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
Hello Takeshi-san,
I have a question on basic ticket fare:
I will be landing in Narita and will purchase a base fare from Narita till Kansai from where i will be departing 4 days later.
I will be taking express surcharge tickets for NEX, Shinkansen ( Tokyo -> Osaka) and for Haruka ( Shin-Osaka -> Kansai airport) along with base ticket.
Does this mean that when i am not using the NEX, Haruka or Shinkansen, only the base fare ticket is sufficient to travel around within Tokyo and Osaka railway lines and i dont need to purchase any other tickets ( suppose i travel locally within Tokyo on the Yamanote line).
Will i need some additional ticket/SUICA card only when i transfer from JR to a private subway line?
If the source and destination is within the JR line, there is no additional ticket other than the base ticket ( except for Shinkansen and Haruka). Is this correct understanding?
Hi Sum san,
When you use single fare ticket, you can make stopovers as many as you want other than departure point city and arrival point city. So you can make a stopover in Tokyo and Osaka. But you cannot go back and you have to proceed on route. For example, if you make a stopover at Tokyo station, you cannot go back and visit other stations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Akihabara, Ueno. You can proceed to Shinagawa because it’s located on the route to Osaka.
So you have to have other ticket, such as single ticket, day pass, Suica or ICOCA to travel in the cities, like Tokyo and Osaka. It does not give you unlimited ride. You have to proceed to Kansai airport direction from Narita airport. Please find some more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello takeshi-san,
Thanks for the quick reply.
Based on your reply, what would be the advantage in taking a base fare ticket+express surcharge as required compared to seperate NEX ( at narita), Shinkansen( Shinagawa-> Shin-Osaka) and Haruka train ( Shin-Osaka-> Kansai) and using prepaid card within Tokyo/Osaka regions? My worry is not to lose the base fare ticket due to using a wrong station in the way without knowledge.
My requirement is to get down at Shinjuku station and head to Shin-Okubo ( using JR transfer gate) to my hotel and then carry ahead towards Kansai in coming days after travelling around Tokyo.
Would the base ticket be useful in this case as i am not sure if Shin-Okubo is treated as path of Narita-> Kansai.
Also, for Osaka region, could you suggest the cheapest day pass if i wanted to cover Osaka and Nara ( using subway/JR )?
Hi Sum,
It’s cheaper. If you purchase base fare ticket separately, it’s about 2000 yen more in my rough calculation. If you use one base fare ticket and go to Shin-Okubo, you have to exit Tokyo or Shinagawa and purchase another ticket. But it’s complicated, just purchase it separately.
In Kansai area, Kansai thru pass is the best choice. But single fare may be cheaper. It depends on how much train you take a day. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
And if you go to KIX from Namba, you may use other deals instead of base fare ticket.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi
I m planning to visit Mt Fuji and Gotemba. As for viewing of Mt Fuji I am probably viewing from the lake closer to Gotemba.
Does it make sense to visit the place twice? I won’t be staying at the hotels near Mt Fuji.
Thanks
Eva
Hi Eva,
I don’t think you need to visit Fuji twice. You can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from Gotemba. If you really want to see the perfect view of Fuji, you should go to Lake Kawaguchi. But it’s different side of Mt. Fuji and in this case, you have to make two day trips. You can find the locations 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
If Gotemba outlet is your main reason to visit there, direct bus is the best way. But if you want to enjoy Onsen and other spots, Hakone free pass is the best choice.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/access/bus/
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You have to pay another fee for taking bus if you want to go to Lake Kawaguchi. But it’s not required. You can spend one day each for DisneySea and Disneyland. I have just visited there in this past March with my 6 yrs daughter. In my opinion, it’s very tough to visit both parks in one day.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/trip-to-tokyo-disneyland-and-tokyo-disneysea-in-2015-spring-part-1-preparation-and-access-from-narita.html
I don’t know how much your kids like Disney. I think they can spend two days in these parks very very easily.
After day 3, as you think, you can use JR Pass 7 days. You can use this pass to get Disneyland/DisneySea too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hello sir,
I am planning to go from Hiroshima to the Cruises port in Yokohama. ( Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal ) and would like to take the train. Any suggestions on how best to go? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Bee,
You can take Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Shin-Yokohama. You can take Minato Mirai line at Nihon Odori station where is the nearest station from terminal. It’s within walking distance. And transfer to JR Yokohama line at Yokohama station. You can find the trip time and fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You also find fare and timetable for Shinkansen at Hyperida. But PDF timetable is available for Shinkansen.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi. Much appreciated.
No problem, Bee.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi There,
II’ll be arrived KIX airport Osaka, my plan going to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe from 17th to 19th Jun
Can you please advise which pass will suitable Kanku Tokuwari and Kintetsu 2 days pass
Thank you
Kind Regards
Diep
Hi Diep,
I wrote the post about how to build itinerary and choose the deals in Osaka. Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for your advice Mr Takeshi,
I’ll direct from KIX airport to Kyoto &stay for 2days there to visit all main place in Kyoto,Nara,Kobe
Next day go to Osaka stay 1day/night and flight back Singapore
So which pass will economy for 3days visit plus trip back to airport.
Once Thks again
Hi Diep,
ICOCA and Haruka is the best deal for getting Kyoto. ICOCA can be used for trip to Nara or trip to Osaka. I think you don’t have enough time to get Kobe. You will spend at least one full day for Kyoto and half day at Nara. Kobe is much closer to Osaka. It’s not a good idea to get Kobe from Kyoto. I have another sample format. Please find it at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Would like to ask if you will recommend me to buy a 3 day Hokkaido Rail Pass for the itinerary below:
I will only be in Hokkaido for 3 short days.
Day 1: New Chitose Airport to Sapporo (Hotel Kaiko Sapporo Nakajimakoen). Explore Otaru area and visit Shiroi Koibito factory, then back to hotel.
Day 2: Sapporo to Noboribetsu. Will stay 1 night there.
Day 3: Noboribetsu back to Sapporo (Hotel Kaiko Sapporo) in the morning to check-in my luggage since it is huge. Note that it is a different hotel from Day 1, although I am not too sure how far are they from each other or where exactly are the hotels yet. Will travel to Furano and back to Sapporo. It will be just a day trip.
Day 4: Take morning train to New Chitose Airport. (Is this covered under the rail pass?)
Thank you!!
Hi E,
Yes. You can use 3 days pass for day 1 to 3 or day 2 to 4.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi-san,
I am travelling with my family in late Nov to early Dec 2015, I have came out with the below more concrete itinerary, so would appreciate if you can let me know when I should or even I should get the JR Pass.
My family consist of myself, spouse, 1 13 y/o son and 1 11y/o daughter.
My planned itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Haneda Airport – Check in to Hotel Sun Route Plaza Shinjuku – Explore Shinjuku areas ie Takashimaya, Isetan, Yodobashi and finally Tokyo Tower
Day 2 and Day 3 Mt Fuji and explore Gotemba premium outlets. Even thinking if going Onsen in the nearby hotel [if available] Back to Hotel Sun Route Plaza Shinjuku
Qn : Do you think this 3 places can be feasible achieve within 1 day?
Day 4: 1 day in DisneySea, hoping to also get the after 6 tickets to Disneyland – Back to Hotel Sun Route Plaza
Day 5: Visit to Tsukiji Fish Market in the morning before checking out hotel
Day 5: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Day 5: Check in Hotel Ibis Styles Kyoto Station. Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishi-hongan-ji and Higashi-hongan-ji temples
Day 6: Nishiki Market, Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge
Day 7: Check out Kyoto to Osaka. Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka – Staying at Hotel Granvia Osaka
Day 7: Hankyu Department Store, Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai
Day 8: Dotonbori, Osaka Aquarium, Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Den Den town
Day 9: Check out Hotel. Shinkansen from Osaka to Narita Airport
Qn: I think you have previously told me to use the JRPass in the last 7 days, do I still do the same with this planned trip?
Let me know.
thanks
Eva
Hi Eva,
I would like to make sure one thing in your itinerary.
How do you visit Fuji? Are you thinking to view Mt. Fuji from Gotemba? And you will spend 2 days there. Are you going to stay there or 2 x day trips?
There are lots of places surrounding Mt. Fuji, such as Gotemba, Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
If you spend 1 night 2 days for this area, you can see whole part of the area. But I’m not sure how you will go there. If you let me know, I can tell you some more details.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Yes Takeshi I will be traveling two days to Mt Fuji for two different purposes.
So Eva, which part of Fuji are you going? Please let me know where you go and you stay there or not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
First of all, congrats and thanks for all the detailed information posted! I would like to know your recommendation for my trip next week. Which tickets/passes would you suggest me to buy?
Day 1: Arrival KIX airport. Will travel from KIX to Kyoto.
Day 2 to day 7: Explore Kyoto plus one day trip to Nara.
Day 8: From Kyoto to Wakayama.
Day 9: From Wakayama to Shin – Osaka.
Day 10: From Shin- Osaka to KIX airport.
Many thanks in advance. best regards!
Themm.
Hi Themyla,
I’ve already replied to your inquiry at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will be arriving in Maizuru port on April 30th and want to catch the bullet train to Tokyo. How do I do this please.
Hi Rick,
First of all, take a taxi (or may be bus) to get Higashi-Maizuru station. You can purchase a ticket for limited express Maizuru and Shinkansen (bullet train) there.
Limited Express Maizuru takes you to Kyoto station and then you can catch Shinkansen at Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/trains/limited-express-kinosaki-maizuru.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
You can find fare and timetable at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
I will be spending 9 days in Japan, i.e. Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo.
I have tried to make sense of what tickets and fares that I need for my trip but I am hitting a brick wall. Could I kindly ask for advice what tickets I should get for trains and subways
Below is a breakdown of my planned itinerary for my stay in Japan
I will be flying into Osaka Kansai Airport on Monday night arriving at 22.25pm. I will be staying near Shinokubo metro stop. At that time of the night, the only viable option will be catching a limousine bus from the Airport to Herbis plaza in Umeda, then a short taxi ride to Shinokubo stop area where we have booked an apartment for 5 nights. We are hoping to cover Osaka and Kyoto with Osaka being our base.
Day 1 – Tuesday – Osaka
– Osaka Museum of Housing and living
– Osaka castle
– Osaka Park Gardens
– Shitenooji Temple
– Abeno Harukas
– Sunset at Umeda sky building floating gardens
Day 2 – Wednesday – Osaka
– Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
– Namba Parks
– Shinsabashi Arcade
– Amerikamura
– Dotonbori Area into the evening
Day 3 – Thursday – Kyoto
– Kyoto Imperial Palace
– Ginkaku-ji Temple
– Do the philisophers walk
– Nanzen-ji temple
– Pontocho area and whats around Gion corner
Day 4 – Friday – Kyoto
– Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
– Nijo Castle
– Kinkaku-ji Temple
– Arashiyama, hopefull walk around the bamboo groves
Day 5 – Saturday – Osaka/ Tokyo
– Couple of hours at the Osaka Aquarium
– Catch the Nozomi Shinkansen to Tokyo just before midday
– Spend the rest of the day exploring Yurakucho and Ginza when we get to Tokyo.
We have booked an apartment 10 minutes’ walk north of Shinjuku station
Day 6 – Sunday – Tokyo
– Meiji Jingu
– Harajuku
– Shinjuku/ Goldern Gai
Day 7 – Monday – Tokyo
– Mid morning at Tsukiji Market
– Hamarikyu gardens
– Imperial Palace
Day 8 – Tuesday – Tokyo
– Full day at Tokyo Disney land
Day 9 – Wednesday – Tokyo
– Asakusa
– Tokyo skytree
– Shin okubo area
Will be flying out of japan late evening from Haneda airport on Wednesday.
Thanks in advance.
Lubi
Hi Lubi,
Shin-Okubo station is located in Tokyo. Are you really sure to stay at Shin-Okubo in Osaka?
You can use the following ticket/deal.
Osaka eco card (subway pass) for day 1 and 2
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Kansai thru pass foe day 3 and 4
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket for Osaka-Tokyo ,to TDL and Tokyo-Haneda.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Tokyo metro pass for day 6,7 and 9
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Many thanks for the break-down of ticket prices. There is no way I would have come up with these without your help.
You are right about the Osaka metro stop, was a mix up on my part. We will be staying 10minutes walk from Nakatsu Train Station in Osaka.
Regards,
Lubi
No problem, Lubi.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
My friend and I will be traveling in Japan next week for 2 weeks (18 april-1 may), and we are still very confused as to if we should buy a 7 days JR Rail pass or not.
Our plans are:
19.4: Narita Airport to Tokyo
20.4: Explorer Tokyo
21.4: Tokyo and surrounding area Nikko
22.4: Tokyo and surrounding area Hakone, Izu or Fuji (we haven’t decided yet)
23.4: Tokyo to Kyoto
24.4: Explorer Kyoto
25.4: Kyoto to Osaka
26.4: Kyoto to Kobe
27.4: Fly to Sapporo
28.4: Explorer Sapporo
29.4: Sapporo and surrounding area
30.4: Sapporo and surrounding area
Based on this, do you think it is worthwhile buying a JR Rail Pass, and when is it best to activate it?
Thank you so much for you help.
Manal
Hi Manal,
You can use JR Pass 7 days on arrival day. But I recommend you to make some change.
Now
24.4: Explorer Kyoto
25.4: Kyoto to Osaka
26.4: Kyoto to Kobe
Suggested
24.4: Kyoto to Kobe or Osaka
25.4: Kyoto to Osaka or Kobe
26.4: Explorer Kyoto
JR Pass is not very useful for sightseeing in Kyoto, but you can take JR train to Kobe and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
So JR Pass should be used for Kobe or Osaka.
You can add subway or bus deals in Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much for your quick reply. This is such a big help for us 🙂
I have another question:
My friend and I will be exploring Sapporo, and take day trips from Sapporo to surronding areas. So we want to ask if it is better to buy a 14 days JP pass so we also can use it in Sapporo and areas nearby, or should we buy a 7 days JP pass and a Hokkaido rail pass ?
Once again, thanks 🙂
Manal
Hi Manal,
If you want to use 14 days pass, you need a few big trips to outside Sapporo, like Hakodate, Kushiro. Otaru is not enough and it too close.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your help and advice 🙂
Manal