Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Got some ideas for the perfect Japan trip? If you’re planning to spend any time moving around The Land of the Rising Sun, there’s a good chance there’ll be some train travel involved. (And, if not, there should be!)

The rail system in Japan is one of world’s best, driven by their awe-inspiring shinkansen (bullet trains). Debuting in 1964, the shinkansen was well ahead of its time, scooting travellers between Tokyo and Osaka at 200 miles a hour decades before high-speed trains were even a gleam in the eye of Western engineers. And things have only gotten better.

It should come as no surprise that train travel in Japan doesn’t necessarily come cheap—or easy. Fortunately, there’s a solution.

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) gives you a ton of freedom and flexibility for travelling by train in Japan. But, like other rail passes around the world, you’re probably asking yourself: Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

In this complete Japan Rail Pass guide, I run through all the essentials on buying the JR Pass including the different types of rail passes available for foreign travellers and tips/advice on whether grabbing one will save you a ton of money on your itinerary. (Spoiler alert: the answer is, in most cases, yes!)

Japan Rail Pass Guide: Everything you need to know

Ready to travel around Japan by rail? The Japan Rail Pass could be your new best travel companion!

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a convenient rail pass for foreign visitors that allows for unlimited travel on the Japan Railways national network. Compared to buying Japanese train tickets individually, the JR Pass has the potential to save you a ton of money on your trip! (More on that later.)

Before we go in-depth, there are a few quick things you ought to know about the Japan Rail Pass:

• It’s only for foreigners on short-term visitor visas. In fact, you’re normally only able to purchase the pass outside of Japan (although there’s a current arrangement in place until March 31, 2019 where it’s possible to purchase at select major airports and stations in Japan—albeit it’s far more expensive than arranging beforehand).
• It’s not valid on all trains in Japan. Although most JR routes are covered, certain trains including the Nozomi and Mizuho are excluded. Other routes that operate partially on private railway lines may also require a supplementary fee. Most metropolitan routes (other than JR lines) are also excluded.
• Passes can’t be transferred. Your pass is yours and yours alone. Once you’ve ordered it under your name, no switcheroos are possible.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper…

Buying a JR Pass: The basics

There’s always a bit of confusion when you first start shopping to buy a Japan Rail Pass. It doesn’t work quite in the same way you would purchase, let’s say, plane tickets or reserve a tour.

The Japan Rail Pass is only available to foreign visitors on a tourism visa, and, as such, needs to be purchased BEFORE you arrive in Japan.

When buying a Japan Rail Pass from an authorized vendor, you won’t receive the pass, but a JR Pass Exchange Order (MCO). This MCO is what you’ll need to pick up your rail pass when you arrive in Japan.

Here’s what to expect after you’ve bought your pass:

• Email confirmation. Once your payment has gone through, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation of your purchases. This is NOT your Exchange Order, and cannot be used to get your rail pass in Japan.
• Receive your Exchange Order (MCO) by post. This is the physical document you’ll need to bring with you to Japan. Make sure all your information is correct as it must match up with the travel documents (i.e. passport) shown at time of exchange.
• Exchange your MCO for a Japan Rail Pass on arrival. Once you arrive in Japan, you’ll need to take your exchange order to a JR exchange office (found in major airports and train stations in Japan and at JR offices in the cities) to receive your JR Pass. This must be done within 90 days of the date on your MCO.
• Pick a validity date. When you’re receiving your Japan Rail Pass at the exchange office, you’ll need to pick your first day of travel. It does not have to match the date of issue.

Validity, Terms & Uses

For the most part, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for all Japan Railways lines throughout Japan. There are, however, a number of exceptions you should be aware of. The JR Pass does NOT cover:

• Nozomi trains: These shinkansen, some of the fastest in Japan, ply the Tokaido/Sanyo lines between Tokyo and Osaka and Fukuoka on Kyushu. There are no upgrades to these trains or even discounts with the JR Pass. If you board one, you’ll have to pay the (expensive) full fare. A good alternative for the same routes is the Hikari trains. They’re only a tad slower although they don’t depart quite as frequently.
• Mizuho trains: These shinkansen are fastest trains along the Sanyo/Kyushu lines between Osaka and Fukuoka and Kagoshima. Like the Nozomi, if you board a Mizuho, you’ll need to pay full fare. An alternative for these routes is the Sakura trains, which are still pleasantly quick and more frequent than the Mizuho trains.

• Non-JR trains: In addition to Japan Railways, there are several private companies that operate trains in Japan. The Japan Rail Pass will not cover these routes and you’ll have to pay full price.
• JR trains on private tracks: Additionally, you’ll find nine JR routes that use other companies’ tracks. On these routes, you’ll have to pay a supplementary fee to cover travel through the private section. At about $15 for the most expensive one though, it’s not exactly a deal-breaker. Other than the Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit, most of these routes operate in the far reaches of Japan and are unlikely to affect the average Japan Rail Pass holder.
• Special berths on night trains: Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass, but certain special seats such as berths on night trains will require a supplementary fee.
• JR Express highway buses: Although a handful of buses are included, highway express buses are not. You’ll need to pay full fare for these. (With free train travel though, who’d want to?)

In addition to most JR train throughout Japan, here’s what’s included with the Japan Rail Pass:

• Tokyo Monorail: If you’re travelling into Haneda Airport (which is honestly WAY more convenient than Narita Airport), you can use your JR Pass to get from the terminal into central Tokyo.
• JR Local Buses: Several local lines around the country are covered including routes in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Shikoku and Kyushu. Express (highway) JR buses are excluded.
• JR-West Miyajima Ferry: Operating between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima, this scenic ferry is is included and is one of the best day trips from Hiroshima (just 26 minutes away from the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal on the Sanyo line).

• Aoimori Railway: The Japan Rail Pass is valid for travel on local and rapid trains between Hachinohe, Aomori, and Noheji stations.
• IR Ishikawa Railway: Valid for travel only between Kanazawa and Tsubata on local and limited express trains. Intermediate stations are not included.
• Ainokaze Toyama Railway: The Japan Rail Pass includes travel on local trains between only Toyama and Takaoka stations non-stop.

There’s also a few other bonuses to travelling with a Japan Rail Pass:

• Free reservations: JR Pass holders don’t have to pay to reserve their seats on train. (You will however still have to queue up a ticket office to do so.)
• Hotel discounts: There’s a handful of hotel chains around Japan affiliated with Japan Railways. If you arriving into a city by train, many of these are conveniently located around the main stations. Brands include Nikko, Metropolitan, Granvia, Mets, JR Hotel Clement, and Associa.

The Japan Rail Pass: Ordinary Cars or Green Cars?

One choice that you’ll notice when you’re shopping for your Japan Rail Pass is between Ordinary Cars and more expensive Green Cars. So, what’s the difference?

If you’re familiar with European rail passes, Ordinary Cars resemble second-class cabins while Green Cars are roughly equivalent to first-class cabins.

Here are a few reasons to travel in the Green Car:

• They’re far more comfortable and spacious. In the green cars, you’ll get more leg room and wider seats. On longer train journeys, you’ll be thanking yourself for this.
• They’re quieter. The more expensive price point means that fewer people travel in green cars than ordinary ones. You’ll likely find that there’s more headspace to contemplate life or get some relaxing reading done to kill the time.
• You can choose your seat. Reservations are required so you won’t be stuck with that crappy aisle seat should the train fill up before you hop on.

Even with all the advantages of Green Cars, there are several reasons to choose an Ordinary Car Japan Rail Pass instead:

• They’re more budget-friendly. At about 30% less than the Green Car, you’ll save money by buying an Ordinary Car pass.
• They’re more flexible. Since you don’t have to reserve your seats in advance, you can queue up at the platform, hop onto the train, find a seat, and get movin’ right away.

JR Pass benefits: Why buy a Japan Rail Pass?

Not convinced yet? Here’s a quick rundown of the reasons to buy a Japan Rail Pass:

• It can save you some serious coin. If you’re planning any big journeys in Japan, the JR Pass will probably help you keep a few extra yen in your pocket. That’s more sushi and ramen, my friend. Yum, yum!
• It’s super convenient. Especially with the Ordinary Car pass, you can create your travel plans on the fly. For fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants travellers, this thing is a god-send. No more lining up, fumbling with yen or credit cards to the tune of a massive language barrier.

• The speed of trains in Japan is a sight to behold. Look, even if you’re not one of those kids who sat in awe at trains (no, I don’t really get it either), watching the shinkansen in action is mind-blowing. Even better is when you’re on it. Zooming to your next destination without having to endure long bus rides or get pat down by a part-time sumo wrestler at airport security makes for some seriously relaxing travel.
• It’s not just valid on trains. With the Japan Rail Pass, you’re also able to travel on certain short-haul JR buses & ferries. Plus, you can get discounts at a bunch of swanky hotels around Japan. That’s a ton of value, dudes & dudettes.

How to save money with a Japan Rail Pass

Okay, enough dilly-dallying. Let’s get to the heart of the matter here, and answer the question you’ve been waiting for: Will the Japan Rail Pass save you money?

The answer’s kinda simple: Yes! (Well, at least most likely.)

Unlike a multitude of European rail passes, The Japan Rail Pass is one that nearly ALWAYS breaks into the black. Unless you were seriously misinformed about it, there’s hardly a scenario where you wouldn’t come out on top. (Good thing you have me, eh?)

Here’s a quick example of a common Japan itinerary with or without the pass:

Let’s say you’re flying in and out of Tokyo, and are debating whether to buy a 7-Day Japan Rail Pass at the official rate of ¥29,110. You plan to spend half your trip around Tokyo and the other half in the Kansai region around Kyoto and Osaka.

A trip from Narita Airport into Tokyo on the Narita Express costs ¥3,020. After spending a couple days in Tokyo, you buy a one-way ticket to Osaka running you ¥13,620. From Osaka, the shinkansen to Kyoto runs ¥1,420. To get back to Tokyo on the Hikari train, you’re looking at ¥13,800.

So, how are we doing here? So far, the train journeys would total ¥31,860, already ¥2,750 ahead of the cost of the Japan Rail Pass. Throw in just a few side trips and you’ll really start to see the savings rack up!

• Nara: A 50-minute journey on the Yamatoji Rapid Service (¥1,600 return) that’s one of the best day trips from Osaka or Kyoto.
• Nikko: One of the best day trips from Tokyo on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and JR Nikko Line (¥10,000 return).
• Kamakura: A quick 55-minute trip on the JR Yokosuka Line (¥1840 return).

If you manage to fit all of those in—although that might be a little ambitious for most travellers with just 7-days— you’d save an extra ¥16,190 ($150)! Not bad for a little pass.

When doesn’t the Japan Rail Pass pay off?

Generally, if you’re planning on undertaking at least one longer-haul return shinkansen trip plus another train trip or two, you’ll be ahead of the game. But there are, of course, some situations where the Japan Rail Pass won’t save you money.

If you’re planning to stick around a smaller geographical area, like Kansai or Tokyo for example, the cost of buying your train tickets individually will probably make more financial sense. Perhaps even better, there’s also a slew of other regional JR passes that are more cost-effective than the Japan Rail Pass for tighter knit itineraries. (Check out some of the most popular ones below.)

Where to buy a Japan Rail Pass

The easiest way to buy a Japan Rail Pass is from a licensed online retailer.

Once you’ve purchased your pass, you’ll receive your Exchange Order by courier to your home. (Remember that you’ll need to keep this printed Exchange Order handy when you arrive in Japan to exchange for the actual rail pass. No copies allowed.)

Other JR Pass types: Top picks for travellers

When most travellers talk about the Japan Rail Pass, they’re referring to the rail pass that gives you unlimited rides nationwide. There’s actually far more available than that!

Depending on where your trip in Japan takes you, there’s a handful of cheaper regional passes that might suit the bill. If you’re planning a smaller trip like one week in Hokkaido or Kyushu, for example, the full Japan Rail Pass might be overkill!

Here are a couple of the most popular regional JR passes available:

• JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass: Covers JR Sanyo Shinkansen, Express Train, Rapid Services, and local trains in Kansai including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Kinosaki.
• JR-West Kansai Rail Pass: Valid on Kansai-Airport Express, Rapid Service, and local JR-West trains between the major cities of Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara).
• JR East Pass (Tohoku Area): Covers local, limited express, and express JR-East trains. Destinations include Tokyo, Aomori, Nikko, Sendai, and Akita.
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass: Includes unlimited travel on shinkansen and limited express trains on the island of Kyushu. Coverage area includes Hakata, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.
• JR Hokkaido Rail Pass: Valid on shinkansen, limited express, ordinary express, local/rapid trains, and buses operated by JR Hokkaido. Areas covered include Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, and Asahikawa.
• JR All Shikoku Rail Pass: A pass that includes unlimited travel throughout all four Shikoku prefectures. Destinations include Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, and Kochi.

The verdict: Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

Final answer? For travellers who plan to cover large distances in Japan on their itinerary, buying the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer.

You’ll not only save a ton of dough but will enjoy the convenience of avoiding long ticket queues, language barriers, and other unforeseeable mishaps.