This website shows you a lot of the train passes. But some of you plan to buy a regular ticket. Even if you will use the rail pass, you may have to compare the price of the pass and the regular fare to make sure that you can get the worth of it or not.
In this post, I would like to share the information about the fare calculation with you.
Hyperdia
This is the easiest way to get the fare and the timetable of most trains in Japan. Please refer the link below to learn more:
Google map
Google map can show you the train and the public bus routes. It also shows you the fare.
JR’s rule on passenger’s ticket
JR companies have the biggest train network in Japan. If you travel between major cities, you will take JR train in most cases.
The fare rule is so difficult to understand for the tourists from overseas. Even some travel agents in Japan do not understand the rule completely.
I wrote about this rule as simple as possible in the post below. You can learn the rule of purchasing and using a regular ticket.
JR company’s official site
Some JR companies have the timetable and fare search engine in their official sites.
JR Hokkaido official website
This website offers you the fare and timetable search of most JR trains.
JR West English website
This website offers you the fare and timetable search of most JR trains.
JR Shikoku English website
This website shows you the fare table of most of JR Shikoku lines.
Comments
I will go to japan on 8 day trip. I arrive in Kansai -> Osaka -> kyoto -> Tateyama -> tokyo -> hakone -> tokyo (go around tokyo) -> ashikaga park -> tokyo-> narita. Should I buy JP pass for single ticket. We have 6 person. Thanks you!
Hi Rose,
If you can make this trip in 7 days, 7 days JR pass will work. As long as you go back to Tokyo after Ashikaga on day 7, it works.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I have already purchased 5Days JR East Pass and will arrive Tokyo in middle of April.
My family and I plan to travel from Tokyo to Nagano (via Hokuriku Shinkansen covered by JR East Pass) via Omachi for the Kurobe Alpine route (shall purchase separate fare package).
However, I just only realized that there’s a new Nagano Shinkansen (started on 14/3/2015) that extends the Hokuriku line from Joetsumyoko station to Kanazawa station. I am considering to travel the Kurobe Alpine route via Toyama instead. If so, I’d like to know:
1) Does JR East Pass covers stations under new Nagano Shinkansen between Joetsumyoko and Kanazawa station?
2) If not, how do I top up the fare on Nagano Shinkansen in order to travel from Nagano to Toyama station?
Your speedy advice would be most appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Regards
Hi Candice,
1) No. Joetsu-Myoko is the border station. You have to pay extra for Joetsu-Myoko to Toyama.
2) 5050 yen is extra for ordinary reserved seat in regular season. You can find an exact fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You have to pay actual fare for Joetsu Myoko to Toyama. It’s not difference between Tokyo – Toyama and Joetsu-Myoko – Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi! I’m landing at Osaka on 1 June and going Yokohama immediately > Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka and leave on 10 June. Which pass would be good? 🙂
Hi Mary,
If you come back to Osaka in 7 days, JR Pass 7 days is the best choice. Otherwise single fare and Local deals (such as subway pass) are better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there, we’re a family of 8 arriving Osaka this end of April and staying for just 4 full days. We’d like to go see Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Osaka Castle and of course Universal Studios. we’ll be staying near Namba Station but have no idea where and how to begin planning our trips because we’re not familiar with train routes at Osaka and how we’ll be able to do this economically since we’re quite a big family . I know we’ll have to decide by now what ticket/tickets to purchase soon as we land at Kansai. Would greatly appreciate your suggestions!
HI Aileen,
I have the best post for you. I think you will get all solution there. Please see the post below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
If you still have any questions, please let me know.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi ,
What will be cheaper for 3 people travlling from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, Tokyo Station to Hakone, Hakone to Yokohama, Yokohama to/return Tokyo (one day trip), Yokohama to Narita airport in 5 days stay.
Many thanks.
Hi Grace,
You can use Nex round trip ticket for arrival and departure days:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Single ticket for Odakyu Railway to Hakone, then Hakone Free Pass
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/traffic/
Highway bus to Yokohama
http://www.odakyu-hakonehighway.co.jp/common/pdf/english.pdf
Single ticket for Tokyo
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
is there is any JR from Tokyo to Mt Fuji. if without JR how do we get there in the best way.
please kindly share your comments.
Thank you.
Ben
Hi Ben,
You can get Otsuki by JR train and then you have to take non JR line, Fuji Kyuko. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi,
what will be cheaper for 3 people travelling from narita to tokyo, tokyo to kyoto, kyoto – hakone and hakone – hand airport. Is JR pass recommended ?our total stay is 13 days
thanks
Hi Prat,
Actually Tokyo-Kyoto round trip fare is slightly cheaper than JR Pass 7 days. If you complete Tokyo-Kyoto-Hakone-Haneda in 7 days, JR Pass may be better than single fare because you may use JR Pass when you stay in Kyoto.
If you cannot complete it in 7 days, single fare is cheaper. You may add local deals, like Hakone Free Pass, subway/bus deal in Kyoto and Tokyo.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You need to add these above deals even if you use JR Pass. Because JR Pass does not cover these trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I’m thinking of travelling to Osaka from Nikko after my onsen stay at Nikko. Is there any bullet train service from Nikko to Osaka? If not, do you have any tips you can give on the shortest and most efficient way to get to Osaka from Nikko? Greatly appreciate your help here!! 🙂
Hi Wendy,
There is no direct train services between Nikko and Osaka anyway. You have to get Utsunomiya first to get Shinkansen to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
And then take another Shinkansen to get Shin-Osaka from Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
This is the easiest and the fastest way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks Takeshi for your kind reply. Appreciate it! 🙂
No problem, Wendy.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have been reading your posts to plan my trip to Japan in April, but I am still really confused as to if I should purchase a JR Rail Pass.
Day 1 – Arrive in Japan -> Travel to Fukuoka
Day 2 – From Fukuoka to Nagasaki back to Fukuoka
Day 3 – Fukuoka – Takachiho – Fukuota
Day 4 – on land tour at Fukuoka
Day 5 – Explore around Fukuota
Day 6 – Land tour
Day 7 – Leave Japan
Based on this, do you think a JR Rail Pass is necessary?
As this is my first time to Japan is there any suggestions/changes you would make to the itinerary?
Thank you so much for you help.
Regards,
Joe
Hi Joe,
Since JR pass is nation wide pass, it’s too much for your trip. Kyushu Rail Pass northern are version 3 days is okay for you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Takachiho day trip may be hard. If you go there from Fukuoka, you have to take Shinkansen to get Kumamoto in early morning. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kyushu-area/my-trip-to-takachiho-how-to-access-to-takachiho-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi san,
Finally I had prepared my 7days itinerary as below, after many days getting useful information from your posts, about N’ex, Suica, single tickets, JRPass, Hyperdia… But the more i read, the more I’m confused on which card is suitable for my routing :D. Would you mind taking a look on below & give me your advice how to do? Should I take only JRPass is enough for whole routing or combine extra any card?
D1 “2015-04-05 (Sun)
– Arrival Haneda (10:30pm)
– Haneda to Shin-Kawasaki (Kawasaki-shi/Kanagawa-ken), 38min, ¥530, 13.2km (stay 1 night in Kawasaki)
– Take train Kawasaki to Nakano, 21min, ¥270, 8.7km
D2 “2015-04-06 (Mon)
– Ghibli Museum (10g – 13g) ¥1000 (must buy in advance)
– Shinjuku Gyoen (花見) (14:00 – 16:30)/ ¥200
– Tokyo Tower (17:30 – 18:00)/ ¥900 or 1600
– Roppongi (20:00 – 22:00)
– back Nakano
D3 “2015-04-07 (Tue)
– Tsukiji Fish Market (Tuna Auction) (05:25 – 06:15)/ 120 visitors/ free
– Tsukushima (07:30 – 09:00)
– Edo Tokyo Museum (09:30 – 11:00)/ free
– Kokugikan Sumo Stadium (13:00 – 15:00)/ free
– Tokyo Sky Tree: (15:00 – 16:00) ¥2060 + 1030 (optional) or Earthquake Museum or Sumida River
– Ameyoko + Asakusa (17g – 21g)
D4 “2015-04-08 (Wed)
Free vist, to Kyoyo – Osaka to meet Iijima + Inada sensei then back to Nakano
D5 “2015-04-09 (Thu)
– Ueno Park (花見) + Ueno Zoo (panda) (14g-16g)
– Chidorigafuchi (free) + Yasukuni Shrine (16g30 – 18g)
– Ginza (20g – 22g)
D6 “2015-04-10 (Fri)
– Hitachi Seaside Park (09:30 – 15:30)/ ¥410, 605-4, Mawatari Aza Oonuma, Hitachinaka-City,+81 292 659 001”
– Hachiko statue (17:00 – 17:30)/ free
– Shibuya (18:00 – 21:00)/ free
– back Nakano
D7 “2015-04-11 (Sat)
– Kaminarimon + Senso-ji Temple (09:00 – 10:30) / free
– Oedo Onsen Monogatari (11g – 12g30)/ ¥2480
– Yodobashi Camera (shopping) (13-15g)
D8 “2015-04-12 (Sun)
– take train Nakano – NRT 79.9km, 83min, ¥2780,
– Back NRT-KUL (10:00-16:25)
Thanks in advance for your kindness,
Chinh.
Hi Chinh,
As long as you have round trip to Osaka/Kyoto from Tokyo, JR pass works. You can start to use JR pass on day 2 and cover your trip until day 8 at Narita. You may add subway fare when you stay in Tokyo because some of places in Tokyo cannot be accessed by JR train. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail