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,
Thanks for all the great info on your webpage. I’ve used the JR pass before and found it a great deal. However, I am coming back to Japan for two weeks and I can’t figure out whether it is a good deal. Any thoughts?
December 8 => land at KIX (Kansai Airport) and take train to Horoshima.
December 9th=> Miyajima day trip
December 10=> Hiroshima to Kyoto.
December 14=> Kyoto to Takayama.
December 16th=> Takayama to Kanazawa
December 17=> Kanazawa to Tokyo.
December 20=>Tokyo to Osaka
Would the pass actually save me money?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
I recommend you to use two different deals:
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Dec 8 to 12)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
JR Pass 7 days (Dec 14 to the end of the trip)
This combination is appx 3000 yen cheaper than 14 days JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m planning a trip to Hokkaido. This is my itinerary:
Day 1: Sapporo
Day 2: Hakodate
Day 3:noboribetsu
Day 4:Asahikawa
Day 5:otaru
Day 6: Sapporo
Can you advise me which pass suit my plan. Do I need to buy JR pass. Thanks.
Hi Janet,
If you move to Hakodate from Sapporo on day 2, you can use Hokkaido Rail Pass 5 days until day 6.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
If you move to Hakodate on day 1, you can start using it on day 1. Single ticket is okay for either day 1 or 6.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi again,
Would like to know if I can buy single tickets and reserve seats online?
Should I be worry that I may not get the tickets and reserved seats for 4 people if I only buy them over the counter on the day itself?
If not online, can I buy from the airport?
Is Dec16-Dec21 peak seasons for the places in my itinerary?
Thank you very much for your great advice.
Hi Kuan,
I think you will be okay because it’s low season. But if you want, online is available.
https://www3.jrhokkaido.co.jp/rail-en/asp/RWY010.aspx
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! Thanks for the great resources from your site, but I would like to confirm with you which is better for my travel, JR pass or single trip tickets? Here’s my itinerary:
Day1 – Arrived at New Chitose Hokkaido Airport -> Noboribetsu
Day2 – to Lake Toya (Day Trip) – what is the best transport?
Day3 – Noboribetsu -> Asahikawa
Day4 – Asahikawa -> Biei (Day trip)
Day5 – Asahikawa -> Otaru
Day6 – Otaru -> Sapporo
Day10 – Sapporo -> New Chitose Airport
Are there services to keep luggages in the airport, as I would like to shop at Chitose Rera Outlet Park when I arrive, and I think I have to go back to the airport to depart to Noboribetsu?
Thanks in advanced for your advice.
Hi Kuan,
Single ticket is cheaper than any deals in Hokkiado. Lockers are available in the airport. Please find the info about bus between Lake Toya and Noboribetsu at the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6730.html?aFROM=6725_6750
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks very much for the info, that is really helpful. May I further clarify.
Is it right that I have to stop at Toya Station then take a bus to Toyako Onsen to reach Lake Toya? Where can I get the bus schedules?
Do the buses to/from Lake Toya Toya Station operate during winter (my trip is mid Dec)?
Are there transportation between Noboribetsu Grand Hotel to Lake Toya directly, which perhaps we could reserve online or from the hotel? If not, what is the best way to go to Noboribetsu Station from the hotel?
Thanks again!
Hi Kuan san,
Bus timetable is available in Japanese only unfortunately.
Lake Toya
http://donanbus.co.jp/kougai/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/11/%E6%94%B9%E9%83%8A7%E6%B4%9E%E7%88%BA%E6%B9%96%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%EF%BD%9E%E8%B1%8A%E6%B5%A6.pdf
Try to find 洞爺駅前 (station) and 洞爺湖温泉 (lake). Sorry but that’s all I can do for you.
Noboribetsu
Only Japanese timetable is available but it does not show Noboribetu grand hotel. I put the link of timetable but I suggest you to ask your hotel.
http://donanbus.co.jp/kougai/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/11/%E6%96%B0%E9%83%8A%EF%BC%92%E8%B6%B3%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%A5%E5%8F%A3%E3%83%BB%E7%99%BB%E5%88%A5%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%EF%BD%9E%E7%99%BB%E5%88%A5%E9%A7%85%E5%89%8D.pdf
Try to find 登別駅前 (station).
All bus services are available in winter time too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, could you please help me decide if getting a JR Pass is worth it? I have a family of four – three adults, one teenager. Please provide us with some recommendations, as we are not particularly familiar with Japan’s railways.
16 Dec to 20 Dec – Arrive at Narita airport on 16th Dec, Tokyo sightseeing/accommodation, take a train to Takayama on the 20th (4 nights)
20 Dec to 22 Dec – Takayama accommodation/sightseeing; take a train to Kanazawa on the 22nd (2 nights)
22 Dec to 24 Dec – Kanazawa accommodation/sightseeing; take a train to Kyoto on the 24th (2 nights)
24 Dec to 27 Dec – Kyoto sightseeing/accomodation; take a train to Osaka on the 27th (3 nights)
27 Dec to 30 Dec – Osaka sightseeing/accommodation; take a train back to Tokyo on the 30th (3 nights)
30 Dec to 31 Dec – Tokyo sightseeing/accomodation; leave Japan on 31 Dec (1 night)
Hi Nattoo,
JR pass does not work. Even 14 days pass is way more expensive than single fare.
If you intend to visit Shirakawago when you are in Kanazawa or Takayama, you can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for Nagoya-Takayama-Kanazawa-Kyoto.
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
You may add single fare for Tokyo-Nagoya (on the way to Takayama), Kyoto-Osaka and Osaka-Tokyo.
You can add subway or local bus deal at each cities and some deals are available for Narita-Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there
I will be traveling with my partner 22nd April 2016. Below is our brief itinerary.
Day 1 (22 Apr) – Arrive Osaka Kansai Airport night at 9pm.
Day 2 (23 Apr) – Sightseeing around city.
Day 3 (24 Apr) – Osaka to Kyoto and sight seeing around
Day 4 (25 Apr) – Early train from Kyoto to Nagoya and spend the day there
Day 5 (26 Apr) – Nagoya head to Hakone
Day 6 (27 Apr) – Sightseeing at Hakone
Day 7 (28 Apr) – Leave Hakone for Tokyo
Day 8 (29 Apr) – Sightseeing around Tokyo
Day 9 (30 Apr) – Shopping around Tokyo
Day 10 (1 May) – One full day in Disneysea
Day 11 (2 May) – Leave for Haneda Airport in the late afternoon
My question is, is it more worthwhile to get JR Rail pass or to buy a single ticket? I read some information on single ticket which I could stop over as long as I don’t go back but I think the validity of single ticket for stopover from Osaka Airport all the way to Tokyo is only valid for 4-5days? (the last i check it showed 400-500km) I tried the hyperdia website for single fares however there are various prices available for same destination and thus I am having difficulties trying to figure out which one is more value for money. Appreciate your comment on what would be the best value for money train tickets? Also, based on my itinerary, does it mean I will only need the Tokaido shinkansen? Do I get Nozomi train for shortest travel time?
Thank you in advance for your comments.
Hi Angelina,
As you think, single trip ticket is better choice than JR Pass. JR Pass is too expensive for your trip. You don’t need to start using single ticket from Kansai airport. Kyoto is okay. My sample itinerary shows you how to handle it. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
The itinerary above does not include Nagoya and Hakone. But you can stopover at Nagoya and Odawara (Hakone) if you start to use single ticket from Kyoto.
You can use single ticket from Kyoto to Odawara and take Odakyu railway from Hakone. You can get Shinjuku in Tokyo directly from Hakone-Yumoto by Odakyu railway Romancecar.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
TAkeshi / JPRail.com
hi,
i’ll be arrived at haneda airport on 26 nov 15 and will be staying at yokohama until 1 dec 15. i am planning to travelling around tokyo. what are the routes and pass that i can buy?
Hi Ayu,
There is no deals for Yokohama-Tokyo. You have to take Keihin Kyuko between Haneda/Tokyo and Yokohama by single fare.
http://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/
You may use subway pass as you need when you get Tokyo. But it does not cover Tokyo-Yokohama.
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 / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I am bit confused abt the type of passes I have to buy. Let me put my itenary here,can you plz suggest me the best pass(es) which suit me well?Plz note trip starts on Nov 20.
Nov 20.Landing in Narita by 6.30 PM ; 2. Travel to Asakusa ; Stay at Asaskusa
Nov 21.Asakusa to Hakuba (Asakusa-Tokyo-Matsumoto (all by train);then from Matsumoto to Hakuba by express bus).Stay at hakuba
Nov22.Hakuba to Omachi – Alpene route (Ogizawa-murodo-ogizawa)Stay at hakuba
Nov 23.Hakuba to Takayama (If time permits,go for shirakawago trip);Stay at Takayama
Nov 24.Shinhotaka Ropeway – Takayama to Kyoto – Stay at kyoto
Nov 25 – Kyoto sightseeing-Stay at kyoto
Nov 26 – Kyoto sightseeing;Stay at kyoto
Nov 27 – Kyoto sightseeing;then travel to tokyo ; stay at Tokyo (koto-ku)
Nov 28 Mt.Fuji tour (Mt.Hakone) – Stay at Tokyo
Nov 29 – Tokyo sightseeing – Imperial palace,Rikugien Garden, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden ,Skytree – Stay at Tokyo (koto-ku)
Nov 30- Early morning – Tokyo (koto-ku) to Narita
Also, is there any baggage size limit that we can carry in buses/trains ?
Hi Ganesh,
JR pass 7 days is recommended, but do you have a time to purchase it? It cannot be purchased in Japan. If you can’t, there is no deals available that suits your plan. Unfortunately your choice is single ticket.
If you can use JR pass, you can start using it on day 2, Nov 21. If you wake up early, you can take Limited Express Super Azusa. It takes you to Hakuba from Shinjuku directly.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_chuo_d/index.html
Of course, it’s covered by JR pass.
You can go back to Matsumoto to take a bus to Takayama. This is the fastest route. It’s not covered by JR Pass though.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/matsumoto.html
As you see the timetable, Shin-Hotaka is located between Matsumoto and Takayama. I recommend you to visit there on the way to Takayama. But you have to be there with luggage. I believe there are lockers but I have no idea how many and how big.
If you make Shin-Hotaka on the way to Takayama, you have a time to visit Shirakawago.
In Kyoto, JR Pass is not perfect. You have to add city deals:
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
JR Pass will cover until you get Tokyo. You may use Hakone Free Pass and subway pass in Tokyo
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.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
You may find the deals from/to Narita 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
Luggage is always issue to travel by train. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I’m going to travel from fukuoka to tokyo on 3rd January2016 early in the morning by using JR pass . And the only train i could use is hikari and then sakura at shin osaka. Is it possible for me to take nozomi ? How much is the surcharge if i take nozomi ? I want to reach tokyo as fast as possible because there will be a concert at budokan in chiyoda . May I know Which station will the sakura train stop at once i reach tokyo ? Tokyo station ?
Hi Amber,
JR Pass does not cover Nozomi at all. You have to pay full fare to take Nozomi. JR Pass does not cover even base fare. If you take Nozomi, there is no reason to use JR Pass. You can find the timetable of Shinkansen at the link below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! I’m trying to work out whether I should buy the rail pass… I need to go from Osaka airport to Kyoto. Then from Kyoto to Tokyo. Then I am visiting an onsen near Jomokogen. Is it worth it to get the pass..? Or just buy individual tickets?
Hi James,
Single ticket is cheaper but if you go back to Tokyo after Jomokogen and complete whole part of your trip, Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Jomokogen-Tokyo in 7 days, 7 days JR pass is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com