We adore travelling by train in Japan – the Japanese rail system is efficient, clean, and oh so comfortable. There’s nothing quite like barrelling through the Japanese countryside at 300kms an hour, full of anticipation for the adventure that awaits you at your next destination.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether the JR Rail Pass is worth purchasing. On the face of it, the JR Rail Pass sounds like a fantastic deal with unlimited access to all JR trains, buses, and ferries.

Is a JR Pass the best way to navigate Japan's bullet trains?

With recent price hikes, travelers are unsure. This guide breaks down the JR Pass's pros, cons, and costs to help you decide if it fits your Japan trip in 2024.

For decades it was a given that you’d buy a rail pass before beginning your Japan train travel adventure but that’s not necessarily the case nowadays, thanks to price hikes last year which saw the cost of JR Rail Passes rise by an enormous 70%.

A 7-day pass will now set you back ¥50,000 (or ¥70,000 for a Green Car pass). You can also purchase passes for 14 days and 21 days. It’s worth noting that these passes are for consecutive days’ travel which means you’ll have to be on the move an awful lot to get value from them.

So, if your plan is to visit as many Japanese cities as you can in a week (or two or three), then the JR Pass is for you. But if you’re planning a more leisurely trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and back with maybe a detour along the way then you’re likely better off purchasing individual tickets.

There is some upside to this. JR Pass users are restricted to the slower models of Japan’s bullet trains (known locally as shinkansen) whereas buying individual tickets means you can travel on any of model of bullet train.

And if you’re a luxury traveller, then you’ll appreciate the ability to travel in the spectacular Gran Class where available (The Japan Concierge’s favourite!) which isn’t an option on the JR Rail Pass.

JR also offer several regional train passes, many of which offer great value if you’re travelling within a particular area of Japan.

Planning Your Japan Rail Adventure?

The Japan Concierge can handle your bookings. Contact us today to craft your dream Japan trip.