The Japan Rail Pass (also commonly called JR Pass) is a very cost effective rail pass for long distance train travel in Japan. The pass can be used only by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides on JR trains for one, two or three weeks at a cost that residents of Japan can only dream of.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Tokyo?
- Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo.
- A prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is the BEST way to pay for transport.
- You can buy a Suica card online at Voyagin.com for pickup at the airport.
- Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.
- Buses aren’t recommended for short-term visitors.
What train lines are covered by JR Pass in Tokyo?
The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines . You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.
Does JR Pass cover Tokyo to Osaka?
The Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass , and they can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 3 to 4 hours. In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.
Can I use JR Pass in Tokyo subway?
The Japan Rail Pass and JR Tokyo Wide Pass are valid only on JR trains and the Tokyo Monorail. They cannot be used on subways or any other non-JR train.
Does JR Pass cover Hokkaido?
Japan Rail Pass covers the new Hokkaido Shinkansen route , including the super fast Hayabusa train. The JR Pass is really worth it if you are taking this route: as a normal ticket would cost 23,120 yen for the round-trip.
Are JR passes worth it?
So, is the JR pass worth the cost? Yes, the JR pass could be worth it if ... You are on a short trip (~7-10 days) and want to move as fast as possible. You are travelling long distances and/or many destinations.
Can JR Pass be bought in Japan?
For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan . Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online. The JR Pass will be available to buy in Japan until March 31, 2022.
Does JR Pass cover JR East?
The JR East Welcome Rail Pass is a temporarily available rail pass for non-Japanese passport holders which provides three days of unlimited travel in the the service area of JR East.
How can I travel to Japan for free?
Can you get to Japan without flying?
Afraid of flying—or unable to fly—but still want to visit Japan? No problem! While you won’t find rail or road links to this island nation, there are a number of ferries, freighters and cruises that can get you to Japan —if you’re willing to take the time!
How do you get around Tokyo without speaking Japanese?
Travelling by shinkansen (bullet trains)
Travelling by train and, specifically, on Japan’s incredibly well-developed high-speed rail network of shinkansen is recommended. Particularly if you don’t speak Japanese. There are announcements and scrolling screens in English in every car telling you which station is up next.
When Japan will open borders?
On March 1, 2022 , Japan reopened its borders to all new foreign arrivals except tourists. It remains undecided when tourists will again be able to enter the country.
How do I use JR Pass in Japan?
Upon arrival in Japan, and to be able to use your JR Pass, you must validate and exchange your order for the actual pass, which must be made a maximum of 90 days after your purchase . Therefore, you should buy your Japan Rail Pass a maximum of 90 days before you exchange your order for the actual Japan Rail Pass.
Is 1 week enough in Japan?
You could easily spend your entire 1 week in Japan in Tokyo alone (in fact I’ve done that in the past), but considering you only have a week in Japan, two days is at least enough time to see the main sights .
What is the difference between JR and Tokyo Metro?
Tokyo Metro is the biggest subway/rapid transit system in the Tokyo area. Tokyo Metro trains run underground most of the time, while JR trains usually run above ground .
Does JR Pass cover bus?
The Japan Rail Pass covers JR local buses . You will see the JR logo on the bus and bus stops. Sadly JR highway buses can no longer be used with the Japan Rail Pass.
Does JR Pass include bullet train?
The PASS is valid on all Japan Railways (JR) Group Shinkansen “bullet trains” (except for the “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains) , limited express trains, express trains, and local trains (Green Car passes are valid for Green Car travel) in addition to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit system).
Can I use JR Pass from Tokyo to Sapporo?
Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo (3.5 hours) . The entire one way trip costs around 29,000 yen and takes around eight hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Does the bullet train go to Sapporo?
Bullet train plus express train to Sapporo
Can you take the bullet train from Tokyo to Sapporo? Yes . Most of the way, anyway. Since March 2016 it’s been possible to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.
How long is the bullet train from Tokyo to Hokkaido?
The Hokkaido Shinkansen route is connected Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido, allowing direct access from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station. The bullet train journey takes approximately four hours and costs 23,210 yen.
How much is JR pass for 3 days?
| 1 day 2,400 yen | 2 days 4,600 yen | 3 days 5,600 yen | 4 days 6,800 yen |
|---|
How much does a Japanese bullet train ticket cost?
All Areas of Japan and JR Pass
The price for a seven-day pass is 29,110 yen . For comparison, the regular Shinkansen fare for a one-way, reserved seat from Tokyo to Osaka is 14,450 yen, so purchasing this Japan Rail Pass makes up for the cost of a round trip.
How much does a bullet train cost?
The 2022 business plan estimates that the full, 500-mile high-speed system between Los Angeles and San Francisco will cost as much as $105 billion , up from $100 billion two years ago. In 2008, when voters approved a bond to help build the railroad, the authority estimated that the system would cost $33 billion.
Where must Travellers buy a Japan Rail JR Pass?
Passes can be purchased at both Haneda and Narita Airport on arrival, or from major JR East stations . In Tokyo, you can pick one up at Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Ueno Stations, as well as other major JR stations.
How much is a JR Pass in Japan?
The JR Pass is the most cost-effective way to travel around Japan for most visitors. The pass offers unlimited access to all JR public transport including Shinkansen bullet trains, buses, ferries, and airport transfers, for a very cheap, discounted price. A 7-day JR Pass only costs around 29,000 yen .
Do I need a visa to go to Japan?
Entry & Exit:
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business “visa free” stays of up to 90 days . Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day “visa free” entry.
