While we were researching our Japan adventure, we spent a lot of time figuring out if we should get a JR Pass. There is a lot of great info online but we discovered there were some missing pieces once we arrived in Tokyo. We want to share our experience advice now that we’re back and can calculate what, if anything, we saved.
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What is the JR Pass?
The JR Pass gives you unlimited rides on trains run by the JR Company within a timeframe (7, 14, or 21 days). Japan’s rail setup might be a bit confusing but the main thing you need to know is that JR runs at least one line in major cities as well as the super-fast Shinkansen.
To add confusion, there are even different kinds of JR passes – JR, JR East, JR West, and JR North. The full JR Pass is usually best since it combines all possible lines and will get you just about everywhere you need to go. Pick up one of the other passes if you plan to stay in that area only.
How Much Does the JR Pass Cost?
The JR Pass will cost you $370 for 7-days, $589 for 14-days and $754 for 21-days (all amounts in CAD). Long-distance train travel in Japan isn’t cheap but the JR Pass makes it a fixed cost.
You either order the JR pass online or find an authorized travel agent near you. No matter which method you choose, you need to receive your voucher before you leave for Japan. This is because the JR Pass is only sold to tourists outside of the country. Ordering a JR Pass online can take a few weeks to arrive but if you go to an authorized travel agent then you can get it same-day.
JR Pass Voucher VS. Japan Rail Pass
It’s really important to know that the “JR Pass” you’ll receive is actually just a voucher. You need to convert this for a true JR Pass once you get to Japan. This is a really simple process but don’t expect to head straight to your first train.
You exchange your JR Pass voucher at a JR Office. These are found at the major airports (like Narita and Haneda) or train stations (like Tokyo Main station). These offices get really busy so we recommend you get there when it opens around 7 or 8 a.m.
You can also exchange your voucher for a Japan Rail Pass that starts on a later date so get it out of the way sooner rather than later to avoid scrambling on the day of your trip.
Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Shinkansen Seats
Another benefit of the JR Pass the ability to reserve a seat at no extra cost. Usually, a non-reserved ticket costs less than reserved if you buy a single ticket. This added cost alone makes the JR Pass worth it.
You still need to go to a JR Office to reserve a seat but you will get a guaranteed seat without the added cost.
Even without a reserved seat, the JR Pass allows you to walk effortlessly to the platform to wait for the next train. Simply show your pass at the ticket counter and they’ll wave you right through.
If you’re going for non-reserved, we recommend showing up at least 30-40 minutes before departure to make sure you get in line to snag an open seat.
We had a lot of cities on our Japan itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kawaguchiko. This ambitious plan means a lot of train use over multiple days.
The question we had was: even with that many trips, would the Japan Rail Pass be worth it? If so, which one?
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Our JR Pass Savings
Here is the list of trips we need to take:
Tokyo -> Kyoto
Kyoto -> Hiroshima
Hiroshima -> Kyoto
A few trips between Kyoto & Osaka
Kyoto -> Mishima (to get to Kawaguchiko)
Plus a number of other trips on JR lines within each city
After adding up all of the ticket prices on the extremely useful JR Timetable website:
Tokyo -> Kyoto (reserved): ¥13,850
Kyoto -> Hiroshima: ¥10,770
Hiroshima -> Kyoto: ¥10,770
Kyoto <-> Osaka Trips: ¥6,700
Kyoto -> Mishima(reserved): ¥11,310
Other Trips: ¥4,400
Total Cost: ¥57,800 each
We decided on the 14-day pass for ¥47,083 ($589 CAD) which means we ended up saving ¥10,717 ($134 CAD) each!!
Total Saved: ¥10,717
That’s a HUGE trip savings in our books!
So, Is the JR Pass Worth It?
The Japan Rail Pass is totally worth it…for us!
Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to the JR Pass question – it really depends on what you’re planning to do on your trip. If you are only in Japan for a few days to a week then look at your itinerary.
If your plan is to stay in one area then maybe a Suica Card is best. Also, if you plan on only one train trip then a single ticket makes sense.
On the other hand, you have time to travel through the North or South then we highly recommend ordering a JR Pass before you leave.
Let us know in the comments if you have more questions about the JR Pass or if you have tips for other travellers!
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