Buying a 7-Day Whole Japan JR Pass in 2025: Was It Worth It?

Forget "Eat, Pray, Love." My Japan trip was more like "Board, Discover, Repeat," thanks to a transportation system so efficient, it practically ran on magic and punctuality. From the ancient pathways of Kyoto to the neon cityscapes of Tokyo, my recent journey through Japan was less a series of stressful stops and more a seamless exploration, all thanks to Japan's unbeatable bullet train system. But beyond the perfectly synchronized train doors and the precise bus schedules, it was the sheer joy of discovery that truly made this trip an unforgettable one.

Let me be the first to tell you, the JR Pass with a Php20,000+ price tag was not my first choice. The 60% price increase was still the reason for my trauma in 2023. Initially, my partner and myself were ready to bootstrap the entire trip through point-to-point tickets. However, considering our 7-leg Japan excursion, the math had to make sense. Our initial computations showed the following: 

With over PHP24,000+ to prepare per person just for bullet train rides, we considered other options. We scoured local flight prices but struggled considering the number of luggage we each had. Lo and behold, after a couple of coffees, we realized the answer was right in front of us: Whole Japan Rail Pass. 

We checked Klook and found each ticket was around PHP20,259 each! We were also able to use our existing KlookCash and saved a bit more off the total amount. We not only saved PHP4,000 each but also received an eSIM package from Klook as a freebie!

We checked the mail a day before our flight and our JR Pass Exchange Orders arrived! Klook guides explained that these Exchange Orders were not the actual passes and are used to receive the actual JR Pass tickets through JR offices (these are found in every major train station).

Once we got to Kyoto Station, we immediately lined up to redeem our JR Passes and to make our first reservation.

With our JR Whole Japan Passes on hand, we looked for the green or blue JR ticket machines and made our first reservation. Each JR Pass comes with a QR code which you’ll need to scan in the machine. 

Note: the ticket machine will also ask for your passport number before making a reservation!

With both of us carrying 2 pieces of large luggage, we opted for “Oversized Luggage Seats”. These are rows A,B,C,D,E in standard cars with space behind the car or near the washroom. For luggage that are Large or Extra Large, these are your best options.

Note: Reserving Oversized Luggage seats are free-of-charge with the JR Pass.

After receiving a magnetic ticket from the machine, you’ll need to keep both the train ticket and JR Pass ticket together for safe keeping. When it’s time for your trip, make sure to insert both tickets in the gate. Your JR Pass ticket will be returned to you up until your late usable date.

The JR Pass in itself was saving us money through our Shinkansen rides. We were so happy to find out that our pass also covers all local JR trains for everyday commute AND JR ferry rides. During our side trip to Miyajima, the usual ferry ride from Hiroshima would cost PHP4,400 roundtrip. But with the JR Pass, it was completely free to use, yay for savings!

Coming from 2023 me who had to deal with the 60% increase, I’d say it’s a definite yay for those traveling to 3 or more locations and expect roundtrip rides. The JR Pass was a real life-saver since Shinkansen train rides can be booked anytime at any JR ticket machine (and unlimitedly!).

If you’re looking to discover the majority of Japan and will take you from North to South, I’d highly recommend the Whole Japan JR Pass for your next visit!