Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers all JR lines throughout Japan. This is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. If you travel even a round trip to Osaka from Tokyo, the price of 7-day pass almost equal to normal fare. I think this pass gives the greatest deal to the travellers who wants to travel in Japan.
Japan Rail Pass Official site is very informative. But some points are not clear. And it does not show you how to get the worth of this pass.
In this post, I tell you about this pass as simple as possible. I compare a regular fare and JR pass, how to choose the retailer, additional charge and many more.
How to buy JR Pass
You have four ways to buy JR Pass.
Purchasing at the authorized dealer
Only authorized dealers are allowed to sell JR Pass. You can find the agent list at this page of Japan Rail Pass official site.
These following companies are major wholeselers:
- JTB (the biggest travel agency in Japan)
- NTA (Nippon Travel Agency / third biggest and the oldest travel agency in Japan)
- KNT (Kintetsu International / same group as Kintetsu Railways. Second biggest travel agency)
- Top Tour (Same group as Tobu Railway)
- JALPAK (Same group as Japan Airlines)
You can find many company names on the official website, but most of them are subcontractors who purchase and sell passes from the above major wholesalers.
JR Pass online purchase from wholesalers and subcontractors
In these days, many companies have a contract with these above distributors. And an online sales by wholesalers and subcontractors have been very active these days. In particular, many subcontractors specialize in JR Passes, and we actively sell them by using their websites to send JR Passes to countries around the world.
You can find as many online retailers as you want by googling with the JR Pass. To find out if these companies are official companies, you may check the agent list at the link above. If it’s a company listed there, you can buy a JR Pass from it.
ACP Rail is one of the reliable online retailer because they deal with JR group company, JR East directly. This company is the official retailer of JR East. Their online purchasing site is connected with JR East official site.
Japan Rail Pass online purchasing at ACP RailJR Pass online purchase from the official site
Until now, online sales have been mostly done by subcontractors, but the JR Pass official website has been renewed on June 1, 2020, and you can purchase directly from the official website.
However, the price will be higher than the agent price. As I will explain later, the JR Pass can be purchased now even after arrival in Japan, and the online sales price on the official website will be the same as the sales price in Japan.
e.g.
7-day ordinary pass
Agent price JPY 29,650
Official website online price JPY 33,610
If you buy a pass from the agent’s site, an exchange order will be sent to you by mail, so you will need to pay the shipping fee, but even if you take this into consideration, the agent price will be much cheaper.
However the online seat reservation is available on only JR Pass official site. You can book a seat online before you go with peace of mind. If you buy the JR Pass at the travel agent, you cannot book a seat online.
Please see another post below to find the detailed information on the Japan Rail Pass official online reservation:
In my opinon, if you plan to visit Japan in the busy season, such as the year-end/New Year holidays, you may buy it at the official site.
Purchaing JR pass in Japan
Currently you can purchase JR pass in Japan until the end of March, 2021. Please see the link below to find the details:
Official announcement about JR pass by JR group (PDF)
If you forget to buy it before you go, or you will find your trip plan after you arrive in Japan, you can buy the JR pass after you arrve in Japan.
Types and prices
There are two types, Green and Ordinary, and three duration, 7, 14 and 21-day. And the price varies depending on the agent price and the official website price/domastic sales price in Japan.
The differences between the official site/sales in Japan prices and the agent prices are shown in red. The sales price in Japan and the official site are 10 to 12% higher than the agent prices.
When you purchase it, the rates are adjusted by your country’s currency.
This pass is eligible for a train, a few JR bus and a ferry services which are provided by Japan Railways Group with a few exceptions. I will explain these exceptions later.
In my opinion, JR Pass is most unbeatable deal if you travel in some of regions of Japan. There are many kinds of the rail passes in Japan, such as JR East Pass, JR Hokkaido Pass, JR Kyushu Pass and many more. But JR Pass is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. And of course it covers both Tokyo and Kyoto. But if you need the detail information about other passes, please access to the list of the train pass. I wrote about many other rail passes in the posts.
How to find that you can get the worth of JR pass. Tips for using JR pass efficiently.
Once you decide the first day of use, you have to complete your trip in the fixed day. If you intend to use 7-day JR pass and stay in Japan for 7 days or less, you can start using it right after you arrive in Japan. However if you stay in Japan for the longer period than Japan Rail Pass duration, you have to find which JR pass you should buy and which day you should start using it.
Airport access
You can take JR trains at Narita airport, Kansai airport and New Chitose airport. These airports are covered by JR pass. And Haneda airport is connected to downtown Tokyo by Tokyo Monorail. This is covered by JR pass too. Please see the table below how much the fare of these airport access:
Airport | train | Destination | fare |
Narita | Narita Express | Tokyo Shinagawa, Shinjuku Yokohama | 2,820 yen 3,190 yen 4,290 yen |
Haneda | Tokyo Monorail | Hamamatsucho | 500 yen |
Kansai | Limited Express Haruka | Tennoji Shin-Osaka Kyoto | 2,230 yen 2,850 yen 3,370 yen |
New Chitose | Rapid Airport | Sapporo Otaru | 1,590 yen 2,300 yen |
*All fare include the base fare and the reserved seat fee.
Other airports, such as Chubu (Nagoya), Fukuoka are not covered by JR pass. You cannot start using JR pass right after arrival in these airports and the additional fare is required to take the other transportation to get to the nearest JR station first.
Using JR pass in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo
If you start using JR pass after arrival in Narita, Haneda, Kansai or New Chitose, you will stay in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or Sapporo. You can use JR Pass to take the JR local trains in these cities. But it is not very efficient to use JR pass for sightseeing inside these cities. Because the train fare is not big enough to help getting the worth.
Please see the one way fare for the major segments in these cities in the table below:
Segment | One way base fare |
Tokyo to Shinjuku | 200 yen |
Tokyo to Yokohama | 470 yen |
Osaka to JR-Namba | 190 yen |
Osaka to Kyoto | 560 yen |
Osaka to Nara | 800 yen |
Osaka to Sannomiya (Kobe) | 410 yen |
Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama | 240 yen |
Kyoto to Inari (Fushii Inari) | 140 yen |
Sapporo to Otaru | 640 yen |
As you see the table above, the train fare in these cities are inexpensive. It does not help to get the worth of JR pass. If you can get the worth by the other trip(s), you can use JR pass in these cities. But it is not recommended to use it in the cities.
If you intend to start using JR Pass right after arrival in the airport but you will stay in one of these cities, please think again when you should start using JR Pass.
I explain about how to use JR Pass in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in these following posts:
- How much can we use Japan Rail Pass in downtown Tokyo?
- Fast, economical and convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo. Learn about Tokyo Subways.
- Japan Rail Pass is the best way to explore Kyoto? How to use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto
- How to use and how much can we use Japan Rail Pass in downtown Osaka?
- How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines
- How to choose discount railway ticket and pass in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara) area
The nearest place to get the worth of JR pass 7-day from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka
You may have heard that you can get the worth of 7-day JR Pass by Tokyo to Osaka round trip. It is true. The round trip fare and the Shinkansen seat fee are slightly less than 7-day JR Pass price. If you use JR Pass for the airport to Tokyo (or Osaka), and/or making some local train trips in the city, you can get the worth of it.
You have to use JR pass for a long train ride as much as you can, such as Tokyo to Osaka round trip. I would like to show you not only Tokyo to Osaka round trip but also more trips to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass. You can find the nearest place to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
7-day pass is sold at 29,110 yen. If one way base fare and the reserved seat fee are more than 14,560 yen or more, you can get the worth of 7-day pass by only one round trip.
From Tokyo
As the map above, these following round trips fares are higher than the price of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Shin-Kobe
- The round trip to Morioka
- The round trip to Komatsu
- The round trip to Takayama
Shin-Kobe is one station away from Shin-Osaka on the Shinkansen. As I mentioned above, if you use JR Pass to make a few local train trips, you can get the worth by the round trip to Shin-Osaka.
Komatsu is a bit away from Kanazawa. It is same thing as the round trip to Shin-Kobe. You can get the worth of 7-day pass by the round trip to Kanazawa and some local train trips.
You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:
From Osaka
As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Omiya
- The round trip to Ueda (via Kanazawa)
- The round trip to Hakata
- The round trip to Tsuwano
If you go east from Osaka, Omiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Omiya is just outside Tokyo. But as I mentioned above from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe, you can get the worth of it by Osaka to/from Tokyo round trip and some local trips.
Ueda is one station away from Nagano by Hokuriku Shinkansen. You also can get the worth of 7-day JR pass by round trip to Nagano and some local train trip.
If you go west, the round trip to Hakata (Fukuoka) is okay to get the worth. You also can get the worth of it by the round trip to Tsuwano too.
You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:
From Nagoya
As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.
- The round trip to Utsunomiya
- The round trip to Tokuyama
If you go east from Nagoya, the round trip to Tokyo is not enough to get the worth. Utsunomiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of it. Utsunomiya is the gateway to Nikko. If you intend to visit there, you can get the worth of it easily.
If you go west, the round trip to Tokuyama is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Tokuyama is two stations away from Hiroshima on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. If you make a round trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima by the local train and take the ferry to Miyajima, the total fare is very close to JR Pass 7-day price.
Tokyo to Osaka (or versa) one way trip is not enough to get the worth of even 7-day JR Pass.
If you will have only one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka, the regular fare ticket is your choice. I wrote about using single ticket at the post, For non JR pass travellers. Guide to use JR single ticket, basic rules, validity and stopover.
You also can find some sample itineraries in the links below:
Tokyo – Osaka one way trip sample itinerary
Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo one way sample itinerary
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka one way sample itinerary
The faretable of the major segments
I would like to show you the fares for your convenience. If you have a multi-city travel, the fare may be cheaper. But you can use this faretable to find that you can get the worth of JR Pass or not. These following fares are based on the Shinkansen and/or daytime limited express train reserved seat fee, and the base fare.
station | Tokyo | Osaka | Nagoya |
Sapporo | 26,820 yen | 37,100 yen | 34,350 yen |
Hakodate | 23,420 yen | 33,700 yen | 31,060 yen |
Aomori | 17,350 yen | 27,370 yen | 25,210 yen |
Akita | 17,800 yen | 27,820 yen | 25,440 yen |
Sendai | 11,200 yen | 22,620 yen | 20,240 yen |
Niigata | 10,570 yen | 22,310 yen | 19,930 yen |
Nikko | 5,580 yen | 18,530 yen | 16,030 yen |
Echigo-Yuzawa | 6,670 yen | 19,500yen | 17,110 yen |
Nagano | 8,200 yen | 11,790 yen | 7,330 yen |
Odawara | 3,470 yen | 12,620 yen | 8,940 yen |
Nagoya | 10,880 yen | 6,930 yen | – |
Takayama | 14,710 yen | 10,600 yen | 6,030 yen |
Toyama | 12,730 yen | 9,430 yen | 11,350 yen |
Kanazawa | 14,120 yen | 7,650 yen | 8,020 yen |
Osaka | 14,140 yen | – | 6,350 yen |
Kinosaki Onsen | 16,340 yen | 5,600 yen | 9,520 yen |
Okayama | 16,820 yen | 6,600 yen | 10,870 yen |
Hiroshima | 18,560 yen | 10,810 yen | 13,810 yen |
Fukuoka (Hakata) | 22,330 yen | 15,580 yen | 18,020 yen |
Kumamoto | 26,500 yen | 18,540 yen | 22,080 yen |
Kagoshima | 29,860 yen | 21,900 yen | 25450 yen |
Please use hyperdia to find the fare for other segments.
How to choose Green seat pass or Ordinary seat pass
I explain about Green and Ordinary class seats in the movie below:
Green seat is like business class seat. There are some higher class than Green class, such as, Gran class, Premium Green calss. But these are not covered by JR pass at all.
If you take Gran Class by JR Pass, both Ordinary pass and Green pass cover only a basic fare only. You have to pay a limited express surcharge and Gran class seat fee. Please see the post,Japan Rail Pass can be used for Hayabusa to get details.
Advantages of Green class seat are space and atmosphere. Green class seat is much more spacious and quieter than ordinary seat. Shinkansen and most of Limited Express have this class. Even some local trains, such as Rapid trains in greater Tokyo area have Green seat too. Please read one of my post, Worthwhile buying Japan Rail Pass Green Pass?. I explained the details about Green class seat in this post. I hope it may help you to decide which pass you purchase.
If you are sensitive about your budget, the ordinary class is fine. I am sure you will be satisfied with the ordinary class seat too. It is way better than economy seat on the flight. My height is 6’1″ (184 cm). But the leg space at the ordinary class seat is totally fine for me.
How to exchange
You will receive “Exchange Order” at the time of purchasing of JR Pass if you buy a pass at an official vendor or their online service. It is not the actual pass but the voucher. You have to exchange for the actual pass after you arrive in Japan. The validity of exchange order is three months from the date of issue. The pass never be sold out.
If you buy the JR Pass at the official JR Pass reservation site, you will recieve a reservation number. You will not receive any papers. It is easier to handle.
You can exchange and receive an actual pass at the designated stations. Narita airport, Kansai airport, Tokyo, Shinagawa, Osaka, Kyoto and more than 40 major stations throughout Japan are on the list. Please find the list of the exchange places in the link below:
JR Pass exchange and sales office list, Japan Rail Pass official site.
If you want to buy the JR Pass after you arrive in Japan, you can buy it at the stations on this sales office list.
When you turn in, go to the exchange place and tell the staff that you will exchange JR pass. You will receive the application form and fill in. After that, you will proceed the window and show your passport and exchange order to get the actual pass.
When you turn in the pass, you can choose the first day of use within one month from this day.
e.g.
If you exchange a pass on June 1st, you can choose the starting date from June 1st to 30th.
The start and finish dates will be stamped on your pass. Once the dates are stamped, you cannot change it.
Definition of one day
It means 00:00 to 23:59.
e.g.
If you start to use 7 days pass on April 1st, your pass is expired at 23:59 on April 7th.
There are an exception. If you are on board at 23:59 on the last day, you still can continue to travel by train. Your pass cover until you get off the train. After you get off the train, as long as you don’t exit the station, your pass still cover basic fare.
e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito
Even though your arrival time is 00:24 on 8th day, this trip is covered until you get Mito by JR pass
If you do not exit Mito station, you still can take local train because the base fare is covered by JR pass until you exit the station
e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito
Day 8 Mito 00:33 (local train) 00:39 Katsuta
You can take a local train only. You cannot take any limited express trains after you get off it at Mito.
Validity
JR Pass covers most of the railway service and the ferry service by Japan railways. You can go almost anywhere throughout Japan except Okinawa. (Any JR companies do not offer a train service in Okinawa.) Please see the Japan Railway’s route map and the Shinkansen (bullet train) route map in the links below:
Nationwide JR route map, Japan Rail Pass official site
Shinkansen (bullet train) route map, Japan Rail Pass official site
But there are a few exceptions when you use JR pass. I would like to show you which services are NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.
Nozomi and Mizuho on the Tokaido, the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen lines
I think this is the biggest thing that you have to know.
Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent train service on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata. Mizuho is the fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. JR Pass is NOT valid for these trains. Even a basic fare to take Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered by JR Pass at all. If you take Nozomi or Mizuho, JR Pass does not help you at all. You have to pay a full fare beside JR pass.
JR pass covers Hikari between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and Sakura between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo which are the second fastest trains. The difference between Hikari and Nozomi are the following:
Trip time between Tokyo and Shin Osaka — 3 hours by Hikari / 2.5 hours by Nozomi
Frequency — 2 trips of Hikari per hour / 5 to 6 trips of Nozomi per hour
*There are some more trips of both Hikari and Nozomi in a peak hour.
Please refer one of my post, Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to get the details abut the difference between Nozomi and Hikari.
Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. Sakura is the second fastest but Sakura runs more than Mizuho. You cannot take Mizuho by JR Pass but this is not an issue.
All Shinkansen trains on the Tohoku, the Hokkaido, the Akita, the Yamagata, the Joetsu and the Hokuriku Shinkansen are covered by JR Pass fully.
Gran Class of Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido Shinkansen
JR Pass covers Tohoku, Hokkaido and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains fully. Gran class that is the highest class seat is available on these Shinkansen lines. This is a higher class than Green class. If you take this Gran class, both Japan Rail Pass Ordinary and even Green cover a base fare only. You need to pay all amount of surcharge beside JR Pass. This extra charge is not the difference between Green class and Gran class. You must pay Gran class full amount fee.
Delux Green on JR Kyushu trains
Some limited express trains in Kyushu have Delux Green Class. If you take this class, you have to pay both Limited Express surcharge and Delux Green surcharge. Even Green Pass does not cover both surcharge.
Green Private Compartment
These following trains have Green seat compartment.
- Super View Odoriko (Tokyo-Atami/Ito/Izukyu Shimoda)
- Spacia Nikko/Kinugawa (Shinjuku-Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen)
- Most of limited express trains in Kyushu (Nichirin, Kamome, Midori and many more except Sonic and Huis Ten Bosch)
If you use this type of seat by Japan Rail Pass, your party must be 4 persons because it is based on 4 person. If you use this by 3 persons or less, you have to pay surcharge for insufficiency.
The overnight train and sleeper car
There are only two scheduled overnight trains in Japan now. Those are Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo. If you use a compartment on these trains, JR pass covers only a base fare. However this train has the ordinary class which is called, “Nobi Nobi seat”. This ordinary class seat is covered by JR pass fully. Please see the links below to find more information:
Sunrise Izumo (Tokyo – Izumoshi)
Sunrise Seto (Tokyo – Takamatsu)
Trains run through Non JR lines
Some of limited express trains go through Non JR lines. You have to pay some extra for the section where your train goes on Non JR line. Because Japan Rail Pass cover only JR lines. The following list shows you the trains which go through Non JR lines. Please refer each train’s page to get the details about the extra charge.
- The limited express Odoriko, Saphir Odoriko (Ito-Izukyu Shimoda/Izu Kyuko Railway, Mishima-Shuzenji/Izuhakone Railway)
- The limited expres Nikko, Spacia Nikko (Kurihashi-Tobu Nikko/Tobu Railway)
- The limited express Kinugawa, Spacia Kinugawa (Kurihashi-Kinugawa Onsen/Tobu Railway)
- The limited express Shirayuki (Arai/Joetsu Myoko-Naoetsu)
- The limited express Wide View Nanki (Kawarada-Tsu/Ise Railway)
- The limited express Hashidate (Fukuchiyama-Amanohashidate-Toyooka/Kitakinki Tango Railway)
- The limited express Super Hakuto (Kamigori-Chizu/Chizu Kyuko Railway)
- The limited express Super Inaba (Kamigori-Chizu/Chizu Kyuko Railway)
- The limited express Nanpu, Shimanto, Ashizuri (Kubokawa-Sukumo/Tosa Kuroshio Railway)
Bus services
There are eight bus companies in JR Bus Group. But these bus companies and JR’s railway company, which is now divided into seven, were formerly state-owned, but became a separate organization with the privatization, and it is called the JR group.
These eight bus companies operate local bus services and highway bus services. But Japan Rail Pass covers a few local bus services only.
JR’s local bus services are a sort of commute service. I pick up some lines for the tourist.
- Samani-Erimo Misaki (Cape Erimo)
- Hachinohe/Aomori-Lake Towada
- Morioka-Ryusendo
- Naganohara Kusatsuguchi-Kusatsu Onsen-Shirane Kazan
- Hiroshima tourist loop bus, “Meipuru-pu”
Japan Rail Pass may cover some more bus services. But even official site does not provide any detailed information. As far as I know, I can confirm that JR Pass covers only these bus services at this point.
Ferry Service
Miyajima ferry service is operated between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima. Japan Rail Pass is valid for this route. Miyajima is UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most popular destination for foreign travellers. This ferry cruise is very short trip. It takes only 10 minutes. Please refer one of my post, How to get Miyajima to get the details about Miyajima.
JR Kyushu operates the international ferry service between Hakata and Busan (Korea) But this is NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.
Other train services
Japan Rail Pass does not cover any NON JR train services, such as the subways (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Yokohama, Sendai, Fukuoka), other train services by private companies, city bus services, local bus services and ferry services. The following list shows you major train services that Japan Rail Pass does not cover.
- Sapporo Subway
- Sendai Subway
- Tokyo Subway
- Yokohama Subway
- Keihin Kyuko Railway (a.k.a. Keikyu, Shinagawa-Haneda-Yokohama)
- Keisei Railway (Narita airport-Chiba-Ueno)
- Tobu Railway (Asakusa-Nikko/Knugawa Onsen)
- Odakyu Railway (Shinjuku-Hakone/Enoshima)
- Izu Kyuko Railway (Ito-Shimoda)
- Fuji Kyuko Railway (Otsuki-Kawaguchiko)
- Nagoya Railway (a.k.a. Meitetsu, Chubu airport-Nagoya-Gifu)
- Nagoya Subway
- Kyoto Subway
- Osaka Subway
- Nankai Railway (Namba-Kansai airport/Koyasan/Wakayama)
- Kintetsu Railway (Namba-Nara/Kyoto/Ise/Nagoya)
- Hankyu Railway (Kobe-Umeda-Kawaramachi,Kyoto)
- Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi-Sanjo,Kyoto)
- Hanshin Railway, Sanyo Railway (Umeda/Namba-Kobe-Himeji)
- Fukuoka Subway
- Nishitetsu Railway (Tenjin-Dazaifu)
Tokyo Monorail between Hamamatsucho (Tokyo) and Haneda airport is not JR train but this is owned by JR East and it is covered by Japan Rail Pass.
The following trains and segments are non JR lines. But those are covered by JR Pass.
- Local and rapid trains on Aoimori Railway between Hachinohe and Aomori. But you cannot make a stopover except Hachinohe, Noheji and Aomori
- Local and rapid trains on Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka. But you cannot make a stopover except Toyama and Takaoka (after March 14, 2015)
- Any trains on IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata. But you cannot make a stopover except Kanazawa and Tsubata. There are direct trains from Kanazawa or Osaka to Wakura Onsen. These trains are go through this segment and then go on JR Nanao line. If you take these trains, extra charge is not required on top of JR Pass.
How to use JR pass in major cities and tourist spots
You can get most places in Japan by JR pass. JR pass covers most of JR trains which include Shinkansen, limited express trains, and other rapid commute trains and local trains in the cities.
But as I explained above, JR pass does not cover Non JR trains, subways and city bus. I also would like to explain the coverage by major places and you can find the detailed coverage of JR pass.
Sapporo
Subway, tram (street car) and city bus are not covered.
Subway and tram route map
You can walk to get Odori Park or Clock tower from Sapporo station if you want. But subway is better way.
Hakodate
Tram and city bus are not covered. You need to pay extra to get some tourist spots, such as Hakodate mountain.
Nikko
You can take Tohoku Shinkansen to get Utsunomiya and take Nikko line local train to Nikko. All trips to Nikko is covered. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Nikko from Tokyo. There are three ways from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.
But JR pass does not cover any local transportation, such as a local bus in Nikko area.
Tokyo
You can take any local trains in Tokyo to access to many places. But some of places cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Asakusa, Tsukiji market, Tokyo Skytree. Please see the post below to find the detailed information:
You also can access to/from both Narita airport and Haneda airport. JR pass covers Narita Express and Airport Rapid train to/from Narita. Tokyo Monorail is covered by JR pass to/from Haneda airport.
Lake Kawaguchi
You can use JR pass to get Otsuki but you have to pay extra for taking Fuji Kyuko railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko station. Please see the link below to find more information:
Hakone
You can get Odawara by Shinkansen but after arrival Odawara, JR pass does not help you. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access Hakone from Tokyo. Compare Japan Railway and Odakyu lines
Nagoya
Subway and other Non JR trains, such as Meitetsu railway is not covered. You need to pay for access to/from Chubu airport (Centrair).
Chubu (Nagoya) airport transportation guide. Find info about airport station and access to Nagoya
Transportation Bureau, City of Nagoya
Snow Monkey Park in Nagano
You can get Nagano by JR pass but you have to pay for bus and/or train to get Snow Monkey Park. Please see the link below to find more information:
Trip to Tohoku, Chubu and Chugoku in 2016 winter – Part 9, Visit Snow Monkey Park in Nagano
Shirakawago
You can get Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama and Takaoka by JR pass. But you have to take a bus from one of these stations and need to pay for the bus. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Shirakawago from Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
You can access to Nagano, Shinano-Omachi or Toyama by JR Pass. After arrival in these cities, you need to pay for local transportation. Please see the link below to find more information:
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, one of most spectacular sightseeing route in Northern Japan Alps
If intend to go through whole part of Alpine Route, you can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. Please see the following link:
Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one way)
Kyoto
You can get Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi Inari and Uji by JR pass. But you need to take subway, city bus and/or other Non JR railways to get the various tourist places. Please see the post below to find more information:
Osaka
You can take any local trains, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can access to Universal City (USJ) too. But JR-Namba station is not very convenient and some places in the city cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. Please see the post below to find more information:
You also can take Limited Express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid Train by JR pass to/from Kansai airport. Nankai railway is not covered.
Kobe
Actually many places can be accessed by JR station. You can get Kobe by JR pass easily. You may not add any additional deals. Please see the link below to find more information:
Guide to take trains in Kobe. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Nara
You can get Nara by JR trains from either Kyoto and Osaka. Most of tourist spots in Nara can be accessed by walk from JR Nara station. Please see the link below to find more information:
Mt. Koya (Koyasan)
You should take Nankai railway from Namba or Shin-Imamiya. Nankai railway is not JR and you need to pay extra. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?
Hiroshima
You can access to Hiroshima by Shinkansen and it’s covered by JR pass. And also JR pass covers Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” fully. This bus covers most of tourist spots in Hiroshima. Please see the following link to find the detailed information:
Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus Meipuru-pu official site
Miyajima
You can take JR local train to Miyajimaguchi and then take ferry to Miyajima. Both train and ferry are covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find more information:
How to access to Miyajima from Hiroshima by local train. No extra charge for Japan Rail Pass user.
Fukuoka / Hakata
JR Pass does not cover Fukuoka city subway and Nishitetsu railway. Only subway connects Fukuoka airport and Hakata. But you cannot use JR pass to get airport because subway is not covered. Some places around Fukuoka is covered by Nishitetsu railway, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. But Nishitetsu railway is not covered by JR pass either.
Who is eligible?
If you are the foreign tourist, you have to be “Temporary Visitor”. This entry status will be stamped at immigration on your passport. Other status cannot be acceptable. You have to show your passport at the station when you pass your exchange order to get actual pass.
If you are already in Japan as other status, you have to change your status first. Otherwise you cannot buy Japan Rail Pass. Please see “How to buy and exchange”.
If you are Japanese citizen who have permanently status in foreign country, or who married to a non-Japanese, you are qualified.
How to refund
You can refund within one year from issue date before you turn in for the actual pass. Simply bring or send your exchange order to the agent where you purchased it. They will subtract a handling fee and refund to you. The handling fee is usually 10% of the amount. Contact to your agent and make sure it before you refund.
You can NEVER refund after turned in the actual pass.
Lost or Stolen
Once you lost it, it’s over. Either an exchange order or an actual pass cannot be reissued.
Comments
Hi, I’m going to Nagoya on Mar 2020.
May I know which JR Pass more suitable for me.
Below is my trip plan:
Day 1 – Chubu airport to Takayama
Day 2 – Takayama to Kanazawa
Day 3 – Kanazawa to shirakawago back to Takayama
Day 4 – within Takayama
Day 5 – Takayama to Kyoto
Day 6 – Within Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto to Osaka Round trip
Day 8 – Kyoto to Nagoya
Day 9 – Within Nagoya
Day 10 – Nagoya to Chubu Airport
Hi Gan,
I recommend you to use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass for the first 5 days:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
This pass does not cover Chubu airport to Nagoya. You have to pay separately.
On day 5, if you take the route from Takayama-Toyama-Kanazawa-Kyoto route, it is covered fully. But if you take Takayama-Nagoya-Kyoto route, you have to pay separately for Nagoya to Kyoto.
You may add the local deal in Kyoto and Osaka as you need but the regular ticket is your choice for Kyoto to/from Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-Kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Platt Kodama is recommended for Kyoto to Nagoya:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
You may add subway pass in Nagoya as you need:
https://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/SUBWAY/TRP0001067.htm
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the information.
Regarding the train from takayama to Kyoto, I found a direct train from takayama to Kyoto at 3.38pm. Does the takayama-hakuriku area pass includes Hida limited express Hida 36 direct train to Kyoto?
Hi Gan,
It’s not covered fully. Please find more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html#Osaka_departure_of_the_limited_express_Wide_View_Hida_Osaka_8211_Kyoto_8211_Gifu_8211_Takayama
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello takeshi. can the kansai wide area pass be used in rapid trains from osaka to tottori? and trains from tottori to yonago? thank you.
Hi AJ,
You can take the limited express Super Hakuto from Osaka to Tottori by Kansai Wide Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/the-fastest-train-access-to-tottori-from-osaka-and-kyoto-limited-express-super-hakuto.html
But Tottori to Yonago is outside the coverage area. You cannot use this pass for Tottori to Yonago.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, This is a really wonderful website! Very helpful and informative. I am planning a solo 3 week Trip to Japan next May and was wondering if the 3 week JR pass is worth it. I already have a Suica card that I know I will need to use for parts of my trip. I plan to station myself in Kyoto and Tokyo with many day trips from there; I do not mind the frequent train rides as I expect on my days to be very long since I will be traveling by myself. My Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo: Haneda
Day 2: Tokyo -> Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto -> Osaka -> Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto -> Arashiyama -> Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto -> Nagoya -> Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto -> Osaka -> Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto -> Nara -> Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto -> Hiroshima
Day 11: Hiroshima -> Miyajima -> Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto -> Hakone -> Tokyo
Days 13- 15: Tokyo
Day 16: Tokyo -> Kamakura/Enoshima – > Tokyo
Day 17: Tokyo
Day 18: Tokyo -> Nikko -> Tokyo
Day 19: Tokyo -> Mt. Nokogiri -> Tokyo
Day 20: Tokyo
Day 21: Depart Tokyo: Haneda
Hi Steven,
I think 14-day pass is okay for your trip. But you have to switch some parts of your travel plan. I recommend you to visit Enoshima/Kamakura, Nikko and Mt.Nokogiri on day 13, 14 and 15. You can start using JR Pass on Day 2.
The rest of your trip is in Tokyo only. You can use subway pass or Suica.
This option is much cheaper than using 21-day pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I absolutely LOVE the information on your website. My wife and I are planning a 14 day trip to Japan. I analyzed and found that JR Pass is not worth it for this itinerary but I wanted to check with the expert Mr. Takeshi. Please let me know what you think! Thank you Thank you!
Day 1: Narita Airport > Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo > Kamakura > Yokohama > Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Tokyo > Hakone
Day 7: Hakone > Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto > Arishiyama > Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto > Osaka
Day 12: Osaka
Day 13: Osaka > Nara > Osaka
Day 14: Osaka > Kobe > Osaka
Day 15: Osaka > Kansai Airport
Hi Sae,
Thank you for your comment about my website.
I have the sample itinerary which is very similar to your trip plan. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
You may find the info about Yokohama and Kamakura in the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
For the trip to Nara and Kobe, you may be okay with using a regular fare ticket. There are some deals, such as Kansai thru pass. But many places in Kobe and Nara can be accessed by walk. If you take a train to get just Kobe and Nara, regular fare may be cheaper.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your reply Takeshi! I will take a closer look at your research. Based on the 14-15 day schedule the JR Pass is not worth it. Do you think that’s correct?
Hi Sae,
That’s right. 7 days pass price is almost equal to the round trip fare of Tokyo-Osaka. You have one way trip and even if you use JR Pass when you are in Tokyo, Osaka, it’s not enough to get the worth of it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi. When we arrive into Narita Airport, we will take regular one-way Narita Express to Shinjuku Station. Do you suggest getting Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card for our itinerary?
Hi Sae,
You may use Welcome Suica. Please find more info about this Suica in the link below:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html
But you have to add the limited express seat fee ticket on top of Suica. Suica covers only base fare ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi! When we arrive in Narita, we will definitely use Suica or Welcome Suica. Do you suggest Suica will work in Hakone Tozan Train and Hakone Tozan Bus? Will Suica work in Osaka and Kyoto transportation?
Hi Sae,
You can use Suica to take Hakone Tozan Railway and Hakone Tozan Bus. You can use it in Osaka and Kyoto as well. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
By the way, Hakone Tozan Railway is closed by the damage due to typhoon yesterday. It may be closed for a long time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for that information. I hope you, your family, and friends are safe from the typhoon. Our trip to Hakone is not until first week in November. We will monitor for any updates. Thank you again!
Thanks, Sae.
I will update info in the link below, facebook and twitter.
Train operation status https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueWorks.JPRail/
Twitter https://twitter.com/jprailcom
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be travelling to Kyushu Island in April 2020. Please advise which pass is the best for a 8D/7N trip.
1. Fukuoka/Nagasaki
2. Nagasaki/Unzen
3. Ushibuka/Kagoshima
4. Kasoshima
5. Kumamoto
6. Mount Aso/Kurakama
7. Fukuoka
8. Depart to airport
Hi Sue san,
I think the bus pass, Sun-Q Pass is better choice for your trip because Unzen and Kurokawa are not covered by the train. Please see the link below. You can use All Kyushu Sun-Q Pass 3-day and 4-day.
http://www.sunqpass.jp/english/konyu/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Please advise me which is the best pass if I want to travel around North Kyushu Island and Hiroshima. Thank you
Hi Sue san,
You have to get two passes which are Northern Kyushu area pass and Hiroshima Yamaguchi area pass:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kyushu-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-kyushu-for-oversea-visitors.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hiroshima-yamaguchi-area-pass-designed-for-the-tourists-who-travel-to-hiroshima-from-hakata.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Intend to have a 5 days North Kyushu Pass for my coming trip in April. Can I use this pass to Shimonoseki entrance from Kokura Station?
Thank you
Hi Sue san,
You can get Shimonoseki by Nothern Kyushu Rail Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thank you for your prompt reply. Just to re-confirm that this pass can be used from Kyushu Island to Shimonoseki in Honshu Island. Plan to take a train and walk back via the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel.
Warmest Regards
Hi Sue san,
Yes, you may.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much.
Warmest regards
No worries, Sue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I am planning to go to japan on November. I was just wondering if JR rail pass would be worth it? We would mostly be spending a few days in one city.
Day 1: arrive in Kansai Osaka (9pm)
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Day 4: Osaka
Day 5: Osaka
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Mt Fuji
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo
Day 13: Tokyo (Flight to go home, 10:00pm)
Would it be worth to get a 7 day JR pass just to use mainly in Tokyo? Or would you recommend any other deals? Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi Colin,
JR Pass does not work. 7-day pass price is almost equal to the round trip fare between Tokyo and Osaka. Please see the link below to find the sample itinerary:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
This does not include Fuji. But you may use this trip plan. When you go to Fuji, you can get off the train at Mishima and take the bus to Kawaguchiko. So you will use the regular fare ticket for Kyoto to Mishima. About the access to Kawaguchiko from Mishima, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
You may take the express bus to get Tokyo after Kawaguchiko.
All other part of your trip, you can refer the sample itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I am planning my upcoming trip to Japan in November. Would really appreciate if you could advise on the type of pass I should get.
Day 1 – Arrive at Narita. Take a bullet train to Osaka on the same day.
Day 2/3 – Osaka
Day 4 – Nara
Day 5 – Kobe/Himeji
Day 6 – Lake Biwa
Day 7/8/9 – Kyoto
Day 10 – Nagoya
Day 11/12/13/14 – Tokyo
Day 15 – Depart Tokyo
I am considering the below:
(1) Buy bullet train tickets for Tokyo-Osaka and Nagoya-Tokyo as well as Kansai thru pass. Does Kansai thru pass cover all my trips to Nara,Kobe/Himeji,Lake Biwa and Kyoto?
or
(2) JR pass 14 days pass
Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks.
Hi Ann,
You cannot get the worth of 14-day JR pass. But if you add one more big trip, you can make it. I mean the big trips like a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka, Kanazawa from either Osaka or Tokyo, Nikko from Tokyo. If you are interested, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
If you don’t want to add any trips, you may use a regular fare ticket to take Narita Express and Shinkansen from Narita to Osaka, and take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo via Nagoya. You can use one base fare ticket for Osaka to Tokyo via Nagoya. Please see the links below to find the info about the trains and tickets:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
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
You may use Kansai thru pass for Nara and Kyoto. Kansai area pass is recommended for the trip to Lake Biwa and Kobe/Himeji:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
In Tokyo, you may use the deals in the links below:
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Could you please help, for my upcoming trip this November. The plan is to use Tokyo wide pass for the first 3 days and JR 7 days.
Need to ensure its the best deal.
The itinerary as per following:
First day – landed almost midnight in Haneda – will use tokyo monorail for 1 trip to reach the hotel in Hamamatsuho Area.
Tokyo Wide pass will be used starting in the next day.
Day 1 – Kawaguchiko Lake
Day 2 – Hitachi seaside
Day 3 – Kawagoe
Day 4 – from Tokyo to Nikko
Day 5 – exploring Nikko
Day 6 – from Nikko to Toyama
Day 7 – exploring Takayama
Day 8 – from Toyama to Nagoya
Day 9 – to Obara Shikizakura
Day 10 – from Nagoya to Kyoto
Day 11 – exploring Kyoto
Day 12 – exploring Kyoto
Day 13 – Kyoto to Osaka
Day 14 – depart from Kansai airport.
The queries:
1. Based on the itinerary, is it the best choice to use Tokyo wide pass & JRpass 7 days?
Well, I will need another pass to cover just Kyoto and Osaka for the last 2 days.
Or is there any recommendation?
2. When I make the transaction to get JRPass, the website ask about the arrival date in Japan. Based on my itinerary which date should I put? Since the arrival date in Japan ia not the date to start using the JR pass.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Tinkerbell,
You may use Tokyo Wide Pass and JR pass 7-day. You have picked the right deals.
Regarding the arrival day, it doesn’t matter actually. When you exchange the pass, you will pick the date when you want to start using it. You can put the date of either day 1 or 2.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, could you please advise me about the best rail pass to buy.
30th October Narita airport to Takamatsu
4th November Takamatsu to Koyasan
6th November Koyasan to Tanabe
10th November Shingu to Tokyo
12th November Tokyo to Narita Airport
Many thanks, Jane
Hi Jane,
14-day JR pass suits your trip plan. However you have to add the fare to get Koyasan. Nankai railway is the best way to get Koyasan but Nankai railway is not covered.
There is a deal to get Koyasan but it’s only 2 days ticket. You may use other deal to cover this 2N3D trip to Koyasan. I recommend you to use Kansai thru pass 2-day and Rinkan Bus one day ticket:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
http://www.rinkan.co.jp/global/en/ticket/
You may use Kansai thru pass for Shin-Imamiya to Koyasan, Koyasan to Shin-Imamiya and taking the bus at Koyasan on 4th and 6th. And you may Rinkan bus one day ticket for 5th as you need.
Shin-Imamiya is the train change station of JR and Nankai railway:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-imamiya-station-guide-how-to-trasnsfer-jr-nankai-railway-and-subway-line.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks that’s really helpful, regards Jane
No worries, Jane.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I have another trip to Japan coming up. I’m planning to travel up the Tōkaidō from Osaka.
I’ll arrive at Kansai Airport on October 25th and will reach Yokohama on November 1.
Would a 7 day pass, starting on Oct 25, last until the 31st or the 1st?
After checking hotel prices and availability, it looks like it would be better to stay in Osaka on the days I had planned to move up to Kyoto, so I’d be taking day trips to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka.
Planning for
Oct 25-29 Osaka/Kyoto/Nara (I normally stay at a Chuo Group budget hotel near Shin-Imamiya Station)
Oct 30-31 Currently unconfirmed stop, possibly around Mishima/Numazu/Fuji area
Nov 1 Arrive Yokohama
(Nov 3 depart via Haneda)
Does a JR pass cover the local JR Tokai Bus routes around Mishima and Numazu? Some sites have said yes, others have said no.
Would a 7 day JR Pass be worth it?
Hyperdia says Kansai-ShinImamiya-Kyoto-Numazu-Yokohama would be up to 20850 yen (or 17390 yen depending on which trains are used), but that doesn’t count local JR travel or more then 1 trip between Osaka and Kyoto.
Thanks,
Amy
Hi Amy,
First of all, JR pass does not work. You cannot make another 8,000 yen by Osaka to/from Kyoto.
I recommend you to take the train/the following passes:
KIX to Shin-Imamiya
Regular fare to take Nankai railway at 920 yen
Kyoto and Nara
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
Osaka
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Osaka to Yokohama
Regular fare ticket
I cannot see how you spend your time in Yokohama. But regular fare ticket will be probably your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Looking at the time I have in my trip, would this itinerary work better with a pass?
Oct 25 Kansai-Osaka + local travel
Oct 26 Hiroshima day trip
Oct 27 Kyoto day trip
Oct 28 Nara or Kyoto day trip
Oct 29 local travel (Osaka) or another nearby day trip (maybe Kobe)
Oct 30 Osaka – Mishima/Numazu area
Oct 31 local travel or day trip to Fuji
Nov 1 Mishima-Yokohama
Nov 1-3 local travel
Nov 3 Yokohama-Haneda
Staying in Osaka Oct 25-30 near ShinImamiya station
I already have ICOCA and Suica IC cards.
(I have done Tokyo-Toyohashi and Tokyo-Numazu return day trips before)
Thanks
Amy
Hi Amy,
JR Pass 7-day is most recommended. You can use it for Oct 26 to Nov 1. Most places in this period can be accessed by JR trains and JR pass covers it. When you have to take non JR trains and/or subway, you can use your ICOCA or Suica.
I think Suica or ICOCA is okay for the before/after using JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Please kindly help me itinerary below, what is the best pass :
3 Dec : Arrive in Hiroshima (atomic dome)
4 Dec : Hiroshima –> Miyajima, Mt Misen
5 Dec : Hiroshima to Osaka ( 3 nights)
6 Dec : Universal Studio, Osaka
7 Dec : Meseum of Housing and Living, Osaka
8 Dec : Osaka to Nagano (3 nights)
9 Dec : Snow Monkey Jigokudani
10 Dec : Karuizawa Ski Resort
11 Dec : Nagano to Tokyo
12 Dec : Disneyland
13 Dec : Disneysea
14 Dec : Mt Fuji (plan to take Fuji Excursion train )
15 Dec: Edo Wonderland
16 Dec : Back to Jakarta
Some trains are using Nozomi that is not covered by JR Pass, what is the best pass then? also, is it possible to take Haruka Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Osaka?
Thank you again for your help
Regards,
Chenny
Hi Chenny san,
You may use 14-days JR pass. This is only deals to cover most part of your trip:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
As you think, Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered but it’s not an issue. You can take Sakura, Hikari or Kodama. Especially if you want to take Hello Kitty Shinkansen, that is one of Kodama. It is covered.
JR Pass covers JR trains and ferry to Miyajima. The trip to Snow Monkey Park is not covered because you will take Nagano railway and the local bus. You have to take the local bus to Edo Wonderland from Nikko. This bus is not covered.
When you take Fuji Excursion, Otsuki to Kawaguchiko segment is not JR. You have to pay for this segment.
But JR pass is the best choice and cheaper than the regular fare anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank YOU so much Takeshi San,
How bout buy a 7 Days JR Pass from Hiroshima to Tokyo PLUS aTokyo Wide Pass for the rest days at Tokyo??
Regards,
Chenny
Hi Cherry san,
You are right. My choice was wrong. You may use JR Pass 7-day for Dec 5 to 11, Tokyo Wide Pass for Dec 14 to 16, and add the regular fare for the rest of your trip.
Thank you for correcting me.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,could you help me, I’m planning go to Japan this november,
My itinerary is :
Day 1 : Arrive in Tokyo, Narita
Day 2 : Osaka
Day 3 : Kyoto
Day 4 : Kyoto
Day 5 : Osaka
Day 6 : Nagoya
Day 7 : Nagoya
Day 8 : Tokyo
Day 9 : Tokyo Disneyland
Day 10 : Tokyo – Fuji
Day 11 : Tokyo
Day 12 : Tokyo
Day 13 : Tokyo Narita
I’m travelling with my wife and 3 year child , My plan is using JR pass 14 days , is it worth the money? or should i combine with single airport transfer in day 1 and 5 day tokyo metro pass in day 9 ?
Hi Xiung,
JR Pass 14-day is too expensive. If you move from Tokyo to Osaka on day 2 and go back to Tokyo on day 8, use 7-day pass for day 2 to 8.
There are some deals available which covers Narita-Tokyo and Tokyo subways. You may use it for day 1, 11, 12 and 13. Please see the link below:
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
The regular fare ticket is okay for day 9. You can take the express bus to get Fuji on day 10:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com