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


JR Pass prices were raised in October 2023.
The comparison table below shows the differences in price.

(Unit: JPY)
Class Old prices Current 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).

Travellers without a Japan Rail Pass are required to pay regular train fares when travelling throughout Japan. The table below compares the cost of traveling by JR and by highway bus to some of Japan’s popular destinations. Japan has an extensive network of highway buses, providing a convenient and comfortable means of transportation. We hope the following comparison will serve as a useful reference for your travels in Japan. All of the examples below depart from Tokyo.

Popular tourist destinations JR Highway bus
Lake Kawaguchi
•Fuji-Q Highland
•The Chureito Pagoda)
Limited Express Fuji Excursion
Shinjuku ⇒ Kawaguchiko
Approx. 2h / ¥4,130

All stops service
Shinjuku ⇒ Otsuki ⇒ Kawaguchiko
Approx. 3h / ¥2,510
Shinjuku ⇒ Kawaguchiko
Approx. 1h 45min / ¥2,200
More information/tickets

Shibuya ⇒ Kawaguchiko
Approx. 2h 30min / ¥2,100
More information/tickets
Matsumoto
•Matsumoto Castle
•Kamikochi (Entrance of Japan Alps)
Limited Express Azusa
Shinjuku ⇒ Matsumoto
Approx. 2h 40min / ¥6,620
Shinjuku ⇒ Matsumoto
Approx. 3h 20min / ¥3,800
More information/tickets
Nagano
•Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
•Zenkoji Temple
•Togakushi
Shinkansen
Tokyo ⇒ Nagano
Approx. 1h 50min / ¥8,340
Shinjuku ⇒ Nagano: Approx. 3h 40min
Ikebukuro ⇒ Nagano : Approx. 3h 30min
¥4,200 - ¥5,100
More information/tickets
Takayama
•Old townscape
•Shirakawa-go
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Tokyo ⇒ Toyama ⇒ Takayama
Approx. 4h 10min / ¥16,120

Tokaido Shinkansen
Tokyo ⇒ Nagoya ⇒ Takayama
Approx. 4h 30min / ¥15,190
Shinjuku ⇒ Takayama
Approx. 5h 30min / ¥6,500 - ¥7,000
More information/tickets
Karuizawa
•Kusatsu Onsen
Tokyo ⇒ Karuizawa
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Approx. 1h 20min / ¥5,820
Shibuya ⇒ Karuizawa
Approx. 3h 15min / 3,500
More information/tickets

Tokyo (Shinjuku) ⇔ Kofu (Shosenkyo Gorge / Erinji Temple / Saruhashi Bridge)

JR Highway bus
Travel Time Approx. 1h 40min Approx. 2h 10min
Fare ¥3,890 ¥2,500

  More information/tickets

Tokyo ⇔ Mt. Minobu (Kuonji Temple)

JR Highway bus
Travel Time 1. Approx. 3 hours
2. Approx. 3h 30min
Approx. 3h 20min
Fare 1. ¥6,180
Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji
+ Limited Express Fujikawa + local bus
Shinjuku ⇒ Kofu ⇒ Minobu ⇒ Mt. Minobu

2. ¥8,560
Shinkansen + Limited Express Fujikawa + local bus
Tokyo ⇒ Shizuoka ⇒ Minobu ⇒ Mt. Minobu
¥3,600

  More information/tickets

Tokyo ⇔ Himeji

JR Highway bus
Travel Time Approx. 3 hours Approx. 10 hours
(*Overnight bus only)
Fare ¥16,570
Shinkansen Nozomi
*Ordinary reserved seat
From ¥8,400 to ¥11,500
Services
(per day)
Around 28 direct round trips
Around 26 round trips via Shin-Osaka
1 round trip
Note For travelers wishing to travel quickly Travelers can make effective use of their time

  More information/tickets

Tokyo ⇔ Kobe (Sannomiya)

JR Highway bus
Travel Time Approx. 3 hours Approx. 8 hours
(*Overnight bus only)
Fare ¥15,700
Shinkansen Nozomi
*Ordinary reserved seat
From ¥7,800 to ¥10,900
Services
(per day)
Around 28 direct round trips
Around 26 round trips via Shin-Osaka
1 round trip
Note For travelers wishing to travel quickly Travelers can make effective use of their time

  More information/tickets

Kobe (Sannomiya) ⇔ Hiroshima

JR Highway bus
Travel Time Approx. 1h 30min Approx. 4h 30min
Fare ¥10,940
Shinkansen Nozomi
*Ordinary reserved seat
One-way ¥5,500
Round trip ¥9,800
Services
(per day)
1往復/日

  More information/tickets

Himeji ⇔ Kansai International Airport (KIX)

JR Highway bus
Travel Time Approx. 2h 30min
Two transfers
Himeji ⇒ Osaka ⇒ Shin-Imamiya ⇒ Kansai International Airport
Approx. 2h 30min
Direct bus
Fare ¥2,660 One-way ¥3,700
Round trip ¥5,900

  More information/tickets

We think you can have a more fulfilling travel experience by using the recommended routes in the table above. By jumping aboard a bus departing from Tokyo, you will likely have the opportunity to discover some wonderful spots that are still relatively unknown. Travelling by bus also has its own charms and is worth trying at least once. Why not take this opportunity to discover something new and exciting?