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JR Pass(Japan Rail Pass) | Comparing JR Pass VS No JR Pass for Your Japan Adventure

The JR Pass(Japan Rail Pass) is a popular railway ticket exclusively for overseas visitors to Japan. It cannot be purchased by residents of Japan. The popularity of the pass owes to the fact that with the exception of some Shinkansen trains, notably the Nozomi and Mizuho services, it can be conveniently used for unlimited travel on all JR lines.

Unfortunately, however, JR Pass prices are slated for a sharp increase in October 2023.

(Unit: JPY)
Class Current Prices New Prices
JR-designated sales office or agent Website
Standard Car
(Adult)		 7 days 29,650 33,610 50,000
14 days 47,250 52,960 80,000
21 days 60,450 66,200 100,000
Green Car
(Adult)		 7 days 39,600 44,810 70,000
14 days 64,120 72,310 110,000
21 days 83,390 91,670 140,000

← Slide to. →

  • *Child prices are roughly half the amount shown above (children aged between six and 11 as of the day of purchase are eligible for a child pass; children 12 years or older will require an adult pass).
  • *Please note that the new prices are subject to change.

  Comparing non-Japan Rail Pass transportation options
Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kofu, Mt. Minobu, and other destinations

So, given the impending price hike, is the JR Pass really worth it economically for a foreign traveller wanting to visit some of Japan’s major tourist destinations?

We did some research to find out.

Japan has a well-developed public transport network centering on the Japan Railways Group on which the JR Pass can be used. That said, many private-sector companies also operate transport infrastructure in Japan. As such, there are many convenient transport services available, even though the JR Pass is not valid for use on them.

The Shinkansen Nozomi service is the best way to get to Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.
The Shinkansen has three types of trains.

Nozomi Few stops. Fast. Frequent. Extremely convenient.
JR Pass holders will be able to use this service for an additional fare after the price hike takes effect in October 2023.
164 services per day (83 out of Tokyo and 81 back in).
Hikari Can be used by JR Pass holders without additional cost. Few stops. Fast.
Not so many services. 65 per day (33 out and 32 back).
Kodama This service too can be used by JR Pass holders without additional cost.
However, it stops at all stations and takes longer as it needs to let other trains pass by.
84 services per day (40 out and 44 back).

Approximate travel times from Tokyo to Osaka

Nozomi 2 hours 30 minutes
Hikari 3 hours
Kodama 4 hours

For the abovementioned reasons, most Japanese people choose to ride the Nozomi when travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka. However, JR Pass holders are unable to ride the Nozomi trains.
*There are plans to allow JR Pass holders to travel on Nozomi trains for an additional fee starting in October 2023.

Routes referenced 1/2

DepartingTokyo
DestinationsLake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji), Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima

Most convenient route  →

When prioritizing JR Pass use

JR Pass (From ¥50,000) + ¥4,010
*Extra cost if using the Nozomi service

  • Shinjuku

    JR Line

    JR Pass

    70 minutes travel time + transfer time at Otsuki Station

  • Otsuki

    Fujikyuko Line¥1,710

    60 minutes travel time

  • Lake Kawaguchi

    local bus ¥2,300

    90 minutes travel time

  • Mishima

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

  • Nagoya

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

    *extra cost for Nozomi service

  • Kyoto

    JR Line

    JR Pass

  • Shin-Osaka

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

    *extra cost for Nozomi/Mizuho service

  • Hiroshima

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

    *extra cost for Nozomi service

  • Tokyo

  • *There are few Shinkansen Hikari services and the Kodama service stops at all stations and therefore takes much longer in order to let the faster trains pass through. Accordingly, these services are not so suitable for travelers looking to make the most of their limited time.
  • *The only Hikari service running directly between Hiroshima and Tokyo departs at 6:20 in the morning. A transfer at Shin-Osaka is usually required.
  • *As of July 2023, the JR Pass cannot be used for travel on Shinkansen Nozomi trains.
  • *It is expected that JR Pass holders will be able to ride Nozomi trains for an additional fare after the price hike takes effect in October 2023.
  • *Additional fare for Nozomi and Mizuho
    Tokyo - Nagoya: ¥4,180
    Tokyo - Kyoto: ¥4,960
    Tokyo - Shin-Osaka: ¥4,960
    Tokyo - Hiroshima: ¥6,500
    Tokyo - Hakata: ¥8,140

Most convenient route

¥36,440This is more than ¥17,000 cheaper than a JR Pass

  • Shinjuku

    Highway bus¥2,200

    1 hour and 45 minutes travel time

    Reserve a bus ticket  

  • Lake Kawaguchi

    Local bus¥2,300

    90 minutes travel time

  • Mishima

    Shinkansen Kodama¥11,110

  • Kyoto

    JR Line¥580

  • Osaka

    Highway bus¥8,000

  • Hiroshima

    Bus¥1,450

  • Hiroshima Airport

    Japan Explorer Pass airfareFrom ¥11,000

  • Haneda Airport

  • *Cheaper than using a JR Pass.
    Moreover, having the flexibility to choose other means of transport and operating companies, not just JR, and being able to take advantage of the Nozomi Shinkansen trains, offer more opportunities for travelers to experience a more delightful Japan because not only are they faster, but they connect with many other Shinkansen services, thereby reducing waiting times.

  Comparing non-Japan Rail Pass transportation options
Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kofu, Mt. Minobu, and other destinations

Routes referenced 2/2

DepartingTokyo
DestinationsLake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji), Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama/Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa

Most convenient route  →

When prioritizing JR Pass use

JR Pass (From ¥50,000) + 9,210円
*Extra cost if using the Nozomi service

  • Tokyo

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

  • Kanazawa

    Local bus¥2,600

  • Shirakawa-go

    Local bus¥2,600

  • Takayama

    JR Line

    JR Pass

  • Nagoya

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

    *extra cost for Nozomi service

  • Kyoto

    JR Line

    JR Pass

  • Shin-Osaka

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

    *extra cost for Nozomi service

  • Nagoya

    Shinkansen

    JR Pass

  • Mishima

    Local bus¥2,300

  • Lake Kawaguchi

    Fujikyuko Line¥1,710

  • Otsuki

    JR Line

    JR Pass

  • Shinjuku

Most convenient route

¥35,880This is more than ¥20,000 cheaper than a JR Pass

  • Shinjuku

    Highway bus to TakayamaFrom ¥6,500

    Reserve a bus ticket  

  • Takayama

    Local bus¥2,600

  • Shirakawa-go

    Local bus¥2,600

  • Kanazawa

    Limited express train¥7,590

  • Osaka

    JR Line¥580

  • Kyoto

    Shinkansen Hikari¥11,510

  • Mishima

    Local bus¥2,300

  • Lake Kawaguchi

    highway bus¥2,200

    Reserve a bus ticket  

  • Shinjuku

  Comparing non-Japan Rail Pass transportation options
Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kofu, Mt. Minobu, and other destinations

Other routes referenced

Indicated prices for travel from Tokyo to Osaka

Shinkansen Nozomi ¥14,920
Highway bus (overnight) ¥8,000 or more
Reserve a bus ticket  

Due to the price hike scheduled to take effect from October 2023, the JR Pass will not necessarily be a cheap and convenient way of travelling around Japan. Also, the length of the Japanese archipelago stretches some 3,000km from north to south. The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are 500km apart and Tokyo and Hiroshima are separated by a distance of roughly 660km. A tourist travelling to different destinations over the course of a week or so will ultimately spend a lot of time on the train.

Japan is a country of richly diverse nature and culture, and even around Tokyo alone, there are so many spots worth visiting that it would be difficult to see them all. Why not discover your very own fantastic places without using the JR Pass? Your travels in Japan will undoubtedly enrich your life with wonderful memories.

On the other hand, one of the advantages of using buses in Japan is that you can enjoy the country's beautiful natural scenery from the comfort of the bus while leisurely moving between destinations. Another benefit is the opportunity to explore local and off-the-beaten-path places that may not be accessible by train, making it possible to have a more immersive travel experience. Lastly, one of the highlights of long-distance bus travel is surely Japan's unique service area culture. During bus breaks, you can savor local foods, enjoy gourmet offerings exclusive to service areas, and find a wide variety of souvenirs, all of which allow you to fully experience Japan even during your bus journey.

Discover your favorite hidden gems in Japan before anyone else does!

  Comparing non-Japan Rail Pass transportation options
Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kofu, Mt. Minobu, and other destinations

Mt. Minobu
The holy site of Nichiren Buddhism in Japan — roughly 3.5 hours by bus from Shinjuku

Did you know there are three sacred mountains in Japanese Buddhism? Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, not too far from Osaka; Mt. Hiei, which straddles the prefectures of Kyoto and Shiga; and Mt. Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture near Tokyo.

Mt. Minobu is home to the head temple of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism.
It is a spiritual temple town nestled in the mountains not too far from Tokyo where you can gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese Buddhism and culture.

Access
Approximately 3.5 hours by bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. The fare is ¥3,300.
See here for more details. 

Shosenkyo Gorge

Shosenkyo Gorge is a ravine situated to the north of Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s best places of scenic beauty where you can gaze up at the imposing precipitous cliffs and experience the ever-changing four seasons of Japan.

Access
Shisenkyo Gorge is located outside of central city of Kofu and would be perfect destination for a day trip from Tokyo.
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal ⇒ (Highway Bus Reservation ) ⇒ Kofu Station ⇒ (Yamanashi Kotsu Bus) ⇒ Shosenkyo Gorge
*From Kofu station, please take a bus bound for "Shosenkyo" from the bus stop No.4 at South Exit Bus Terminal.