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
Hi Takeshi
Below is tentative itinerary:
1) Arrive KIX on June 8th and overnight at Sheraton Miyako Osaka Hotel.
2) June 9th – Osaka to Kyoto. Stay at Hotel Dormy Inn Kyoto and visit Nijo Castle. Back to Osaka for Dotombori Nite Market.
3) June 10th: Day – Inari Shrine/Nara Park/Todaiji Great Buddha/Nara Nagomikan. Night: Nishiki Market.
4) June 11: Day – Arashiyama/Bamboo Grove/Iwatayama Monkey Reserve. Night: Kyoto restaurant.
5) June 12: Day: Philosopher Walk or Kiyomizudera, then depart Kyoto for Shinagawa Tokyo.
6) June 13: Day- Hakone (itinerary not set yet). Night: Shibuya/Shinjuku
7) June 14: Day – Harajuku/Shibuya/Ueno Park Night: Ameyoko
8) June 15: Tour to Tsukikji Fish Market & Sushi Workshop. Night: Ginza Area
8) June 16: Last minute shopping/sights and back to Narita to leave.
Given our itinerary, does it make sense to get 7-day JR Rail Pass and if so, what day would we activate it? Thank you. Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Single fare is probably slightly cheaper than JR Pass 7 days. But if you use JR pass as many as you can, the difference is very tiny. And JR pass is much easier to use than single ticket. So I recommend you to use the following way:
1. Start to use the pass on Jun 10.
2. Visit Dotonbori after Jun 10. On Jun 9, stay in Kyoto. If you go to Dotonbori on Jun 10, you can use JR Pass to get Osaka. But subway fare for Umeda-Namba is not covered by JR Pass. Remember JR pass does not cover any subway lines and private railway lines, like Hankyu, Keihan, Odakyu.
3. ICOCA and Haruka is recommended for arrival day.
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
Osaka-Uehonmachi is not on JR lines. So you have to use ICOCA to get Uehonmachi from the nearest JR station, Tsuruhashi. But ICOCA e-money can be used for access to Kyoto next day. In total, this is the best deal for the first two days. You may use ICOCA for any trains, not only JR lines.
4. Use Shinkansen to get Odawara when you go to Hakone. If you don’t use Shinkansen to get Odawara, the difference is quite huge. It’s not worth using JR Pass if you don’t take Shinkansen. You may use Hakone Free Pass as you need after Odawara.
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
5. Take JR train as many as you can when you are in Tokyo. You can get many places by JR trains in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
6. Take Narita Express to get Narita airport from Shinagawa or other major stations in Tokyo, like Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku. This is mandatory to use JR pass as well.
If you use JR pass like above, total fare is not much different from 7 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi – thank you! So as I understand it, while the JR 7-day rail pass may not save us that much money, it’s value is in making it easier for us to use (instead of buying individual tickets all the time.
Makes sense and thanks again. If I can get the JR Rail Pass before we leave for Japan, I’ll do it!
Sharon
No problem, Sharon.
Enjoy your trips.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
We are a family of 4 with 2 children 17 and 16 years
I am still so confused with all the trains in Japan. Appreciate it you could give me some advice on what type of transportation method I should take?
I really need your views
19 Dec Arriving in Haneda
20 Dec 25 Dec around Tokyo – Planning to stay around Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
26 Dec – 29 Dec to Niigata
30 Dec – Tokyo
1 Jan Depart home
Appreciate too some views on sighseeing
Thank you very much
Hi Rubiah,
For access to/from Haneda, please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Itabashi is JR station and you can get there by Yamanote line and Akabane line. You can find the schedule at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You may use Tokunai Pass or subway pass as you need for sightseeing in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
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
Only single ticket is your choice to get Niigata. Joetsu Shikansen takes you there:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/joetsu-shinkansen.html
Hyperdia can show you the schedule and fare for Shinkansen too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I’m travelling to Japan between Feb 14 – 21 and would like to visit Hokkaido, Tokyo and Osaka. Can you please advise me on what type of transportation method I should take? Is it worth to get JR pass
Here’s my itinerary:
Feb 14 – Arriving at New Chitose airport at 8:15am, sightseeing in Sapporo
Feb 15 – Sapporo – Otaru day trip
Feb 16 – Sapporo to Tokyo by train
Feb 17 – Arriving at Tokyo
Feb 18 – Tokyo
Feb 19 – Tokyo to Osaka by train
Feb 20 – Osaka – Kyoto day trip
Feb 21 – leaving Osaka (Kansai International Airport)
Appreciated your reply! Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
Yuvi
Hi Yuvi,
You can use JR Pass 7 days from Feb 15 to the end of your trip. It gives you a huge saving!
For the first day, just using single ticket is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello there,
I’m travelling to Japan from July 11 – 18. Can you give me some advice on what type of transportation method I should take?
This is my planned itinerary:
July 12 – arrive at Chubu Airport, NGO (Nagoya)
July 12 – Takayama
July 13 – Shiragawa-go
July 14 – Nagoya
July 15 – Nagoya
July 16 – Nagoya
July 17 – Day trip to Shizuoka (Want to experience scenic view of Mount Fuji)
July 18 – Nagoya to Chubu Airport, NGO (Leaving Japan)
Much appreciated and thanks in advance
Hi Cedric,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Shizuoka can be accessed by Shinkansen. You may find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
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 Takeshi,
Thanks for earlier response. Do you think it will be cheaper route/pass/single fare to visit Takayama and Shiragawa-go only ? The area pass which you recommended in your earlier comments was costly to me since it covers wide area of central regions. Besides, I had been visited Kyoto and Osaka last year.
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Thanks alot.
Hi Cedric,
How about Nohi bus?
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/nagoya.html
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
Total cost will be about 10000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Is that mean will be cheaper to buy JR pass instead ?
Tks in adv
Cedric
Hi Cedric,
Yes. Takayama Hokuriku pass is 13500 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Is there any easy direct route from Nagoya to Osaka without via Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama which Takayama-Hokuriku Area pass is covered?
Hi Cedric,
Unfortunately no. You have to pay extra anyway.
The easiest way is Shinkansen from Nagoya to Shin-Osaka. If you are okay with spending more time and want to save the cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is suitabale.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I’m travelling to Japan between Oct 17 – 24 and would like to visit Ogimachi Village, Nara(Deer Park). Can you please advise me on what type of transportation method I should take? Is it worth to get JR pass
Here’s my itinerary:
Oct 17 – Arriving at Osaka airport at 7:15am, straightaway travel to Takayama
Oct 18 – Takayama, day trip to Ogimachi Village
Oct 19 – Kyoto
Oct 20 – Kyoto, Day trip to Nara
Oct 22 – Osaka
Oct 23 – Osaka
Oct 24 – Osaka airport
Appreciated your reply! Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
If you access to Takayama via Kanazawa, you can use Takayama Hokuriku Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-tourist-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
If you want to go to Takayama from Nagoya side, there is no deals to cover this trip. Only Single ticket is your choice.
Kanazawa is worth visiting and highly recommended. And this pass gives you a good saving.
If you use this pass, you can use single fare and subway or bus pass for the rest of your trip.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
And some deals are available for access to KIX.
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,
we are a family with two kids (19 and14) and we will arrive at Narita on July 7th. On July 10th we want to travel to Takayama. From Takayama we travel to Osaka to visit Kyoto, Nara. From Osaka we will make a trip to Shikoku, where we want to travel around by train and bus. The last days we will stay at Hiroshima. On July 30th we will fly back from Hiroshima airport to Amsterdam.
Could you please give me some information about the train connections? Especially from Tokyo to Takayama? We have to go to Shinhodakaonsenguchi bus stop where our hotel is. We will buy JR passes for the four of us, which as I found out, is the cheapest way of traveling, isn’t it?
Thanks for your information and help.
With kind regards,
Sabine von Behr
Hi Sabine,
You can find the info for access to Takayama at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
Find the bus info at the link below:
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/hirayu_shinhotaka.html
You will find some more info about using JR pass at the links below:
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/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/global/pdf_modelcourse/english/index.html#page=1
You can find all train schedule 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 Takeshi,
My 13 friends and I will travel to Japan on 2/6-8/6 (2/6-5/6 osaka+Kyoto , 6/6-8/6 Tokyo), we will live near the oebashi station during the days in osaka and akabane station during the days in Tokyo, which kind of JR pass etc. will you recommend?
Thanks a lot!!
Cheers,
Sherman
Hi Sherman,
Are you going to arrive in Osaka and leaving from Tokyo? If so, there is no deal for Osaka to Tokyo. Single fare is only your choice.
However you may use some local deals for Osaka and Tokyo. For staying in Osaka, you may fine some 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
In Tokyo, you may use subway pass or Tokunai pass or even single fare is sometimes the best option.
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
If you will have round trip between Osaka and Tokyo, you can use JR pass 7 days. But one way trip is now worth using this pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there,
Your website is super informative.. but I’m still so confused :(! I’m travelling to Japan from June 17 – 24. Can you give me some advice on what type of transportation method I should take?
This is my planned itinerary:
June 17 – arrive at Narita airport
June 18 – Tokyo –
June 19 – Tokyo
June 20 – Tokyo
June 21 – Tokyo to Kyoto – what is the travel time?
June 22 – Kyoto to Osaka
June 23 – Osaka – Day trip to Hiroshima
June 24 – Osaka to Narita airport, leaving in the evening
Much appreciated in advance!
Hi Rachael,
You may use JR pass 7 days for the last 7 days of your trip, Jun 18 to 24.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You can find some deals for the first day at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You can use Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. You can find some more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
And find a timetable at hyperdia or PDF timetable (shinkansen only)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
this is a very last minute plan and I would appreciate any help possible. I have 13 days in Japan end of May and I was wondering if it’s better to buy the 7 or 14 days JR pass and which day should I start activating the pass.
Appreciate your help! Thanks
Our itinerary is as follow:-
Day 1-Arrive Narita airport Tokyo in the morning 8am. Limousine shuttle bus to hotel/ tokyo tower
Day 2-Tokyo – tsujiki fish market / imperial palace/ ordaiba/
Day 3- Tokyo- Gina/ akibara
Day 4 -Tokyo- shinjuku/ Shiyuan/ harajuku
Day 5- travel from Tokyo to Hakone by Shinkansen. Take tozan bus line to ryokan fujimien. / lake ashi/ hakone machi / hakone shrine
Day 6- Hakone- mt Fuji / hakone tozan cableway /
Day 7- Hakone travel to Kyoto via JR
Day8- Kyoto
Day 9- Kyoto
Day10-Kyoto to Tokyo
Day 11- Nikko day trip ( optional)
Day 12- Tokyo
Day 13- Flight depart Narita Tokyo
Hi Chris,
7 days pass is the best choice. 14 days is too expensive.
You can start using 7 days pass on day 5. Nikko trip will be covered by JR Pass too. You can use subway pass when you are in Tokyo.
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
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your sharing. I would like to seek for your advice.
I will be in Japan from 7 – 20 June.
Which tickets/passes would you suggest me to buy?
7 DAYS JR PASS / 14 Days JR Pass or others?
Day 1: Arrival Haneda airport. stay overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2 to Day 4: travel to Osaka from Tokyo. Explore Osaka and travel to Kyoto on Day 4.
Day 5 to Day 8: Explore Kyoto and travel to Tokyo on Day 8.
Day 9 to Day 14: Explore Tokyo and Mt Fuji. Day 14 11am departure from Haneda airport.
Many thanks in advance.
Best regards!
Hi Aorian,
I recommend you to use 7 days pass for day 2 to 8. Single ticket is okay for Haneda-downtown Tokyo. You can use subway deal or other deals for sightseeing in Tokyo.
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
For trip to Fuji, there are some choices. It depends on which part of Fuji you will go. 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