Japan is an East Asian country that has become a popular tourist destination worldwide. The country is well-known for its excellent transportation system, particularly the Shinkansen train, also known as the bullet train, which allows passengers to reach various major cities in Japan quickly.

You can travel from Osaka to Tokyo in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes using this train, which is significantly faster than buses or other transportation forms. To ride the Shinkansen, you will need a JR Pass, which can also be used for other modes of transportation. For more information about the Japan Rail Pass, we have curated a list of things to consider.

Are you planning a vacation to Japan? One important thing to know is the JR Pass. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special rail pass for foreign tourists visiting Japan.

With the JR Pass, travelers can enjoy unlimited trips on the Japan Railways (JR) Group rail network. The most popular feature of the pass is its coverage of the Shinkansen train, renowned for its speed and ability to connect cities in just a few hours. However, the pass is not limited to the Shinkansen; it can also be used for other services within the JR Group network, including conventional trains, ferries, buses, and various local transportation options.

The JR Pass can be purchased for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, allowing travelers to explore many major cities and regions in Japan. It's a great way to save money for tourists who want to travel around Japan by train or other means of transportation.

There are two types of JR Pass: the Whole Japan Pass and the JR Regional Pass. If you're unsure which one to buy, here's an explanation:

The Whole Japan Pass allows you to travel between cities in Japan. It grants access to all Japan Railways trains, JR Ferry, JR Bus, and monorail. You can choose the duration of the pass according to your needs (7, 4, or 21 days). With this ticket, you can ride the selected transportation without any limits.

The Whole Japan Pass has two ticket options: JR Pass Green and Ordinary. Here are the differences:

The JR Regional Pass is recommended for travelers who plan to explore only one region of Japan. It is cheaper than the Whole Japan Pass as it is limited to a specific area. JR Regional Pass options are JR Hokkaido Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass, JR Kyushu Pass, and others. Shinkansen can also be used with the JR Regional Pass within the designated area.

Before purchasing a JR Pass, it is important to determine which areas of Japan you plan to visit during your vacation. This is because there are more than 20 different JR Pass options available.

For those who plan to stay in Japan for a week or longer and wish to explore multiple cities, the Whole Japan Pass is recommended. This pass is also suitable for those on a budget. However, the JR Regional Pass is a better choice if you only plan to explore a specific region. This pass is generally more beneficial for business travelers.

As of October 2023, the price of the Japan Rail Pass has increased by 70 percent. Despite this, the pass remains a valuable option for tourists who prefer to use public transportation to explore Japan. Below is a list of the latest prices:

For travelers aged 6 to 11, the ticket price is only 50% of the listed price.

There are two ways to purchase Japan Rail Pass tickets. Here are the instructions:

You can purchase the JR Pass through the official website. When purchasing, make sure to set the start date of the month. One advantage of purchasing the JR Pass from the official website is the ability to reserve seats online after the purchase. Once purchased, you can pick up the JR Pass in Japan using the data from your passport.

In addition to the official website, tourists can easily purchase JR Pass tickets through Traveloka. Once the transaction to buy the Japan Rail Pass is successful, a voucher will be issued and exchanged for an actual pass in Japan. The voucher can be exchanged within the following three months at an Exchange Office in Japan.

After receiving a ticket that grants access through an automatic gate, there is no need to show the ticket to the staff at the gate. Now, let's discuss the coverage of the JR Pass. The JR Pass covers the Japan railway network, including Shinkansen, conventional trains, and more. You can refer to the Japan Rail Pass maps at the following link: JR Pass Maps.

The JR Pass allows you to use all JR network express, fast, and local trains. You can identify the trains that can be used with the JR Pass by looking for the JR sign on the train. Note that as of October 2023, almost all Shinkansen operated by Japan Railway are covered, including the Nozomi and Mizuho services.

However, special ticket purchases are required for these services, as they are the fastest trains between Tokyo and Osaka. For example, if you plan to travel from Osaka to Tokyo, you can use the JR Pass by using the Tokaido Shinkansen, which will get you there in less than 3 hours.

In addition to trains, the JR Pass can also be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line, the Aoimori Railway between Aoimori, the Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka, the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo, and the IR Ishikawa Railway line between Kanazawa and Tsubata. The coverage area depends on the ticket purchased.

The JR Pass is valid on select local JR bus lines, including:

In addition to trains and buses, the JR Pass is also valid on JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

From the information provided above, the JR Pass offers great benefits for tourists who wish to explore Japan. Purchasing a JR Pass is easy and helps make transportation more efficient.

Traveloka can be your reliable travel companion while vacationing in Japan. Aside from booking the JR Pass, you can use Traveloka to book accommodations, buy flight tickets, and purchase entrance tickets to various popular destinations in Japan.

Download the Traveloka App on your smartphone or visit the Traveloka official website to plan the most memorable trip to Japan!