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 Takeshi-san,
I would like your advice.
6 May: Reaching Osaka
7 May: Day Trip to Nara
8 May: Day Trip to Hiroshima
9 May: Osaka to Kanazawa (via Thunderbird)
10 May: Kanazawa to Shirakawago and then to Takayama
11 May: Takayama (town tour or Shinhotaka)
12 May: Takayama to Kanazawa
13 May: Kanazawa to Kyoto (via Thunderbird)
14 May: Kyoto tour
15 May: Aoi Matsuri
16 May: back to Kansai airport.
Which type of JR pass should I get?
Thank you so much.
Warmest regards,
Keng
Hi Keng san,
You may use Kansai Hiroshima area pass for the first 3 days.
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
And then Takayama Hokuriku area pass for next 5 days.
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
After arrival Kyoto, use Kyoto city deals.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
At last take Haruka from Kyoto to KIX. You may Haruka discount ticket at 1600 yen.
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 / JPRail.com
Hi Sirs,
I would like to get your advice on planning how to choose a train pass for my travel to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe because I feel there is many railway in Kansai.
Day 1 – Arrive Kansai Airport direct to visit Kyoto and overnight in Kyoto
Day 2 – Visit Kyoto & overnight in Kyoto
Day 3 – Visit Kyoto & overnight in Kyoto
Day 4 – Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka & overnight in Osaka
Day 5 – Visit Osaka & overnight in Osaka
Day 6 – Visit Nara & overnight in Osaka
Day 7 – Visit Kobe & overnight in Osaka
Day 8 – Visit Osaka & overnight in Osaka
Day 9 – Visit Osaka & overnight in Osaka
Day 10 – Flight back to Malaysia
I wish you could get me some advice on this.
Thank you very much
SIT~Malaysia
Hi Sit,
I recommend you the following deals.
Haruka discount ticket to Kyoto (1600 yen)
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
All day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card in Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai thru pass 3 days for day 4,6 and 7
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can choose the deals for sightseeing in Osaka and trip back to KIX at the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your kind comment. I will review it accordingly.
SIT
No worries, SIT.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
My family (2 adults and 1 child) will be travelling to Japan and I would like to ask for your advice on the appropriate pass to suit our plan.
Our itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 Arrival at Narita Airport
Transfer to Hotel Mystays Maihama
Day 2 Disneyland
Day 3 Disneysea
Day 4 Disneyland/sea
Day 5 Leave for Osaka
– Hotel Keihan Universal Tower
– Explore Shinsaibashi
– Explore Dotonbori
Day 6 USJ
Day 7 USJ
Day 8 Day trip to Kyoto
– Fushimi Inari Shrine
– Nijo Castle
– Nishiki Market
Day 9 to Kansai Airport
Thank you in advance!
Hi Kath,
You will use a regular ticket for most part of your trip. Especially from day 1 to day 7, there is no deals and you may not need deal when you are Disney and USJ. You may use Suica instead of single fare ticket.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
For day 8, you can add city deal in Kyoto. But you may take train to get Kyoto by single fare ticket or using Suica.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Limousine bus is the best way to get KIX from USJ. There is no deals either.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takashi,
I would like to have your advice please!
My plan is as follows:
April 29: Arrive in NRT airport
– Train to Nippori Station (hotel)
– Explore Kabukicho, Shibuya Crossing
Apirl 30:
– Explore Tsukiji fish Market, Hachiko Statue, Ueno Park, Sky tree
May 1:
– Explore Meji Shrine
– Day trip to Nikko
May 2:
– Leave Tokyo to go to Kusatsu Onsen Kiyoshigekan
May 3: Leave Kiyoshigekan to go to Kyoto
– Explore Gion and higashiyama district
May 4:
– Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kifune Shrine, Monkey Park Iwatayama
May 5:
– Explore Bamboo forest and Golden Pavillion
May 6: Leave Kyoto and go to Osaka
– explore Nara Park, Kyomizo-dera, Dotonburi, and Umeda Sky building
May 7:
– Visit Osaka Castle
May 8: Day trip to Nachi Falls
May 9: Leave Osaka and go to Tokyo
May 10 & 11: Stay around Tokyo and Relax
May 12: Leave Tokyo to NRT airport
My girlfriend and I plan to buy the 7 day JR pass to use from May 2 to May 9. Would this be reasonable?
Also, could you inform me with me cost of training or bussing around Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo?
Thank you very much!
Hi Danny N,
Yes, you can use JR pass 7 days as you think. Please see the link below to get the info about the extra cost in Kyoto and Osaka when you use JR 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#How_to_use_JR_pass_in_major_cities_and_tourist_spots
You can use Narita Airport access and subway pass deal for sightseeing in 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/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
You may find the info about trip to Nikko in the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
this is my detailed plan. My accomodations are mostly very close to JR stations so I planned to get a 21 day Japan Rail Pass. Do you think it suits my plan?
13 July – arriving in Tokyo – Narita at night and driving to the city center
14 July – Tokyo sightseeing
15 July – Tokyo sightseeing
16 July – Tokyo sightseeing + shinkansen to Nagoya in the evening
17 July – Festival Nagoya
18 July – Waterpark
19 July – Sightseeing
20 July – Driving to Kyoto in the morning
21 July – Daytrip to Nara (back to Kyoto in the evening)
22 July – Kyoto and driving to Osaka in the evening
23 July – Osaka and driving to Arima Ryokan in the evening
24 July – Kobe and driving to Hiroshima in the evening
25 July – Hiroshima
26 July – Bunny Island and spending the night in Onomichi
27 July – Onomichi and driving back to Nagoya in the evening
28 July – Nagoya
29 July – 2nd festival Nagoya
30 July – back to Tokyo
31 July – shopping Tokyo
01 August – swimming in Kamakura
02 August – shopping Tokyo
03 August – back to Narita Airport
thank you very much!
Hi Jasmin,
You mentioned “driving” several times in your trip plan. Do you drive by yourself and do not take a train? If so, JR pass does not suit your plan. Please let me know which part of your trip plan you will drive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh sorry I meant getting from A to B with Bus/Train or other fitting means of public transport!
Hi Jasmine,
You can use JR pass 21 days but your trip is 22 days, right? You can use it for the last 21 days. Because there are some deals available for Narita to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
JR Pass covers most part of your trip. But you may need to add some more passes or ticket in some places. Please see the link below:
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#How_to_use_JR_pass_in_major_cities_and_tourist_spots
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Mr Takeshi,
Can I please ask for your guidance on the passes/tickets I should purchase for my journey in May.
01May – Arrive in New Chitose Airport, take train to Asahikawa
02May – daytrip train to Furano to flower fields
03May – train from Asahikawa to Sapporo
04May – Sapporo sightseeing
05May – daytrip train to Toya Station, bus to Toyako Onsen
06May – train from Sapporo to Hakodate (I plan to stopover at Noboribetsu for couple hours as I have the next 2days to spend in Hakodate, however this could be cancelled if it’s not convenient)
07-08May – Hakodate sightseeing
09May – train from Hakodate to Tokyo
10May – Tokyo sightseeing
11May – express bus Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko station), overnight
12May – express bus back to Tokyo
13May – Tokyo sightseeing
14May – daytrip to Nikko
15May – train from Tokyo to Kyoto
16May – Kyoto sightseeing (Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji)
17May – daytrip to Arashiyama
18May – train from Kyoto to Osaka, continue to Koyasan, overnight
19May – Koyasan back to Osaka
20May – daytrip to Nara
21May – Osaka sightseeing (possibly Universal Studio)
22May – Osaka sightseeing and fly out at night from Kansai Airport
I plan to purchase 21-day JR Pass and single ticket to Kansai Airport. I’m not sure if this is the best option or various combinations of local rail passes as I notice that I wouldn’t use the value that much on some days (i.e. get Hokkaido pass from 01-08May; 14-day JR Pass from 09-22May).
I’m also aware although I have JR Pass, I would still need to purchase local city transport cards (Pasmo card in Tokyo, Nara 1-day buss pass, Icoca in Kyoto).
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Regards,
Kate
Hi Kate,
You may use 21 days JR Pass. It’s only 13,000 yen difference between 14 days pass and 21 days pass. This is much smaller than Hokkaido rail pass. You cannot get any extra benefit by using both JR pass and Hokkaido rail pass. Even if you don’t use JR pass in many days during your trip period. JR Pass will be cheaper than single fare ticket. In my rough calculation, it’s not significantly cheaper than single fares. Your cost for train trips will be around 65000 yen to 70000 yen. But there is no other available deals which is better than 21 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I would like to seek your expertise and advice on the type of passes I should (or should not) get for my trip to Japan.
26/3/17 – Kansai Airport to Koyasan. Arrival at airport ~6:30am, overnight stay. Will explore Koyasan during available daytime, likely taking buses.
27/3/17 – Koyasan to Kyoto. Staying till 31/3/17. Day trips to Arashiyama region, Fushima-Inari-Taisha, Ginkajuji Temple.
31/3/17 – Kyoto to Kinosaki Onsen. Overnight stay.
1/4/17 – Kinosaki Onsen to Osaka.
2/4/17 – Osaka to Kansai Airport, departure from Japan.
I was thinking of getting a Kansai Thru Pass of 2 days for 26-27/3/17, and Kansai Wide Area Pass for 29/3-2/4/17, what would your opinion on this be?
Thanks in advance!
Best Regards,
Shona
Hi Shona,
I agree with you. But you may go for 3 days Kansai thru pass if you intend to use Kyoto city sightseeing card (subway + bus pass) one day for 28 Mar.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
This card is 1200 yen and it covers subway and bus. The difference between 2 days and 3 days Kansai thru pass is 1200 yen. Kansai thru pass covers more than Kyoto city sightseeing card, such as subway, bus and Non JR lines, like Hankyu, Keihan, Keifuku railways.
If you just need a few rides of bus, you can purchase all day bus pass at 500 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your advice Takeshi-san!
No worries, Shona san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
We would visit Kyushu at end March and hope you would advise us on how to purchase JR pass in a more economical way.
24 March: Kagoshima
26 March: Kagoshima to Kumamoto (please also advise whether there is any public transport to get to 丸岡公園 to see cherry blossom at Osumiyokogawa station ?)
27 March: Kumamoto to Yufu (if we take
the 12:01 Sakura 402 train to Kurume, can we catch up the 14:45 Yufu3 train to Yufu ?)
28 March: Yufu/Beppu (a friend may give us a ride to Beppu) to Hakata
30 March: Hakata to Kagoshima
As we are new in using JR pass, is there anything we need to pay attention to ?
Many thanks
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
You may use Kyushu rail pass 5 days for 26th to 30th.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kyushu-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-kyushu-for-oversea-visitors.html
I cannot find any public transportation to get Maruoka park. Osumiyokogawa station is the nearest station but it take 10 minutes to get there by car. I don’t think you can catch a taxi at Osumiyokogawa station. There is no station staff. I have no idea how to get there by public transportation only.
You can take Yufu 3 from Sakura 402 at Kurume. You can take even Tsubame 322 (12:11-12:42). You still have 15 minutes to transfer at Kurume and it’s enough to change the trains there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Mr. Takeshi,
I will be traveling to Hiroshima with my wife and mother at the end of May this year. We are looking at possibly buying the JR West Kansai-Hiroshima Pass. I see that it enables us to go to Osaka on the Bullet train as well as the ferry to Myajima. My thoughts were to visit Kyoto for a day and Myajima as well. I would like your opinion on the savings the JR Pass will afford me and if you know what the additional ticket would be for the trip from Osaka to Kyoto as well?
Thank you so much,
Rob
Hi Rob,
You can get Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka. You can take local train to get many places in Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
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
As you see the links above, you may need to add some extra fares or deals especially in Kyoto because subway and city bus are not covered by the pass. You can find the city deals in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the reply. I should have added that for the trip we planned on getting a Icoca card as well for getting around Hiroshima on the transportation that is not covered by the JR Pass. Do you find the value in getting the JR Pass for what we are planning though? I don’t want to waste money.
Thank you
Rob
Hi Rob,
Round trip to Kyoto and trip to Miyajima are not enough to use JR pass. Roughly total cost is around 24000 yen. If you have one more long trip, 7 days JR pass will work. Kansai Hiroshima pass is the best one at this point.
If you use JR pass, you can use Hiroshima sightseeing bus.
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/
This is covered by JR pass only. Kansai Hiroshima pass does not cover it. Even if you buy one day pass, it costs only 400 yen which is equal to only 2 rides. This covers most popular spots in Hiroshima and recommended.
You may have ICOCA if you want. But you may not need it in Hiroshima if you take Hiroshima sightseeing bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Mr. Takeshi,
I think I am getting a little confused.
My plans are to stay in Hiroshima and get the 5 day Kansai_Hiroshima pass.
I will use this for a:
Day trip to Myajima.
Day trip to Kyoto.
The pass is 13000 Yen and I would use it to take the JR Ferry to Myajima. Also use the Sanyo Shinkansan to Osaka. I think those two trips alone would be more than 13000Yen?
The Icoca card was going to be used in Hiroshima for the street cars and such.
I hope this helps clear up my intentions. Please share with me your thoughts.
Thank you again,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Yes. You can use Kansai Hiroshima area pass. You can get the worth.
ICOCA is okay to take street car but one day pass of sightseeing pass is very attractive.
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/
Unfortunately only JR pass covers this bus and Kansai Hiroshima area pass does not. But it cost only 400 yen and you can visit most of places in Hiroshima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Mr Takeshi.
No worries, Rob.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi
I need your advice please.
We arrive on 17 March Narita and have 2 nights in Tokyo
19 March: Tokyo to Kobe and stay 2 nights
21 March:Kobe to Takamatsu
22 March: Takamatsu to Naoshima (ferry)
23 March: Naoshima to Takamatsu (ferry)
24 March: Takamatsu to Hiroshima
25 March: Hirohsima to Miyajima
26 March: Miyajima to Osaka
27 March: Osaka to Nara return
29 March: Osaka to Koyasan
30 March: Koyasan to Kyoto
1 April: Kyoto to Tokyo
3 April: Tokyo to Narita.
We were thinking of getting 14 day JR pass which we will use from 19 March and then get individual tickets for Narita and within Tokyo. We would also get Kansai Through Pass for Koyasan. Is that the best way.
Many thanks
Zoe
Hi Zoe,
Your planning is good. But I recommend you to use Koyasan World Heritage pass instead of Kansai thru pass. You have JR pass and you need transportation between Osaka and Koyasan. This is cheaper.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/koyasan.html
There are some deals available for Narita airport access and Tokyo subway pass combination. You may use one of these deals:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html#anc02
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Mr Takeshi
No worries, Zoe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com