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Planning a trip to Japan and wondering if the JR Pass is worth it? We are here to help!
Japan is a paradise when it comes to public transport. Whether it’s the metro or the national rail trains, they are all amazing, clean and on time.
Japan is also the land of bullet trains, some of the fastest trains in the world. If you are visiting, taking the train is particularly convenient and a much easier thing to do than renting a car.
For this reason, a lot of visitors opt for the Japan Rail Pass.
WHERE TO BUY THE JR PASS?
You can buy the JR Pass Online here.
It will be mailed to you by the post within a few days
The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass that gives holders the right to take unlimited trains on the National Japan Rail network.
Depending on your itinerary, it can save you a lot of money as well as being very convenient.
But is the Japan Rail Pass really worth it? It’s time to figure it out!
In this JR Pass review, you will find everything you need to know about the pass, how it works and whether it’s worth getting one for yourself or not.
What is the JR Pass?
The JR Pass, or Japan Rail Pass, is a special train pass sold by Japan Rail and available exclusively to foreign visitors.
It allows unlimited travel on most JR (Japan Railways) trains, including shinkansen (bullet trains), for a set number of days.
The pass can be used on all JR-operated railways across Japan which means you can visit cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima Hokkaido, and more, with it.
The pass is available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day. Obviously, each pass has a different price and the more days you get the more expensive (though proportionally, it works out cheaper per day).
With the JR Pass, you can travel on most trains with a reserved or non-reserved seat.
How to buy a JR Pass?
You can buy it online from various authorized providers like Klook or Get Your Guide.
The price of the pass varies depending on how many days but each provider will sell it at the same price.
Pros of buying a JR Pass
Trains in Japan are very effective but can be very expensive as well and if you are planning on exploring the country, having unlimited travel on trains is a huge advantage.
Here are the pros of buying a JR Pass.
1. Cost-effective: it will save you money
If you plan to travel to multiple cities in Japan, the JR Pass can be a cost-effective option, as it allows unlimited travel on most JR trains for a set number of days.
The Shinkansens (bullet trains) are a great way to go from one city to another. It’s practical and fast. But it can also be expensive.
The cost of individual train tickets can add up quickly, so the JR Pass can save you money in the long run if you are planning to take a few trains.
2. It’s very convenient
With a JR Pass, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets for each individual train ride. It saves both time and hassle since you don’t have to queue at a JR office or a machine to buy each ticket.
You can simply use Google Maps to see which train to get and show up to the station.
Once you get there, you can pass your ticket at the gate and then go to board the train.
If you want to make sure you get to take a specific train, you can book it in advance but you are also free to take a non-reserved seat.
3. Flexibility
The JR Pass allows you to travel on any JR train, including the shinkansen (except the Nozomi and Mizuho).
This means that as long as there is a JR station, you can take a train there.
It doesn’t matter if you made a reservation or not, you can just take the train.
Of course, if you haven’t booked, there is a possibility you wouldn’t be able to take your wished train but since you never have to take a specific train, you have the option of taking the next one (or an early train or if you get there earlier).
The flexibility it gives is very handy. When we travel, plans can change.
No matter how well you organised your itinerary, you may change your mind or something might happen (like rain) that makes you want to take an earlier or later train.
With the JR Pass, no matter what happens, you will be able to take your train.
4. It will save you time
Taking bullet trains is the best thing to do to get around Japan since they are much quicker than driving. This alone will save you time but having a JR Pass will save you even more time.
Since you don’t have to go get your individual ticket and can just walk up to the gate whenever you want to, you don’t have to waste time with the logistics.
5. You will save money on local transport as well
The JR Pass can only be used on Japan Rail lines which means you can not use it in the metro or buses however, there are certain lines that are included.
In every city, you will also find JR stations and some of the lines are very convenient such as the Nara line in Kyoto or the Yamanote Line that goes all around Tokyo.
You can also use it on the JR bus lines.
If you plan your transfers carefully, you can avoid having to take the local metros and save even more money by using the JR lines.
6. It includes some ferries and sightseeing buses
A lot of people don’t know this but the JR Pass also gives you access to some ferries and sightseeing buses.
Let’s take Hiroshima as an example.
If you visit Hiroshima, chances are that you will want to go to Miyajima island.
Well, the ferry to get to the island is included in your JR Pass, which is again very handy since you don’t need to book or queue to get a ticket and will save you money.
Another thing that most people don’t know is that some sightseeing buses are also included in the JR Pass.
In Hiroshima again, all the sightseeing bus lines (you can take them from Hiroshima station) are included in the JR Pass.
These buses are very cool because you get onboard commentary and/or can simply use them to get around.
Once again, that will save you money but will also give you a chance to learn more about history.
7. You can pick it up at the airport and use it from Tokyo airports
If you arrive in Japan via one of Tokyo airports, Haneda or Narita airport, you can easily pick up your JR Pass from the JR office there.
In order to do that, make sure you ordered your JR Pass online in advance and show up to the office with your voucher.
Once you’ve exchanged your voucher for your pass, you can take the included lines to get into Tokyo.
From Haneda, you can take the Tokyo monorail. From Narita, you can take the Narita express.
8. It’s perfect if you travel a lot in a short amount of time
If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Japan like 1 or 2 weeks, then you will want to pack as many things as possible and in that case, the Japan Rail pass comes in handy and saves a lot of money.
9. Cultural experience
This one is not really an advantage of the JR Pass specifically but more of taking trains in Japan altogether.
Taking the train is a quintessential part of Japanese culture.
It is an experience in so many ways. Firstly, Japanese trains are so punctual and clean. They have everything.
Secondly, you can enjoy the scenery, try some local snacks from the train station and even go on some themed trains.
Cons of buying a JR Pass
Now that we looked at all the advantages of getting a JR Pass, it’s time to talk about the cons because like for everything in life, there are some as well.
1. JR Pass Cost
The JR Pass is not the cheapest of things to buy. Prices start at 29,000 Yens (£178 / $220).
While this amount is actually worth it if you use your pass a few times, it is undeniable that it can can be a significant expense
The most important thing when considering buying a JR Pass is to plan your itinerary and see how much it would cost you to buy individual tickets.
For example, if you just want to stay in Tokyo and go to Kyoto for a couple of days, then the cost of a return ticket with the Shinkansen to Kyoto will be much under the cost of a JR Pass.
In this case, it wouldn’t be worth buying a pass.
The JR Pass will only save you money if you use it.
2. Some regional passes can be cheaper
Once again, whether the JR Pass is worth it or not depends on your itinerary, the places you visit and how long your trip is.
In some cases, you may not actually need a JR Pass but a regional pass would be enough.
A popular one for example is the Kansai JR Pass. It lasts 5 days and includes JR trains to and from Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kobe and more.
Depending on how you worked your itinerary out, taking this one could be a better option. It’s much cheaper than the JR Pass and if you are flying to Osaka and staying in this area, it’s definitely better.
If you are planning on going to Kyoto and Tokyo (or even more places), then you will need to calculate how much both options would actually work out.
3. Limited coverage
While the JR Pass covers most JR trains (and honestly it’s more than enough). It is true that it does not cover the Nozomi and Mizuho lines.
No matter what, you don’t actually need to take these trains because you will have other types of bullet trains running on the same lines but if for some reasons you really want to get onto these specific trains, the JR Pass is not for you.
Also, it will not give you access to the local metro lines so you will need to get a metro or PASMO card anyway.
4. You have to order it in advance if you buy online
If you choose to buy your pass online (which you should, it will save you time once you are in Japan), then you need to make sure you are ordering it at least a week before departure since it will be mailed to you.
If worse comes to worst, you can still buy one at the JR office though. The only thing to avoid is to order a couple of days before the trip since it won’t make it on time.
Please note that the vouchers are valid for 3 months so don’t order them before that either.
5. It’s not for slow travel
The JR Pass is meant for those who want to make the most of their time in Japan and visit as much places as possible.
If you, however, are travelling slower with more free days then it’s not worth buying a pass at all. You will save money by just getting regular tickets every once in a while.
The pass is only valid for 7, 14 or 21 days so you need to use it as much as possible in that amount of time.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Yes, absolutely. As a general thing, the JR Pass is a great product and for many visitors, it’s so practical and saves us so much money.
But, at the end of the day, it all depends on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend in Japan.
The JR Pass is definitely worth it if you plan on using it a few times during your stay or and are planning on taking long train rides (Tokyo to Osaka for example).
It’s also worth it for people who decide to pack as much as they can in a short amount of time.
Since it’s only valid for 1, 2 or 3 weeks, it wouldn’t be adapted to slow travel.
You need to review your own trip and see if it will be worth it for you personally.
We can always tell you that it’s worth it as a general thing, but it’s not necessarily relevant since it really depends on your own travels.
How to know if the JR Pass is worth it for my trip?
It’s simple. You need to calculate the cost of all your train rides and compare it with the total cost of the JR Pass.
This is very easy to do with the JR Pass fare calculator.
In this tool, you can add all the places you want to visit and it will calculate the cost of individual trains and compare it to the JR Pass.
You will be able to see if the Japan Rail Pass is worth it and also how much money it will save you.
How to use the JR Pass Fare Calculator
The JR Pass Fare Calculator is a very simple and straightforward tool to use. Here is exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Go to the JR Pass Fare Calculator website
Go on the website here.
Step 2: Add the cities you want to visit
Enter your starting point (where you are coming from) and destination (where you are going).
You can add as many places as you want and the calculator will adjust.
Step 3: Scroll down to see the results
If you scroll down, you will see the results.
Here is how it works. It will show you the total cost of individual tickets.
By default, the 7-day pass will be selected but you can change it to 14 or 21 days and see what difference it makes.
The bottom line indicates your savings.
If the number is black that means that you will save money with the JR Pass that was selected.
If the number is orange, then that means that the JR Pass will cost you more than booking individual tickets.
Step 4: Adapt your itinerary
Depending on the results, you may find that a shorter JR Pass will save you money. If that’s the case, try to think about how you could adapt your itinerary to make it work.
Don’t forget, you always have the option of buying a JR Pass and an extra ticket for your last journey.
Examples of itineraries with a 7-day JR Pass
We know that all these calculations can be confusing so here are a few itineraries that we know will save you money with a JR Pass.
Itinerary 1:
- Day 1 to 3: Tokyo
- Day 4 to 6: Kyoto (activate your pass on day 4)
- Day 7: Osaka
- Day 8: Nara
- Day 9: Himeji – Kobe
- Day 10: Back to Tokyo
Itinerary 2:
- Day 1: Tokyo
- Day 2 to 6: Kyoto (activate the pass on day 4)
- Day 7: Hiroshima
- Day 8: Himeji – Kobe – Osaka
- Day 9: Nara
- Day 10: Back to Tokyo
How to use the JR Pass
There are 4 steps to buy and use a JR Pass which are:
- Order your pass online here
- Exchange your voucher at a JR Office
- Reserve your seats and trains (optional)
- Use your pass at the station
Here is the exact breakdown of how to do each one of these steps.
How to order your JR Pass
First, you need to order your JR Pass online. You can do so here.
Simply select the type of pass (number of days and class) you want, add it to the cart, enter your details and proceed with payment. You can pay in your own currency, it doesn’t have to be in Yens.
Once the purchase is completed, you will receive your actual pass in the post within 2 weeks.
How to exchange a JR Pass
Once you have your JR Pass in the post, make sure to pack it safely and take it all the way to Japan.
When you arrive in Japan, you will need to exchange it at an official JR office. You can find a full list of such offices here.
The most convenient thing to do is to exchange it at the airport.
That way you are good to go and don’t need to worry about it but if you can’t do it at the airport, you will also be able to do it in any JR office on the list.
GOOD TO KNOW: Your JR Pass doesn’t have to start the day you exchange it. You will give the starting date to the member of staff and it will only start on the day you asked. This means that you can do it at the airport even if you are not planning on using it for another few days.
Once you get to the JR Office, make sure to come with your passport since you will need both the voucher and your ID.
The person at the desk will then exchange the voucher for an actual JR Pass ticket that you can use in stations.
How to reserve seats with a JR Pass
It is not necessary to reserve seats in advance with a JR pass but if you want, you can do it.
Most of the time, you will be able to board a train in the non-reserved section but if you are a big group or travelling during sakura season, it is recommended to book your seats.
It is quite easy and it doesn’t cost anything extra.
The easiest way is to do it at the JR Office when you exchange your voucher. You might as well do everything at once.
Please note that they only let you book one train during peak season though.
Alternatively, you can book your trains from any JR office or from the machines in the stations.
The machines are available in English and quite straightforward, you can take all the time you need.
The only fastidious thing about using the machines is that you need to enter your passport number but it’s not that much of an issue.
How to use your JR Pass in stations
Once you have your ticket and reservations, it is time to use the JR Pass. This is the easiest part!
Basically, look at the signs to identify your platform and where to take your train.
Before you reach the platforms, you will find automatic gates where you can slide your ticket in.
Insert your ticket, walk through and take it back.
After that, you are good to go!
Please note that you need to insert the actual JR Pass ticket and not the voucher nor the seat reservation.
Also, make sure you take your ticket back since you will need it.
If, for some reason, the gate doesn’t give you back the ticket, go to the help desk next to the gates and ask for help. The staff will get it back for you.
Tips for using and saving money with the JR Pass
By now, you should know whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it or not but there are also some more ways you can save money with it.
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you use your JR Pass in the most efficient way.
1. Always check the route you are taking
Sometimes faster and more comfortable routes aren’t included in the JR Pass. Local metros and Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansens are not included so you can’t take those.
You can easily check the type of train on Google Maps (click on the route and it will tell you what type of train it is).
2. Look for JR lines instead of metro lines
If you are visiting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, you will probably want to take the metro a lot however, there are also a lot of lines that are covered by the JR Pass.
This is the case of the Nara line or Yamanote Line in Tokyo.
So, if the JR line is available, always take it instead of the metro and you will save money.
If you are not sure whether a line is included in the JR Pass, you can check the official website, ask the staff at train stations or look for JR stations.
PRO TIP: Another thing (more DIY) that you can do is to try to make your own itinerary. When you use Google Maps, it will tell you what route is the best but you can also look for JR stations near you and set these as your departure point. If you do that, it will change the way Google Maps calculates the itinerary and often recommend JR lines instead.
This tip can save you a lot of money with your JR Pass.
3. Reserve seats in advance to save time and avoid long queues
As mentioned before, you can reserve your seats in advance and it doesn’t cost anything extra. This is particularly useful during peak season but also when there are a lot of people travelling together.
Reserving your seat is quite easy and will save you time since you won’t have to queue up for tickets or wait until the next train.
4. Don’t forget that the JR Pass comes with discounts on other things
The Japan Rail Pass also comes with discounts on things like hotels from the Japan Railways Hotel Group.
It also includes some ferries like the one to Miyajima island and some sightseeing buses like the ones in Hiroshima.
You might as well take full advantage of all these inclusions and discounts.
FAQs about the JR Pass
Now that we are done with our review of the Japan Rail Pass, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions.
Can I use JR Pass from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Yes, the JR Pass will cover all JR routes from Tokyo to Kyoto and vice versa. You can take any Shinkansen as long as it’s not a Nozomi or Mizuho.
Is JR Pass valid on Metro?
No, you cannot use the JR Pass in metro lines. It is only valid for JR trains however, there are also some local JR lines in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka.
Can I use JR Pass from Tokyo to Osaka?
Yes, you can use your JR Pass from Tokyo to Osaka and vice versa. Again, you can take any Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka except the Nozomi and Mizuho.
Are trains expensive in Japan?
Yes, trains are quite expensive in Japan for long-haul transfers however, the service is also exceptional. It’s clean and on time.
If you use a JR Pass, it can make your train travel quite affordable though.
Is the bullet train expensive in Japan?
Yes, the bullet train, also known as Shinkansen is quite expensive in Japan without a JR Pass but it’s also the best way to get from one place to another. They are fast, clean and on time.
How much does a bullet train ticket cost in Japan?
The price of a bullet train ticket in Japan depends on your destination and the distance. To give you an idea, a bullet train ticket from Tokyo to Osaka is around 15,000 Yens.
Can I travel first class with a JR Pass?
The first class in Japanese trains is known as Green Class.
If you wish to travel first class, you will need to buy the JR Green Pass. It is slightly more expensive but that way you can use the green class carriages everywhere.
Standard JR Pass holders can’t travel in the green class carriages but have the option to buy it on certain journeys at an extra cost.
Which is better SUICA or JR Pass?
A SUICA (or PASMO) card can be used on local lines such as the metro and buses. You can also use it on the JR lines but then you’ll pay the price on an individual ticket.
No matter what, you will need a SUICA or PASMO but a JR Pass works out cheaper when you have big train journeys.
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