Heading to Japan? Want to Buy the Cheapest Japan Rail JR Pass? Read This. [2024]

When you start planning your trip to Japan a key question for most travellers is whether you need to buy a Japan Rail JR Pass and what is the cheapest option.  If you search in Google for Japan Rail Passes you are immediately inundated with many websites advertising themselves as the best place to buy your JR pass, and it can be somewhat confusing to work out the best place to purchase your JR Pass online at the most affordable price.

The aim of this article is to help answer those questions so you can buy the cheapest JR Pass online with confidence.

Japan Rail Pass Price Increases from 1 October 2023

Since 1 October 2023, the JR Pass now costs almost 70% more than the previous prices. The new Japan Rail pass will include additional features, including the ability to use your pass on the Nozumi and Mizuho shinkansen trains. However, a supplemental fee will also be required.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Japan Rail Pass Providers

Our recommended providers for purchasing your Japan Rail pass are Klook, Get Your Guide and JRailPass.com. All providers are reputable online travel agencies we have worked with for many years, so we are happy to recommend them.

All options offer worldwide shipping, so you can use any of our recommended options regardless of where you live. Make sure you order your Japan Rail Pass at least 14 days prior to your departure date, to enable your exchange order to be shipped to your home.

If you decide that a Japan Rail Pass is not worth it for your trip, be aware that you can easily pre-book your point-to-point tickets through Klook. Click here to purchase your point-to-point shinkansen and other inter-city rail tickets for Japan through Klook.

For more detailed information, read further down in this article.

Individual Shinkansen Tickets

Individual Shinkansen Tickets

  • Now a cheaper option for most typical Japan itineraries following the significant JR pass price increase
  • Easily pre-order your specific shinkansen seat reservations
  • Can order for ALL major Japan routes, you don't have to work out how to order through each separate JR company
  • Quick confirmation
  • Great cancellation options
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Klook

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Klook

  • Free Global Shipping through Klook.
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Get Your Guide

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Get Your Guide

  • Free Global Shipping through Get Your Guide.
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through JRailPass

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through JRailPass

  • Free Global Shipping through JRailPass for selected countries
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure

What is a Japan Rail Pass?

A National Japan Rail Pass is a pass only available for visitors to Japan which enables you to travel on most bullet trains (or shinakansen) as well as other Japan Rail company trains, buses and ferries throughout Japan – further details on specific inclusions and exclusions are lower in this article.  Japan Rail passes can be purchased for either 7 day, 14 day or 21 day periods, and you can purchase either First Class (Green) or Second Class (Ordinary) passes.  Child Japan Rail Passes are available for visitors aged 6-11 years old, and up to two children or infants aged 5 or under are free as long as they do not need to occupy their own seat.

Your Japan Rail Pass includes the option to reserve your seats on the shinkansen at no extra cost, however in non-peak times a great option is to hop on and off the unreserved seating cars without needing to make any other bookings.  At each station there are floor markings showing where to line up for the unreserved cars.  If you have a reserved seat you go to the floor marking for the specific car on your ticket.

Shinkansen Carriage Markings
Shinkansen Carriage Markings on the train station platform

How Much is a Japan Rail JR Pass?

When you look at the cost for a Japan Rail Pass you need to combine both the JR pass price and the shipping cost to make an effective comparison of options for your party size. 

For the options recommended below I suggest that you go to their websites and do a trial run of placing your order to see the total cost for your group composition and location – you can then make an informed decision.  Both providers are reputable companies and we have many happy customers who use each of these companies to purchase their Japan Rail Passes and other tickets and activities.

You should order your Japan Rail Pass at least two weeks before your departure date, as a hard copy exchange order needs to be shipped to your address. 

Japan Rail JR Station Sign

Purchase the Cheapest Japan Rail Pass through Klook

Klook is a reputable Asian online travel agency who offer a competitive option who offers free delivery worldwide.

After you have added your Japan Rail Passes in the Shopping Cart you will be offered the option to choose worldwide shipping. 

Click here to check out pricing and book your Japan Rail Pass through Klook

Purchase Your Japan Rail Pass through Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide is a reputable online travel agency who offer a competitive option with free delivery worldwide.

Click here to check out pricing and book your Japan Rail Pass through Get Your Guide

Purchase Your Japan Rail Pass through JRailPass.com

JRailPass.com is a reputable Japan Rail Pass specialist online travel agency for Europe who are located in Spain and ship Japan Rail Passes worldwide.  They offer competitive pricing and free delivery for customers purchasing a minimum of $US 600 who are located in the following countries:

  • Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Canada, Scotland (UK), England (UK), France, Norway
  • For all other countries you can get a 50% discount on shipping with a minimum purchase value of $US 600 – their standard worldwide shipping cost is € 30.
  • Your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order should arrive within 2 business days.

Click here to check out pricing and book your Japan Rail Pass through JRailPass.com

“I bought our JR Passes from the site recommended by Anne on this post. It worked out really great. Ordered Saturday, received today in Cape Town, South Africa. I sent a message to the site after I ordered and help was quick, friendly and efficient! Highly recommend – Louda C.”

TIP: Note that we have had several instances where customers have made a booking through JRailPass.com, and have been concerned when they have not received a confirmation email within a few minutes after making payment.  In all cases, the confirmation email has subsequently been found in the person’s Junk/Spam Email folder.  So check there first!

Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Is a JR Pass worth it is a common question asked by readers.  After running the calculations multiple times I have come to the conclusion that it is definitely worth it if you plan to travel Tokyo to Kyoto and return.  The price to purchase the shinkansen tickets direct is equal in price to a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and this does not include the cost to travel on local JR trains within Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka which are also covered. 

For a common itinerary for many travellers to Japan in the below table I have looked up the cost of direct fares with and without reserved seats to enable a comparison to be made.  The itinerary is as follows:

  • Narita Airport
  • Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Hiroshima (including Miyajima Island)
  • Tokyo
  • Narita Airport

Below are the direct fares you would have to pay for each sector.  I have calculated that the cost of reserved seats would be $US 458 and the cost for the same itinerary with unreserved seats would be $US 299.

For your information I have used the Japan Transit Planner Website to obtain the pricing information – note that I had to pay for this service to enable access to the non-Nozumi train options (the Nozumi train option is not included in the JR pass). When you set up a new search then is a selection you need to make to include non-Nozumi train options.

With pricing of a 7 day JR Pass of $US 207 per adult and pricing for a 14 day JR Pass of $US 330 per adult, you can see that both JR Pass options are cost effective options for this itinerary, in particular if you prefer to reserve your seats, or are travelling at peak times.  For a 14 day trip if you add more destinations onto your itinerary you will definitely find a JR Pass to be worthwhile.

Reserved Seat Prices

As at Sep 2022

Unreserved Seat Prices

As at Sep 2022

Narita to Shinjuku Station (Narita Express) (Return)

2 * 3450 yen

(mandatory reserved seat)

2 * 3450 yen

(mandatory reserved seat)

Shinjuku Station to Kyoto

Note Nozumi not included in JR Pass

13850 yen

8360 yen

Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station (can also use alternative cheaper train options)

3070 yen

570 yen

Shin-Osaka Station to Miyajima Island (Return)

Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station, local train to Miyajimaguchi Station and JR Ferry 

2 * 10930 yen

2 * 6230 yen

Shin-Osaka to Shinjuku Station

14400 yen

8910 yen

Local Train Use (eg. assume 200 yen per local trip, assume 4 trips per day * 7 days)

7 * 4 * 200 yen

7 * 4 * 200 yen

Totals (Yen)

Totals ($US)

65,680 yen

$US 458

42,800 yen

$US 299

7 Day JR Pass Price ($US)

14 Day JR Pass Price ($US)

$US 207

$US 330

$US 207

$US 330

7 Day JR Pass Cost Saving

14 Day JR Pass Cost Saving

Save $US 251!

Save $US 128!

Save $US 92!

Save if you add more sectors

If you are planning to travel at least twice between cities on the shinkansen (eg. Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima or Osaka to Tokyo etc) it is worthwhile to purchase a Japan Rail Pass.  You will get best value by planning your itinerary to cover all or most of your long distance travel within either a 7 day, 14 day or 21 day period.  Your Japan Rail Pass can also be used within cities while it is active on almost all JR branded local trains and buses.

If you arrive in Tokyo and spend 4 days exploring before travelling to Kyoto etc, you can activate your Japan Rail Pass on the day you depart Tokyo to maximise the value of your pass.

Who is Eligible to Buy a Japan Rail JR Pass?

Japan Rail JR Passes can only be purchased by visitors to Japan who have a passport issued by a country other than Japan and have a temporary visitor designation on entry to Japan.  You must show your passport when picking up your Japan Rail JR Pass, so ensure your passport has been stamped as you enter Japan.

Japan Rail JR Pass Inclusions

A Japan Rail JR Pass enables you to take unlimited rides on specific trains, buses and ferries in Japan as detailed below.

Railway Inclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass includes:

  • Unlimited rides on all JR group railways, which includes shinkansen bullet trains, limited express trains, express trains, rapid trains, local trains and the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), and the Tokyo Monorail.
  • Travel on the “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” shinkansen trains.
  • Reserved seats on shinkansen trains are included at no extra change. To make a reservation you can go to the ticket office at the departure station to obtain your reserved seat ticket.  Note that during crowded periods you cannot be guaranteed a seat on a specific train, so plan to book ahead if travelling during these time periods.  Crowded periods include 27 April – 6 May, 11-20 August, 28 December to 6 January.
  • If you use the GranClass car of the Tohoku, Hokkaido, and Hokuriku Shinkansen, you must pay the limited express charge and the GranClass car surcharge.
  • Passengers using JR trains on non-JR lines must pay additional fares and charges for sections traveled on such lines, because some JR trains use the lines of other companies railways for direct services.

Railway Exclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass does NOT include:

  • Train rides on the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen trains.
  • The Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe, the IR Ishikawa Railway, between Kanazawa and Tsubata and the Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka each have some special conditions. If you plan to travel to these areas check the specific rules for these options.

Bus Inclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass includes unlimited rides on all local JR Bus lines, and validity is subject to change at any time.  JR bus lines include JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus and JR Kyushu Bus.

Bus Exclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass does not include:

  • Travel on Express Bus routes operated by JR Bus

Ferry Inclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass includes travel on the JR-WEST Miyajima ferry between Miyajima and Miyajimaguchi.  Miyajima Island is a major tourist attraction close to Hiroshima.

Ferry Exclusions.  A Japan Rail JR Pass does not include travel on the JR-Kyushu hydrofoil ferry service between Hakata and Busan (South Korea).

What is the Cheapest Japan Rail JR Pass and Can You Get Discounts?

Japan Rail JR Pricing is firmly fixed, so it is unlikely that you will find a cheaper or discounted option.

If you do see a website purporting to sell cheaper or discounted Japan Rail JR Passes be very careful before purchasing and check whether it is from an authorised travel agent of Japan Rail at this link.

Can You Buy a Japan Rail JR Pass in Japan?

Japan Rail now has the option to purchase your Japan Rail pass online, however the price is higher. For example, as at September 2022, to purchase a 7 day Second Class JR Pass through Klook would cost $US 207. The same pass through the official site is $US 235. Note that exchange rates will affect these prices.

The only advantage to purchase through the official site is that you can then make your seat reservations online. You still need to physically go to a train station to collect your Japan Rail Pass.

Is Narita Express or N’EX covered by the Japan Rail JR Pass?

The Narita Express or N’EX provides fast transport between Narita Airport and Tokyo in less than one hour.  The major stations where it stops are Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama stations.  The Narita Express is included in your Japan Rail JR Pass.

For more information about whether the Narita Express is the best option to get from Narita to Tokyo I suggest you check out my article on best options to transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo.

Where Can I Activate my JR Pass?

Your Japan Rail JR Pass can be activated in many locations, basically anywhere that Japan Rail has a ticket counter.  A detailed list of those ticket counters and their opening hours is available at this link.

Should I Buy a Japan Rail JR Pass?

You can also determine the individual fares for your planned trip using the Japan Transit Planner website to determine whether the available passes are good value, or whether you just want to pay as you go for point to point tickets. Note that you may need to pay a small fee to access the full features of this site.

Note that the Japan Rail pass also enables you to use JR local trains in Tokyo and other cities, however if you want to use a non JR train line you will still need to separately pay for tickets.

What is the Japan Rail JR Pass Official Site?

The official Japan Rail JR website is www.japanrailpass.net.  The site provides good advice on Japan Rail JR Pass inclusions and how to use it, you can purchase a JR pass online (at a higher price) and it also has information about the travel agents who are authorised to sell the passes.

Individual Shinkansen Tickets

Individual Shinkansen Tickets

  • Now a cheaper option for most typical Japan itineraries following the significant JR pass price increase
  • Easily pre-order your specific shinkansen seat reservations
  • Can order for ALL major Japan routes, you don't have to work out how to order through each separate JR company
  • Quick confirmation
  • Great cancellation options
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Klook

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Klook

  • Free Global Shipping through Klook.
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Get Your Guide

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through Get Your Guide

  • Free Global Shipping through Get Your Guide.
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure
Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through JRailPass

Japan Rail Pass - Purchase through JRailPass

  • Free Global Shipping through JRailPass for selected countries
  • 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days of rail travel
  • First (Green) and Second (Ordinary) Class Options
  • Free seat reservations
  • Covers most Japan Rail trains, buses and ferries in Japan, including both local and intercity options
  • Order at least 14 days prior to departure
How to Buy the Cheapest Japan Rail Pass

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Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

4 thoughts on “Heading to Japan? Want to Buy the Cheapest Japan Rail JR Pass? Read This. [2024]”

  1. For family of 5, wouldn’t buying separate tansactions on Voyagin website give you best total price if each using coupon?

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