POV: you’re travelling to Japan soon, your bucket list is filled with heaps of places to visit outside Tokyo and you’ve just found out about the JR Pass. Now you’re wondering, is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
One of the best things about Japan is its efficient transportation system. As a tourist, it makes travelling so much easier and stress-free. With so many things to see and do, you definitely want to make the most out of your trip, and one of the best ways to do that is with a Japan Rail Pass.
ourney around Japan by train! Image credits: topcools tee on Unsplash
So, what exactly is it? Before we get ahead of ourselves, we’ll let you in on a bang-for-the-buck travel secret: this pass lets you hop on the rails anytime and anywhere in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Wanna know more? Scroll down for the deets, and we’ll answer all your burning questions on the Japan Rail Pass, whether it’s worth your penny or not:
About Japan Rail Pass
Whatever you decide, be sure not to lose this important pass!
The Japan Rail Pass is an all-in-one pass that lets you travel across Japan (aka the Whole Japan Rail Pass) or regionally, depending on which part of Japan you want to see. With a Whole Japan Rail Pass, you can enjoy 7, 14, and up to 21 days of unlimited train travel, meaning you can access the country’s high-speed rails plus the buses to help you save on transport!
Or perhaps you’ve got a specific place you wanna visit in Japan? The regional Japan Rail passes are perfect as they let you get around the region for three and up to five consecutive days. Whether you wanna head to north Japan, Hokkaido or down south at Shikoku, you’ll get to explore plenty of places.
Want all the info? Check out our complete guide to the JR Passes:
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Ride Japan’s unique trains with a regional JR Pass. Image credits: Zhipeng Ya on Unsplash
Well, we’re not gonna lie: the pass isn’t cheap, especially with the JR pass price increase, so we understand that it’s important to make the right decision. But if you’re the type who loves travelling a lot, especially out of the city, then we’d say that the JR Pass is worth every cent you spend since you get:
- You get unlimited travel - making it really convenient (as there would be no need to buy individual tickets every time!)
- You can also reserve train tickets in advance
- Travelling can also be much faster, as you can choose to take the Shinkansen or bullet trains all the time since they're included in your JR Pass!
If you're itineraries chock full of prefectures that aren't on the golden route, you can definitely make the most out of your JR Pass.
Need the 13th reason to book the Japan Rail Pass? Here are more pass perks for you:
Where do I buy my Japan Rail Pass?
You can purchase your JR Whole Japan Rail Pass and Regional Pass from Klook to enjoy hassle-free booking!
Will a JR Pass save you money?
The JR Pass offers unlimited access to all JR trains and buses, ferry services, and airport transfers for 50,000 YEN for the 7-day pass.
If your total trips exceed this amount during your stay in Japan, consider your money saved with the Japan Rail Pass! Additionally, when you factor in expenses for subway, bus, ferry, and airport transfers, along with Shinkansen trips, the savings with the JR Pass can be significant.
And of course, let's not forget about the time and energy savings of the Whole Japan Rail Pass. You won't have to stress about booking bullet train tickets anymore or missing your train.
What advantages does the Japan Rail Pass offer?
While saving money is a key reason people buy a Japan Rail Pass, there are also other benefits.
Again, it's convenient. It removes the need for you to constantly buy tickets for each journey on a JR line or the shinkansen; instead, you simply slide your JR Pass inside the ticket gate to get through.
You can also make seat reservations using your JR Pass, which is particularly useful during busy times to secure a seat in advance and avoid standing for long journeys. Simpley head on over to a JR ticket office or to a JR ticket vending machine and you can make your reservations there.
From October 2023, travellers with a Japan Rail Pass will also enjoy discounts at several major tourist attractions in Japan.
When is it not worth it?
It may not be worth buying a JR Pass in situations where the math doesn't add up. A 7-day JR Pass costs around 50,000 YEN or 7142.85 YEN per day.
If you calculate that your Japan travel costs will be lower with individual tickets for each journey, then the JR Pass might not be worth it. For example, if you're going to the usual golden route, the total cost of the bullet trains from Tokyo to Osaka to Nara to Kyoto isn't going to be worth it.
It might be more worthwhile to check out Klook's Value Rail Pass instead to maximise savings.
But, if you're going out of the golden route, the savings can be substantial, making the JR Pass worthwhile.
What isn't covered by the JR Pass?
The JR Passes can be used on Japan Railways (JR):
- Shinkansen (high-speed trains)
- N’EX (Narita Express)
- Limited express trains
- Express rapid trains
- Local trains
The pass can also be used on the Tokyo Monorail from/to Haneda Airport, the JR Ferry, and even local JR buses. What it does not cover, however, are the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen.
Find more cool rides in Japan to make your trip shine. Discover Japan’s 11 joyful trains:
How does the Japan Rail Pass work?
Make travel a breeze with a JR Pass! Image credits: Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
First, make sure you’ve booked your pass on Klook and double-check that all your passport and booking info are correct. Afterwards, claim your Exchange Order from selected local airports and get a Temporary Visitor Stamp at the Japanese Immigration. You can redeem your JR pass by heading to any JR office, where you’ll be given the actual JR Pass.
Once you get your pass, start planning your adventure! Activate your pass by selecting the start date and reserving your seats. The pass is only valid within 30 days of redemption, so make the most out of your trip!
When should I book my JR Pass?
We say, as soon as possible. A lot of things can happen that could delay your getting an exchange order so try to have as much lead time as possible when getting your JR Pass.
Do it at least seven working days before travelling to Japan—that way, you’ll have enough time to receive your Exchange Order.
Do kids need a pass?
Bring the whole fam for an out-of-the-country trip! Image credits: RODNAE Productions on Pexels
Kids aged 0-5 years old do not need a pass and can travel for free.
How much do train passes cost in Japan?
Now, we get it—the JR Pass can be expensive and naturally, you want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck! So, it’s important to ask how much can you really save with the pass.
To help you decide whether you should get a Japan Rail Pass or not, here’s a breakdown of the price of individual train passes versus the JR pass. Below is a seven-day itinerary for Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto - Narita:
Individual Train Ticket | 7 Day Whole JR Pass with Klook | |
|---|---|---|
Tokyo to Osaka | $190 | ONLY $395! for UNLIMITED train travels |
Osaka to Kyoto | $40 | |
Osaka to Nara | $30 | |
Osaka to Tokyo | $190 | |
Tokyo to Airport | $42 | |
Total | $492 |
To simplify it further, let’s say you’re only doing Tokyo and Osaka. One-way tickets from Tokyo to Osaka (without the JR Pass) cost about JPY132,000 or AUD190. Roundtrip tickets would already cost you around AUD380, and that’s excluding other shorter travels within the city and your train to and from the airport upon arrival and departure, which are about AUD42 each.
Should I book a Japan Green Pass?
Great news for all the travellers who love their comfort: the JR Pass also comes with a Green Pass so you can travel in style, first class! Compared to the ordinary car, the green car is equipped with reclining seats, more leg space, and fewer crowds, making for a comfortable experience every time you hop aboard the train!
Let’s plan your trip!
See awesome sights on your Japan trip!
Explore travel essentials, attractions, and sightseeing tours you can do in Japan here. To easily navigate and avoid getting lost in Japan, make sure to get a 4G Pocket Wifi!
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