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! Should i get a JR pass?
My plan is:-
Singapore – Osaka 6/21/2013
Osaka – Kyoto 6/22/2013
Kyoto 6/23/2013
Kyoto 6/24/2013
Kyoto-Osaka – Kobe 6/25/2013
Osaka 6/26/2013
Osaka-Nara 6/27/2013
Osaka 6/28/2013
Osaka 6/29/2013
Osaka-Kanazawa 6/30/2013
Kanazawa – Shirakawa-go 7/1/2013
Shiragawa-go – takayama 7/2/2013
Tateyama- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route 7/3/2013
Tateyama- Osaka 7/4/2013
Osaka – Singapore 7/5/2013
Hi Yvonne,
JR Pass does not meet your trip. My suggestion is the following:
ICOCA and Haruka round trip ticket.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
Use ICOCA for Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe on June 25 and Osaka-nara on Jun 27.
When you stay in Osaka and Kyoto, you can purchase subway pass if you take a train lots.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
For other part of you trip, single ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi / JP Rail
We (dad, mom, sister) are going to Tokyo by the end of this month and will stay for a week. We are staying along nearby tokyo station hotel. We are planning to go to mt. Fuji for a day, Gotemba outlet for another day, then at Sanrio puroland on the 3rd day. The rest will just go around tokyo, Ginza, shibuya, Skytree. Now my question is – would it be advisable and cheaper if we will buy jr pass to use it for a week with that itinerary- as well from narita airport to hotel then back to airport? Thanks!
Hi Jill,
Japan Rail Pass is way too much for your trip. I think Kanto Area Pass is the best.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
It covers Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchi area and part of the trip to Gotemba (to Kouzu).
If you do Mt. Fuji, Getemba and back to Narita airport, this pass is valid for 3 days. It covers all three trip. When you arrive in Narita, you can use Suica and N’ex. It includes from Narita to Tokyo and 1500 yen Suica e-money. You can use it for exploring in Tokyo.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Traveling to Japan for the first time. Please recommend what kind of rail ticket is best for the following itinerary.
Day 1- Arrive Tokyo – travel to Shinjuku for hotel. – which train
Day 2 Disney Sea
Day 3 Mt Fuji (guided tour)
Day 4 & 5 – tour around Tokyo – fish market, ginza, tokyo tower, meiji shrine, shibuya, shop,eat
Day 6 move to Osaka via train – which train?
Day 7 Universal
Day 8 day trip to Kyoto by train – which train?
Day 9 explore Osaka
Day 10 Home!
Hope to hear from you soon! Arigato!
Hi Cheryl,
In my understanding, you are leaving from Kansai airport. Is this right?
If so, Japan Rail Pass is too much. You need to combine several deals.
First of all, please see these following links. These links answer your questions.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/what-is-shinkansen.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
I think these deals will be suitable for you.
Suica and N’ex
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
If you use Narita Express to get Shinjuku from Narita, this ticket includes Narita Express and 1500 yen Suica e-money. It can be used for exploring in Tokyo by not only JR trains but also subway. If you don’t use Narita Express, subway pass may be suitable for you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/subway-in-tokyo.html
From Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen, only single ticket is your choice. You can book and purchase at most of JR stations, like Narita Airport station, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
At last, there are several deals in Osaka and Kyoto. But it depends on how much trains, subways or bus services you will take. Please see the following post:
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 / JP Rail
Hi,
I am wonderig if it’s better to buy a 7 or 14 day pass:
11th April – Arrive at Narita in the evening. Bullet train to Shinjuku.
5 nights in Tokyo including day trips to Hakone and either Fukushima or Sendai.
16th and 17th – 2 nights in Kyoto
18th and 19th – 2 nights in Fuji Five Lakes
20th – 1 night in Tokyo then train back to Narita the following evening.
Due to the day trip up to either Fukushima or Sendai (depending on cherry blommoms) I am unsure if it’s better to buy a 7 or 14 day pass. Your advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Louise,
If you are sure that you will have both Tokyo-Kyoto round trip (via Fuji) and Tokyo-Fukushima/Sendai round trip, 14 days pass will work for your trip. Please see the following post to get more details:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Please help to advise whether i should get a 14 days JR pass or not based on my itenerary.
Arriving KIX – Shinsaibashi
3 Nights in Osaka
1 Night in Hiroshima (Am only planning to use the JR pass from this day onwards to Hiroshima)
4 Nights in Kyoto
1 Night Nagoya
Will follow a tour to Tateyama and break off from there to take a train to Takayama
2 Nights Takayama
1 Night Gero
1 Night Nagoya
6 Nights Shinjuku
1 Night Narita
Appreciate your help as i am very confused with the train system. (I have been checking the websites for few days but still do not get it)
Do we still need to pay for the seat even if it is unreserved?
Can you recommend what train (JR Pass cover) to take for my case?
Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Susan,
14 days pass is a bit more expensive than single ticket. Please see the sample fares at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
But pass is much easier to hadnle. So I recommend to use the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi JP Rail,
I will be travelling to:
Osaka via Kansai on 5th Apr 2013
Possibly a 2 day trip to Mount Koya on the 8th Apr
Moving over to Kyoto on 9th Apr
And finally to Tokyo on the 11th Apr via Shinkansen Bullet Train (One-Way)
Flying off from Narita on the 16th.
Please advise whether I should get the JR Rail Pass at all
Thanks a lot!
Hi Eugene,
JR Pass does not meet your trip.
To Osaka from KIX
It depends of where you are going to stay. If you stay in Umeda, take JR trains. If you stay in Namba, take Nankai.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
To Mt. Koya – Koyasan World Heritage Ticket
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-get-mt-koya.html
In Kyoto, single ticket or day pass will be your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Single ticket is your only choice to Tokyo from Kyoto,
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello, Takeshi
My family and I will be travelling to Japan (Osaka) this April. We planned to buy JR pass for 7 days and start using on the third day. The question is my daughter cannot buy JR pass because she holds student visa. Can she buy Shinkansen ticket in Japan? Do they have any discount? What’s your suggestion? Our plans are
Day 1-2: Osaka-Nara-Kobe
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4-5: Mt.Fuji (Kawaguchiko station) <– How to get there?
Day 6-7-8: Tokyo-Nikko
Day 9: Osaka
Day 10: Kansai International Airport
Thank you
Hi Pia,
Your daughter can purchase a ticket on the spot at the station. There is a discount ticket. But it is not sold at the station. There are many discount ticket store in Japan. But it is for local, not for travellers obviously. If your daughter understand Japanese, she may be able to find it. See the following link:
http://www.tokai-ticket.co.jp/
Otherwise you just purchase regular ticket at the station.
Regarding access Kawwaguchiko, please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
What a great comment board!
We will puchase a JR Pass, but it is confusing to figure what the private rail surcharges are on some routes.
For example on the Fukuchiama-Toyooka segmant (English timetable No 30) there si a csurcharge. On Hyperdia, the regular fares are shown plus also seat charges. With a JR Pass, do we have to pay those fares and also the seat charges?
When are the surcharges paid/ At the originating station or on the train?
Many thanks
Hi Gary,
As long as you take JR daytime trains, you don’t need to pay any extra charge. Both regular fare and seat surcharge are included.
Please refer the following link too:
https://jprail.com/validity-of-japan-rail-pass
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello, I am travelling to Japan in spring. It seems cheaper to buy individual tickets rather than a JR Pass as the only long trip we are doing is Tokyo to Kyoto, the rest are just a few day trips. Any suggestions would be helpful. Our itinerary is as follows:
Days 1-2: Tokyo
Day 3: Kamakura (day trip)
Days 4-5: Tokyo
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Osaka (day trip)
Day 8: Nara (day trip)
Days 9-10: Kyoto
Day 11: Osaka Airport
Thanks in advance
Hi Will,
As you think, single ticket is cheaper than JR Pass. So you can add some local discount tickets or deals in Tokyo and Kansai. In Tokyo, you can use Suica and N’ex or other deals. Please see the following link:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
You can purchase subway pass as you need.
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
When you stay in Kansai, there are several deals:
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 / JP Rail
Hello!
I am going to Japan in a few months for 14 days from May 12 to 26th. I am flying into Kansai. I have done research on the various passes and other transportation options to make the transportation cost effective and maximizing the passes. I am open to ideas on how to make the most of the passes and if needed, to rearrange the itinerary however Kansai portion (May 16-22) is fixed.
Here is my itinerary:
May 12 (two nights in Osaka)
May 15 day trip to Hiroshima then arriving to Kyoto in the evening.
May 16-22 Kansai region (Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Nishinomiya, Himeiji)
May 23 (3 nights in Tokyo)
I see the 14 day JR Rail Pass is costs 45,100¥, I’ve been doing cost comparisons against the various other passes.
If I am to follow the itinerary, I am thinking about doing the following:
Get two 4 day JR Kansai passes which costs 6,000¥ each. (or should I get one 4 day JR Kansai pass and one 4 day Kansai Wide pass which costs 7,000¥?) I see there’s also a pricier option of purchasing an 8 day JR Sanyo pass for 30,000¥.
After Osaka, I plan on going to Hiroshima for the day then go to Kyoto. What is the best cost effective option to go about this?
I plan on taking the overnight Willer bus from Kyoto to Tokyo on the night of the 22nd. The overnight bus costs 6,400¥. Then use a 3 day JR Kanto Area pass (May 23-25) which costs 8,000¥.
On the 26th, I won’t be using a pass; I fly back to Kansai from Narita using JetStar for 4,690¥.
The total of two JR Kansai passes + Willer bus + Kanto Area pass + JetStar = 31,090¥. The total excludes the cost for the Hiroshima fare.
Any feedback, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Hi Pochi,
You’ve done a great job! 🙂
I suggest a few things.
1. Hiroshima
As you guess, there is no pass for return trip to Hiroshima. If you use Wide Area Pass, it covers Osaka-Okayama part. In this case, you have to complete other spots, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Nara in next 3 days. But Nara is the closest from Kyoto. You can use Kintetsu to Nara.
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
And you may be able to combine Himeji, Kobe and Nishinomiya in one day. I don’t now what you will do in Osaka. But Nishinomiya is very close to Osaka. You said you fixed itinerary in Kansai. But all places except Nara are closer to Osaka than Kyoto.
2. Wide Area Pass vs Kansai Area Pass
As I mentioned above, Wide Area Pass is one of the solution to Hiroshima. If you really need 4 days pass when you stay in Kyoto, Kansai Area Pass is considerable. But Nara can be accessed by Kintetsu and Kintetsu is more convenient to Nara. So in my opinion, Wide Area Pass is better. If you use Wide Area Pass, think about other areas outside of Kansai urban area, like Kinosaki Onsen. It is a nice place even if you go there as day trip.
Day 1 Hiroshima
Day 2 Kinosaki
Day 3 Himeji
Day 4 Kobe+Nishinomiya or Nara
If I were you, I use the pass like that.
3. Kanto Area Pass
Where are going to visit when you stay in Tokyo? If you go to Nikko or Kawaguchiko or Kusatsu onsen, this pass gives you a great deal. But if you stay in Tokyo, you don’t need this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail