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,
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.
Hi PT Sim,
I think Japan Rail Pass is not suitable for your trip. If you use Japan Rail Pass, round trip between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto is minimum requirement. As long as you have only one way trip, single fare is cheaper.
I wrote some posts about single fare travellers. Please see the following links:
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
Your trip is very similar to reverse itinerary of the second link. So you may use Suica and N’ex for the arrival day and explore in Tokyo if you want.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
Hi Lester,
I recommend you to use Nikko Free Pass and Hakone Free Pass. As you think, if you use Kanto Area Pass, you will save your money. But it does not cover any local transportation. You will take bus, gondola or local railway to visit several places in both Hakone and Nikko. You have to add on Kanto Area Pass. As a result, you will spend much more money than Nikko Pass and Hakone Pass.
Especially if you have kids in your family member, Odakyu gives you direct access to Hakone. It’s much easier.
If you arrive in Narita, you can purchase Suica and N’ex.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
Suica will cover your trip to Kamakura and Yokohama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
Hi Lil,
Trip to Hakone and trip to Lake Kawaguchi are totally different. Please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
If you go to Lake Kawaguchi, JR Pass cover most part of the trip. JR Pass covers some part of trip to Hakone (Tokyo-Odawara). But you may need to purchase Hakone Pass because there are lots of transportation that are not covered by JR Pass. It depends on how many trips you will make in Hakone.
By the way, 3 days Kansai Thru Pass may be too much. Round trip fare to USJ from Kishi is 1160 yen. And also 380 yen of this amount is not covered by Kansai Thru Pass. If you take subway more than 5 times on 22 Nov, it will work. Otherwise single ticket is cheaper. So may be 2 days pass is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
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
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
Hi Lil,
I don’t think it’s a good idea to use Kansai Thru Pass for the first part of your trip in Kansai.
You will go to Kyoto and stay there. Is it correct? If so, use ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket to get Kyoto. This deal includes Haruka express to Kyoto and 1500 yen e-money. This e-money can be used in even Tokyo.
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
If you use Kansai Thru Pass to get Kyoto, it’s going to be a long trip and at least transfer twice.
In Kyoto, you can add Kyoto sightseeing pass if you will make a trip lots.
Kanku Tokuwari can be used to KIX as well. You can purchase at Nankai railways’s station, such as Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
Hi Lil,
I think 7:10pm is not very late. As long as your flight will arrive on time and go through custom and immigration smoothly, you can get Shinsaibashi by 21:30. Even if you want to get Kyoto on arrival day, it’s possible.
Nankai Railway timetable at KIX
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/nankai_time.html
As you see above link, if you take 20:36 Rapi:t express, you will get Shinsaibashi by 21:30. (transfer to subway at Numba)
It’s not impossible if everything will be fine.
JR timetable at KIX
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
If you take 20:46 Haruka limited express, you will be Kyoto around 22:00. Even if your hotel is away from Kyoto station, most of local trains and buses still run. You can reach almost anywhere in Kyoto.
Of course the choice is yours. But I just want to let you know.
Regarding pass, 7 days pass is enough. You can use Kansai Thru Pass. It covers all stations on your list.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
If you go to Shinsaibashi on arrival day, you can use Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t tikcet.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
If you want to go to Kyoto on aarival day, you can use ICOCA and Haruka.
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 / JP Rail
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.
Hi Ankur,
If you use 7 days pass, it works.
You can use Suica & N’ex for arrival day and excursion in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/suica-nex-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-tokyo.html
And before you leave Tokyo, you can start to use 7 days pass until end of your trip.
Regarding booking, you can’t do it in advance. Please see the following:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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.
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
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
Hi Ennovi,
The last train to Namba by Nankai railway is 23:29 departure. JR train has the last train to Tennoji at 3 minutes later than Nankai. You need to transfer at Tennoji, but you still can take a train to JR Namba at Tennoji. JR Namba is about 10-15 minutes away from Nankai Namba station. Please see the timetable below:
Nanaki train timetable http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/nankai_time.html
JR train timetable http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
Usually it takes one hour to go through Custom and Immigration. So as long as your flight arrive on time, you can catch the last train. If you miss these trains, you still have a limousine bus to get Namba at 23:45.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_namba.html
Don’t worry. You can get your place somehow.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
Hi Niloufar,
I put links to the related post for your train trip. Please see the following:
Tokyo Narita Airport to Tokyo city center (June 15 2013)
Tokyo city to Narita Airport (June 29 2013) Unless there is shuttle service
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-narita-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
I usually recommend Suica and N’ex.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
But Limousine bus or Keisei line may be more convenient for you. It depends on where you will stay.
If you use Suica and N’ex, you can use one way type. You’ll go back to Narita. But the ticket is valid for 14 days.
Osaka-Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka (June 21 2013)
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
It’s same case as Narita. I usually recommend ICOCA and Haruka.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
But it depends on your hotel location. If you use this ticket, you can use ICOCA e-money to get Kyoto from Osaka.
Osaka to Kyoto (June 22 2013)
Single ticket or may be ICOCA e-money.
Kyoto to Tokyo city (June 27 2013) how long is the train ride?
Single ticket by Shinkansen. It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail