The Japan Rail Pass: Is it Still Good Value in 2024?

The JR Pass was once a bargain for most travelers. But the price hike of 2023 has made it too expensive for many to think it worth wild. This is the ultimate guide to purchasing and using the Japan Rail Pass.

Sold exclusively to international tourists, the Japan Rail Pass is a discounted ticket that permits unlimited travel on Japan Rail (known as ‘JR’) trains across the country, including the Shinkansen (bullet train). The JR Pass holder may ride any JR train, including the Shinkansen, without purchasing individual tickets for each journey.

The national rail system, JR is broken into multiple parts (going from north to south): JR-Hokkaido, JR-East, JR-Central, JR-West, and JR-Kyushu.

Purchase a JR Pass Before Arrival

This special offer from Japan Railways Group is not available to either Japanese nationals nor international residents of Japan. The Japan Rail Pass must be acquired before arriving in Japan, as it is not available for purchase within the country. Order it through a travel agency or online from an approved seller, and when you pick it up, you must give documentation of your temporary visitor status in Japan.

Where Can I Use the JR Pass?

The JR Pass is only valid on JR owned train lines. It does NOT work on all rail lines around Japan. However, JR lines cover most of the import routes in major Japanese cities, which include some subway lines and most Shinkansen (bullet train) lines, although the fastest bullet train line, “Nozomi”, is not included. The Japan Rail Pass covers travel on JR buses and ferries, which might be handy for visiting more isolated places or islands such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. It can also be used on the Narita Express, which transports passengers from Narita Airport to Tokyo, and the Haruka Express, which takes you from Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to Kansai International Airport.

What is Not Included in the JR Pass?

Several types of bullet train are not included in this pass, which include Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Additionally, the pass cannot be used on any transport services not owned by JR, which include, most subways, private local trains, nor the Tokyo Monorail, which serves the Haneda Airport.

How much is the JR Pass?

From October 2023, prices for the JR Pass will increase by between 67-77%. These changes are very steep, however, the price of the pass has changed very little since it started decades ago. JR has deemed the increase in price necessary for several reasons:

1. The yen’s decline in value relative to other currencies;
2. inflation of energy costs;
3. rising maintenance and operational costs for the railway network.
   
   The graph below shows the changes in price.

Is It Cheaper to Purchase the JR Pass?

The JR Pass will still be cheaper for some people, but this depends on how much you wish to travel. Due to the increase in ticket prices, I don't recommend the pass for everyone...

• To those people who only intend to visit Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, don't bother. Local public transport prices around Tokyo are very reasonable, and Kyoto is an hour away from Osaka by local train. You will need to take the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, but that won't make up the value of the pass.
• I would recommend the 7-day ticket to those who wish to zip around the country crossing cities off their bucket-list. For example, a one-way (non-reserved) Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around ￥14,000, and a ticket from Kyoto to Hiroshima costs around ￥12,000. If you plan to do all your long distance travel within a week, the Japan Rail Pass can still save you a bit of money.

Save Time With The JR Pass

If you plan on taking several long-distance train trips, especially on the Shinkansen, and visiting various towns or regions in Japan, the Rail Pass will save you not just money, but a lot of time.

Before I moved to Japan, I used to come here on vacation. Back then, I would use the JR Pass to make day trips to various cities that I wanted to check out. This way I was able to base myself in a city where I enjoyed spending the most time, yet was still able to see many other cities and attractions. For example, I was staying in Kyoto, and one day I decided I wanted to check out Hiroshima and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Kyoto to Hiroshima by Shinkansen takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes! Despite having plans in Kyoto the next night, the JR Pass gave me the opportunity to hop on a train and spend the day in another city without a major disruption to my evening plans.

The Types of JR Pass

There are two types of tickets that can be purchased, the Ordinary Pass (economy) and the Green Pass (first class).

• The Ordinary Pass is the non-reserved option, meaning you will have to find a seat. If all seats are taken, then occupying the standing space is your next option. This could be considered a negative point to purchasing the Ordinary Pass, although I would recommend traveling during non-peak times. Many Japanese people travel between cities for work. Therefore, planning your traveling schedule around peak hour travel could help you to avoid these issues.
• The Green Pass, on the other hand, gives access to the "Green Car" carriages. The Green Car carriages are only available on the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and Tokkyu trains (limited express). The Green Card allows the holder to reserve a seat that offers more seating room to spread out for comfort. The first-class seat is more spacious and must be booked in advance, which usually takes time as this has to be done at a train station office. 

Is the JR Pass Worth It?

This is ultimately determined by your vacation plans and budget. If you plan to see a number of different cities across Japan, then it is worth purchasing. However, if you intend to limit your stay to a small region, it may not be as cost-effective and possibly a waste of money. Also, if your currency is stronger than the Yen right now, it be an affordable way to move the family around the country.

In conclusion, the Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective solution for international visitors to Japan who plan to take several long-distance train journeys. It provides unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen, as well as JR buses and ferries, and can be purchased either as an economy (Ordinary Pass) or as a first class (Green Pass).