Ah, the mighty Japan Rail Pass… When I originally penned this piece back in 2018, I didn’t think that I would ever need to do as significant an update as I have now completed. Alas, nothing lasts forever, my dear readers, and that includes the pricing for this ever-economical pass. As you probably have already heard, Japan Railways announced a price hike in 2023 for the beloved Japan Rail Pass, increasing it by as much as 70%. This change took effect in October 2023, meaning that all foreign tourists purchasing a pass in Japan since then have needed to pay more to enjoy the same benefits.
As you might imagine, much of the internet was up in arms about the change in price for the beloved Japan Rail Pass. Honestly speaking, given what a steal it was for many people, it’s easy to understand why they were irate. To put just how much of a money-saving investment it had been thus far in context, know that Japan Rail Pass holders could enjoy unlimited travel on all JR lines for just a little over the price of a round trip ticket to Kyoto Station from Tokyo Station. Because of this, most people would have been foolish not to buy one when making a trip to Japan.
At the same time, we really do need to cut Japan Railways some slack here. The company hadn’t altered their prices for at least 15 years. With inbound tourism booming again in the post-pandemic era, it only made sense for the JR train operator to align the price of the actual pass with our current macroeconomic environment in 2023. Remember, a huge swath of people visiting Japan purchased one of these practical passes. To make things a bit more in line with what Japanese nationals have to pay, the price of the Japan Rail Pass simply had to change.
While it is still a good deal for those riding JR lines, it is not the outright bargain it used to be. Below, you’ll find the new prices for the Japan Rail Pass as of October 2023:
Regular Pass
・7-day: 50,000 yen (previously 29,650 yen)
・14 day: 80,000 yen (previously 47,250 yen)
・21-day: 100,000 yen (previously 60,450 yen)
Green Pass
・7-day: 70,000 yen (previously 39,600 yen)
・14-day: 110,000 yen (previously 64,120 yen)
・21-day: 140,000 yen (previously 83,990 yen)
Just as before, the pragmatic pass still allows unlimited rides on most JR trains in Japan, including a lot of limited expresses, Shinkansen bullet trains, and other transportation means like the JR Miyajima Ferry and the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport. It remains a wise investment for many who plan to travel extensively across Japan. However, you’ll now need to carefully consider whether you’re going to save money by buying one. For example, if you’re only using JR’s local trains in Japan, it may not be worth your while to snag a Japan Rail Pass.
On the other hand, those planning to make extensive use of the bullet train would be wise to have a pass for their trip to Japan. This way, you can hop across the country via the various JR stations and see more locations than you would otherwise be able to. But do note that Japan Rail Pass holders now have the added pressure of making the most out of their purchase. With the increase in price, you need to ride many more JR trains in Japan to make it worth the investment.
By the way, though you’ll indeed need to fork over more money now for the Japan Rail Pass, know that there is a bit of a silver lining. Following the implementation of the new system with the higher prices, Japan Rail Pass holders can now ride Nozomi and Mizuho classes of Shinkansen bullet trains. Prior to the change, this expedient class of JR trains was off-limits to foreign tourists using the Japan Rail Pass. As part of the new policy, the pass is valid on the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, meaning that you can get around a bit quicker during your next Japan trip.
Some Other Pass Variants
Since the price of the Japan Rail Pass increased by as much as 70% in October 2023, I want to take a moment to introduce some of the alternative JR rail passes. While THE Japan Rail Pass is the mother of all JR passes, offering unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu trains, as well as some bus lines, there are also a number of regional passes available. Similar to the Japan Rail Pass, these regional passes typically provide unlimited access to local train lines and any relevant Shinkansen bullet trains.
There is a mind-boggling array of regional passes available, with many private railways offering their own special deals (though I’ll leave those out of this analysis). I’ll try to detail as many as I can below, but be aware that I might not have captured them all. Especially considering that new JR pass vouchers are frequently introduced, your best bet is to do some research and inquire at one of the JR ticket offices at major JR train stations for more information.
While it may require some calculations, I highly recommend using a service like Jorudan to plan parts of your itinerary. This can help you determine which JR pass you should purchase, if any. In most cases, those planning to take a few Shinkansen trips should consider buying some sort of pass in Japan, as they offer unlimited travel while the pass is valid. The specific pass you choose depends entirely on your travel route and how much train travel you envision doing in Japan.
The Tokyo Wide Pass
Let’s kick things off with the Tokyo Wide Pass. If you’re planning to stay around Japan’s capital, this pass, now priced from 15,000 yen, remains a perfect purchase. With it, you’ll be able to use any and all regular JR trains, as well as the Hokuriku Shinkansen (up to Sakudaira Station in Nagano), the Joetsu Shinkansen (up to Gala-Yuzawa Station), and the Tohoku Shinkansen (up to Nasu-Shiobara Station). Valid for a brief three days, this pass allows you to cover a significant area in that 72-hour period, especially beneficial when you can ride the bullet trains.
I only recently discovered the Tokyo Wide Pass while researching for this guide. While I’d love to detail all the recommended spots accessible within three days using this pass, the sheer volume of possibilities in this area would require an extensive write-up. Therefore, I suggest checking out my area guides list to decide which of the many regions you should explore on your next trip to Japan. Ultimately, with destinations like Nikko, the Nasu Highlands, and Niigata’s Snow Country to choose from, the options are plentiful and diverse.
By the way, according to my research, the Tokyo Wide Pass can be booked even if you’re not a foreign tourist, provided you have a non-Japanese passport. However, Klook’s online reservation platform suggests it can only be picked up at the JR ticket counter at Ueno Station. For my expat friends, this might be an excellent way to travel economically to various train stations, while still managing to return to Tokyo for work on Monday.
The JR Hokkaido Pass
Available exclusively to tourists, the JR Hokkaido Pass has seen a price increase and now offers three variations: a five-consecutive day option priced at 20,000 yen, a seven-consecutive day option at 26,000 yen, and a newly introduced ten-consecutive day pass at 32,000 yen. Despite the price increase, this pass remains a great bargain for exploring Japan’s northernmost prefecture. It allows you to travel extensively across Hokkaido’s network of train lines, including limited express trains. The pass provides access to all major cities and tourist destinations in Hokkaido and covers the journey to New Chitose Airport. However, note that the Hokkaido Shinkansen is not included in this pass.
One thing to remember about Hokkaido is its vastness. Thus, you might want to consider getting around via a rental car. While this means someone has to drive, it’s more convenient than navigating local buses and other transportation required to visit top spots. Most ordinary cars should be able to travel from central Sapporo to popular destinations like Furano and Biei in roughly the same time (or less) than it would take by JR train. The real advantage comes once you’re there, as you can easily move from spot to spot without the wait.
In my experience exploring Hokkaido, I’ve found that navigating this vast prefecture using only local buses and trains can be quite challenging. In all but one of my trips to Hokkaido, I’ve had access to a private vehicle. While I don’t drive myself, managing an adventure there solely on public transportation would be quite difficult. Therefore, while the Hokkaido Pass can save you money if trains are your only option, renting a car might offer more flexibility and convenience for extensive exploration.
Tohoku & Hokkaido Passes
First things first, it’s important to understand that there is not just one pass for this section of the country but several. The standard JR East Pass (Tohoku Area), which now has seen a price increase to 30,000 yen, goes up to Shin-Aomori Station on the bullet train. There are also add-on options that include the southern portions of Hokkaido. These used to range from 20,000 yen to 27,000 yen, but with the recent price revision, most travelers will find the standard JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)s sufficient unless they plan to travel as far as Hakodate or Matsumae in Hokkaido. It’s worth noting that, as of this writing, only the base JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) is available to foreign residents.
For those looking to head north but not specifically interested in Tohoku, there is also the JR East pass that covers travel into Nagano and Niigata. This pass, now priced at 30,000 yen, grants access to the Shinkansen trains running to the Hokuriku area. However, with the updated pricing and other options available, you might want to consider alternatives for visiting this part of Japan. I’ll cover these in the following sections, so keep reading if you’re interested in exploring this area of Japan further.
JR Central Rail Passes
Oh boy, does JR Central have a TON of rail pass options to choose from. To keep this article concise, I’ll list each of them below along with the train lines and areas that the JR pass in question works on, noting where prices have increased…
- Takayama–Hokuriku Area Pass
During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to use this pass as part of a promotion. If you’re planning to visit Hida-Takayama, Shirakawago, or Gokayama, this pass, previously priced at 14,260 yen, has seen a price increase to 19,800 yen. It allows you to ride all local trains and JR buses to the aforementioned villages, including a few limited express trains and free usage of the Shinkansen between Toyama and Kanazawa Stations. - Alpine–Takayama–Matsumoto Area Pass
Similar to the Takayama–Hokuriku Area Pass, this pass offers unlimited travel around the Kiso Valley, Matsumoto, and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Previously costing 18,600 yen, this pass now will set you back 19,600 yen. It doesn’t include transportation to the region, so you might want to weigh its cost against the Japan Rail Pass. - Ise–Kumano–Wakayama Area Pass
Should you be heading down to the likes of Mie Prefecture and the Kii Peninsula where the Kumano Sanzan are located, then this is the pass for you. At only 12,220 yen after the changes of 2023, this one will enable you to travel all throughout the region. Don’t quote me but I think you also get some limited express train rides as part of the package! - Mt. Fuji–Shizuoka Area Pass
Heading down to the Mt. Fuji area or the Izu Peninsula? Well, this three-day pass might be one that you want to consider. For 5,080 yen as of the new pricing, you’ll get unlimited train travel throughout the region. In comparison to JR Central’s other rail passes, this part of Japan is actually reachable via local trains from Tokyo meaning that you don’t need to pay too much extra to get to where you can use it.
Hokuriku Arch Pass
With the exception of the Mt. Fuji–Shizuoka Area Pass, none of JR Central’s other offers really stand out for me, mainly because you need to first reach the area where the pass becomes valid. This requirement can lead to significant additional travel costs, effectively diminishing the value of these passes. In such cases, it might be more practical to invest a bit more in the all-encompassing Japan Rail Pass.
Enter the Hokuriku Arch Pass. This pass is a collaborative effort between the branch ticket offices of JR East and JR West, designed to promote the “New Golden Route.” For context, the traditional Golden Route follows the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, including stops like Nagoya. This route is currently extremely crowded with both tourists and business travelers.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass aims to divert travelers from the congested Tokaido Shinkansen network, guiding them to Kyoto via Kanazawa, Komatsu and central Japan. With the Japan Rail Pass now priced at 50,000 yen, the Hokuriku Arch Pass, at 29,650 yen, presents an extremely economical alternative. It not only provides access to Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto but also introduces travelers to locations often missed in typical tourist itineraries.
This pass, therefore, offers a more cost-effective way to explore these unique regions while avoiding the crowded bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line…
The Two Kansai Area Passes
Perplexingly enough, there are two distinct passes available for Japan’s Kansai region: the Kansai WIDE Area Pass and the Kansai Area Pass. Both cover travel to and from Kansai International Airport, along with access to popular destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. The key difference lies in the fact that the Kansai Area Pass limits you to slower local trains, while the Kansai WIDE Area Pass includes some bullet train trips, offering a broader range of travel options.
All things considered, both passes might not seem overly appealing unless your entry point into Japan is Kansai International Airport and your travel plans are concentrated within the Kansai region. In such a scenario, the 5-day Kansai WIDE Area Pass would be an ideal choice. Please note that the cost of the Kansai WIDE Area Pass has increased and is now 12,000 yen. However, this cost is often justifiable when you consider the total independent travel expenses.
This pass provides a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to explore the rich cultural and historical offerings of the Kansai area…
JR West Rail Passes
Just as was the case with JR Central’s litany of options, you’ll rejoice to know that the western half of Japan also has a number of passes too. Like with before, I’ll list these out with a quick blurb on each for brevity…
- JR West All Area Pass
Costing 23,000 yen, this deal allows for seven consecutive days of travel in western Japan. As far as the JR West All Area Pass is concerned, this region is defined as anywhere between Shin-Osaka Station and Fukuoka as well as the Kanazawa area. - Kansai–Hiroshima Area Pass
At 15,000 yen, this one primarily allows travel between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. Confusingly it also can be used to go to Takamatsu in Kagawa. The pass’s benefits can be enjoyed for up to five days in total. - Kansai–Hokuriku Area Pass
This is basically a watered down version of the JR West All Area Pass and only allows for travel west as far as Okayama. In exchange, you’ll pay 6,000 yen less, meaning that you can snag this pass for only 17,000 yen if that is the route you have in mind. - Sanyo & San’in Area Pass
In a similar vein, the Sanyo & San’in Area Pass cuts off Kanazawa and central Japan from the JR West All Area Pass in exchange for a 3,000 yen discount. Though it’s valid for seven days, you’d do well to just pay a bit extra and get the Hokuriku Arch Pass if Kanazawa is somewhere you’d like to also visit. - Hokuriku Area Pass
At only 5,090 yen, the Hokuriku Area Pass is quite affordable. At the same time though, it’s also extremely limited. For four days, you can enjoy unlimited travel between Kanazawa and Kurobe Unazaki Onsen and this includes the Hokuriku Shinkansen. - Okayama–Hiroshima–Yamaguchi Area Pass
Essentially the opposite of the Kansai–Hokuriku Area Pass, this one covers all travel west from Okayama to as far as Fukuoka. The five-day-long pass will set you back 15,000 yen. - San’in & Okayama Area Pass
If you’re looking to do an epic tour of Okayama, Tottori or Shimane, this might be something you consider purchasing. Valid for four days, the San’in & Okayama Area Pass will let you travel all throughout these three prefectures for 4,580 yen. - Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Pass
As the name suggests, this pass covers all travel in Hiroshima & Yamaguchi but it also affords travel as far as Hakata Station in Fukuoka. At 13,000 yen, the five-day-long ticket might be worth getting if you’re flying in and out of Fukuoka
On that note, I’d only ever recommend using any of JR West’s passes if you’re flying in and out of Kansai International Airport (or somewhere more rural within the parts of Japan that are covered like Fukuoka). While all of these passes have their own niche appeals, those flying into Narita or Haneda Airport will likely just do better getting the granddaddy Japan Rail Pass. This way, you don’t have to worry about first getting to the region where your pass is valid. Note that all options in this section are only available to those on temporary visas.
The JR Shikoku Pass
Now, things are finally going to get a little bit simpler. Basically, the All Shikoku Rail Pass is the only option available but you can buy one that is valid for three, four, five or seven days. The price for these now ranges anywhere between 12,000 yen and 20,000 yen but you’ll also need to somehow get yourself to Shikoku to make use of the pass. Given that a rental car is a better option for many parts of Japan’s smallest island, you might just consider skipping this pass altogether.
On the prefectural level, one buy that I would consider though is the Kagawa Mini Rail & Ferry Pass. In addition to covering travel by train, this one can be used to island hop around the Seto Inland Sea. I am not too sure of the actual pass details so consider asking at a JR ticket office if you think that this might be something you want to look into.
The Setouchi Area Pass
To be rather blunt, I don’t know why you would want to get the All Shikoku Rail Pass when there is the amazing Setouchi Area Pass. Like with the previously introduced Hokuriku Arch Pass, the Setouchi Area Pass is one of only a few options out there that can compete with the Japan Rail Pass. Seeing only a 3,000 yen price hike to 22,000 yen, this offering allows you to easily traverse the ever-popular Kansai region as well as the prefectures of Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Ehime and Fukuoka. What’s more, it’s valid for a whole week too.
The only downside to the Setouchi Area Pass is that you will need to first get to Kansai or Fukuoka to start making use of it. Thus, those of you who are flying in and out of Haneda or Narita would just be better off getting the all-encompassing Japan Rail Pass. Tragically, unlike with the Hokuriku Arch Pass, I can really only recommend it to those of you who are flying into Kansai International Airport or Fukuoka Airport. As amazing as the Setouchi Area Pass is on paper, it just doesn’t work out well for many.
The JR Kyushu Pass
Like with the JR Shikoku Pass, JR Kyushu’s offering is one that covers the entire island. It comes in three varieties that range from three consecutive days to seven and will now cost you anywhere from 20,000 yen to 25,000. When it comes to Kyushu, I find that most travelers fly to the prefecture that they plan on visiting and then return via airplane to Tokyo or Osaka. Thus, I cannot imagine recommending the JR Kyushu Pass over the standard Japan Rail Pass. The only exception might be for someone returning to Asia via Fukuoka who only wants to see Kyushu.
That said, the JR office in Kyushu also has a joint pass with JR West called the Sanyo–San’in Northern Kyushu Pass. At now only 26,000 yen, this rail pass in Japan covers huge swaths of western Japan. Sanyo–San’in Northern Kyushu Pass holders can travel all across the Kansai region as well as the northern parts of Kyushu. Should you not be making use of Haneda or Narita, this is actually a great deal if you aren’t looking to include Tokyo on your trip. However, if you are planning to do Tokyo, this might not be the best option.
Japan Rail Pass & JR Pass FAQs
While I am sure that I missed some details regarding the Japan Rail Pass and all of the various regional passes, the above should give you almost all you need to know when deciding whether or not to buy one. Even with the price now going to 50,000 yen for ordinary cars and 70,000 yen for the green car, it is still an insanely good deal. That said, it is no longer as clear cut as before whether or not it will save you money so do look into some of the other options that I’ve introduced here.
Now, I’d like to end this article by going over some miscellaneous questions and frequent points of confusion regarding the rail passes in Japan…
- Can I purchase a JR pass online?
Yes, you can purchase a JR pass online via a number of different partners. You can also pick one up in Japan at the train station. If you buy online, you’ll have to go and activate it at a station on one of the JR lines. - Do you need to buy it before arriving in Japan?
In the past, you used to need to purchase online but these days, you can also snag a Japan Rail Pass at any major JR station in Japan. If you buy before, it is often a bit cheaper though it does depend on the type of rail pass. - What do I do about seat reservations?
When riding the bullet trains, JR pass holders will often need to reserve a seat. Normally, this is done when buying a ticket but pass holders will need to inquire at a dedicated JR office. These can be found at most large stations served by JR trains. - What areas aren’t accessible with a pass?
Japan is a vast country and thus it is really hard to answer this in a few short sentences. I suggest that you dig around in Jorudan or a similar service to figure out which pass makes sense if one does at all. Remember, the Japan Rail Pass and its kin generally only applies to JR lines so areas that are primarily reached by private operators are not covered. - What ferries can be used by pass holders?
As far as I can tell, only the JR Miyajima Ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. That said, the Kagawa Mini Rail & Ferry Pass does include a number of JR ferry routes from what I can tell. That said, I’ve never used it myself nor do I know anyone who has so I cannot comment further. - Can different rail passes be stacked?
Yes, they can. That said, be sure to do the numbers as multiple JR passes might just come in to be as expensive if not more expensive than a Japan Rail Pass which covers everything from JR buses to night trains. - Can I ride the Narita Express to Tokyo?
You can use the Japan Rail Pass to take most of JR’s expedient train services like the Narita Express. That said, seeing as the clock starts ticking only when you activate your JR pass voucher, it behooves you to hold off as long as you can. Thus, I would suggest making the trip to Tokyo without activating as this allows you to push the starting date of your actual pass back to when you - What about the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda?
Since the Tokyo Monorail is jointly owned by JR East you can indeed use the pass to get to and from Haneda. - How about Kansai International Airport?
Yes, both Japan Rail Pass holders and those with other tickets for the Kansai region can make use of the Haruka express to Osaka and Kyoto. Just make sure to get a seat reservation before you get on the train. - Is the Green Pass worth the extra price?
This is hard to say. Generally, all of the limited express trains and bullet trains are luxurious enough as is. Thus, unlike with local trains, Green Cars on the Shinkansen aren’t that much of an upgrade. At the same time though, you can almost always get a seat in Green Cars, even during busy seasons. Sadly, the Green Pass does come with one major downside; you’ll need to go to the ticket office every time to make a seat reservation.
Well… That was way too many words on the JR rail passes. I hope this provides you with some value and gives you some insights into the new pricing structure.
Until next time travelers…
