Japan Rail Pass Price Increase - Should I Still Buy It?
The Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass) has made the lives of many foreign tourists in Japan convenient throughout the years. With this amazing pass, you gain unlimited access to all the train lines operated by Japan Railways and other modes of transportation like the JR Bus, JR Ferry, and even monorails!
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The Japan Railway Group, announced a JR Pass price increase that will begin in October 2023. Along with the hike, they are introducing a range of expanded services to enhance your travel experience. These may include seat reservations through a dedicated website, access to special discounts and services, and automatic ticket gates access for pass users.
To give you a clear picture of the upcoming changes, here's a summary of the current and new prices for different types of Whole Japan JR Passes.
Pass Type | Current Price (¥) | New Price |
|---|---|---|
Ordinary 7 days | ¥29,650 (~S$277) | ¥50,000 (~S$467) |
Ordinary 14 days | ¥47,250 (~S$441) | ¥80,000 (~S$747) |
Ordinary 21 days | ¥60,450 (~S$564) | ¥100,000 (~S$933) |
Green 7-day | ¥39,600 (~S$370) | ¥70,000 (~S$653) |
Green 14-day | ¥64,120 (~S$599) | ¥111,000 (~S$1,036) |
Green 21-day | ¥83,390 (~S$778) | ¥140,000 (~S$1,306) |
The new prices reflect a percentage increase across all pass types, with the most significant increase in the Green Pass options. If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, you can buy your JR Pass at the current prices before the adjustment takes effect. This only applies if you are travelling to Japan by 28 December 2023.
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass and JR Regional Passes will increase this Oct 2023.
Beat the price hike by booking your JR Passes with Klook by 30 Sep 2023! Perfect for those planning to travel to Japan by 28 Dec 2023 ✈️
Point-to-Point Shinkansen Tickets
Has the price hike got you thinking twice about getting a JR Pass? Fret not - we've got a hack for you. Did you know that you can get point-to-point Shinkansen tickets to save money?
Point-to-point Shinkansen tickets are essentially single-trip bullet train tickets. Instead of getting the JR Pass which grants you unlimited travel on trains, you can just get a ticket for each train ride you plan to take.
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Depending on your itinerary, you can find out the estimated cost of your entire journey on the JR Pass calculator and find out if a JR Pass is still worth it for you before purchasing your tickets or passes on Klook!
If you're only planning to stay in a few cities or one city, it might not be worth getting a JR Pass. You can explore other options like a Metro Pass or Regional JR Pass instead.
You can find out more about the various train types in our guide here:
What perks are included in the new JR Pass?
Source: Japan Rail Pass Website
While the price adjustments might be of concern for those travelling on a budget, there’s still a bright side for JR Pass holders. The new prices come with additional benefits that enhance your travel experience in Japan.
1. Access to Nozomi and Mizuho Trains: When you buy the new JR Pass starting in October, you will be able to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains with a simple fee top-up. These are the fastest trains operating on the Tokaido Shinkansen line (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata), ensuring efficient and seamless journeys.
2. Discounts at Attractions: Japan Railways has expanded the range of attractions offering discounts to JR Pass holders. Explore even more of Japan’s famous landmarks and natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Wondering if the JR Pass price increase is still worth spending on? Worry not! Here are two sample itineraries to help you make an informed decision — one where you buy the JR Pass and another without it. This way, you can weigh the options and choose the best route for your adventure.
Day 1 - Sapporo
Sapporo is in Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, famous for its relaxing hot springs and breathtaking natural surroundings. To fully appreciate its natural beauty, you can go on the Horomitoge Lavender Garden and Seafood Market Tour to see the impressive 8,000 lavender trees and the bustling market!
Day 2 - Sapporo to Hakodate, Hokkaido to Tokyo
After your Sapporo exploration, you can hop on the Hokuto Limited Express to Hakodate, a city in Hokkaido. Here, you can visit the Goryokaku Tower, which is a whopping 107 m tall! Its observatory decks allow guests to see the entirety of Goryokaku Park, the impressive star-shaped fort, and other nearby landmarks such as Mt. Hakodate, Tsugaru Strait, and the Yokotsu mountain range.
After your fix of sightseeing in Hokkaido, you can head to Tokyo by taking the Hakodate Line to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen to Omiya Station and finally the Saikyo Line to Shinjuku Station, a special ward in Tokyo. Of course, all these trains are accessible with your JR Pass!
Day 2 - Tokyo
Photo Credit: Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
Once in Tokyo, you can use your JR Pass to get around the city. You can visit TOKYO SKYTREE®, where you can see the cityscape from 450 m above the Tembo Galleria.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
You can also go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter to see authentic set pieces, props, costumes, and more movie magic that brought the hit franchise to life!
Marvel at nature’s wonders at "HANA・BIYORI", a one-of-a-kind botanical garden with immersive art, illuminations, and more!
Day 3 - Tokyo, Travel to Nagoya
Start your third day right with a treat for anime lovers: the Kamakura & Shonan Real-life Anime Locations Half Day Tour from Tokyo, which will take you to the beaches and train stations from “Slam Dunk”
Then you can head to Nagoya by going on either the Narita Express or the Yamanote Line from Shibuya Station to Shinagawa Station, both are bullet trains or Shinkansen accessed with the JR Pass. From Shinagawa Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Hikari Line) to Nagoya.
Day 4 to 5 - Nagoya
Visiting Nagoya is the perfect opportunity to see the majestic Japanese Alps on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Kamikochi 2-Day Trip from Osaka. See the snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls in Tateyama Kurobe, along with other spectacular nature views!
Day 6 - Nagoya to Osaka
To go to Osaka from Nagoya, you’ll need to board the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen again from the Nagoya Station until the Shin-Osaka Station. Afterward, you can explore attractions in Osaka with the OSAKA e-PASS. With the pass, you can go to Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Redhorse Osaka Wheel (Ferris Wheel), and more, with just one pass — saving you from buying multiple tickets!
Learn more about why Klook’s Osaka e-Pass is worth getting with this handy guide:
And if you want to explore beyond Osaka, you can go to selected popular attractions, restaurants, and activities in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe with the Have Fun in Kansai Pass!
Do you want to know more about how the pass can make your trip easier? Learn all the important details about the "Have Fun in Kansai Pass" with this article!
Day 7 - Osaka to Fukuoka
Still using your JR Pass, you can hop on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen again to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. An attraction you can’t miss there is the Unko Museum, a quirky space with cute and colourful poop-themed art and goodies!
Product | Price |
|---|---|
$467 | |
$77.74 - 216.97 | |
$57.09 | |
$9.55 | |
$17.29 | |
$60.55 | |
$11.45 | |
Kamakura & Shonan Real-life Anime Locations Half Day Tour from Tokyo | $94.95 |
$19.05 | |
$28.85 | |
$15.25 | |
TOTAL* | $781.03 |
*Total amount exclusive of regional passes.
Itinerary without JR Pass
With the JR Pass price increase, you can also consider these alternative options for your Japan trip:
Hokkaido Day Trips
Day trips are a great way to explore the area without worrying about how to get around. For starters, you can visit the highlights of Hokkaido on the Asahiyama Zoo & Shirahige Waterfall Hokkaido Day Tour, where the islands’ diverse plant and animal life await!
For a more cottage-core excursion, take the Furano & Tomita Farm Day Tour, where you can admire the natural landscapes and enjoy all-you-can-eat melon!
To see a vast sea of flowers similar to Holland’s tulip fields, an electric blue pond, and a roller coaster road, join the Hokkaido Biei Blue Pond Furano Flower Day Tour.
After getting your fix of Hokkaido, you can hop on the same trains to Tokyo, but you will have to purchase individual tickets for each trip. Or, you can stay on the island to continue marvelling at its wonders!
Tokyo
There are also plenty of excellent day trip options from Tokyo. What’s a trip to Japan without seeing the iconic Mt. Fuji with your own eyes? Do just that and go on a scenic cable car ride, hop on a pirate ship, and more on the Mt. Fuji & Hakone One Day Trip from Tokyo!
To enjoy the tradition of Japanese baths or onsen and revel in the majestic Japanese Alps, you can go on the 2D1N Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, & Kusatsu Onsen Tour from Tokyo.
Visit the Kamakura of Slam Dunk fame, and check out its many temples, The Great Buddha of Kamakura, and more on the Kotoku-in & Enoshima & Kamakura High School Day Tour from Tokyo.
You can take the Shinkansen to Toyama if you want to go beyond Tokyo.
Toyama to Nagoya
You can’t miss out on exploring the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route for its breathtaking mountain views. With the 5-Day JR Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass, you can access JR trains between Nagoya and Toyama, Nagoya and Shinano-Omachi, and transportation along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
If you value having the freedom to create your own adventure, you can also make your own Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, and Mie (Ise-Shima) itinerary with the Kintetsu Rail Pass. The pass gives you access to trains and buses in the area, similar to how the JR Pass works for JR lines. You can use it to go from Nagoya to Kyoto!
Learn more about the pass with this handy Kintetsu Rail Pass guide:
Kyoto
Once you reach Kyoto, you can check out the many shrines and temples in the city of Kamakura in the Kanagawa Prefecture. On this walking tour, you’ll also learn more about the history of Japanese Buddhism and the legendary samurai!
As an alternative to the JR Pass, you can also get the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass. It gives you unlimited travel access to the Keihan Line and Otokoyama Cable Line, which will take you around both cities!
Osaka
Once in Osaka, you can access multiple attractions via the Osaka e-Pass or the Have Fun in Kansai Pass. You can also ride the Shinkansen from Osaka to Fukuoka!
Fukuoka
Upon arriving in Fukuoka, you can explore its best attractions — or do the unexpected and hop on a ferry to South Korea! The Queen Beetle Jet Ferry can take you from Fukuoka to Busan, South Korea in three hours!
Product | Price |
|---|---|
$81.79 | |
$91.39 | |
$84.55 | |
$123.55 | |
2D1N Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, & Kusatsu Onsen Tour from Tokyo | $378.29 |
Kotoku-in & Enoshima & Kamakura High School Day Tour from Tokyo | $87.39 |
$201.80 | |
$14.29 | |
$107.59 | |
$5.75 | |
$19.05 | |
$28.85 | |
$109.49 | |
TOTAL* | $1,333.78 |
*Total amount can be more or less, depending on whether the traveller adds or removes products from the itinerary and purchases more individual train tickets.
Is the JR Pass still worth it?
Itinerary | Price |
|---|---|
With JR Pass | $781.03 |
Without JR Pass* | $1,333.78 |
*Total amount can be more or less, depending on whether the traveller adds or removes products from the itinerary and purchases more individual train tickets.
Knowing all the places you can go, whether you use a pass or not, you might wonder if the cost of the JR Pass is still worth it — especially with the price increase.
If you're eager to explore more of Japan and embark on epic journeys across long distances, like from Hokkaido to Tokyo or Osaka to Fukuoka, the JR Pass price is well worth it! You can even use regional JR passes if you're exploring specific regions. This grants you the flexibility to navigate within specific areas effortlessly.
We understand that you may also have more specific travel preferences. So if you're only planning to explore areas like Hokkaido, or the fantastic destinations of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, and Mie (Ise-Shima), you might find other modes of transportation more suitable, like the Kintetsu Rail. And if you prefer booking tours, the pass might not be the best fit for you.
No matter your travel desires, Japan has an array of options that suit your needs. So, prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure filled with incredible destinations, remarkable experiences, and unforgettable memories!
FAQs about the JR Pass price hike
1. When does the increase come into effect?
The price increase will take effect in October 2023.
2. If I buy in August, will it still be usable during the price hike in October?
Actual prices are still applicable before the increase. Just note that this only applies to purchases made after the update, not usage. This means you can still use the pass you purchase before the JR Pass price increases.
3. How do I save money on buying the JR Pass after the price increase?
You’ll save up even during the price increase if your travel involves a lot of train and bus transportation. You can also save if you arrive at one city or area and want to explore it as much as possible. You’ll need to ride the train multiple times, and the cost of individual tickets can add up.
Explore More of Japan!
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Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular city or region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
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