The Japan Rail [JR] Pass is a deal offered exclusively to foreign visitors traveling in Japan on a tourist visa. It allows you to pretty much take unlimited rides on the JR network throughout Japan.
Since October 1st, 2023, a regular seven-day adult pass costs 50,000 yen, while those looking for a little more luxury can buy a Green Car pass from 70,000 yen. The 14-day regular adult pass is 80,000 yen, while the regular 21-day pass costs 100,000 yen.
Kids' passes are reduced by 50 percent for children aged between six and 11.
The shinkansen is one of the fastest, most convenient ways to get around Japan
What is covered?
The Japan Rail Pass gives you access to JR train lines countrywide, with very few exceptions. With your pass, you can take unlimited rides on most shinkansen [bullet trains], as well as on rapid, express and local JR trains.
Outside urban centers such as Tokyo and Osaka, the pass is best used to cover distance, as it does not include municipal subways and private suburban lines. With over thousands of kilometers of tracks, the JR network connects you to attractions across Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the four main islands of Japan.
The pass allows you to ride many local buses operated by JR as well, including the tourist loop bus in Hiroshima, JR Hokkaido buses around Sapporo, and the local bus to Kusatsu Onsen. You can even ride the JR West Miyajima ferry, which operates from Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima and Miyajima. The famous journey includes an awe-inspiring view of the iconic Otorii [Grand Torii Gate] of Itsukushima Shrine from the sea. The red gate is one of Japan's most iconic sites, as it appears to float on water at high tide.
- From October 2023, visitors to Miyajima will be required to pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax. Please show your JR Pass at the service window of the JR West Miyajima Ferry and then pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax separately. //another1000years-miyajima.jp/en/visitortax/index.html
The Japan Rail Pass makes plenty of famous attractions accessible, allows for easy and convenient travel across the country, and can save you money on your travels.
Most major attractions have a JR Station nearby
What isn't covered?
There are some important exceptions you should know before deciding to buy a pass or not. For instance, the JR pass does not include rides on the Nozomi [the fastest service on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen route], and Mizuho trains [fastest on the Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen route]. If you're traveling on these lines, be careful which trains you board, as passengers who ride the Nozomi and Mizuho with a JR Pass will have to buy an additional ticket before boarding.
In cities like Tokyo, the pass doesn't give you access to the subway and metro lines, so you might find it a little inconvenient if you will spend most of your time in one major urban area. Many of the major attractions have JR stations nearby, but if you find a quicker or more convenient route on the subway, you will have to pay extra. Some suburban "liner" express trains on the JR network aren't included either, and passengers need a special ticket to board them.
How do I get a JR Pass?
How you purchase a JR pass has changed as of October 1st, 2023. We recommend buying them from the official website . The official site also offers information on discounts available to pass bearers at select attractions.
How do I use it?
When your pass is activated, you can start using the trains. The JR Pass itself is your ticket, except when you reserve a seat, in which case you are issued a seat ticket.
You can make reservations on most shinkansen and other long-distance travel [like limited express trains] for no extra cost with your JR Pass. Making seat reservations is a good idea, especially if you're traveling during peak times and seasons, or riding the first or last trains of the day.
Seat reservations on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen are mandatory. Seat selection is generally not available on local and urban trains, but some quick web research will help you to confirm.
Remember that JR Pass holders can't use the automatic gates at stations, and must instead present their pass to the staff at staffed gates. You might also be asked for your passport, so keep it handy.
Travel tip: if traveling in the direction of Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo on the shinkansen, reserve a window seat on the right for a view of Mt. Fuji.
So, should I buy it?
If you're hoping to cover a lot of ground, want to use the shinkansen for day trips, or even if you'd prefer to avoid air travel, toll roads/highways, and long-distance buses, the JR Pass might be a good investment. However, if you choose to spend most of your time exploring Tokyo or Osaka, it may be wise to look into subway passes, or area rail passes.
The potential disadvantage to owning a JR Pass might be trying to squeeze too much into your itinerary to maximize your discount or, the opposite, buying a pass and not using it to its full potential. Both of these scenarios can be avoided with a little planning.
Even rural spots are within reach
JR Pass alternatives
If you're planning to stay relatively local, there are regional and private passes that may be better value for you than the full JR Pass. In Tokyo, you can get the Tokyo Subway Ticket which allows for one day of unlimited travel along the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for only 800 yen—with two-day and three-day tickets available at 1,200 yen and 1,500 yen respectively—giving you the freedom to zip around the city hassle-free.
If you're traveling outside of Tokyo but not all over Japan, perhaps consider a regional JR Pass.
Regional JR passes offer unlimited rides in specific areas. If you plan to travel extensively through Western Japan [Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, etc.], consider a JR West Pass. If you'd like to focus your travel on the eastern parts [Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata, and Tohoku], look into a JR East Pass.