Traveling to Japan as a tourist? Get your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before your trip to enjoy unlimited rides on Japan’s JR Lines including the Shinkansen.
On our 10-day Japan trip, we decided not to get a JR Pass because we thought it was quite expensive. However, we realized later on that we could have saved more on our transport costs if we actually got one, especially since we traveled across different destinations including Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
If you still can’t decide whether to get a JR Pass or not on your Japan trip, here’s our ultimate Japan Rail Pass guide to help you out.
What is a JR Pass or Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass, also known as JR Pass, is a special kind of travel pass in Japan specifically created for foreign tourists with a “Temporary Visitor” Japan Visa.
Unlike other transport cards like the Welcome Suica Card, Japan Suica Card, Korea T-Money Card, Taiwan EasyCard, Hong Kong Octopus Card, and Singapore EZ-Link Card, the JR Pass offers unlimited rides on trains, buses, and even ferries operated by the Japan Railways (JR).
Japan Rail Pass types and prices
There are different types of JR Passes, depending on the area covered. The prices also vary according to the validity period.
1. JR Pass (Whole Japan)
This is the ultimate pass where you can enjoy unlimited rides across Japan with an option for a 7, 14, and 21-day validity. This is ideal if you are traveling long-term and your Japan itinerary includes many destinations.
JR Pass (Whole Japan) prices 2024
| Validity | Ordinary Car | Green Car (Premium) | ||
| Adult (12 & above) | Child (6 to 11) | Adult (12 & above) | Child (6 to 11) | |
| 7 Days | ¥50,000 | ¥25,000 | ¥70,000 | ¥35,000 |
| 14 Days | ¥80,000 | ¥40,000 | ¥110,000 | ¥55,000 |
| 21 Days | ¥100,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥140,000 | ¥70,000 |
*Whole Japan JR Pass prices above are correct as of publication date. Check the official website for the most updated rates.
2. JR Pass (Regional)
If you are only traveling to a specific area in Japan, choose the regional JR Pass that covers your destination.
There are many regional JR passes to choose from, but here are the popular ones and their respective validity periods and prices:
JR Pass (Regional) prices 2024
| Region | Adult Price (12 years old & above) | ||
| 5 days | 7 days | 10 days | |
| JR Hokkaido | ¥20,000 | ¥26,000 | ¥32,000 |
¥35,000 (6 days only) | – | – | |
| ¥12,000 | – | – | |
| ¥22,500 | ¥25,000 | – | |
| ¥30,000 | – | – | |
*Regional JR Pass prices above are correct as of publication date. Check the official website for the most updated rates.
What is covered by the JR Pass?
The JR Pass (Whole Japan) covers the following:
- JR Trains (Including Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo & vice versa)
- Shinkansen
- Tokyo Monorail (From Haneda Airport to Tokyo & vice versa)
- JR Ferry (To Miyajima)
- Local JR Buses
- Specific Non-JR Trains (to isolated JR stations)
The JR Passes (Regional) cover specific regions in Japan. See examples below:
- JR Hokkaido: Hokkaido (JR Lines except Hokkaido Shinkansen)
- JR East-South Hokkaido: Eastern Japan, Southern Hokkaido
- JR Kansai Wide Area: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama
- JR Kyushu: f*ckuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
- JR East Tohoku Area: Sendai, Aomori, Yamagata, Akita
*Visit the JR Pass official website or Klook for more regional JR Passes and their coverages.
What’s NOT included in the JR Pass?
You can’t use your JR Pass on trains not operated by Japan Railways (JR) like the Tokyo Subway, Odakyu Line, and Keio Line. In addition, the JR Pass does not cover most buses and ferries in Japan.
Where to buy a JR Pass?
Do note that you need to get your JR Pass before your arrival in Japan. You can already buy as early as 6 months (180 days) before the intended use.
Here are several options to buy a JR Pass:
Option 1: Online platforms
The easiest and most convenient way to buy your JR pass is via these online platforms:
a) Klook
Klook (JR Pass for Whole Japan)
- Price:
- Adult: ¥50,000 (7 days); ¥80,000 (14 days); ¥100,000 (21 days)
- Children: ¥25,000 (7 days); ¥40,000 (14 days); ¥50,000 (21 days)
- Nice features: Free JR Pass Digital Guide; Free 3GB eSIM
Klook (Regional JR Passes)
You may also buy specific regional JR Passes on Klook. Prices could vary depending on region and validity period.
*Your JR Pass Exchange Order will be delivered to your address. Present this together with your passport at any JR office in airports and train stations in Japan to get your actual JR Pass.
b) GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide (7, 14 or 21-Day Japan Rail Pass)
- Price:
- Adult: ¥52,400 (7 days); ¥81,800 (14 days); ¥105,000 (21 days)
- Children: ¥27,400 (7 days); ¥42,400 (14 days); ¥55,000 (21 days)
- Nice feature: Free guide booklet in English
*The voucher will be delivered to your address. You need to present it together with your passport to exchange it for an actual JR Pass at any JR office in airports and train stations in Japan.
Option 2: JR Pass website
You may also visit the JR Pass official website to purchase your JR Pass online. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Do note that prices could vary due to currency conversions.
Option 3: Travel agencies
If it’s not possible for you to buy a JR Pass online, you may visit any accredited Japan travel agency near you.
How to use the JR Pass
Here are steps on how to use your JR Pass:
Step 1: Buy your JR Pass before your trip
You can already buy at least 3 months (180 days) before your trip. After you buy your JR Pass, a voucher or exchange order will be delivered to you in 1 to 4 working days, depending on your location.
Step 2: Redeem your JR Pass
When you arrive in Japan, present the exchange order together with your passport to any JR office in airports and subway stations in Japan. You will need to fill out a form to redeem your actual JR Pass.
Step 3: Use your JR Pass
Once you receive your actual JR Pass, you can already use it to ride trains, buses, and ferries operated by the Japan Railway Group.
Notes:
- Your JR Pass does not work like a Suica Card where you just tap on the card reader at the subway gates. You need to present your JR Pass to the staff and pass through the manned subway gates.
- Some trains like the Shinkansen may need prior seat reservation. Go to any JR office to reserve a seat without extra charges.
- Visit the JR Pass official website to learn more about how the JR Pass works.
JR Pass frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the JR Pass to ride the Shinkansen?
Yes, you can enjoy unlimited rides on the Shinkansen with the JR Pass, especially if you bought the JR Pass (Whole Japan). However, for the regional JR passes, there could be specific limitations. For example, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass covers all JR Hokkaido Lines except the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
2. Can I buy a JR Pass when I arrive in Japan?
No, you can’t buy the JR Pass in Japan. You need to buy it before your trip. You can already buy up to 6 months (180 days) prior to your trip. If you failed to buy your JR Pass, you can consider getting a Welcome Suica Card or buy transport tickets separately.
3. Can I buy a JR Pass for my family members or friends?
Yes, you may buy a JR Pass for other people. Be sure to fill in the right information such as their complete name and gender that reflect exactly on their passport.
4. Can I share my JR Pass with another person?
No, you can’t share your JR Pass with another person as it is a personal ticket with personal information. One person should hold one JR Pass.
5. When does my JR Pass expire?
The JR Pass is valid from midnight to midnight. For example, if you bought the 7-day JR Pass (Whole Japan), it will expire on day 7 at midnight.
6. What happens after it expires?
Once your JR Pass expires, you can no longer use it to ride trains, buses, or ferries operated by Japan Rail (JR).
7. Is my JR Pass refundable?
An unused JR Pass is refundable, provided it is still within one year (12 months) since the issue date. There is a refund fee and you need to return the ticket. If you booked via Klook and would like to request a refund, you will get a 90% refund given you haven’t redeemed your pass yet and it’s still within 12 months from the booking confirmation.
8. Can I keep my JR Pass as a souvenir?
Sure, you can keep your JR Pass as a souvenir from Japan.
9. Can I still reuse my JR Pass when I’m back in Japan?
Unfortunately, once your JR Pass expires, you can no longer reuse it. You have to buy a new JR Pass when you go back to Japan.
Is the JR Pass worth it, and do we recommend it to travelers?
The JR Pass is worth it if you are traveling across many areas in Japan, especially if you need to take the Shinkansen multiple times.
To give you some perspective, a one-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka could set you back at around ¥14,000 (US$93). If you ride the Shinkansen say four times, that’s already around ¥56,000 (US$372), which is more than ¥50,000 (US$332) for the 7-day JR Pass (Whole Japan). Imagine how much savings you get if you ride the Shinkansen without limit?
Of course, if you are only exploring one city, we won’t recommend that you get the JR Pass since you will probably be spending less if you just get a transport card like the Welcome Suica Card.
That’s pretty much everything you need to know about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). So, do you think it’s worth it?
Planning your Japan trip? 🇯🇵
Travel Essentials:
- Japan SIM Card or Pocket WiFi Guide
- Japan Suica Card Guide
- Japan Welcome Suica Card Guide
- Narita Airport to Tokyo Transport Guide
- Shinkansen Guide
Guides & Itineraries:
- Japan 10-Day Itinerary
- Hakone Freepass Guide
- What to Eat in Japan
