If you’re planning a trip from the UK to Japan, chances are you’ve already heard about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). It shows up everywhere, like in travel blogs, Reddit threads, and even TikTok. But with price changes coming in 2026 and a few updates to train access, it’s fair to ask: is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
The honest answer is that it depends on how you plan to travel. That said, there’s no need to guess. Below, we break everything down so you can decide if the JR Pass makes sense for your Japan trip, or if you’re better off skipping it.
What is the JR Pass?
Traveling Japan with a JR Pass in hand
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is an all-you-can-ride train ticket made for tourists. It gives you unlimited travel on most Japan Railways services for a set period of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
Once your pass is activated, you can hop on and off JR trains as often as you like during that time. This includes most Shinkansen (bullet trains), local and regional JR lines, selected buses, and even the JR ferry to Miyajima. Because the pass is only sold to non-residents, you can use it as a UK traveller.
You will also need to choose a seat class. Ordinary Class is the standard option; trains are clean, reliable, and far less crowded than a typical UK train. Green Class is the upgrade option, similar to first class, with more space, wider seats, and quieter carriages.
Duration | Ordinary Car | Green Car (1st Class) |
|---|---|---|
7 Days | £240 | £336 |
14 Days | £385 | £529 |
21 Days | £660 | £674 |
If you compare that to buying single tickets between major cities (we'll show you in a bit), the JR Pass can offer brilliant value, especially if you're moving around a lot.
What does the JR Pass cover (and not cover)?
Use your JR pass to travel all around Japan!
✅ What the JR Pass Covers
🚄 JR Trains Across Japan
You can use the pass on almost all trains run by the Japan Railways Group, including JR East, JR West, JR Central, and JR Hokkaido. This covers local and rapid services, limited express trains, and most Shinkansen (bullet trains).
✈️ Airport Travel
The JR Pass also covers several airport routes, which makes getting in and out of major cities much easier. This includes the Narita Express from Narita Airport, the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport, and the Haruka Limited Express from Kansai International Airport.
🚌 JR-Run Local Buses
You can also use the pass on certain local buses operated by JR companies. These are useful in a few regions, especially where train routes are limited.
⛴️ JR Ferry to Miyajima
The pass includes the JR Miyajima Ferry, which takes you across to Miyajima Island near Hiroshima. It’s a handy extra and one of the few ferries in Japan covered by the JR Pass.
❌ What the JR Pass Doesn't Cover
🚄 Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen
These are the fastest bullet trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines and are not included with the JR Pass.
🚇 City Subways and Metros
Local metro systems such as Tokyo Metro and Osaka Metro are not covered. You’ll need an IC card for these journeys.
🚆 Private Railway Companies
Trains run by private operators like Keisei, Hankyu, and other non-JR lines are not included, especially common within cities.
If you’re used to using an Oyster card in London, you’ll find city transport in Japan works in a similar way. You’ll still want to pick up a Suica IC Card for local journeys that aren’t covered by the JR Pass.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Single tickets for Japan trains
Let’s say you’re spending a week in Japan and plan to travel around. Here’s an idea of how the fares stack up without a pass:
Journey | Single Ticket Price | 7-Day Whole JR Pass |
Tokyo → Osaka | €175 | ONLY £240 for UNLIMITED train travel |
Osaka → Kyoto | €37 | |
Osaka → Nara | €28 | |
Osaka → Tokyo | €175 | |
Tokyo → Airport | €39 | |
Total | €454 |
Compare that with a 7-Day JR Pass for £240, and you're already saving around £150, and that doesn’t include any extra side trips you might squeeze in.
If you are used to pricey train fares in the UK, it's refreshing to get this kind of value.
✅ The JR Pass is Worth It If:
• You're making several long-distance trips: Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima
• You plan to travel around different regions, not just stick to one city
• You like the freedom to change plans
• You like having everything sorted before you leave the UK
❌ The JR Pass Might Not Be Worth It If:
• You’re staying mainly in one place, like Tokyo
• You only have one major train journey planned
• You’re okay booking separate tickets and don’t mind queueing
Many first-time UK travellers still go for the JR Pass. Why? Because it’s simple, it reduces stress, and you can travel by train without thinking twice.
How to Use the JR Pass?
Getting your JR Pass
Here's how it works when booking through Klook:
1. Buy Your JR Pass on Klook
Visit Klook’s website and purchase the JR Pass for the dates and duration you need. You’ll receive a digital Exchange Order confirmation by email.
2. Receive your Exchange Order
Klook will post a physical Exchange Order to your UK address. This is the document you’ll need to exchange in Japan for the actual JR Pass. It must be redeemed within 90 days of the issue date.
3. Travel to Japan
Make sure you arrive in Japan within 90 days of receiving your Exchange Order so it’s still valid.
4. Redeem your JR Pass in Japan
Once in Japan, go to a JR Travel Service Centre at major airports or train stations. Present your Exchange Order and passport (with a tourist visa stamp) to receive your JR Pass.
5. Choose your activation date
You don’t have to activate your pass straight away. You can pick a future start date that fits your itinerary, as long as you activate the JR Pass within 30 days of redeeming it.
6. Use your pass to travel
From the activation date, use your JR Pass on eligible JR trains. Show your pass at the staffed ticket gates when entering and exiting stations.
Final Thoughts: Is the JR Pass Worth It for UK Travellers?
In 2026, the Japan Rail Pass still makes good sense for UK travellers, especially if you plan to visit more than one region. It isn’t a perfect fit for every itinerary, but it works particularly well for popular routes like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
It’s not only about saving money. It’s about saving time, cutting down stress, and making travel days easier. And when you’re coming all the way from the UK, that convenience really does count!
FAQs about JR Pass
Is it worth buying the JR Pass in Japan?
Booking in advance through a trusted site like Klook is the better choice. It guarantees availability, often at a lower price, and saves you time and stress after landing. Plus, you'll have everything sorted before your trip even begins.
What are the disadvantages of using a rail pass?
It doesn’t cover all transport, so you’ll still need another card for subways or local trains in many cities. Also, you can’t hop on the fastest bullet trains, like Nozomi and Mizuho. But for most people, these are small trade-offs.
Is it cheaper to get a rail pass in Japan?
Buying your JR Pass before you travel is generally the more cost-effective option. You get better rates and avoid queues at busy JR offices. It’s one of the easiest ways to start your journey on the right foot.
What does a Japan Rail Pass get you?
It gives you unlimited access to most JR trains, including the popular Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho), local lines, and some buses and ferries. It’s a fantastic way to explore multiple cities without worrying about separate tickets.
Is the bullet train included in the Japan Rail Pass?
Absolutely! Most bullet trains, like the Hikari and Sakura, are covered, and they’re fast, comfortable, and reliable. You’ll be zipping between cities in no time, all included in your pass.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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