There was a golden rule that travelers to Japan should follow: Get the Japan Rail Pass. It was an obvious hack, shared by travel blogs and guides alike. The price of unlimited travel nationwide on JR trains is roughly the same as the cost of a roundtrip between Tokyo You can also find out more about the following: OsakaAlmost any tourist traveling outside the capital city could save money.
The advice that was once a reliable guide is now outdated. JR increased the cost of the pass in 2023 by 70 percent. Although they have added some perks such as discounts in shops and tourist attractions the new price makes it less attractive for most visitors. What was once the ultimate travel tool has become a costly convenience, and travelers now need to carefully whether it fits their itinerary—or if it’s worth it at all.
Standard reserved class passes are priced at 50,000, 80,000, and 100,000 yen for 7-, 14 and 21-day periods. This pass includes unlimited travel by Japan Rail trains, buses, or ferries. However, some regional lines are excluded, and the fastest bullet trains—Nozomi and Mizuho—require a hefty supplement fee.
Consider that you plan to take the classic Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto route for a full week. The roundtrip standard fares on reserved seats for bullet trains that are included in the pass total 36,060yen (about 243 dollars). To break even, you would need to spend an extra 13,940 yen ($94) on JR transport. If you stick to the city centres, it’s unlikely that you will be able to break even.
Another complication is that many urban transit systems rely on municipal or private subways and buses that are not covered by the pass. It can be frustrating and inconvenient to try to only use JR routes. If you’re looking to travel, a rechargeable transit pass, such as Suica or Pasmo is a great option.
If you plan to stay longer and cover more ground, the Japan Rail Pass is still a good deal. There are cheaper, more limited options. regional rail passes Itineraries may require a pass that is more suitable. The era of the single, must-have national pass has ended.
