Guide to plan your trip. Fare Calculation

dentaku calculatorFare table
2010.08.29
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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

You can get a fare very easily. (click to view larger image)
You can get a fare very easily. (click to view larger image)

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:

Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
If you want to build your itinerary by yourself, Hyperdia will help you a lot. This site is transportation search engine. You can search the timetables and routes of all trains, flights and airport shuttle bus. But this site is a bit tricky and too many functions and options to you. This guide will help you to find the way to use this site.
jprail.com
2013.11.26

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.

For non JR pass travellers. Guide to use JR single ticket, basic rules, validity and stopover
The train ticket rule is very complicated in Japan. But you may have to use the regular fare ticket because it is cheaper than the rail pass. This post explains you the basic ticket rule as easy as possible.
jprail.com
2013.07.04

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

  1. PT Sim says:
    October 6, 2013 at 7:45 am

    Hi,

    Myself and a friend intend to travel japan as follows. Please advise if it is worthwhile to buy a 7 days JR pass.

    Day 1 – Tokyo
    Day 2 – Tokyo
    Day 3 – Tokyo
    Day 4 – Tokyo – Hakone
    Day 5 – Hakone – Kyoto
    Day 6 – Kyoto
    Day 7 – Kyoto – Osaka
    Day 8 – Osaka
    Day 9 – Osaka

    Thanks in advance.

  2. Lester says:
    October 4, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    Hello Takeshi,

    I am currently planning my first trip to Japan with my family from the 16th – 23rd Nov.

    It will be a 8D7N trip focusing on Kanto; Tokyo with trips to Nikko, Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone.

    My original intention was to allocate 2D1N to Nikko, 1D to Yokohama, 1D to Kamakura and 2D1N to Hakone. I would have gotten the Tobu Nikko Free Pass, Odakyu Hakone Free Pass and then take JR to Yokohama, Kamakura and within Tokyo.

    However I am also attracted by the JR Kanto Area Pass. I am wondering if I should change my plans to fit the 3 consecutive day limit of the JR Kanto Area Pass.

    To fit things to the 3 day limit, I would allocate 1D1N to Nikko, 1D1N in Yokohama and the last 1D in Kamakura. In the same day, I will take the JR down to Odawara (to purchase the Odakyu Hakone Free Pass) for 1100yen lesser.

    Pros (of getting the JR Kanto Area Pass)

    A lot more money saved using JR.
    For Nikko, I do not have to purchase the Tobu Nikko Free Pass. I’d also like to experience the Tohoku Shikansen to Nikko!
    For Hakone, I save 1100Y buying the Odakyu Hakone Free Pass from Odawara.

    Cons (of getting the JR Kanto Area Pass)

    Time. 3 Days is really very tight. I do not know if I will have enough time at each place. I would like to experience the most I can.

    I have read through your articles and find them very useful and informative.
    I hope to get your advise on this matter.

    Thanks!

    Lester

  3. Lil says:
    October 4, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I have read a bit more on your other links in your page and very grateful with all the information you have there. You have a lot of very useful information in your page.

    Just one more question, I am still deciding whether I want to stay overnight or just a day trip to Mt Fuji. If I do stay overnight, it will be either at Hakone or Fujikawaguchiko (Kawaguchiko Station). Do I need to purchase Hakone Free Pass if I stay overnight?

    This should be my final itinerary. Can you please tell me if I have any other options? From 11th-14th Nov, do I buy the ICOCA prepaid pass to go Kyoto from Rinku-town or use single tickets? Is it worth to add sightseeing pass while in Kyoto?
    10th Nov – arrive & stay around airport (free shuttle bus from hotel)
    11th Nov – Depart from Rinku-town station (or Izumisano station) to Kyoto (Itinerary: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion, Ponto-cho)
    12th Nov – Kyoto (Arashiyama, Philosopher Path, Ginkakuji)
    13th Nov – Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku-ji)

    Start of JR Pass
    14th Nov – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Osaka – Kyoto
    15th Nov – Kyoto – Tokyo (Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Odaiba)
    16th Nov – Disney Sea
    17th Nov – Yoyogi Park, Mt Fuji (Hakone/ Kawaguchiko station) – stay overnight
    18th Nov – Hakone/ Kawaguchiko station back to Tokyo,
    19th Nov – Tsukiji market, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa,
    20th Nov– Tokyo – Amami Station (Osaka)

    Single Ticket
    21st Nov – Amami – Kishi Station

    3 days Kansai Thru Pass
    22nd Nov – Kishi – Universal Studio – Namba – Kishi
    23rd Nov – Kishi – Nara (Todaiji Temple) or Himeji – Kishi – Osaka
    24th Nov – Osaka and leaving for Kansai Airport in the evening

    Sorry to bother you with so many questions but very thankful for your help!

    Cheers, Lil

  4. Lil says:
    September 25, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Thanks again Takeshi,

    I think I am almost there to finalise my itineraries …. I now have two options as follow:

    1st itinerary option
    10th Nov – arrive & stay around airport
    11th – 14th Nov – Kyoto (Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace)
    15th – 19th Nov – Tokyo (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tsukiji market, Asakusa, Obaida, Mt Fuji and DisneySea)
    20th – 24th Nov – Osaka (Himeji, Hiroshima & Miyajima, Nara, Kishi Station and Amami Station and perhaps Universal Studio)
    24th Nov – leaving for Kansai Airport in the evening

    2nd itinerary option
    10th Nov – arrive & stay around airport
    11th -13th Nov – Osaka (Himeji, Hiroshima & Miyajima, Nara, Kishi Station and Amami Station)
    14th – 18th Nov – Tokyo (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tsukiji market, Asakusa, Obaida, Mt Fuji and DisneySea)
    19th -22nd Nov (Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace)
    23rd-24th Nov – Osaka (Universal Studio and Osaka downtown)
    24th Nov – leaving for Kansai Airport in the evening

    Do you still think the ICOCA and Haruka still a better option for me to use within Osaka and Kyoto area? and I only need to activate 7days JR pass when I need to take Shinkansen to Tokyo and back?

    Very grateful for your help.

    Kind Regards,
    Lil

    • JPRail says:
      September 25, 2013 at 11:45 pm

      Hi Lil,

      The first reason why I recommend ICOCA and Haruka is to avoid many transfers.
      Have you read my post about 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
      As I explained in this post, you have to take three different trains from KIX to Kyoto and change the trains at Tengachaya and Awaji.

      The second reason is total fares. Even if you take trains from KIX to Kawaramachi in Kyoto, total fare is still 1550 yen. If you use 2 days pass, the price is 3800 yen. So you have to use 1900 yen or more. You may take some more trains on arrival day in Kyoto. But how about other days? If you visit Arashiyama from JR Kyoto station, you may spend 430 yen one way. How about trip to Kishi station from Shinsaibashi? It costs 620 yen one way.

      If you visit several places in one day, Kansai Thru Pass will work. Otherwise single ticket or using ICOCA is better way.

      Regarding JR Pass 7 days, please include Hiroshima and Miyajima in this 7 days. This trip is much bigger than other trip in Kansai area. One way cost to Hiroshima will be more than 10000 yen. This trip must be covered by JR Pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. Lil says:
    September 24, 2013 at 1:06 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for your prompt response.
    Depending on the time to get through the custom, it could be a bit rush to try to get to Shinsaibashi or Kyoto as the latest hostel check-in time would be at 22:00. I found hotel nearby airport that has airport shuttle bus so I can start using 3 days Kansai Thru passes from next day onwards plus 7days JR pass and another 3 days Kansai Thru pass. Can I then use Kanku Tokuwari Rapid ticket on my last day from Osaka to Kansai airport?

    This seems to be slightly cheaper option for me in comparison to buying a 14days JR pass, As it will be around 39400 yen instead of 45100 yen.

    Thank you very much for your time and valuable suggestions, Takeshi. Much appreciated.

    Kind Regards,
    Lil

  6. Lil says:
    September 23, 2013 at 1:12 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am first time visitor to your blog and I am planning for my first time visit to Japan for 15days.

    My planned route would be as follow:
    Osaka (Kansai airport – 1 night) > Kyoto (4nights) > Tokyo – including Hakone and Disney Sea (5 nights) > Osaka (Amami station, Kishi station and Shinsaibashi station) – 4nights.

    I will be arriving at Kansai Airport at 7.10pm and I am considering to stay near Airport on my first night since I will be arriving pretty late at night and not sure if I can make it to Shinsaibashi station before 9.30pm?

    Would you recommend me to get the 14days JR pass or I can possible use 7days JR Pass for mostly Kyoto-Tokyo-Osaka and buy additional Kansai Thru passes to use while I am within Kyoto and Osaka? I am not too sure if the passes will be valid for use along Nankai Koya Line and train line to Kishi station?

    Many thanks for your suggestion,

    Regards,
    Lil

  7. Ankur says:
    September 1, 2013 at 6:50 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m a first time visitor to your blog. I’m planning a 9-day trip to Japan with friends. My basic intinerary is Narita airport > Tokyo city > Hakone (1-day in hakone) > Kyoto > Tokyo (Narita airport). Could you please suggest if a JR pass is cheaper or individual point to point tickets are a better option? Also, do I need to book these tickets in advance or can we purchase them once we reach Japan?

    Would really appreciate your suggestions on this.

  8. Lee says:
    August 18, 2013 at 4:48 am

    Good evening Takeshi-san,

    I have some questions on the JR Pass. Suppose if I need to travel from Noboribetsu to Kushiro in Hokkaido, the Hyperdia website shows a few options. I quote selected examples below:

    Route #1

    Noboribetsu – LTD EXP SUZURAN 3 – Minami-Chitose – LTD EXP SUPER OZORA 3 – Kushiro

    Route #3

    Noboribetsu – JR Muroran Line – Tomakomai – JR Chitose Line – Minami-Chitose – LTD EXP SUPER OZORA 5 – Kushiro

    So if I use the JR Rail Pass, for

    Route #1 I will need to pay for LTD EXP SUZURAN 3 and SUPER OZORA 3?

    and

    Route #3 I will need to pay for LTD EXP SUPER OZORA 5?

    Also, I have the following questions hopefully you can guide me through. Is there any bus service that travels (during December) between:

    (a) KawayuOnsen and Furano ?
    (b) KawayuOnsen and Nemuro ?

    Many thanks for the assistance.

    • JPRail says:
      August 18, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      Hi Lee,

      JR Pass cover all daytime limited express trains. So any additional charge is not required to take Suzuran and Ozora.

      Regarding bus service, there is not direct service for your route. Especially if you use JR Pass, you can take trains between Kawayu Onsen and Kushiro, and between Kushiro and Furano or Nemuro.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. Ennovi says:
    April 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for your time to read my comment.

    I will be arriving at Kansai Airport on 13 May 2013 at late night, 10.30pm. My first destination would be going to Nanba for a night stay before proceeding to other towns. However, I noticed from Hyperdia that the last train is at 11.05pm via Nankai Airport Exp.

    I doubt that I will be able to catch the last train in time before it departs. Would you be able to recommend any other alternatives (apart from getting a taxi because the fare is very expensive)?

    Would you know how long do I need to take to exit the airport upon arrival (includes time to claim my baggage and get through the immigration)?

    Appreciate if you can provide some suggestions to me. Thank you so much.

    Ennovi

  10. Niloufar says:
    April 22, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Hello Takeshi,
    Thank you for creating a great log where we can ask you questions in regards to train travels in Japan.

    My husband and I will be needing a train for the following:

    Tokyo Narita Airport to Tokyo city center (June 15 2013)
    Osaka-Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka (June 21 2013)
    Osaka to Kyoto (June 22 2013)
    Kyoto to Tokyo city (June 27 2013) how long is the train ride?
    Tokyo city to Narita Airport (June 29 2013) Unless there is shuttle service

    We are confused as to what type of ticket or rail pass we need to purchase and which one is more affordable. Do we need to get the 7/14 day pass? or can we just buy individual tickets for each trip? which trains to use? etc.

    Your assistance will be greatly appreciated,
    Thank you,
    Niloufar

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