For non JR pass travellers. Guide to use JR single ticket, basic rules, validity and stopover

Fare table
This is not a regular JR ticket but a typical JR train ticket looks like this.

I have received many inquiries about Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka one way trip. I always recommend to use a regular ticket for this one way long distance train ride, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Osaka to Tokyo. Because this one way trip is not enough to get the worth of JR Pass 7-day. I have written the post about the fare calculation before.

But I think this post was not enough to explain the fare rule. JR single ticket rule is very complicated for the tourists from oversea. But you do not need to know everything. If you understand some basic rules, single ticket is more useful and it gives you a trip at more affordable rate.

In this post, I will show you some basic rules of the regular ticket for the long distance train ride and how to use and purchase it.

How to purchase it

Simply you can purchase it at the station. If you make a short distance trip in the city or city to just outside city, you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine.

e.g.
Ueno to Tokyo (inside city)
Tokyo to Yokohama (city to just outside place)
Osaka to Universal City (inside city)
Osaka to Kyoto (city to outside place)

If you make a long distance trip, you still can buy a ticket at the vending machine. But the ticket window may be easier to purchase a long distance ticket for the foreign travelers. Especially if you intend to make a stopover on the way, you have to buy a ticket at the ticket window. Because you have to explain your trip plan.

If you want to take a limited express train, you have to purchase a limited express surcharge ticket too. Even if you want to take a non reserved seat on a limited express train, you have to purchase it. You can purchase both a reserved and a non reserved ticket for a limited express (the Shinkansen as well) at “Midori no Madoguchi”. Midori no Madoguchi is the name of JR reservation ticket window. You can purchase a base fare ticket at Midori no Madoguchi too. Please get the detail about reservation at the post below.

In the case of purchasing both base fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket, you can purchase it in advance. An express surcharge ticket is on sale one month prior to a departure date.

e.g.
Tokyo to Kyoto travel on Dec 1
You can purchase the tickets after Nov 1.

You also can purchase the tickets at any JR stations if you buy both base fare and limited express surcharge at same time. For example, if you start to travel from Tokyo station, you can purchase it at Narita airport station on the day of arrival.

Base fare ticket can be purchased at any JR stations where station staff is on duty. There are many station without station staffs in remote area. In major cities and major stations, there are station staff. Even if you take a train at the station without station staff, you can purchase it from the conductor in the train.

How to get a fare

You can use Hyperdia to get the fare quite easily.

Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.

As you see above capture image of Hyperdia, you can get base fare and seat fare (includes surcharge). In this image, total fare is the following:

Base fare – 9560 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) – 5740 yen (reserved seat)
Ltd Exp Haruka (Shin-Osaka – Kansai airport) – 820 yen (reserved seat)
Total – 16120 yen

*The above image was captured in 2013. The fare was raised in April l, 2014 because of consumer tax was increased to 8% from 5%. The actual fare is different from the fare in the image above.

The price of Japan Rail Pass 7 days ordinary is 28300 yen. (New price is 29110 yen.) Total single fare is more than 10000 yen cheaper than 7 days pass price. This is the reason why I recommend to use single fare for Tokyo – Osaka one way transfer.

Validity

Please see the above capture image of Hyperdia again. You also can find a distance at Hyperdia. This is a key to use single ticket. Actually long distance ticket can be used in multiple days.

DistanceValid days
101 – 200 km2 days
201 – 400 km3 days
401 – 600 km4 days
601 – 800 km5 days
801 – 1000 km6 days
  • From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.
  • If you travel more than 101 km but it is in Tokyo or Osaka zone only, ticket valid in one day only.

So in above capture image, distance is 613.4km. This ticket valid in 5 days.

Stopover

You can stopover as many as you want. Of course you cannot go back. Once you start to travel, you have to go forward. You have to care only one thing. When you depart/arrive to travel at the following areas, you cannot stopover in same areas.

  • Sapporo
  • Sendai
  • Tokyo 23 wards
  • Tokyo Yamanote line
  • Yokohana
  • Nagoya
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Kobe
  • Hiroshima
  • Kitakyushu
  • Fukuoka

These areas are same as city limit. I show you some examples.

1. Above ticket (Tokyo – Kansai Airport)
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards. For example, after you start to travel from Tokyo, you cannot stopover at Shinagawa.
You can – Stopover at Kyoto, Osaka and anywhere outside of Tokyo 23 wards.
By the way, you can start to travel from anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards.

2. Ticket from Narita airport to Osaka
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Osaka city. For example, you cannot stopover at Shin-Osaka. Once you exit at any stations in Osaka city, your ticket will be expired right away.
You can – Stopover at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and anywhere outside of Osaka city.
By the way, when you travel through Tokyo downtown core, ticket will be calculated by the shortest route. For example, most typical route from Narita to Osaka via Tokyo, via Tokyo station and Shinagawa station. But if you want to go to Osaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku, you can take this route and stopover.

But in case of using limited express, you have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket for each segments.
ex) Tokyo – Osaka trip, stopover at Nagoya.
You have to purchase two Shinkansen tickets, Tokyo – Nagoya Shinkansen surcharge ticket and Ngoya – Shin-Osaka surcharge ticket.

Sample ideas

Please see above capture image of Hyperdia again. If you use this ticket, you can do the following itinerary.

Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto (Stopover at Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto (no use single ticket)
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka (Stopover at Osaka)
Day 4 One day trip to Kobe (purchase another single ticket.)
Day 5 Osaka – Kansai airport

When you arrive in Tokyo, you can use other deals, such as Suica & N’ex. And you have 5 days after you finish to see Tokyo. If you add Suica & N’ex one way ticket, total amount is 19620 yen. It is about 9000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.

I believe this is the perfect solution for Tokyo – Osaka one way travellers.

Comments

  1. Xinlie says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Thanks again for your invaluable information.
    I still have few more questions I would like to ask.
    When you look up again on my itinerary, Day 3 and 4 (I attached)
    DAY 3 :
    Hiroshima (check out)
    Regards,
    -> Wakayama (Wakayama Marina City by bus) -> Shirahama (Hotel)
    Can I stop at Kainan Station instead of Wakayama Station, considering to reach The Marina City is way quicker from Kainan than Wakayama..?? Does this station cover in Kansai-Hiroshima Pass…?

    DAY 4 :
    Shirahama -> Kii-Katsuura (visiting Ki-no Matshushima Island) -> Kii-Hime (thingking of stopping at Hashiguiiwa Rock on the way back to Shirahama) -> Shirahama (Hotel).
    Would I be allowed to stop at Kii-Hime with that Pass…?

    What site other than Hyperdia which include trains and buses timetable ..?

    From Kyoto to Fujisan, is getting off in Mishima more efficient in comparison with getting off in Odawara for Hakone visit. I can take bus from Fujisan to Hakone, cant I..? Which route would you take if you were me…?

    Many many thank, Takeshi.

    Regards,
    Xinlie

  2. Xinlie says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    What a fabulous site.
    I will be in Japan by end of September and staying in different cities for the total duration of 22 days. I have read so many sites including yours, but Im still confused about what Pass should I get. The travel agent I went to and asked several times advised me not to get JR Pass. I do hope you can help me out here.
    I will be arriving in OSAKA early morning and straight to HIROSHIMA (for 2 nights – visiting Miyajima and Iwakuni). Then from HIROSHIMA, I will be travelling all the way to WAKAYAMA and SHIRAHAMA – staying a night there. The next day, I will be going back to west, KOBE (for 3 nights – pay visit to Himeji and Awaji Island). OSAKA and KYOTO will be my next destination after departing KOBE. From Kobe I will be departing to Mt Fuji then TOKYO as my final destination in Japan. Based on my itinerary, I would like to ask few questions.
    1. Do you think Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5-Days) is better to cover Hiroshima-Wakayama-Shirahama-Kobe area compared to JR Pass 7-Days..? Well, that was the travel agent suggested me.
    2. Can I get off in Wakayama, spending 3 hours there before hopping back on the train to SHIRAHAMA..? I read that this Pass gives unlimited rides on The Sanyo Shinkansen, Limited Express and Local Trains (rapid and Special Rapid Services) with non-reserved seat as well as JR Miyajima Ferry… When you explain that the Pass only allows the holders to travel forward, that seems contradiction to what this Pass offers. Just to clarify, can this Pass be used for as return ticket..? In my case, from Hiroshima – Shirahama, then Shirahama – Kobe… please help me here, Im so confused 🙁
    3. Given someone has any JR pass, do they still have to pay extra on top of basic fare shown in Hyperdia (reserved and non-reserved seat)..?For example : Basic Fare Hiroshima to Wakayama is ¥6,800 using Shinkansen Nozomi (reserved ¥4,820, non-reserved ¥4,090)and Ltd Exp Kuroshio (reserved ¥740, non-reserved ¥480). Does that mean, even I have JR Kansai-Hiroshima, I still need to pay extra ¥4,090 + ¥480 for non-reserved seat..?
    4. From Kobe to Osaka and Osaka to Kyoto, I will purchase single trip ticket, considering they are not expensive. To get around within both cities areas, Kansai Thru Pass (3-Days) is much useful than JR Pass, given JR doesn`t cover city area of Osaka and Kyoto as they are mostly run by private companies-subways and buses…?
    5. Im planning to get JR Pass 7-Days and activate it on my departure from Kyoto to Mt Fuji. I also aware that I will be needed to buy other tickets when Im in Mt Fuji area, such as Fujikyu Bus Pass and Tokyo (what kind of Pass or ticket..?)

    My trip sounds very complex, doesnt it. I would be happy to get a second opinion or swift the cities as I can still modify my hotels- but not my flight though (arriving in Osaka, departing from Haneda).

    I am looking forward to receiving your guidance.
    Many many thanks in advance,Takeshi

    Regards,
    Xinlie

    • Hi Xinlie,

      1. If you look for the deal to KIX-Hiroshima-Shirahama-Kobe in 5 days, Kansai Hiroshima area pass is most affordable deal. JR pass is too expensive for this trip.

      2. Kansai Hiroshima area pass offers unlimited ride. So you can hop on/off trains as many as you want. In 5 days period, you can go anywhere in coverage area.

      3. Base fare and non reserved seat fee are included in the pass.

      4. If you use Kansai thru pass, it covers train among cities too, such as Hankyu railway, Hanshin railway, Keihan railway. It covers subway and city bus too as you think. You may not need single ticket if you get this pass. But single ticket and local deal (subway pass) may be better. You need to make sure where you go in these cities and need to find how many times you take trains. And then you can compare the ticket and the passes.

      5. That’s right. In Fuji/Hakone area, JR pass does not cover much. Please see the link below.
      https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html

      I don’t see whole part of your trip itinerary so I cannot say many things. Especially after you go to Fuji, what is your plan? If you just go to Tokyo and stay there. JR Pass does not work.

      For the first part of your trip, Kansai Hiroshima area pass and local deal in Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe are okay. But I cannot say much about the second part of your trip. Even 14 days pass may work if you have more long distance trip.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Xinlie says:

        Hi Takeshi,
        Thank you for getting back to me promptly. I really appreciate your invaluable information. I apologise as I didnt include my whole itinerary in my initial enquiry. I was worry that I might write too long and the system wouldnt allow me.

        By the way, here is the list of places I will be visiting: Please give your opinion.

        DAY 1 :
        Arriving in KIX -> Hiroshima (Hotel Park Side Hiroshima Peace Park) City sightseeing : Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle.

        DAY 2 :
        Hiroshima -> MIYAJIMA -> Iwakuni -> Back to Hotel

        DAY 3 :
        Hiroshima (check out) -> Wakayama (Wakayama Marina City by bus) -> Shirahama (Hotel)

        DAY 4 :
        Shirahama -> Kii-Katsuura (visiting Ki-no Matshushima Island) -> Kii-Hime (thingking of stopping at Hashiguiiwa Rock on the way back to Shirahama) -> Shirahama (Hotel)
        * Could you please give me information about the buses such as bus stops and route numbers. I believe to reach those destinations, transfer to buses will be required. Thanks.

        DAY 5 :
        Shirahama -> Himeji (spending 2 hours there, visiting Castle and garden) -> KOBE (hotel) My hotel is walking distance to KOBE(Hyogo) station.

        *** DAY 1 – DAY 5 using KANSAI-HIROSHIMA AREA PASS ..?

        DAY 6 :
        Hiking trail to Nunobiki Garden n Waterfall
        * What ticket ..? Single ticket …?

        DAY 7 :
        Day trip to Awaji Island.
        * What ticket ..? Single ticket …?

        DAY 8 :
        KOBE -> Osaka (Easy Day : visiting Dotonburi, Shinsaibashi, Namba). FYI, My hotel in Osaka is close to Higashiumeda Station –
        * What ticket ..? Single ticket …?

        DAY 9 :
        OSAKA (Castles and Shrines and Museum, Umeda Sky Building + Hep Five Wheels)
        *OSAKA AMAZING PASS 1-DAY…?

        DAY 10 :
        Universal Studio + Kaiyukan
        * What ticket ..? Single ticket …?

        DAY 11 :
        OSAKA -> KOBE
        1. Fushimi Inari
        2. Rengeoin Sanjusangendo
        3. Kyoto National Museum
        4. Kiyomisu Dera
        5. Kennin-ji Temple (for tea)
        6. Yasaka Shrine (optional)
        7. Miyagawasuji area

        DAY 12 :
        KOBE
        8.30 depart to Nijo Castle (15 mins)
        9.30 depart to Arashiyama park (30 mins) – sample juicy tofu at Yudofu Sagano,
        12.00 depart to Kinkaku-ji (golden Temple) (45 mins Tram-Bus)
        1.30 depart to Imperial Palace (30 mins BUS)
        3.30 depart to Manga Museum (15 mins , BUS or Train)
        6.00 depart to Nishiki Market – Pontocho

        DAY 13:
        10.00 depart to KOKA ninja Village –> Kyoto (hotel)

        *** DAY 11 – DAY 13 What ticket ..? using KANSAI Thru PASS 3-Days ..?

        DAY 14:
        KYOTO (check out) -> Mt FUJI. I will be staying for 3 nights here. If I want to drop by in Hakone before heading to my hotel, Fujisan Station Hotel, what is the best route should I take, via Kyoto-Odawara or Kyoto-Tokyo-Mt.Fuji…? The former might give me opportunity to visit Hakone and Gotemba then bus to Fujisan (option A)
        The latter might allow me to relaxing at Kawaguchiko, then go to Hakone on the next two day (option B),

        DAY 15 :
        Fuji Q Theme Park then Onsen 🙂

        DAY 16 :
        Option A = Spending day at Kawaguchiko
        Option B = Hakone and Gotemba.

        *** DAY 14- DAY 16 What ticket ..? using JR PASS 7-DAYS and Fuji-Hakone PASS ..?

        DAY 17 – DAY 21 :
        Mt Fuji -> TOKYO (5 nights)
        I have not made my itinerary here… but will do some research once Day1-Day16 is confirmed.
        My hotel in Tokyo is in Chiyoda area.

        DAY 22 :
        Flying home – (departing from Haneda)

        Im looking forward to hearing from you.

        Kind regards,
        Xinlie

        P.S : Im open to any second thoughts.. Happy to shuffle around the cities.

  3. Patrick says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I will be arriving in Narita Airport with my girlfriend in Oct for 12 days. We will be staying in tokyo for 6 days which we will spend a day trip to mt fuji and back. After that we will travel to Osaka and will stay there till we leave. we are thinking of spending a day trip to kyoto(1day), kyoto-nara(1day), kobe and hemeji(1 day), Hiroshima and Miyajima (1 day) and also will be visiting Universal Studios Japan. we will be taking off a KIX airport. May i know would it be better to get a JR rail pass for 7 days and start towards the end our tokyo trip?

    Thank you

    Warmest Regards
    Patrick

  4. Kathy says:

    Hi Takashi, what a great site!!
    We are three adults and one 8 year old travelling in November. After a week in Tokyo we’ll be travelling to Kyoto for 4 days and then back to Odawara (stil 2 nights and then to Narita. I am thinking a 7 day pass will be best for us but am having awaratrouble working out the cost to go Kyoto/Odawara/Narita. Can I do that on one ticket and stopover in Odawara or do I buy two separate tickets, one Kyoto/Odawara and one Odawara/Narita?

  5. Joanna says:

    Hi! Takeshi
    How many day can I stop over at Kyoto if I take single fare from odawara to Osaka ?

  6. Kim says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    My husband and I will be in Japan for two weeks in October. We are arriving at KIX airport and heading to Osaka for 4 nights with a day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima Island. Then it’s 3 nights in Tokyo with a day trip to Kanagawa. From Tokyo, we are heading to Kyoto for 6 nights with a day trip to Nara and a day trip to Kanazawa.

    Will it be cheaper to purchase individual tickets when we need to use the bullet train, or should I purchase the 2-week JR pass for the convenience?

    Thanks!
    Kim

  7. Hung Nguyen says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    We will be staying near the Shinjuku Station. Can we buy the tickets for the Tokaido Shinkansen to go to Kyoto at the JR East Office at the Shinjuku Station, or do we need to buy them at the Tokyo Station?

    Thank you,
    Hung

  8. Craig says:

    Hi I want to take the train (NEX) from NARITA>(4DAYS)SHINJUKU>(2 DAYS)KYOTO>KANSI

    Is a single ticket rather than a JP rail pass the best option and would I be able to use the bullet train

  9. May says:

    Hi Takeshi

    I am currently a foreign resident in Japan & does not get the benefits of tourist tickets pass like JR Rail Pass, etc.
    Can I use the single ticket from Kanazawa with stopover at Nagano for 2 days before arriving at Tokyo via Shinkansen Kagayaki?
    Then I can use my Suica to get from Tokyo to Yokohama (final destination)
    Also, when using the single ticket, do I pass at the station master or normal ticketing process?

    • Hi May,

      You can do it. When you exit at Nagano station, you need to show your ticket at manned station gate. Don’t slot it into automated gate. Otherwise your ticket will be gone.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Ling says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I wish to take JR Line from Kurihanshi Station to Shinjuku Station (one way). But i do not purchase JR Pass. Can i still take this route and purchase ticket only for this trip?

    If yes, where i can purchase the ticket? Via machine at Kurihanshi Station? The fare from Kurihanshi Station to Shinjuku Station is?

    Hope can hear from you soon. Thanks.

    Regards,
    Ling

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