JR Pass & Transport:
The Ultimate Train Guide
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) used to be a no-brainer. But with the massive price hike in late 2023, is it still worth it? We break down the math.
Table of Contents
01. Is the JR Pass Worth It?
Short Answer: Probably Not.
Unless you are doing a LOT of long-distance travel (e.g., Tokyo → Osaka → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Tokyo) within 7 days, individual tickets are usually cheaper.
The "Golden Route" (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo) round trip costs about ¥29,000. The 7-day JR Pass costs ¥50,000. You would lose money buying the pass.
02. Current Prices (2025)
| Duration | Ordinary Car | Green Car (First Class) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | ¥50,000 | ¥70,000 |
| 14 Days | ¥80,000 | ¥110,000 |
| 21 Days | ¥100,000 | ¥140,000 |
03. Regional Passes & Alternatives
While the nationwide pass is expensive, Regional Passes are still great value.
JR East Tohoku Area Pass
Great for trips to Nikko, Sendai, and Aomori from Tokyo. 5 days for ¥30,000.
JR Kansai Wide Area Pass
Perfect for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. 5 days for ¥12,000.
04. Suica vs. Pasmo
These are rechargeable IC cards for local trains, subways, and buses. They are essentially identical.
- Welcome Suica: Red card. Valid for 28 days. No deposit. Get at Haneda/Narita.
- Pasmo Passport: Hello Kitty design. Valid for 28 days. Get at Narita/Haneda.
- Mobile Suica: Add to Apple Wallet (iPhone). Works with foreign credit cards (mostly Mastercard/Amex).
05. How to Ride the Shinkansen
- Buy a Ticket: Use the "SmartEX" app or green ticket machines at stations.
- Reserve a Seat: Highly recommended, especially for luggage space (Bagge 160).
- Go through the gate: Insert your ticket (and IC card if linked).
- Find your platform: Look for the train name (e.g., Nozomi, Hikari).
- Enjoy the Bento: Buying an "Ekiben" (station bento) is a tradition!
Plan Your Route
Use Google Maps or Navitime for train schedules. They are 99.9% accurate.