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
Hey,
Would like to get your best advice from you. We’ll be travelling to nagoya next year (yeah, I know my trip is still far away but I noticed the hotel are almost fully booked) I need to arrange everything so that I can make my hotel reservation. Next station from nagoya will be hokkaido follow by tokyo. May I know is there any train I can take from nagoya to hokkaido & what’s the fares? We have 13 adults & 1 child aged 4.
Thanks
Hi Cheong,
Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
It explain hot to get Sapporo from Tokyo. If you go from Nagoya, simply take Shinkansen to get Tokyo and follow the link above.
You can get the fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Actually one way fare to Sapporo from Nagoya is more expensive than JR Pass 7 days. I strongly recommend you to use JR Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
I am preparing an itinerary for my family trip to Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto and Nagoya. The truth is the train passes offered are very confusing and reading through the website again and again does not much help either.
And I am really impressed the way you explain and help people like me.
So, basically, my itinerary is as follows :
Day 1 arrival at KIX at 10.30 pm. I will book an apartment at Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka.
Day 2 Sightseeing Osaka : Osaka Castle, Minami area, Dotonburi, Umeda
Day 3 USJ , Shinsaibashi
Day 4 Early Checkout, transfer to Kobe for day trip (is it possible to leave our luggage at Kobe station?)
Sightseeing Kobe
Transfer and overnight at Kyoto , tentatively at Nanjo Mozumecho Muko,Kyoto
Day 5 Arashiyama
Day 6 Higashiyama
day 7 Transfer to Nagoya , sight seeing Nagoya
Day 8 1725 Departure from Nagoya Airport.
I really appreciate if you could advise me the best options and economical mode of transport for my family consists of 9 adults and 3 children (aged 8-12).
Thanking you in advance
Hi HASLINA,
First of all, you have to be hurry when you arrive in KIX. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
I’m not sure which station is the nearest to your hotel. I guess it’s Umeda (Osaka) or Tenjinbashisuji-Rokuchome. Please find the location at the following link:
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
Anyway you have only one hour to catch the last train connection to Osaka/Umeda. It departs at 23:32. If you can’t catch this train, you have to take midnight bus to Umeda. I think you can get Umeda anyway, but if you hotel is not very closed to Umeda area, you have to take taxi. You may need 3 taxi. It’s not very hard to catch a taxi at JR Osaka station or Umeda bus stop. You will spend 1000 yen to 1500 yen per taxi in my estimation.
When you stay in Osaka, you can use ECO card (subway pass).
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
I think you need pass for day 2 only. Shinsaibashi is same area as Dotonbori. You can visit there on day 2. USJ cannot be accessed by subway. You have to take JR train and single ticket is the best option.
You will purchase single ticket to get Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto. If you don’t want to purchase a ticket one by one, you can make ICOCA card. You will find some more info about ICOCA. The link shows you ICOCA and Haruka deal. But you can’t take Haruka. But you can purchase only ICOCA at any JR stations in Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
For Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto, JR Special Rapid service is the fastest and only direct service from Kobe to Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
In Kobe, there are many coin lockers, but I don’t know you baggage will be fit or not. Most of large size of hard shell suitcase cannot be fit. In Osaka station, there is luggage storage service. I think this is the best option for you. You have to get off the train at Osaka, but the train is a commuter train service among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. You should not take the baggage to Kobe.
In Kyoto, you can purchase all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card. I think all day bus pass is enough.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
For the rest of your trip, there is no deal available. Only single ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
My goodness…!! You have been very helpful..! The information has given me more confidence to explore the cities… Thank you very much…
Best regards…
Haslina
Hi Haslina,
No worries. 🙂
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Good afternoon!
Below is my itinerary. Please let me know which pass should I buy?
Day 1: arrive Haneda Airport at 10:45pm
Day 2: From Haneda Airport to Narita Airport and take domestic flight at 10am to Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: take night train from osaka to Mt Fuji
Day 6: Mt Fuji
Day 7: go to Tokyo from Mt Fuji
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo
Day 11: Depart Haneda Airport to home
Hi Linsoh,
You may use some local deals, like subway pass in Osaka and Tokyo.
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
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
If you arrive at Kansai airport (KIX) from Narita, you may 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
But if you arrive in Itami (ITM), limousine bus is the best option.
JR Pass covers most part of your trip, but single ticket is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I’m not sure what kind of pass to get. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Osaka KIX 8m – going to Arashiyama Togeteitsu.
Day 2: Sightessing in Arashiyama, before leaving Arashiyama to Kyoto(Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto)
Day 3: Sightseeing in Central Kyoto – Shosei-en Garden, Nishi-Hongwan Temple, To-ji temple, Nijo-jo Castle
Day 4:Kyoto – Nishiki market, Sginkyogoku shopping street, Gion
Day 5:Eastern part of Kyoto – Kiyo Mizudera, Philospher’s path, then travel to Osaka Shinsaibashi area. Also visiting Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka
Day 6: Osaka Universal Studios
Day 7: Arima Hot springs and Kobe
Day 8: From Osaka back to Kansai airport.
Your advice will be very much appreciated.Thank you.
Hi Jean,
Day 1 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
Day 2-5 All day bus pass
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Day 5 to Osaka and sightseeing in Osaka
Single ticket
Day 6
Single ticket
Day 7-8
Kansai Thru Pass 2 days
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 / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi San,
Please advise whether a 7-day JR Pass is justified on the following route:
Day 1 Kansai Airport to Shin-Imamiya Station;
Osaka Loopline – to Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji Zoo, Osaka Castle, Osaka City
Museum, Yoda River, Kyocera Dome and back to Shin-Imamiya Station;
Day 2 Shin-Imamiya Station to Kyoto;
Kyoto to Nara;
Nara back to Osaka (Shin-Imamiya Station);
Day 3 Shin-Imamiya Station to Kobe and back;
Day 4 Shin-Imamiya Station to Universal Studio and back;
Day 5 Shin-Imamiya Station to Tokyo Station;
Tokyo Station to Ningyocho Station;
Day 6 Ningyocho Station to Disney Resort and back;
Day 7 Ningyocho Station to Shinjuku Station – travel the whole Yamanote Loopline;
Shinjuku Station to Ningyocho Station;
Day 8 Is 7-Day JR Pass exhausted here? Please advise transportation mode and cost if I am
to go to Mt Fuji area for sight-seeing only.
Day 9 Depart Ningyocho for Haneda Airport.
Eagerly await your reply.
Thank you Takeshi San.
Hi Liew Kui Chin san,
First of all, JR Pass does not meet your plan. If you want to use JR pass, round trip between Osaka and Tokyo is minimum requirement. At this point, single fare is cheaper than 7 days JR pass.
Please see the following sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
This above itinerary is not exactly same as yours. But you can find the cost for Kyoto-Tokyo (not much different from Osaka-Tokyo).
You can use ICOCA and Haruka deal for arrival day and local transfer in Osaka.
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
ICOCA 1500 yen e-money is not enough to cover Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and USJ. But you may add some more fund into ICOCA or simply purchase single fares.
The above itinerary includes Hakone and Fuji. But it’s still cheaper than JR Pass.
At last, if you want to go to Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the best option. You can find some more info at the following links:
http://transportation.fujikyu.co.jp/english/
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
Thank you for the post! I’m not sure what kind of pass to get though my itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive at Narita
Day 2: Going to Saitama Arena and then back to Tokyo Hotel
Day 3: Going to Saitama Arena and then back to Tokyo Hotel
Day 4:Tokyo Area
Day 5: Hakone
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7-8: Osaka
Day 9 – Day 17: Tokyo
Day 18: Narita Airport
Your advice will be appreciated!
:
Hi Mike,
You can use 7 days JR Pass for day 4 to day 10. But Hakone is out of the coverage area of JR Pass. You have to add some fare from Odawara to Hakone.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
There are several deals from Narita to Tokyo for arrival day.
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
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/discount_ticket/en/
For other days, single ticket is your option. And subway pass may be suitable for your excursion in Tokyo.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, can you pls advice which pass is the most suitable for us as per our daily itinerary.
Day 1:
Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya & Marunouchi.
Day 2:
Kamakara, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo National Museum, Museum of Nature, National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Park & Akihabara
Day 3:
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Solamachi, Edo Tokyo Museum, Bridgestone Museum of Art, The Imperial Palalce, Imperial Palace East Garden, Yasukuri Shrine, Rainbow Bridge & Oedo onsen Monogatari
Day 4 :
Tokyo Dome City, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Tokyo Government, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Ota Memorial Museum, Nikko World Heritage
Hi elaine,
You can use subway pass.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day/index.html
Tokyo Metro one day open ticket is okay.
However, Tokyo Disney Sea, Kamakura, Nikko and Odaiba are out of the coverage area. You have to add single fare on top of the pass.
On day 2, it is too much. Kamakura is 45 minutes away from Tokyo station. Most of tourist stay Tokyo Disney Sea at least half day. I don’t think you can complete all spots in one day. Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree are very close. These two spots must be combined in same day.
On day 4, it is too much as well. Nikko is very far from Tokyo. It takes 2 hours to get there. You have to spend at least one day. If you go to Nikko, you can use the pass at the following link:
http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/pass/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick respond. Is it possible to advice on Day 2 and Day 4 which sight I should take off for the convenient of the use of train.
Thank you.
Your site is the best I have seen about Japan travel,it cleared a lot of issues I had ,thank you .
Still a bit confused whether I should take the 7 day pass or 14 day pass with my itinary .
Day 1 Narita to Tokyo
Day 2,3,Tokyo
Day 4 mt Fuji
Day 5 train to Kyoto
Day 6,7 Kyoto
Day 8 Hiroshima
Day 10 Kyoto
Day 11 back to Narita
Day 12 fly out
Thanks and you have the pulse on what people want to know
Regards
Hi Priti,
The best choice is JR Pass 7 days and Kanto Area Pass.
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
Start to use Kanto Area Pass right after you arrive in Narita. And visit Mt. Fuji on either day 2 or 3 because Kanto Area Pass is valid for 3 days. This pass covers the trip to Lake Kawaguchi in Mt. Fuji. Of course you can use this pass for JR trains in Tokyo, like Shinagawa, Ueno, Shinguku, Tokyo, Ikebukuro.
And then start to use JR pass 7 days on day 5 when you go to Kyoto. It covers until you arrive in Narita.
Kanto Area Pass can be purchased in Narita airport station on the spot. And also you can exchange JR pass in Narita airport station. You can choose the date when you want to start to use JR Pass. Once you exchange it, you can book your trains there. You should complete all bookings there. It makes your trip easier and stressful.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hai,Takeshi-san,
‘m planning to go to visit Japan from 28th May until 12th June. I’m planning to buy Kansai Wide Area Pass for my journey. But not sure is right way to do that. I hope you can help me .
Day 1 arrive kansai airport 9pm
Day 2 Kyoto- Kansai wide Area Pass
Day 3 Kyoto- Kansai Wide Area Pass
Day 4 Imeji-Okayama-Kansai Wide Area Pass
Day 5 Kurashiki -Kansai Wide Area Pass
Day 6 Hiroshima- sanyo shinkansen
Day 7 Miyajima-JR line
Day 8 Hiroshima to Osaka-Sanyo shikansen
Day 9 Osaka Universal Studio
Day 10 Kobe-JR line
Day 11 Osaka shopping
Day 12 Osaka shopping
Day 13 Kansai Airport- by train
I hope you can give me some opinions.
Than you very much
Hi Tresa san,
Where are you going to by Kansai Wide Area Pass?
I think Sanyo Area Pass is more suitable for you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/sanyo-area-pass-good-deal-for-the-tourist-who-visits-kansai-hiroshima-and-hakata.html
It covers Hiroshima and Miyajima. As probably you know, Kansai Wide Area Pass does not cover Hiroshima and Miyajima. Of course you can drop by Himeji, Okayama and Kurashiki on the way to Hiroshima. If you want to go somewhere that is not covered by Sanyo Area Pass, such as Kinosaki, Shirahama, you can use these two passes too.
If you don’t have any plans so far to use Kansai Wide Area Pass, you can use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day.
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
You don’t have many chances to use Kansai Wide Area Pass in Kyoto. You may use Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I and my BF plan to go Japan from 21 November to 30 November this year. Below is our initerary.
Day 1 – Arrive @ Kansai Airport in the morning. Stay at Namba area. One day in osaka
Day 2 – Day trip from Osaka to Nara
Day 3 – From Osaka to Himeji then transfer to Kyoto
Day 4 – Arashiyama & Northern Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto to Hakone
Day 6 – Hakone & Tokyo
Day 7 – Disneysea Tokyo
Day 8 – Tokyo
Day 9 – Tokyo
Day 10 – Fly back from Tokyo
We plan to get Kansai Through 3 days Pass or JR West Rail Pass, Hakone Day Pass and one way Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkasen with stopover in Hakone. Please advise on this plan. Thanks for your help.
Cheers.
Dunkpitter
Hi dunkpitter,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
Kanku Webtoku ticket or Kakuku Tokuwari Rapi:t Tikcet for arrival day
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Single ticket for trip to Nara
JR West Kansai Area Pass one day for Namba-Osaka-Himeji. JR is much faster than other trains by Kansai Thru Pass
All day bus pass for Kyoto
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
And then single ticket and Hakone free pass are good choices.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I have few enquiries regarding my trip.
1) Is it worth to take 3days JR West Rail Pass for Day 1 to Day 3 and buy a all day bus pass for Day 4 and 5 in Kyoto?
2) If I buy a single trip ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo, am i eligible to stopoever at Hakone for 2days1night trip?
3) Within Tokyo district, which pass is more suitable or having a Suica/Pasmo is cheaper?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.
Cheers.
Dunkpitter
Hi Dunkpitter,
1. I don’t think so. Especially on day 2, you can take Kintetsu to get Nara from Namaba directly. It’s much cheaper and faster than JR.
2. Yes. Please refer 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
3. It depend on your itinerary. If you travel lots, Metro pass may be cheapest. Suica/Pasmo make your trip easier. But those cards do not give you any discount.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail