Pass digital guide: Get a FREE guide with helpful advice about how to use your Japan Rail Pass. You’ll find information about how to swap your exchange order in Japan, what trains it includes, how to reserve your seats and more.
6. Alternative rail passes and transport in Japan: Klook has a comprehensive selection of Japan Rail Pass alternative regional JR and other rail passes and other transport options in Japan.
- Regional Japan Rail passes: Klook offers Japan Rail regional passes covering areas like Tokyo and the surrounding area, Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe), Kyushu and Hokkaido.
- Other Japan rail and transport options: Klook has airport transfer tickets from Tokyo and Kansai airports, Shinkansen bullet train tickets and a wide range of rail and travel tickets.
6. Convenience: Klook’s extensive range of Japanese tours, activities, and tickets makes it a convenient one-stop shop. Get your Japan Rail Pass and other travel experiences at the same time.
Why should you buy a Japan Rail Pass from J Rail Pass?
Japan Rail Pass from J Rail Pass (www.jrailpass.com) is an established and trusted company.
Japan Rail Pass + FREE Travel Guide
- Discounted Japan Rail Passes
- 12% cheaper than buying direct
- 4.6/5 customer reviews
- FREE Japan travel guide
- Fast & FREE or cheap delivery
Here are the reasons you should buy online from J Rail Pass:
1. Discounted prices: On average, Japan Rail Passes from J Rail Pass cost 12% less than buying direct.
2. FREE 24/48 hours worldwide shipping: J Rail Pass offers FREE delivery by UPS and FedEx to the UK, Canada, Ireland and other European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland).
50%-80% OFF 24/48 hours shipping: Other countries, including the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Japan and more, get between 50% and 80% OFF delivery with UPS and FedEx Express.
3. Shipping to Japan: J Rail Pass delivers to addresses in Japan within 24/48 hours, which benefits travellers already in Japan or people making last-minute bookings.
4. Excellent customer service: J Rail Pascoresore 4.7/5 in customer reviews independently verified by eKomi. Email support is available in English and Spanish.
5. FREE Japan travel guide: All customers get a FREE essential Japan travel guide. Plus, they have many valuable and inspiring travel information on their website.
6. JR Pass Epic Guide: All customers can order a ‘JR Pass Epic Guide’ for around US$14, A$20, £11, C$1and 9, €12. The 143-page Japan rail travel guide contains helpful information, including itineraries and routes, city guides, fascinating insights into Japanese culture, and basic Japanese phrases.
7. Travel extras: J Rail Pass provides essential travel extras like cancellation, modification insurance, pocket wifi, and SIM cards.
9. FREE Japan Rail Pass: Win 100% of the value of your Japan Rail Pass back with their competition.
Japan Rail Pass from J Rail Pass >>
Note buying from J Rail Pass:
Credit card and PayPal fees: J Rail Pass charges transaction handling fees of around US$9-10 per person for orders by credit card aPayPalpal. Orders by bank transfer are free.
A JR Pass will pay for itself in one return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, and you don’t want to miss out on seeing national treasures like Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – Image © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King
Note on prices: I’ve exchanged delivery and additional charges into local prices* (with one exception), which are correct from 3 November 2023. Prices change due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Best place to buy a Japan Rail Pass by selected country (US, Australia, UK, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong & Japan)
I’ve examined in detail the best place to buy a Japan Rail Pass from selected countries:
United States | United Kingdom | Australia | Canada | Singapore | Hong Kong | Germany | Indonesia
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from the US?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ US Dollars for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from the US:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | US$11-21* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 4 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | US$20.67* | 7 days | n/a |
J Rail Pass: US$11 delivery to the US in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥65,126 (US$502.62*), otherwise US$21*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card, it incurs a US$10* charge per person.
Klook: Green Car (first class) passes are unavailable for US customers. Get US$5 OFF your order with an exclusive US Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for US customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from the UK?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in £ British Pounds for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from the UK:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | FREE – £14* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 4 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | £15.14* | 7 days | n/a |
J Rail Pass: FREE UK delivery in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥65,126 (£460.37*), otherwise £14*. Payment by bank transfer is free. By credit card, which incurs a £7.83* charge per person.
Klook: Green Car (first class) passes are unavailable for UK customers. Get US$5 OFF (£3.81*) your order with an exclusive UK Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for UK customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Australia?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ Australian Dollars for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Australia:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 4 days | Buy >> |
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | A$29-49* | 1-4 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | A$29.95* | 7 days | n/a |
J Rail Pass: A$29 delivery to Australia in 1-4 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (A$859.64*), otherwise A$49*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card, it incurs an A$13.93* charge per person.
Klook: Green Car (first class) passes are unavailable for Australian customers. Get US$5 OFF (A$7.11*) your order with an exclusive Australia Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for Australian customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Canada?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ Canadian Dollars for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Canada:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | FREE – C$29* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 7 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | C$27.78* | 7 days | Buy >> |
J Rail Pass: FREE Canada delivery in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (C$811.81*), otherwise C$29*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card incurs a C$13.01* charge per person.
Klook: Green Car (first class) passes are unavailable for Canadian customers. Get US$5 OFF (C$6.71) your order with an exclusive Canada Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for Canadian customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Singapore?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ Singapore Dollars for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Singapore:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | S$27 – S$46* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 7 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | S$28.18* | 7 days | Buy >> |
J Rail Pass: S$27 delivery to Singapore in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (S$823.27*), otherwise S$46*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card incurs a S$12.81* charge per person.
Klook: Get US$5 OFF (S$6.81*) your order with an exclusive Singapore Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for Singapore customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Hong Kong?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ Hong Kong Dollars for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Hong Kong:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | HK$158 – HK$264* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 3 days pick up | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | HK$158* | 7 days | Buy >> |
J Rail Pass: HK$158 delivery to Hong Kong in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (HK$4,745.74*), otherwise HK$264*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card, it incurs a HK$76.15* charge per person.
Klook: Hong Kong customers must pick up their passes from Hong Kong airport or Klook’s office in Central. Get US$5 OFF (HK$39.24*) your order with an exclusive Hong Kong Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for Hong Kong customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Germany?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in € Euros for the rail pass itself. But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Germany:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | €2 – €14* | 1-3 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 7 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | €18.45* | 7 days | Buy >> |
J Rail Pass: €2 delivery to Germany in 1-3 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (€539.93*), otherwise €14*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card incurs a €$8.93* charge per person.
Klook: Green Car (first class) passes are unavailable for German customers. Get US$5 OFF (€4.47*) your order with an exclusive Germany Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for German customers and straightforward pricing.
Where can you buy a Japan Rail Pass from Indonesia?
J Rail Pass and Klook are cheaper in $ US Dollars for the actual rail pass itself (I’ve used $US Dollars as not all sellers offer prices in Indonesian Rupiah). But what about delivery costs, extra fees, and availability of Green Car passes?
Compare where to buy a Japan Rail Pass from Indonesia:
| Green Car | Delivery Cost | Delivery Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Rail Pass | ✅ | US$20 – US$34* | 1-4 days | Buy >> |
| Klook | ✅ | FREE | 7 days | Buy >> |
| Voyagin | ✅ | US$20.67* | 7 days | Buy >> |
J Rail Pass: US$20 delivery to Indonesia in 1-4 days with a minimum spend of ¥66,898 (US$604.36*), otherwise US$34*. Payment by bank transfer is free, or by credit card, it incurs a US$10* charge per person.
Klook: Get US$5 OFF your order with an exclusive Indonesia Japan Rail Pass discount code.
Voyagin: FREE delivery to Japan in 7 days or pick up in 30 minutes for Indonesian customers and straightforward pricing.
Shibuya – accessible for free with a JR Pass – is one of Tokyo’s most colourful districts for restaurants, entertainment, shopping and its famous crossing – Image © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Take it from us; the Japan Rail Pass is worth it and offers excellent value. And, of course, the more you travel within Japan, the more you’ll save. The potential for savings is enormous.
Let the facts speak for themselves.
Cost Comparison: Buying a JR Pass vs Train Tickets for Popular Itineraries
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it? Let’s compare the price of a JR Pass vs buying tickets on popular routes to get the answer.
These are realistic routes for travelling to Japan at an average pace. Notes and assumptions for these calculations are below the tables.
- 7 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
- 14 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
- 21 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
7 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
Get 16% Ordinary and 22% Green 7 days JR Pass discount, compared to buying tickets.
A popular one-week route in Japan includes:
| JR Trains Tickets | ||||
| From | To | Direction | ¥ Ordinary | ¥ Green |
| Narita Airport 1 | Tokyo | R/T | ¥4,000 | ¥9,120 |
| Tokyo | Kyoto | R/T | ¥27,420 | ¥37,380 |
| Kyoto | Nara | R/T | ¥1,420 | ¥1,420 |
| Local JR trains in Tokyo & Kyoto 2 |
¥1,740 | ¥1,740 | ||
| Total Cost | ¥34,580 | ¥49,660 | ||
| JR Pass 7 Days | ||||
| Total Cost | ¥29,110 | ¥38,880 | ||
| JR Pass Discount | ¥5,470 | ¥10,780 | ||
| % JR Pass Saving | 16% | 22% | ||
Save 22% and more on train travel with a Japan Rail Pass >>
14 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
Get 40% Ordinary and 42% Green 14 days JR Pass discount, compared to buying tickets.
A popular two-week route in Japan includes:
| JR Trains Tickets | ||||
| From | To | Direction | ¥ Ordinary | ¥ Green |
| Narita Airport 1 | Tokyo | R/T | ¥4,000 | ¥9,120 |
| Tokyo | Nikko | R/T | ¥5,380 | ¥7,320 |
| Tokyo | Kamakura | R/T | ¥1,840 | ¥3,800 |
| Tokyo | Takayama | O/W | ¥14,620 | ¥21,000 |
| Takayama | Kyoto | O/W | ¥9,660 | ¥12,090 |
| Kyoto | Nara | R/T | ¥1,420 | ¥1,420 |
| Kyoto | Osaka | O/W | ¥2,820 | ¥3,780 |
| Osaka | Hiroshima | O/W | ¥10,240 | ¥14,030 |
| Hiroshima | Miyajimaguchi | O/W | ¥410 | ¥410 |
| Miyajimaguchi | Miyajima Island 3 | R/T | ¥360 | ¥360 |
| Miyajimaguchi | Himeji | O/W | ¥8,800 | ¥12,590 |
| Himeji | Tokyo | O/W | ¥16,140 | ¥22,120 |
| Local JR trains in Tokyo & Kyoto 2 |
¥1,740 | ¥1,740 | ||
| Total Cost | ¥77,250 | ¥109,600 | ||
| JR Pass 14 Days | ||||
| Total Cost | ¥46,390 | ¥62,950 | ||
| JR Pass Discount | ¥30,850 | ¥46,440 | ||
| % JR Pass Saving | 40% | 42% | ||
Save 42% and more on train travel with a Japan Rail Pass >>
21 days JR Pass vs train tickets cost comparison
Get 48% Ordinary and 48% Green 21-day JR Pass discount, compared to buying tickets.
A popular three-week route in Japan includes:
| JR Trains Tickets | ||||
| From | To | Direction | ¥ Ordinary | ¥ Green |
| Narita Airport 1 | Tokyo | R/T | ¥4,000 | ¥9,120 |
| Tokyo | Nikko | R/T | ¥5,380 | ¥7,320 |
| Tokyo | Kamakura | R/T | ¥1,840 | ¥3,800 |
| Tokyo | Ise | O/W | ¥12,480 | ¥16,270 |
| Ise | Nagoya | O/W | ¥2,320 | ¥2,320 |
| Nagoya | Takayama | O/W | ¥5,830 | ¥8,260 |
| Takayama | Kanazawa | O/W | ¥6,250 | ¥7,920 |
| Kanazawa | Kyoto | O/W | ¥6,700 | ¥10,490 |
| Kyoto | Nara | R/T | ¥1,420 | ¥1,420 |
| Kyoto | Koyasan 4 | O/W | ¥4,630 | ¥6,710 |
| Koyasan 4 | Osaka | O/W | ¥1,490 | ¥1,490 |
| Osaka | Hiroshima | O/W | ¥10,240 | ¥14,030 |
| Hiroshima | Miyajimaguchi | O/W | ¥410 | ¥410 |
| Miyajimaguchi 3 | Miyajima Island | R/T | ¥360 | ¥360 |
| Miyajimaguchi | Nagasaki | O/W | ¥19,780 | ¥360 |
| Nagasaki | Himeji | O/W | ¥17,950 | ¥25,220 |
| Himeji | Tokyo | O/W | ¥16,140 | ¥22,120 |
| Local JR trains in Tokyo & Kyoto 2 |
¥1,740 | ¥1,740 | ||
| Total Cost | ¥113,280 | ¥158,780 | ||
| JR Pass 21 Days | ||||
| Total Cost | ¥59,350 | ¥81,870 | ||
| JR Pass Discount | ¥53,930 | ¥76,910 | ||
| % JR Pass Saving | 48% | 48% | ||
Save 48% and more on train travel with a Japan Rail Pass >>
JR Pass vs train ticket costs – notes and assumptions
Our detailed Train Hacker cost calculations have used these methods and assumptions. The prices for train tickets are actual fares.*
Notes to the references in the tables
1 Narita Airport to Tokyo. The 4,000 Yen price is for the discounted round-trip ticket from Narita Airport. Standard price 6,040 Yen.
2 Travel on local JR trains in Tokyo and Kyoto. You’ll want to maximise your JR Pass in these major destinations.
We’ve included the following journeys:
Travel in Tokyo includes Tokyo – Shibuya – Shinjuku – Tokyo (560 Yen visiting Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku); Tokyo – Akihabara – Ueno and Kanda – Tokyo (420 Yen visiting Akihabara, Ueno and Asakusa).
Travel in Kyoto includes Kyoto – Inari – Tokyo (280 Yen visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha); Kyoto – Saga-Arashiyama – Kyoto (480 Yen visiting Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves and other sights in Arashiyama and Sagano).
Although you might not make these precise journeys, you will likely use your pass extensively in Tokyo and Kyoto.
3 Travel between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima Island is via the Miyajima Island ferry (included in JR Pass).
4 For Koyasan (Mount Koya), you can use your JR Pass to get to Hashimoto (Wakayama). Take the Hankyu railway and cable car (not included in the JR Pass).
More savings: unlimited travel vs popular itineraries
JR Passes allow unlimited travel on the JR network. You will likely travel further and take more trips than the popular itineraries we’ve outlined. The potential savings are massive.
For example, fancy venturing to the far north island of Hokkaido? An Ordinary round-trip fare from Tokyo to Sapporo costs 53,240 Yen.
Or maybe you’d prefer the warmer climate of southern Kyushu? An Ordinary round-trip fare from Tokyo to Kagoshima costs ¥60,760.
So, the more adventurous you are, the more value you’ll get from your JR Pass.
More reasons a JR Pass is better than buying train tickets
Do you still need to convince yourself that JR Passes are better than buying individual train tickets once you get to Japan?
- Unlimited Shinkansen bullet train trips – travelling on the world-famous bullet trains is out of this world. You don’t need any other reason to get a JR Pass
- Save time – no waiting around in queues at train stations
- Less hassle – no fumbling around at ticket machines or ticket counters
- Freedom – no need to plan everything in advance
Types of tickets used in the comparison costs
We’ve chosen the fastest possible journeys when showing how much individual tickets would cost. The Mizuho super-fast tickets only cost about 2% more when you buy individual tickets (just 310 Yen extra for Tokyo to Kyoto one way), so it’s a realistic assumption.
We’ve also assumed tourist travellers buying individual tickets would make an advance seat reservation, as the extra cost is minimal. For example, the Tokyo to Kyoto one-way Nozomi Shinkansen only costs 310 Yen (6%) less in a non-reserved seat.
Take the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island for free with a Japan Rail Pass to see the red torii gate, which appears to float on the sea during high tide – Image © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King
Japan Rail Pass: Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Japan Rail Pass.
What is a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a ticket for unlimited travel on the Japan Railways (JR) network. It’s the cheapest way to travel Japan by rail and much more affordable than buying individual tickets.
Who is eligible for a JR Pass?
To get a Japan Rail Pass, you must be:
- Entering Japan for less than 90 days on a ‘Temporary Status’ tourist visa
- Visiting as a tourist only
- A non-Japanese national (some exceptions if you’re living abroad and married to a foreigner)
Find out more about JR Pass eligibility.
Can I buy a JR Rail Pass in Japan?
You can buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan as the trial has been extended till 31 March 2023. However, buying it from a JR sales office in Japan costs considerably more than buying it online before you arrive.
Japan Rail Pass prices from JR sales offices in Japan:
| Green Car | Ordinary Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | |
| 7 days | ¥44,000 | ¥22,000 | ¥33,000 | ¥16,500 |
| 14 days | ¥71,000 | ¥35,500 | ¥52,000 | ¥26,000 |
| 21 days | ¥90,000 | ¥45,000 | ¥65,000 | ¥32,500 |
Two adult 14-day Ordinary Car passes cost 142,000 from a JR sales office in Japan. The same passes bought before you arrive in Japan cost 125,900, which means you’ll pay 16,100 more (around US$146, A$211.92, £113.77, C$197.75, S$200.94, HK$1,152.51, €131.06).
If you need a Japan Rail Pass and are already in Japan, Voyagin is cheaper. They also offer FREE 7-day delivery in Japan or 30-minute pick-up from their office in Tokyo. Also, J Rail Pass, which delivers to addresses in Japan in 1-3 days, is another cheaper option.
Here’s a list of JR sales offices where you can buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan.
What type of JR Passes are available?
Choose from the following JR Pass options:
- 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days
- Ordinary Car (standard/second class) or Green Car (first class)
- Adult (12 years and over), Child (6 to 11 years old)
Where can I use a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on most JR train lines in Japan:
- Shinkansen high-speed bullet train services (except Nozomi and Mizuho services)
- All Limited Express, Rapid & Local JR trains
- Some services on the Aomori, Ishikawa Railway and Ainokaze Toyama Railways
- Local JR buses
- JR Miyajima ferry
Can I use a JR Pass on Shinkansen bullet trains?
You can use a JR Pass on the Shinkansen (often called a bullet train). That in itself makes the JR Pass worth it.
The Shinkansen travels incredibly fast, so it’s great for long-distance travel. It travels between major city centres and works out quicker than most internal flights in Japan.
With the JR Pass, there are no supplements, seat reservation charges or hidden fees when you take the Shinkansen. You’d have to pay extra to upgrade from Ordinary to a Green car.
Note that many Ordinary Cars and all Green Cars require seat reservations. Although this won’t cost you extra, we recommend reserving as you’re guaranteed a seat on a particular train. Take your pass to a ticket window at any JR station to make seat reservations.
You can ride twelve different Shinkansen bullet trains, each slightly different but providing a fantastic experience. Train travel lovers will be in their element, travelling on various versions.
Japan Rail Pass holders cannot travel on two super-express trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen routes—Nozomi services between Tokyo and Hakata and Mizuho services between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima.
Travelling by Shinkansen will surely be one of the highlights of your trip to Japan. And with the JR Pass, you can take as many journeys as you like for no extra cost.
N700 Shinkansen Ordinary Car (left) and Green Car (right) carriage layout and seats showing more space and comfort – Image © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King
Are there additional supplements or reservation fees?
There are no additional costs or reservation fees, except for booking a cabin on sleeper trains, unless you fancy upgrading from an Ordinary Car to a Green Car for any of your trips.
It’s remarkable value when you consider the speed and comfort of the Shinkansen bullet trains included in the price. Plus, you can travel on all special JR trains, including heritage steam lines and tourist, sleeper, and sightseeing trains.
This sets the JR Pass apart from Interrail and Eurail train passes in Europe, where you’ll have to pay hefty supplements to travel on high-speed lines. Interrail and Eurail train passes in Europe, where you’ll have to pay extensive supplements to travel on high-speed lines.
Green Car vs Ordinary Car: What’s the difference?
Green Car is the equivalent of first-class. Ordinary Car is the equivalent of standard or second class.
For a supplement, the Green Car offers more comfort, facilities, and quieter carriage than an Ordinary Car.
Whether to take a Green Car or an Ordinary Car comes down to cost and personal choice. Green Car still offers excellent value, and a Green Car JR Pass provides enormous savings.
Green Car: first-class comforts
Travelling by Green Car by Shinkansen gives you:
- More space between seats: Green Cars have four seats per aisle, while Ordinary cars feature five
- Wider seats: Green seats are 475mm wide compared to 430mm in Ordinary
- More seat pitch (legroom): in Green, it’s 1,100mm to 1,160mm compared to 910mm to 1,000 in Ordinary
- Additional seat padding
- Extra seat recline
- Electric plug (except older Shinkansen models)
- Extra luggage space
The most modern bullet trains give you even more comfort and amenities and can include:
- Synchronised seat recline – seat surface and seatback
- Seat warmer
- Reading light
Green Car amenities vary depending on which one of the 12 different Shinkansen trains you travel on.
On non-Shinkansen trains, you also get more comfortable seats and space than in Ordinary cars. Green cars usually feature three seats per aisle, typically four in Ordinary. Windows are often bigger in Green vehicles, which is a nice bonus on scenic journeys.
Japan Railways Network Maps: Where can I travel to?
JR Pass holders can travel anywhere on the Japan Railways network.
Shinkansen Bullet Train Map
The map shows Shinkansen bullet train lines and stations.
Image credit: Hisagi
View a bigger version of this map.
Japan Railways Network Map
Japan Railways network map shows all Shinkansen bullet trains and JR lines. Click here to view and enlarge.
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* Hyperdia is a travel tool Hitachi developed that provides accurate routes, timetables, and prices for railway journeys in Japan.