Japan railway pass
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a must-have for foreign tourists looking to explore Japan's vast train network. Offering unlimited travel on JR trains for one, two, or three weeks, the pass is available in two options: the ordinary pass and the green car pass. The green car pass grants access to more spacious, comfortable first-class seats, perfect for those who seek extra comfort during their travels. Despite a significant price increase in autumn 2023, the JR Pass remains a valuable choice for tourists willing to pay for convenience, saving time and money by eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each train ride.
Ideal for long-distance travel across Japan, the JR Pass allows seamless journeys throughout the country. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities or scenic landscapes, the pass offers flexibility and comfort. Perfect for travelers who want an easy, all-inclusive option to explore Japan by train.
Types of passes
- 7 consecutive days
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50,000 yen ordinary cars — 70,000 yen green cars
- 14 consecutive days
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80,000 yen ordinary cars — 110,000 yen green cars
- 21 consecutive days
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100,000 yen ordinary cars — 140,000 yen green cars
Where to buy
- Through the official website
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If you buy the Japan Rail Pass from the official website, you choose a start date within one month when you buy it (you can change it later). A big benefit is that you can book train seats online before you even arrive in Japan. Also, you only need your passport to pick up the pass—no voucher needed.
- Through travel agents
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Many travel agents, like Japan Experience, sell the Japan Rail Pass. You’ll first get a voucher, which you exchange in Japan within three months. You can pick a start date within one month.
Buy through Japan Experience →
Validity
- ✅ Valid On:
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— Most JR trains nationwide (inc. Shinkansen, except Nozomi/Mizuho)
— Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda
— JR Ferry to Miyajima (excl. visitor tax)
— Select non-JR lines to reach remote JR routes (e.g., Aoimori, IR Ishikawa, Ainokaze Toyama)
— Limited JR local buses (e.g., Kyoto–Ryoanji, Kanazawa–Kenrokuen, Kusatsu Onsen, Hiroshima, etc.)
- ❌ Not Valid/Requires Extra Fees:
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— Non-JR trains (like most subways)
— Nozomi & Mizuho Shinkansen (supplemental fees apply)
— JR trains running partially on non-JR tracks
— Night train berths & liner tickets
— Highway buses (discontinued since 2013)
Resources
Reviews
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5/5 - Excellent
The Japan Railway Pass was an absolute game-changer for my trip to Japan! It allowed me to travel across the country effortlessly, from Tokyo to Kyoto and even up to Hokkaido, without worrying about individual ticket prices or schedules. The convenience of unlimited travel on all JR trains, including the Shinkansen, was incredibly valuable, saving me both time and money. The pass also provided access to JR buses and ferries, which made exploring less accessible areas of Japan much easier. It was such a relief knowing I could hop on a train at any time and not have to worry about purchasing tickets for each journey.
Not only was the JR Pass practical, but it also gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn’t constantly calculating the cost of each leg of my trip. For the price, I felt I got great value considering the extensive travel options. I could travel in comfort and convenience, plus I had the flexibility to change my plans on the fly, which is a huge benefit for any traveler. For anyone planning to explore Japan by train, the JR Pass is definitely worth the investment—it made my trip smoother, more enjoyable, and much more affordable in the long run!1 week ago — by Wesley