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
Dear Takashi,
From Daikokucho Station to Shinjuku station, i have to take Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen and that one is not covered by JR pass right? Any other way to use JR pass to re route?
Hi Ray,
You can take Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen by JR Pass. There is a few kinds of trains on this Shinkansen line. Only Nozomi and Mizuho cannot be taken by JR Pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San,
It will be so appreciated if you can help us to choose best transportation ways (pass- tickets) for the below itinerary:
Day 1 Chubu Centair Int. Airport (NGO) to Kyoto
Day 2 travelling in Kyoto
Day 3 travelling in Kyoto
Day 4 travelling in Kyoto, going from Kyoto to Osaka
Day 5 travelling in Osaka-Nara-Kobe, going from Osaka to Nagoya
Day 6 Nagoya to Takayama (Shirakawa-go)
Day 7 Takayama to Nagoya
Thank you very much,
Aleks
Hi Aleks san,
Kintetsu rail pass for day 1 to 5
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
Takayama Hokuriku area pass for day 6 to 7
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
These deals cover most part of your trip. But you need to add the following tickets and deals:
Single ticket for Chubu airport to Nagoya
City deals in Kyoto because Kintetsu rail pass does not cover
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
City deals in Osaka maybe. But you can start using Takayama Hokuriku Area pass even if you don’t go to Takayama. It covers JR local trains in Osaka and Kyoto. You can use it for Kyoto to Osaka. It may be faster than Kintetsu railway.
Single ticket to Kobe. Nara is covered by Kintetsu rail pass but Kobe is not. Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover it either.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you very much for your quick response and assistance.
It states that in your article: “After 1st of October, 2016, you have to purchase a separate ticket to take limited express train.” Do I need to buy limited express ticket to go from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station? If I don’t buy limited express ticket which transportation way should I follow (apart from nozomi shinkanzen that is quite expensive)? How long does it take from Nagoya to Kyoto by using Kintetsu rail pass (without limited express)? It takes by bus 2hrs 30 mins. (2550 yen one way ticket).
If I make my itinerary as below which day should I start to use “Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass” and “Kintetsu Rail Pass” ?
Day 1 Chubu Centair Int. Airport (NGO) to Kyoto
Day 2 travelling in Kyoto
Day 3 travelling in Kyoto
Day 4 travelling in Kyoto, going from Kyoto to Osaka
Day 5 travelling in Osaka-Nara-Kobe, going from Osaka to Kanazawa-Shirakawago
Day 6 Shirakawago to Nagoya
Day 7 travelling in Nagoya
Thank you very much in advance for your reply,
Aleks
Hi Aleks,
If you don’t buy limited express train ticket, you need to take ordinary train. The trip time is roughly 1 hour more. And also you have to change the train at least twice. It’s quite inconvenient.
By the way], you have changed your itinerary. You will go to Kanazawa from Osaka directly. In this case, you don’t need to go back to Nagoya and don’t need to use Kintetsu train either. You can take a bus to get Kyoto from Nagoya. Kintetsu rail pass is not your choice any more. You also can take Shinkansen but it’s much more expensive. It costs about 6000 yen. But trip time is 40 minutes.
I think it’s very hard to do trip to Kobe, Nara and move to Shirakawago in one day. The last bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa is 16:00.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
And you will spend 2.5 hours to get Kanazawa from Osaka. You have only half day. It’s basically impossible to see Nara and Kobe in half day. If you want to go to Nara, you should visit when you are in Kyoto. You can use Kansai thru pass for Nara, Osaka and Kobe and city deals is okay in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi,
We are 3 persons, travelling 3 1/2 weeks in Japan in january/february 2017. Our initial plan:
– Tokio ( 5 days)
– Suwa – Takayama – Japan Alps – Ogaki ( 5 days)
– Kyoto – Nara – Osaka (5 days)
-Hiroshima – Miyajima (2 / 3 days)
– Tokio (5 days)
¿JR Pass for two weeks?
Tokio-Suwa: ¿which trains can we use?
For Suwa, Takayama, Ogaki, ¿which trains can we use?
For Tokio, I saw your link to other persons.
Regards,
Miguel
Hi Miguel,
As you think, you can use 14 days JR pass. You can start using it when you leave Tokyo.
You can take Limited Express Azusa to get Suwa.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-azusa-super-azusa-and-kaiji.html
From Suwa to Takayama, there are several routes. If you don’t want to pay any extra, go to Matsumoto and take Limited Express Shinano to get Nagoya. And then take Limited Express Wide View Hida. But there is direct bus service from Matsumoto to Takayama. This bus is not covered by JR pass but it’s much faster.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/trains/shinano.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-wide-view-hida.html
Ogaki can be accessed from Gifu by local train. Gifu is located between Nagoya and Takayama. You can get Gifu from Takayama by limited express Wide View Hida.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear,
Here is my plan to visit Japan. Please kindly advise what kind/type of train ticket should I purchase? 7 days JR pass? Please advise me.
Day 1- Busan -Osaka
Day 2- Osaka – Shiroishi Zai Zoo – Tokyo
Day 3- Tokyo – Daibutsu – Hakone – Tokyo
Day 4/5 – Tokyo
Day 6- Tokyo – Kyoto
Day 7- Kyoto – Hemiji – Osaka
Day 8- Osaka – Kobe
Day 9 – Osaka – Nara
Day 10- Osaka- Busan
Thanks
With regards.
Ray
Hi Ray,
I don’t understand where Shiroishi Zai Zoo is. But anyway as long as you have round trip between Osaka and Tokyo, 7 days JR pass will work. You can use it for day 1 to 7.
For day 8 and 9, you can use Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For day 10, if you go to KIX, you may find some deals in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi,
Thanks a lot for advice. Well noted. How about in Tokyo? To go around in tokyo, do I need to purchase another ticket such as metro ticket? Or can I still use JR pass?
Thanks.
Hi Ray,
Please see the link to find the info about train system in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Merci Takashi..
No worries, Ray.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I would like some advise on ticket purchase. We will be based in Osaka
Day 1 Kansai airport to Namba
Day 2 travelling within Osaka
Day 3 Osaka to Arima Onsen (1 night)
Day 4 Arima Onsen to Osaka then Osaka to Nara or kyoto
Day 5 Osaka to Kyoto
Day 6 Osaka to Kansai airport
Would it be easier to catch highway bus to Arima onsen rather than changing several trains as we will be carrying a hand carry luggage.
What would you suggest on train tickets/ passes to purchase for this itinerary? Thanks
Hi Claud,
Basically you can follow my sample itinerary in 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
As you mentioned, highway bus is the easiest way to get Arima. After coming back from Arima on day 4, you can start using Kansai thru pass 2 days for day 4 and 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi-san,
I have a question about traveling between Tokyo and Osaka (round trip). I will be visiting in November this year. Can you tell me the best way to travel on shinkansen? How do I reserve my seat when i arrive in Tokyo and where do i board the train?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Paul san,
About Shinkansen, please see the link to get the detailed info:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
You can book a seat at any major JR stations in advance. In downtown Tokyo and downtown Osaka, you can book it at most of JR station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for super fast response.
Paul
No problem, Paul.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Ajesh,
I need your advice if I need to buy 7-day JR pass or single fare tickets. If single fare, please provide details.
Here’s my itinerary:
Day 1:arrival from kansai airport to osaka (hotel is near osaka station)
Day 2: universal studios
Day 3: tour around osaka then travel to kyoto at night. (Hotel is near kyoto station)
Day 4: kyoto tour then travel to tokyo at night (hotel near shinjuku station)
Day 5: tokyo tour
Day 6: disneyland
Day 7: to narita airport
thank you for the advice.
Hi Michelle,
Please see the link below. It shows you one of my sample itineraries and it’s almost same as your trip plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your quick response.
No problem, Michelle.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I don’t really have a set itinerary, but I will be staying in Shinjuku with a friend for 12 days. We plan on staying in the Tokyo metro for the most part, but we have a lot we would like to do. We were also of thinking of going to Shiroishizao station from Tokyo. Should we purchase tickets as we go, or prepaid tickets… or? I’m so very confused. Thanks.
Hi Irene,
You may use JR East Pass Tohoku. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-tohoku-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-tokyo-surrounding-area-of-tokyo-and-tohoku-region.html
This is slightly cheaper than single fare ticket + Shinkansen (bullet train) seat fee for round trip to Shiroishizao from Tokyo.
You may use this pass in Tokyo too but if you have any other plans to go outside Tokyo, you should use this pass for it.
In Tokyo, you may use subway pass too. Please see the link below about info of trip in downtown Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thanks so much for the quick response! What does flex mean? Like 5 day flex for 14 day pass? I read the link you sent, but I’m still a bit confused. Thank you again!
Hi Irene,
You may use this pass on any 5 days in 14 days period. So you don’t need to use this pass in consecutive days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
We, two of us, are going to Japan on holiday. A combination of visiting city’s and the Ishigaki Islands. In the beginning we will stay at friends in Viel Fujimino and go with the train to Tokyo.
Please advise us wich pass suits our plan the best.
21 days or 7 days and individual tickets?
Our itinerary.
02-Jul Arrival Tokyo Narita (pick up)
03-Jul Viel Fujimino – Tokyo
04-Jul Tokyo – Kamakura
05-Jul Kioto
06-Jul Nara
07-Jul Hiroshima – Fukuoka
08-Jul Ishigaki/ Islands (Flight)
15-Jul Ishigaki-Fukuoka
16-Jul Osaka
17-Jul Other city
18-Jul Other city
19-Jul Tokyo
20-Jul Departure.
Hi Daan,
You can use 2 X 7 days JR pass for other than trip to Ishigaki island. It’s slightly cheaper than 21 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Please advise which is the option available for us. Only two of us. Do we need a pass or we buy day tickets. Can we buy the day tickets online in advance? I could not find the site for the same, please advise.
01. Osaka Kansai airport to Osaka (July 07)
02. Osaka to Kyoto
03. kyoto to Odawara
04. Odawara to Tokyo
05. Tokyo to Narita (July 14)
Hi Ajesh,
Basically you can follow one of my sample itineraries.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
It does not include Odawara. But you may be able to use one base fare ticket with stopover at Odawara. Please find more info about single ticket 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 / JPRail.com